The 2010 CIA World Factbook
Date: 2011-04-11T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: World politics -- Handbooks; manuals; etc.; Geography -- Handbooks; Political science -- Handbooks; Political statistics -- Handbooks

The Project Gutenberg eBook of The 2010 CIA World Factbook

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The 2010 CIA World Factbook

Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Release date: April 11, 2011 [eBook #35830]
Most recently updated: January 7, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Al Haines

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 2010 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK ***

Produced by Al Haines

THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2010

CONTENTS

What's New?

Did You Know?

Guide to Country Profiles

Countries and Locations

Field Listings

Rank Orders

Appendixes

Notes and Definitions

History of the CIA Factbook

Contributors and Copyright Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

THE WORLD FACTBOOK :: WHAT'S NEW

January 31, 2011

What do the initials ESA stand for? Check out Appendix A: Abbreviations to find out. New space-based photos have been uploaded for Australia, China, Namibia, Mexico, and the US.

January 25, 2011

What country enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate in 2010? Find out by checking "Unemployment rate" under the Country Comparison feature (in the References tab). The entire Economy category has been updated to reflect data for years 2010 and earlier.

January 14, 2011

Did you know that the highest elevation in the Netherlands is not in Europe? Where is it? Find out by checking the "Elevation extremes" field in the Geography section. New space-based photos have been added for Iran and Russia.

January 07, 2011

What country flag is only one color? To find out visit the Flags of the World page.

December 30, 2010

What airport handles the most passengers annually? Find out by going to the World entry, Transportation category, "Airports" field, and locating the top ten airports by passengers and by cargo.

December 23, 2010

If it's noon in Washington, DC, what time is it in Nairobi, Kenya? The answer may be found in the Government section, under "Capital," where the time difference is specified. New photos from Kenya have been uploaded.

December 17, 2010

How many rare earth elements (REEs) are there? Find the answer in the "Definitions and Notes" (below the References tab). These critical elements, necessary in so many of today's high-tech industries, are now listed in the "Natural resources" field, under Geography, for countries that are producing REEs or initializing mining operations (including Australia, China, Russia, South Africa, and the US).

December 10, 2010

Quick! What's the national anthem of Australia? Now you can find the name, lyricist, composer, and additional basic anthem info for every country in the world by visiting the new "National anthems" field in the Government section of the Factbook.

November 30, 2010

Since 2004, The World Factbook Web site has been updated on a bi-weekly schedule. Culminating a three-month trial effort, we are pleased to announce that the Factbook will now be updated on a weekly basis.

November 19, 2010

Significant updates entered under the People, Government, and
Communications categories.

November 11, 2010

In the Geography category, a new subfield, "volcanism," has been added under the "Natural hazards" field for countries with historically active volcanoes. The Economy section has been updated to reflect the most recent data for 2009 and earlier years.

November 05, 2010

In the Economy category, the "Oil - exports," "Oil - imports," "Oil - proved reserves," and "Natural gas - proved reserves" fields have been updated with the most recent estimates available.

October 29, 2010

In the People category, significant updates have been made to the "School life expectancy" and "Education expenditures" fields. In the Economy category, the "Stock of domestic credit" field has been updated to include data for 2009. In addition, the definition has been expanded to include credit provided by all financial institutions, not just banks, as had been The World Factbook practice until now. For some countries this change significantly broadens the coverage.

October 22, 2010

The dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles has resulted in two new
World Factbook entries: the autonomous entities of Curacao and Sint
Maarten (the remaining three islands - Bonaire, Saba, and Sint
Eustatius - have joined the Netherlands as special municipalities).
The number of entities in The World Factbook now stands at 267.

October 13, 2010

In the Economy category, the "Stock of money" and "Stock of quasi money" fields have been updated and renamed as "Stock of narrow money" and "Stock of broad money" in keeping with the International Monetary Fund's new presentation of monetary data. This new format provides greater standardization of reporting and permits more consistent comparisons across countries. Please see "Definitions and Notes" (under the References tab) for descriptions of the new fields.

October 08, 2010

In the Communications category, the "Internet hosts" field has been updated with 2010 data; significant updates entered in the Geography, Government, and Military categories.

October 01, 2010

In the Transportation category, the "Merchant marine" field has been updated with the latest available data; substantial updates also entered in fields of the Government and Economy categories.

September 24, 2010

In the Economy category, new data have been added for 2009 in the fields for "Central bank discount rate" and "Commercial bank prime lending rate."

September 17, 2010

In the Transportation category, the "Roadways" field has been updated with the latest available data; significant updates also entered in fields of the Government and Military categories.

September 13, 2010

In the Government category, the amplification of flag descriptions - to include explanations of colors and symbols - has been completed for all of the country entries.

September 03, 2010

In addition to various population, governmental, and military updates, new photos have been added for Burma, Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

August 23, 2010

In the Communications category, the former "Radio broadcast stations" and "Television broadcast stations" entries have been replaced by a new "Broadcast media" field that provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services. Malawi's recently unveiled new flag may be viewed either in the Flags of the World link or under the Malawi country entry. In the Economy category, GDP statistics have been updated and revised.

August 06, 2010

In the Transportation category, the "Airports," "Airports - with paved runways," "Airports with unpaved runways," and "Heliports" fields have all been updated with the latest available data.

July 29, 2010

The "International Court of Justice (ICJ)" entry listed under International Organizations and Groups in Appendix B has been expanded considerably and now includes countries adherent to jurisdiction. Several fields in the Economy category covering trade as well as oil and natural gas have been updated with the latest available annual data.

July 23, 2010

Under the References tab, in the Definitions and Notes, the entry for "Legal system" has been significantly expanded; it now includes descriptions, origins, and features of the most common legal systems.

July 01, 2010

Many fields in the Economy category have been updated with the latest available annual data, including "Labor force," "Unemployment rate," "Budget - revenues and expenditures," "Public debt," "Inflation rate," "Current account balance," "Exports," "Imports," "Reserves of foreign exchange," and "Direct foreign investment."

June 18, 2010

The fields in the Economy category for "Stock of money," "Stock of quasi-money," "and "Market value of publicly traded shares" have been updated with the latest available data.

June 04, 2010

Significant updates entered under the Government, Economy, and Military categories. The Country Comparisons function now also appears in the 'World' entry to allow users to quickly view how countries rank in 58 different Factbook fields.

May 21, 2010

Dozens of new photos uploaded for Central and Eastern European countries, most notably Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Latvia, Poland, and Russia.

May 07, 2010

Major updates made to fields in the People, Government, and Military categories. New photos appear under China, Romania, and Ukraine.

April 23, 2010

The 'World' entry continues to accrue "top ten" rankings; recent additions in the Geography category include the world's ten highest mountains and largest islands. The Transportation category lists the top ten airports (both by passengers and cargo) and container ports, as well as the ten longest rivers.

April 09, 2010

The ongoing expansion of flag descriptions - to also include explanations of colors and symbols - is now complete for over two-thirds of the Factbook entries.

March 26, 2010

The fields in the Economy category have been updated with the latest available data. New photos introduced for the World, the Holy See (Vatican City), and the Philippines.

March 05, 2010

In the Government category, a link to the World Leaders website under the "Executive branch: cabinet" entry allows users to find a listing of a country's major officials.

February 19, 2010

Significant updates introduced in the Government, Communications, and Transportation categories. New photos appear under France and Germany.

January 26, 2010

In the Economy category, information has been updated and now covers the year 2009. New photos added for Egypt and Italy.

January 08, 2010

The introductory Background statements have been updated or revised for dozens of countries. New images introduced for Argentina, China, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Svalbard, and Turkey.

December 04, 2009

In addition to various governmental and military updates, new photos have been introduced for Germany, Greenland, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, and the United Kingdom.

November 13, 2009

Recent elections and governmental changes recorded for Afghanistan, Aruba, Fiji, Germany, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Tunisia, and Uruguay. In the Economy category, some 20 macro-economic fields have been updated with the latest data. New NASA space photos added for the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, as well as for Montserrat and the World; new ground photos added for Cambodia, France, and Luxembourg.

October 30, 2009

In the Economy category, all the energy-related fields have been updated with the latest data; new photos added for Norway and Poland.

October 14, 2009

In addition to regular informational updates, new photos have been added for Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Russia, and Sweden.

October 02, 2009

In the Transportation category, updates have been made to the
"Airports" and "Heliports" fields; new photos added for Libya,
Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

September 17, 2009

NASA images taken from space have been introduced to enhance various country photo presentations. Significant numbers of high altitude photos appear under China, Egypt, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, but can also be found scattered among other country entries. In the Economy category, statistics for "Distribution of family income - Gini index," "Public debt," and "Debt - external" now include two year's worth of data.

September 03, 2009

In the Economy category, statistics for "Current Account Balance," "Exports," "Imports," "Reserves of foreign exchange and gold," "Stock of direct foreign investment - at home," and "Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad" now include two year's worth of data; statistics for "Market value of publicly traded shares" now include three year's worth of data. New photos added for Austria, France, Monaco, Netherlands, and Netherlands Antilles.

August 17, 2009

Various rail gauge line lengths have been updated for all countries in the Railways entry; selected economic and political entries also updated.

July 31, 2009

In the Economy category, statistics for "Central bank discount rate," "Commercial bank prime lending rate," "Stock of money," "Stock of quasi money," and "Stock of domestic credit" now include two year's worth of data.

July 20, 2009

Latest updates include changes to the chief of state or head of
government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Lithuania, and
Panama. New photographs have been added for Spain, Portugal,
Gibraltar, and South Africa.

July 01, 2009

With the launch of the new Web site, the former "Rank Order" function was renamed "Country Comparisons." The link to Country Comparisons may be found under the References tab. In addition, many of the regional reference maps now incorporate both elevation and vegetation on landmasses, and bathymetry for ocean areas. Statistics for "Unemployment rate" and "Inflation rate (consumer prices)" now include two year's worth of data.

June 08, 2009

Completely redesigned website - presenting a cleaner look, improved navigation, and a host of added features - launched on the World Wide Web. Among the major enhancements are downloadable and printable photos for nearly 100 countries, a "Did You Know?" section explaining the impact of the Factbook around the world, and built-in world rankings for many of the Factbook information fields. Government sections reflect the results of recent parliamentary elections in Kuwait - where women were elected for the first time - and India, as well as presidential elections in Lithuania, Mongolia, Panama, and South Africa.

April 27, 2009

Significant updates made to the People and Economy categories; statistics for "GDP - real growth rate" and "GDP - per capita" (at purchasing power parity) now include three year's worth of data, in 2008 dollars. The Urbanization entry under People expanded to include all countries.

April 03, 2009

In addition to regular country updates, statistics for "GDP (purchasing power parity)" now include three year's worth of data, in 2008 dollars.

March 20, 2009

Recent major leadership changes in Guinea-Bissau, Latvia, and
Madagascar included in the Government sections of those countries.

March 02, 2009

Latest US Census Bureau figures - updating basic demographic data for all countries - entered into the database. Entries on religions, languages, ethnic groups, and literacy also updated.

February 06, 2009

Country information updated across all categories. Economic data now includes 2008 estimates where available.

November 05, 2008

In order to provide more information on the nature and global dimensions of the current financial crisis, five additional fields appended to the Economy category: "Central bank discount rate," "Commercial bank prime lending rate," "Stock of money," "Stock of quasi money," and "Stock of domestic credit."

August 06, 2008

In the People category, two new fields provide information on education in terms of opportunity and resources: "School Life Expectancy" and "Education expenditures."

November 06, 2007

In the Geography category, two new fields focus on the vital resource of water: "Total renewable water resources" and "Freshwater withdrawal."

October 31, 2007

Three new fields added to the Economy category: "Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad," "Stock of direct foreign investment - at home," "Market value of publicly traded shares."

Ongoing

Revision of some individual country maps, first introduced in the 2001 edition, continues. Several regional maps have been updated to reflect boundary changes and place name spelling changes.

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

About :: DID YOU KNOW?

The World Factbook is one of the US Government's most accessed publications.

The World Factbook, produced for US policymakers and coordinated throughout the US Intelligence Community, presents the basic realities about the world in which we live. We share these facts with the people of all nations in the belief that knowledge of the truth underpins the functioning of free societies.

Who uses The World Factbook?

A wide variety of folks including US Government officials, researchers, news organizations, corporations, geographers, teachers, professors, librarians, and students. In short, anyone looking for an expansive body of international data on a recently updated Web site.

The World Factbook is a one-stop reference site.

Although many of the facts presented in The Factbook may be found in various other publications, they are conveniently gathered together in one place only at The World Factbook Web site.

The World Factbook is a unique reference in that it is updated continuously - on average, every week.

Information in The Factbook is collected from - and coordinated with - a wide variety of US Government agencies, as well as from hundreds of published sources.

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References :: Guide to Country Profiles

These are the Categories, Fields, and subfields of information generally recorded for each country. Links are to the Definitions and Notes about each entry.

Introduction ::

Background:

Geography ::

Location:

Geographic coordinates:

Map references:

Area:

total
land
water

Area - comparative:

Land boundaries:

total
border countries

Coastline:

Maritime claims:

territorial sea
contiguous zone
exclusive economic zone
continental shelf
exclusive fishing zone

Climate:

Terrain:

Elevation extremes:

lowest point
highest point

Natural resources:

Land use:

arable land
permanent crops
other

Irrigated land:

Total Renewable Water Resources:

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total
per capita

Natural hazards:

volcanism

Environment - current issues:

Environment - international agreements:

party to
signed, but not ratified

Geography - note:

People ::

Population:

Age structure:

0-14 years

15-64 years

65 years and over

Median Age:

total
male
female

Population growth rate:

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

Sex ratio:

at birth
under 15 years

15-64 years

65 years and over
total population

Infant mortality rate:

total
male
female

Life expectancy at birth:

total population
male
female

Total fertility rate:

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk
food or waterborne diseases
vectorborne diseases
water contact diseases
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease
respiratory disease
animal contact disease

Nationality:

noun
adjective

Ethnic groups:

Religions:

Languages:

Literacy:

definition
total population
male
female

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary):

Education expenditures:

People - note:

Government ::

Country name:

conventional long form
conventional short form
local long form
local short form
former
abbreviation

Dependency status:

Government type:

Capital:

name
geographic coordinates
time difference
daylight saving time

Administrative divisions:

Dependent areas:

Independence:

National holiday:

Constitution:

Legal system:

Suffrage:

Executive branch:

chief of state
head of government
cabinet
elections
election results

Legislative branch:

elections
election results

Judicial branch:

Political parties and leaders:

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission
chancery
telephone

FAX
consulate(s) general
consulate(s)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission
embassy
mailing address
telephone

FAX
consulate(s) general
consulate(s)

branch office(s)

Flag description:

Government - note:

Economy ::

Economy - overview:

GDP (purchasing power parity):

GDP (official exchange rate):

GDP - real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture
industry
services

Labor force:

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture
industry
services

Unemployment rate:

Population below poverty line:

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%
highest 10%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

Investment (gross fixed):

Budget:

revenues
expenditures

Public debt:

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Central bank discount rate:

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

Stock of money:

Stock of quasi money:

Stock of domestic credit:

Market value of publicly traded shares:

Agriculture - products:

Industries:

Industrial production growth rate:

Electricity - production:

Electricity - consumption:

Electricity - exports:

Electricity - imports:

Oil - production:

Oil - consumption:

Oil - exports:

Oil - imports:

Oil - proved reserves:

Natural gas - production:

Natural gas - consumption:

Natural gas - exports:

Natural gas - imports:

Natural gas - proved reserves:

Current account balance:

Exports:

Exports - commodities:

Exports - partners:

Imports:

Imports - commodities:

Imports - partners:

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

Debt - external:

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

Exchange rates:

Communications ::

Telephones - main lines in use:

Telephones - mobile cellular:

Telephone system:

general assessment
domestic
international

Broadcast media:

Internet country code:

Internet hosts:

Internet users:

Communications - note:

Transportation ::

Airports:

Airports - with paved runways:

total
over 3,047 m

2,438 to 3,047 m

1,524 to 2,437 m

914 to 1,530 m
under 914 m

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total
over 3,047 m

2,438 to 3,047 m

1,524 to 2,437 m

914 to 1,530 m
under 914 m

Heliports:

Pipelines:

Railways:

total
broad gauge
standard gauge
narrow gauge
dual gauge

Roadways:

total
paved
unpaved

Waterways:

Merchant marine:

total
ships by type
foreign-owned
registered in other countries

Ports and terminals:

Transportation - note:

Military ::

Military branches:

Military service age and obligation:

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49
females age 16-49

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49
females age 16-49

Manpower reaching military age annually:

males
females

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

Military - note:

Transnational Issues ::

Disputes - international:

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees

IDPs

Trafficking in persons:

current situation
tier rating

Illicit drugs:

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

The World Factbook (2010) - Country Listing

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

World

A

Afghanistan
Akrotiri
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Arctic Ocean
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Atlantic Ocean
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan

B

Bahamas, The
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burma
Burundi

C

Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Clipperton Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Republic of the
Cook Islands
Coral Sea Islands
Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic

D

Denmark
Dhekelia
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic

E

Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia

F

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Polynesia
French Southern and Antarctic Lands

G

Gabon
Gambia, The
Gaza Strip
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana

H

Haiti
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Holy See (Vatican City)
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary

I

Iceland
India
Indian Ocean
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy

J

Jamaica
Jan Mayen
Japan
Jersey
Jordan

K

Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, North
Korea, South
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan

L

Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg

M

Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States of
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique

N

Namibia
Nauru
Navassa Island
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway

O

Oman

P

Pacific Ocean
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paracel Islands
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico

Q

Qatar

R

Romania
Russia
Rwanda

S

Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Southern Ocean
Spain
Spratly Islands
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria

T

Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu

U

Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Uruguay
Uzbekistan

V

Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands

W

Wake Island
Wallis and Futuna
West Bank
Western Sahara

Y

Yemen

Z

Zambia
Zimbabwe

T

Taiwan

E

European Union

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

Field Listings

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

Code Field Description

2001 GDP (purchasing power parity) 2002 Population growth rate 2003 GDP - real growth rate 2004 GDP - per capita (PPP) 2005 Affiliation 2006 Dependency status 2007 Diplomatic representation from the US 2008 Transportation - note 2010 Age structure 2011 Geographic coordinates 2012 GDP - composition by sector 2013 Radio broadcast stations 2014 2015 Television broadcast stations 2016 2018 Sex ratio 2019 Heliports 2020 Elevation extremes 2021 Natural hazards 2022 People - note 2023 Area - comparative 2024 Military service age and obligation 2025 Manpower fit for military service 2026 Manpower reaching militarily significant age 2028 Background 2030 Airports - with paved runways 2031 Airports - with unpaved runways 2032 Environment - current issues 2033 Environment - international agreements 2034 Military expenditures 2038 Electricity - production 2042 Electricity - consumption 2043 Electricity - imports 2044 Electricity - exports 2045 Electricity - production by source 2046 Population below poverty line 2047 Household income or consumption by percentage share 2048 Labor force - by occupation 2049 Exports - commodities 2050 Exports - partners 2051 Administrative divisions 2052 Agriculture - products 2053 Airports 2054 Birth rate 2055 Military branches 2056 Budget 2057 Capital 2058 Imports - commodities 2059 Climate 2060 Coastline 2061 Imports - partners 2062 2063 Constitution 2064 2065 2066 Death rate 2068 Dependent areas 2070 Disputes - international 2075 Ethnic groups 2076 Exchange rates 2077 Executive branch 2078 Exports 2079 Debt - external 2080 2081 Flag description 2085 Roadways 2086 Illicit drugs 2087 Imports 2088 Independence 2089 Industrial production growth rate 2090 Industries 2091 Infant mortality rate 2092 Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2093 Waterways 2094 Judicial branch 2095 Labor force 2096 Land boundaries 2097 Land use 2098 Languages 2100 Legal system 2101 Legislative branch 2102 Life expectancy at birth 2103 Literacy 2105 Manpower available for military service 2106 Maritime claims 2107 International organization participation 2108 Merchant marine 2109 National holiday 2110 Nationality 2111 Natural resources 2112 Net migration rate 2113 Geography - note 2115 Political pressure groups and leaders 2116 Economy - overview 2117 Pipelines 2118 Political parties and leaders 2119 Population 2120 Ports and terminals 2121 Railways 2122 Religions 2123 Suffrage 2124 Telephone system 2125 Terrain 2127 Total fertility rate 2128 Government type 2129 Unemployment rate 2137 Military - note 2138 Communications - note 2140 Government - note 2141 Group 2142 Country name 2144 Location 2145 Map references 2146 Irrigated land 2147 Area 2149 Diplomatic representation in the US 2150 Telephones - main lines in use 2151 Telephones - mobile cellular 2152 2153 Internet users 2154 Internet country code 2155 HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate 2156 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS 2157 HIV/AIDS - deaths 2158 2172 Distribution of family income - Gini index 2173 Oil - production 2174 Oil - consumption 2175 Oil - imports 2176 Oil - exports 2177 Median age 2178 Oil - proved reserves 2179 Natural gas - proved reserves 2180 Natural gas - production 2181 Natural gas - consumption 2182 Natural gas - imports 2183 Natural gas - exports 2184 Internet hosts 2185 Investment (gross fixed) 2186 Public debt 2187 Current account balance 2188 Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2189 Union name 2190 Political structure 2191 Member states 2192 Preliminary statement 2193 Major infectious diseases 2194 Refugees and internally displaced persons 2195 GDP (official exchange rate) 2196 Trafficking in persons 2198 Stock of direct foreign investment - at home 2199 Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad 2200 Market value of publicly traded shares 2201 Total renewable water resources 2202 Freshwater withdrawal 2203 Geographic overview 2204 Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots 2205 School life expectancy (primary to tertiary 2206 Education expenditures 2207 Central bank discount rate 2208 Commercial bank prime lending rate 2209 Stock of money 2210 Stock of quasi money 2211 Stock of domestic credit 2212 Urbanization 2213 Broadcast media 2214 Stock of narrow money 2215 Stock of broad money

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References :: Guide to Country Comparisons

Country Comparison pages are presorted lists of data from selected Factbook data fields. Country Comparison pages are generally given in descending order - highest to lowest - such as Population and Area. The two exceptions are Unemployment Rate and Inflation Rate, which are in ascending - lowest to highest - order. Country Comparison pages are available for the following 58 fields in six of the nine Factbook categories.

Geography ::

Area:

total

People ::

Population:

Population growth rate:

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

Infant mortality rate:

Life expectancy at birth:

Total fertility rate:

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Education expenditures:

Economy ::

GDP (purchasing power parity):

GDP real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

Labor force:

Unemployment rate:

Distribution of family income - Gini Index:

Investment (gross fixed):

Public debt:

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Central bank discount rate:

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

Stock of money:

Stock of quasi money:

Stock of domestic credit:

Market value of publicly traded shares:

Industrial production growth rate:

Electricity - production:

Electricity - consumption:

Oil - production:

Oil - consumption:

Oil - exports:

Oil - imports:

Oil - proved reserves:

Natural gas - production:

Natural gas - consumption:

Natural gas - exports:

Natural gas - imports:

Natural gas - proved reserves:

Current account balance:

Exports:

Imports:

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

Debt - external:

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

Communications ::

Telephones - main lines in use:

Telephones - mobile cellular:

Internet hosts:

Internet users:

Transportation ::

Airports:

Railways:

total

Roadways:

total

Waterways:

Merchant marine:

total

Military ::

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

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

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

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Appendixes

Appendix A - Abbreviations

Appendix B - International Organizations and Groups

Appendix C - Selected International Environmental Agreements

Appendix D - Cross-Reference list of Country Data Codes

Appendix E - Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

Appendix F - Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names

Appendix G - Weights and Measures

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References :: Definitions and Notes

A

Abbreviations

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

Acronyms

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

Administrative divisions

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

Age structure

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

Agriculture - products

This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important.

Airports

This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Airports - with paved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Airports - with unpaved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Appendixes

This section includes Factbook-related material by topic.

Area

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

Area - comparative

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

B

Background

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

Birth rate

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

Broadcast media

This entry provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services.

Budget

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

C

Capital

This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.

Central bank discount rate

This entry provides the annualized interest rate a country's central bank charges commercial, depository banks for loans to meet temporary shortages of funds.

Climate

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

Coastline

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate

This entry provides a simple average of annualized interest rates commercial banks charge on new loans, denominated in the national currency, to their most credit-worthy customers.

Communications

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

Communications - note

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

Constitution

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

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

UTC is the international atomic time scale that serves as the basis of timekeeping for most of the world. The hours, minutes, and seconds expressed by UTC represent the time of day at the Prime Meridian (0 deg. longitude) located near Greenwich, England as reckoned from midnight. UTC is calculated by the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM) in Sevres, France. The BIPM averages data collected from more than 200 atomic time and frequency standards located at about 50 laboratories worldwide. UTC is the basis for all civil time with the Earth divided into time zones expressed as positive or negative differences from UTC. UTC is also referred to as "Zulu time." See the Standard Time Zones of the World map included with the Reference Maps.

Country data codes

See Data codes.

Country map

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

Country name

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

Crude oil

See entry for oil.

Current account balance

This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

D

Data codes

This information is presented in This information is presented in <a href = "../appendix/appendix-d.html"Appendix D: Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes and and <a href = "../appendix/appendix-e.html" Appendix E: Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes.

Date of information

In general, information available as of January in a given year is used in the preparation of the printed edition.

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

This entry is included for those entities that have adopted a policy of adjusting the official local time forward, usually one hour, from Standard Time during summer months. Such policies are most common in mid-latitude regions.

Death rate

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

Debt - external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Dependency status

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

Dependent areas

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

Diplomatic representation

The US Government has diplomatic relations with 189 independent states, including 187 of the 192 UN members (excluded UN members are Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the US itself). In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 2 independent states that are not in the UN, the Holy See and Kosovo, as well as with the EU.

Diplomatic representation from the US

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

Diplomatic representation in the US

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

Disputes - international

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

Distribution of family income - Gini index

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

E

Economy

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

Economy - overview

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

Education expenditures

This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent of GDP.

Electricity - consumption

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

Electricity - exports

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

Electricity - imports

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

Electricity - production

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

Elevation extremes

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

Entities

Some of the independent states, dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. "Independent state" refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. "Dependencies" and "areas of special sovereignty" refer to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with an independent state. "Country" names used in the table of contents or for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names and may include independent states, dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty, or other geographic entities. There are a total of 266 separate geographic entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows: INDEPENDENT STATES 194 Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe OTHER 2 Taiwan, European Union DEPENDENCIES AND AREAS OF SPECIAL SOVEREIGNTY 6 Australia - Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island 2 China - Hong Kong, Macau 2 Denmark - Faroe Islands, Greenland 9 France - Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna 3 Netherlands - Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten 3 New Zealand - Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau 3 Norway - Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 17 UK - Akrotiri, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dhekelia, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands 14 US - American Samoa, Baker Island*, Guam, Howland Island*, Jarvis Island*, Johnston Atoll*, Kingman Reef*, Midway Islands*, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll*, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island (* consolidated in United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges entry) MISCELLANEOUS 6 Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western Sahara OTHER ENTITIES 5 oceans - Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Southern Ocean 1 World

267 total

Environment - current issues

This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non-commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply.

Environment - international agreements

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

Environmental agreements

This information is presented in This information is presented in <a href = "../appendix/appendix-c.html"Appendix C: Selected International Environmental Agreements, which includes the name, abbreviation, date opened for signature, date entered into force, objective, and parties by category.

Ethnic groups

This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.

Exchange rates

This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for the national medium of exchange is presented in parenthesis.

Executive branch

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

Exports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Exports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Exports - partners

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

F

Flag description

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

Flag graphic

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

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

This entry provides the annual quantity of water in cubic kilometers removed from available sources for use in any purpose. Water drawn-off is not necessarily entirely consumed and some portion may be returned for further use downstream. Domestic sector use refers to water supplied by public distribution systems. Note that some of this total may be used for small industrial and/or limited agricultural purposes. Industrial sector use is the quantity of water used by self-supplied industries not connected to a public distribution system. Agricultural sector use includes water used for irrigation and livestock watering, and does not account for agriculture directly dependent on rainfall. Included are figures for total annual water withdrawal and per capita water withdrawal.

G

GDP (official exchange rate)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at official exchange rates (OER) is the home-currency-denominated annual GDP figure divided by the bilateral average US exchange rate with that country in that year. The measure is simple to compute and gives a precise measure of the value of output. Many economists prefer this measure when gauging the economic power an economy maintains vis-a-vis its neighbors, judging that an exchange rate captures the purchasing power a nation enjoys in the international marketplace. Official exchange rates, however, can be artificially fixed and/or subject to manipulation - resulting in claims of the country having an under- or over-valued currency - and are not necessarily the equivalent of a market-determined exchange rate. Moreover, even if the official exchange rate is market-determined, market exchange rates are frequently established by a relatively small set of goods and services (the ones the country trades) and may not capture the value of the larger set of goods the country produces. Furthermore, OER-converted GDP is not well suited to comparing domestic GDP over time, since appreciation/depreciation from one year to the next will make the OER GDP value rise/fall regardless of whether home-currency-denominated GDP changed.

GDP (purchasing power parity)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller.

GDP - composition by sector

This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete.

GDP - per capita (PPP)

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

GDP - real growth rate

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

GDP methodology

In the Economy category, GDP dollar estimates for countries are reported both on an official exchange rate (OER) and a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis. Both measures contain information that is useful to the reader. The PPP method involves the use of standardized international dollar price weights, which are applied to the quantities of final goods and services produced in a given economy. The data derived from the PPP method probably provide the best available starting point for comparisons of economic strength and well-being between countries. In contrast, the currency exchange rate method involves a variety of international and domestic financial forces that may not capture the value of domestic output. Whereas PPP estimates for OECD countries are quite reliable, PPP estimates for developing countries are often rough approximations. In developing countries with weak currencies, the exchange rate estimate of GDP in dollars is typically one-fourth to one-half the PPP estimate. Most of the GDP estimates for developing countries are based on extrapolation of PPP numbers published by the UN International Comparison Program (UNICP) and by Professors Robert Summers and Alan Heston of the University of Pennsylvania and their colleagues. GDP derived using the OER method should be used for the purpose of calculating the share of items such as exports, imports, military expenditures, external debt, or the current account balance, because the dollar values presented in the Factbook for these items have been converted at official exchange rates, not at PPP. One should use the OER GDP figure to calculate the proportion of, say, Chinese defense expenditures in GDP, because that share will be the same as one calculated in local currency units. Comparison of OER GDP with PPP GDP may also indicate whether a currency is over- or under-valued. If OER GDP is smaller than PPP GDP, the official exchange rate may be undervalued, and vice versa. However, there is no strong historical evidence that market exchange rates move in the direction implied by the PPP rate, at least not in the short- or medium-term. Note: the numbers for GDP and other economic data should not be chained together from successive volumes of the Factbook because of changes in the US dollar measuring rod, revisions of data by statistical agencies, use of new or different sources of information, and changes in national statistical methods and practices.

Geographic coordinates

This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names.

Geographic names

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

Geography

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

Geography - note

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

Gini index

See entry for Distribution of family income - Gini index

GNP

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

Government

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

Government - note

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

Government type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population.

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

The mean solar time at the Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich, England, with the hours and days, since 1925, reckoned from midnight. GMT is now a historical term having been replaced by UTC on 1 January 1972. See Coordinated Universal Time.

Gross domestic product

See GDP

Gross national product

See GNP

Gross world product

See GWP

GWP

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

H

Heliports

This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs.

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

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

HIV/AIDS - deaths

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

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

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

Household income or consumption by percentage share

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

Hydrographic data codes

See Data codes

I

Illicit drugs

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

Imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Imports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued imported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Imports - partners

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

Independence

For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries, the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note.

Industrial production growth rate

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

Industries

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

Infant mortality rate

This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

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

International disputes
see Disputes - international

International organization participation

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

International organizations

This information is presented in This information is presented in <a href = "../appendix/appendix-b.html"Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups which includes the name, abbreviation, date established, aim, and members by category.

Internet country code

This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166
Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
(IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Internet hosts

This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of Internet connectivity.

Internet users

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

Introduction

This category includes one entry, Background.

Investment (gross fixed)

This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital.

Irrigated land

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

J

Judicial branch

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

L

Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.

Labor force - by occupation

This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by occupation. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to rounding.

Land boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ.

Land use

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

Languages

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

Legal system

This entry provides the description of a country's legal system; it also includes information on acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another - is also addressed below. The following list describes these legal systems, the countries or world regions where these systems are enforced, and a brief statement on the origins and major features of each. Civil Law - The most widespread type of legal system in the world, applied in various forms in approximately 150 countries. Also referred to as European continental law, the civil law system is derived mainly from the Roman Corpus Juris Civilus, (Body of Civil Law), a collection of laws and legal interpretations compiled under the East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 528 and 565. The major feature of civil law systems is that the laws are organized into systematic written codes. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation - especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments - and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in some countries are based on more than one code. Common Law - A type of legal system, often synonymous with "English common law," which is the system of England and Wales in the UK, and is also in force in approximately 80 countries formerly part of or influenced by the former British Empire. English common law reflects Biblical influences as well as remnants of law systems imposed by early conquerors including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. Some legal scholars attribute the formation of the English common law system to King Henry II (r.1154-1189). Until the time of his reign, laws customary among England's various manorial and ecclesiastical (church) jurisdictions were administered locally. Henry II established the king's court and designated that laws were "common" to the entire English realm. The foundation of English common law is "legal precedent" - referred to as stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." In the English common law system, court judges are bound in their decisions in large part by the rules and other doctrines developed - and supplemented over time - by the judges of earlier English courts. Customary Law - A type of legal system that serves as the basis of, or has influenced, the present-day laws in approximately 40 countries - mostly in Africa, but some in the Pacific islands, Europe, and the Near East. Customary law is also referred to as "primitive law," "unwritten law," "indigenous law," and "folk law." There is no single history of customary law such as that found in Roman civil law, English common law, Islamic law, or the Napoleonic Civil Code. The earliest systems of law in human society were customary, and usually developed in small agrarian and hunter-gatherer communities. As the term implies, customary law is based upon the customs of a community. Common attributes of customary legal systems are that they are seldom written down, they embody an organized set of rules regulating social relations, and they are agreed upon by members of the community. Although such law systems include sanctions for law infractions, resolution tends to be reconciliatory rather than punitive. A number of African states practiced customary law many centuries prior to colonial influences. Following colonization, such laws were written down and incorporated to varying extents into the legal systems imposed by their colonial powers. European Union Law - A sub-discipline of international law known as "supranational law" in which the rights of sovereign nations are limited in relation to one another. Also referred to as the Law of the European Union or Community Law, it is the unique and complex legal system that operates in tandem with the laws of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Similar to federal states, the EU legal system ensures compliance from the member states because of the Union's decentralized political nature. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), established in 1952 by the Treaty of Paris, has been largely responsible for the development of EU law. Fundamental principles of European Union law include: subsidiarity - the notion that issues be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority; proportionality - the EU may only act to the extent needed to achieve its objectives; conferral - the EU is a union of member states, and all its authorities are voluntarily granted by its members; legal certainty - requires that legal rules be clear and precise; and precautionary principle - a moral and political principle stating that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. French Law - A type of civil law that is the legal system of France. The French system also serves as the basis for, or is mixed with, other legal systems in approximately 50 countries, notably in North Africa, the Near East, and the French territories and dependencies. French law is primarily codified or systematic written civil law. Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), France had no single national legal system. Laws in the northern areas of present-day France were mostly local customs based on privileges and exemptions granted by kings and feudal lords, while in the southern areas Roman law predominated. The introduction of the Napoleonic Civil Code during the reign of Napoleon I in the first decade of the 19th century brought major reforms to the French legal system, many of which remain part of France's current legal structure, though all have been extensively amended or redrafted to address a modern nation. French law distinguishes between "public law" and "private law." Public law relates to government, the French Constitution, public administration, and criminal law. Private law covers issues between private citizens or corporations. The most recent changes to the French legal system - introduced in the 1980s - were the decentralization laws, which transferred authority from centrally appointed government representatives to locally elected representatives of the people. International Law - The law of the international community, or the body of customary rules and treaty rules accepted as legally binding by states in their relations with each other. International law differs from other legal systems in that it primarily concerns sovereign political entities. There are three separate disciplines of international law: public international law, which governs the relationship between provinces and international entities and includes treaty law, law of the sea, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law; private international law, which addresses legal jurisdiction; and supranational law - a legal framework wherein countries are bound by regional agreements in which the laws of the member countries are held inapplicable when in conflict with supranational laws. At present the European Union is the only entity under a supranational legal system. The term "international law" was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 in his Principles of Morals and Legislation, though laws governing relations between states have been recognized from very early times (many centuries B.C.). Modern international law developed alongside the emergence and growth of the European nation-states beginning in the early 16th century. Other factors that influenced the development of international law included the revival of legal studies, the growth of international trade, and the practice of exchanging emissaries and establishing legations. The sources of International law are set out in Article 38-1 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice within the UN Charter. Islamic Law - The most widespread type of religious law, it is the legal system enforced in over 30 countries, particularly in the Near East, but also in Central and South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. In many countries Islamic law operates in tandem with a civil law system. Islamic law is embodied in the sharia, an Arabic word meaning "the right path." Sharia covers all aspects of public and private life and organizes them into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. The primary sources of sharia law are the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet and his works. In addition to these two primary sources, traditional Sunni Muslims recognize the consensus of Muhammad's companions and Islamic jurists on certain issues, called ijmas, and various forms of reasoning, including analogy by legal scholars, referred to as qiyas. Shia Muslims reject ijmas and qiyas as sources of sharia law. Mixed Law - Also referred to as pluralistic law, mixed law consists of elements of some or all of the other main types of legal systems - civil, common, customary, and religious. The mixed legal systems of a number of countries came about when colonial powers overlaid their own legal systems upon colonized regions but retained elements of the colonies' existing legal systems. Napoleonic Civil Code - A type of civil law, referred to as the Civil Code or Code Civil des Francais, forms part of the legal system of France, and underpins the legal systems of Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Poland, and the US state of Louisiana. The Civil Code was established under Napoleon I, enacted in 1804, and officially designated the Code Napoleon in 1807. This legal system combined the Teutonic civil law tradition of the northern provinces of France with the Roman law tradition of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The Civil Code bears similarities in its arrangement to the Roman Body of Civil Law (see Civil Law above). As enacted in 1804, the Code addressed personal status, property, and the acquisition of property. Codes added over the following six years included civil procedures, commercial law, criminal law and procedures, and a penal code. Religious Law - A legal system which stems from the sacred texts of religious traditions and in most cases professes to cover all aspects of life as a seamless part of devotional obligations to a transcendent, imminent, or deep philosophical reality. Implied as the basis of religious law is the concept of unalterability, because the word of God cannot be amended or legislated against by judges or governments. However, a detailed legal system generally requires human elaboration. The main types of religious law are sharia in Islam, halakha in Judaism, and canon law in some Christian groups. Sharia is the most widespread religious legal system (see Islamic Law), and is the sole system of law for countries including Iran, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia. No country is fully governed by halakha, but Jewish people may decide to settle disputes through Jewish courts and be bound by their rulings. Canon law is not a divine law as such because it is not found in revelation. It is viewed instead as human law inspired by the word of God and applying the demands of that revelation to the actual situation of the church. Canon law regulates the internal ordering of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Roman Law - A type of civil law developed in ancient Rome and practiced from the time of the city's founding (traditionally 753 B.C.) until the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century A.D. Roman law remained the legal system of the Byzantine (Eastern Empire) until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Preserved fragments of the first legal text, known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, dating from the 5th century B.C., contained specific provisions designed to change the prevailing customary law. Early Roman law was drawn from custom and statutes; later, during the time of the empire, emperors asserted their authority as the ultimate source of law. The basis for Roman laws was the idea that the exact form - not the intention - of words or of actions produced legal consequences. It was only in the late 6th century A.D. that a comprehensive Roman code of laws was published (see Civil Law above). Roman law served as the basis of law systems developed in a number of continental European countries. Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands. Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652. Spanish Law - A type of civil law, often referred to as the Spanish Civil Code, it is the present legal system of Spain and is the basis of legal systems in 12 countries mostly in Central and South America, but also in southwestern Europe, northern and western Africa, and southeastern Asia. The Spanish Civil Code reflects a complex mixture of customary, Roman, Napoleonic, local, and modern codified law. The laws of the Visigoth invaders of Spain in the 5th to 7th centuries had the earliest major influence on Spanish legal system development. The Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 11th through 15th centuries witnessed the development of customary law, which combined canon (religious) and Roman law. During several centuries of Hapsburg and Bourbon rule, systematic recompilations of the existing national legal system were attempted, but these often conflicted with local and regional customary civil laws. Legal system development for most of the 19th century concentrated on formulating a national civil law system, which was finally enacted in 1889 as the Spanish Civil Code. Several sections of the code have been revised, the most recent of which are the penal code in 1989 and the judiciary code in 2001. The Spanish Civil Code separates public and private law. Public law includes constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, process law, financial and tax law, and international public law. Private law includes civil law, commercial law, labor law, and international private law. United States Law - A type of common law, which is the basis of the legal system of the United States and that of its island possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This legal system has several layers, more possibly than in most other countries, and is due in part to the division between federal and state law. The United States was founded not as one nation but as a union of 13 colonies, each claiming independence from the British Crown. The US Constitution, implemented in 1789, began shifting power away from the states and toward the federal government, though the states today retain substantial legal authority. US law draws its authority from four sources: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and case law. Constitutional law is based on the US Constitution and serves as the supreme federal law. Taken together with those of the state constitutions, these documents outline the general structure of the federal and state governments and provide the rules and limits of power. US statutory law is legislation enacted by the US Congress and is codified in the United States Code. The 50 state legislatures have similar authority to enact state statutes. Administrative law is the authority delegated to federal and state executive agencies. Case law, also referred to as common law, covers areas where constitutional or statutory law is lacking. Case law is a collection of judicial decisions, customs, and general principles that began in England centuries ago, that were adopted in America at the time of the Revolution, and that continue to develop today.

Legislative branch

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

Life expectancy at birth

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

Literacy

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

Location

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

M

Major infectious diseases

This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. The diseases listed do not necessarily represent the total disease burden experienced by the local population. The risk to an individual traveler varies considerably by the specific location, visit duration, type of activities, type of accommodations, time of year, and other factors. Consultation with a travel medicine physician is needed to evaluate individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures such as vaccines. Diseases are organized into the following six exposure categories shown in italics and listed in typical descending order of risk. Note: The sequence of exposure categories listed in individual country entries may vary according to local conditions. food or waterborne diseases acquired through eating or drinking on the local economy: Hepatitis A - viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, principally in areas of poor sanitation; victims exhibit fever, jaundice, and diarrhea; 15% of victims will experience prolonged symptoms over 6-9 months; vaccine available. Hepatitis E - water-borne viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; most commonly spread through fecal contamination of drinking water; victims exhibit jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark colored urine. Typhoid fever - bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage; victims exhibit sustained high fevers; left untreated, mortality rates can reach 20%. vectorborne diseases acquired through the bite of an infected arthropod: Malaria - caused by single-cell parasitic protozoa Plasmodium; transmitted to humans via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito; parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia; death due to damage to vital organs and interruption of blood supply to the brain; endemic in 100, mostly tropical, countries with 90% of cases and the majority of 1.5-2.5 million estimated annual deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments; manifests as sudden onset of fever and severe headache; occasionally produces shock and hemorrhage leading to death in 5% of cases. Yellow fever - mosquito-borne viral disease; severity ranges from influenza-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever; occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases are reported; fatality rate is less than 20%. Japanese Encephalitis - mosquito-borne (Culex tritaeniorhynchus) viral disease associated with rural areas in Asia; acute encephalitis can progress to paralysis, coma, and death; fatality rates 30%. African Trypanosomiasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma; transmitted to humans via the bite of bloodsucking Tsetse flies; infection leads to malaise and irregular fevers and, in advanced cases when the parasites invade the central nervous system, coma and death; endemic in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa; cattle and wild animals act as reservoir hosts for the parasites. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa leishmania; transmitted to humans via the bite of sandflies; results in skin lesions that may become chronic; endemic in 88 countries; 90% of cases occur in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru; wild and domesticated animals as well as humans can act as reservoirs of infection. Plague - bacterial disease transmitted by fleas normally associated with rats; person-to-person airborne transmission also possible; recent plague epidemics occurred in areas of Asia, Africa, and South America associated with rural areas or small towns and villages; manifests as fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes; disease progresses rapidly and without antibiotic treatment leads to pneumonic form with a death rate in excess of 50%. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - tick-borne viral disease; infection may also result from exposure to infected animal blood or tissue; geographic distribution includes Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe; sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches followed by hemorrhaging in the bowels, urine, nose, and gums; mortality rate is approximately 30%. Rift Valley fever - viral disease affecting domesticated animals and humans; transmission is by mosquito and other biting insects; infection may also occur through handling of infected meat or contact with blood; geographic distribution includes eastern and southern Africa where cattle and sheep are raised; symptoms are generally mild with fever and some liver abnormalities, but the disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease; fatality rates are low at about 1% of cases. Chikungunya - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments, similar to Dengue Fever; characterized by sudden onset of fever, rash, and severe joint pain usually lasting 3-7 days, some cases result in persistent arthritis. water contact diseases acquired through swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers: Leptospirosis - bacterial disease that affects animals and humans; infection occurs through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by animal urine; symptoms include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea; untreated, the disease can result in kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or respiratory distress; fatality rates are low but left untreated recovery can take months. Schistosomiasis - caused by parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma; fresh water snails act as intermediate host and release larval form of parasite that penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water; worms mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines releasing eggs, which become trapped in tissues triggering an immune response; may manifest as either urinary or intestinal disease resulting in decreased work or learning capacity; mortality, while generally low, may occur in advanced cases usually due to bladder cancer; endemic in 74 developing countries with 80% of infected people living in sub-Saharan Africa; humans act as the reservoir for this parasite. aerosolized dust or soil contact disease acquired through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine: Lassa fever - viral disease carried by rats of the genus Mastomys; endemic in portions of West Africa; infection occurs through direct contact with or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or fecal matter containing virus particles; fatality rate can reach 50% in epidemic outbreaks. respiratory disease acquired through close contact with an infectious person: Meningococcal meningitis - bacterial disease causing an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; one of the most important bacterial pathogens is Neisseria meningitidis because of its potential to cause epidemics; symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, and vomiting; bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and facilitated by close and prolonged contact resulting from crowded living conditions, often with a seasonal distribution; death occurs in 5-15% of cases, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms; highest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in the hyperendemic region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "Meningitis Belt" which stretches from Senegal east to Ethiopia. animal contact disease acquired through direct contact with local animals: Rabies - viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs; virus affects the central nervous system causing brain alteration and death; symptoms initially are non-specific fever and headache progressing to neurological symptoms; death occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Manpower available for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.

Manpower fit for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

This entry gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.

Map references

This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. Note that boundary representations on these maps are not necessarily authoritative. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries.

Maritime claims

This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the mean low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states. contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea). exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof. exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g., the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles.

Market value of publicly traded shares

This entry gives the value of shares issued by publicly traded companies at a price determined in the national stock markets on the final day of the period indicated. It is simply the latest price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares, cumulated over all companies listed on the particular exchange.

Median age

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

Merchant marine

Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries. Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc., that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line. GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton; there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT. Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers, combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers, petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers. Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong to owners in another. Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one country but fly the flag of another.

Military

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

Military - note

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

Military branches

This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).

Military expenditures

This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

Military service age and obligation

This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.

Money figures

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

N

National anthem

A generally patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

National holiday

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

Nationality

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

Natural gas - consumption

This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Natural gas - exports

This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m).

Natural gas - imports

This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m).

Natural gas - production

This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Natural gas - proved reserves

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

Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters. For countries where volcanic activity is common, a volcanism subfield highlights historically active volcanoes.

Natural resources

This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance, such as rare earth elements (REEs).

Net migration rate

This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. The net migration rate does not distinguish between economic migrants, refugees, and other types of migrants nor does it distinguish between lawful migrants and undocumented migrants.

O

Oil - consumption

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

Oil - exports

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

Oil - imports

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

Oil - production

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

Oil - proved reserves

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

P

People

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

People - note

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

Personal Names - Capitalization

The Factbook capitalizes the surname or family name of individuals for the convenience of our users who are faced with a world of different cultures and naming conventions. The need for capitalization, bold type, underlining, italics, or some other indicator of the individual's surname is apparent in the following examples: MAO Zedong, Fidel CASTRO Ruz, George W. BUSH, and TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisammuddin Alam Shah. By knowing the surname, a short form without all capital letters can be used with confidence as in President Castro, Chairman Mao, President Bush, or Sultan Tunku Salahuddin. The same system of capitalization is extended to the names of leaders with surnames that are not commonly used such as Queen ELIZABETH II. For Vietnamese names, the given name is capitalized because officials are referred to by their given name rather than by their surname. For example, the president of Vietnam is Tran Duc LUONG. His surname is Tran, but he is referred to by his given name - President LUONG.

Personal Names - Spelling

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

Personal Names - Titles

The Factbook capitalizes any valid title (or short form of it) immediately preceding a person's name. A title standing alone is not capitalized. Examples: President PUTIN and President BUSH are chiefs of state. In Russia, the president is chief of state and the premier is the head of the government, while in the US, the president is both chief of state and head of government.

Petroleum

See entries under Oil.

Petroleum products

See entries under Oil.

Pipelines

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

Piracy

Piracy is defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as any illegal act of violence, detention, or depredation directed against a ship, aircraft, persons, or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State. Such criminal acts committed in the territorial waters of a littoral state are generally considered to be armed robbery against ships. Information on piracy may be found, where applicable, in the Transportation - note.

Political parties and leaders

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

Political pressure groups and leaders

This entry includes a listing of a country's political, social, labor, or religious organizations that are involved in politics, or that exert political pressure, but whose leaders do not stand for legislative election. International movements or organizations are generally not listed.

Population

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

Population below poverty line

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

Population growth rate

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

Ports and terminals

This entry lists major ports and terminals primarily on the basis of the amount of cargo tonnage shipped through the facilities on an annual basis. In some instances, the number of containers handled or ship visits were also considered.

Public debt

This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings.

R

Railways

This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual. Other gauges are listed under note.

Rare earth elements

Rare earth elements or REEs are 17 chemical elements that are critical in many of today's high-tech industries. They include lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium. Typical applications for REEs include batteries in hybrid cars, fiber optic cables, flat panel displays, and permanent magnets, as well as some defense and medical products.

Reference maps

This section includes world and regional maps.

Refugees and internally displaced persons

This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state.

Religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved - for one or for all, and by whom - religious orders or laity. Basic Groupings Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity. Mormonism (including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints): Originating in 1830 in the United States under Joseph Smith, Mormonism is not characterized as a form of Protestant Christianity because it claims additional revealed Christian scriptures after the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. Mormonism believes earlier Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant reform faiths, are apostasies and that Joseph Smith's revelation of the Book of Mormon is a restoration of true Christianity. Mormons have a hierarchical religious leadership structure, and actively proselytize their faith; they are located primarily in the Americas and in a number of other Western countries. Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope. Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to state, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant Christianities include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterians), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalians), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - The third of the monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets. Sunni Islam accounts for over 75% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid. Shia Islam represents 10-20% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant. Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India, and Pakistan.

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position in the Fund.

Roadways

This entry gives the total length of the road network and includes the length of the paved and unpaved portions.

S

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive, assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of educational content or quality as a year or grade completed in another country. SLE represents the expected number of years of schooling that will be completed, including years spent repeating one or more grades.

Sex ratio

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

Stock of broad money

This entry covers all of "Narrow money," plus the total quantity of time and savings deposits, credit union deposits, institutional money market funds, short-term repurchase agreements between the central bank and commercial deposit banks, and other large liquid assets held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. In addition to serving as a medium of exchange, broad money includes assets that are slightly less liquid than narrow money and the assets tend to function as a "store of value" - a means of holding wealth.

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in foreign countries made directly by residents - primarily companies - of the home country, as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in the home country made directly by residents - primarily companies - of other countries as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Stock of domestic credit

This entry is the total quantity of credit, denominated in the domestic currency, provided by financial institutions to the central bank, state and local governments, public non-financial corporations, and the private sector. The national currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate on the date of the information.

Stock of narrow money

This entry, also know as "M1," comprises the total quantity of currency in circulation (notes and coins) plus demand deposits denominated in the national currency held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy, measured at a specific point in time. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. Narrow money consists of more liquid assets than broad money and the assets generally function as a "medium of exchange" for an economy.

Suffrage

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

T

Telephone numbers

All telephone numbers in The World Factbook consist of the country code in brackets, the city or area code (where required) in parentheses, and the local number. The one component that is not presented is the international access code, which varies from country to country. For example, an international direct dial telephone call placed from the US to Madrid, Spain, would be as follows: 011 [34] (1) 577-xxxx, where 011 is the international access code for station-to-station calls; 01 is for calls other than station-to-station calls, [34] is the country code for Spain, (1) is the city code for Madrid, 577 is the local exchange, and xxxx is the local telephone number. An international direct dial telephone call placed from another country to the US would be as follows: international access code + [1] (202) 939-xxxx, where [ 1] is the country code for the US, (202) is the area code for Washington, DC, 939 is the local exchange, and xxxx is the local telephone number.

Telephone system

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

Telephones - main lines in use

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

Telephones - mobile cellular

This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephone subscribers.

Terminology

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

Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.

Time difference

This entry is expressed in The World Factbook in two ways. First, it is stated as the difference in hours between the capital of an entity and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during Standard Time. Additionally, the difference in time between the capital of an entity and that observed in Washington, D.C. is also provided. Note that the time difference assumes both locations are simultaneously observing Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time.

Time zones

Ten countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, and the United States) and the island of Greenland observe more than one official time depending on the number of designated time zones within their boundaries. An illustration of time zones throughout the world and within countries can be seen in the Standard Time Zones of the World map included in the Reference Maps section of The World Factbook.

Total fertility rate

This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population change in the country. A rate of two children per woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting in relative stability in terms of total numbers. Rates above two children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe, where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the next 50 years.

Total renewable water resources

This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a country in cubic kilometers of precipitation, recharged ground water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries. The values have been adjusted to account for overlap resulting from surface flow recharge of groundwater sources. Total renewable water resources provides the water total available to a country but does not include water resource totals that have been reserved for upstream or downstream countries through international agreements. Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect the total available in any given year. Annual available resources can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and weather variations.

Trafficking in persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide are enslaved in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized in 2003 and 2005, which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report as Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions.

Transnational issues

This category includes four entries - Disputes - international, Refugees and internally displaced persons, Trafficking in persons, and Illicit drugs - that deal with current issues going beyond national boundaries.

Transportation

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

Transportation - note

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

U

Unemployment rate

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

Urbanization

This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city.

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

See entry for Coordinated Universal Time.

W

Waterways

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

Weights and Measures

This information is presented in This information is presented in <a href = "../appendix/appendix-g.html"Appendix G: Weights and Measures and includes mathematical notations (mathematical powers and names), metric interrelationships (prefix; symbol; length, weight, or capacity; area; volume), and standard conversion factors.

Y

Years

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

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

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About :: History

A Brief History of Basic Intelligence and The World Factbook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hoover Commission's Clark Committee, set up in 1954 to study the structure and administration of the CIA, reported to Congress in 1955 that: "The National Intelligence Survey is an invaluable publication which provides the essential elements of basic intelligence on all areas of the world. There will always be a continuing requirement for keeping the Survey up-to-date." The Factbook was created as an annual summary and update to the encyclopedic NIS studies. The first classified Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version was published in June 1971. The NIS program was terminated in 1973 except for the Factbook, map, and gazetteer components. The 1975 Factbook was the first to be made available to the public with sales through the US Government Printing Office (GPO). The Factbook was first made available on the Internet in June 1997. The year 2010 marks the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency and the 67th year of continuous basic intelligence support to the US Government by The World Factbook and its two predecessor programs.

The Evolution of The World Factbook

National Basic Intelligence Factbook produced semiannually until 1980. Country entries include sections on Land, Water, People, Government, Economy, Communications, and Defense Forces.

1981

Publication becomes an annual product and is renamed The World
Factbook. A total of 165 nations are covered on 225 pages.

1983

Appendices (Conversion Factors, International Organizations) first introduced.

1984

Appendices expanded; now include: A. The United Nations, B. Selected
United Nations Organizations, C. Selected International
Organizations, D. Country Membership in Selected Organizations, E.
Conversion Factors.

1987

A new Geography section replaces the former separate Land and Water sections. UN Organizations and Selected International Organizations appendices merged into a new International Organizations appendix. First multi-color-cover Factbook.

1988

More than 40 new geographic entities added to provide complete world coverage without overlap or omission. Among the new entities are Antarctica, oceans (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific), and the World. The front-of-the-book explanatory introduction expanded and retitled to Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations. Two new Appendices added: Weights and Measures (in place of Conversion Factors) and a Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names. Factbook size reaches 300 pages.

1989

Economy section completely revised and now includes an Overview briefly describing a country's economy. New entries added under People, Government, and Communications.

1990

The Government section revised and considerably expanded with new entries.

1991

A new International Organizations and Groups appendix added.
Factbook size reaches 405 pages.

1992

Twenty new successor state entries replace those of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. New countries are respectively: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; and Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia. Number of nations in the Factbook rises to 188.

1993

Czechoslovakia's split necessitates new Czech Republic and Slovakia entries. New Eritrea entry added after it secedes from Ethiopia. Substantial enhancements made to Geography section.

1994

Two new appendices address Selected International Environmental Agreements. The gross domestic product (GDP) of most developing countries changed to a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis rather than an exchange rate basis. Factbook size up to 512 pages.

1995

The GDP of all countries now presented on a PPP basis. New appendix lists estimates of GDP on an exchange rate basis. Communications category split; Railroads, Highways, Inland waterways, Pipelines, Merchant marine, and Airports entries now make up a new Transportation category. The World Factbook is first produced on CD-ROM.

1996

Maps accompanying each entry now present more detail. Flags also introduced for nearly all entities. Various new entries appear under Geography and Communications. Factbook abbreviations consolidated into a new Appendix A. Two new appendices present a Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes and a Cross-Reference List of Hydrogeographic Data Codes. Geographic coordinates added to Appendix H, Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names. Factbook size expands by 95 pages in one year to reach 652.

1997

The World Factbook introduced onto the Internet. A special printed edition prepared for the CIA's 50th anniversary. A schema or Guide to Country Profiles introduced. New color maps and flags now accompany each country profile. Category headings distinguished by shaded backgrounds. Number of categories expanded to nine - the current number - with the addition of an Introduction (for only a few countries) and Transnational Issues (which includes Disputes-international and Illicit drugs).

1998

The Introduction category with two entries, Current issues and Historical perspective, expanded to more countries. Last year for the production of CD-ROM versions of the Factbook.

1999

Historical perspective and Current issues entries in the
Introduction category combined into a new Background statement.
Several new Economy entries introduced. A new physical map of the
world added to the back-of-the-book reference maps.

2000

A new "country profile" added on the Southern Ocean. The Background statements dramatically expanded to over 200 countries and possessions. A number of new Communications entries added.

2001

Background entries completed for all 267 entities in the Factbook. Several new HIV/AIDS entries introduced under the People category. Revision begun on individual country maps to include elevation extremes and a partial geographic grid. Weights and Measures appendix deleted.

2002

New entry on Distribution of Family income - Gini index added. Revision of individual country maps continued (process still ongoing).

2003

In the Economy category, petroleum entries added for oil production, consumption, exports, imports, and proved reserves, as well as natural gas proved reserves.

2004

Bi-weekly updates launched on The World Factbook Web site. Additional petroleum entries included for natural gas production, consumption, exports, and imports. In the Transportation category, under Merchant marine, subfields added for foreign-owned vessels and those registered in other countries. Descriptions of the many forms of government mentioned in the Factbook incorporated into the Definitions and Notes.

2005

In the People category, a Major infectious diseases field added for countries deemed to pose a higher risk for travelers. In the Economy category, entries included for Current account balance, Investment, Public debt, and Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. The Transnational issues category expanded to include Refugees and internally displaced persons. Category headings receive distinctive colored backgrounds. These distinguishing colors are used in both the printed and online versions of the Factbook. Size of the printed Factbook reaches 702 pages.

2006

In the Economy category, national GDP figures now presented at Official Exchange Rates (OER) in addition to GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP). Entries in the Transportation section reordered; Highways changed to Roadways, and Ports and harbors to Ports and terminals.

2007

In the Government category, the Capital entry significantly expanded with up to four subfields, including new information having to do with time. The subfields consist of the name of the capital itself, its geographic coordinates, the time difference at the capital from coordinated universal time (UTC), and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note is added to highlight those countries with multiple time zones. A Trafficking in persons entry added to the Transnational issues category. A new appendix, Weights and Measures, (re)introduced to the online version of the Factbook.

2008

In the Geography category, two fields focus on the increasingly vital resource of water: Total renewable water resources and Freshwater withdrawal. In the Economy category, three fields added for: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home, Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad, and Market value of publicly traded shares. Concise descriptions of all major religions included in the Definitions and Notes. Responsibility for printing of The World Factbook turned over to the Government Printing Office.

2009

The online Factbook site completely redesigned with many new features. In the People category, two new fields provide information on education in terms of opportunity and resources: School Life Expectancy and Education expenditures. Additionally, the Urbanization entry expanded to include all countries. In the Economy category, five fields added: Central bank discount rate, Commercial bank prime lending rate, Stock of money, Stock of quasi money, and Stock of domestic credit.

2010

In order to facilitate comparisons over time, dozens of the entries in the Economy category expanded to include two (and in some cases three) years' worth of data. A variety of enhancements introduced on the Factbook Web site.

2011

Weekly updates inaugurated on the The World Factbook Web site. The dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles results in two new listings: Curacao and Sint Maarten. A Broadcast media field replaces the former Radio broadcast stations and TV broadcast stations entries. Concise descriptions of all major Legal systems incorporated into the Definitions and Notes. In the Geography section, under Natural hazards, a Volcanism subfield added for countries with historically active volcanoes. In the Government category, a new National anthems field introduced.

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About :: Copyright and Contributors

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

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

Citation model:

The World Factbook 2009. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence
Agency, 2009.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

Comments and queries are welcome and may be addressed to:

Central Intelligence Agency
Attn: Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20505
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
Telephone: [1] (703) 482-0623
FAX: [1] (703) 482-1739

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About :: Purchasing

Printed copies of The World Factbook may be obtained from the following:

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions(by category)

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

General ::

Can you provide additional information for a specific country?

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

How often is The World Factbook updated?

Formerly our Web site and the published Factbook were only updated annually. In November 2001, we began more frequent online updating and for many years bi-weekly updates were the norm. In late 2010 we began to update the online Factbook on a weekly schedule. The CIA discontinued publishing the printed Factbook after the 2007 edition; subsequent annual editions have been published by the US Government Printing Office.

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

The World Factbook is in the public domain and may be used freely by anyone at anytime without seeking permission. However, US Code (Section 403m) prohibits use of the CIA seal in a manner which implies that the CIA approved, endorsed, or authorized such use. For any questions about your intended use, you should consult with legal counsel. Further information on use of The World Factbook is described on the Contributors and Copyright Information page. As a courtesy, please cite The World Factbook when used.

Why are there discrepancies between The World Factbook's demographic statistics and other sources?

Although estimates and projections start with the same basic data from censuses, surveys, and registration systems, final estimates and projections can differ as a result of factors including data availability, assessment, and methods and protocols.

Data availability Researchers may obtain specific country data at different times. Estimates or projections developed before the results of a census have been released will not be as accurate as those that take into account new census results.

Assessment Researchers can differ in their assessment of data quality and in their estimates based on the available country data. They often need to adjust their estimates due to such factors as undercounting in a census or underregistration of births or deaths.

Methods and protocols Differences in methods and protocols can shape the way estimates and projections are made of fertility, mortality, and international migration, and how these data are integrated with the population data. For example, the US Census Bureau uses a model that projects the population ahead by single years of age, a single year at a time (population statistics used in the Factbook are based on this model), whereas the United Nations model projects five-year age groups forward, five years at a time.

Why doesn't The World Factbook include information on states, departments, provinces, etc., for each country?

The World Factbook provides national-level information on countries, territories, and dependencies, but not subnational administrative units within a country. A comprehensive encyclopedia might be a source for state/province-level information.

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

Previous editions of the Factbook , beginning with 2000, are available for downloading - but not browsing - on the CIA Web site. Rehosted versions of earlier editions of the Factbook are available for browsing, as well as for downloading, at other Internet web sites. We urge caution, however, in attempting to create time series by stringing together economic data - especially dollar values - from previous editions of the Factbook . Over time, data sources, definitions, and economic accounting methods have changed. We occasionally have made these changes ourselves in order to provide our readers with the best information available. Also, in the case of dollar values, changes in relative exchange rates and prices may make trends difficult to comprehend. Therefore, individuals should consult additional resources when doing comparative research or trend analysis.

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

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

Geography ::

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

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

Why are Taiwan and the European Union listed out of alphabetical order at the end of the Factbook entries?

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

The European Union (EU) is not a country, but it has taken on many nation-like attributes and these may be expanded in the future. A more complete explanation on the inclusion of the EU into the Factbook can be found in the Preliminary statement.

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

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

Why is Palestine not listed in The World Factbook?

The Palestinian areas of Gaza Strip and West Bank are listed in the
Factbook.

Why are the Golan Heights not shown as part of Israel or Northern
Cyprus with Turkey?

Territorial occupations/annexations not recognized by the United
States Government are not shown on US Government maps.

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

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

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

What do you mean when you say that a country is "doubly landlocked"?

A doubly landlocked country is one that is separated from an ocean or an ocean-accessible sea by two intervening countries. Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein are the only countries that fit this definition.

Why is the area of the United States described as "slightly larger than China" in the Factbook , while other sources list China as larger in area than the United States?

It all depends on whether one is looking at total area (land and water) when making the comparison (which is the criterion used by the Factbook) or just land area (which excludes inland water features such as rivers and lakes).

Total area (combining land and water)

United States = 9,826,630 sq km China = 9,596,960 sq km

Land only (without any water features)

United States = 9,161,923 sq km China = 9,326,410 sq km

Why has The World Factbook dropped the four French departments of
Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and French Guiana?

The four entities are no longer in The World Factbook because their status has changed. While they are overseas departments of France, they are also now recognized as French regions, having equal status to the 22 metropolitan regions that make up European France. In other words, they are now recognized as being part of France proper. Their status is somewhat analogous to Alaska and Hawaii vis-a-vis the contiguous United States. Although separated from the larger geographic entity, they are still considered to be an integral part of it.

Photos ::

Why do you not have pictures for every country?

Inclusion of photos in The World Factbook is a new feature that premiered with the unveiling of the redesigned online World Factbook in June 2009. This is a long-term project, and we plan to continuously add more photos to the site over time. Eventually, we hope to have images for every country in the Factbook.

Could you include photos of people from different locations around the world?

Factbook policy is to not include photos showing identifiable individuals.

I have great travel photos from my trips abroad. Can I submit them to your website to enhance your photo collection?

We appreciate the many offers from the public to contribute to our photo collection. However, we only use photos from US Government sources.

Spelling and Pronunciation ::

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

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

Why does the spelling of geographic names, features, cities, administrative divisions, etc. in the Factbook differ from those used in my country?

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

Why does The World Factbook omit pronunciations of country or leader names?

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

Why is the name of the Labour party misspelled?

When American and British spellings of common English words differ, The World Factbook always uses the American spelling, even when these common words form part of a proper name in British English.

Policies and Procedures ::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Factbook staff judges that this information would only be useful for some (generally smaller) countries. Larger countries can have large temperature extremes that do not represent the landmass as a whole.

What information sources are used for the country flags?

Flag designs used in The World Factbook are based on various national and vexillological sources.

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

We have two sets of GDP dollar estimates in The World Factbook , one derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations and the other derived from official exchange rates (OER). Other sources probably use one of the two. See the Definitions and Notes section on GDP and GDP methodology for more information.

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

Although Chiefs of State and The World Factbook both appear on the CIA Web site, they are produced and updated on different weekly schedules. Chiefs of State includes fewer countries but more leaders, whereas The World Factbook has a much larger database and includes all countries.

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

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

Original Data Rounded to whole integer

Example 1 43.2 43
30.4 30
26.4 26
—— —
100.0 99

Example 2 42.8 43
31.6 32
25.6 26
—— —
100.0 101

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

What rounding convention does The World Factbook use?

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

Why do you list "Independence" dates for countries such as France,
Germany, and the United Kingdom?

For most countries, this entry presents the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For other countries, the date may be some other significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, or state succession and so may not strictly be an "Independence" date. Dependent entities have the nature of their dependency status noted in this same entry.

Technical ::

Does The World Factbook comply with Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act regarding accessibility of Web pages?

The World Factbook home page has a link entitled "Text/Low Bandwidth Version." The country data in the text version is fully accessible. We believe The World Factbook is compliant with the Section 508 law. If you are experiencing difficulty, please use our comment form to provide us details of the specific problem you are experiencing and the assistive software and/or hardware you are using so that we can work with our technical support staff to find and implement a solution. We welcome visitors' suggestions to improve accessibility of The World Factbook and the CIA Web site.

I am using the Factbook online and it is not working. What is wrong?

Hundreds of "Factbook" look-alikes exist on the Internet. You can access The World Factbook at: www.cia.gov, which is the only official site.

When I attempt to download a PDF (Portable Document Format) map file (or some other map) the file has no image. Can you fix this?

Some of the files on The World Factbook Web site are large and could take several minutes to download on a dial-up connection. The screen might be blank during the download process.

When I open a map on The World Factbook site, it is fuzzy or granular, or too big or too small. Why?

Adjusting the resolution setting on your monitor should correct this problem.

Is The World Factbook country data available in machine-readable format? All I can find is HTML, but I'm looking for simple tabular data.

The Factbook Web site now features Country Comparison pages for selected Factbook entries. All of the Country Comparison pages can be downloaded as tab-delimited data files that can be opened in other applications such as spreadsheets and databases.

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@Afghanistan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Afghanistan

Background:

Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 Communist counter-coup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan Communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., a US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. The UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan and the National Assembly was inaugurated the following December. Karzai was re-elected in August 2009 for a second term. Despite gains toward building a stable central government, a resurgent Taliban and continuing provincial instability - particularly in the south and the east - remain serious challenges for the Afghan Government.

Geography ::Afghanistan

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 65 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 652,230 sq km country comparison to the world: 41 land: 652,230 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,529 km
border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m
highest point: Noshak 7,485 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones

Land use:

arable land: 12.13%
permanent crops: 0.21%
other: 87.66% (2005)

Irrigated land:

27,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

65 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 23.26 cu km/yr (2%/0%/98%)

per capita: 779 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor)

People ::Afghanistan

Population:

29,121,286 country comparison to the world: 41 note: this is a significantly revised figure; the previous estimate of 33,609,937 was extrapolated from the last Afghan census held in 1979, which was never completed because of the Soviet invasion; a new Afghan census is scheduled to take place in 2010 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 6,343,611/female 6,036,673)

15-64 years: 54% (male 7,864,422/female 7,470,617)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 326,873/female 353,520) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.471% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Birth rate:

38.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Death rate:

17.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Net migration rate:

4.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Urbanization:

urban population: 24% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 151.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 2 male: 155.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 147.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 44.65 years country comparison to the world: 221 male: 44.45 years
female: 44.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Ethnic groups:

Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%,
Baloch 2%, other 4%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%

Languages:

Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashto (official) 35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 28.1%
male: 43.1%
female: 12.6% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 11 years
female: 5 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Afghanistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
conventional short form: Afghanistan
local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestan
local short form: Afghanestan
former: Republic of Afghanistan

Government type:

Islamic republic

Capital:

name: Kabul
geographic coordinates: 34 31 N, 69 11 E
time difference: UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

34 provinces (welayat, singular - welayat); Badakhshan, Badghis,
Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghor,
Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar,
Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika,
Paktiya, Panjshir, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e Pul, Takhar, Uruzgan,
Wardak, Zabul

Independence:

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

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Constitution:

constitution drafted 14 December 2003-4 January 2004; signed 16 January 2004; ratified 26 January 2004

Legal system:

based on mixed civil and sharia law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice President Mohammad FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice President Abdul Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice President Mohammad
FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice President Abdul
Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004)

cabinet: 25 ministers; note - ministers are appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president and two vice presidents elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the first round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes will participate in a second round; election last held on 20 August 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Hamid KARZAI reelected president; percent of vote (first round) - Hamid KARZAI 49.67%, Abdullah ABDULLAH 30.59%, Ramazan BASHARDOST 10.46%, Ashraf GHANI 2.94%; other 6.34%; note - ABDULLAH conceded the election to KARZAI following the first round vote

Legislative branch:

the bicameral National Assembly consists of the Meshrano Jirga or House of Elders (102 seats, one-third of members elected from provincial councils for four-year terms, one-third elected from local district councils for three-year terms, and one-third nominated by the president for five-year terms) and the Wolesi Jirga or House of People (no more than 250 seats); members directly elected for five-year terms
note: on rare occasions the government may convene a Loya Jirga (Grand Council) on issues of independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity; it can amend the provisions of the constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of members of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and district councils
elections: last held on 18 September 2010 (next election expected in 2015)

election results: NA

Judicial branch:

the constitution establishes a nine-member Stera Mahkama or Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for 10-year terms by the president with approval of the Wolesi Jirga) and subordinate High Courts and Appeals Courts; there is also a minister of justice; a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission established by the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human rights abuses and war crimes

Political parties and leaders:

Afghanistan Peoples' Treaty Party [Sayyed Amir TAHSEEN];
Afghanistan's Islamic Mission Organization [Abdul Rasoul SAYYAF];
Afghanistan's Islamic Nation Party [Toran Noor Aqa Ahmad ZAI];
Afghanistan's National Islamic Party [Rohullah LOUDIN];
Afghanistan's Welfare Party [Meer Asef ZAEEFI]; Afghan Social
Democratic Party [Anwarul Haq AHADI]; Afghan Society for the Call to
the Koran and Sunna [Mawlawee Samiullah NAJEEBEE]; Comprehensive
Movement of Democracy and Development of Afghanistan Party [Sher
Mohammad BAZGAR]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Al-hajj Mohammad
Tawos ARAB]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Kabir RANJBAR];
Elites People of Afghanistan Party [Abdul Hamid JAWAD]; Freedom and
Democracy Movement of Afghanistan [Abdul Raqib Jawid KOHISTANEE];
Freedom Party of Afghanistan [Abdul MALEK]; Freedom Party of
Afghanistan [Dr. Ghulam Farooq NEJRABEE]; Hizullah-e-Afghanistan
[Qari Ahmad ALI]; Human Rights Protection and Development Party of
Afghanistan [Baryalai NASRATI]; Islamic Justice Party of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Kabir MARZBAN]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Mohammad
Ali JAWID]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Mukhtar
MUFLEH]; Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Khalid FAROOQI,
Abdul Hadi ARGHANDIWAL]; Islamic Party of the Afghan Land [Mohammad
Hassan FEROZKHEL]; Islamic People's Movement of Afghanistan [Al-haj
Said Hussain ANWARY]; Islamic Society of Afghanistan [Ustad
RABBANI]; Islamic Unity of the Nation of Afghanistan Party [Qurban
Ali URFANI]; Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Karim
KHALILI]; Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan [Haji
Mohammad MOHAQQEQ]; Labor and Progress of Afghanistan Party
[Zulfiqar OMID]; Muslim People of Afghanistan Party [Besmellah
JOYAN]; Muslim Unity Movement Party of Afghanistan [Wazir Mohammad
WAHDAT]; National and Islamic Sovereignty Movement Party of
Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah AHMADZAI]; National Congress Party of
Afghanistan [Abdul Latif PEDRAM]; National Country Party [Ghulam
MOHAMMAD]; National Development Party of Afghanistan [Dr. Assef
BAKTASH]; National Freedom Seekers Party [Abdul Hadi DABEER];
National Independence Party of Afghanistan [Taj Mohammad WARDAK];
National Islamic Fighters Party of Afghanistan [Amanat NINGARHAREE];
National Islamic Front of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Ahmad GAILANEE];
National Islamic Moderation Party of Afghanistan [Qara Baik
IZADYAR]; National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Sayed NOORULLAH]

National Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad AKBAREE];
National Movement of Afghanistan [Ahmad Wali MASOOUD]; National
Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Rashid ARYAN]; National Patch of
Afghanistan Party [Sayed Kamal SADAT]; National Peace Islamic Party
of Afghanistan [Shah Mohammood Popal ZAI]; National Peace & Islamic
Party of the Tribes of Afghanistan [Abdul Qaher SHARIATEE]; National
Peace & Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Qader IMAMI]; National
Prosperity and Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Osman
SALEKZADA]; National Prosperity Party [Mohammad Hassan JAHFAREE];
National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Eshaq
GAILANEE]; National Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Sayed Mansoor
NADREEI]; National Sovereignty Party [Sayed Mustafa KAZEMI];
National Stability Party [Mohammad Same KHAROTI]; National Stance
Party [Habibullah JANEBDAR]; National Tribal Unity Islamic Party of
Afghanistan [Mohammad Shah KHOGYANI]; National Unity Movement
[Sultan Mohammad GHAZI]; National Unity Movement of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Nadir AATASH]; National Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul
Rashid JALILI]; New Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Yunis QANUNI]; Peace
and National Welfare Activists Society [Shamsul al-Haq Noor SHAMS];
Peace Movement [Shahnawaz TANAI]; People's Aspirations Party of
Afghanistan [Ilhaj Saraj-u-din ZAFAREE]; People's Freedom Seekers
Party of Afghanistan [Feda Mohammad EHSAS]; People's Liberal Freedom
Seekers Party of Afghanistan [Ajmal SUHAIL]; People's Message Party
of Afghanistan [Noor Aqa WAINEE]; People's Movement of the National
Unity of Afghanistan [Abdul Hakim NOORZAI]; People's Party of
Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah ASAR]; People's Prosperity Party of
Afghanistan [Ustad Mohammad ZAREEF]; People's Sovereignty Movement
of Afghanistan [Hayatullah SUBHANEE]; People's Uprising Party of
Afghanistan [Sayed Zahir Qayedam Al-BELADI]; People's Welfare Party
of Afghanistan [Miagul WASIQ]; People's Welfare Party of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Zubair PAIROZ]; Progressive Democratic Party of
Afghanistan [Mohammad Wali ARYA]; Republican Party [Sebghatullah
SANJAR]; Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Khaleq NEMAT]; The
Afghanistan's Mujahid Nation's Islamic Unity Movement [Saeedullah
SAEED]; The People of Afghanistan's Democratic Movement [Mohammad
Sharif NAZARI]; Tribes Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad
Zarif NASERI]; Understanding and Democracy Party of Afghanistan
[Ahamad SHAHEEN]

United Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Wasil RAHIMEE]; United Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Wahidullah SABAWOON]; Young Afghanistan's Islamic Organization [Sayed Jawad HUSSINEE]; Youth Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Jamil KARZAI]; note - includes only political parties approved by the Ministry of Justice

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: religious groups; tribal leaders; ethnically based groups; Taliban

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CP, ECO, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner),
SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Khojesta F. EBRAHIMKHEL
chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-6410

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6488
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Karl W. EIKENBERRY
embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul
mailing address: U.S. Embassy Kabul, APO, AE 09806
telephone: [93] 0700 108 001

FAX: [93] 0700 108 564

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), red, and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red band and slightly overlapping the other two bands; the center of the emblem features a mosque with pulpit and flags on either side, below the mosque are numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK); this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of wheat on the left and right, in the upper-center is an Arabic inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are rays of the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great"), and at bottom center is a scroll bearing the name Afghanistan; black signifies the past, red is for the blood shed for independence, and green can represent either hope for the future, agricultural prosperity, or Islam
note: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century than any other country; the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them

National anthem:

name: "Milli Surood" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Abdul Bari JAHANI/Babrak WASA
note: adopted 2006; the 2004 constitution of the post-Taliban government mandated that a new national anthem should be written containing the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) and mentioning the names of Afghanistan's ethnic groups

Economy ::Afghanistan

Economy - overview:

Afghanistan's economy is recovering from decades of conflict. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector, and service sector growth. Despite the progress of the past few years, Afghanistan is extremely poor, landlocked, and highly dependent on foreign aid, agriculture, and trade with neighboring countries. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs. Criminality, insecurity, weak governance, and the Afghan Government's inability to extend rule of law to all parts of the country pose challenges to future economic growth. Afghanistan's living standards are among the lowest in the world. While the international community remains committed to Afghanistan's development, pledging over $67 billion at four donors' conferences since 2002, the Government of Afghanistan will need to overcome a number of challenges, including low revenue collection, anemic job creation, high levels of corruption, weak government capacity, and poor public infrastructure.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29.81 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $27.38 billion (2009 est.)

$22.34 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$16.63 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 22.5% (2009 est.)

3.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31%
industry: 26%
services: 43%
note: data exclude opium production (2008 est.)

Labor force:

15 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 78.6%
industry: 5.7%
services: 15.7% (FY08/09 est.)

Unemployment rate:

35% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 40% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:

36% (FY08/09)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.3% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 20.7% (2008 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 14.92% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.943 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 100 $2.819 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$4.149 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 125 $2.915 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$363.6 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $20.06 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, apparel, food-products, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

285.5 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Electricity - consumption:

231.1 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - imports:

4,404 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - production:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - consumption:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - proved reserves:

49.55 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Current account balance:

-$2.475 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $85 million (2008 est.)

Exports:

$547 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $603 million (2008 est.); note - not including illicit exports or reexports

Exports - commodities:

opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems

Exports - partners:

US 26.47%, India 23.09%, Pakistan 17.36%, Tajikistan 12.51% (2009)

Imports:

$5.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $4.5 billion (2007)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and other capital goods, food, textiles, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Pakistan 26.78%, US 24.81%, India 5.15%, Germany 5.06%, Russia 4.04% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.7 billion (2008/2009) country comparison to the world: 134 $8 billion (2004)

Exchange rates:

afghanis (AFA) per US dollar - 50.23 (2009), 50.25 (2008), 50 (2007), 46 (2006), 47.7 (2005), 48 (2004)

Communications ::Afghanistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

129,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited fixed-line telephone service; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular phone networks
domestic: aided by the presence of multiple providers, mobile-cellular telephone service continues to improve rapidly
international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide international and domestic voice and data connectivity (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned broadcaster, Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), operates a series of radio and television stations in Kabul and the provinces; an estimated 50 private radio stations, 8 TV networks, and about a dozen international broadcasters are available; more than 30 community-based radio stations broadcasting (2007)

Internet country code:

.af

Internet hosts:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 211

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 98

Communications - note:

Internet access is growing through Internet cafes as well as public "telekiosks" in Kabul (2005)

Transportation ::Afghanistan

Airports:

53 (2010) country comparison to the world: 89

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 34

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Heliports:

11 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 466 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 42,150 km country comparison to the world: 87 paved: 12,350 km
unpaved: 29,800 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,200 km; (chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT) (2008) country comparison to the world: 59

Ports and terminals:

Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Military ::Afghanistan

Military branches:

Afghan Armed Forces: Afghan National Army (ANA, includes Afghan
National Army Air Force, ANAAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

22 years of age; inductees are contracted into service for a 4-year term (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,800,888
females age 16-49: 6,413,647 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,888,358
females age 16-49: 3,641,998 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 378,996
female: 357,822 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Transnational Issues ::Afghanistan

Disputes - international:

Pakistan has built fences in some portions of its border with Afghanistan which remains open in some areas to foreign terrorists and other illegal activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 132,246 (mostly Pashtuns and Kuchis displaced in south and west due to drought and instability) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest producer of opium; poppy cultivation decreased 22% to 157,000 hectares in 2008 but remains at a historically high level; less favorable growing conditions in 2008 reduced potential opium production to 5,500 metric tons, down 31 percent from 2007; if the entire opium crop were processed, 648 metric tons of pure heroin potentially could be produced; the Taliban and other antigovernment groups participate in and profit from the opiate trade, which is a key source of revenue for the Taliban inside Afghanistan; widespread corruption and instability impede counterdrug efforts; most of the heroin consumed in Europe and Eurasia is derived from Afghan opium; vulnerable to drug money laundering through informal financial networks; regional source of hashish (2008)

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Akrotiri (Europe)

Introduction ::Akrotiri

Background:

By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Western Sovereign Base Area.

Geography ::Akrotiri

Location:

Eastern Mediterranean, peninsula on the southwest coast of Cyprus

Geographic coordinates:

34 37 N, 32 58 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 123 sq km country comparison to the world: 223 note: includes a salt lake and wetlands

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 47.4 km
border countries: Cyprus 47.4 km

Coastline:

56.3 km

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Environment - current issues:

hunting around the salt lake; note - breeding place for loggerhead and green turtles; only remaining colony of griffon vultures is on the base

Geography - note:

British extraterritorial rights also extended to several small
off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base Area
(SBA) land, 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the
Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

People ::Akrotiri

Population:

approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 Service and UK-based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents country comparison to the world: 219

Languages:

English, Greek

Government ::Akrotiri

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Akrotiri

Dependency status:

a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Capital:

name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia)

geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Constitution:

Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal document

Legal system:

the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws of the Republic of Cyprus

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

the flag of the UK is used

National anthem:

note: as a United Kingdom area of special sovereignty, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Akrotiri

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to the military and their families located in Akrotiri. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008)

note: on 1 January 2008 Akrotiri and Dhekelia adopted the euro along with the rest of Cyprus

Communications ::Akrotiri

Broadcast media:

British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts to the Akrotiri Sovereign Base (2009)

Military ::Akrotiri

Military - note:

Akrotiri has a full RAF base, Headquarters for British Forces
Cyprus, and Episkopi Support Unit

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Albania (Europe)

Introduction ::Albania

Background:

Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997; however, there have been claims of electoral fraud in every one of Albania's post-communist elections. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges to reduce crime and corruption, promote economic growth, and decrease the size of government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important step forward. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU accession. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure.

Geography ::Albania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece in the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 28,748 sq km country comparison to the world: 144 land: 27,398 sq km
water: 1,350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 717 km
border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Montenegro 172 km, Kosovo 112 km

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 20.1%
permanent crops: 4.21%
other: 75.69% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,530 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

41.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.71 cu km/yr (27%/11%/62%)

per capita: 546 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

People ::Albania

Population:

2,986,952 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.1% (male 440,528/female 400,816)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,251,001/female 1,190,841)

65 years and over: 9.8% (male 165,557/female 190,710) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30 years
male: 28.9 years
female: 31.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.249% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Birth rate:

11.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Death rate:

6.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Net migration rate:

-3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.123 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 123 male: 16.79 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.22 years country comparison to the world: 59 male: 74.65 years
female: 80.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Ethnic groups:

Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb,
Macedonian, Bulgarian) (1989 est.)

note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)

Religions:

Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%
note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice

Languages:

Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach,
Romani, Slavic dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 9 and over can read and write
total population: 98.7%
male: 99.2%
female: 98.3% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 148

Government ::Albania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Albania
conventional short form: Albania
local long form: Republika e Shqiperise
local short form: Shqiperia
former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tirana (Tirane)

geographic coordinates: 41 19 N, 19 49 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Berat, Diber, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Korce, Kukes, Lezhe, Shkoder, Tirane, Vlore

Independence:

28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Constitution:

approved by parliament on 21 October 1998; adopted by popular referendum on 22 November 1998; promulgated 28 November 1998

Legal system:

has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for its citizens

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Republic Bamir TOPI (since 24 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); four election rounds held between 8 and 20 July 2007 (next election to be held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Bamir TOPI elected president; Assembly vote, fourth round (three-fifths majority, 84 votes, required): Bamir TOPI 85 votes, Neritan CEKA 5 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Kuvendi (140 deputies; 100 deputies elected directly in single member electoral zones with an approximate number of voters; 40 deputies elected from multi-name lists of parties or party coalitions according to their respective order)

elections: last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PD 68, PS 65, LSI 4, other 3

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a four-year term) and multiple appeals and district courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Party for Justice and
Integration or PDI [Tahir MUCHEDINI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir
MEDIU]; Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Ilir META];
Socialist Party or PS [Edi RAMA]; Unity for Humen Rights Party or
PBDNJ [Vangjel DULE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Citizens Advocacy Office [Kreshnik SPAHIU]; Confederation of Trade
Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot MUCO]; Front for Albanian
National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur ADILI]; Mjaft Movement [Elton
KACIDHJA]; Omonia [Ligorag KARAMELO]; Union of Independent Trade
Unions of Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA]

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, SECI,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gilbert GALANXHI
chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942

FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander ARVIZU
embassy: Rruga e Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana
mailing address: US Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510
telephone: [355] (4) 2247285

FAX: [355] (4) 2232222

Flag description:

red with a black two-headed eagle in the center; the design is claimed to be that of 15th-century hero George Castriota SKANDERBERG, who led a successful uprising against the Turks that resulted in a short-lived independence for some Albanian regions (1443-1478); an unsubstantiated explanation for the eagle symbol is the tradition that Albanians see themselves as descendants of the eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shkypetars," which translates as "sons of the eagle"

National anthem:

name: "Hymni i Flamurit" (Hymn to the Flag)

lyrics/music: Aleksander Stavre DRENOVA/Ciprian PORUMBESCU
note: adopted 1912

Economy ::Albania

Economy - overview:

Albania, a formerly closed, centrally-planned state, is making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. Macroeconomic growth averaged around 6% between 2004-08, but declined to about 3% in 2009-10. Inflation is low and stable. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is bolstered by annual remittances from abroad representing about 15% of GDP, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy; this helps offset the towering trade deficit. The agricultural sector, which accounts for over half of employment but only about one-fifth of GDP, is limited primarily to small family operations and subsistence farming because of lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of land. Energy shortages because of a reliance on hydropower, and antiquated and inadequate infrastructure contribute to Albania's poor business environment and lack of success in attracting new foreign investment needed to expand the country's export base. The completion of a new thermal power plant near Vlore has helped diversify generation capacity, and plans to upgrade transmission lines between Albania and Montenegro and Kosovo would help relieve the energy shortages. Also, with help from EU funds, the government is taking steps to improve the poor national road and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.95 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $23.23 billion (2009 est.)

$22.49 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Albania has an informal, and unreported, sector that may be as large as 50% of official GDP

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.58 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 3.3% (2009 est.)

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $7,800 (2009 est.)

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 19.5%
services: 59.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.1 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 58%
industry: 15%
services: 27% (September 2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 12.8% (2009 est.)

note: these are official rates, but actual rates may exceed 30% due to preponderance of near-subsistence farming

Population below poverty line:

25% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.2%
highest 10%: 25.9% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 126

Investment (gross fixed):

29.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Public debt:

59.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 58.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 2.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 71 6.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.66% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 13.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.708 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 113 $2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.096 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 105 $9.279 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.701 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $8.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Electricity - production:

2.888 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - consumption:

3.603 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.475 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - consumption:

36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - exports:

749 bbl/day (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - imports:

24,080 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - proved reserves:

199.1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - production:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - consumption:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Current account balance:

-$1.245 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 -$1.845 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.339 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $1.048 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Italy 58.75%, Greece 9.69%, Austria 6.73%, China 5.68% (2009)

Imports:

$4.337 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $4.264 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Italy 29.94%, Greece 14.05%, Turkey 7.1%, Germany 6.9%, China 5.39% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $2.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.55 billion (2004) country comparison to the world: 143

Exchange rates:

leke (ALL) per US dollar - 106.5 (2010), 94.979 (2009), 79.546 (2008), 92.668 (2007), 98.384 (2006)

Communications ::Albania

Telephones - main lines in use:

363,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.162 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 102

Telephone system:

general assessment: despite new investment in fixed lines teledensity remains low with roughly 10 fixed lines per 100 people; mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is now exceeds 100 per 100 persons
domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity, mobile-cellular phone service has been available since 1996; by 2003, two companies were providing mobile services at a greater teledensity than some of Albania's neighbors; Internet broadband services initiated in 2005; Internet cafes are popular in Tirana and have started to spread outside the capital
international: country code - 355; submarine cable provides connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; the Trans-Balkan Line, a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey; international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 public television networks, one of which transmits by satellite to Albanian-language communities in neighboring countries; more than 60 private television stations operating; many viewers can pick up Italian and Greek TV broadcasts via terrestrial reception; cable TV service is available; 2 public radio networks and roughly 50 private radio stations; several international broadcasters are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.al

Internet hosts:

15,098 (2010) country comparison to the world: 117

Internet users:

1.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Transportation ::Albania

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 177

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 896 km country comparison to the world: 96 standard gauge: 896 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,000 km country comparison to the world: 117 paved: 7,020 km
unpaved: 10,980 km (2002)

Waterways:

43 km (on the Bojana River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 105

Merchant marine:

total: 25 country comparison to the world: 92 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 23, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)

registered in other countries: 4 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Military ::Albania

Military branches:

Joint Force Command (includes Land, Naval, and Aviation Brigade
Commands), Joint Support Command (includes Logistic Command),
Training and Doctrine Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 947,446
females age 16-49: 910,145 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 802,097
females age 16-49: 768,953 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,249
female: 31,855 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.49% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Transnational Issues ::Albania

Disputes - international:

the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians in neighboring countries, and the peaceful resolution of interethnic disputes; some ethnic Albanian groups in neighboring countries advocate for a "greater Albania," but the idea has little appeal among Albanian nationals; the mass emigration of unemployed Albanians remains a problem for developed countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Illicit drugs:

increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to a lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium and expanding cannabis production; ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and expanding in Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with regional trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal aliens
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Algeria (Africa)

Introduction ::Algeria

Background:

After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), was established in 1954 as part of the struggle for independence and has largely dominated politics since. The Government of Algeria in 1988 instituted a multi-party system in response to public unrest, but the surprising first round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting spurred the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crackdown on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking government targets, and fighting escalated into an insurgency, which saw intense violence between 1992-98 resulting in over 100,000 deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s, and FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, with the backing of the military, won the presidency in 1999 in an election widely viewed as fraudulent, was reelected to a second term in 2004, and overwhelmingly won a third term in 2009 after the government amended the constitution in 2008 to remove presidential term limits. Longstanding problems continue to face BOUTEFLIKA, including large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing activities of extremist militants. The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in 2006 merged with al-Qai'da to form al-Qai'da in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, which has launched an ongoing series of kidnappings and bombings targeting the Algerian Government and Western interests.

Geography ::Algeria

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 3 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,381,741 sq km country comparison to the world: 11 land: 2,381,741 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 6,343 km
border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km

Coastline:

998 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm

Climate:

arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer

Terrain:

mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m
highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

Natural resources:

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

Land use:

arable land: 3.17%
permanent crops: 0.28%
other: 96.55% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,690 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.07 cu km/yr (22%/13%/65%)

per capita: 185 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides and floods in rainy season

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

People ::Algeria

Population:

34,586,184 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.4% (male 4,436,591/female 4,259,729)

15-64 years: 69.5% (male 11,976,965/female 11,777,618)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 798,576/female 928,709) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.1 years
male: 26.8 years
female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.177% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Birth rate:

16.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Death rate:

4.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Net migration rate:

-0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 81 male: 29.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.26 years country comparison to the world: 98 male: 72.57 years
female: 76.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.76 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Nationality:

noun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools

Religions:

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

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 69.9%
male: 79.6%
female: 60.1% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 98

Government ::Algeria

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
conventional short form: Algeria
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Sha'biyah
local short form: Al Jaza'ir

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Algiers
geographic coordinates: 36 45 N, 3 03 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

48 provinces (wilayat, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain
Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida,
Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa,
El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel,
Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila,
Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi
Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret,
Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

Independence:

5 July 1962 (from France)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

Constitution:

8 September 1963; revised 19 November 1976; effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, 28 November 1996, 10 April 2002, and 12 November 2008

Legal system:

socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999) note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; a November 2008 constitutional amendment separated the position of head of government from that of the prime minister
head of government: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; note - a November 2008 constitutional amendment abolished presidential term limits; election last held on 9 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA was reelected president for a third term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 90.2%, Louisa HANOUNE 4.2%, Moussa TOUATI 2.3%, Djahid YOUNSI 1.4%, Ali Fawzi REBIANE less than 1%, Mohamed SAID less than 1%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Council of the Nation (upper house; 144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote to serve six-year terms; the constitution requires half the Council to be renewed every three years) and the National People's Assembly (lower house; 389 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Council of the Nation - last held on 29 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2012); National People's Assembly - last held on 17 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Council of the Nation - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; National People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FLN 136, RND 61, MSP 52, PT 26, RCD 19, FNA 13, other 49, independents 33;

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Ahd 54 [Ali Fauzi REBAINE]; Algerian National Front or FNA [Moussa
TOUATI]; National Democratic Rally (Rassemblement National
Democratique) or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA]; National Liberation Front or
FLN [Abdelaziz BELKHADEM, secretary general]; National Reform
Movement or Islah [Ahmed ABDESLAM] (formerly MRN); Rally for Culture
and Democracy or RCD [Said SADI]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda
Movement [Fatah RABEI]; Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait
AHMED]; Society of Peace Movement or MSP [Boudjerra SOLTANI];
Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUNE]

note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted in March 1997

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Algerian Human Rights League or LADDH [Hocine ZEHOUANE]; SOS
Disparus [Nacera DUTOUR]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, OSCE
(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah BAALI
chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David D. PEARCE
embassy: 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir, El-Ibrahimi, El-Biar 16000 Algiers
mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers
telephone: [213] 770-08-2000

FAX: [213] 21-60-7355

Flag description:

two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the two-color boundary; the colors represent Islam (green), purity and peace (white), and liberty (red); the crescent and star are also Islamic symbols, but the crescent is more closed than those of other Muslim countries because the Algerians believe the long crescent horns bring happiness

National anthem:

name: "Kassaman" (We Pledge)

lyrics/music: Mufdi ZAKARIAH/Mohamed FAWZI
note: adopted 1962; ZAKARIAH wrote "Kassaman" as a poem while imprisoned in Algiers by French colonial forces

Economy ::Algeria

Economy - overview:

Algeria's economy remains dominated by the state, a legacy of the country's socialist post-independence development model. Gradual liberalization since the mid-1990s has opened up more of the economy, but in recent years Algeria has imposed new restrictions on foreign involvement in its economy and largely halted the privatization of state-owned industries. Hydrocarbons have long been the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. Algeria has the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the fourth-largest gas exporter. It ranks 16th in oil reserves. Thanks to strong hydrocarbon revenues, Algeria has a cushion of $150 billion in foreign currency reserves and a large hydrocarbon stabilization fund. In addition, Algeria's external debt is extremely low at about 1% of GDP. Algeria has struggled to develop industires outside of hydrocarbons in part because of high costs and an inert state bureaucracy.The government's efforts to diversify the economy by attracting foregin and domestic investment outside the energy sector have done little to reduce high poverty and youth unemployment rates. In 2010, Algeria began a five-year, $286 billion development program to update the country's infrastructure and provide jobs. The costly program will boost Algeria's economy in 2011 but worsen the country's budget deficit. Long-term economic challenges include diversification from hydrocarbons, relaxing state control of the economy, and providing adequate jobs for youger Algerians.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$254.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $244.6 billion (2009 est.)

$239.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$159 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 2.2% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $7,200 (2009 est.)

$7,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.3%
industry: 61.5%
services: 30.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.877 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%
industry: 13.4%
construction and public works: 10%
trade: 14.6%
government: 32%
other: 16% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 10.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.3 (1995) country comparison to the world: 86

Investment (gross fixed):

27.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Public debt:

25.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 20% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 5.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 107 4% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$79.07 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 36 $68.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$109.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $98.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$12.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $21.71 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - production:

34.98 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - consumption:

28.34 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - exports:

273 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

279 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2.125 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - consumption:

325,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - exports:

1.891 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - imports:

14,320 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - proved reserves:

13.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - production:

86.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - consumption:

26.83 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - exports:

59.67 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.502 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Current account balance:

$3.959 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 -$4.185 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$52.66 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $43.69 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

Exports - partners:

US 23.2%, Italy 17.23%, Spain 10.83%, France 7.97%, Canada 7.65%,
Netherlands 5.19%, Turkey 4.22% (2009)

Imports:

$37.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $39.1 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 19.7%, China 11.72%, Italy 10.19%, Spain 8.13%, Germany 5.77%, Turkey 5.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$150.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $149.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.138 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $5.413 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$19.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $17.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.844 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $1.644 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Algerian dinars (DZD) per US dollar - 76 (2010), 72.6474 (2009), 63.25 (2008), 69.9 (2007), 72.647 (2006)

Communications ::Algeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.576 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51

Telephones - mobile cellular:

32.73 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization of Algeria's telecommunications sector began in 2000; three mobile cellular licenses have been issued and, in 2005, a consortium led by Egypt's Orascom Telecom won a 15-year license to build and operate a fixed-line network in Algeria; the license will allow Orascom to develop high-speed data and other specialized services and contribute to meeting the large unfulfilled demand for basic residential telephony; Internet broadband services began in 2003
domestic: a limited network of fixed lines with a teledensity of less than 10 telephones per 100 persons is offset by the rapid increase in mobile-cellular subscribership; in 2009, combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity was roughly 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 213; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 51 (Intelsat, Intersputnik, and Arabsat) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run Radio-Television Algerienne operates the broadcast media and carries programming in Arabic, Berber dialects, and French; use of satellite dishes is widespread, providing easy access to European and Arab satellite stations; state-run radio operates several national networks and roughly 40 regional radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.dz

Internet hosts:

572 (2010) country comparison to the world: 176

Internet users:

4.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Transportation ::Algeria

Airports:

143 (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 57
over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 41
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 1,937 km; gas 14,648 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,933 km; oil 7,579 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,973 km country comparison to the world: 43 standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 108,302 km country comparison to the world: 39 paved: 76,028 km (includes 645 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,274 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 35 country comparison to the world: 80 by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 9, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 12 (UK 12) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran,
Skikda

Military ::Algeria

Military branches:

People's National Army (Armee Nationale Populaire, ANP), Land Forces (Forces Terrestres, FT), Navy of the Republic of Algeria (Marine de la Republique Algerienne, MRA), Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jaza'eriya, QJJ), Territorial Air Defense Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

19-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (6 months basic training, 12 months civil projects) (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,113,472
females age 16-49: 9,959,693 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,481,036
females age 16-49: 8,508,245 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 365,503
female: 352,009 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 37

Transnational Issues ::Algeria

Disputes - international:

Algeria, and many other states, rejects Moroccan administration of Western Sahara; the Polisario Front, exiled in Algeria, represents the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; Algeria's border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations, each nation accusing the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling; Algeria remains concerned about armed bandits operating throughout the Sahel who sometimes destabilize southern Algerian towns; dormant disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected on its maps of southeastern Algeria and the FLN's assertions of a claim to Chirac Pastures in southeastern Morocco

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 90,000 (Western Saharan Sahrawi, mostly living in Algerian-sponsored camps in the southwestern Algerian town of Tindouf)

IDPs: undetermined (civil war during 1990s) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Algeria is a transit country for men and women trafficked from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; criminal networks of sub-Saharan nationals in southern Algeria facilitate transit by arranging transportation, forged documents, and promises of employment
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Algeria is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in January 2009, the government approved new legislation that criminalizes trafficking in persons for the purposes of labor and sexual exploitation representing an important step toward complying with international standards; despite these efforts, the government did not show overall progress in punishing trafficking crimes and protecting trafficking victims and continued to lack adequate measures to protect victims and prevent trafficking (2009)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@American Samoa (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::American Samoa

Background:

Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Geography ::American Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 199 sq km country comparison to the world: 215 land: 199 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

116 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

Natural resources:

pumice, pumicite

Land use:

arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 15%
other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons common from December to March
volcanism: American Samoa experiences limited volcanic activity on the Ofu and Olosega Islands, neither has erupted since the 19th century

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines

Geography - note:

Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South
Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by
peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the
South Pacific Ocean

People ::American Samoa

Population:

66,432 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.4% (male 11,159/female 10,768)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 20,848/female 20,271)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 1,211/female 1,371) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.4 years
male: 23.3 years
female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.212% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Birth rate:

23.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Death rate:

4.09 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Net migration rate:

-6.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 152 male: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years country comparison to the world: 104 male: 71.04 years
female: 77.08 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)

adjective: American Samoan

Ethnic groups:

native Pacific islander 91.6%, Asian 2.8%, white 1.1%, mixed 4.2%, other 0.3% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and other 30%

Languages:

Samoan 90.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 2.9%, Tongan 2.4%, other Pacific islander 2.1%, other 2%
note: most people are bilingual (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97%
male: 98%
female: 97% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::American Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa
conventional short form: American Samoa
abbreviation: AS

Dependency status:

unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Pago Pago
geographic coordinates: 14 16 S, 170 42 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Constitution:

ratified on 2 June 1966; effective 1 July 1967

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

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

cabinet: Cabinet made up of 12 department directors (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 and 18 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Togiola TULAFONO reelected governor; percent of vote - Togiola TULAFONO 56.5%, Afoa Moega LUTU 43.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs to serve four-year terms)and the House of Representatives (21 seats; 20 members are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2010); Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 18
note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegate

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Oreta M. TOGAFAU]; Republican Party [Tautai A. F.
FAALEVAO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Population Pressure LAS (addresses the growing population pressures)

International organization participation:

AOSIS, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a "Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the relationship between the United States and American Samoa

National anthem:

name: "Amerika Samoa" (American Samoa)

lyrics/music: Mariota Tiumalu TUIASOSOPO/Napoleon Andrew TUITELELEAPAGA
note: local anthem adopted 1950; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::American Samoa

Economy - overview:

American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US with which American Samoa conducts most of its commerce. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. The two tuna canneries account for 80% of employment. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting tsunami devastated American Samoa and nearby Samoa, disrupting transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is overseeing a relief program of nearly $25 million. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism is a promising developing sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$575.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $510.1 million (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$462.2 million (2005)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2003) country comparison to the world: 119

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $5,800 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

17,630 (2005) country comparison to the world: 210

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%
industry: 33%
services: 33% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

29.8% (2005) country comparison to the world: 176

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels), handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

185 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Electricity - consumption:

172.1 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Oil - imports:

4,140 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Exports:

$445.6 million (FY04 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna 93%

Imports:

$308.8 million (FY04 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Imports - commodities:

raw materials for canneries 56%, food, petroleum products, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::American Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,200 (2004) country comparison to the world: 214

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile, and cellular telephone services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station
international: country code - 1-684; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat-Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

3 television stations broadcasting; multi-channel pay-per-view television services are available; about a dozen radio stations, some of which are repeater stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.as

Internet hosts:

1,676 (2010) country comparison to the world: 157

Internet users:

NA

Transportation ::American Samoa

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 241 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 205

Ports and terminals:

Pago Pago

Military ::American Samoa

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,230
females age 16-49: 13,842 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 810
female: 796 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::American Samoa

Disputes - international:

Tokelau periodically asserts claims to American Samoa's Swains
Island (Olohega), such as in its 2006 draft independence constitution

page last updated on December 8, 2010

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

@Andorra (Europe)

Introduction ::Andorra

Background:

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.

Geography ::Andorra

Location:

Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Geographic coordinates:

42 30 N, 1 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 468 sq km country comparison to the world: 194 land: 468 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

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

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m
highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Land use:

arable land: 2.13%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

avalanches

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees

People ::Andorra

Population:

84,525 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 6,710/female 6,305)

15-64 years: 72.2% (male 31,604/female 28,925)

65 years and over: 12.3% (male 5,113/female 5,231) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.9 years
male: 40.2 years
female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.382% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Birth rate:

10.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Death rate:

6.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 207 male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.36 years country comparison to the world: 4 male: 80.3 years
female: 84.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.34 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Ethnic groups:

Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (predominant)

Languages:

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Literacy:

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

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 141

Government ::Andorra

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Andorra
conventional short form: Andorra
local long form: Principat d'Andorra
local short form: Andorra

Government type:

parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain, who are represented in Andorra by the coprinces' representatives

Capital:

name: Andorra la Vella
geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria

Independence:

1278 (formed under the joint suzerainty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgel)

National holiday:

Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Constitution:

Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; effective 28 April 1993

Legal system:

based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: French Coprince Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Christian FREMONT (since September 2008) and Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May 2003); represented by Nemesi MARQUES i Oste (since 30 July 2003)

head of government: Executive Council President Jaume BARTUMEU Cassany (since 5 June 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive Council president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Executive Council president elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in April-May 2013)

election results: Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY elected executive council president; percent of General Council vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the seven parishes; to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in March-April 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 45%, Reformist Coaliton 32%, Andorra for Change 19%, Andorran Green 4%; seats by party - PS 14, Reformist Coalition 11, Andorra for Change 3

Judicial branch:

Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or
Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal
Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice or
Consell Superior de la Justicia; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal
Constitucional

Political parties and leaders:

Andorra for Change [Juan Eusebio NOMEN CALVET]; Greens of Andorra [Isabel LOZANO MUNOZ]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (formerly Liberal Union or UL); New Center [Vicenc MATEU] (formerly Andorran Democratic Center Party); Reformist Coalition [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (includes the Liberal Party and New Center); Social Democratic Party or PS [Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY] (formerly part of National Democratic Group or AND)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Narcis CASAL Fonsdeviela
chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064

FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: [34] (93) 280-2227; FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem

National anthem:

name: "El Gran Carlemany" (The Great Charlemagne)

lyrics/music: Joan BENLLOCH i VIVO/Enric Marfany BONS
note: adopted 1921; the anthem provides a brief history of Andorra in a first person narrative

Economy ::Andorra

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status for some products and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.22 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 166 $3.66 billion (2007)

$3.588 billion (2006)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 2% (2007 est.)

3.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$44,900 (2008) country comparison to the world: 12 $42,500 (2007)

$38,800 (2005)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

42,220 (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 18.5%
services: 81% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2008) country comparison to the world: 69 0% (2007)

Population below poverty line:

8% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2008) country comparison to the world: 67 3.9% (2007)

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and France;
Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Exports:

$89.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 195 $117.1 million (2007)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco products, furniture

Imports:

$1.801 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.789 billion (2007)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, food, electricity

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7306 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Andorra

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges
international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain

Broadcast media:

1 public television station and 2 public radio stations; a few commercial radio stations operating; good reception of radio and TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain (2008)

Internet country code:

.ad

Internet hosts:

26,773 (2010) country comparison to the world: 100

Internet users:

67,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

Transportation ::Andorra

Roadways:

total: 320 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 201

Military ::Andorra

Military branches:

no regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,776 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,338
females age 16-49: 17,395 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 396
female: 350 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Transnational Issues ::Andorra

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Angola (Africa)

Introduction ::Angola

Background:

Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but fighting picked up again by 1996. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. President DOS SANTOS held legislative elections in September 2008 and, despite promising to hold presidential elections in 2009, has since made a presidential poll contingent on the drafting of a new constitution.

Geography ::Angola

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 18 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,246,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 23 land: 1,246,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,198 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province), Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Coastline:

1,600 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 2.65%
permanent crops: 0.23%
other: 97.12% (2005)

Irrigated land:

800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

184 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.35 cu km/yr (23%/17%/60%)

per capita: 22 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Environment - current issues:

overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

People ::Angola

Population:

13,068,161 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,812,359/female 2,759,047)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 3,496,726/female 3,382,440)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 153,678/female 195,043) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years
male: 18 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.063% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Birth rate:

43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Death rate:

23.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Net migration rate:

1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 178.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 1 male: 190.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 165.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 38.48 years country comparison to the world: 223 male: 37.48 years
female: 39.52 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.05 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

190,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Ethnic groups:

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998 est.)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.4%
male: 82.9%
female: 54.2% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 160

Government ::Angola

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Angola
conventional short form: Angola
local long form: Republica de Angola
local short form: Angola
former: People's Republic of Angola

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Luanda
geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 13 14 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela,
Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene,
Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico,
Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Independence:

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Constitution:

adopted by People's Assembly 25 August 1992

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); Antonio Paulo KASSOMA was named prime minister by MPLA on 26 September 2008
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under the 1992 constitution; President DOS SANTOS was selected by the party to take over after the death of former President Augustino NETO(1979) under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections on 29-30 September 1992 (next were to be held in September 2009 but have been postponed)

election results: Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was never held leaving DOS SANTOS in his current position as the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 5-6 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 81.6%, UNITA 10.4%, PRS 3.2%, ND 1.2%, FNLA 1.1%, other 2.5%; seats by party - MPLA 191, UNITA 16, PRS 8, FNLA 3, ND 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court and separate provincial courts (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [Ngola KABANGU]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Isaias SAMAKUVA] (largest opposition party); New Democracy Electoral Union or ND [Quintino de MOREIRA]; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS] (ruling party in power since 1975); Social Renewal Party or PRS [Eduardo KUANGANA]

note: nine other parties participated in the legislative election in September 2008 but won no seats

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC [N'zita
Henriques TIAGO, Antonio Bento BEMBE]

note: FLEC's small-scale armed struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province persists despite the signing of a peace accord with the government in August 2006

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OPEC,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKITE
chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dan MOZENA
embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of Luanda), Luanda
mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda; pouch: US Embassy Luanda, US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place, Washington, DC 20521-2550
telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000

FAX: [244] (222) 64-1232

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle); red represents liberty, black the African continent, the symbols characterize workers and peasants

National anthem:

name: "Angola Avante" (Forward Angola)

lyrics/music: Manuel Rui Alves MONTEIRO/Rui Alberto Vieira Dias MINGAO
note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Angola

Economy - overview:

Angola's high growth rate in recent years was driven by high international prices for its oil. Angola became a member of OPEC in late 2006 and in late 2007 was assigned a production quota of 1.9 million barrels a day (bbl/day), somewhat less than the 2-2.5 million bbl/day Angola's government had wanted. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Diamond exports contribute an additional 5%. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food is still imported. Increased oil production supported growth averaging more than 15% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Much of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war. Land mines left from the war still mar the countryside, even though peace was established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI in February 2002. Since 2005, the government has used billions of dollars in credit lines from China, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to rebuild Angola's public infrastructure. The global recession temporarily stalled economic growth. Lower prices for oil and diamonds during the global recession led to a contraction in GDP in 2009, and many construction projects stopped because Luanda accrued $9 billion in arrears to foreign construction companies when government revenue fell in 2008 and 2009. Angola abandoned its currency peg in 2009, and in November 2009 signed onto an IMF Stand-By Arrangement loan of $1.4 billion to rebuild international reserves. Although consumer inflation declined from 325% in 2000 to under 14% in 2010, Luanda has been unable to reduce inflation below 10%. The Angolan kwanza depreciated again in mid 2010, which, along with higher oil prices, should boost economic growth in all sectors. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors, also is a major challenge.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $107.8 billion (2009 est.)

$108.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$85.81 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -0.9% (2009 est.)

13.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $8,400 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.6%
industry: 65.8%
services: 24.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

7.977 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%
industry and services: 15% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA

Population below poverty line:

40.5% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.6%
highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Public debt:

20.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 21.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215 13.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

30% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 12 19.57% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 12.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.74 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 74 $9.792 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$24.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $29.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $22.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish

Industries:

petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - production:

3.722 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - consumption:

3.173 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.948 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - consumption:

70,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - exports:

1.407 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - imports:

28,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - proved reserves:

13.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - production:

680 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - consumption:

680 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - proved reserves:

271.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Current account balance:

$2.089 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -$1.668 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$51.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $40.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Exports - partners:

China 35.65%, US 25.98%, France 8.83%, South Africa 4.13% (2009)

Imports:

$18.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $15.74 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Imports - partners:

Portugal 18.71%, China 17.39%, US 8.51%, Brazil 8.22%, South Korea 6.72%, France 4.51%, Italy 4.28%, South Africa 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.89 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$91.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $79.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.883 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $3.933 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kwanza (AOA) per US dollar - 92.08 (2010), 79.328 (2009), 75.023 (2008), 76.6 (2007), 80.4 (2006)

Communications ::Angola

Telephones - main lines in use:

303,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.109 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited system; state-owned telecom had monopoly for fixed-lines until 2005; demand outstripped capacity, prices were high, and services poor; Telecom Namibia, through an Angolan company, became the first private licensed operator in Angola's fixed-line telephone network; by 2010, the number of fixed-line providers had expanded to 5; Angola Telecom established mobile-cellular service in Luanda in 1993 and the network has been extended to larger towns; a privately-owned, mobile-cellular service provider began operations in 2001
domestic: only about two fixed-lines per 100 persons; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 telephones per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 244; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 29 (2009)

Broadcast media:

state controls all broadcast media with nationwide reach; state-owned Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial TV service on 2 channels; a third TPA channel is available via cable and satellite; TV subscription services are available; state-owned Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) broadcasts on 5 stations; about a half dozen private radio stations broadcast locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.ao

Internet hosts:

3,717 (2010) country comparison to the world: 142

Internet users:

606,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Transportation ::Angola

Airports:

193 (2010) country comparison to the world: 32

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 31
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 162
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 78
under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2 km; oil 87 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,764 km country comparison to the world: 62 narrow gauge: 2,641 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 51,429 km country comparison to the world: 80 paved: 5,349 km
unpaved: 46,080 km (2001)

Waterways:

1,300 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Merchant marine:

total: 7 country comparison to the world: 125 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 15 (Bahamas 5, Liberia 1, Malta 7, former Netherlands Antilles 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Namibe

Military ::Angola

Military branches:

Angolan Armed Forces (FAA): Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra Angola,
MGA), Angolan National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional Angolana,
FANA) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20-45 years of age for compulsory and 18-45 years for voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years; Angolan citizenship required; minimum age for women volunteers is 20; the MGA is entirely staffed with volunteers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,991,424
females age 16-49: 2,893,898 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,506,489
females age 16-49: 1,451,427 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 151,237
female: 147,919 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Transnational Issues ::Angola

Disputes - international:

Cabindan separatists continue to return to the Angolan exclave from exile in neighboring states and Europe since the 2006 ceasefire and peace agreement

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 12,615 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 61,700 (27-year civil war ending in 2002; 4 million IDPs already have returned) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africa
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Anguilla (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Anguilla

Background:

Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.

Geography ::Anguilla

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 63 10 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 91 sq km country comparison to the world: 226 land: 91 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

61 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Natural resources:

salt, fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system

Geography - note:

the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles

People ::Anguilla

Population:

14,766 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.5% (male 1,815/female 1,725)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 4,665/female 5,125)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 534/female 572) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33 years
male: 31.6 years
female: 34.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.215% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Birth rate:

13 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Death rate:

4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Net migration rate:

13.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.032 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 212 male: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.77 years country comparison to the world: 18 male: 78.22 years
female: 83.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.75 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Anguillan(s)

adjective: Anguillan

Ethnic groups:

black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%, other 1.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 12 and over can read and write
total population: 95%
male: 95%
female: 95% (1984 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 131

Government ::Anguilla

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Anguilla

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: The Valley
geographic coordinates: 18 13 N, 63 03 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)

Constitution:

Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Alistair HARRISON (since 21 April 2009)

head of government: Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 February 2010)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats; 7 members elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 15 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AUM 4, AUF 2, APP 1

Judicial branch:

High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Anguilla Progressive Party or APP [Roy ROGERS]; Anguilla Strategic
Alternative or ANSA [Edison BAIRD]; Anguilla United Front or AUF
[Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS] (a coalition of the Anguilla
Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA);
Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with a turquoise-blue field below; the white in the background represents peace; the blue base symbolizes the surrounding sea, as well as faith, youth, and hope; the three dolphins stand for endurance, unity, and strength

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Anguilla"

lyrics/music: Alex RICHARDSON
note: local anthem adopted 1981; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Anguilla

Economy - overview:

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry has spurred the growth of the construction sector contributing to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector, which is small but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on favorable weather conditions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$175.4 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $191.7 million (2008 est.)

$108.9 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$175.4 million (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-8.5% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%
industry: 18%
services: 78% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

6,049 (2001) country comparison to the world: 218

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 4%
manufacturing: 3%
construction: 18%
transportation and utilities: 10%
commerce: 36%
services: 29% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2002) country comparison to the world: 87

Population below poverty line:

23% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 60 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.27% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 9.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$19.03 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 186 $19.57 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$458.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 171 $470.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$529.6 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $447.7 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Industries:

tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Current account balance:

-$42.87 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Exports:

$119.5 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Exports - commodities:

lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Imports:

$143 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 204

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Debt - external:

$8.8 million (1998) country comparison to the world: 192

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Anguilla

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephones - mobile cellular:

27,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: modern internal telephone system
international: country code - 1-264; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten (2007)

Broadcast media:

1 private television station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; about 10 radio stations, one of which is government-owned (2007)

Internet country code:

.ai

Internet hosts:

271 (2010) country comparison to the world: 186

Internet users:

3,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Transportation ::Anguilla

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 195

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 175 km country comparison to the world: 209 paved: 82 km
unpaved: 93 km (2004)

Ports and terminals:

Blowing Point, Road Bay

Military ::Anguilla

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,611 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,987
females age 16-49: 3,354 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 111
female: 111 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Anguilla

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe
page last updated on December 29, 2010

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

@Antarctica (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Antarctica

Background:

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands or an area of ocean. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century, but generally the area saw little human activity. Following World War II, however, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up a range of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, and refuges to support scientific research in Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Geography ::Antarctica

Location:

continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 S, 0 00 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 14 million sq km
land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km ice-covered) (est.)

note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the subcontinent of Europe

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

0 km
note: see entry on Disputes - international

Coastline:

17,968 km

Maritime claims:

Australia, Chile, and Argentina claim Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights or similar over 200 nm extensions seaward from their continental claims, but like the claims themselves, these zones are not accepted by other countries; 21 of 28 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes - international entry

Climate:

severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing

Terrain:

about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m
highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m
note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Natural resources:

iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish, and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (2005)

Natural hazards:

katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may calve from ice shelf

Environment - current issues:

in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the Antarctic ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet light passing through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an Antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown to harm one-celled Antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Geography - note:

the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitable

People ::Antarctica

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent and summer-only staffed research stations
note: 29 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, operate through their National Antarctic Program a number of seasonal-only (summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty); the population doing and supporting science or engaged in the management and protection of the Antarctic region varies from approximately 4,400 in summer to 1,100 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel, including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research, are present in the waters of the treaty region; peak summer (December-February) population - 4,490 total; Argentina 667, Australia 200, Australia and Romania jointly 13, Belgium 20, Brazil 40, Bulgaria 18, Chile 359, China 90, Czech Republic 20, Ecuador 26, Finland 20, France 125, France and Italy jointly 60, Germany 90, India 65, Italy 102, Japan 125, South Korea 70, NZ 85, Norway 44, Peru 28, Poland 40, Russia 429, South Africa 80, Spain 50, Sweden 20, Ukraine 24, UK 217, US 1,293, Uruguay 70 (2008-2009); winter (June-August) station population - 1,106 total; Argentina 176, Australia 62, Brazil 12, Chile 114, China 29, France 26, France and Italy jointly 13, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 18, NZ 10, Norway 7, Poland 12, Russia 148, South Africa 10, Ukraine 12, UK 37, US 337, Uruguay 9 (2009); research stations operated within the Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south latitude) by National Antarctic Programs: year-round stations - 40 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 6, China 2, France 1, France and Italy jointly 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 5, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (2009); a range of seasonal-only (summer) stations, camps, and refuges - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania (with Australia), Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, and Uruguay (2008-2009); in addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (May 2009 est.)

Government ::Antarctica

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Antarctica

Government type:

Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty System; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Recommendations and Measures adopted at meetings of Antarctic Treaty countries, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the 33rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in May 2010; at these periodic meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations; by April 2010, there were 48 treaty member nations: 28 consultative and 20 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 21 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993;
claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993;

Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments; a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through six specific annexes: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management and 6) liability arising from environmental emergencies; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Legal system:

Antarctica is administered through annual meetings - known as Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings - which include consultative member nations, non-consultative member nations, observer organizations, and expert organizations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; more generally, access to the Antarctic Treaty area, that is to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees south latitude, is subject to a number of relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures adopted by the states party to the Antarctic Treaty; note - US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply extraterritorially; some US laws directly apply to Antarctica; for example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the following activities unless authorized by regulation of statute: the taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica; violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison; the National Science Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement responsibilities; Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty; for more information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone: (703) 292-8030, or visit its website at www.nsf.gov

Economy ::Antarctica

Economy - overview:

Scientific undertakings rather than commercial pursuits are the predominate human activity in Antarctica. Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for Antarctica's limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries, targeting three main species - Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), and krill (Euphausia superba) - reported landing 141,147 metric tons in 2008-09 (1 July - 30 June). (Estimated fishing is from the area covered by the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Antarctic Treaty area.) Unregulated fishing, particularly of Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), is a serious problem. The CCAMLR determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 37,858 tourists visited the Antarctic Treaty area in the 2008-09 Antarctic summer, down from the 46,265 visitors in 2007-2008 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO); this does not include passengers on overflights). Nearly all of them were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer.

Communications ::Antarctica

Telephones - main lines in use:

0; note - information for US bases only (2001) country comparison to the world: 231

Telephone system:

general assessment: local systems at some research stations
domestic: commercial cellular networks operating in a small number of locations
international: country code - none allocated; via satellite (including mobile Inmarsat and Iridium systems) to and from all research stations, ships, aircraft, and most field parties (2007)

Internet country code:

.aq

Internet hosts:

7,765 (2010) country comparison to the world: 135

Transportation ::Antarctica

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 126

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Heliports:

53
note: all year-round and seasonal stations operated by National Antarctic Programs stations have some kind of helicopter landing facilities, prepared (helipads) or unprepared (2010)

Ports and terminals:

McMurdo Station; most coastal stations have sparse and intermittent offshore anchorages; a few stations have basic wharf facilities

Transportation - note:

US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E) and Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under "Legal System"); all ships at port are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty; relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures adopted by the states parties to the Antarctic Treaty regulating access to the Antarctic Treaty area to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees of latitude south have to be complied with (see "Legal System"); The Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA), a commission of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), is responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting matters in Antarctic Treaty area; it coordinates and facilitates provision of accurate and appropriate charts and other aids to navigation in support of safety of navigation in region; membership of HCA is open to any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the Antarctic Treaty and which contributes resources or data to IHO Chart coverage of the area

Military ::Antarctica

Military - note:

the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes

Transnational Issues ::Antarctica

Disputes - international:

the Antarctic Treaty freezes, and most states do not recognize, the land and maritime territorial claims made by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom (some overlapping) for three-fourths of the continent; the US and Russia reserve the right to make claims; no formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west; the International Whaling Commission created a sanctuary around the entire continent to deter catches by countries claiming to conduct scientific whaling; Australia has established a similar preserve in the waters around its territorial claim
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Antigua and Barbuda (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Antigua and Barbuda

Background:

The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Geography ::Antigua and Barbuda

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

17 03 N, 61 48 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 442.6 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) country comparison to the world: 199 land: 442.6 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

153 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Land use:

arable land: 18.18%
permanent crops: 4.55%
other: 77.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.005 cu km/yr (60%/20%/20%)

per capita: 63 cu m/yr (1990)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor

People ::Antigua and Barbuda

Population:

86,754 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.8% (male 11,660/female 11,303)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 26,597/female 30,414)

65 years and over: 6.6% (male 2,456/female 3,202) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30 years
male: 28.5 years
female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Birth rate:

16.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Death rate:

5.77 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Net migration rate:

2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Urbanization:

urban population: 30% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 124 male: 17.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.26 years country comparison to the world: 86 male: 73.27 years
female: 77.35 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Ethnic groups:

black 91%, mixed 4.4%, white 1.7%, other 2.9% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican 25.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.3%, Pentecostal 10.6%,
Moravian 10.5%, Roman Catholic 10.4%, Methodist 7.9%, Baptist 4.9%,
Church of God 4.5%, other Christian 5.4%, other 2%, none or
unspecified 5.8% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), local dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling
total population: 85.8%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 108

Government ::Antigua and Barbuda

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Saint John's
geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip

Independence:

1 November 1981 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 November (1981)

Constitution:

1 November 1981

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Louisse LAKE-TACK (since 17 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24 March 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general chosen by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17 seats; members appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 12 March 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 50.9%, ALP 47.2%, BPM 1.1%; seats by party - UPP 9, ALP 7, BPM 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court consisting of a High Court of
Justice and a Court of Appeal (based in Saint Lucia; two judges of
the Supreme Court are residents of the islands and preside over the
Court of Summary Jurisdiction); Magistrates' Courts; member of the
Caribbean Court of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; Barbuda People's Movement for Change [Arthur NIBBS]; Barbudans for a Better Barbuda [Ordrick SAMUEL]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three parties - Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM, Progressive Labor Movement or PLM, United National Democratic Party or UNDP)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William ROBINSON]; People's
Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah Mae LOVELL
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122

FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Flag description:

red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era, black represents the African heritage of most of the population, blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V" stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand

National anthem:

name: "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee"

lyrics/music: Novelle Hamilton RICHARDS/Walter Garnet Picart CHAMBERS
note: adopted 1967; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Antigua and Barbuda

Economy - overview:

Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters. After taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government adopted an ambitious fiscal reform program, and was successful in reducing its public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90% in 2008. However, the global financial crisis that began in 2008, has led to a significant increase in the national debt, which topped 130% at the end of 2010. The Antiguan economy experienced solid growth from 2003 to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup, but growth dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. In 2009, Antigua's economy was severely hit by the global economic crisis, suffering from the collapse of its largest financial institution and a steep decline in tourism. This decline continued in 2010 as the country struggled with a yawning budget deficit.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $1.494 billion (2009 est.)

$1.64 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.099 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 -8.9% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $17,400 (2009 est.)

$19,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 22%
services: 74.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

30,000 (1991) country comparison to the world: 204

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%
industry: 11%
services: 82% (1983)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 69 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 10.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$233.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 170 $266.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.186 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 157 $1.236 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.002 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Industries:

tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

110 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Electricity - consumption:

102.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - exports:

219 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - imports:

4,690 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Current account balance:

-$211 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Exports:

$84.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products, bedding, handicrafts, electronic components, transport equipment, food and live animals

Imports:

$522.8 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

Debt - external:

$359.8 million (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 166

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Antigua and Barbuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Telephones - mobile cellular:

134,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: good automatic telephone system
international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN) submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 2; tropospheric scatter to Saba (Netherlands) and Guadeloupe (France) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; 1 radio station operated by ABS; roughly 15 radio stations, some broadcasting on multiple frequencies (2007)

Internet country code:

.ag

Internet hosts:

9,795 (2010) country comparison to the world: 122

Internet users:

65,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Transportation ::Antigua and Barbuda

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 194

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,165 km country comparison to the world: 181 paved: 384 km
unpaved: 781 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,219 country comparison to the world: 9 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 53, cargo 703, carrier 6, chemical tanker 4, container 412, liquefied gas 12, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 9, roll on/roll off 16, vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 1,186 (Albania 1, Colombia 1, Denmark 20, Estonia 20,
Germany 1050, Greece 5, Iceland 9, Isle of Man 2, Latvia 16,
Lithuania 4, Mexico 2, Netherlands 18, Norway 9, NZ 2, Poland 2,
Russia 3, Slovenia 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 7, Turkey 7, US 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Saint John's

Military ::Antigua and Barbuda

Military branches:

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (including Antigua and
Barbuda Coast Guard) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,909
females age 16-49: 23,815 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,475
females age 16-49: 19,764 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 763
female: 758 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Transnational Issues ::Antigua and Barbuda

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

considered a minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an offshore financial center
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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@Arctic Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Arctic Ocean

Background:

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. In recent years the polar ice pack has thinned allowing for increased navigation and raising the possibility of future sovereignty and shipping disputes among countries bordering the Arctic Ocean.

Geography ::Arctic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 N, 0 00 E

Map references:

Arctic

Area:

total: 14.056 million sq km
note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

45,389 km

Climate:

polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Terrain:

central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that, on average, is about 3 meters thick, although pressure ridges may be three times that thickness; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales)

Natural hazards:

ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack

Geography - note:

major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months

Economy ::Arctic Ocean

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Transportation ::Arctic Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)

Transportation - note:

sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Transnational Issues ::Arctic Ocean

Disputes - international:

the littoral states are engaged in various stages of demonstrating the limits of their continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles from their declared baselines in accordance with Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; record summer melting of sea ice in the Arctic has restimulated interest in maritime shipping lanes and sea floor exploration
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Argentina (South America)

Introduction ::Argentina

Background:

In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, an era of Peronist populism and direct and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations of several presidents.

Geography ::Argentina

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Chile and Uruguay

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 S, 64 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 2,780,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 8 land: 2,736,690 sq km
water: 43,710 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 9,861 km
border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,261 km, Chile 5,308 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 580 km

Coastline:

4,989 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Terrain:

rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz)

highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza)

Natural resources:

fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 10.03%
permanent crops: 0.36%
other: 89.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

814 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 29.19 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

per capita: 753 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding in some areas
volcanism: Argentina experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains along the Chilean border; Copahue (elev. 2,997 m, 9,833 ft) last erupted in 2000; other historically active volcanoes include Llullaillaco, Maipo, Planchon-Peteroa, San Jose, Tromen, Tupungatito, and Viedma

Environment - current issues:

environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution
note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targets

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical climates in the north to tundra in the far south; Cerro Aconcagua is the Western Hemisphere's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere

People ::Argentina

Population:

41,343,201 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.6% (male 5,369,477/female 5,122,260)

15-64 years: 63.5% (male 12,961,725/female 13,029,265)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 1,819,057/female 2,611,800) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years
male: 29.2 years
female: 31.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.036% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Birth rate:

17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Death rate:

7.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 148 male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.76 years country comparison to the world: 66 male: 73.52 years
female: 80.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.2%
male: 97.2%
female: 97.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 71

Government ::Argentina

Country name:

conventional long form: Argentine Republic
conventional short form: Argentina
local long form: Republica Argentina
local short form: Argentina

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Buenos Aires
geographic coordinates: 34 36 S, 58 40 W
time difference: UTC-3 (3 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: none scheduled for 2010

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur (Tierra del Fuego), Tucuman
note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Independence:

9 July 1816 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Constitution:

1 May 1853; amended many times starting in 1860

Legal system:

mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2007 (next election to be held in 2011)

election results: Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER elected president; percent of vote - Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER 45%, Elisa CARRIO 23%, Roberto LAVAGNA 17%, Alberto Rodriguez SAA 8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote; presently one-third of the members elected every two years to serve six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two years to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - FpV 8, ACyS 14, PJ disidente 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - FpV 45, ACyS 42, PRO 20, PJ disidente 12, other 8; note - as of 13 January 2009, the composition of the entire legislature is as follows: Senate - seats by bloc or party - FpV 36, ACyS 23, PJ disidente 9, other 4; Chamber of Deputies - seats by bloc or party - FpV 113, ACyS 77, PRO 26, PJ disidente 17, other 24

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate)

note: the Supreme Court has seven judges; the Argentine Congress in 2006 passed a bill to gradually reduce the number of Supreme Court judges to five

Political parties and leaders:

Civic and Social Accord or ACyS (a broad center-left alliance-including the CC, UCR, and Socialist parties-created ahead of the 2009 legislative elections); Civic Coalition or CC (a broad coalition loosely affiliated with Elisa CARRIO); Dissident Peronists or PJ Disidente (a sector of the Justicialist Party opposed to the Kirchners); Front for Victory or FpV (a broad coalition, including elements of the UCR and numerous provincial parties) [Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER]; Interbloque Federal or IF (a broad coalition of approximately 12 parties including PRO); Justicialist Party or PJ [Daniel SCIOLI]; Radical Civic Union or UCR [Ernesto SANZ]; Republican Proposal or PRO [Mauricio MACRI] (including Federal Recreate Movement or RECREAR [Esteban BULLRICH]; Socialist Party or PS [Ruben GIUSTINIANI]; Union For All [Patricia BULLRICH] (associated with the Civic Coalition); numerous provincial parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA); Argentine
Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural
Confederation or CRA (small to medium landowners' association);
Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association); Central of
Argentine Workers or CTA (a radical union for employed and
unemployed workers); General Confederation of Labor or CGT
(Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); White and Blue CGT
(dissident CGT labor confederation); Roman Catholic Church

other: business organizations; Peronist-dominated labor movement; Piquetero groups (popular protest organizations that can be either pro or anti-government); students

International organization participation:

AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN
(associate), FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer),
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vilma MARTINEZ
embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires
mailing address: international mail: use embassy street address; APO address: US Embassy Buenos Aires, Unit 4334, APO AA 34034
telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533

FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May; the colors represent the clear skies and snow of the Andes; the sun symbol commemorates the appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on 25 May 1810 during the first mass demonstration in favor of independence; the sun features are those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Argentino" (Argentine National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Vicente LOPEZ y PLANES/Jose Blas PARERA
note: adopted 1813; Vicente LOPEZ was inspired to write the anthem after watching a play about the 1810 May Revolution against Spain

Economy ::Argentina

Economy - overview:

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt, and capital flight. A severe depression, growing public and external indebtedness, and a bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent history. Interim President Adolfo RODRIGUEZ SAA declared a default - the largest in history - on the government's foreign debt in December of that year, and abruptly resigned only a few days after taking office. His successor, Eduardo DUHALDE, announced an end to the peso's decade-long 1-to-1 peg to the US dollar in early 2002. The economy bottomed out that year, with real GDP 18% smaller than in 1998 and almost 60% of Argentines under the poverty line. Real GDP rebounded to grow by an average 8.5% annually over the subsequent six years, taking advantage of previously idled industrial capacity and labor, an audacious debt restructuring and reduced debt burden, excellent international financial conditions, and expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. Inflation also increased, however, during the administration of President Nestor KIRCHNER, which responded with price restraints on businesses, as well as export taxes and restraints, and beginning in early 2007, with understating inflation data. Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER succeeded her husband as President in late 2007, and the rapid economic growth of previous years began to slow sharply the following year as government policies held back exports and the world economy fell into recession. The economy has rebounded from the 2009 recession, but the government's continued reliance on expansionary fiscal and monetary policies risks exacerbating already high inflation, which remains under-reported by official statistics.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$596 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $554.5 billion (2009 est.)

$571.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$351 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 -3% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $13,700 (2009 est.)

$14,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.5%
industry: 31.6%
services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

16.62 million country comparison to the world: 36 note: urban areas only (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 23%
services: 72% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 8.7% (2009 est.)

note: based on official data, which may understate unemployment

Population below poverty line:

30% (January-June 2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 32.6% (2009)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.7 (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Investment (gross fixed):

22% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Public debt:

50.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 48.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

22% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222 16% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.66% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 19.47% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$41.66 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 46 $35.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$112.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $85.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$113.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$48.93 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 48 $52.31 billion (31 December 2008)

$86.68 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Industries:

food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - production:

109.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - consumption:

99.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - exports:

2.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

796,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - consumption:

622,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - exports:

314,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - imports:

52,290 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - proved reserves:

2.386 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - production:

41.36 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - consumption:

43.14 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - exports:

890 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - imports:

2.66 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - proved reserves:

398.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Current account balance:

$6.976 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $11.29 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$68.01 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $55.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans and derivatives, petroleum and gas, vehicles, corn, wheat

Exports - partners:

Brazil 18.78%, China 9.26%, Chile 7.11%, US 6.38% (2009)

Imports:

$52.61 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $37.14 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum and natural gas, organic chemicals, plastics

Imports - partners:

Brazil 31.12%, US 13.69%, China 10.26%, Germany 4.69% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$53.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $48.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$128.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $118.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$86.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $80.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$30.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $29.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Argentine pesos (ARS) per US dollar - 3.8983 (2010), 3.7101 (2009), 3.1636 (2008), 3.1105 (2007), 3.0543 (2006)

Communications ::Argentina

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.764 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Telephones - mobile cellular:

51.891 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Telephone system:

general assessment: the "Telecommunications Liberalization Plan of 1998" opened the telecommunications market to competition and foreign investment encouraging the growth of modern telecommunications technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major cities; major networks are entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is improving
domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network; fixed-line teledensity is increasing gradually and mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing rapidly; broadband Internet services are gaining ground
international: country code - 54; landing point for the Atlantis-2, UNISUR, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations - 112; 2 international gateways near Buenos Aires (2009)

Broadcast media:

government owns a TV station and a radio network; more than 2 dozen TV stations and hundreds of privately-owned radio stations; high rate of cable TV subscription usage (2007)

Internet country code:

.ar

Internet hosts:

6.025 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 16

Internet users:

13.694 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Transportation ::Argentina

Airports:

1,141 (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 156
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 65

914 to 1,523 m: 51
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 985
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 43

914 to 1,523 m: 530
under 914 m: 410 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 28,248 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 5,977 km; refined products 3,636 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 31,409 km country comparison to the world: 8 broad gauge: 27,301 km 1.676-m gauge (94 km electrified)

standard gauge: 2,780 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,328 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 231,374 km country comparison to the world: 22 paved: 69,412 km (includes 734 km of expressways)

unpaved: 161,962 km (2004)

Waterways:

11,000 km (2007) country comparison to the world: 11

Merchant marine:

total: 43 country comparison to the world: 74 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, container 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 2
foreign-owned: 12 (Brazil 1, Chile 6, Spain 3, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 17 (Liberia 3, Panama 7, Paraguay 5, Uruguay 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Arroyo Seco, Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, La Plata, Punta Colorada,
Rosario, San Lorenzo-San Martin

Military ::Argentina

Military branches:

Argentine Army (Ejercito Argentino), Navy of the Argentine Republic
(Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval infantry),
Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA) (2011)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (18-21 requires parental permission); no conscription (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,934,765
females age 16-49: 9,868,008 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,366,206
females age 16-49: 8,344,321 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 340,570
female: 323,953 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Military - note:

the Argentine military is a well-organized force constrained by the country's prolonged economic hardship; the country has recently experienced a strong recovery, and the military is implementing a modernization plan aimed at making the ground forces lighter and more responsive (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Argentina

Disputes - international:

Argentina continues to assert its claims to the UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, forcibly occupying the Falklands in 1982, but in 1995 agreed no longer to seek settlement by force; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps UK and Chilean claims; unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; in 2006, Argentina went to the ICJ to protest, on environmental grounds, the construction of two pulp mills in Uruguay on the Uruguay River, which forms the boundary; both parties presented their pleadings in 2007 with Argentina's reply in January and Uruguay's rejoinder in July 2008; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001 has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs:

a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe, heroin headed for the US, and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine headed for Mexico; some money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; law enforcement corruption; a source for precursor chemicals; increasing domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers, especially cocaine base and synthetic drugs (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Armenia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Armenia

Background:

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1994 because of the Armenian separatists' control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border; this process is currently dormant.

Geography ::Armenia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 29,743 sq km country comparison to the world: 142 land: 28,203 sq km
water: 1,540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,254 km
border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Terrain:

Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Debed River 400 m
highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 16.78%
permanent crops: 2.01%
other: 81.21% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

10.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.95 cu km/yr (30%/4%/66%)

per capita: 977 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Environment - current issues:

soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a seismically active zone

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

People ::Armenia

Population:

2,966,802 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.2% (male 289,119/female 252,150)

15-64 years: 71.1% (male 986,764/female 1,123,708)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 122,996/female 192,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.9 years
male: 29.1 years
female: 34.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.016% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Birth rate:

12.74 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Death rate:

8.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Urbanization:

urban population: 64% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.133 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 102 male: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.96 years country comparison to the world: 118 male: 69.33 years
female: 77.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Nationality:

noun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Ethnic groups:

Armenian 97.9%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.3%, Russian 0.5%, other 0.3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi (monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%

Languages:

Armenian (official) 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other 0.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 147

Government ::Armenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Armenia
conventional short form: Armenia
local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
local short form: Hayastan
former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, Armenian Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Yerevan
geographic coordinates: 40 10 N, 44 30 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Independence:

21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995; amendments adopted through a nationwide referendum 27 November 2005

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Serzh SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Tigran SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013); prime minister appointed by the president based on majority or plurality support in parliament; the prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly refuses to accept their program
election results: Serzh SARGSIAN elected president; percent of vote - Serzh SARGSIAN 52.9%, Levon TER-PETROSSIAN 21.5%, Artur BAGHDASARIAN 16.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members elected by popular vote, 90 members elected by party list and 41 by direct vote; to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring of 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - HHK 33.9%, Prosperous Armenia 15.1%, ARF (Dashnak) 13.2%, Rule of Law 7.1%, Heritage Party 6%, other 24.7%; seats by party - HHK 64, Prosperous Armenia 18, ARF (Dashnak) 16, Rule of Law 9, Heritage Party 7, independent 17

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Armenian National Congress or ANC (bloc of independent and
opposition parties) [Levon TER-PETROSSIAN]; Armenian National
Movement or ANM [Ararat ZURABIAN]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation
("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Hrant MARKARIAN]; Heritage Party [Raffi
HOVHANNISIAN]; People's Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHIAN];
Prosperous Armenia [Gagik TSARUKIAN]; Republican Party of Armenia or
HHK [Serzh SARGSIAN]; Rule of Law Party (Orinats Yerkir) [Artur
BAGHDASARIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Aylentrank (Impeachment Alliance) [Nikol PASHINIAN]; Yerkrapah Union
[Manvel GRIGORIAN]

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, CIS, CSTO, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS (observer),
OIF (associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tatoul MARKARIAN
chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marie L. YOVANOVITCH
embassy: 1 American Ave., Yerevan 0082
mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, US Department of State, 7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020
telephone: [374](10) 464-700

FAX: [374](10) 464-742

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange; the color red recalls the blood shed for liberty, blue the Armenian skies as well as hope, and orange the land and the courage of the workers who farm it

National anthem:

name: "Mer Hayrenik""(Our Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Mikael NALBANDIAN/Barsegh KANACHYAN
note: adopted 1991; based on the anthem of the Democratic Republic of Armenia (1918-1922) but with different lyrics

Economy ::Armenia

Economy - overview:

After several years of double-digit economic growth, Armenia faced a severe economic recession with GDP declining more than 14% in 2009, despite large loans from multilateral institutions. Sharp declines in the construction sector and workers' remittances, particularly from Russia, were the main reasons for the downturn. The economy began to recover in 2010 with nearly 5% growth. Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics, in exchange for raw materials and energy. Armenia has since switched to small-scale agriculture and away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. Armenia has managed to reduce poverty, slash inflation, stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia had made progress in implementing some economic reforms, including privatization, price reforms, and prudent fiscal policies, but geographic isolation, a narrow export base, and pervasive monopolies in important business sectors have made Armenia particularly vulnerable to the sharp deterioration in the global economy and the economic downturn in Russia. The conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s and Armenia's borders with Turkey remain closed until 2010, when Turkey and Armenia signed an accord to reestablish diplomatic relations. Armenia is particularly dependent on Russian commercial and governmental support and most key Armenian infrastructure is Russian-owned and/or managed, especially in the energy sector. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002 and bought by Russia's RAO-UES in 2005. Construction of a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Armenia was completed in December 2008, and gas deliveries are slated to expand due to the April 2010 completion of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant. Armenia has some mineral deposits (copper, gold, bauxite). Pig iron, unwrought copper, and other nonferrous metals are Armenia's highest valued exports. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid, remittances from Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Armenia joined the WTO in January 2003. The government made some improvements in tax and customs administration in recent years, but anti-corruption measures have been ineffective and the current economic downturn has led to a sharp drop in tax revenue and forced the government to accept large loan packages from Russia, the IMF, and other international financial institutions. Armenia will need to pursue additional economic reforms in order to regain economic growth and improve economic competitiveness and employment opportunities, especially given its economic isolation from two of its nearest neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.27 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $16.5 billion (2009 est.)

$19.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.83 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 -14.2% (2009 est.)

6.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $5,600 (2009 est.)

$6,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 22%
industry: 46.6%
services: 31.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.481 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 46.2%
industry: 15.6%
services: 38.2% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Population below poverty line:

26.5% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 41.3% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (2006) country comparison to the world: 77 44.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

33.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 3.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 56 7.25% (2 December 2008)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy instrument of the Armenian National Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.76% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 17.05% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.131 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.071 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $3.339 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.821 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.733 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$140.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 110 $176 million (31 December 2008)

$105 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Industries:

diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - production:

5.584 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - consumption:

4.776 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - exports:

451.3 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

418.7 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from Iran (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - consumption:

49,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - imports:

45,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - consumption:

1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - imports:

1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Current account balance:

-$1.138 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 -$1.326 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$846 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $722.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

pig iron, unwrought copper, nonferrous metals, diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Exports - partners:

Germany 16.47%, Russia 15.45%, US 9.64%, Bulgaria 8.6%, Georgia 7.57%, Netherlands 7.48%, Belgium 6.71%, Canada 4.91% (2009)

Imports:

$2.988 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs, diamonds

Imports - partners:

Russia 24.02%, China 8.72%, Ukraine 6.15%, Turkey 5.39%, Germany 5.36%, Iran 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.247 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $2.004 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.227 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 103 $3.449 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

drams (AMD) per US dollar - 374.29 (2010), 363.28 (2009), 303.93 (2008), 344.06 (2007), 414.69 (2006)

Communications ::Armenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

630,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.62 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications investments have made major inroads in modernizing and upgrading the outdated telecommunications network inherited from the Soviet era; now 100% privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion; mobile-cellular services monopoly terminated in late 2004 and a second provider began operations in mid-2005
domestic: reliable modern fixed-line and mobile-cellular services are available across Yerevan in major cities and towns; significant but ever-shrinking gaps remain in mobile-cellular coverage in rural areas
international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, through the Moscow international switch, and by satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 3 (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 public television networks operating alongside more than 40 privately-owned television stations that provide local to near nationwide coverage; major Russian broadcast stations are widely available; subscription cable TV services are available in most regions; Public Radio of Armenia is a national, state-run broadcast network that operates alongside about 20 privately-owned radio stations; several major international broadcasters are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.am

Internet hosts:

65,279 (2010) country comparison to the world: 83

Internet users:

208,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Transportation ::Armenia

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 153

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,233 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 845 km country comparison to the world: 99 broad gauge: 845 km 1.520-m gauge (818 km electrified)

note: some lines are out of service (2008)

Roadways:

total: 8,888 km country comparison to the world: 139 paved: 7,079 km (includes 1,561 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,809 km (2008)

Military ::Armenia

Military branches:

Armenian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Air Force and Air Defense;
"Nagorno-Karabakh Republic": Nagorno-Karabakh Self Defense Force
(NKSDF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for voluntary or compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 809,293
females age 16-49: 862,679 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 644,195
females age 16-49: 724,085 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 24,611
female: 22,682 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Transnational Issues ::Armenia

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s, has militarily occupied 16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; border with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy; Armenians continue to emigrate, primarily to Russia, seeking employment

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 113,295 (Azerbaijan)

IDPs: 8,400 (conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, majority have returned home since 1994 ceasefire) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic consumption; minor transit point for illicit drugs - mostly opium and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Aruba (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Aruba

Background:

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Geography ::Aruba

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 N, 69 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 180 sq km country comparison to the world: 217 land: 180 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

68.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; white sandy beaches

Land use:

arable land: 10.53%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 89.47% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

People ::Aruba

Population:

104,589 country comparison to the world: 192 note: estimate based on a revision of the base population, fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-99 migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent with the 2000 census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.1% (male 9,921/female 9,758)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 34,676/female 37,752)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 4,351/female 6,607) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38 years
male: 36.2 years
female: 39.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.457% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Birth rate:

12.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Death rate:

7.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Net migration rate:

9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.021 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.34 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 131 male: 17.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.51 years country comparison to the world: 82 male: 72.47 years
female: 78.61 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.85 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Aruban(s)

adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Ethnic groups:

mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.8%, Evangelist 4.1%, Protestant 2.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%, Methodist 1.2%, Jewish 0.2%, other 5.1%, none or unspecified 4.6%

Languages:

Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 97.3%
male: 97.5%
female: 97.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 74

Government ::Aruba

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Aruba

Dependency status:

constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Oranjestad
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 18 March (1976)

Constitution:

1 January 1986

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since 11 May 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Michiel Godfried (Mike) EMAN (since 30 October 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held in 2009 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: Mike EMAN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 September 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - AVP 48%, MEP 35.9%, PDR 5.7%; seats by party - AVP 12, MEP 8, PDR 1

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]; Aruban Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Mike EMAN]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; Real Democracy or PDR [Andin BIKKER]; RED [Rudy LAMPE]; Workers Political Platform or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmental groups

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC, UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Aruba

Flag description:

blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil and white beaches, its four points the four major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

National anthem:

name: "Aruba Deshi Tera" (Aruba Precious Country)

lyrics/music: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' LAMPE/Rufo Inocencio WEVER
note: local anthem adopted 1986; as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, "Het Wilhelmus" is official (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Aruba

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the mainstay of the small open Aruban economy, together with offshore banking. Oil refining and storage ended in 2009. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Over 1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba with 75% of those from the US. Construction continues to boom with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. Tourist arrivals rebounded strongly following a dip after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The government has made cutting the budget and trade deficits a high priority.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.258 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $2.205 billion (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.258 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 33.3%
services: 66.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

41,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

46.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 57

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 100

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 85 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.77% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 11.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$865 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 $781 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.671 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.333 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.321 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

aloes; livestock; fish

Industries:

tourism, transshipment facilities

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

850 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - consumption:

790.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2,235 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - consumption:

8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - exports:

231,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - imports:

236,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Exports:

$124 million (2006); note - includes oil reexports country comparison to the world: 188

Exports - commodities:

live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Panama 23.84%, Netherlands Antilles 20.49%, Colombia 17.48%,
Venezuela 12.61%, US 9.12%, Netherlands 7.5% (2009)

Imports:

$1.054 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 169

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US 49.51%, Netherlands 16.15%, UK 4.94% (2009)

Debt - external:

$478.6 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Exchange rates:

Aruban guilders/florins (AWG) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.79 (2006), 1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003)

Communications ::Aruba

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Telephones - mobile cellular:

128,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications system
domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3 mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed
international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 commercial television stations; cable TV subscription service provides access to foreign channels; about 20 commercial radio stations broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.aw

Internet hosts:

25,080 (2010) country comparison to the world: 101

Internet users:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Transportation ::Aruba

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 210

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Military ::Aruba

Military branches:

no regular military forces (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 24,779
females age 16-49: 26,090 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,398
females age 16-49: 21,371 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 738
female: 715 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues ::Aruba

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage of population consumes cocaine
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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@Ashmore and Cartier Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Background:

These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.

Geography ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island

Geographic coordinates:

12 14 S, 123 05 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 5 sq km country comparison to the world: 246 land: 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island

Area - comparative:

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

74.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low with sand and coral

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems

Geography - note:

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983;
Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000

People ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only

Government ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Legal system:

the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

Transnational Issues ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Disputes - international:

as the closest Australian territory to Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry into Australia
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Atlantic Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Atlantic Ocean

Background:

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Geography ::Atlantic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 76.762 million sq km
note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,
Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador
Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the
Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

111,866 km

Climate:

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from August to November

Terrain:

surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones

Natural hazards:

icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December)

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Economy ::Atlantic Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Transportation ::Atlantic Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona
(Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon
(Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland),
Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands,
Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille
(France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy),
New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway),
Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam
(Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Transportation - note:

Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US; the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore Atlantic waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa, the east coast of Brazil, and the Caribbean Sea; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Transnational Issues ::Atlantic Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Australia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Australia

Background:

Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s. Long-term concerns include climate-change issues such as the depletion of the ozone layer and more frequent droughts, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

Geography ::Australia

Location:

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific
Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 7,741,220 sq km country comparison to the world: 6 land: 7,682,300 sq km
water: 58,920 sq km
note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

25,760 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

Terrain:

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m
highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum
note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports

Land use:

arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland)

permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 93.81% (2005)

Irrigated land:

25,450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

398 cu km (1995)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%)

per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires
volcanism: volcanic activity occurs on the Heard and McDonald Islands

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most consistent winds in the world

People ::Australia

Population:

21,515,754 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 2,026,975/female 1,923,828)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 7,318,743/female 7,121,613)

65 years and over: 13.5% (male 1,306,329/female 1,565,153) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.5 years
male: 36.8 years
female: 38.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.171% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Birth rate:

12.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Death rate:

6.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Net migration rate:

6.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 192 male: 5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.72 years country comparison to the world: 9 male: 79.33 years
female: 84.25 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Nationality:

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Ethnic groups:

white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions:

Catholic 25.8%, Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian 7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%, none 18.7% (2006 Census)

Languages:

English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%, Arabic 1.2%,
Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2006 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 21 years
male: 20 years
female: 21 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 83

Government ::Australia

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia
conventional short form: Australia

Government type:

federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Canberra
geographic coordinates: 35 17 S, 149 13 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April
note: Australia is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Dependent areas:

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling)
Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands,
Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island

Independence:

1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorated as the
anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New
Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25
April (1915)

Constitution:

9 July 1900; effective on 1 January 1901

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts International Criminal Court jurisdiction with conditions

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since 5 September 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Julia Eileen GILLARD (since 24 June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Maxwell SWAN (since 24 June 2010)

cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament, candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to serve as government ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the six states and 2 from each of the two mainland territories; one-half of state members are elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms while all territory members are elected every three years) and the House of Representatives (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve terms of up to three-years; no state can have fewer than 5 representatives)

elections: half-Senate - last held on 21 August 2010; House of Representatives - last held on 21 August 2010 (the latest a simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representative elections can be held is 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal/National Party 34, Australian Labor Party 31, Greens 9, others 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Australian Labor Party 38.1%, Liberal Party 30.4%, Greens 11.5%, Liberal National Party of Queensland 9.3%, independents 6.6%, The Nationals 3.7%, Country Liberals 0.3%; seats by party - Australian Labor Party 72, Liberal Party 44, Liberal National Party of Queensland 21, The Nationals 7, Country Liberals 1, Greens 1, independents 4

Judicial branch:

High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general acting on the advice of the government)

Political parties and leaders:

Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Australian Labor Party [Julia
GILLARD]; Family First Party [Steve FIELDING]; Liberal Party [Tony
ABBOTT]; The Nationals [Warren TRUSS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: business groups; environmental groups; social groups; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group,
BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kim Christian BEAZLEY
chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey L. BLEICH
embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600
mailing address: APO AP 96549
telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970
consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

National anthem:

name: "Advance Australia Fair"

lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK
note: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem did not become official until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Australia

Economy - overview:

Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas project, will significantly expand the resources sector. Australia also has a large services sector and is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Key tenets of Australia's trade policy include support for open trade and the successful culmination of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, particularly for agriculture and services. The Australian economy grew for 17 consecutive years before the global financial crisis. Subsequently, the Rudd government introduced a fiscal stimulus package worth over US$50 billion to offset the effect of the slowing world economy, while the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to historic lows. These policies - and continued demand for commodities, especially from China - helped the Australian economy rebound after just one quarter of negative growth. The economy grew by 1.2% during 2009 - the best performance in the OECD. Unemployment, originally expected to reach 8-10%, peaked at 5.7% in late 2009 and fell to 5.1% in 2010. As a result of an improved economy, the budget deficit is expected to peak below 4.2% of GDP and the government could return to budget surpluses as early as 2015. Australia was one of the first advanced economies to raise interest rates, with seven rate hikes between October 2009 and November 2010. The GILLARD government is focused on raising Australia's economic productivity to ensure the sustainability of growth, and continues to manage the symbiotic, but sometimes tense, economic relationship with China. Australia is engaged in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan, and Korea.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$889.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $861.1 billion (2009 est.)

$850.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.22 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 1.2% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$41,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $40,500 (2009 est.)

$40,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%
industry: 24.8%
services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 21.1%
services: 75% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 5.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.5 (2006) country comparison to the world: 110 35.2 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

27.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Public debt:

22.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 22.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 1.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 March 2010) country comparison to the world: 106 4.25% (3 December 2008)

note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or policy rate

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.02% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 8.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$347.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 13 $290.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.134 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $976.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.731 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.407 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.258 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 $675.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.298 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - production:

239.9 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - consumption:

222 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

589,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - consumption:

946,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - exports:

311,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - imports:

716,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - proved reserves:

3.318 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - production:

42.33 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - consumption:

26.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - exports:

22.3 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - imports:

6.56 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.115 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Current account balance:

-$35.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 -$41.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$210.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $154.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment

Exports - partners:

China 21.81%, Japan 19.19%, South Korea 7.88%, India 7.51%, US 4.95%, UK 4.37%, NZ 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$200.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $160.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 17.94%, US 11.26%, Japan 8.36%, Thailand 5.81%, Singapore 5.54%, Germany 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$38.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $41.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.094 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$329.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $295.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$245.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $221.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Australia

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.02 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24.22 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service
domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones
international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber optic submarine cable provides links to New Zealand and the United States; satellite earth stations - 19 (10 Intelsat - 4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean, 2 Inmarsat - Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, 2 Globalstar, 5 other) (2007)

Broadcast media:

the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.au

Internet hosts:

13.361 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Internet users:

15.81 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Transportation ::Australia

Airports:

465 (2010) country comparison to the world: 17

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 326
over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 148

914 to 1,523 m: 140
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 139

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 110
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 27,105 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,258 km; oil/gas/water 1 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 37,855 km country comparison to the world: 7 broad gauge: 142 km 1.600-m gauge
standard gauge: 24,409 km 1.435-m gauge (1,094 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 13,304 km 1.067-m gauge (1,193 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 812,972 km country comparison to the world: 9 paved: 341,448 km
unpaved: 471,524 km (2004)

Waterways:

2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling river systems) (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Merchant marine:

total: 45 country comparison to the world: 73 by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 8, liquefied gas 4, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 20 (Canada 7, Germany 2, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Singapore 2, UK 5, US 2)

registered in other countries: 29 (Dominica 1, Fiji 2, Liberia 2, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 1, NZ 1, Panama 5, Singapore 11, Tonga 1, UK 1, US 1, Vanuatu 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Brisbane, Cairns, Dampier, Darwin, Fremantle, Gladstone, Geelong,
Hay Point, Hobart, Jervis Bay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Adelaide,
Port Dalrymple, Port Hedland, Port Kembla, Port Lincoln, Port
Walcott, Sydney

Military ::Australia

Military branches:

Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal Australian
Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Special Operations Command (2006)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in Army combat units in non-combat support roles (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,275,667
females age 16-49: 5,082,543 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,377,411
females age 16-49: 4,210,442 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 144,232
female: 136,525 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Transnational Issues ::Australia

Disputes - international:

In 2007 Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime boundary; dispute with Timor-Leste hampers creation of a revised maritime boundary with Indonesia in the Timor Sea; regional states continue to express concern over Australia's 2004 declaration of a 1,000-nautical mile-wide maritime identification zone; Australia asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; in 2004 Australia submitted its claims to Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to extend its continental margins covering over 3.37 million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent more than its claimed exclusive economic zone; since 2003, Australia has led the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to maintain civil and political order and reinforce regional security

Illicit drugs:

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Austria (Europe)

Introduction ::Austria

Background:

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

Geography ::Austria

Location:

Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

47 20 N, 13 20 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 83,871 sq km country comparison to the world: 113 land: 82,445 sq km
water: 1,426 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,562 km
border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m
highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Natural resources:

oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 16.59%
permanent crops: 0.85%
other: 82.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

84 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.67 cu km/yr (35%/64%/1%)

per capita: 448 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

People ::Austria

Population:

8,214,160 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 609,748/female 581,144)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 2,785,091/female 2,756,402)

65 years and over: 18% (male 612,613/female 865,283) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.6 years
male: 41.5 years
female: 43.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.042% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Birth rate:

8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Death rate:

10.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Net migration rate:

1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 197 male: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.65 years country comparison to the world: 31 male: 76.74 years
female: 82.71 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Nationality:

noun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Ethnic groups:

Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or unspecified 2.4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census)

Languages:

German (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian 2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes Slovene, official in Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: NA
female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 47

Government ::Austria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Austria
conventional short form: Austria
local long form: Republik Oesterreich
local short form: Oesterreich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Vienna
geographic coordinates: 48 12 N, 16 22 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,
Kaernten (Carinthia), Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria),
Oberoesterreich (Upper Austria), Salzburg, Steiermark (Styria),
Tirol (Tyrol), Vorarlberg, Wien (Vienna)

Independence:

12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 976 (Margravate of Austria established); 17 September 1156 (Duchy of Austria founded); 11 August 1804 (Austrian Empire proclaimed)

National holiday:

National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Constitution:

1920; revised 1929; reinstated 1 May 1945; note - during the period 1 May 1934-1 May 1945 there was a fascist (corporative) constitution in place

Legal system:

civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal; note - reduced from 18 years of age in 2007

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) (since 8 July 2004)

head of government: Chancellor Werner FAYMANN (SPOe) (since 2 December 2008); Vice Chancellor Josef PROELL (OeVP) (since 2 December 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a six-year term (eligible for a second term) by direct popular vote and formally sworn into office before the Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung; presidential election last held on 25 April 2010 (next to be held on 25 April 2016); chancellor formally chosen by the president but determined by the coalition parties forming a parliamentary majority; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor
election results: Heinz FISCHER reelected president with 79.3% of the vote
note: government coalition - SPOe and OeVP

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal Council or Bundesrat (62 seats; delegates appointed by state parliaments with each state receiving 3 to 12 seats in proportion to its population; members serve five- or six-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by popular vote for a five-year term under a system of proportional representation with partially-open party lists)

elections: National Council - last held on 28 September 2008 (next to be held by September 2013)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe 29.3%, OeVP 26%, FPOe 17.5%, BZOe 10.7%, Greens 10.4%, other 6.1%; seats by party - SPOe 57, OeVP 51, FPOe 34, BZOe 21, Greens 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or Verfassungsgerichtshof

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for the Future of Austria or BZOe [Josef BUCHER]; Austrian
People's Party or OeVP [Josef PROELL]; Freedom Party of Austria or
FPOe [Heinz Christian STRACHE]; Social Democratic Party of Austria
or SPOe [Werner FAYMANN]; The Greens [Eva GLAWISCHNIG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Austrian Trade Union Federation or OeGB (nominally independent but
primarily Social Democratic); Federal Economic Chamber;
OeVP-oriented Association of Austrian Industrialists or IV; Roman
Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic
Action

other: three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or OeVP representing business, labor, farmers, and other nongovernment organizations in the areas of environment and human rights

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christian PROSL
chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035
telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William C. EACHO III
embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0

FAX: [43] (1) 3100682

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red; the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest - national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191, following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his banner

National anthem:

name: "Bundeshymne" (Federal Hymn)

lyrics/music: Paula von PRERADOVIC/Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART or Johann HOLZER (disputed)

note: adopted 1947; the anthem is also known as "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" (Land of the Mountains, Land on the River); Austria adopted a new national anthem after World War II to replace the former imperial anthem composed by Franz Josef HAYDN, which had been appropriated by Germany in 1922 and was now associated with the Nazi regime

Economy ::Austria

Economy - overview:

Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany's. Its economy features a large service sector, a sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed agricultural sector. Following several years of solid foreign demand for Austrian exports and record employment growth, the international financial crisis and global economic downturn in 2008 led to a recession that persisted until the third quarter of 2009. Austrian GDP contracted 3.8% in 2009 but saw positive growth of about 2% in 2010. Unemployment has not risen as steeply in Austria as elsewhere in Europe, partly because its government has subsidized reduced working hour schemes to allow companies to retain employees. Such stabilization measures, stimulus initiatives, and the government's income tax reforms pushed the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP in 2009 and about 5% in 2010, from only about 1.3% in 2008. The international financial crisis caused difficulties for some of Austria's largest banks whose extensive operations in central, eastern, and southeastern Europe faced large losses. The government provided bank support - including in some instances, nationalization - to prevent insolvency and possible regional contagion. In the medium-term all large Austrian banks will need additional capital. Even after the global economic outlook improves, Austria will need to continue restructuring, emphasizing knowledge-based sectors of the economy, and encouraging greater labor flexibility and greater labor participation to offset growing unemployment and Austria's aging population and exceedingly low fertility rate.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$332.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $326.4 billion (2009 est.)

$339.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$366.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 -3.8% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $39,800 (2009 est.)

$41,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.5%
industry: 29.4%
services: 69.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.63 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 27.5%
services: 67% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 4.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

6% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4%
highest 10%: 22% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2007) country comparison to the world: 127 31 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

21% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Public debt:

68.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 66.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 0.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 6.82% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$173.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 18 $175.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply for the entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$402.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $402.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$659.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $606.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$53.58 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 $72.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$228.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products, cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Industries:

construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, metals, chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications equipment, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - production:

66.78 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - consumption:

68.37 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - exports:

14.93 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

19.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

25,410 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - consumption:

273,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - exports:

52,970 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - imports:

298,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - proved reserves:

50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - production:

1.668 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - consumption:

8.232 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - exports:

3.961 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - imports:

10.96 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - proved reserves:

16.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Current account balance:

$8.012 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $8.73 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$157.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $135.7 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 30.96%, Italy 8.17%, Switzerland 4.99%, US 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$156 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $138.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 45.07%, Switzerland 6.76%, Italy 6.66%, Netherlands 4.03% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$18.05 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$755 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 17 $864.2 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$290.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $286.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$297.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $290.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Austria

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.253 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.773 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and efficient
domestic: fixed-line subscribership has been in decline since the mid-1990s with mobile-cellular subscribership eclipsing it by the late 1990s; the fiber-optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet services are available
international: country code - 43; satellite earth stations - 15; in addition, there are about 600 VSATs (very small aperture terminals) (2007)

Broadcast media:

Austria's public broadcaster, ORF, was the main broadcast source until commercial radio and television service was introduced in the 1990s; cable and satellite TV are available, including German TV stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.at

Internet hosts:

3.266 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 29

Internet users:

6.143 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Transportation ::Austria

Airports:

55 (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 25
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,721 km; oil 663 km; refined products 157 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 6,399 km country comparison to the world: 29 standard gauge: 5,927 km 1.435-m gauge (3,688 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 384 km 1.000-m gauge (15 km electrified); 88 km 0.760-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 107,262 km country comparison to the world: 40 paved: 107,262 km (includes 1,696 km of expressways) (2006)

Waterways:

358 km (2007) country comparison to the world: 91

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 141 by type: cargo 2
registered in other countries: 4 (Cyprus 1, Malta 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Military ::Austria

Military branches:

Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for male or female voluntary service; service obligation 6 months of training, followed by an 8-year reserve obligation; conscripts cannot be deployed in military operations outside Austria (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,960,781
females age 16-49: 1,926,134 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,595,379
females age 16-49: 1,566,884 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 49,455
female: 47,046 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Transnational Issues ::Austria

Disputes - international:

while threats of international legal action never materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the newly elected Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless Prague closed its nuclear power plant in Temelin, bordering Austria

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; increasing consumption of European-produced synthetic drugs
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Azerbaijan (Middle East)

Introduction ::Azerbaijan

Background:

Azerbaijan - a nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to 1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region that Moscow recognized as part of Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s after Armenia and Azerbaijan disputed the status of the territory. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding provinces in the territory of Azerbaijan. Corruption in the country is ubiquitous, and the government, which eliminated presidential term limits in a 2009 referendum, has been accused of authoritarianism. Although the poverty rate has been reduced in recent years due to revenue from oil production, the promise of widespread wealth resulting from the continued development of Azerbaijan's energy sector remains largely unfulfilled.

Geography ::Azerbaijan

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and
Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range

Geographic coordinates:

40 30 N, 47 30 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 86,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 112 land: 82,629 sq km
water: 3,971 sq km
note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,013 km
border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry, semiarid steppe

Terrain:

large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 20.62%
permanent crops: 2.61%
other: 76.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,550 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

30.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 17.25 cu km/yr (5%/28%/68%)

per capita: 2,051 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil spills, from the use of DDT pesticide, and from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked

People ::Azerbaijan

Population:

8,303,512 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.9% (male 1,042,132/female 926,495)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 2,807,717/female 2,908,221)

65 years and over: 6.7% (male 204,410/female 349,697) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.5 years
male: 26.9 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.805% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Birth rate:

17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Death rate:

8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Net migration rate:

-1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.124 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 46 male: 58.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.01 years country comparison to the world: 156 male: 62.86 years
female: 71.67 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Nationality:

noun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Ethnic groups:

Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.9% (1999 census)

note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region

Religions:

Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)

note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Languages:

Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 90.3%, Lezgi 2.2%, Russian 1.8%,
Armenian 1.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified 1% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.8%
male: 99.5%
female: 98.2% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 171

Government ::Azerbaijan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan
conventional short form: Azerbaijan
local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi
local short form: Azarbaycan
former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Baku (Baki, Baky)

geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic (muxtar respublika)

rayons: Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu,
Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Astara Rayonu, Balakan Rayonu, Barda
Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu,
Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu,
Gadabay Rayonu, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu,
Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu,
Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu,
Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax
Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu,
Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi
Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Susa Rayonu,
Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xanlar
Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli
Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab
Rayonu

cities: Ali Bayramli Sahari, Baki Sahari, Ganca Sahari, Lankaran Sahari, Mingacevir Sahari, Naftalan Sahari, Saki Sahari, Sumqayit Sahari, Susa Sahari, Xankandi Sahari, Yevlax Sahari
autonomous republic: Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi (Nakhichevan)

Independence:

30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, 28 May (1918)

Constitution:

adopted 12 November 1995; modified by referendum 24 August 2002

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for unlimited terms); election last held on 15 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly
election results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV 89%, Igbal AGHAZADE 2.9%, five other candidates with smaller percentages
note: several political parties boycotted the election due to unfair conditions; OSCE observers concluded that the election did not meet international standards

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - YAP 45.8%, CSP 1.6%,
Motherland 1.4%, independents 48.2%, other 3.1%; seats by party -
YAP 71, CSP 3, Motherland 2, Democratic Reforms 1, Great Creation 1,
Hope Party 1, Social Welfare 1, Civil Unity 1, Whole Azerbaijan
Popular Front 1, Justice 1, independents 42

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Azerbaijan Democratic Party or ADP [Sardar JALALOGLU]; Civil
Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLI]; Civil Unity Party
[Sabir HACIYEV]; Classic People's Front of Azerbaijan [Mirmahmud
MIRALI-OGLU]; Democratic Reform Party [Asim MOLLAZADE]; Great
Creation Party [Fazil Gazanfaroglu MUSTAFAYEV]; Hope (Umid) Party
[Iqbal AGAZADE]; Justice Party [Ilyas ISMAYILOV]; Liberal Party of
Azerbaijan [Lala Shovkat HACIYEVA]; Motherland Party [Fazail
AGAMALI]; Musavat (Equality) [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; Open Society
Party [Rasul GULIYEV, in exile in the US]; Social Democratic Party
of Azerbaijan or SDP [Araz ALIZADE and Ayaz MUTALIBOV (in exile)];
Social Welfare Party [Hussein KAZIMLI]; United Popular Azerbaijan
Front Party or AXCP [Ali KARIMLI]; Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front
Party [Gudrat HASANGULIYEV]; Yeni (New) Azerbaijan Party or YAP
[President Ilham ALIYEV]

note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Azerbaijan Public Forum [Eldar NAMAZOV]; Karabakh Liberation
Organization

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer),
OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yashar ALIYEV
chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500

FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911

Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew BRYZA
embassy: 83 Azadlig Prospecti, Baku AZ1007
mailing address: American Embassy Baku, US Department of State, 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050
telephone: [994] (12) 4980-335 through 337

FAX: [994] (12) 4656-671

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to Islam; the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol, while the eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples of the world

National anthem:

name: "Azerbaijan Marsi" (March of Azerbaijan)

lyrics/music: Ahmed JAVAD/Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV
note: adopted 1992; although originally written in 1919 during a brief period of independence, "Azerbaijan Marsi" did not become the official anthem until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union

Economy ::Azerbaijan

Economy - overview:

Azerbaijan's high economic growth during 2006-08 was attributable to large and growing oil exports, but some non-export sectors also featured double-digit growth, spurred by growth in the construction, banking, and real estate sectors. In 2009, economic growth remained above 9% even as oil prices moderated and growth in the construction sector cooled. In 2010, economic growth slowed to approximately 3.7%, although the impact of the global financial crisis was less severe than in many other countries in the region. The current global economic slowdown presents some challenges for the Azerbaijani economy as oil prices remain below their mid-2008 highs, highlighting Azerbaijan's reliance on energy exports and lackluster attempts to diversify its economy. Azerbaijan's oil production increased dramatically in 1997, when Azerbaijan signed the first production-sharing arrangement (PSA) with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company. Oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline remain the main economic driver while efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. However, Azerbaijan has made only limited progress on instituting market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. Several other obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress: the need for stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance, while trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new oil and gas pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its energy wealth to promote sustainable growth in non-energy sectors of the economy and spur employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$90.15 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $86.93 billion (2009 est.)

$79.54 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.17 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 9.3% (2009 est.)

10.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $10,600 (2009 est.)

$9,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 61.4%
services: 33.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.874 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 38.3%
industry: 12.1%
services: 49.6% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

11% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 6.1%
highest 10%: 17.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.5 (2001) country comparison to the world: 81 36 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Public debt:

4.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 6.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 53 8% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key policy rate for the National Bank of Azerbaijan

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 19.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.34 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 77 $6.519 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$11.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $10.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.135 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $5.726 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - production:

18.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - consumption:

18 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - exports:

786 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

548 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

1.011 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - consumption:

136,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - exports:

528,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - imports:

2,848 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - proved reserves:

7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - production:

23 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - consumption:

10.12 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - exports:

5.564 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Current account balance:

$15.96 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $10.18 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$28.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $21.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Italy 20.69%, India 10.67%, US 9.24%, France 8.15%, Germany 7.62%,
Indonesia 6.63%, Canada 5.13% (2009)

Imports:

$7.035 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $6.514 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs, metals, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 18.69%, Russia 16.98%, Germany 7.87%, Ukraine 7.3%, China 6.18%, UK 5.73% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$6.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $5.364 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.221 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $3.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$8.918 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $8.318 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.058 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $5.558 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar - 0.8035 (2010), 0.8038 (2009), 0.8219 (2008), 0.8581 (2007), 0.8934 (2006)

Communications ::Azerbaijan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.397 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.757 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Telephone system:

general assessment: requires considerable expansion and modernization; fixed-line telephony and a broad range of other telecom services are controlled by a state-owned telecommunications monopoly and growth has been stagnant; more competition exists in the mobile-cellular market with four providers in 2009
domestic: teledensity of 17 fixed lines per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity has increased and is rapidly approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its exclave of Nakhchivan
international: country code - 994; the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic link transits Azerbaijan providing international connectivity to neighboring countries; the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite earth stations - 2 (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-run and 1 public television channel; 4 domestic commercial TV stations and about 15 regional TV stations; Turkish, Russian, and Iranian TV and radio broadcasts are available, especially in border regions; cable TV services are available in Baku; 1 state-run and 1 public radio network operating; a small number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting; local FM relays of Baku commercial stations are available in many localities; local relays of several international broadcasters had been available until late 2008 when their broadcasts were banned from FM frequencies (2008)

Internet country code:

.az

Internet hosts:

22,737 (2010) country comparison to the world: 105

Internet users:

2.42 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Transportation ::Azerbaijan

Airports:

35 (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 1 km; gas 3,361 km; oil 1,424 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,918 km country comparison to the world: 57 broad gauge: 2,918 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 59,141 km country comparison to the world: 76 paved: 29,210 km
unpaved: 29,931 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 92 country comparison to the world: 54 by type: cargo 27, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 48, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)

registered in other countries: 2 (Malta 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baku (Baki)

Military ::Azerbaijan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

men between 18 and 35 are liable for military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; length of military service is 18 months and 12 months for university graduates (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,336,611
females age 16-49: 2,329,275 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,753,878
females age 16-49: 1,958,408 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 84,441
female: 78,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Transnational Issues ::Azerbaijan

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s has militarily occupied 16% of Azerbaijan; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have ratified Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; bilateral talks continue with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 2,400 (Russia)

IDPs: 580,000-690,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Azerbaijan is primarily a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; women and some children from Azerbaijan are trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for the purpose of sexual exploitation; men and boys are trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor; Azerbaijan serves as a transit country for victims from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Moldova trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Azerbaijan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, particularly efforts to investigate, prosecute, and punish traffickers; to address complicity among law enforcement personnel; and to adequately identify and protect victims in Azerbaijan; the government has yet to develop a much-needed mechanism to identify potential trafficking victims and refer them to safety and care; poor treatment of trafficking victims in courtrooms continues to be a problem (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program; transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe
page last updated on January 18, 2011

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

@Bahamas, The (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Bahamas, The

Background:

Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Geography ::Bahamas, The

Location:

Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

24 15 N, 76 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,880 sq km country comparison to the world: 160 land: 10,010 sq km
water: 3,870 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,542 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Terrain:

long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Alvernia on Cat Island 63 m

Natural resources:

salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 0.58%
permanent crops: 0.29%
other: 99.13% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage

Environment - current issues:

coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited

People ::Bahamas, The

Population:

310,426 country comparison to the world: 177 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.3% (male 39,493/female 38,355)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 103,889/female 107,528)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 6,998/female 11,289) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.9 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 31 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.935% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Birth rate:

16.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Urbanization:

urban population: 84% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 129 male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.84 years country comparison to the world: 140 male: 68.48 years
female: 73.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Nationality:

noun: Bahamian(s)

adjective: Bahamian

Ethnic groups:

black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Religions:

Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%, Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.6%
male: 94.7%
female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 127

Government ::Bahamas, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
conventional short form: The Bahamas

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Nassau
geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama

Independence:

10 July 1973 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Constitution:

10 July 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Arthur A. FOULKES (since 14 April 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Hubert A. INGRAHAM (since 4 May 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16 seats; members appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader to serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (41 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time
elections: last held on 2 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - FNM 49.86%, PLP 47.02%; seats by party - FNM 23, PLP 18

Judicial branch:

Privy Council in London; Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court;
Magistrates' Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert INGRAHAM]; Progressive Liberal
Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Friends of the Environment
other: trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO,
ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cornelius A. SMITH
chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole A. AVANT
embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, New Providence
mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370
telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)

FAX: [1] (242) 328-2206

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and force of a united people, while the pointing triangle indicates the enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop the rich resources of land and sea

National anthem:

name: "March On, Bahamaland!"

lyrics/music: Timothy GIBSON
note: adopted 1973; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Bahamas, The

Economy - overview:

The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to 2006, a steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but since then tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in a contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The decline continued in 2010 as tourism from the US and sector investment lagged. Financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business services, account for about 36% of GDP. However, the financial sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of the enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000 that caused many international businesses to relocate elsewhere. Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$8.878 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $8.923 billion (2009 est.)

$9.285 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.538 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 -3.9% (2009 est.)

-1.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $29,000 (2009 est.)

$30,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 14.7%
services: 84.1% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

184,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 5%
tourism: 50%
other services: 40% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Population below poverty line:

9.3% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: 27% (2000)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Central bank discount rate:

5.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 82 5.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.284 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 130 $1.275 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$5.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $5.893 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.993 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $7.883 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables; poultry

Industries:

tourism, banking, cement, oil transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - consumption:

1.902 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - consumption:

36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - exports:

transshipments of 41,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - imports:

20,560 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Current account balance:

-$283.2 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 -$1.442 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$674 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 162

Exports - commodities:

mineral products and salt, animal products, rum, chemicals, fruit and vegetables

Exports - partners:

US 35.99%, Singapore 18.64%, Poland 12.1%, Germany 6.24% (2009)

Imports:

$2.401 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals

Imports - partners:

US 27.23%, South Korea 20.08%, Japan 14.55%, Singapore 5.89%, China 4.75%, Venezuela 4.26%, Italy 4.12% (2009)

Debt - external:

$342.6 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Exchange rates:

Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Communications ::Bahamas, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

129,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Telephones - mobile cellular:

358,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities
domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed; the Bahamas Domestic Submarine Network links 14 of the islands and is designed to satisfy increasing demand for voice and broadband internet services
international: country code - 1-242; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB); multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; about 15 radio stations operating with BCB operating a multi-channel radio broadcasting network alongside privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.bs

Internet hosts:

21,939 (2010) country comparison to the world: 107

Internet users:

115,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Transportation ::Bahamas, The

Airports:

62 (2010) country comparison to the world: 78

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 39

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,717 km country comparison to the world: 168 paved: 1,560 km
unpaved: 1,157 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,170 country comparison to the world: 10 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 229, cargo 191, carrier 2, chemical tanker 80, combination ore/oil 8, container 50, liquefied gas 78, passenger 100, passenger/cargo 29, petroleum tanker 222, refrigerated cargo 106, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 60
foreign-owned: 1,080 (Angola 5, Belgium 9, Bermuda 12, Brazil 1,
Canada 102, China 4, Croatia 1, Cyprus 14, Denmark 59, Finland 8,
France 19, Germany 39, Greece 209, Guernsey 6, Hong Kong 2,
Indonesia 2, Ireland 3, Italy 5, Japan 93, Jordan 2, Kuwait 2,
Malaysia 13, Monaco 14, Montenegro 2, Netherlands 22, Nigeria 2,
Norway 198, Poland 32, Saudi Arabia 16, Singapore 7, Slovenia 1,
Spain 9, Sweden 6, Switzerland 2, Thailand 4, Trinidad and Tobago 1,
Turkey 3, UAE 27, UK 24, US 100)

registered in other countries: 10 (Bolivia 1, Malta 1, Panama 7, Peru 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Freeport, Nassau, South Riding Point

Military ::Bahamas, The

Military branches:

Royal Bahamian Defense Force: Land Force, Navy, Air Wing (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 84,903 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 62,779
females age 16-49: 63,954 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,840
female: 2,758 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Transnational Issues ::Bahamas, The

Disputes - international:

disagrees with the US on the alignment the northern axis of a potential maritime boundary; continues to monitor and interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian waters

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; offshore financial center
page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Bahrain (Middle East)

Introduction ::Bahrain

Background:

In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in 1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in 2010 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional low-level violence.

Geography ::Bahrain

Location:

Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

26 00 N, 50 33 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 760 sq km country comparison to the world: 187 land: 760 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Natural resources:

oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Land use:

arable land: 2.82%
permanent crops: 5.63%
other: 91.55% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (40%/3%/57%)

per capita: 411 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; dust storms

Environment - current issues:

desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs)

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean

People ::Bahrain

Population:

738,004 country comparison to the world: 163 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 95,258/female 93,256)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 293,340/female 217,815)

65 years and over: 4% (male 15,274/female 13,766) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.4 years
male: 33.5 years
female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.243% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Birth rate:

16.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Death rate:

4.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.33 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female
total population: 1.24 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 126 male: 17.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.4 years country comparison to the world: 84 male: 72.87 years
female: 78.01 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Nationality:

noun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Ethnic groups:

Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.5%
male: 88.6%
female: 83.6% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 149

Government ::Bahrain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
conventional short form: Bahrain
local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
local short form: Al Bahrayn
former: Dilmun

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Manama
geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah, Wasat
note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor

Independence:

15 August 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection

Constitution:

adopted 14 February 2002

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)

head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa (since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Jawad bin Salim al-ARAIDH
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: Council of Representatives - last held in two rounds on 23 and 30 October 2010 (next election to be held in 2014)

election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by society - NA; seats by society - al Wifaq (Shia) 18, al Asala (Sunni Salafi) 3, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 2, independents 17

Judicial branch:

High Civil Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders:

political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators
other: several small leftist and other groups are active

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111

FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Adam ERELI
embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama
mailing address: PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama
telephone: [973] 1724-2700

FAX: [973] 1727-0547

Flag description:

red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag

National anthem:

name: "Bahrainona" (Our Bahrain)

lyrics/music: unknown
note: adopted 1971; although Mohamed Sudqi AYYASH wrote the original lyrics, they were changed in 2002 following the transformation of Bahrain from an emirate to a kingdom

Economy ::Bahrain

Economy - overview:

Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the Persian Gulf. Highly developed communication and transport facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. As part of its diversification plans, Bahrain implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US in August 2006, the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state. Bahrain's economy, however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied industries). Other major economic activities are production of aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum industries. Unemployment, especially among the young, is a long-term economic problem Bahrain struggles to address. In 2009, to help lower unemployment among Bahraini nationals, Bahrain reduced sponsorship for expatriate workers, increasing the costs of employing foreign labor. The global financial crisis caused funding for many non-oil projects to dry up and resulted in slower economic growth for Bahrain. Other challenges facing Bahrain include the slow growth of government debt as a result of a large subsidy program, the financing of large government projects, and debt restructuring, such as the bailout of state-owned Gulf Air.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $28.7 billion (2009 est.)

$27.83 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.73 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 3.1% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $39,400 (2009 est.)

$38,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 56.6%
services: 42.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

611,000 country comparison to the world: 154 note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 79%
services: 20% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Public debt:

59.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 38.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 2.8% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.372 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 80 $5.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$21.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $18.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $16.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$16.93 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 60 $21.18 billion (31 December 2008)

$28.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Industries:

petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - production:

10.25 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - consumption:

10.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

48,560 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - consumption:

39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - exports:

238,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - imports:

228,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - proved reserves:

124.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - production:

12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - consumption:

12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - proved reserves:

92.03 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Current account balance:

$589 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $560.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$15.13 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $12.05 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Exports - partners:

India 4.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.78% (2009)

Imports:

$12.14 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $9.613 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 22.91%, France 9.76%, US 7.95%, China 6.4%, South Korea 5.26%, Japan 5.19%, Germany 5.01%, UK 4.34% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.766 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $3.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$14.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $10.55 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$15.77 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$8.399 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $7.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2010), 0.376 (2009), 0.376 (2008), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006)

Communications ::Bahrain

Telephones - main lines in use:

238,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.578 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system
domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones
international: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth station - 1 (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run broadcast media; Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) operates 5 terrestrial TV networks; satellite TV systems provide access to international broadcasts; state-run BRTC broadcasts over several radio stations; 1 private FM station directs broadcasts to Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from countries in the region are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.bh

Internet hosts:

53,944 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Internet users:

419,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Transportation ::Bahrain

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 183

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 20 km; oil 32 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,851 km country comparison to the world: 158 paved: 3,121 km
unpaved: 730 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 7 country comparison to the world: 126 by type: bulk carrier 2, container 4, petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 5)

registered in other countries: 6 (Honduras 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Military ::Bahrain

Military branches:

Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air Defense),
Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 208,365
females age 16-49: 174,375 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 170,633
females age 16-49: 146,243 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,590
female: 6,475 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 19

Transnational Issues ::Bahrain

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Bangladesh (South Asia)

Introduction ::Bangladesh

Background:

Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to dominate the region and it became part of British India. In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh. A military-backed, emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were mostly peaceful and Sheikh HASINA Wajed was elected prime minister. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Geography ::Bangladesh

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 90 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 143,998 sq km country comparison to the world: 94 land: 130,168 sq km
water: 13,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Iowa

Land boundaries:

total: 4,246 km
border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Coastline:

580 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Land use:

arable land: 55.39%
permanent crops: 3.08%
other: 41.53% (2005)

Irrigated land:

47,250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,210.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 79.4 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)

per capita: 560 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season

Environment - current issues:

many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal

People ::Bangladesh

Population:

156,118,464 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.6% (male 27,065,625/female 26,913,961)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 45,222,182/female 50,537,052)

65 years and over: 4% (male 3,057,255/female 3,254,808) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.9 years
male: 22.4 years
female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.55% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Birth rate:

23.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Death rate:

5.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Net migration rate:

-2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.54 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 48 male: 55.04 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.44 years country comparison to the world: 148 male: 67.64 years
female: 71.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Ethnic groups:

Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims) (1998)

Religions:

Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)

Languages:

Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47.9%
male: 54%
female: 41.4% (2001 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

2.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 163

Government ::Bangladesh

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh
conventional short form: Bangladesh
local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh
local short form:

former: East Bengal, East Pakistan

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Dhaka
geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Independence:

16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

Constitution:

4 November 1972; effective 16 December 1972; suspended following coup of 24 March 1982; restored 10 November 1986; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Zillur RAHMAN (since 12 February 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wajed (since 6 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); last election held on 11 February 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Zillur RAHMAN declared president-elect by the Election Commission on 11 February 2009 (sworn in on 12 February); he ran unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies; members serve five-year terms
elections: last held on 29 December 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - AL 49%, BNP 33.2%, JP 7%, JIB 4.6%, other 6.2%; seats by party - AL 230, BNP 30, JP 27, JIB 2, other 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist Party or
BCP [Manjurul A. KHAN]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda
ZIA]; Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh or BDB [Badrudozza CHOWDHURY]; Islami
Oikya Jote or IOJ [multiple leaders]; Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh or
JIB [Matiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction)
[Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Oli
AHMED]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Advocacy to End Gender-based Violence through the MoWCA (Ministry of
Women's and Children's Affairs)

other: environmentalists; Islamist groups; religious leaders; teachers; union leaders

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Akramul QADER
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183

FAX: [1] (202) 244-7830/2771
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James F. MORIARTY
embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212
mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000
telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500

FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744

Flag description:

green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh

National anthem:

name: "Amar Shonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal)

lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE
note: adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem

Economy ::Bangladesh

Economy - overview:

The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Bangladesh's growth was resilient during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and recession. Garment exports, totaling $12.3 billion in FY09 and remittances from overseas Bangladeshis totaling $9.7 billion in FY09 accounted for almost 25% of GDP.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$259.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $244.6 billion (2009 est.)

$231.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$105.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 5.7% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 18.4%
industry: 28.7%
services: 52.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

73.87 million country comparison to the world: 8 note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $10.9 billion in 2009-10 (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 45%
industry: 30%
services: 25% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 5.1% (2009 est.)

note: about 40% of the population is underemployed; many participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low wages

Population below poverty line:

36.3% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 8.8%
highest 10%: 26.6% (2008 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.2 (2005) country comparison to the world: 94 33.6 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Public debt:

39.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 39.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 5.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5% (31 October 2010) country comparison to the world: 86 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.6% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 16.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$13.98 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 67 $10.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $63.03 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$62.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $53.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$7.068 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 74 $6.671 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.793 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Industries:

cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Industrial production growth rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - production:

25.62 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - consumption:

23.94 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5,733 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - consumption:

96,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - exports:

2,612 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - imports:

87,660 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - proved reserves:

28 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - production:

19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - consumption:

19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - proved reserves:

195.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Current account balance:

$3.734 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 34 $2.416 billion (2009)

Exports:

$16.24 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 73 $15.58 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

garments, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods, leather

Exports - partners:

US 22.5%, Germany 14.2%, UK 9.6%, France 7%, Netherlands 6.4% (2009)

Imports:

$21.34 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 68 $20.3 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement

Imports - partners:

China 16.16%, India 12.61%, Singapore 7.55%, Japan 4.63%, Malaysia 4.46% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $10.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$24.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $24.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$6.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $5.617 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$82 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $81 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

taka (BDT) per US dollar - 70.59 (2010), 69.039 (2009), 68.554 (2008), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006)

Communications ::Bangladesh

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.522 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate for a modern country; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities
domestic: fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6; international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations; 8 private satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also broadcasting; foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience share in the large cities; several international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.bd

Internet hosts:

68,224 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Internet users:

617,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Transportation ::Bangladesh

Airports:

17 (2010) country comparison to the world: 140

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 15
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,597 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,768 km country comparison to the world: 61 broad gauge: 946 km 1.676-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 239,226 km country comparison to the world: 21 paved: 22,726 km
unpaved: 216,500 km (2003)

Waterways:

8,370 km country comparison to the world: 17 note: includes up to 3,060 km main cargo routes; network reduced to 5,200 km in dry season (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 50 country comparison to the world: 70 by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 25, container 5, petroleum tanker 4
foreign-owned: 4 (China 1, Singapore 3)

registered in other countries: 9 (Comoros 1, Malta 1, Panama 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chittagong, Mongla Port

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Bangladesh as high risk for armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Bangladesh

Military branches:

Bangladesh Defense Force: Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini), Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman Bahini, BAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary enlisted military service (Air Force); 17 years of age (Army and Navy); conscription is by law possible in times of emergency, but has never been implemented (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,560,110 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,310,750
females age 16-49: 32,154,153 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,550,385
female: 1,676,137 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Transnational Issues ::Bangladesh

Disputes - international:

discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, exchange territory for 51 small Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 small Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, allocate divided villages, and stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's fencing and walling off high-traffic sections of the porous boundary; a joint Bangladesh-India boundary commission resurveyed and reconstructed 92 missing pillars in 2007; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 26,268 (Burma)

IDPs: 65,000 (land conflicts, religious persecution) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Bangladesh is a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; a significant share of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage; children are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and forced labor; women and children from Bangladesh are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Bangladesh is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so, including some progress in addressing sex trafficking; the government did not demonstrate sufficient progress in criminally prosecuting and convicting labor trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for the purpose of labor trafficking (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Barbados (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Barbados

Background:

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Geography ::Barbados

Location:

Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

13 10 N, 59 32 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 430 sq km country comparison to the world: 200 land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

97 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain:

relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 37.21%
permanent crops: 2.33%
other: 60.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

50 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.09 cu km/yr (33%/44%/22%)

per capita: 333 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

easternmost Caribbean island

People ::Barbados

Population:

285,653 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 27,383/female 27,352)

15-64 years: 71.3% (male 99,829/female 103,049)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 10,464/female 16,512) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.2 years
male: 35.1 years
female: 37.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.374% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Birth rate:

12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Death rate:

8.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Net migration rate:

-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Urbanization:

urban population: 40% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.012 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.09 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 138 male: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.14 years country comparison to the world: 101 male: 71.88 years
female: 76.42 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Nationality:

noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Ethnic groups:

black 93%, white 3.2%, mixed 2.6%, East Indian 1%, other 0.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Protestant 63.4% (Anglican 28.3%, Pentecostal 18.7%, Methodist 5.1%, other 11.3%), Roman Catholic 4.2%, other Christian 7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.7% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 26

Government ::Barbados

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Barbados

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Bridgetown
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas

Independence:

30 November 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Constitution:

30 November 1966

Legal system:

English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS (since 1 June 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Fruendel STUART (since 23 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 12 on the advice of the Prime Minister, 2 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 7 at his discretion) and the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 15 January 2008 (next to be called in 2012)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - DLP 52.5%, BLP 47.3%; seats by party - DLP 20, BLP 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature consists of a High Court and a Court of
Appeal (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the
Judicial and Legal Services); Caribbean Court of Justice or CCJ is
the highest court of appeal; based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago

Political parties and leaders:

Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor Party or
DLP [Freundel STUART]; People's Empowerment Party or PEP [David
COMISSIONG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Barbados Secondary Teachers' Union or BSTU [Patrick FROST]; Barbados
Union of Teachers or BUT [Herbert GITTENS]; Congress of Trade Unions
and Staff Associations of Barbados or CTUSAB, (includes the BWU,
NUPW, BUT, and BSTU) [Leroy TROTMAN]; Barbados Workers Union or BWU
[Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David COMISSIONG];
National Union of Public Workers [Joseph GODDARD]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John BEALE
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200

FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
consulate(s): Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d' Affaires D. Brent HARDT
embassy: U.S. Embassy, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael BB 14006
mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown BB 11000; CMR 1014, APO AA 34055
telephone: [1] (246) 227-4399

FAX: [1] (246) 431-0179

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)

National anthem:

name: "The National Anthem of Barbados"

lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS
note: adopted 1966; the anthem is also known as "In Plenty and In Time of Need"

Economy ::Barbados

Economy - overview:

Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, in recent years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports being attributed to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases in construction projects and tourism revenues, reflecting its success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining revenues in 2009 with the global economic downturn. The country enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern US financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The public debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over 100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and financial services led to a wide budget deficit.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.196 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $6.24 billion (2009 est.)

$6.603 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.963 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 -5.5% (2009 est.)

-0.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $21,900 (2009 est.)

$23,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%
industry: 16%
services: 78% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

175,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%
industry: 15%
services: 75% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

NA (2009)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 10.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.793 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 123 $1.748 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$4.563 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 $4.618 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.554 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $4.124 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81 $4.964 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.599 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Industries:

tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.2% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - production:

1.003 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - consumption:

939.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

765 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - exports:

1,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - imports:

10,390 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - proved reserves:

1.79 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - production:

29.17 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - consumption:

29.17 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - proved reserves:

113.3 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Current account balance:

-$254 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Exports:

$385 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 172

Exports - commodities:

manufactures, sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components

Exports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 17.48%, Jamaica 15.63%, US 8.93%, Saint Lucia 8.13%, UK 5.36%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.04%, Antigua and Barbuda 4.12% (2009)

Imports:

$1.586 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 159

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Imports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 28.52%, US 27.96%, Colombia 7.13%, China 4.76%,
UK 4.39% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$620 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 117

Debt - external:

$668 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 155

Exchange rates:

Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2 (2003)

Communications ::Barbados

Telephones - main lines in use:

135,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Telephones - mobile cellular:

337,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Telephone system:

general assessment: island-wide automatic telephone system
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 50 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone density approaching 125 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-246; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat -Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia (2009)

Broadcast media:

government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates the lone terrestrial television station; CBC also operates a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen radio stations, consisting of a CBC-operated network alongside privately-owned radio stations, in operation (2007)

Internet country code:

.bb

Internet hosts:

1,508 (2010) country comparison to the world: 159

Internet users:

188,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Transportation ::Barbados

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 233

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,600 km country comparison to the world: 176 paved: 1,600 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 95 country comparison to the world: 52 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 55, chemical tanker 9, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 89 (Canada 13, Greece 14, Iran 4, Lebanon 2, Norway 41, Sweden 6, Syria 1, Turkey 1, UK 7)

registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bridgetown

Military ::Barbados

Military branches:

Royal Barbados Defense Force: Troops Command, Barbados Coast Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger volunteers require parental consent); no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 74,418
females age 16-49: 74,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 58,532
females age 16-49: 58,542 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,897
female: 1,884 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Military - note:

the Royal Barbados Defense Force includes a land-based Troop Command and a small Coast Guard; the primary role of the land element is to defend the island against external aggression; the Command consists of a single, part-time battalion with a small regular cadre that is deployed throughout the island; it increasingly supports the police in patrolling the coastline to prevent smuggling and other illicit activities (2007)

Transnational Issues ::Barbados

Disputes - international:

Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Belarus (Europe)

Introduction ::Belarus

Background:

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

Geography ::Belarus

Location:

Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 28 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 207,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 85 land: 202,900 sq km
water: 4,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 3,306 km
border countries: Latvia 171 km, Lithuania 680 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime

Terrain:

generally flat and contains much marshland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m
highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Natural resources:

timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Land use:

arable land: 26.77%
permanent crops: 0.6%
other: 72.63% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,310 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

58 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.79 cu km/yr (23%/47%/30%)

per capita: 286 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes

People ::Belarus

Population:

9,612,632 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.3% (male 707,550/female 667,560)

15-64 years: 71.3% (male 3,337,253/female 3,540,916)

65 years and over: 14.5% (male 446,746/female 948,508) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years
male: 35.8 years
female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.368% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Birth rate:

9.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Death rate:

13.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Net migration rate:

0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.062 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.47 male(s)/female
total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.34 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 174 male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.92 years country comparison to the world: 139 male: 65.26 years
female: 76.93 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Nationality:

noun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Ethnic groups:

Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish 3.9%, Ukrainian 2.4%, other 1.1% (1999 census)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant,
Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Belarusian (official) 36.7%, Russian (official) 62.8%, other 0.5% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities) (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.4% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 56

Government ::Belarus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Belarus
conventional short form: Belarus
local long form: Respublika Byelarus'

local short form: Byelarus'

former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship

Capital:

name: Minsk
geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1 municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel), Horad Minsk* (Minsk City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk (Vitebsk)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when different from Belarusian

Independence:

25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

15 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing presidential term limits

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since 28 December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since December 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999, however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September 2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed the president to run in a third (19 March 2006) and fourth election (19 December 2010); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 79.7%, Andrey SANNIKAU 2.6%, other candidates 17.7%; note - election marred by electoral fraud

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Natsionalnoye Sobraniye consists of the Council of the Republic or Sovet Respubliki (64 seats; 56 members elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8 members appointed by the president, to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Predstaviteley (110 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Palata Predstaviteley - last held on 28 September 2008 (next to be held in the spring of 2012); international observers determined that despite minor improvements the election ultimately fell short of democratic standards; pro-LUKASHENKO candidates won every seat
election results: Sovet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Palata Predstaviteley - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Political parties and leaders:

pro-government parties: Belarusian Agrarian Party or AP [Mikhail
SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian Patriotic
Party) or BPR [Nikolay ULAKHOVICH, chairman]; Communist Party of
Belarus or KPB [Tatsyana HOLUBEVA]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
[Sergey GAYDUKEVICH]; Republican Party of Labor and Justice [Vasiliy
ZADNEPRYANYY]

opposition parties: Belarusian Christian Democracy Party [Pavel SEVERINETS] (unregistered); Belarusian Party of Communists or PKB [Sergey KALYAKIN]; Belarusian Party of Labor [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV] (unregistered); Belarusian Popular Front or BPF [Aleksey YANUKEVICH]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Hramada [Stanislav SHUSHKEVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party Hramada ("Assembly") or BSDPH [Anatoliy LEVKOVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party People's Assembly ("Narodnaya Hramada") [Nikolay STATKEVICH] (unregistered); Belarusian Women's Party Nadzeya ("Hope") [Yelena YESKOVA, chairperson]; Christian Conservative Party or BPF [Zyanon PAZNIAK]; European Belarus Campaign [Andrey SANNIKOV]; Party of Freedom and Progress [Vladimir NOVOSYAD] (unregistered); "Tell the Truth" Campaign [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; United Civic Party or UCP [Anatoliy LEBEDKO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs (unregistered) [Sergey MATSKEVICH];
Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions [Aleksandr YAROSHUK];
Belarusian Association of Journalists [Zhana LITVINA]; Belarusian
Helsinki Committee [Aleh HULAK]; Belarusian Independence Bloc
(unregistered) and For Freedom movement [Aleksandr MILINKEVICH];
Belarusian Organization of Working Women [Irina ZHIKHAR]; BPF-Youth
[Andrus KRECHKA]; Charter 97 (unregistered) [Andrey SANNIKOV];
Perspektiva small business association [Anatol SHUMCHENKO]; Nasha
Vyasna (unregistered) ("Our Spring") human rights center; "Tell the
Truth" Movement [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; Women's Independent Democratic
Movement [Ludmila PETINA]; Young Belarus (Malady Belarus) [Zmitser
KASPYAROVICH]; Youth Front (Malady Front) [Zmitser DASHKEVICH]

International organization participation:

BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD,
FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Oleg KRAVCHENKO
chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604

FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael SCANLAN
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347 through 7348

FAX: [375] (17) 334-7853

Flag description:

red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents hope and the many forests of the country

National anthem:

name: "My, Bielarusy" (We Belarusians)

lyrics/music: Mikhas KLIMKOVICH and Uladzimir KARYZNA/Nester SAKALOUSKI
note: music adopted 1955, lyrics adopted 2002; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus kept the music of its Soviet-era anthem but adopted new lyrics; also known as "Dziarzauny himn Respubliki Bielarus" (State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus)

Economy ::Belarus

Economy - overview:

Belarus has seen limited structural reform since 1995, when President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private enterprises. Since 2005, the government has re-nationalized a number of private companies. In addition, businesses have been subjected to pressure by central and local governments, including arbitrary changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive" businessmen and factory owners. Continued state control over economic operations hampers market entry for businesses, both domestic and foreign. Government statistics indicate GDP growth was strong, surpassing 10% in 2008, despite the roadblocks of a tough, centrally directed economy with a high rate of inflation and a low rate of unemployment. However, the global crisis pushed the country into recession in 2009, and GDP grew only 0.2% for the year. Slumping foreign demand hit the industrial sector hard. Minsk has depended on a standby-agreement with the IMF to assist with balance of payments shortfalls. In line with IMF conditions, in 2009, Belarus devalued the ruble more than 40% and tightened some fiscal and monetary policies. On 1 January 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus launched a customs union, with unified trade regulations and customs codes still under negotiation. In late January, Russia and Belarus amended their 2007 oil supply agreement. The new terms raised prices for above quota purchases, increasing Belarus' current account deficit. GDP grew 4.8% in 2010, in part, on the strength of renewed export growth. In December 2010, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to form a Common Economic Space and Russia removed all Belarusian oil duties.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$128.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $122.5 billion (2009 est.)

$122.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.89 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 0.2% (2009 est.)

10.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $12,700 (2009 est.)

$12,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%
industry: 42.9%
services: 48.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%
industry: 34.7%
services: 51.3% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 1.6% (2005)

note: official registered unemployed; large number of underemployed workers

Population below poverty line:

27.1% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 22% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 124 21.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

36% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 12.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

13.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 30 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.747 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 92 $4.381 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$13.62 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 $14.07 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$19.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $17.15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers, motorcycles, televisions, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles, radios, refrigerators

Industrial production growth rate:

10.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - production:

29.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - consumption:

30.54 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - exports:

5.062 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

9.406 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

31,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - consumption:

173,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - exports:

303,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - imports:

444,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - proved reserves:

198 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - production:

152 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - consumption:

17 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - imports:

17.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.832 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Current account balance:

-$5.062 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 -$6.402 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$24.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Russia 33.6%, Netherlands 13.78%, Ukraine 8.68%, Latvia 6.32%,
Poland 4.19%, Germany 4.17% (2009)

Imports:

$29.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $28.31 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 56.42%, Germany 8.31%, Ukraine 4.79%, China 4.04% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.755 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $4.831 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$24.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $19.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar - 3,019.9 (2010), 2,789.5 (2009), 2,130 (2008), 2,145 (2007), 2,144.6 (2006)

Communications ::Belarus

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.969 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.686 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Telephone system:

general assessment: Belarus lags behind its neighbors in upgrading telecommunications infrastructure; modernization of the network progressing with roughly two-thirds of switching equipment now digital
domestic: state-owned Beltelcom is the sole provider of fixed-line local and long distance service; fixed-line teledensity is improving although rural areas continue to be underserved; multiple GSM mobile-cellular networks are experiencing rapid growth; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 100 telephones per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 375; Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations (2008)

Broadcast media:

4 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian Radio operates 3 national networks and an external service; Russian and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.by

Internet hosts:

147,311 (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Internet users:

2.643 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Transportation ::Belarus

Airports:

67 (2010) country comparison to the world: 74

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 35
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 22

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 5,250 km; oil 1,528 km; refined products 1,730 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,537 km country comparison to the world: 32 broad gauge: 5,512 km 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)

standard gauge: 25 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 94,797 km country comparison to the world: 49 paved: 84,028 km
unpaved: 10,769 km (2005)

Waterways:

2,500 km (use limited by location on perimeter of country and by shallowness) (2003) country comparison to the world: 36

Ports and terminals:

Mazyr

Military ::Belarus

Military branches:

Belarus Armed Forces: Land Force, Air and Air Defense Force, Special
Operations Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,435,318
females age 16-49: 2,466,762 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,708,634
females age 16-49: 2,043,083 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,758
female: 52,572 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Transnational Issues ::Belarus

Disputes - international:

Boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania in 2006; 1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and diminishing border security

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and lightly regulated financial center; anti-money-laundering legislation does not meet international standards and was weakened further when know-your-customer requirements were curtailed in 2008; few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Belgium (Europe)

Introduction ::Belgium

Background:

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Geography ::Belgium

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the
Netherlands

Geographic coordinates:

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 30,528 sq km country comparison to the world: 140 land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km

Coastline:

66.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
continental shelf: median line with neighbors

Climate:

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Terrain:

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: North Sea 0 m
highest point: Botrange 694 m

Natural resources:

construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

Land use:

arable land: 27.42%
permanent crops: 0.69%
other: 71.89%
note: includes Luxembourg (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

20.8 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%)

per capita: 714 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Environment - current issues:

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

People ::Belgium

Population:

10,423,493 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 857,373/female 822,303)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 3,480,072/female 3,419,721)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 760,390/female 1,074,477) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42 years
male: 40.7 years
female: 43.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.082% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Birth rate:

10.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Death rate:

10.5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Net migration rate:

1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Urbanization:

urban population: 97% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 195 male: 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.37 years country comparison to the world: 37 male: 76.21 years
female: 82.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Nationality:

noun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Ethnic groups:

Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%

Languages:

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 36

Government ::Belgium

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie
local short form: Belgique/Belgie

Government type:

federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Brussels
geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region de Bruxelles-Capitale (French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form), Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)

note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities

Independence:

4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)

National holiday:

21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I

Constitution:

7 February 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to create a federal state

Legal system:

based on civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (since 25 November 2009); note - the king accepted the resignation of LETERME on 26 April 2010; LETERME remains as caretaker
cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS 7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party 1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18, sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker 1, the Popular Party 1
note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de
Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the
government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice
Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV [Wouter
BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals and
Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN
BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or
N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A
[Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno
VALKENIERS]

Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX,
Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle
MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform
Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI
RUPO]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation of
Belgian Industries

other: numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia
Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN
chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN
embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)

National anthem:

name: "La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant)

lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT
note: adopted 1830; Louis-Alexandre DECHET was an actor at the theater in which the revolution against the Netherlands began; according to legend, he wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe

Economy ::Belgium

Economy - overview:

This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries. In 2009 Belgian GDP contracted by 2.7%, the unemployment rate rose slightly, and the budget deficit worsened because of large-scale bail-outs in the financial sector. Belgium's budget deficit widened to 4.8% of GDP in 2010, while public debt was just over 100% of GDP. Belgian banks have been severely affected by the international financial crisis with three major banks receiving capital injections from the government. An ageing population and rising social expenditures are also increasing pressure on public finances, making it likely the government will need to implement unpopular austerity measures to assuage investor concerns about Belgium's ability to restore fiscal balance.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$394.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $388.7 billion (2009 est.)

$399.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$461.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 -2.7% (2009 est.)

0.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $37,300 (2009 est.)

$38,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 22.1%
services: 77.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.02 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%
industry: 25%
services: 73% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15.2% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2005) country comparison to the world: 121 28.7 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Public debt:

102.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 101% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 113 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.15% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 7.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$172.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 19 $178.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$539.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $536.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$801.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $767.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$261.4 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 $167.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$386.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk

Industries:

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - production:

82.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - consumption:

84.88 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - exports:

6.561 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

17.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

11,220 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - consumption:

608,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - exports:

433,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - imports:

1.12 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - consumption:

16.87 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - imports:

16.78 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Current account balance:

-$1.129 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.251 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$279.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $261.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.58%, France 17.71%, Netherlands 11.84%, UK 7.21%, US 5.37%, Italy 4.77% (2009)

Imports:

$281.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $261.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 17.93%, Germany 17.14%, France 11.69%, Ireland 6.26%, US 5.74%, UK 5.07%, China 4.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$23.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.241 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.354 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$741.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $705.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$632.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $595.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Belgium

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,255 (2009) country comparison to the world: 215

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

Broadcast media:

a segmented market with the three major communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code:

.be

Internet hosts:

4.465 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 19

Internet users:

8.113 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Transportation ::Belgium

Airports:

43 (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27
over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,330 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,233 km country comparison to the world: 54 standard gauge: 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 152,256 km country comparison to the world: 35 paved: 119,079 km (includes 1,763 km of expressways)

unpaved: 33,177 km (2006)

Waterways:

2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2008) country comparison to the world: 44

Merchant marine:

total: 81 country comparison to the world: 55 by type: bulk carrier 21, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, container 4, liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 7
foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2)

registered in other countries: 104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2,
France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1,
Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1,
Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge
container ports (TEUs): Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

Military ::Belgium

Military branches:

Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval Operations
Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription suspended (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,377,191
females age 16-49: 2,309,941 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,949,361
females age 16-49: 1,891,966 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 60,726
female: 57,882 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Transnational Issues ::Belgium

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Belize (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Belize

Background:

Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, high crime rates, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Geography ::Belize

Location:

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and
Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

17 15 N, 88 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 22,966 sq km country comparison to the world: 151 land: 22,806 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 516 km
border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Terrain:

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,160 m

Natural resources:

arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.05%
permanent crops: 1.39%
other: 95.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

18.6 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (7%/73%/20%)

per capita: 556 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Belize

Population:

314,522 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.9% (male 59,462/female 57,117)

15-64 years: 58.6% (male 91,298/female 89,170)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 5,185/female 5,667) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.102% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Birth rate:

26.84 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Death rate:

5.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 90

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 92 male: 25.22 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.23 years country comparison to the world: 150 male: 66.54 years
female: 70 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%, Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist 3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)

Languages:

Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown 0.2% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 76.9%
male: 76.7%
female: 77.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 62

Government ::Belize

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Belize
former: British Honduras

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Belmopan
geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence:

21 September 1981 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Constitution:

21 September 1981

Legal system:

English law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver BARROW (since 8 February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 56.3%, PUP 40.9%; seats by party - UDP 25, PUP 6

Judicial branch:

Summary Jurisdiction Courts (criminal) and District Courts (civil jurisdiction); Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in the UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance for Belizean Rights or NABR; National Reform Party or NRP [Cornelius DUECK]; People's National Party or PNP [Wil MAHEIA]; People's United Party or PUP [John BRICENO]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean BARROW]; Vision Inspired by the People or VIP [Paul MORGAN]; We the People Reform Movement or WTP [Hipolito BAUTISTA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR [Nicole
HAYLOCK]; Association of Concerned Belizeans or ACB [David VASQUEZ];
National Trade Union Congress of Belize or NTUC/B [Rene GOMEZ]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Nestor MENDEZ
chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vinai THUMMALAPALLY
embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Cayo District
mailing address: P.O. Box 497, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize
telephone: [501] 822-4011

FAX: [501] 822-4012

Flag description:

blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that led to British settlement of Belize
note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans

National anthem:

name: "Land of the Free"

lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG
note: adopted 1981; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Belize

Economy - overview:

In this small, essentially private-enterprise economy, tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 3.8% in 2008, 0% in 2009, and 1.5% in 2010 as a result of the global slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil discoveries in 2006 bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly all of its public external commercial debt, which helped reduce interest payments and relieved some of the country's liquidity concerns. A key objective remains the reduction of poverty and inequality with the help of international donors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.652 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $2.613 billion (2009 est.)

$2.613 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.431 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 0% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $8,500 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29%
industry: 16.9%
services: 54.1% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

120,500 country comparison to the world: 179 note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (2008 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 18.1%
services: 71.7% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.1% (2009) country comparison to the world: 137 8.2% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

33.5% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -1.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 14.14% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$389.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 161 $336.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.351 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $1.084 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.291 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.036 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber

Industries:

garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil

Industrial production growth rate:

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - production:

213.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Electricity - consumption:

198.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

248.4 million kWh (2005)

Oil - production:

3,990 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - exports:

2,260 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - imports:

7,204 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - proved reserves:

6.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Current account balance:

-$151 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 -$93.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$404 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $381.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood, crude oil

Exports - partners:

US 30.7%, UK 29.77%, Nigeria 4.9%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.45% (2009)

Imports:

$740 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $620.5 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Imports - partners:

US 33.65%, Mexico 14.17%, Cuba 8.51%, Guatemala 6.75%, Spain 6.07%,
China 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$219 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $213.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.01 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $954.1 million (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2010), 2 (2009), 2 (2008), 2 (2007), 2 (2006)

Communications ::Belize

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Telephones - mobile cellular:

161,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Telephone system:

general assessment: above-average system; trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 55 per 100 persons
international: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2008)

Broadcast media:

8 privately-owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2007)

Internet country code:

.bz

Internet hosts:

2,880 (2010) country comparison to the world: 147

Internet users:

36,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Transportation ::Belize

Airports:

45 (2010) country comparison to the world: 96

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,007 km country comparison to the world: 165 paved: 575 km
unpaved: 2,432 km (2006)

Waterways:

825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Merchant marine:

total: 231 country comparison to the world: 33 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 37, cargo 146, chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 7, refrigerated cargo 27, roll on/roll off 10
foreign-owned: 171 (Chile 1, China 64, Croatia 1, Cyprus 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 2, Iceland 2, Italy 3, Japan 1, Latvia 10, Lithuania 2, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 2, Norway 3, Peru 1, Russia 32, Singapore 7, Spain 1, Syria 2, Turkey 18, UAE 5, UK 4, Ukraine 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Belize City, Big Creek

Military ::Belize

Military branches:

Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes Special
Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1 (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 79,088
females age 16-49: 77,147 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 57,759
females age 16-49: 55,903 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,678
female: 3,543 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Transnational Issues ::Belize

Disputes - international:

OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures saw cooperation in repatriation of Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain unresolved; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays in its constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the Differendum

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Belize is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex trafficking of minors; some Central American men, women, and children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, migrate voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution
tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing trafficking offenders last year (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Benin (Africa)

Introduction ::Benin

Background:

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

Geography ::Benin

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and
Togo

Geographic coordinates:

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 112,622 sq km country comparison to the world: 101 land: 110,622 sq km
water: 2,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,989 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Natural resources:

small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Land use:

arable land: 23.53%
permanent crops: 2.37%
other: 74.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

120 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

25.8 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.13 cu km/yr (32%/23%/45%)

per capita: 15 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands

People ::Benin

Population:

9,056,010 country comparison to the world: 90 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.2% (male 2,028,493/female 1,948,353)

15-64 years: 52.1% (male 2,275,662/female 2,308,945)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 94,569/female 135,810) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years
male: 16.9 years
female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.944% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Birth rate:

38.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Death rate:

9.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 30 male: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59.42 years country comparison to the world: 188 male: 58.21 years
female: 60.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

64,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Ethnic groups:

Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9% (2002 census)

Religions:

Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5% (2002 census)

Languages:

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 34.7%
male: 47.9%
female: 23.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 6 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 130

Government ::Benin

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Benin
conventional short form: Benin
local long form: Republique du Benin
local short form: Benin
former: Dahomey

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Porto-Novo (official capital)

geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Cotonou (seat of government)

Administrative divisions:

12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Independence:

1 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

National Day, 1 August (1960)

Constitution:

adopted by referendum 2 December 1990

Legal system:

based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); runoff election held on 19 March 2006 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: Thomas YAYI Boni elected president; percent of vote - Thomas YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 31 March 2007 (next to be held by March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FCBE 35, ADD 20, PRD 10, other and independents 18

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court or
Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou
FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD; Alliance of
Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO];
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie
for an Emerging Benin or FCBE; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or
IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SEHOUETO]; Movement
for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for
Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social
Democrat Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Union for Democracy and
National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or
UPR [Issa SALIFOU]

note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: economic groups; environmentalists; political groups; teachers' unions and other educational groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN
chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James A. KNIGHT
embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou
mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou
telephone: [229] 21-30-06-50

FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "L'Aube Nouvelle" (The Dawn of a New Day)

lyrics/music: Gilbert Jean DAGNON
note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Benin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output had averaged about 4% before the global recession, but fell to 2.5% in 2009 and 3% in 2010. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth, Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. Specific projects to improve the business climate by reforms to the land tenure system, the commercial justice system, and the financial sector were included in Benin's $307 million Millennium Challenge Account grant signed in February 2006. The 2001 privatization policy continues in telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture. As result of these reforms, Benin has become the most competitive country in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, according to the World Economic Forum. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation, with Benin benefiting from a G-8 debt reduction announced in July 2005, while pressing for more rapid structural reforms. An insufficient electrical supply continues to adversely affect Benin's economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to increase domestic power production.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $13.79 billion (2009 est.)

$13.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.494 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 2.7% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.2%
industry: 14.5%
services: 52.3% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

3.662 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

37.4% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 29% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.5 (2003) country comparison to the world: 82

Investment (gross fixed):

18.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 2.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 91 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 125 $1.619 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.424 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $2.517 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.269 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - production:

124 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Electricity - consumption:

597 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

588 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - exports:

8,770 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - imports:

28,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - proved reserves:

8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.133 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Current account balance:

-$582 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 -$644 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.125 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $994 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Exports - partners:

India 19.72%, China 13.18%, Niger 6.94%, Nigeria 6.56%, Indonesia 5.73%, Togo 5.63%, Namibia 4.17% (2009)

Imports:

$1.812 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $1.703 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 35.62%, US 7.51%, France 7.38%, Thailand 6.71%, Malaysia 6.13%, Netherlands 4.83%, Belgium 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.254 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $1.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.894 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $986.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Benin

Telephones - main lines in use:

127,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.033 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections; fixed-line network characterized by aging, deteriorating equipment
domestic: fixed-line teledensity only about 2 per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers, cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly
international: country code - 229; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; long distance fiber-optic links with Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat-Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Television du Benin (ORTB) operates a TV station with multiple channels giving it a wide broadcast reach; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast from Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented by a number of regional stations; substantial number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2007)

Internet country code:

.bj

Internet hosts:

1,286 (2010) country comparison to the world: 165

Internet users:

200,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Transportation ::Benin

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 180

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 578 km country comparison to the world: 112 narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 16,000 km country comparison to the world: 120 paved: 1,400 km
unpaved: 14,600 km (2006)

Waterways:

150 km (on River Niger along northern border) (2007) country comparison to the world: 102

Ports and terminals:

Cotonou

Military ::Benin

Military branches:

Benin Armed Forces (FAB): Army (l'Arme de Terre), Benin Navy (Forces
Navales Beninois, FNB), Benin People's Air Force (Force Aerienne
Populaire de Benin, FAPB) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,023,449
females age 16-49: 1,971,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,331,242
females age 16-49: 1,345,145 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 105,468
female: 101,603 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Transnational Issues ::Benin

Disputes - international:

in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005 ICJ decision; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; in 2005, Nigeria ceded thirteen villages to Benin, but border relations remain strained by rival cross-border gang clashes; talks continue between Benin and Togo on funding the Adjrala hydroelectric dam on the Mona River

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,444 (Togo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point used by traffickers for cocaine destined for Western Europe; vulnerable to money laundering due to poorly enforced financial regulations (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Bermuda (North America)

Introduction ::Bermuda

Background:

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue.

Geography ::Bermuda

Location:

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of
South Carolina (US)

Geographic coordinates:

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 54 sq km country comparison to the world: 231 land: 54 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

103 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

Terrain:

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Natural resources:

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Land use:

arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (June to November)

Environment - current issues:

sustainable development

Geography - note:

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995

People ::Bermuda

Population:

68,265 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 6,271/female 6,163)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 22,555/female 23,215)

65 years and over: 14.2% (male 3,979/female 5,654) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.6 years
male: 40.2 years
female: 43.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.62% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Birth rate:

11.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Death rate:

7.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Net migration rate:

2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.018 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.46 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 221 male: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.6 years country comparison to the world: 19 male: 77.37 years
female: 83.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2005) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

163 (2005) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

392 (2005) country comparison to the world: 100

Nationality:

noun: Bermudian(s)

adjective: Bermudian

Ethnic groups:

black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%, unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)

Languages:

English (official), Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 99% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 180

Government ::Bermuda

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bermuda
former: Somers Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary; self-governing territory

Capital:

name: Hamilton
geographic coordinates: 32 17 N, 64 47 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Bermuda Day, 24 May

Constitution:

8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)

head of government: Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010); Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)

elections: last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to be held not later than 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Ewart BROWN]; United Bermuda Party or UBP [Kim SWAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Union or
BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Ed
BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UPU, WCO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Grace W. SHELTON
consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3
mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300
telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342

FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

Flag description:

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia, that led to settling of Bermuda
note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

National anthem:

name: "Hail to Bermuda"

lyrics/music: Bette JOHNS
note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Bermuda

Economy - overview:

Bermuda enjoys the third highest per capita income in the world, more than 50% higher than that of the US; the average cost of a house by the mid-2000s exceeded $1,000,000. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001 attacks and again after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is largely focused on construction and agriculture is limited, with only 20% of the land being arable.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.5 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$69,900 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 10%
services: 89% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

38,360 (2004) country comparison to the world: 200

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing: 3%
laborers: 17%
clerical: 19%
professional and technical: 21%
administrative and managerial: 15%
sales: 7%
services: 19% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.1% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Population below poverty line:

19% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (November 2005) country comparison to the world: 86

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.36 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 $1.912 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.731 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Industries:

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

675.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - consumption:

628.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - imports:

4,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Exports:

$763 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 160

Exports - commodities:

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

Spain 16.91%, India 10.15%, Brazil 9.55%, Germany 7.4% (2009)

Imports:

$1.162 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 168

Imports - commodities:

clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

US 31.2%, South Korea 26.71%, Brazil 6.77%, Ireland 6.11%, Singapore 5.35% (2009)

Debt - external:

$160 million (FY99/00) country comparison to the world: 177

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)

Communications ::Bermuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

57,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 157

Telephones - mobile cellular:

85,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Telephone system:

general assessment: good
domestic: fully automatic digital telephone system; fiber optic trunk lines
international: country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2007)

Broadcast media:

3 television stations; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; roughly 10 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.bm

Internet hosts:

19,855 (2010) country comparison to the world: 112

Internet users:

54,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Transportation ::Bermuda

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 236

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 447 km country comparison to the world: 196 paved: 447 km
note: public roads - 225 km; private roads - 222 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 139 country comparison to the world: 43 by type: bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 15, liquefied gas 38, passenger 26, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 9
foreign-owned: 114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25)

registered in other countries: 180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Military ::Bermuda

Military branches:

Bermuda Regiment (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary or compulsory enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18; term of service is 38 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,405
females age 16-49: 12,327 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 436
female: 397 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.11% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Bermuda

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Bhutan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Bhutan

Background:

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of over 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which would introduce major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne to his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.

Geography ::Bhutan

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 38,394 sq km country comparison to the world: 136 land: 38,394 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,075 km
border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Terrain:

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m
highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

Land use:

arable land: 2.3%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 97.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

95 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.43 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

per capita: 199 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

People ::Bhutan

Population:

699,847 country comparison to the world: 164 note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 106,410/female 102,164)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 235,988/female 208,484)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 20,169/female 17,926) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.3 years
male: 25 years
female: 23.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.236% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Birth rate:

19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Death rate:

7.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 88

Urbanization:

urban population: 35% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female
total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 46.92 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 55 male: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.71 years country comparison to the world: 158 male: 65.89 years
female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Ethnic groups:

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several
Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Religions:

Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

Languages:

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47%
male: 60%
female: 34% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 63

Government ::Bhutan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
conventional short form: Bhutan
local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
local short form: Druk Yul

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Thimphu
geographic coordinates: 27 29 N, 89 36 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha,
Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro,
Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang,
Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Independence:

1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)

National holiday:

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17
December (1907)

Constitution:

ratified 18 July 2008

Legal system:

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of this father
head of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde); members are nominated by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008; the leader of the majority party nominated as the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 electoral districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December 2012); National Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)

election results: National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT
[Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled)

other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

International organization participation:

ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Daw PENJO; address: 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty

National anthem:

name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)

lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI
note: adopted 1953

Economy ::Bhutan

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.526 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $3.301 billion (2009 est.)

$3.123 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.397 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 5.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $4,800 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 45%
services: 37.4% (2006)

Labor force:

299,900 country comparison to the world: 164 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 63%
industry: 6%
services: 31% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2009) country comparison to the world: 36 2.5% (2004)

Population below poverty line:

23.2% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)

Public debt:

57.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 40 81.4% of GDP (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 4.9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$335 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 164 $381.1 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$647.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs

Industries:

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - consumption:

184 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Electricity - exports:

1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - imports:

1,250 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Current account balance:

$164 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $116 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$513 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 166 $350 million (2006)

Exports - commodities:

electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Exports - partners:

India 86.3%, Bangladesh 8.1%, Italy 1.5% (2008)

Imports:

$533 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 187 $320 million (2006)

Imports - commodities:

fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice (2008)

Imports - partners:

India 63%, Japan 12.3%, China 5.1% (2008)

Debt - external:

$836 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 152 $713.3 million (2006)

Exchange rates:

ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 46.6 (2009), 41.487 (2007), 45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004)

note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee

Communications ::Bhutan

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Telephones - mobile cellular:

327,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Telephone system:

general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services
domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service available since 2003
international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 1 private radio station began operations in 2006 (2007)

Internet country code:

.bt

Internet hosts:

9,147 (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Internet users:

50,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Transportation ::Bhutan

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 196

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 8,050 km country comparison to the world: 141 paved: 4,991 km
unpaved: 3,059 km (2003)

Military ::Bhutan

Military branches:

Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 198,553
females age 16-49: 176,226 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 153,985
females age 16-49: 140,437 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,432
female: 7,153 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Transnational Issues ::Bhutan

Disputes - international:

Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the Chumbi salient
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Bolivia (South America)

Introduction ::Bolivia

Background:

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the nation's poor, indigenous majority. However, since taking office, his controversial strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous communities of the eastern lowlands. In December 2009, President MORALES easily won reelection, and his party took control of the legislative branch of the government, which will allow him to continue his process of change.

Geography ::Bolivia

Location:

Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 S, 65 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,098,581 sq km country comparison to the world: 28 land: 1,083,301 sq km
water: 15,280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,940 km
border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,423 km, Chile 860 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 1,075 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Terrain:

rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Natural resources:

tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.78%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 97.03% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,320 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

622.5 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.44 cu km/yr (13%/7%/81%)

per capita: 157 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding in the northeast (March-April)

volcanism: Bolivia experiences volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (elev. 5,163 m, 16,939 ft), which last erupted in 1995 and Olca-Paruma

Environment - current issues:

the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

People ::Bolivia

Population:

9,947,418 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.5% (male 1,767,310/female 1,701,744)

15-64 years: 60% (male 2,877,605/female 2,992,043)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 193,196/female 243,348) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years
male: 21.5 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.72% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Birth rate:

25.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Death rate:

6.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Net migration rate:

-1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 63 male: 47.26 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 39.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.23 years country comparison to the world: 155 male: 64.52 years
female: 70.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Ethnic groups:

Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%,
Aymara 25%, white 15%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%

Languages:

Spanish 60.7% (official), Quechua 21.2% (official), Aymara 14.6% (official), foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.7%
male: 93.1%
female: 80.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 31

Government ::Bolivia

Country name:

conventional long form: Plurinational State of Bolivia
conventional short form: Bolivia
local long form: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
local short form: Bolivia

Government type:

republic; note - the new constitution defines Bolivia as a "Social Unitarian State"

Capital:

name: La Paz (administrative capital)

geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Sucre (constitutional capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

Independence:

6 August 1825 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Constitution:

7 February 2009

Legal system:

based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; the 2009 Constitution incorporates indigenous community justice into Bolivia's judicial system

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of age, universal and compulsory (single)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22 January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January 2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22 January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term and are eligible for a single re-election; election last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 64%; Manfred REYES VILLA 26%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana 6%; Rene JOAQUINO 2%; other 2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Plurinational Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (36 seats; members are elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats total; 70 uninominal deputies directly elected from a single district, 7 "special" indigenous deputies directly elected from non-contiguous indigenous districts, and 53 plurinominal deputies elected by proportional representation from party lists; all deputies serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 26, PPB-CN 10; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 89, PPB-CN 36, UN 3, AS 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms); District Courts (one in each department); Plurinational Constitutional Court (five primary or titulares and five alternate or suplente magistrates elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to rule on constitutional issues); Plurinational Electoral Organ (seven members elected by the Assembly and the president; one member must be of indigenous origin to six-year terms); Agro-Environmental Court (judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to run on agro-environmental issues); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Bolivia-National Convergence or PPB-CN [Manfred REYES VILLA];
Fearless Movement or MSM [Juan DE GRANADO Cosio]; Movement Toward
Socialism or MAS [Juan Evo MORALES Ayma]; National Unity or UN
[Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana]; People or Gente [Roman LOAYZA]; Social
Alliance or AS [Rene JOAQUINO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bolivian Workers Central or COR; Federation of Neighborhood Councils of El Alto or FEJUVE; Landless Movement or MST; National Coordinator for Change or CONALCAM; Sole Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB
other: Cocalero groups; indigenous organizations (including Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Eastern Bolivia or CIDOB and National Council of Ayullus and Markas of Quollasuyu or CONAMAQ); labor unions (including the Central Bolivian Workers' Union or COB and Cooperative Miners Federation or FENCOMIN)

International organization participation:

CAN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Erika Angela DUENAS Loayza
chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410

FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
note: as of September 2008, the US has expelled the Bolivian ambassador to the US

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires John CREAMER
embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz
mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032
telephone: [591] (2) 216-8000

FAX: [591] (2) 216-8111
note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, and the countries have yet to reinstate ambassadors

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land
note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag

National anthem:

name: "Cancion Patriotica" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: Jose Ignacio de SANJINES/Leopoldo Benedetto VINCENTI
note: adopted 1852

Economy ::Bolivia

Economy - overview:

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. Following a disastrous economic crisis during the early 1980s, reforms spurred private investment, stimulated economic growth, and cut poverty rates in the 1990s. The period 2003-05 was characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large northern hemisphere markets. In 2005, the government passed a controversial hydrocarbons law that imposed significantly higher royalties and required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange for a predetermined service fee. After higher prices for mining and hydrocarbons exports produced a fiscal surplus in 2008, the global recession in 2009 slowed growth. A decline in commodity prices that began in late 2008, a lack of foreign investment in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors, a poor infrastructure, and the suspension of trade benefits with the United States will pose challenges for the Bolivian economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$47.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $46.22 billion (2009 est.)

$44.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$19.18 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 3.4% (2009 est.)

6.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%
industry: 38%
services: 51% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.614 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40%
industry: 17%
services: 43% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 7.7% (2009 est.)

note: data are for urban areas; widespread underemployment

Population below poverty line:

30.3% of population living on less than $2/day (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.5%
highest 10%: 44.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

58.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 9 44.7 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Public debt:

40.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 October 2010) country comparison to the world: 26 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 12.36% (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.374 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 97 $3.524 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.16 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 $11.04 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.314 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $7.233 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.792 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.672 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.263 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber

Industries:

mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - production:

5.495 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - consumption:

4.665 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

47,050 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - consumption:

59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - exports:

10,950 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - imports:

6,172 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - proved reserves:

465 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - production:

14.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - consumption:

2.41 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - exports:

11.79 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - proved reserves:

750.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Current account balance:

$878 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $800.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.058 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $4.848 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

natural gas, soybeans and soy products, crude petroleum, zinc ore, tin

Exports - partners:

Brazil 41.38%, US 13.87%, Japan 5.62%, Colombia 5.32%, South Korea 4.7%, Peru 4.16% (2009)

Imports:

$5.006 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.095 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, plastics, paper, aircraft and aircraft parts, prepared foods, automobiles, insecticides, soybeans

Imports - partners:

Brazil 27.12%, Argentina 15.69%, US 12.77%, Chile 9.11%, Peru 6.85% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$8.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $8.581 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $5.653 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$5.998 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$63.8 million (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar - 7.0699 (2010), 7.07 (2009), 7.253 (2008), 7.8616 (2007), 8.0159 (2006)

Communications ::Bolivia

Telephones - main lines in use:

810,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.148 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization begun in 1995; primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; overall reliability has steadily improved
domestic: most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities; mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and, in 2009, teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons; fixed-line teledensity is low at less than 10 per 100 persons
international: country code - 591; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

large number of radio and television broadcasting stations with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio and television stations generally operating freely, although both pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media outlets in response to their reporting (2007)

Internet country code:

.bo

Internet hosts:

125,462 (2010) country comparison to the world: 74

Internet users:

1.103 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Transportation ::Bolivia

Airports:

881 (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 865
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 58

914 to 1,523 m: 187
under 914 m: 615 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 5,192 km; liquid petroleum gas 51 km; oil 2,488 km; refined products 1,590 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,504 km country comparison to the world: 50 narrow gauge: 3,504 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 62,479 km country comparison to the world: 73 paved: 3,749 km
unpaved: 58,730 km (2004)

Waterways:

10,000 km (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the northern and eastern parts of the country) (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Merchant marine:

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 98 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 11, carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 7 (Bahamas 1, Ecuador 1, Iran 1, Syria 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Puerto Aguirre (inland port on the Paraguay/Parana waterway at the Bolivia/Brazil border); Bolivia has free port privileges in maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Military ::Bolivia

Military branches:

Bolivian Armed Forces: Bolivian Army (Ejercito Boliviano, EB),
Bolivian Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, FNB; includes marines),
Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, FAB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-49 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service; when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as 14; 15-19 years of age for voluntary premilitary service, provides exemption from further military service (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,415,712
females age 16-49: 2,482,359 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,714,438
females age 16-49: 1,959,763 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 108,336
female: 104,934 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Transnational Issues ::Bolivia

Disputes - international:

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile offers instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile for Bolivian natural gas and other commodities; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute

Illicit drugs:

world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and Peru) with an estimated 29,500 hectares under cultivation in 2007, increased slightly when compared to 2006; third largest producer of cocaine, estimated at 120 metric tons potential pure cocaine in 2007; transit country for Peruvian and Colombian cocaine destined for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Europe; cultivation generally increasing since 2000, despite eradication and alternative crop programs; weak border controls; some money-laundering activity related to narcotics trade; major cocaine consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Bosnia and Herzegovina (Europe)

Introduction ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background:

Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991 was followed by a declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multi-ethnic and democratic government charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most government functions. The Dayton Accords also established the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation Council (PIC) at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December 2004; their mission is to maintain peace and stability throughout the country. EUFOR's mission changed from peacekeeping to civil policing in October 2007, with its presence reduced from nearly 7,000 to less than 2,500 troops. Troop strength at the end of 2009 stood at roughly 2,000. In January 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 18 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 51,197 sq km country comparison to the world: 128 land: 51,187 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,538 km
border countries: Croatia 932 km, Montenegro 249 km, Serbia 357 km

Coastline:

20 km

Maritime claims:

no data available

Climate:

hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast

Terrain:

mountains and valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 19.61%
permanent crops: 1.89%
other: 78.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

37.5 cu km (2003)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro, and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east

People ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Population:

4,621,598 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 344,760/female 323,303)

15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,645,274/female 1,617,136)

65 years and over: 14.8% (male 279,781/female 403,160) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.3 years
male: 39.1 years
female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.016% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Birth rate:

8.87 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Death rate:

8.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 156 male: 10.18 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.66 years country comparison to the world: 44 male: 75.09 years
female: 82.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.26 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Nationality:

noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)

adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Ethnic groups:

Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6% (2000)

note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Religions:

Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 14%

Languages:

Bosnian (official), Croatian (official), Serbian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.7%
male: 99%
female: 94.4% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina
local long form: none
local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina
former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Government type:

emerging federal democratic republic

Capital:

name: Sarajevo
geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

2 first-order administrative divisions and 1 internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is a self-governing administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and formally held in condominium between the two entities; the District remains under international supervision

Independence:

1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3 March 1992)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 November (1943)

Constitution:

the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on 14 December 1995 in Paris, included a constitution; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency Nebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman of the presidency since 10 November 2010; presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members of the three-member presidency rotate every eight months: Bakir IZETBEGOVIC (presidency member since 3 October 2010 - Bosniak); Zeljko KOMSIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Croat)

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola SPIRIC (since 11 January 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman; approved by the state-level House of Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off following each general election; election last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the state-level House of Representatives
election results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 48.9% of the votes for the Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC with 60.6% of the votes for the Croat seat; Bakir IZETBEGOVIC with 34.9% of the votes for the Bosniak seat
note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Borjana KRISTO (since 21 February 2007); Vice Presidents Spomenka MICIC (since 21 February 2007) and Mirsad KEBO (since 21 February 2007); President of the Republika Srpska: Milorad DODIK (since 3 October 2010); took office 15 November 2010

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Peoples and the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to serve four-year terms); and the state-level House of Representatives or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika Srpska; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures
elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007 (next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - NA; state-level House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDP BiH 8, SDA 7, SNSD 7, SDS 5, SBBBiH 4, HDZ-BiH 3, SBiH 2, HDZ-1990/HSP 2, other 4
note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that consists of a House of Peoples (58 seats - 17 Bosniak, 17 Croat, 17 Serb, 7 other); last constituted February 2007; and a House of Representatives (98 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDP 28, SDA 23, SBBBiH 13, HDZ-BiH 12, HDZ-1990/HSP 5, other 17; the Republika Srpska has a National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SNSD 37, SDS 18, PDP 7, DNS 6, SP 4, DP 3, SDP 3, SDA 2, NDS 2 SRS-RS 1; as a result of the 2002 constitutional reform process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council of Peoples (COP) was established in the Republika Srpska National Assembly including 8 Croats, 8 Bosniaks, 8 Serbs, and 4 members of the smaller communities

Judicial branch:

BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of 44 national judges and seven international judges and has three divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and cases initiated in the entities that question BiH's sovereignty, political independence, or national security or with economic crimes that have serious repercussions to BiH's economy, beyond that of an entity or Brcko District); a War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005
note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has five district courts and a number of municipal courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for a Better Future of BiH or SBB-BiH [ Fahrudin RADONCIC];
Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK];
Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Bosnian Patriotic Party or
BPS [Sefer HALILOVIC]; Civic Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim
SPAHIC]; Croat Party of Rights or HSP [Zvonko JURISIC]; Croat
Peasants' Party-New Croat Initiative or HSS-NHI [Ante COLAK];
Croatian Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or
HKDU [Ivan MUSA]; Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and
Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH [Dragan COVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union
1990 or HDZ-1990 [Bozo LJUBIC]; Croatian Peoples Union [Milenko
BRKIC]; Democratic National Union or DNZ [Rifat DOLIC]; Democratic
Party or DP [Dragan CAVIC]; Democratic Peoples' Alliance or DNS
[Marko PAVIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC]; Nasa
Stranka or NS [NA; leadership elections late 2010/early 2011]; New
Socialist Party or NSP [Zdravko KRSMANOVIC]; Party for Bosnia and
Herzegovina or SBiH [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Party of Democratic Action or
SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen
IVANIC]; Peoples' Party of Work for Progress or NSRzB [Mladen
IVANKOVIC-LIJANOVIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Mladen BOSIC];
Serb Radical Party of the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS [Milanko
MIHAJLICA]; Serb Radical Party-Dr. Vojislav Seselj or SRS-VS [Mirko
BLAGOJEVIC]; Social Democratic Party of BiH or SDP BiH [Zlatko
LAGUMDZIJA]; Social Democratic Union or SDU [Nermin PECANAC];
Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: war veterans; displaced persons associations; family associations of missing persons; private media

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS
(observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mitar KUJUNDZIC
chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500

FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick S. MOON
embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [387] (33) 445-700

FAX: [387] (33) 659-722
branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Flag description:

a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom along the hypotenuse of the triangle; the triangle approximates the shape of the country and its three points stand for the constituent peoples - Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe and are meant to be continuous (thus the half stars at top and bottom); the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are often associated with neutrality and peace, and traditionally are linked with Bosnia

National anthem:

name: "Drzavna himna Bosne i Hercegovine" (The National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

lyrics/music: Dusan SESTIC and Benjamin ISOVIC/Dusan SESTIC
note: music adopted 1999; lyrics adopted 2009

Economy ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Economy - overview:

The interethnic warfare in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995 and unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, the country experienced negative GDP growth of almost 3% in 2009 due in large part to a reduction in exports caused by the global economic crisis. One of Bosnia's main economic challenges in 2010 has been to reduce spending on public sector wages and social benefits to meet the IMF's criteria for obtaining funding for budget shortfalls. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down; foreign banks, primarily from Austria and Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the national currency introduced in 1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the banking sector has increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at roughly 50% of GDP, remains high because of redundant government offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of state enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the Federation where political division between ethnically-based political parties makes agreement on economic policy more difficult. A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain the two most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable source of revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but a large share of economic activity remains unofficial and unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$30.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $30.23 billion (2009 est.)

$31.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$16.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -3.2% (2009 est.)

5.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $6,600 (2009 est.)

$6,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.8%
industry: 25.9%
services: 64.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.863 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20.5%
industry: 32.6%
services: 47% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

27.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 24.1% (2009 est.)

note: official rate

Population below poverty line:

25% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.2 (2007) country comparison to the world: 11

Public debt:

39% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 35% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 -0.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.93% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 6.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.098 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 99 $4.182 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.307 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $9.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $10.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - production:

14.58 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - consumption:

11.62 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - exports:

6.024 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.04 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - consumption:

30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - exports:

192 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - imports:

25,990 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - consumption:

310 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - imports:

310 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Current account balance:

-$887 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 -$1.283 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.787 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $4.057 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

metals, clothing, wood products

Exports - partners:

Croatia 19.07%, Slovenia 18.58%, Italy 16.87%, Germany 13.38%,
Austria 10.25% (2009)

Imports:

$9.403 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.788 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Croatia 22.17%, Germany 14.04%, Slovenia 13.45%, Italy 11.89%,
Austria 6.61%, Hungary 5.74% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $3.245 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.996 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.048 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

konvertibilna markas (BAM) per US dollar - 1.5088 (2010), 1.4079 (2009), 1.3083 (2008), 1.4419 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Communications ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Telephones - main lines in use:

998,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.257 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Telephone system:

general assessment: post-war reconstruction of the telecommunications network, aided by a internationally sponsored program under EBRD, resulting in sharp increases in the number of fixed telephone lines available
domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 22 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly and, in 2009, reached 70 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations (2009)

Broadcast media:

3 public TV broadcasters: Radio and TV of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation TV (operating 2 networks), and Serb Republic Radio-TV; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations; 2 private, near-national TV stations and dozens of small independent TV stations broadcasting; 3 large public radio broadcasters and a large number of private radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ba

Internet hosts:

95,234 (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Internet users:

1.422 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Transportation ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 129

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,000 km country comparison to the world: 89 standard gauge: 1,000 km 1.435-m gauge (590 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 21,846 km country comparison to the world: 107 paved: 11,425 km (4,714 km of interurban roads)

unpaved: 10,421 km (2006)

Waterways:

Sava River (northern border) open to shipping but use limited (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava River), Orasje

Military ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH): Army of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Air and Air Defense Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzracna Obrana, ZPO) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in January 2006; 4-month service obligation; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,194,832
females age 16-49: 1,156,698 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 980,425
females age 16-49: 948,791 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 26,134
female: 24,518 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Transnational Issues ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Disputes - international:

sections along the Drina River remain in dispute between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; discussions continue with Croatia on several small disputed sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification of the 1999 border agreement

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,269 (Croatia)

IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly a transit point for heroin being trafficked to Western Europe; minor transit point for marijuana; remains highly vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement, and instances of corruption
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Botswana (Africa)

Introduction ::Botswana

Background:

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Geography ::Botswana

Location:

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 581,730 sq km country comparison to the world: 47 land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,013 km
border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Terrain:

predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

Land use:

arable land: 0.65%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.19 cu km/yr (41%/18%/41%)

per capita: 107 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

People ::Botswana

Population:

2,029,307 country comparison to the world: 144 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 352,399/female 340,058)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 613,714/female 608,003)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 31,155/female 45,547) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.843% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Birth rate:

22.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Death rate:

9.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Net migration rate:

4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 17 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 143 male: 12.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.93 years country comparison to the world: 183 male: 61.11 years
female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

23.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

300,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Ethnic groups:

Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including
Kgalagadi and white 7%

Religions:

Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)

Languages:

Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 81.2%
male: 80.4%
female: 81.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

8.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 10

Government ::Botswana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Botswana
conventional short form: Botswana
local long form: Republic of Botswana
local short form: Botswana
former: Bechuanaland

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Gaborone
geographic coordinates: 24 45 S, 25 55 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Independence:

30 September 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Constitution:

March 1965; effective 30 September 1966

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); vice president appointed by the president
election results: Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body with 8 ex-officio members consisting of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs and 3 members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (63 seats; 57 members directly elected by popular vote, 4 appointed by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney General, serve as ex-officio members; members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly elections last held on 16 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 53.3%, BNF 21.9%, BCP 19.2%, 2.3%, other 4.3%; seats by party - BDP 45, BNF 6, BCP 4, BAM 1, other 1

Judicial branch:

High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district)

Political parties and leaders:

Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO];
Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Gilson SALESHANDO]; Botswana
Democratic Party or BDP [Daniel KWELAGOBE]; Botswana National Front
or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Peoples Party or BPP [Bernard
BALIKANI]; MELS Movement of Botswana or MELS [Themba JOINA]; New
Democratic Front or NDF [Dick BAYFORD]

note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the
BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats - includes the
United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; the Independence
Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO]; the Botswana Progressive Union
[D. K. KWELE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

First People of the Kalahari (Bushman organization); Pitso Ya Ba Tswana; Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language (Kalanga elites)

other: diamond mining companies

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA
chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen J. NOLAN
embassy: Embassy Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone
telephone: [267] 395-3982

FAX: [267] 395-6947

Flag description:

light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the black and white bands represent racial harmony

National anthem:

name: "Fatshe leno la rona" (Our Land)

lyrics/music: Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE
note: adopted 1966

Economy ::Botswana

Economy - overview:

Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth fell below 5% in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $13,100 in 2010. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export earnings, and about half of the government's revenues. Botswana's heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in the sharp economic contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. Although unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threatens Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term prospects.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$26.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $25.76 billion (2009 est.)

$27.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -5.4% (2009 est.)

2.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $12,900 (2009 est.)

$13,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.3%
industry: 45.8%
services: 51.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

685,300 formal sector employees (2007) country comparison to the world: 151

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Population below poverty line:

30.3% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

63 (1993) country comparison to the world: 4

Investment (gross fixed):

28.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Public debt:

22.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 18.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 8.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13.76% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 16.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 136 $939.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$6.679 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $5.357 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.361 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.06 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$3.991 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 86 $3.556 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.887 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts

Industries:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; livestock processing; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - production:

1.052 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - consumption:

2.648 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.181 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - consumption:

15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - imports:

15,180 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Current account balance:

-$552 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -$762 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.419 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $3.385 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Imports:

$4.518 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $4.243 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.834 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $8.704 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.681 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

pulas (BWP) per US dollar - 6.7413 (2010), 7.1602 (2009), 6.7907 (2008), 6.2035 (2007), 5.8447 (2006)

Communications ::Botswana

Telephones - main lines in use:

144,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.874 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Telephone system:

general assessment: Botswana is participating in regional development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and radiotelephone communication stations
domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and now stands at roughly 7 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is rapidly approaching a teledensity of 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 267; international calls are made via satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned; privately-owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2 state-owned national radio stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast locally (2007)

Internet country code:

.bw

Internet hosts:

2,739 (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Internet users:

120,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Transportation ::Botswana

Airports:

78 (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 69

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 52
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Railways:

total: 888 km country comparison to the world: 97 narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 25,798 km country comparison to the world: 103 paved: 8,410 km
unpaved: 17,388 km (2005)

Military ::Botswana

Military branches:

Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Arm
Command, Logistics Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service; official minimum age is unknown (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 543,097
females age 16-49: 520,896 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 347,070
females age 16-49: 315,743 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 23,496
female: 22,944 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 38

Transnational Issues ::Botswana

Disputes - international:

Botswana still struggles to seal its border from thousands of Zimbabweans who flee economic collapse and political persecution; Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Bouvet Island (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Bouvet Island

Background:

This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Geography ::Bouvet Island

Location:

island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Geographic coordinates:

54 26 S, 3 24 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 49 sq km country comparison to the world: 232 land: 49 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway

People ::Bouvet Island

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Bouvet Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy ::Bouvet Island

Economy - overview:

no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Communications ::Bouvet Island

Internet country code:

.bv

Internet hosts:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 225

Communications - note:

automatic meteorological station

Transportation ::Bouvet Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Bouvet Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues ::Bouvet Island

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Brazil (South America)

Introduction ::Brazil

Background:

Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010, Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Brazil

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 55 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 8,514,877 sq km country comparison to the world: 5 land: 8,459,417 sq km
water: 55,460 sq km
note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 16,885 km
border countries: Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia 1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km, Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

Coastline:

7,491 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

Land use:

arable land: 6.93%
permanent crops: 0.89%
other: 92.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

29,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8,233 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 59.3 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)

per capita: 318 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

People ::Brazil

Population:

201,103,330 country comparison to the world: 5 note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a population of 169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 27,092,880/female 26,062,244)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 65,804,108/female 67,047,725)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,374,230/female 7,358,082) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.9 years
male: 28.1 years
female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.166% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Birth rate:

18.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Death rate:

6.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Net migration rate:

-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Urbanization:

urban population: 86% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 93 male: 25.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.26 years country comparison to the world: 123 male: 68.7 years
female: 76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

730,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Nationality:

noun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

Ethnic groups:

white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 88.6%
male: 88.4%
female: 88.8% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 61

Government ::Brazil

Country name:

conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil
conventional short form: Brazil
local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil
local short form: Brasil

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Brasilia
geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February
note: Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands

Administrative divisions:

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins

Independence:

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

Constitution:

5 October 1988

Legal system:

based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age; note - military conscripts do not vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3 October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5 October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014)

election results: Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB) 43.99%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds of members elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7, PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87, PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT 28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Federal Tribunal or STF (11 ministers are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life," judges, like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70

Political parties and leaders:

Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Federal Deputy Michel
TEMER]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Roberto JEFFERSON]; Brazilian
Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz]; Brazilian
Republican Party or PRB [Vitor Paulo Araujo DOS SANTOS]; Brazilian
Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Sergio GUERRA]; Brazilian
Socialist Party or PSB [Governor Eduardo Henrique Accioly CAMPOS];
Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO]; Communist Party of
Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT
[Carlos Roberto LUPI]; the Democrats or DEM [Federal Deputy Rodrigo
MAIA] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); Freedom and Socialism
Party or PSOL [Heloisa HELENA]; Green Party or PV [Jose Luiz de
Franca PENNA]; Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS [Paulo Roberto
MATOS]; Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB [Luis Henrique de Oliveira
RESENDE]; Liberal Front Party or PFL (now known as the Democrats or
DEM); National Mobilization Party or PMN [Oscar Noronha FILHO];
Party of the Republic or PR [Sergio TAMER]; Popular Socialist Party
or PPS [Federal Deputy Fernando CORUJA]; Progressive Party or PP
[Francisco DORNELLES]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Vitor Jorge
Abdala NOSSEIS]; Workers' Party or PT [Jose Eduardo DUTRA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Landless Workers' Movement or MST
other: labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations; religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church

International organization participation:

AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, CAN (associate), CPLP, FAO, FATF,
G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur,
MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,
Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA
chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
note: temporary address - 1025 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Suite 300 W, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 238-2805

FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. SHANNON
embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia
mailing address: Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030
telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000

FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136
consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo
consulate(s): Recife

Flag description:

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife; on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)

National anthem:

name: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA
note: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years before it was adopted

Economy ::Brazil

Economy - overview:

Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries, and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, and reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade status to its debt. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil in September 2008. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled and external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in 2010, boosted by an export recovery. Brazil's strong growth and high interest rates make it an attractive destination for foreign investors. Large capital inflows over the past year have contributed to the rapid appreciation of its currency and led the government to raise taxes on some foreign investments. President Dilma ROUSSEFF has pledged to retain the previous administration's commitment to inflation targeting by the Central Bank, a floating exchange rate, and fiscal restraint.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.194 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.041 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.045 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.024 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 -0.2% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $10,300 (2009 est.)

$10,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.1%
industry: 26.4%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

103.6 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%
industry: 14%
services: 66% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

26% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 43% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 10 60.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Public debt:

60.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 59.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 4.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15.17% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 9 20.48% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

44.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 47.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$165.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 21 $125.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.522 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 $972.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.104 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $1.542 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.167 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 15 $589.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.37 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

Industries:

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - production:

438.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - consumption:

404.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - exports:

2.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

42.06 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.572 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - consumption:

2.46 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - exports:

570,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - imports:

632,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - proved reserves:

13.2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - production:

10.28 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - consumption:

18.72 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - exports:

NA (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

8.44 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - proved reserves:

364.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Current account balance:

-$52.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 -$24.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$199.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $153 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos

Exports - partners:

China 12.49%, US 10.5%, Argentina 8.4%, Netherlands 5.39%, Germany 4.05% (2009)

Imports:

$187.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $127.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

Imports - partners:

US 16.12%, China 12.61%, Argentina 8.77%, Germany 7.65%, Japan 4.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$290.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $238.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$310.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $273.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$349.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $319.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$131 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $117.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

reals (BRL) per US dollar - 1.77 (2010), 1.9976 (2009), 1.8644 (2008), 1.85 (2007), 2.1761 (2006)

Communications ::Brazil

Telephones - main lines in use:

41.497 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Telephones - mobile cellular:

173.959 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Telephone system:

general assessment: good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations; mobile-cellular usage has more than tripled in the past 5 years
domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 90 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South Amrica-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilius, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a television network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2007)

Internet country code:

.br

Internet hosts:

19.316 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 5

Internet users:

75.982 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Transportation ::Brazil

Airports:

4,072 (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 726
over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 176

914 to 1,523 m: 460
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3,346

1,524 to 2,437 m: 87

914 to 1,523 m: 1,617
under 914 m: 1,642 (2010)

Heliports:

13 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 62 km; gas 9,989 km; liquid petroleum gas 353 km; oil 4,517 km; refined products 4,465 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 28,857 km country comparison to the world: 10 broad gauge: 5,709 km 1.600-m gauge (459 km electrified)

standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge
narrow gauge: 22,954 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,751,868 km country comparison to the world: 4 paved: 96,353 km
unpaved: 1,655,515 km (2004)

Waterways:

50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population) (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Merchant marine:

total: 126 country comparison to the world: 45 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 18, chemical tanker 6, container 12, liquefied gas 12, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 42, roll on/roll off 7
foreign-owned: 26 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway 3, Spain 12)

registered in other countries: 27 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1, Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Ilha Grande (Gebig), Paranagua, Rio Grande, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao
container ports (TEUs): Santos (2,677,839), Itajai (693,580)

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Atlantic Ocean as a significant risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Brazil

Military branches:

Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do
Brasil (MB), includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo de
Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira,
FAB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

21-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 9 to 12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are "long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s when the Brazilian Army became the first army in South America to accept women into career ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve Corps (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 52,942,805
females age 16-49: 53,038,688 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 38,518,822
females age 16-49: 44,560,717 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,712,427
female: 1,652,491 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Transnational Issues ::Brazil

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River region over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River; the Itaipu Dam reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay boundary west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute

Illicit drugs:

second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@British Indian Ocean Territory (South Asia)

Introduction ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Background:

Formerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians.

Geography ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 71 30 E; note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 54,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 127 land: 60 sq km; Diego Garcia 44 sq km
water: 54,340 sq km
note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands

Area - comparative:

land area is about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

698 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low (most areas do not exceed two meters in elevation)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

Natural resources:

coconuts, fish, sugarcane

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

People ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois, were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and 1970s; in November 2004, approximately 4,000 UK and US military personnel and civilian contractors were living on the island of Diego Garcia

Government ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Country name:

conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory
conventional short form: none
abbreviation: BIOT

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Commissioner Colin ROBERTS (since July 2008); Administrator Joanne YEADON (since December 2007); note - both reside in the UK and are represented by the officer commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia
cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

Economy ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Economy - overview:

All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The territory earns foreign exchange by selling fishing licenses and postage stamps.

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by the US military

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available
domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet
international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

Broadcast media:

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK military personnel stationed on the islands (2009)

Internet country code:

.io

Internet hosts:

827 (2010) country comparison to the world: 169

Transportation ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 232

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

note: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia

Ports and terminals:

Diego Garcia

Military ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

Transnational Issues ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Disputes - international:

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago, evicted in 1967 and 1973 and now residing chiefly in Mauritius, were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation; in May 2007, the UK Court of Appeals upheld the May 2006 High Court of London judgment reversing the UK government's 2004 Orders of Council that banned habitation on the islands; a small group of Chagossians visited Diego Garcia in April 2006; repatriation is complicated by the exclusive US military lease of Diego Garcia that restricts access to the largest viable island in the chain
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@British Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::British Virgin Islands

Background:

First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib Indians, the Virgin
Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and then annexed by the
English in 1672. The islands were part of the British colony of the
Leeward Islands from 1872-1960; they were granted autonomy in 1967.
The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US
Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency.

Geography ::British Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 30 N, 64 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 151 sq km country comparison to the world: 219 land: 151 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 6.67%
other: 73.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Geography - note:

strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

People ::British Virgin Islands

Population:

24,939 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 2,454/female 2,387)

15-64 years: 74.4% (male 9,346/female 8,881)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 734/female 689) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.6 years
male: 32.7 years
female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.784% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Birth rate:

14.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Death rate:

4.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Net migration rate:

7.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Urbanization:

urban population: 40% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.07 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 128 male: 16.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.45 years country comparison to the world: 58 male: 76.18 years
female: 78.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: British Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, white 6.8%, other 11.2% (includes Indian and mixed) (2008)

Religions:

Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, other 2%, none 2% (1991)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)

male: NA
female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 19 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 145

Government ::British Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: British Virgin Islands

abbreviation: BVI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Road Town
geographic coordinates: 18 27 N, 64 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Territory Day, 1 July (1956)

Constitution:

13 June 2007

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Boyd MCCLEARY (since 20 August 2010)

head of government: Premier Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 23 August 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (13 elected seats and 1 non-voting ex officio member in the attorney general; members are elected by direct popular vote, 1 member from each of nine electoral districts, 4 at-large members; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - VIP 45.2%, NDP 39.6%, independent 15.2%; seats by party - VIP 10, NDP 2, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of
Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of the Supreme Court is a
resident of the islands and presides over the High Court);
Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn SMITH]; National
Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United Party or UP [Gregory
MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Family Support Network; The Women's Desk
other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); the islands were named by COLUMBUS in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin followers (some sources say 11,000) who reputedly were martyred by the Huns in the 4th or 5th century; the figure on the banner holding a lamp represents the saint, the other lamps symbolize her followers

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::British Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism generating an estimated 45% of the national income. More than 934,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 2008. In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly 400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, made the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements. Because of traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the US dollar as its currency since 1959.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$853.4 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.095 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 10.7%
services: 88.3% (1996 est.)

Labor force:

12,770 (2004) country comparison to the world: 213

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.6%
industry: 40%
services: 59.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (1997) country comparison to the world: 29

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 180 2% (2005)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Industries:

tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

45 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Electricity - consumption:

41.85 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - imports:

691 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Current account balance:

$134.3 million (1999) country comparison to the world: 56

Exports:

$25.3 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 203

Exports - commodities:

rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Imports:

$187 million f.o.b.

Imports - commodities:

building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery

Debt - external:

$36.1 million (1997) country comparison to the world: 188

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::British Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephone system:

general assessment: worldwide telephone service
domestic: fixed line connections exceed 80 per 100 persons and mobile cellular subscribership is approaching 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-284; connected via submarine cable to Bermuda; the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable provides connectivity to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a half dozen private radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.vg

Internet hosts:

497 (2010) country comparison to the world: 180

Internet users:

4,000 (2002) country comparison to the world: 206

Transportation ::British Virgin Islands

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 184

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 200 km country comparison to the world: 207 paved: 200 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008) country comparison to the world: 149

Ports and terminals:

Road Harbor

Military ::British Virgin Islands

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,230 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,028
females age 16-49: 5,778 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 174
female: 167 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::British Virgin Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Brunei (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Brunei

Background:

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Geography ::Brunei

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Geographic coordinates:

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 5,765 sq km country comparison to the world: 172 land: 5,265 sq km
water: 500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 381 km
border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain:

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land: 2.08%
permanent crops: 0.87%
other: 97.05% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8.5 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.09
per capita: 243 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Environment - current issues:

seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia

People ::Brunei

Population:

395,027 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.6% (male 53,282/female 50,141)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 135,640/female 136,292)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 6,199/female 6,636) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.1 years
male: 28 years
female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.733% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Birth rate:

18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Death rate:

3.32 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Net migration rate:

2.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Urbanization:

urban population: 75% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 141 male: 14.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.96 years country comparison to the world: 74 male: 73.72 years
female: 78.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Nationality:

noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Ethnic groups:

Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)

Religions:

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%

Languages:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.7%
male: 95.2%
female: 90.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 121

Government ::Brunei

Country name:

conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam
conventional short form: Brunei
local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam
local short form: Brunei

Government type:

constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic Monarchy)

Capital:

name: Bandar Seri Begawan
geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Independence:

1 January 1984 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection

Constitution:

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)

Legal system:

based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic sharia law supersedes civil law concerning Muslim marriages and inheritance; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age for village elections; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

The Sultan appointed a Legislative Council with 29 members as of 2
September 2005; the council has met in March of each year since then

elections: last held in March 1962 (date of next election NA)

note: The Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; it passed constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15 elected members; no timeframe for an election has been announced

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court - chief justice and judges are sworn in by monarch for three-year terms; Judicial Committee of Privy Council in London is final court of appeal for civil cases; Sharia courts deal with Islamic laws (2006)

Political parties and leaders:

National Development Party or NDP [YASSIN Affendi]

note: Brunei National Solidarity Party or PPKB [Abdul LATIF bin Chuchu] and People's Awareness Party or PAKAR [Awang Haji MAIDIN bin Haji Ahmad] were deregistered in 2007; parties are small and have limited activity

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusoff Abd HAMID
chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Alexander L. BARRASSO
embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8811
mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507; P.O. Box 2991, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam
telephone: [673] 238-4616

FAX: [673] 238-4606

Flag description:

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice, tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"

National anthem:

name: "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless His Majesty)

lyrics/music: Pengiran Haji Mohamed YUSUF bin Abdul Rahim/Awang Haji BESAR bin Sagap
note: adopted 1951

Economy ::Brunei

Economy - overview:

Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. A new monetary authority was established in January 2011 with responsibilities that include monetary policy, monitoring of financial institutions, and currency trading activities. Other plans for the future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, increasing agricultural production, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$19.88 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $19.68 billion (2009 est.)

$20.04 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.96 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -1.8% (2009 est.)

-1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$50,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $50,700 (2009 est.)

$52,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 74.1%
services: 25.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

188,800 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 62.8%
services: 33% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2008) country comparison to the world: 31 4% (2006)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 0.3% (2007 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.374 billion (30 March 2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $3.046 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$8.569 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 106 $7.597 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.274 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $2.38 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle, goats, eggs

Industries:

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

-5.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - production:

3.069 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - consumption:

2.98 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

146,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - exports:

152,900 bbl/day (2007) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - imports:

238 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - proved reserves:

1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - production:

13.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - consumption:

4.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - exports:

9.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - proved reserves:

390.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Current account balance:

$7.024 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $7.101 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$10.67 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 83 $8.25 billion (2007)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, natural gas, garments

Exports - partners:

Japan 38.04%, Indonesia 25.95%, South Korea 14.17%, Australia 7.24% (2009)

Imports:

$2.61 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $2.055 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 38.4%, Malaysia 18.7%, Japan 7.2%, China 5.42%, Thailand 5.19%, US 4.45%, UK 4.25% (2009)

Debt - external:

$0 (2005) country comparison to the world: 195

Exchange rates:

Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar - 1.45 (2009), 1.45 (2009), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)

Communications ::Brunei

Telephones - main lines in use:

80,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Telephones - mobile cellular:

425,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Telephone system:

general assessment: service throughout the country is good; international service is good to Southeast Asia, Middle East, Western Europe, and the US
domestic: every service available
international: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable network, scheduled for completion by late 2008, will provide new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 4 channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems; RTB operates 5 radio networks broadcasting on multiple frequencies; British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on 2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are available via repeaters (2009)

Internet country code:

.bn

Internet hosts:

50,997 (2010) country comparison to the world: 88

Internet users:

314,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Transportation ::Brunei

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 207

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 37 km; oil 18 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 2,971 km country comparison to the world: 166 paved: 2,411 km
unpaved: 560 km (2008)

Waterways:

209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the Belait, Brunei, and Tutong rivers are major transport links) (2011) country comparison to the world: 97

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 117 by type: chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 8 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Lumut, Muara, Seria

Military ::Brunei

Military branches:

Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei
Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 111,166
females age 16-49: 115,071 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 93,809
females age 16-49: 97,345 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,509
female: 3,427 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 21

Transnational Issues ::Brunei

Disputes - international:

Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants

Illicit drugs:

drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Bulgaria (Europe)

Introduction ::Bulgaria

Background:

The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography ::Bulgaria

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and
Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

43 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 110,879 sq km country comparison to the world: 104 land: 108,489 sq km
water: 2,390 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,808 km
border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia 318 km, Turkey 240 km

Coastline:

354 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 29.94%
permanent crops: 1.9%
other: 68.16% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,880 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

19.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.92 cu km/yr (3%/78%/19%)

per capita: 895 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; landslides

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

People ::Bulgaria

Population:

7,148,785 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.8% (male 509,544/female 484,816)

15-64 years: 68.5% (male 2,426,060/female 2,508,772)

65 years and over: 17.7% (male 518,711/female 756,784) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.6 years
male: 39.4 years
female: 43.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.768% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

Birth rate:

9.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Death rate:

14.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Net migration rate:

-2.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 108 male: 20.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.35 years country comparison to the world: 114 male: 69.74 years
female: 77.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

346 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Nationality:

noun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Ethnic groups:

Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including
Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (2001 census)

Religions:

Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4% (2001 census)

Languages:

Bulgarian (official) 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.2%
male: 98.7%
female: 97.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 103

Government ::Bulgaria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria
conventional short form: Bulgaria
local long form: Republika Balgariya
local short form: Balgariya

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Sofia
geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas,
Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana,
Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,
Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya (Sofia), Sofiya-Grad (Sofia City),
Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa,
Yambol

Independence:

3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Constitution:

adopted on 12 July 1991

Legal system:

civil and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Georgi PARVANOV (since 22 January 2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Boyko BORISSOV (since 27 July 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon DJANKOV and Tsvetan TSVETANOV (since 27 July 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in 2011); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly
election results: Georgi PARVANOV reelected president; percent of vote - Georgi PARVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Boyko BORISSOV elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 162 to 77 with 1 abstention

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sabranie (240 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held in mid-2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - GERB 39.7%, BSP 17.7%, MRF 14.4%, ATAKA 9.4%, Blue Coalition 6.8%, RZS 4.1%, other 7.9%; seats by party - GERB 117, BSP 40, MRF 37, ATAKA 21, Blue Coalition 15, RZS 8, independents 2

Judicial branch:

independent judiciary comprised of judges, prosecutors and investigating magistrates who are appointed, promoted, demoted, and dismissed by a 25-member Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 members, half of whom are elected by the National Assembly and the other half by the bodies of the judiciary for a 5-year term in office); three levels of case review; 182 courts of which two Supreme Courts act as the last instance on civil and criminal cases (the Supreme Court of Cassation) and appeals of government decisions (the Supreme Administrative Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian National Union or ANU [Stefan LICHEV]; ATAKA (Attack party)
[Volen SIDEROV]; Blue Coalition [Ivan KOSTOV and Martin DIMITROV] (a
coalition of center-right parties dominated by UDF and DSB);
Bulgarian New Democracy [Borislav RALCHEV]; Bulgarian Socialist
Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Citizens for the European
Development of Bulgaria or GERB [Boyko BORISSOV]; Coalition for
Bulgaria or CfB [Sergei STANISHEV] (coalition of parties dominated
by BSP); Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Ivan KOSTOV];
Gergyovden [Petar STOYANOVICH]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization or IMRO [Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Liberal Initiative for
Democratic European Development or LIDER [Khristo KOVACHKI];
Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National
Movement for Stability and Progress or NDSV [Hristina HRISTOVA]
(formerly National Movement Simeon II or NMS2); New Time [Emil
KOSHLUKOV]; Order, Law, Justice or RZS [Yane YANEV]; Union of
Democratic Forces or UDF [Martin DIMITROV]; Union of Free Democrats
or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI]; United Agrarians [Anastasia MOZER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or CITUB;
Podkrepa Labor Confederation

other: numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO,
NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Elena POPTODOROVA
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174

FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. WARLICK, Jr
embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407
mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, US Department of State, 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100

FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue
note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe, has been removed

National anthem:

name: "Mila Rodino" (Dear Homeland)

lyrics/music: Tsvetan Tsvetkov RADOSLAVOV
note: adopted 1964; the anthem was composed in 1885 by a student en route to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War

Economy ::Bulgaria

Economy - overview:

Bulgaria, a former Communist country that entered the EU on 1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% growth from 2004 to 2008, driven by significant amounts of foreign direct investment and consumption. Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows, and industrial production. GDP contracted by approximately 5% in 2009, and stagnated in 2010, despite a significant recovery in exports. The economy is expected to grow modestly in 2011, however. Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of organized crime remain significant challenges.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$91.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $91.83 billion (2009 est.)

$96.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$44.84 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 -5% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $12,700 (2009 est.)

$13,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7.5%
industry: 27.6%
services: 64.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

2.61 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7.5%
industry: 36.4%
services: 56.1% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 6.3% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 24.1% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29.8 (2008) country comparison to the world: 114 26.4 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 14.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 1.6% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

0.55% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 78 5.77% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.34% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 10.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$12.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 68 $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.37 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$34.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $33.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$7.103 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 69 $8.858 billion (31 December 2008)

$21.79 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruits, tobacco, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets; livestock

Industries:

electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel

Industrial production growth rate:

0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - production:

44.83 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - consumption:

29.9 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - exports:

5.407 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

3.097 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3,227 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - consumption:

125,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - exports:

76,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - imports:

189,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - production:

218 million cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - consumption:

3.35 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - imports:

3.48 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Current account balance:

-$1.528 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 -$4.348 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$19.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $16.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.21%, Greece 9.43%, Italy 9.24%, Romania 8.52%, Turkey 7.33%, Belgium 5.61%, France 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$22.78 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $22.22 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; fuels, minerals, and raw materials

Imports - partners:

Russia 13.14%, Germany 12.23%, Italy 7.78%, Greece 6.17%, Romania 5.65%, Turkey 5.48%, Ukraine 4.81%, Austria 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$15.07 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $18.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$36.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $39.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$51.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $49.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.372 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $1.194 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

leva (BGN) per US dollar - 1.5138 (2010), 1.404 (2009), 1.3171 (2008), 1.4366 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Communications ::Bulgaria

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.164 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.617 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Telephone system:

general assessment: inherited an extensive but antiquated telecommunications network from the Soviet era; quality has improved with a modern digital trunk line now connecting switching centers in most of the regions; remaining areas are connected by digital microwave radio relay
domestic: the Bulgaria Telecommunications Company's fixed-line monopoly terminated in 2005 in an effort to upgrade fixed-line services; mobile-cellular teledensity, fostered by multiple service providers, approached 150 telephones per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 359; submarine cable provides connectivity to Ukraine and Russia; a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system provides connectivity to Italy, Albania, and Macedonia; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intersputnik in the Atlantic Ocean region, 2 Intelsat in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (2009)

Broadcast media:

4 national terrestrial television stations with 1 state-owned and 3 privately-owned; a vast array of TV stations are available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private radio stations broadcasting, especially in urban areas (2007)

Internet country code:

.bg

Internet hosts:

785,546 (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Internet users:

3.395 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Transportation ::Bulgaria

Airports:

210 (2010) country comparison to the world: 30

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 130
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
under 914 m: 96 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 80

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,926 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,294 km country comparison to the world: 38 standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,880 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 40,231 km country comparison to the world: 89 paved: 39,587 km (includes 418 km of expressways)

unpaved: 644 km (2008)

Waterways:

470 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Merchant marine:

total: 37 country comparison to the world: 79 by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 27 (Germany 25, Russia 2)

registered in other countries: 31 (Comoros 8, Malta 7, Panama 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Burgas, Varna

Military ::Bulgaria

Military branches:

Bulgarian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Bulgarian Air
Forces (Bulgarski Voennovazdyshni Sily, BVVS) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription ended in January 2008; service obligation 6-9 months (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,660,930
females age 16-49: 1,646,170 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,337,201
females age 16-49: 1,360,039 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,604
female: 34,199 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Transnational Issues ::Bulgaria

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; vulnerable to money laundering because of corruption, organized crime; some money laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial institutions (2008)

page last updated on January 18, 2011

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

@Burkina Faso (Africa)

Introduction ::Burkina Faso

Background:

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Current President Blaise COMPAORE came to power in a 1987 military coup and has won every election since then. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.

Geography ::Burkina Faso

Location:

Western Africa, north of Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 274,200 sq km country comparison to the world: 74 land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 3,193 km
border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Natural resources:

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, phosphates, pumice, salt

Land use:

arable land: 17.66%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 82.12% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

17.5 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.8 cu km/yr (13%/1%/86%)

per capita: 60 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues:

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas

People ::Burkina Faso

Population:

16,241,811 country comparison to the world: 61 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.2% (male 3,646,661/female 3,621,648)

15-64 years: 51.3% (male 4,025,917/female 4,054,865)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 156,895/female 240,246) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years
male: 16.6 years
female: 17 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.095% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Birth rate:

43.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Death rate:

13.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 80

Urbanization:

urban population: 20% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 82.98 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 12 male: 90.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 75.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 53.32 years country comparison to the world: 203 male: 51.39 years
female: 55.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Ethnic groups:

Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes Gurunsi, Senufo,
Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Religions:

Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman
Catholic) 10%

Languages:

French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 21.8%
male: 29.4%
female: 15.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years
male: 7 years
female: 6 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 86

Government ::Burkina Faso

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Burkina Faso
local long form: none
local short form: Burkina Faso
former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Ouagadougou
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou,
Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo,
Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga,
Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Nahouri, Namentenga, Nayala,
Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga,
Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro,
Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Independence:

5 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates the day that
Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community

Constitution:

approved by referendum 2 June 1991; formally adopted 11 June 1991; last amended January 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 November 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature
election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent of popular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.2%, Hama Arba DIALLO 8.2%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA 6.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDP 73, ADF-RDA 14, UPR 5, UNIR-MS 4, CFD-B 3, UPS 2, PDP-PS 2, RDB 2, PDS 2, PAREN 1, PAI 1, RPC 1, UDPS 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders:

African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and Federation or
ADF-RDA [Gilbert OUEDRAOGO]; Citizen's Popular Rally or RPC [Antoine
QUARE]; Coalition of Democratic Forces of Burkina or CFD-B [Amadou
Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP [Roch
Marc-Christian KABORE]; Democratic and Popular Rally or RDP [Nana
THIBAUT]; Movement for Tolerance and Progress or MTP [Nayabtigungou
Congo KABORE]; Party for African Independence or PAI [Soumane
TOURE]; Party for Democracy and Progress-Socialist Party or PDP-PS
[Ali LANKOANDE]; Party for Democracy and Socialism or PDS [Felix
SOUBEIGA]; Party for National Rebirth or PAREN [Jeanne TRAORE];
Rally for the Development of Burkina or RDB [Antoine KARGOUGOU];
Rally of Ecologists of Burkina Faso or RDEB [Ram OUEDRAGO];
Republican Party for Integration and Solidarity or PARIS; Union for
Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Fidele HIEN]; Union for
Rebirth - Sankarist Movement or UNIR-MS [Benewende STANISLAS]; Union
for the Republic or UPR [Toussaint Abel COULIBALY]; Union of
Sankarist Parties or UPS [Ernest Nongma OUEDRAOGO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB [Tole SAGNON];
Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP [Chrysigone ZOUGMORE];
Group of 14 February [Benewende STANISLAS]; National Confederation
of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB [Laurent OUEDRAOGO]; National
Organization of Free Unions or ONSL [Paul KABORE]

other: watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR,
UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paramanga Ernest YONLI
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas DOUGHERTY
embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4
mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - US Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440
telephone: [226] 50-30-67-23

FAX: [226] 50-30-38-90

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance,and yellow represents the country's mineral wealth
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Le Ditanye" (Anthem of Victory)

lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA
note: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit" (One Single Night), Burkina Faso"s anthem was written by the country"s president, an avid guitar player

Economy ::Burkina Faso

Economy - overview:

Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that relies heavily on cotton and gold exports for revenue. The country has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to periodic drought. Cotton is the main cash crop. Since 1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual privatization of state-owned enterprises and in 2004 revised its investment code to attract foreign investment. As a result of this new code and other legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration and production. By 2010, gold had become the main source of export revenue.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.06 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $19.07 billion (2009 est.)

$18.48 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.672 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 3.2% (2009 est.)

5.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.1%
industry: 20.7%
services: 49.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

6.668 million country comparison to the world: 64 note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%
industry and services: 10% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

77% (2004) country comparison to the world: 197

Population below poverty line:

46.4% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 32.2% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 64 48.2 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 103 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.416 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.303 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.406 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock

Industries:

cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - production:

611.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - consumption:

568.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - imports:

8,283 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Current account balance:

-$486 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 -$330 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$991 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $772 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, livestock, gold

Exports - partners:

Singapore 16.76%, Belgium 12.78%, China 7.59%, Ghana 6.89%, India 6.36%, Denmark 5.76%, Niger 5.13%, Thailand 4.52% (2009)

Imports:

$1.48 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $1.186 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Imports - partners:

Cote d'Ivoire 24.31%, France 19.48%, Togo 6.42% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.588 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $1.296 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.002 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $1.784 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Burkina Faso

Telephones - main lines in use:

167,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.299 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 109

Telephone system:

general assessment: system includes microwave radio relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone communication stations; in 2006 the government sold a 51 percent stake in the national telephone company and ultimately plans to retain only a 23 percent stake in the company
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage, fostered by multiple providers, is increasing rapidly from a low base
international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned; state-owned radio runs a national and regional network; substantial number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters available in Ouagadougou (2007)

Internet country code:

.bf

Internet hosts:

1,877 (2010) country comparison to the world: 155

Internet users:

178,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Transportation ::Burkina Faso

Airports:

24 (2010) country comparison to the world: 132

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 22

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Railways:

total: 622 km country comparison to the world: 109 narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge
note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire (2008)

Roadways:

total: 92,495 km country comparison to the world: 53 paved: 3,857 km
unpaved: 88,638 km (2004)

Military ::Burkina Faso

Military branches:

Army, Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de Burkina Faso,
FABF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in supporting roles (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,608,963 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,280,776
females age 16-49: 2,278,474 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 188,394
female: 185,975 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 120

Transnational Issues ::Burkina Faso

Disputes - international:

in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from a 2005 ICJ decision; in recent years citizens and rogue security forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly defined Burkina Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of more than 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict continues to spread into neighboring states that can no longer send their migrant workers to work in Ivorian cocoa plantations
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Burma (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Burma

Background:

Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886) and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and later as political kingpin. In September 1988, the military deposed NE WIN and established a new ruling junta. Despite multiparty legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory, the junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in May 2003 and subsequently transferred to house arrest. She was finally released in November 2010. After the ruling junta in August 2007 unexpectedly increased fuel prices, tens of thousands of Burmese marched in protest, led by prodemocracy activists and Buddhist monks. In late September 2007, the government brutally suppressed the protests, killing at least 13 people and arresting thousands for participating in the demonstrations. Since then, the regime has continued to raid homes and monasteries and arrest persons suspected of participating in the pro-democracy protests. Burma in early May 2008 was struck by Cyclone Nargis which official estimates claimed left over 80,000 dead and 50,000 injured. Despite this tragedy, the junta proceeded with its May constitutional referendum, the first vote in Burma since 1990. Parliamentary elections held in November 2010, considered flawed by many in the international community, saw the junta's Union Solidarity and Development Party garnering over 70 percent of the seats. Parliament is constitutionally mandated to convene within 90 days of the election; the president, two vice presidents, and ministers will be selected at that time.

Geography ::Burma

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 N, 98 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 676,578 sq km country comparison to the world: 40 land: 653,508 sq km
water: 23,070 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,876 km
border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Coastline:

1,930 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)

Terrain:

central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m
highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 14.92%
permanent crops: 1.31%
other: 83.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,045.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 33.23 cu km/yr (1%/1%/98%)

per capita: 658 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

People ::Burma

Population:

53,414,374 country comparison to the world: 24 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.3% (male 6,193,263/female 5,990,658)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 16,510,648/female 16,828,462)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,121,412/female 1,493,298) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years
male: 26 years
female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.096% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Birth rate:

19.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Death rate:

8.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Net migration rate:

-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 134

Urbanization:

urban population: 33% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 50 male: 57.85 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 43.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.52 years country comparison to the world: 167 male: 62.23 years
female: 66.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

240,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Ethnic groups:

Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%,
Mon 2%, other 5%

Religions:

Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Languages:

Burmese (offical) minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.9%
male: 93.9%
female: 86.4% (2006 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 181

Government ::Burma

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of Burma
conventional short form: Burma
local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)

local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw
former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; the US Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Government type:

military regime

Capital:

name: Rangoon (Yangon)

geographic coordinates: 16 48 N, 96 09 E
time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Nay Pyi Taw is administrative capital

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states* (pyi ne-myar, singular - pyi ne)

divisions: Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Yangon
states: Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine (Arakan), Shan

Independence:

4 January 1948 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)

Constitution:

3 January 1974; suspended since 18 September 1988; a constitution officially received 92.48% support in a flawed May 2008 referendum that most observers judged fell far short of international standards of free and fair elections; note - a new constitution is to take effect when a parliament is convened possibly in late January 2011

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Lt. Gen THEIN SEIN (since 24 October 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by the military regime that assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); changed in 1997 to SPDC (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none

Legislative branch:

bicameral, consists of the House of Nationalities [Amyotha Hluttaw] (224 seats, 168 directly elected and 56 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives [Pythu Hluttaw] (440 seats, 330 directly elected and 110 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in December 2015)

election results: House of Nationalities - percent of vote by party - USDP 74.8%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 25.2%; seats by party - USDP 129, others 39; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - USDP 79.6%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 20.4%; seats by party - USDP 259, others 66

Judicial branch:

remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not independent of the executive

Political parties and leaders:

All Mon Region Democracy Party or AMRDP; National Democratic Force or NDF [KHIN MAUNG SWE]; National League for Democracy or NLD [AUNG SHWE, AUNG SAN SUU KYI]; note - the party is defunct because it did not register for the 2010 election; National Unity Party or NUP [TUN YE]; Rakhine Nationalities Development Party or RNDP; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [HKUN HTUN OO]; Union Solidarity and Development Party or USDP [THEIN SEIN]; numerous smaller parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Thai border: Ethnic Nationalities Council or ENC; Federation of Trade Unions-Burma or FTUB (exile trade union and labor advocates); National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB (self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr. SEIN WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and joined insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government in exile); National Council-Union of Burma or NCUB (exile coalition of opposition groups)

Inside Burma: Kachin Independence Organization or KIO; Karen National Union or KNU; Karenni National People's Party or KNPP; Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (pro-regime, a social and political mass-member organization) [HTAY OO, general secretary] became the Union Solidarity and Development Party in 2010; United Wa State Army or UWSA; 88 Generation Students (pro-democracy movement); several other Shan factions

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC (observer), UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires HAN THU - note: Burma does not have an ambassador to the United States
chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-3344

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4351
consulate(s) general: none; Burma has a Mission to the UN in New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Larry M. DINGER - note: The United States does not have an ambassador to Burma
embassy: 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon
mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546
telephone: [95] (1) 536-509, 535-756, 538-038

FAX: [95] (1) 650-306

Flag description:

design consists of three equal horizontal stripes of yellow (top), green, and red; centered on the green band is a large white five-pointed star that partially overlaps onto the adjacent colored stripes; the design revives the triband colors used by Burma from 1943-45, during the Japanese occupation

National anthem:

name: "Kaba Ma Kyei" (Till the End of the World, Myanmar)

lyrics/music: SAYA TIN
note: adopted 1948; Burma is among a handful of non-European nations that have anthems rooted in indigenous traditions; the beginning portion of the anthem is a traditional Burmese anthem before transitioning into a Western-style orchestrated work

Economy ::Burma

Economy - overview:

Burma, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, corruption, and rural poverty. Despite Burma's emergence as a natural gas exporter, socio-economic conditions have deteriorated under the regime's mismanagement, leaving most of the public in poverty, while military leaders and their business cronies exploit the country's ample natural resources. The economy suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances - including rising inflation, fiscal deficits, multiple official exchange rates that overvalue the Burmese kyat, a distorted interest rate regime, unreliable statistics, and an inability to reconcile national accounts to determine a realistic GDP figure. Burma's poor investment climate hampers the inflow of foreign investment; in recent years, foreign investors have shied away from nearly every sector except for natural gas, power generation, timber, and mining. The business climate is widely perceived as opaque, corrupt, and highly inefficient. Over 60% of the FY 2009-10 budget is allocated to state owned enterprises - most operating at a deficit. The government has recently privatized a number of state owned enterprises, but most of the benefits have accrued to regime insiders and cronies. The most productive sectors will continue to be in extractive industries - especially oil and gas, mining, and timber - with the latter two causing significant environmental degradation. Other areas, such as manufacturing, tourism and services, struggle in the face of inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable trade policies, neglected health and education systems, and endemic corruption. A major banking crisis in 2003 caused 20 private banks to close; private banks still operate under tight restrictions, limiting the private sector's access to credit. The United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia have imposed financial and economic sanctions on Burma, prohibiting most financial transactions with Burmese entities, imposing travel bans on Burmese officials and others connected to the ruling regime, and banning imports of certain Burmese products. These sanctions affected the country's fledgling garment industry, isolated the struggling banking sector, and raised the costs of doing business with Burmese companies, particularly firms tied to Burmese regime leaders. The global crisis of 2008-09 caused exports and domestic consumer demand to drop. Remittances from overseas Burmese workers - who had provided significant financial support for their families - slowed or dried up as jobs were lost and migrant workers returned home. Though the Burmese government has good economic relations with its neighbors, better investment and business climates and an improved political situation are needed to promote serious foreign investment, exports, and tourism.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $58.27 billion (2009 est.)

$57.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.65 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 1.8% (2009 est.)

1.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $1,100 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 43.2%
industry: 20%
services: 36.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

31.68 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%
industry: 7%
services: 23% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 4.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32.7% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 34 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.907 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 89 $4.038 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this number reflects the vastly overvalued official exchange rate of 5.38 kyat per dollar in 2007; at the unofficial black market rate of 1,305 kyat per dollar for 2007, the stock of kyats would equal only US$2.465 billion and Burma's velocity of money (the number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be six, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the region; in 2009, the unofficial black market rate averaged 1,090 kyat per dollar.

Stock of broad money:

$7.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $6.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.552 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $6.858 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood; fish and fish products

Industries:

agricultural processing; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; cement, construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer; oil and natural gas; garments, jade and gems

Industrial production growth rate:

4.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - production:

6.286 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - consumption:

4.403 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

18,880 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - consumption:

42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - exports:

2,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - imports:

18,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - proved reserves:

50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - production:

12.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - consumption:

3.85 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - exports:

8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - proved reserves:

283.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Current account balance:

$652 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $705 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.841 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $6.862 billion (2009 est.)

note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh

Exports - commodities:

natural gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice, clothing, jade and gems

Exports - partners:

Thailand 46.57%, India 12.99%, China 9.01%, Japan 5.65% (2009)

Imports:

$4.532 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $4.02 billion (2009 est.)

note: import figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of consumer goods, diesel fuel, and other products smuggled in from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and India

Imports - commodities:

fabric, petroleum products, fertilizer, plastics, machinery, transport equipment; cement, construction materials, crude oil; food products, edible oil

Imports - partners:

China 33.1%, Thailand 26.28%, Singapore 15.18% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.762 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $3.561 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.145 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $7.079 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kyats (MMK) per US dollar - 1,000 (2010), 1,055 (2009), 1,205 (2008), 1,296 (2007), 1,280 (2006)

Communications ::Burma

Telephones - main lines in use:

812,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Telephones - mobile cellular:

448,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Telephone system:

general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and government
domestic: system barely capable of providing basic service; mobile-cellular phone system is grossly underdeveloped with a subscribership base of only 1 per 100 persons
international: country code - 95; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2, Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and ShinSat (2009)

Broadcast media:

government controls all domestic broadcast media; 3 state-controlled television stations with 1 of the stations controlled by the armed forces; a fourth TV channel, a pay-TV station, is a joint state-private venture; access to satellite TV is limited with residents required to register and pay a fee for all satellite television receivers; 2 state-controlled domestic radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Burma; the opposition-backed station Democratic Voice of Burma broadcasts into Burma via shortwave (2009)

Internet country code:

.mm

Internet hosts:

172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 197

Internet users:

110,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Transportation ::Burma

Airports:

76 (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37
over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 39
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,228 km; oil 558 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,955 km country comparison to the world: 44 narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 27,000 km country comparison to the world: 101 paved: 3,200 km
unpaved: 23,800 km (2006)

Waterways:

12,800 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 10

Merchant marine:

total: 26 country comparison to the world: 90 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Cyprus 1, Germany 1, Japan 1)

registered in other countries: 3 (Panama 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Moulmein, Rangoon, Sittwe

Military ::Burma

Military branches:

Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw): Army (Tatmadaw Kyi), Navy (Tatmadaw
Yay), Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; male (ages 18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors, engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be streched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency; forced conscription of children, although officially prohibited, reportedly continues (2011)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,558,921
females age 16-49: 14,539,703 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,281,131
females age 16-49: 10,988,695 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 526,557
female: 510,538 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Transnational Issues ::Burma

Disputes - international:

over half of Burma's population consists of diverse ethnic groups who have substantial numbers of kin in neighboring countries; Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic refugees, asylum seekers, and rebels, as well as illegal cross-border activities from Burma; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River near the border with Burma; citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China is reconsidering construction of 13 dams on the Salween River but energy-starved Burma with backing from Thailand remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams downstream, despite identical regional and international protests; India seeks cooperation from Burma to keep Indian Nagaland separatists, such as the United Liberation Front of Assam, from hiding in remote Burmese Uplands; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 503,000 (government offensives against ethnic insurgent groups near the eastern borders; most IDPs are ethnic Karen, Karenni, Shan, Tavoyan, and Mon) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Burma is a source country for women, children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; Burmese women and children are trafficked to East and Southeast Asia for commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor; Burmese children are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Thailand as hawkers and beggars; women are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to Malaysia and China; some trafficking victims transit Burma from Bangladesh to Malaysia and from China to Thailand; Burma's internal trafficking remains the most serious concern occurring primarily from villages to urban centers and economic hubs for labor in industrial zones, agricultural estates, and commercial sexual exploitation; the Burmese military continues to engage in the unlawful conscription of child soldiers, and continues to be the main perpetrator of forced labor inside Burma; ethnic insurgent groups also used compulsory labor of adults and unlawful recruitment of children; the regime's widespread use of and lack of accountability in forced labor and recruitment of child soldiers is particularly worrying and represents the top causal factor for Burma's significant trafficking problem
tier rating: Tier 3 - serious problems remain in Burma, and in some areas, most notably in the area of forced labor, the Government of Burma is not making significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, warranting a ranking of Tier 3; in other areas, particularly with regard to international sex trafficking of women and girls, the Government of Burma is making significant efforts (2010)

Illicit drugs:

remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Burundi (Africa)

Introduction ::Burundi

Background:

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005, and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government, led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006 but still faces many challenges.

Geography ::Burundi

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

3 30 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 27,830 sq km country comparison to the world: 146 land: 25,680 sq km
water: 2,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 974 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January)

Terrain:

hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m
highest point: Heha 2,670 m

Natural resources:

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum, gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 35.57%
permanent crops: 13.12%
other: 51.31% (2005)

Irrigated land:

210 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3.6 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (17%/6%/77%)

per capita: 38 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding; landslides; drought

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile

People ::Burundi

Population:

9,863,117 country comparison to the world: 85 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,213,667/female 2,189,197)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 2,399,466/female 2,470,743)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 95,324/female 142,933) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Birth rate:

41.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Death rate:

9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Net migration rate:

4.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Urbanization:

urban population: 10% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 6.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 29 male: 68.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 58.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 58.29 years country comparison to the world: 191 male: 56.65 years
female: 59.98 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Religions:

Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Languages:

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake
Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 59.3%
male: 67.3%
female: 52.2% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 17

Government ::Burundi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Burundi
conventional short form: Burundi
local long form: Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi
local short form: Burundi
former: Urundi

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bujumbura
geographic coordinates: 3 22 S, 29 21 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

ratified by popular referendum 28 February 2005

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted in February 2005 permited the post-transition president to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; elections last held 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
election results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in the electoral process

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate (54 seats; 34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms, with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of state) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100 seats, 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women; additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); National Assembly - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD 81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party - CNDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; High Court of
Justice (composed of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court)

Political parties and leaders:

governing parties: Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Leonce NGENDAKUMANA]; National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Jeremie NGENDAKUMANA]; Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Bonaventure NIYOYANKANA]

note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are: National Council for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD [Leonard NYANGOMA]; National Resistance Movement for the Rehabilitation of the Citizen or MRC-Rurenzangemero [Epitace BANYAGANAKANDI]; Party for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society or FORSC [Pacifique
NININAHAZWE] (civil society umbrella organization); Observatoire de
lutte contre la corruption et les malversations economiques or
OLUCOME [Gabriel RUFYIRI] (anti-corruption pressure group)

other: Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE
chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574

FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. H. SLUTZ
embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura
mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura
telephone: [257] 223454

FAX: [257] 222926

Flag description:

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress

National anthem:

name: "Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi)

lyrics/music: Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO
note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Burundi

Economy - overview:

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural which accounts for about 35% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade. An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two children go to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. Burundi's GDP grew around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of the civil war have improved aid flows and economic activity has increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, and low administrative capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will continue to remain heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's revenues and its ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community, which should boost Burundi's regional trade ties, and received $700 million in debt relief in 2009. Instability spilling over from eastern Congo-Kinshasa and the ban on minerals smuggled across Burundi's border will be the main challenges to economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.418 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $3.29 billion (2009 est.)

$3.178 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.469 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 3.5% (2009 est.)

4.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228 $300 (2009 est.)

$300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.6%
industry: 21.4%
services: 47% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.245 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 85

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 93.6%
industry: 2.3%
services: 4.1% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

68% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.1%
highest 10%: 28% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.4 (1998) country comparison to the world: 52

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 10.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 44 10.08% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 16.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$329.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 166 $293.6 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$568.3 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $506.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$465.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $415.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Industries:

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - production:

92 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity - consumption:

125.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

40 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - imports:

2,495 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Current account balance:

-$136 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 -$127 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$71 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 $68 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Exports - partners:

Germany 21.6%, Switzerland 14.86%, Belgium 9.32%, Sweden 8.94%,
Pakistan 5.82% (2009)

Imports:

$336 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $275 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.87%, Belgium 11.17%, Uganda 8.62%, Kenya 7.57%, China 5.66%, France 5.35%, Germany 4.46%, India 4.24%, Tanzania 4.21% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$320 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $323 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.2 billion (2003) country comparison to the world: 147

Exchange rates:

Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,250.75 (2010), 1,230.18 (2009), 1,198 (2008), 1,065 (2007), 1,030 (2006)

Communications ::Burundi

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Telephones - mobile cellular:

838,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relays
domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at a meager 10 per 100 persons
international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled La Radiodiffusion et Television Nationale de Burundi (RTNB) operates the lone TV broadcast station and the only national radio network; about 10 privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2007)

Internet country code:

.bi

Internet hosts:

201 (2010) country comparison to the world: 194

Internet users:

157,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Transportation ::Burundi

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 161

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 12,322 km country comparison to the world: 129 paved: 1,286 km
unpaved: 11,036 km (2004)

Waterways:

mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bujumbura

Military ::Burundi

Military branches:

National Defense Force (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN): Army (includes naval detachment and Air Wing), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

military service is voluntary; the armed forces law of 31 December 2004 did not specify a minimum age for enlistment, but the government had previously said each recruit must have a primary school-leaving certificate; mandatory retirement age 45 (enlisted), 50 (NCOs), and 55 (officers) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,099,541
females age 16-49: 2,118,918 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,337,935
females age 16-49: 1,414,035 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 111,829
female: 111,802 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Transnational Issues ::Burundi

Disputes - international:

Burundi and Rwanda dispute sections of border on the Akanyaru/Kanyaru and the Kagera/Nyabarongo rivers, which have changed course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited; cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces persist in the Great Lakes region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,849 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most
IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cambodia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Cambodia

Background:

Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried or are awaiting trial for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal supported by international assistance. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him. Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of the pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.

Geography ::Cambodia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand,
Vietnam, and Laos

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 181,035 sq km country comparison to the world: 89 land: 176,515 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Land boundaries:

total: 2,572 km
border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Coastline:

443 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 20.44%
permanent crops: 0.59%
other: 78.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

476.1 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.08 cu km/yr (1%/0%/98%)

per capita: 290 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts

Environment - current issues:

illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because of illegal fishing and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap

People ::Cambodia

Population:

14,453,680 country comparison to the world: 66 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.6% (male 2,388,922/female 2,336,439)

15-64 years: 63.8% (male 4,498,568/female 4,743,677)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 197,649/female 329,038) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.6 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 23.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.705% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Birth rate:

25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Death rate:

8.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Net migration rate:

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 136

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 37 male: 64.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.28 years country comparison to the world: 177 male: 59.95 years
female: 64.72 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

75,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Ethnic groups:

Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Religions:

Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (1998 census)

Languages:

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 73.6%
male: 84.7%
female: 64.1% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 176

Government ::Cambodia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia
conventional short form: Cambodia
local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phonetic pronunciation)

local short form: Kampuchea
former: Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Government type:

multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Phnom Penh
geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1 municipality (krong, singular and plural)

provinces: Banteay Mean Choay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong
Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb,
Krachen, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Choay, Pailin, Pouthisat, Preah
Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siem
Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev

municipalities: Phnum Penh (Phnom Penh)

Independence:

9 November 1953 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Constitution:

promulgated 21 September 1993

Legal system:

primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature with influences of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing influence of common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) [co-prime minister from 1993 to 1997]; Permanent Deputy Prime Minister MEN SAM AN (since 25 September 2008); Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK AN, TEA BANH, HOR NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004); BIN CHHIN (since 5 September 2007); KEAT CHHON, YIM CHHAI LY (since 24 September 2008); KE KIMYAN (since 12 March 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the king chosen by a Royal Throne Council from among all eligible males of royal descent; following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the king

Legislative branch:

bicameral, consists of the Senate (61 seats; 2 members appointed by the monarch, 2 elected by the National Assembly, and 57 elected by parliamentarians and commune councils; members serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (123 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2012); National Assembly - last held on 27 July 2008 (next to be held in July 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CPP 69%, FUNCINPEC 21%, SRP 10%; seats by party - CPP 45, FUNCINPEC 10, SRP 2; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 58%, SRP 22%, HRP 7%; NRP 6%; FUNCINPEC 5%; others 2%; seats by party - CPP 90, SRP 26, HRP 3, FUNCINPEC 2, NRP 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower courts) exercises judicial authority

Political parties and leaders:

Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM]; Human Rights Party or HRP [KHEM SOKHA, also spelled KEM SOKHA]; National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia or FUNCINPEC [KEV PUT REAKSMEI]; Nationalist Party or NP [CHHIM SEAK LENG] (formerly the NRP); Sam Rangsi Party or SRP [SAM RANGSI, also spelled SAM RAINSY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Cambodian Freedom Fighters or CFF; Partnership for Transparency Fund or PTF (anti-corruption organization); Students Movement for Democracy; The Committee for Free and Fair Elections or Comfrel
other: human rights organizations; vendors

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA (observer), EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador HENG HEM
chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742

FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carol A. RODLEY
embassy: #1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546
telephone: [855] (23) 728-000

FAX: [855] (23) 728-600

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined in black in the center of the red band; red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors
note: only national flag to incorporate an actual building in its design

National anthem:

name: "Nokoreach" (Royal Kingdom)

lyrics/music: CHUON NAT/F. PERRUCHOT and J. JEKYLL
note: adopted 1941, restored 1993; the anthem, based on a Cambodian folk tune, was restored after the defeat of the Communist regime

Economy ::Cambodia

Economy - overview:

From 2004 to 2007, the economy grew about 10% per year, driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector, construction, agriculture, and tourism. GDP contracted 1.5% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but climbed more than 4% in 1010, driven by renewed exports. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodian textile producers were forced to compete directly with lower-priced countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The garment industry currently employs more than 280,000 people - about 5% of the work force - and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports. In 2005, exploitable oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the northern parts of the country. The government has said opportunities exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed, and several rounds of discussions have been held since 2007. Rubber exports increased about 25% in 2009 due to rising global demand. The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly, with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year in 2007-08, however, economic troubles abroad dampened growth in 2009. The global financial crisis is weakening demand for Cambodian exports, and construction is declining due to a shortage of credit. The long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge. The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than 25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29.46 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $28.3 billion (2009 est.)

$28.73 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.36 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 -1.5% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $2,000 (2009 est.)

$2,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29%
industry: 30%
services: 41% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

8 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 67.9%
industry: 12.7%
services: 19.5% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 2.5% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

31% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 34.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 40 (2004 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 83 5.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 16.01% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$850.7 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 142 $747.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.899 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.195 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $1.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca, silk

Industries:

tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - production:

1.273 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - consumption:

1.272 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

167 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - imports:

30,970 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Current account balance:

-$918 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 -$865.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.212 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $4.302 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear

Exports - partners:

US 45.32%, Singapore 9.46%, Germany 7.52%, UK 7.07%, Canada 6.31%,
Vietnam 4.15% (2009)

Imports:

$6.944 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $5.876 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products

Imports - partners:

Thailand 24.83%, Vietnam 19.73%, China 14.08%, Singapore 11.34%,
Hong Kong 7.41%, Taiwan 5.1%, South Korea 4.06% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $3.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.338 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.284 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

riels (KHR) per US dollar - 4,217.96 (2010), 4,139.33 (2009), 4,070.94 (2008), 4,006 (2007), 4,103 (2006)

Communications ::Cambodia

Telephones - main lines in use:

54,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.593 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate fixed-line and/or cellular service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; mobile-cellular phone systems are widely used in urban areas to bypass deficiencies in the fixed-line network; mobile-phone coverage is rapidly expanding in rural areas
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage, aided by increasing competition among service providers, is increasing and stands at 40 per 100 persons
international: country code - 855; adequate but expensive landline and cellular service available to all countries from Phnom Penh and major provincial cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

mixture of state-owned, joint public-private, and privately-owned broadcast media; 9 TV broadcast stations with most operating on multiple channels, including 1 state-operated station broadcasting from multiple locations, 6 stations either jointly operated or privately-owned with some broadcasting from several locations, and 2 TV relay stations - one relaying a French television station and the other relaying a Vietnamese television station; multi-channel cable and satellite systems are available; roughly 50 radio broadcast stations - 1 state-owned broadcaster with multiple stations and a large mixture of public and private broadcasters; several international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.kh

Internet hosts:

5,452 (2010) country comparison to the world: 138

Internet users:

78,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Transportation ::Cambodia

Airports:

17 (2010) country comparison to the world: 141

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 690 km country comparison to the world: 105 narrow gauge: 690 km 1.000-m gauge
note: under restoration (2010)

Roadways:

total: 38,093 km country comparison to the world: 91 paved: 2,977 km
unpaved: 35,116 km (2007)

Waterways:

2,400 km (mainly on Mekong River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Merchant marine:

total: 620 country comparison to the world: 20 by type: bulk carrier 40, cargo 526, carrier 5, chemical tanker 5, container 5, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 426 (Belgium 1, Canada 2, China 203, Cyprus 8, Egypt 12, Estonia 1, French Polynesia 1, Gabon 1, Greece 2, Hong Kong 11, Indonesia 2, Japan 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 6, Netherlands 1, Romania 1, Russia 60, Singapore 4, South Korea 11, Syria 22, Taiwan 1, Turkey 26, UAE 2, UK 3, Ukraine 37, US 4, Vietnam 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Phnom Penh, Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)

Military ::Cambodia

Military branches:

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Royal Cambodian Army, Royal Khmer
Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

conscription law of October 2006 requires all males between 18-30 to register for military service; 18-month service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,980,995
females age 16-49: 3,970,244 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,751,618
females age 16-49: 2,835,807 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 168,519
female: 166,418 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Transnational Issues ::Cambodia

Disputes - international:

Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary with missing boundary markers and claims of Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory; maritime boundary with Vietnam is hampered by unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; Thailand accuses Cambodia of obstructing inclusion of Thai areas near Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962, as part of a planned UN World Heritage site

Illicit drugs:

narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in the government, military, and police; limited methamphetamine production; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based economy and porous borders
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Cameroon (Africa)

Introduction ::Cameroon

Background:

The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.

Geography ::Cameroon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial
Guinea and Nigeria

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 N, 12 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 475,440 sq km country comparison to the world: 53 land: 472,710 sq km
water: 2,730 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,591 km
border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm

Climate:

varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north

Terrain:

diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Fako 4,095 m (on Mt. Cameroon)

Natural resources:

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 12.54%
permanent crops: 2.52%
other: 84.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

260 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

285.5 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.99 cu km/yr (18%/8%/74%)

per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes
volcanism: Mt. Cameroon (elev. 4,095 m, 13,435 ft), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986

Environment - current issues:

waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

People ::Cameroon

Population:

19,294,149 country comparison to the world: 58 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.9% (male 3,891,762/female 3,822,870)

15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,298,143/female 5,250,493)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 283,289/female 332,744) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years
male: 19.2 years
female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.157% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Birth rate:

33.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Death rate:

12.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 79

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 62.15 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 32 male: 66.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 57.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.04 years country comparison to the world: 202 male: 53.21 years
female: 54.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

540,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

39,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Ethnic groups:

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.9%
male: 77%
female: 59.8% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 150

Government ::Cameroon

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon
conventional short form: Cameroon
local long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon
local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon
former: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Yaounde
geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, North-West (Nord-Ouest), Ouest, Sud, South-West (Sud-Ouest)

Independence:

1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 20 May 1972; adopted 2 June 1972; revised January 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with common law influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)

head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2004 (next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote - Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga Haman ADJI 3.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term of the legislature
elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPDM 140, SDF 14, UDC 4, UNDP 4, MP 1, vacant 17
note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High Court of Justice (consists of nine judges and six substitute judges; elected by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA];
Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA]; Movement
for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement
for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel
YONDO]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari
BELLO BOUBA]; Progressive Movement or MP; Social Democratic Front or
SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Augustin
Frederic KODOCK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president]; Southern
Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph FOE-ATANGANA
chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790

FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Janet E. GARVEY
embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaounde
mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
telephone: [237] 2220 15 00; Consular: [237] 2220 16 03

FAX: [237] 2220 16 00 Ext. 4531; Consular FAX: [237] 2220 17 52
branch office(s): Douala

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north, and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to as the "star of unity"

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancetres" (O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers)

lyrics/music: Rene Djam AFAME, Samuel Minkio BAMBA, Moise Nyatte NKO"O [French], Benard Nsokika FONLON [English]/Rene Djam AFAME
note: adopted 1957; Cameroon's anthem, also known as "Chant de Ralliement" (The Rallying Song), has been used unofficially since 1948 although officially adopted in 1957; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ

Economy ::Cameroon

Economy - overview:

Because of its modest oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as stagnate per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. Weak prices for oil and cocoa led to the significant slowdown in growth in 2009. The government is under pressure to reduce its budget deficit, which by the government's own forecast will hit 2.8% of GDP, but the presidential election in 2011 may make fiscal austerity difficult.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$44.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $43.44 billion (2009 est.)

$43.05 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.88 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 0.9% (2009 est.)

3.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20%
industry: 30.9%
services: 49.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.836 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%
industry: 13%
services: 17% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Population below poverty line:

48% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 35.4% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.6 (2001) country comparison to the world: 43 47.7 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Public debt:

16.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 16.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 104 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 111 $3.074 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $4.921 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$848.8 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $1.523 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber

Industries:

petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - production:

5.601 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - consumption:

4.801 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

77,310 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - consumption:

26,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - exports:

107,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - imports:

45,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - proved reserves:

200 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - production:

20 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - consumption:

20 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - proved reserves:

135.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Current account balance:

-$826 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 -$1.137 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.371 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.079 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.99%, Spain 12.25%, Italy 11.84%, China 9.14%, US 6.16%, France 5.51%, South Korea 4.66%, Belgium 4.33%, UK 4% (2009)

Imports:

$4.869 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $4.405 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food

Imports - partners:

France 21.03%, Nigeria 10.79%, China 10.25%, Belgium 6.62%, US 4.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.023 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $3.676 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.344 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $3.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Cameroon

Telephones - main lines in use:

323,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.397 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Telephone system:

general assessment: system includes cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter; Camtel, the monopoly provider of fixed-line service, provides connections for only about 1 per 100 persons; equipment is old and outdated, and connections with many parts of the country are unreliable
domestic: mobile-cellular usage, in part a reflection of the poor condition and general inadequacy of the fixed-line network, has increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of 40 per 100 persons
international: country code - 237; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

government maintains tight control over broadcast media; state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a television and radio network, was the only officially recognized and fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007 when the government finally issued licenses to 2 private TV broadcasters and 1 private radio broadcaster; about 70 privately-owned unlicensed radio stations operating but are subject to closure at any time; foreign news services required to partner with state-owned national station (2007)

Internet country code:

.cm

Internet hosts:

90 (2010) country comparison to the world: 204

Internet users:

749,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Transportation ::Cameroon

Airports:

34 (2010) country comparison to the world: 111

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 889 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 987 km country comparison to the world: 90 narrow gauge: 987 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 50,000 km country comparison to the world: 81 paved: 5,000 km
unpaved: 45,000 km (2004)

Waterways:

major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of Garoua (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Douala, Garoua, Limboh Terminal

Military ::Cameroon

Military branches:

Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC): Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Fire Fighter Corps, Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years; the government makes periodic calls for volunteers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,553,576
females age 16-49: 4,443,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,721,307
females age 16-49: 2,647,640 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 213,538
female: 209,549 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Transnational Issues ::Cameroon

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008; Cameroon and Nigeria agree on maritime delimitation in March 2008; sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 20,000-30,000 (Chad); 3,000 (Nigeria); 24,000 (Central African Republic) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Cameroon is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; most victims are children trafficked within country, with girls primarily trafficked for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; both boys and girls are also trafficked within Cameroon for forced labor in sweatshops, bars, restaurants, and on tea and cocoa plantations; children are trafficked into Cameroon from neighboring states for forced labor in agriculture, fishing, street vending, and spare-parts shops; Cameroon is a transit country for children trafficked between Gabon and Nigeria, and from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia; it is a source country for women transported by sex-trafficking rings to Europe
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cameroon is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to prosecute and convict trafficking offenders; while Cameroon reported some arrests of traffickers, none of them were prosecuted or punished; the government does not identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations nor does it monitor the number of victims it intercepts (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Canada (North America)

Introduction ::Canada

Background:

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and education services, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.

Geography ::Canada

Location:

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 95 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,984,670 sq km country comparison to the world: 2 land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 8,893 km
border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Coastline:

202,080 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Terrain:

mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 4.57%
permanent crops: 0.65%
other: 94.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3,300 cu km (1985)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 44.72 cu km/yr (20%/69%/12%)

per capita: 1,386 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow east of the mountains
volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast Mountains remain dormant

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border

People ::Canada

Population:

33,759,742 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 2,761,711/female 2,626,836)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 11,633,950/female 11,381,735)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 2,220,189/female 2,862,787) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.7 years
male: 39.6 years
female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.804% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Birth rate:

10.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Death rate:

7.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Net migration rate:

5.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Urbanization:

urban population: 80% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 186 male: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.29 years country comparison to the world: 10 male: 78.72 years
female: 84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

73,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Nationality:

noun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Ethnic groups:

British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6% (2006
Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 17 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 75

Government ::Canada

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Canada

Government type:

a parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Ottawa
geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
note: Canada is divided into six time zones

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest
Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Independence:

1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (recognized by UK)

National holiday:

Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Constitution:

made up of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial decisions, and traditions; the written part of the constitution consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April 1982, which transferred formal control over the constitution from Britain to Canada, and added a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as procedures for constitutional amendments

Legal system:

based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

head of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General David JOHNSTON (since 1 October 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephen Joseph HARPER (since 6 February 2006)

cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Commons generally designated prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (105 seats; members appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister and serve until 75 years of age) and the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve a maximum of five-year terms)

elections: House of Commons - last held on 14 October 2008 (next to be held no later than 15 October 2012)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Conservative Party 37.6%, Liberal Party 26.2%, New Democratic Party 18.2%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, Greens 6.8%, other 1%; seats by party - Conservative Party 145, Liberal Party 77, New Democratic Party 37, Bloc Quebecois 48, other 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada; Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queen's Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Conservative Party of Canada
[Stephen HARPER] (a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the
Progressive Conservative Party); Green Party [Elizabeth MAY];
Liberal Party [Michael IGNATIEFF]; New Democratic Party [Jack LAYTON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: agricultural sector; automobile industry; business groups; chemical industry; commercial banks; communications sector; energy industry; environmentalists; public administration groups; steel industry; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic
Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C,
CDB, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gary DOER
chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740

FAX: [1] (202) 682-7701
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson
consulate(s): Anchorage, Houston, Philadelphia, Princeton (New Jersey), Raleigh, San Jose (California), Tucson

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David C. JACOBSON
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430; P.O. Box 866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335

FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg

Flag description:

two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width) with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is centered in the white square; the maple leaf has long been a Canadian symbol; the official colors of Canada are red and white

National anthem:

name: "O Canada"

lyrics/music: Adolphe-Basile ROUTHIER [French], Robert Stanley WEIR [English]/Calixa LAVALLEE
note: adopted 1980; originally written in 1880, "O Canada" served as an unofficial anthem many years before its official adoption; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ; as a Commonwealth realm, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Canada

Economy - overview:

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which absorbs about three-fourths of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic crisis, the economy dropped into a sharp recession in the final months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009 after 12 years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in the world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending practices and strong capitalization. During 2010, Canada's economy grew only 3%, because of weak exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.335 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $1.297 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.33 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.564 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -2.5% (2009 est.)

0.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$39,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $38,700 (2009 est.)

$40,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.3%
industry: 26.4%
services: 71.3% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

18.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%
manufacturing: 13%
construction: 6%
services: 76%
other: 3% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 8.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10.8%; note - this figure is the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), a calculation that results in higher figures than found in many comparable economies; Canada does not have an official poverty line (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 24.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.1 (2005) country comparison to the world: 100 31.5 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Public debt:

82.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 82.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 132 1.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.4% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 4.73% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$560.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 10 $470.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.469 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.144 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.963 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.606 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.681 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 10 $1.002 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.187 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish

Industries:

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - production:

620.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - consumption:

536.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - exports:

55.73 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

23.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3.289 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - consumption:

2.151 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - exports:

2.001 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - imports:

1.192 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - proved reserves:

175.2 billion bbl country comparison to the world: 2 note: includes oil sands (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

161.3 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - consumption:

94.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - exports:

94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - imports:

16.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.754 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Current account balance:

-$40.21 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -$38.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$406.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $323.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Exports - partners:

US 75.02%, UK 3.37%, China 3.09% (2009)

Imports:

$406.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $327.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 51.1%, China 10.88%, Mexico 4.56% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$54.36 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.009 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 15 $781.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$528.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $494.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$602.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $576.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar - 1.0346 (2010), 1.1431 (2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Communications ::Canada

Telephones - main lines in use:

18.251 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephones - mobile cellular:

23.081 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service provided by modern technology
domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations
international: country code - 1; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean, and 2 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 public television broadcasting networks each with a large number of network affilates; several private-commercial networks also with multiple network affiliates; overall, about 150 TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable systems provide access to a wide range of stations including US stations; mix of public and commercial radio broadcasters with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the public radio broadcaster, operating 4 radio networks, Radio Canada International, and radio services to indigenous populations in the north; roughly 2,000 licensed radio stations in Canada (2008)

Internet country code:

.ca

Internet hosts:

7.77 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Internet users:

26.96 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Transportation ::Canada

Airports:

1,404 (2010) country comparison to the world: 4

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 514
over 3,047 m: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 148

914 to 1,523 m: 249
under 914 m: 79 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 890

1,524 to 2,437 m: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 377
under 914 m: 440 (2010)

Heliports:

12 (2010)

Pipelines:

crude and refined oil 23,564 km; liquid petroleum gas 74,980 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 46,688 km country comparison to the world: 5 standard gauge: 46,688 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,042,300 km country comparison to the world: 6 paved: 415,600 km (includes 17,000 km of expressways)

unpaved: 626,700 km (2008)

Waterways:

636 km country comparison to the world: 78 note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 184 country comparison to the world: 36 by type: bulk carrier 66, cargo 12, carrier 1, chemical tanker 14, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 64, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 6
foreign-owned: 15 (France 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 4, US 9)

registered in other countries: 223 (Australia 7, Bahamas 102, Barbados 13, Cambodia 2, Cyprus 2, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 70, Liberia 4, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Norway 1, Panama 5, Spain 5, US 1, Vanuatu 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Fraser River Port, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Port-Cartier, Quebec
City, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sept-Isles, Vancouver

Military ::Canada

Military branches:

Canadian Forces: Land Forces Command (LFC), Maritime Command (MARCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM), Canada Command (homeland security) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for reserve and military college applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,051,656
females age 16-49: 7,780,644 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,642,190
females age 16-49: 6,402,896 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 220,538
female: 208,033 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Transnational Issues ::Canada

Disputes - international:

managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; Canada, the US, and other countries dispute the status of the Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify security measures for monitoring and controlling legal and illegal movement of people, transport, and commodities across the international border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its declared baselines in the Arctic, as stipulated in Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the US; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Cape Verde (Africa)

Introduction ::Cape Verde

Background:

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Geography ::Cape Verde

Location:

Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 24 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 4,033 sq km country comparison to the world: 175 land: 4,033 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

965 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and erratic

Terrain:

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Natural resources:

salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum

Land use:

arable land: 11.41%
permanent crops: 0.74%
other: 87.85% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.3 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)

per capita: 39 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active
volcanism: Fogo (elev. 2,829 m, 9,281 ft), which last erupted in 1995, is Cape Verde's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used as fuel; water shortages; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand extraction; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site

People ::Cape Verde

Population:

508,659 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 76,012/female 74,993)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 123,376/female 127,653)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 10,040/female 17,400) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.3 years
male: 21.4 years
female: 23.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.459% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Birth rate:

21.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Net migration rate:

-0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 78 male: 31.86 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.41 years country comparison to the world: 144 male: 68.24 years
female: 72.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.04% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

775 (2001) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

225 (as of 2001) country comparison to the world: 103

Nationality:

noun: Cape Verdean(s)

adjective: Cape Verdean

Ethnic groups:

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs), Protestant (mostly
Church of the Nazarene)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West
African words)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 76.6%
male: 85.8%
female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 39

Government ::Cape Verde

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde
conventional short form: Cape Verde
local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde
local short form: Cabo Verde

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Praia
geographic coordinates: 14 55 N, 23 31 W
time difference: UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista,
Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande,
Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe, Sao
Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Independence:

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Constitution:

25 September 1992; a major revision on 23 November 1995 substantially increased the powers of the president; a 1999 revision created the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Legal system:

based on the legal system of Portugal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES (since 22 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1 February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president
election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote - Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held on 6 February 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 52.3%, MPD 44%, UCID 2.7%; seats by party - PAICV 41, MPD 29, UCID 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Jose Maria
Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic and Independent Cape Verdean
Union or UCID [Antonio MONTEIRO]; Democratic Christian Party or PDC
[Manuel RODRIGUES]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD [Victor
FIDALGO]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Jorge SANTOS]; Party for
Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO]; Party of Work
and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Joao ALEM]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmentalists; political pressure groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fatima Lima VEIGA
chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820

FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207
consulate(s) general: Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Dana BROWN
embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo n6, Praia
mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia
telephone: [238] 2-60-89-00

FAX: [238] 2-61-13-55

Flag description:

five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue - equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white) and effort (red)

National anthem:

name: "Cantico da Liberdade" (Song of Freedom)

lyrics/music: Amilcar Spencer LOPES/Adalberto Higino Tavares SILVA
note: adopted 1996

Economy ::Cape Verde

Economy - overview:

This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought and poor soil for agriculture on several of the islands. The economy is service oriented with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of food production in GDP is low. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit financed by foreign aid and remittances from its large pool of emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Despite the lack of resources, sound economic management has produced steadily improving incomes. Continued economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde became a member of the WTO in July 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.861 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $1.781 billion (2009 est.)

$1.749 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.573 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 1.8% (2009 est.)

5.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $3,600 (2009 est.)

$3,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%
industry: 16.2%
services: 74.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

196,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 169

Unemployment rate:

21% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Population below poverty line:

30% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

36.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 54 7.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 9.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$585 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 155 $628.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.314 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $1.399 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.179 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.256 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish

Industries:

food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - imports:

1,619 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Current account balance:

-$286 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -$319 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$114 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $105 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Exports - partners:

Spain 53.98%, Portugal 22.23%, Morocco 7.13% (2009)

Imports:

$858 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $835 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

Portugal 44.86%, Netherlands 15.51%, Spain 6.1%, Italy 4.46%, Brazil 4.21% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$296 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $284 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$325 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 169

Exchange rates:

Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.58 (2010), 79.377 (2009), 73.84 (2008), 81.235 (2007), 87.946 (2006)

Communications ::Cape Verde

Telephones - main lines in use:

72,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Telephones - mobile cellular:

392,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system, extensive modernization from 1996-2000 following partial privatization in 1995
domestic: major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT); fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in 1998; broadband services launched in 2004
international: country code - 238; landing point for the Atlantis-2 fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to South America, Senegal, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV and radio broadcast network plus a growing number of private broadcasters; Portuguese public TV and radio services for Africa are available; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.cv

Internet hosts:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 215

Internet users:

150,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Transportation ::Cape Verde

Airports:

10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 156

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,350 km country comparison to the world: 178 paved: 932 km
unpaved: 418 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 104 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7
foreign-owned: 3 (Spain 1, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Porto Grande

Military ::Cape Verde

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 128,858
females age 16-49: 133,581 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 103,894
females age 16-49: 114,721 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,077
female: 6,075 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Transnational Issues ::Cape Verde

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine destined for Western Europe, particularly because of Lusophone links to Brazil, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau; has taken steps to deter drug money laundering, including a 2002 anti-money laundering reform that criminalizes laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and other crimes and the establishment in 2008 of a Financial Intelligence Unit (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cayman Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Cayman Islands

Background:

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Geography ::Cayman Islands

Location:

Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica

Geographic coordinates:

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 264 sq km country comparison to the world: 210 land: 264 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Terrain:

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Natural resources:

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use:

arable land: 3.85%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 96.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to November)

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Geography - note:

important location between Cuba and Central America

People ::Cayman Islands

Population:

50,209 country comparison to the world: 206 note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.6% (male 4,824/female 4,783)

15-64 years: 71.1% (male 16,994/female 17,884)

65 years and over: 9.3% (male 2,139/female 2,411) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years
male: 38 years
female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.338% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Birth rate:

12.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Death rate:

5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Net migration rate:

16.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 2 note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.016 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 169 male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.57 years country comparison to the world: 20 male: 77.91 years
female: 83.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

Religions:

Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%, non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2% (2007)

Languages:

English (official) 95%, Spanish 3.2%, other 1.8% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 98% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 161

Government ::Cayman Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)

geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Constitution:

The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, 6 November 2009

Legal system:

British common law and local statutes

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Duncan TAYLOR (since 15 January 2010)

head of government: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)

cabinet: The Cabinet (six members are appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier, selected from among the elected members of the Legislative Assembly) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition appointed by the governor as premier

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; 18 members elected by popular vote and 2 ex officio members from The Cabinet; to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 May 2009 (next to be held not later than May 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UDP 9, PPM 5, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal; Summary Court

Political parties and leaders:

People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Kurt TIBBETTS]; United
Democratic Party or UDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Trust
other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Flag description:

a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

National anthem:

name: "Beloved Isle Cayman"

lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS
note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Cayman Islands

Economy - overview:

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008, with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2.23 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 0.9% (2004 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$43,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 3.2%
services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Labor force:

39,000 country comparison to the world: 198 note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.9%
industry: 19.1%
services: 79% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2008) country comparison to the world: 37 4.4% (2004)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 121 4.4% (2004)

Stock of narrow money:

$334.3 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 165

Stock of broad money:

$5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 109 $183.5 million (31 December 2007)

$188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Industries:

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

546 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - consumption:

507.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - imports:

3,294 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exports:

$13.8 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 210 $2.52 million (2004)

Exports - commodities:

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Imports:

$876.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 173 $866.9 million (2004)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Debt - external:

$70 million (1996) country comparison to the world: 184

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 0.8496 (2006)

Communications ::Cayman Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephones - mobile cellular:

33,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 201

Telephone system:

general assessment: reasonably good system
domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004
international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the MAYA-1,
Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber
System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of
Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

4 television stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately-owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman (2007)

Internet country code:

.ky

Internet hosts:

21,910 (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Internet users:

23,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 188

Transportation ::Cayman Islands

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 193

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 785 km country comparison to the world: 186 paved: 785 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 113 country comparison to the world: 46 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 3, chemical tanker 56, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 15
foreign-owned: 99 (Germany 6, Greece 11, Italy 6, Japan 19, Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 54) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cayman Brac, George Town

Military ::Cayman Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,108 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,860
females age 16-49: 10,287 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 326
female: 347 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Cayman Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Central African Republic (Africa)

Introduction ::Central African Republic

Background:

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. Unrest in the neighboring nations of Chad, Sudan, and the DRC continues to affect stability in the Central African Republic as well.

Geography ::Central African Republic

Location:

Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 622,984 sq km country comparison to the world: 44 land: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,203 km
border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain:

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.1%
permanent crops: 0.15%
other: 96.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

144.4 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (80%/16%/4%)

per capita: 7 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

People ::Central African Republic

Population:

4,844,927 country comparison to the world: 116 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.9% (male 928,277/female 917,739)

15-64 years: 55% (male 1,235,940/female 1,244,958)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 71,439/female 113,135) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years
male: 18.7 years
female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.149% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Birth rate:

36.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Death rate:

15.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 78

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 101.6 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 7 male: 109.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.68 years country comparison to the world: 214 male: 48.45 years
female: 50.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

160,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Ethnic groups:

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%,
Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%
note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages:

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.6%
male: 64.8%
female: 33.5% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 5 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 179

Government ::Central African Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Central African Republic
conventional short form: none
local long form: Republique Centrafricaine
local short form: none
former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire
abbreviation: CAR

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bangui
geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Constitution:

ratified by popular referendum 5 December 2004; effective 27 December 2004

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE (since 15 March 2003 coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 22 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution, the president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 13 March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011); prime minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentary majority
election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE (MLPC) 35.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (105 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 13 March 2005 and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KNK 42, MLPC 11, RDC 8, PSD 4, FPP 2, ADP 2, LONDO 1, independents 34, other 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court (three judges
appointed by the president, three by the president of the National
Assembly, and three by fellow judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal
Courts; Inferior Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Jacques MBOLIEDAS];
Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic
Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum for
Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD
[Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Londo Association or LONDO; Movement for
Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the
Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [Ange-Felix
PATASSE] (the party of deposed president); National Convergence or
KNK; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Patriotic
Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the
Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Monam (combating gender-base violence)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
(subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas MOUSSA-KEMBE
chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Frederick B. COOK
embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui
telephone: [236] 61 02 00

FAX: [236] 61 44 94
note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant future

National anthem:

name: "Le Renaissance" (The Renaissance)

lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER
note: adopted 1960; Barthelemy BOGANDA, who wrote the anthem's lyrics, was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory

Economy ::Central African Republic

Economy - overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $3.345 billion (2009 est.)

$3.289 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.113 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 1.7% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%
industry: 20%
services: 25% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

1.926 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Unemployment rate:

8% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 note: 23% unemployment for Bangui

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 33% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

61.3 (1993) country comparison to the world: 6

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$288.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $241.3 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$343.4 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $292.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$357.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $339.1 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Industries:

gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - production:

115 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - consumption:

107 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - imports:

2,203 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Current account balance:

-$77 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Exports:

$146.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Belgium 32.57%, China 10.49%, Indonesia 10.36%, Morocco 10.24%,
Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%, France 5.79% (2009)

Imports:

$237.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Imports - commodities:

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

South Korea 19.29%, France 11.95%, US 7.78%, Cameroon 7.39%,
Netherlands 6.77% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.153 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.8 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the Central African CFA franc (XAF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; Central African CFA franc (XAF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using West African CFA francs (XOF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Central African Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

12,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephones - mobile cellular:

168,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephone system:

general assessment: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication
domestic: limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui
international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

government-owned network, Radiodiffusion Television Centrafricaine, provides domestic TV broadcasting; licenses for 2 private TV stations are pending; state-owned radio network is supplemented by a small number of privately-owned broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cf

Internet hosts:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217

Internet users:

22,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Transportation ::Central African Republic

Airports:

37 (2010) country comparison to the world: 106

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 35

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 24,307 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 105

Waterways:

2,800 km (the primary navigable river is the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional route for the export of products because it connected with the Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both sides of the River Congo from 1997, however, routes through Cameroon became preferred by importers and exporters) (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Ports and terminals:

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Military ::Central African Republic

Military branches:

Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG), National Police (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,121,548
females age 16-49: 1,118,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 637,474
females age 16-49: 643,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 54,024
female: 53,203 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Transnational Issues ::Central African Republic

Disputes - international:

periodic skirmishes over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border with southern Sudan persist

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,900 (Sudan); 3,700 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); note - UNHCR resumed repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees in 2006

IDPs: 197,000 (ongoing unrest following coup in 2003) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Central African Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, street vending, and forced agricultural, mine, market and restaurant labor; to a lesser extent, children are trafficked from the Central African Republic to Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; rebels conscript children into armed forces within the country
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Central African Republic is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in 2007; efforts to address trafficking through vigorous law enforcement measures and victim protection efforts were minimal, though awareness about trafficking appeared to be increasing in the country; the government does not actively investigate cases, work to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, or rescue and provide care to victims; the government has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Chad (Africa)

Introduction ::Chad

Background:

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in December 2006 and October 2007. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a significant rebel threat in early 2008.

Geography ::Chad

Location:

Central Africa, south of Libya

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 19 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.284 million sq km country comparison to the world: 21 land: 1,259,200 sq km
water: 24,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 5,968 km
border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain:

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Djourab 160 m
highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt

Land use:

arable land: 2.8%
permanent crops: 0.02%
other: 97.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

43 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.23 cu km/yr (17%/0%/83%)

per capita: 24 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel

People ::Chad

Population:

10,543,464 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.7% (male 2,445,841/female 2,381,319)

15-64 years: 50.4% (male 2,386,428/female 2,816,050)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 126,351/female 173,219) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.6 years
male: 15.5 years
female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.038% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Birth rate:

40.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Death rate:

15.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Net migration rate:

-3.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 9 male: 103 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 90.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.99 years country comparison to the world: 217 male: 46.95 years
female: 49.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Ethnic groups:

Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%, Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha 4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3% (1993 census)

Religions:

Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%, other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1% (1993 census)

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic
total population: 25.7%
male: 40.8%
female: 12.8% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years
male: 8 years
female: 4 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 173

Government ::Chad

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chad
conventional short form: Chad
local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad
local short form: Tchad/Tshad

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: N'Djamena
geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Barh el Gazel, Batha,
Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac,
Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi Est,
Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile,
Tibesti, Ville de N'Djamena, Wadi Fira

Independence:

11 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 31 March 1996; a June 2005 referendum removed constitutional term limits

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4 December 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Emmanuel NADINGAR (since 5 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of State; members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting; last election held on 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire KOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%, Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the 1996 constitution called for a Senate that has never been formed
elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 April 2002 (next to be held by February 2011); note - legislative elections, originally scheduled for 2006, were first delayed by National Assembly action and subsequently by an accord, signed in August 2007, between government and opposition parties
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, UNDR 5, URD 3, other 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR];
National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Delwa Kassire
KOUMAKOYE]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh
KEBZABO]; Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ibni Oumar
Mahamat SALEH]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh
AHMAT, chairman]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lol
Mahamat CHOUA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal
Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

rebel groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Adam BECHIR
chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis NIGRO
embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena
mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena
telephone: [235] 251-62-11, 251-70-09, 251-77-59

FAX: [235] 251-56-54

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity, and sacrifice
note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

National anthem:

name: "La Tchadienne" (The Chadian)

lyrics/music: Louis GIDROL and his students/Paul VILLARD
note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Chad

Economy - overview:

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1 billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also expanding exploration efforts and are currently building a 300-km pipleline and the country's first refinery. The nation's total oil reserves are estimated at 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $18.2 billion (2009 est.)

$18.49 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.592 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 -1.6% (2009 est.)

10.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 50.5%
industry: 7%
services: 42.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.293 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 83

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing)

industry and services: 20% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

80% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 30.8% (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 10% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 93 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$920.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 139 $937.8 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.257 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.008 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$943.8 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $566.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Industries:

oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - production:

100 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - consumption:

93 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

115,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - exports:

157,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - imports:

1,571 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - proved reserves:

1.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Current account balance:

-$2.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -$2.305 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.036 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $2.709 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Exports - partners:

US 90.06%, France 4.81%, China 1.6% (2009)

Imports:

$2.631 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $2.539 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

France 17.74%, Cameroon 12.7%, China 11.23%, US 7.59%, Italy 6.54%,
Ukraine 5.33%, Netherlands 4.37% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$868 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $685 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.749 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$4.5 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 480.1 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Chad

Telephones - main lines in use:

13,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.686 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of radiotelephone communication stations with high costs and low telephone density
domestic: fixed-line connections for only about 1 per 1000 persons coupled with mobile-cellular subscribership base of only about 25 per 100 persons
international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV broadcast station; state-owned radio network, Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and regional stations; about 10 private radio stations; some stations rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code:

.td

Internet hosts:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Internet users:

168,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transportation ::Chad

Airports:

56 (2010) country comparison to the world: 83

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 48

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 21
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 250 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 33,400 km country comparison to the world: 96 paved: 267 km
unpaved: 33,133 km (2002)

Waterways:

Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2010)

Military ::Chad

Military branches:

Armed Forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad, ANT), Chadian Air Force (Force Aerienne Tchadienne, FAT), Gendarmerie (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation; 18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a guardian; women are subject to 1 year of compulsory military or civic service at age of 21 (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,025,929
females age 16-49: 2,377,898 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,141,776
females age 16-49: 1,354,111 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 125,073
female: 125,069 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Transnational Issues ::Chad

Disputes - international:

since 2003, Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad; Chad remains an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict, reducing tensions with Sudan arising from cross-border banditry; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 234,000 (Sudan); 54,200 (Central African Republic)

IDPs: 178,918 (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Chad is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of children are trafficked within Chad for involuntary domestic servitude, forced cattle herding, forced begging, forced labor in petty commerce or the fishing industry, or for commercial sexual exploitation; to a lesser extent, Chadian children are also trafficked to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria for cattle herding; children may also be trafficked from Cameroon and the Central African Republic to Chad's oil producing regions for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Chad does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; although facing resource constraints, the government has the capacity to conduct basic anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, yet did not do so during the last year; it showed no results in enforcing government policy prohibiting the recruitment of child soldiers; Chad has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Chile (South America)

Introduction ::Chile

Background:

Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely subjugated. After a series of elected governments, a three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

Geography ::Chile

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between
Argentina and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 756,102 sq km country comparison to the world: 38 land: 743,812 sq km
water: 12,290 sq km
note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,339 km
border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

Coastline:

6,435 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200/350 nm

Climate:

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

Terrain:

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

Natural resources:

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.62%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 96.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

19,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

922 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.55 cu km/yr (11%/25%/64%)

per capita: 770 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
volcanism: Chile experiences significant volcanic activity due to the more than three-dozen active volcanoes situated within the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m, 18,346 ft), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m, 10,253 ft) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, San Pedro, and Villarrica

Environment - current issues:

widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

People ::Chile

Population:

16,746,491 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,966,017/female 1,877,963)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,625,963/female 5,628,146)

65 years and over: 9.1% (male 627,746/female 875,872) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.7 years
male: 30.7 years
female: 32.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.856% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Birth rate:

14.46 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Death rate:

5.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 77

Urbanization:

urban population: 88% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 164 male: 8.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.53 years country comparison to the world: 56 male: 74.26 years
female: 80.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

31,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Nationality:

noun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

Ethnic groups:

white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other
Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.7%
male: 95.8%
female: 95.6% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 135

Government ::Chile

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chile
conventional short form: Chile
local long form: Republica de Chile
local short form: Chile

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Santiago
geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in March
note: the Chilean Government announced on 4 March 2010 that the end of DST would be delayed until 4 April 2010 providing respite to those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake of February 2010

Administrative divisions:

15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos
Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota,
Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins,
Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule,
Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

Constitution:

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

Legal system:

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; note - in June 2005, Chile completed overhaul of its criminal justice system to a US-style adversarial system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president; percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI 48.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is elected every three years by the 20-member court); Constitutional Tribunal (eight-members - two each from the Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Supreme Court, and National Security Council - review the constitutionality of laws approved by Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Broad Social Movement or MAS; Clean Chile Vote Happy or CLVF
(including Broad Social Movement, Country Force, and Regionalist
Party of Independents or PRI); Coalition for Change or CC (formerly
known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including
National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], Independent Democratic
Union or UDI [Juan Antonio COLOMA Correa], and Chile First [Vlado
MIROSEVIC]); Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or
CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER],
Party for Democracy or PPD [Carolina TOHA Morales], Radical Social
Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist
Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE]); Partido Ecologista del Sur; Together
We Can Do More (including Communist Party or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER
del Valle], and Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE])

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such as Opus Dei; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations
other: revitalized university student federations at all major universities

International organization participation:

APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo FERNANDOIS Vohringer
chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746

FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alejandro D. WOLFF
embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
mailing address: APO AA 34033
telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000

FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence
note: design was influenced by the US flag

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile)

lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle
note: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET"s military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; however, as a protest, some citizens refused to sing this verse; it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990

Economy ::Chile

Economy - overview:

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the situation in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. In the years since then, growth has averaged 4% per year. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country. It has 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Over the past seven years, foreign direct investment inflows have quadrupled to some $15 billion in 2010, but FDI had dropped to about $7 billion in 2009 in the face of diminished investment throughout the world. The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of September 2008, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20 billion. Chile used $4 billion from this fund to finance a fiscal stimulus package to fend off recession. In December 2009, the OECD invited Chile to become a full member, after a two year period of compliance with organization mandates. The economy started to show signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter, 2009, and GDP grew more than 5% in 2010. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 was one of the top ten strongest earthquakes on record. It caused considerable damage near the epicenter, located about 70 miles from Concepcion - and about 200 miles southwest of Santiago.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$260 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $246.9 billion (2009 est.)

$250.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$199.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 -1.5% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14,900 (2009 est.)

$15,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 40.5%
services: 53.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

7.58 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13.2%
industry: 23%
services: 63.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 9.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18.2% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 41.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

54.9 (2003) country comparison to the world: 14 57.1 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Public debt:

6.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 6.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 52 8.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 13.26% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.81 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 57 $23.68 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$160.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 $127.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$153.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $133.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$209.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 29 $132.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$212.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

Industries:

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - production:

60.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - consumption:

57.29 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

10,850 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - consumption:

277,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - exports:

49,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - imports:

311,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - proved reserves:

150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - production:

1.65 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - consumption:

2.34 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - imports:

690 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - proved reserves:

97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Current account balance:

$1.033 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $4.217 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.28 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $53.74 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

Exports - partners:

China 16.46%, US 11.31%, Japan 9.06%, South Korea 6.49%, Brazil 4.64%, Mexico 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$54.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $39.75 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas

Imports - partners:

US 21.77%, China 12.76%, Argentina 9.55%, Brazil 6.46%, South Korea 5.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$26.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $25.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$84.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $72.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$136.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $121.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$51.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 525.34 (2010), 560.86 (2009), 509.02 (2008), 526.25 (2007), 530.29 (2006)

Communications ::Chile

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.575 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16.45 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization begun in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations
domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching a level of 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America Nautilius submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

national and local terrestrial television channels, coupled with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self-financed through commercial advertising revenues and is not under direct government control; large number of privately-owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.cl

Internet hosts:

1.056 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Internet users:

7.009 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Transportation ::Chile

Airports:

366 (2010) country comparison to the world: 22

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 84
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 24
under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 282

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 50
under 914 m: 217 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,673 km; liquid petroleum gas 519 km; oil 892 km; refined products 769 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,483 km country comparison to the world: 34 broad gauge: 1,706 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,777 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 80,505 km country comparison to the world: 59 paved: 16,745 km (includes 2,414 km of expressways)

unpaved: 63,760 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 48 country comparison to the world: 71 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 8, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries: 48 (Argentina 6, Belize 1, Brazil 1, Cyprus 1, Isle of Man 8, Liberia 7, Panama 17, Singapore 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San Vicente,
Valparaiso

Military ::Chile

Military branches:

Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Naval
Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine
Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile,
FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service, although the right to compulsory recruitment is retained; service obligation - 12 months for Army, 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,301,900
females age 16-49: 4,232,956 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,599,328
females age 16-49: 3,544,156 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 143,778
female: 138,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 52

Transnational Issues ::Chile

Disputes - international:

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reinvigorated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile to Bolivian gas and other commodities; Chile rejects Peru's unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring Peru, in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the region; some money laundering activity, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant consumer of cocaine (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@China (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::China

Background:

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and participation in international organizations.

Geography ::China

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 9,596,961 sq km country comparison to the world: 4 land: 9,569,901 sq km
water: 27,060 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 22,117 km
border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Coastline:

14,500 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)

Land use:

arable land: 14.86%
permanent crops: 1.27%
other: 83.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

545,960 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,829.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 549.76 cu km/yr (7%/26%/68%)

per capita: 415 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land subsidence
volcanism: China contains some historically active volcanoes including Changbaishan (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu, or P'aektu-san), Hainan Dao, and Kunlun although most have been relatively inactive in recent centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US); Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

People ::China

Population:

1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 140,877,745/female 124,290,090)

15-64 years: 72.1% (male 495,724,889/female 469,182,087)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 51,774,115/female 56,764,042) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.2 years
male: 34.5 years
female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.494% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Birth rate:

12.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Net migration rate:

-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.17 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 114 male: 15.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.51 years country comparison to the world: 93 male: 72.54 years
female: 76.77 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

700,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

39,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever
soil contact disease: hantaviral hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)

animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia, Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Religions:

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%
note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Languages:

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect) (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)

note: Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.6%
male: 95.7%
female: 87.6% (2007)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 172

Government ::China

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of China
conventional short form: China
local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
local short form: Zhongguo
abbreviation: PRC

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Beijing
geographic coordinates: 39 55 N, 116 23 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: despite its size, all of China falls within one time zone; many people in Xinjiang Province observe an unofficial "Xinjiang timezone" of UTC+6, two hours behind Beijing

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi, singular and plural)

provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei,
Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin,
Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan,
Zhejiang; (see note on Taiwan)

autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang Uygur, Xizang (Tibet)

municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin
note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Independence:

1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established); notable earlier dates: 221 BC (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1 January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China)

National holiday:

Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1
October (1949)

Constitution:

most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 with amendments in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; derived from Soviet and continental civil code legal principles; legislature retains power to interpret statutes; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislation; party organs exercise authority over judiciary; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003); Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)

head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);
Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUI
Liangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Dejiang (since 17
March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)

cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by National People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in mid-March 2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by National People's Congress
election results: HU Jintao elected president by National People's Congress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vice president with a total of 2,919 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (2,987 seats; members elected by municipal, regional, and provincial people's congresses, and People's Liberation Army to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held in December 2007-February 2008 (date of next election to be held in late 2012 to early 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 2,987
note: only members of the CCP, its eight allied parties, and sympathetic independent candidates are elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National People's Congress); Local People's Courts (comprise higher, intermediate, and basic courts); Special People's Courts (primarily military, maritime, railway transportation, and forestry courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao]; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

no substantial political opposition groups exist

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer), G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador ZHANG Yesui
chancery: 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 495-2266

FAX: [1] (202) 495-2190
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.

embassy: 55 An Jia Lou Lu, 100600 Beijing
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone: [86] (10) 8531-3000

FAX: [86] (10) 8531-3300
consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan

Flag description:

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united under the Communist Party of China

National anthem:

name: "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" (The March of the Volunteers)

lyrics/music: TIAN Han/NIE Er
note: adopted 1949; the anthem, though banned during the Cultural Revolution, is more commonly known as "Zhongguo Guoge" (Chinese National Song); it was originally the theme song to the 1935 Chinese movie, "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm"

Economy ::China

Economy - overview:

China's economy since the late 1970s has changed from a closed, centrally planned system to a more market-oriented one that plays a major role in the global economy - in 2010 China became the world's largest exporter. Reforms began with the phasing out of collectivized agriculture, and expanded to include the gradual liberalization of prices, fiscal decentralization, increased autonomy for state enterprises, creation of a diversified banking system, development of stock markets, rapid growth of the private sector, and opening to foreign trade and investment. China generally has implemented reforms in a gradualist fashion. In recent years, China has renewed its support for state-owned enterprises in sectors it considers important to "economic security," explicitly looking to foster globally competitive national champions. After keeping its currency tightly linked to the US dollar for years, in July 2005 China revalued its currency by 2.1% against the US dollar and moved to an exchange rate system that references a basket of currencies. From mid 2005 to late 2008 cumulative appreciation of the renminbi against the US dollar was more than 20%, but the exchange rate remained virtually pegged to the dollar from the onset of the global financial crisis until June 2010, when Beijing allowed resumption of a gradual appreciation. The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis that adjusts for price differences, China in 2010 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US, having surpassed Japan in 2001. The dollar values of China's agricultural and industrial output each exceeded those of the US, although China was second to the US in the value of services it produced. Still, per capita income is below the world average. The Chinese government faces numerous economic development challenges, including: (a) reducing its high domestic savings rate and correspondingly low domestic demand; (b) sustaining adequate job growth for tens of millions of migrants and new entrants to the work force; (c) reducing corruption and other economic crimes; and (d) containing environmental damage and social strife related to the economy's rapid transformation. Economic development has progressed further in coastal provinces than in the interior, and approximately 200 million rural laborers and their dependents have relocated to urban areas to find work. One demographic consequence of the "one child" policy is that China is now one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world. Deterioration in the environment - notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table, especially in the north - is another long-term problem. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. The Chinese government is seeking to add energy production capacity from sources other than coal and oil, focusing on nuclear and alternative energy development. In 2009, the global economic downturn reduced foreign demand for Chinese exports for the first time in many years, but China rebounded quickly, outperforming all other major economies in 2010 with GDP growth around 10%. The economy appears set to remain on a strong growth trajectory in 2011, lending credibility to the stimulus policies the regime rolled out during the global financial crisis. The government vows to continue reforming the economy and emphasizes the need to increase domestic consumption in order to make the economy less dependent on exports for GDP growth in the future, but China likely will make only marginal progress toward these rebalancing goals in 2011. Two economic problems China currently faces are inflation - which, late in 2010, surpassed the government's target of 3% - and local government debt, which swelled as a result of stimulus policies, and is largely off-the-books and potentially low-quality.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$9.872 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $8.95 trillion (2009 est.)

$8.204 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.745 trillion
note: because China's exchange rate is determine by fiat, rather than by market forces, the official exchange rate measure of GDP is not an accurate measure of China's output; GDP at the official exchange rate substantially understates the actual level of China's output vis-a-vis the rest of the world; in China's situation, GDP at purchasing power parity provides the best measure for comparing output across countries (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 9.1% (2009 est.)

9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $6,800 (2009 est.)

$6,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.6%
industry: 46.8%
services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

819.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 39.5%
industry: 27.2%
services: 33.2% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.3% (September 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 4.2% (December 2008 est.)

note: official data for urban areas only; including migrants may boost total unemployment to 9%; substantial unemployment and underemployment in rural areas

Population below poverty line:

2.8%
note: 21.5 million rural population live below the official "absolute poverty" line (approximately $90 per year); an additional 35.5 million rural population live above that level but below the official "low income" line (approximately $125 per year) (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 15%
note: data are for urban households only (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 54 40 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

47.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Public debt:

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 16.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.79% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 129 2.79% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.81% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 5.31% (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.838 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 4 $3.242 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$10.08 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $8.933 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.156 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $7.24 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$5.008 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $2.794 trillion (31 December 2008)

$6.226 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

world leader in gross value of agricultural output; rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton, oilseed; pork; fish

Industries:

world leader in gross value of industrial output; mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal; machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products, including footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch vehicles, satellites

Industrial production growth rate:

11% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - production:

3.451 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - consumption:

3.438 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - exports:

16.64 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

3.842 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

3.991 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - consumption:

8.2 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - exports:

388,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - imports:

4.393 million bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - proved reserves:

20.35 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - production:

82.94 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - consumption:

87.08 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - exports:

3.32 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - imports:

7.462 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.03 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Current account balance:

$272.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $297.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.506 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.204 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical and other machinery, including data processing equipment, apparel, textiles, iron and steel, optical and medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 20.03%, Hong Kong 12.03%, Japan 8.32%, South Korea 4.55%, Germany 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$1.307 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $954.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electrical and other machinery, oil and mineral fuels, optical and medical equipment, metal ores, plastics, organic chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 12.27%, Hong Kong 10.06%, South Korea 9.04%, US 7.66%, Taiwan 6.84%, Germany 5.54% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.622 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $2.426 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$406.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $349.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$574.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $473.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$278.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $229.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Renminbi yuan (RMB) per US dollar - 6.7852 (2010), 6.8314 (2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

Communications ::China

Telephones - main lines in use:

313.68 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Telephones - mobile cellular:

747 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international services are increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and many towns; China continues to develop its telecommunications infrastructure, and is partnering with foreign providers to expand its global reach; China in the summer of 2008 began a major restructuring of its telecommunications industry, resulting in the consolidation of its six telecom service operators to three, China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom, each providing both fixed-line and mobile services
domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular telephone systems have been installed; mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing rapidly; the number of Internet users exceeded 250 million by summer 2008; a domestic satellite system with 55 earth stations is in place
international: country code - 86; a number of submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean; 1 Intersputnik - Indian Ocean region; and 1 Inmarsat - Pacific and Indian Ocean regions) (2008)

Broadcast media:

all broadcast media are owned by, or affiliated with, the Communist Party of China or a government agency; no privately-owned television or radio stations with state-run Chinese Central TV, provincial, and municipal stations offering more than 2,000 channels; the Central Propaganda Department lists subjects that are off limits to domestic broadcast media with the government maintaining authority to approve all programming; foreign-made TV programs must be approved prior to broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.cn

Internet hosts:

15.251 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Internet users:

389 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Transportation ::China

Airports:

502 (2010) country comparison to the world: 15

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 442
over 3,047 m: 63

2,438 to 3,047 m: 137

1,524 to 2,437 m: 132

914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 83 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 60
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

48 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 32,545 km; oil 20,097 km; refined products 10,915 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 77,834 km country comparison to the world: 3 standard gauge: 77,084 km 1.435-m gauge (24,433 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 750 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,583,715 km (includes 53,913 km of expressways) (2007) country comparison to the world: 2

Waterways:

110,000 km navigable (2010) country comparison to the world: 1

Merchant marine:

total: 2,010 country comparison to the world: 3 by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 571, cargo 639, carrier 5, chemical tanker 98, container 204, liquefied gas 55, passenger 9, passenger/cargo 83, petroleum tanker 271, refrigerated cargo 35, roll on/roll off 9, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 24
foreign-owned: 18 (Germany 1, Hong Kong 15, Japan 2)

registered in other countries: 1,623 (Bahamas 4, Bangladesh 1, Belize 64, Bermuda 13, Cambodia 203, Comoros 1, Cyprus 6, France 5, Georgia 11, Germany 2, Honduras 2, Hong Kong 432, India 1, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 28, Liberia 10, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 16, North Korea 1, Norway 25, Panama 574, Philippines 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 82, Sierra Leone 12, Singapore 26, South Korea 9, Thailand 1, Togo 2, Tuvalu 9, UK 7, unknown 59) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dalian, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen,
Tianjin

Military ::China

Military branches:

People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes
marines and naval aviation), Air Force (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun
Kongjun, PLAAF; includes Airborne Forces), and Second Artillery
Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (PAP); PLA
Reserve Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service, with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs; in 2010, a decision was made to allow women in combat roles (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 381,747,145
females age 16-49: 360,385,629 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 314,668,817
females age 16-49: 298,745,786 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 10,699,186
female: 9,460,217 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 22

Transnational Issues ::China

Disputes - international:

continuing talks and confidence-building measures work toward reducing tensions over Kashmir that nonetheless remains militarized with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; China and India continue their security and foreign policy dialogue started in 2005 related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, and other matters; China claims most of India's Arunachal Pradesh to the base of the Himalayas; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes due to cartographic discrepancies; Chinese maps show an international boundary symbol off the coasts of the littoral states of the South China Seas, where China has interrupted Vietnamese hydrocarbon exploration; China asserts sovereignty over Scarborough Reef along with the Philippines and Taiwan, and over the Spratly Islands together with Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" eased tensions in the Spratly's but is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Vietnam and China continue to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly's and in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord on marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China occupies some of the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; China and Taiwan continue to reject both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared equidistance line in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation; certain islands in the Yalu and Tumen rivers are in dispute with North Korea; North Korea and China seek to stem illegal migration to China by North Koreans, fleeing privations and oppression, by building a fence along portions of the border and imprisoning North Koreans deported by China; China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with their 2004 Agreement; China and Tajikistan have begun demarcating the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of 2002; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China has reconsidered construction of 13 dams on the Salween River, but energy-starved Burma, with backing from Thailand, remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams downstream despite regional and international protests; Chinese and Hong Kong authorities met in March 2008 to resolve ownership and use of lands recovered in Shenzhen River channelization, including 96-hectare Lok Ma Chau Loop; Hong Kong developing plans to reduce 2,000 out of 2,800 hectares of its restricted Closed Area by 2010

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 300,897 (Vietnam); estimated 30,000-50,000 (North Korea)

IDPs: 90,000 (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor; the majority of trafficking in China occurs within the country's borders, but there is also considerable international trafficking of Chinese citizens to Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America; Chinese women are lured abroad through false promises of legitimate employment, only to be forced into commercial sexual exploitation, largely in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan; women and children are trafficked to China from Mongolia, Burma, North Korea, Russia, and Vietnam for forced labor, marriage, and prostitution; some North Korean women and children seeking to leave their country voluntarily cross the border into China and are then sold into prostitution, marriage, or forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - China is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the fourth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of punishment of trafficking crimes and the protection of Chinese and foreign victims of trafficking; victims are sometimes punished for unlawful acts that were committed as a direct result of their being trafficked, such as violations of prostitution or immigration/emigration controls; the Chinese Government continued to treat North Korean victims of trafficking solely as economic migrants, routinely deporting them back to horrendous conditions in North Korea; additional challenges facing the Chinese Government include the enormous size of its trafficking problem and the significant level of corruption and complicity in trafficking by some local government officials (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle region of Southeast Asia; growing domestic consumption of synthetic drugs, and heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia; source country for methamphetamine and heroin chemical precursors, despite new regulations on its large chemical industry (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Christmas Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Christmas Island

Background:

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Geography ::Christmas Island

Location:

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

10 30 S, 105 40 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 135 sq km country comparison to the world: 221 land: 135 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

138.9 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with a wet season (December to April) and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Natural resources:

phosphate, beaches

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

loss of rainforest; impact of phosphate mining

Geography - note:

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

People ::Christmas Island

Population:

1,402 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 233

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%
note: no indigenous population (2001)

Religions:

Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)

Languages:

English (official), Chinese, Malay

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Christmas Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island
conventional short form: Christmas Island

Dependency status:

non-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: The Settlement
geographic coordinates: 10 25 S, 105 43 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Constitution:

Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as amended by the
Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Legal system:

under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held on 17 October 2009 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, the lower triangle is blue with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia, superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the island
note: the flag of Australia is used for official purposes

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Australia, "Advance Australia Fair" remains official as the national anthem, while "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see Australia)

Economy ::Christmas Island

Economy - overview:

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in 1998.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Agriculture - products:

NA

Industries:

tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphate

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Christmas Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: service provided by the Australian network
domestic: GSM mobile-cellular telephone service replaced older analog system in February 2005
international: country code - 61-8; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat provides telephone and telex service) (2005)

Broadcast media:

1 community radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.cx

Internet hosts:

2,542 (2010) country comparison to the world: 149

Internet users:

464 (2001) country comparison to the world: 216

Transportation ::Christmas Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 235

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 18 km country comparison to the world: 133 standard gauge: 18 km 1.435-m (not in operation) (2010)

Roadways:

total: 140 km country comparison to the world: 210 paved: 30 km
unpaved: 110 km (2007)

Ports and terminals:

Flying Fish Cove

Military ::Christmas Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Christmas Island

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Clipperton Island (North America)

Introduction ::Clipperton Island

Background:

This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Geography ::Clipperton Island

Location:

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 6 sq km country comparison to the world: 244 land: 6 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

11.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)

Terrain:

coral atoll

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all coral) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

reef 12 km in circumference

People ::Clipperton Island

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Clipperton Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Clipperton Island
local long form: none
local short form: Ile Clipperton
former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy ::Clipperton Island

Economy - overview:

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

Transportation ::Clipperton Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Clipperton Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Clipperton Island

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Background:

There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. From the 1820s to 1978, members of the CLUNIE-ROSS family controlled the islands and the copra produced from local coconuts. Annexed by the UK in 1857, the Cocos Islands were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

Geography ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia to Sri Lanka

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 96 50 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 14 sq km country comparison to the world: 240 land: 14 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Area - comparative:

about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Terrain:

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclone season is October to April

Environment - current issues:

fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Geography - note:

islands are thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation; site of a World War I naval battle in November 1914 between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and the German raider SMS Emden; after being heavily damaged in the engagement, the Emden was beached by her captain on North Keeling Island

People ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Population:

596 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 237

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Ethnic groups:

Europeans, Cocos Malays

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Languages:

Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Dependency status:

non-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: West Island
geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 96 50 E
time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Constitution:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 (23 November 1955) as amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Legal system:

based upon the laws of Australia and local laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 seats)

elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held in May 2007 (next to be held in May 2009)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Cocos Islands Youth Support Centre

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Australia, "Advance Australia Fair" remains official as the national anthem, while "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see Australia)

Economy ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Economy - overview:

Coconuts, grown throughout the islands, are the sole cash crop.
Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but
additional food and most other necessities must be imported from
Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

note: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others

Unemployment rate:

60% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Industries:

copra products and tourism

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

copra

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

287 (1992) country comparison to the world: 229

Telephone system:

general assessment: connected within Australia's telecommunication system; a local mobile-cellular network is in operation
domestic: NA
international: country code - 61; telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat) (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station staffed by community volunteers; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.cc

Internet hosts:

35,312 (2010) country comparison to the world: 96

Transportation ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 234

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 22 km country comparison to the world: 220 paved: 10 km
unpaved: 12 km (2007)

Ports and terminals:

Port Refuge

Military ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; the territory has a five-person police force

Transnational Issues ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Colombia (South America)

Introduction ::Colombia

Background:

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A four-decade long conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade, escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government and violence has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue attacks against civilians and large areas of the countryside are under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. More than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006 and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative departments. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders. In January 2011, Colombia assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Colombia

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,138,910 sq km country comparison to the world: 26 land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 6,309 km
border countries: Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Coastline:

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m
note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.01%
permanent crops: 1.37%
other: 96.62% (2005)

Irrigated land:

9,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,132 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.71 cu km/yr (50%/4%/46%)

per capita: 235 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts
volcanism: Galeras (elev. 4,276 m, 14,029 ft) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321 m, 17,453 ft), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985 producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

People ::Colombia

Population:

44,205,293 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 6,192,707/female 5,919,959)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 14,292,342/female 14,717,249)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,093,432/female 1,461,683) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.6 years
male: 26.7 years
female: 28.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.184% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Birth rate:

17.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Death rate:

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Net migration rate:

-0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 111 male: 20.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.31 years country comparison to the world: 97 male: 70.98 years
female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

170,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.4%
male: 90.1%
female: 90.7% (2005 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 111

Government ::Colombia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Colombia
conventional short form: Colombia
local long form: Republica de Colombia
local short form: Colombia

Government type:

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Capital:

name: Bogota
geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Independence:

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Constitution:

5 July 1991; amended many times

Legal system:

based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted into law in 2004 and reached full implementation in January 2008; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon 69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 16, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5, other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 37, PL 36, CR 16, PIN 12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January 2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became vacant due to a PL senator losing their seat for illegal collusion with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

Judicial branch:

four roughly coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (highest court of criminal law; judges are selected by their peers from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of administrative law; judges are selected from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution; rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and international treaties); Superior Judicial Council (administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; resolves jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ]; Conservative Party
or PC [Fernando ARAUJO]; Green Party [Luis GARZON]; Liberal Party or
PL [Rafael PARDO]; National Integration Party or PIN [Angel ALIRIO
Moreno]; Radical Change or CR [German VARGAS Lleras]; Social
National Unity Party or U Party [Juan Francisco LOZANO Ramirez]

note: Colombia has seven major political parties, and numerous smaller movements

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Liberation Army or ELN; Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia or FARC

note: two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG,
UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel SILVA Lujan
chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338

FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD
embassy: Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C.

mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C.

telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811

FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Columbia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include: yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valour and generosity (red); or simply the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia" (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia)

lyrics/music: Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI
note: adopted 1920; the anthem was created from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ

Economy ::Colombia

Economy - overview:

Colombia experienced accelerating growth between 2002 and 2007, chiefly due to improvements in domestic security, rising commodity prices, and to President URIBE's promarket economic policies. Foreign direct investment reached a record $10 billion in 2008, and continues to flow in, especially in the oil sector. A series of policies enhanced Colombia's investment climate: pro-business reforms in the oil and gas sectors and export-led growth fueled mainly by the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act. Inequality, underemployment, and narcotrafficking remain significant challenges, and Colombia's infrastructure requires major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Because of the global financial crisis and weakening demand for Colombia's exports, Colombia's economy grew only 2.7% in 2008, and 0.8% in 2009 but rebounded to around 4.5% in 2010. The government has encouraged exporters to diversify their customer base beyond the United States and Venezuela, traditionally Colombia's largest trading partners; the SANTOS administration continues to pursue free trade agreements with Asian and South American partners and awaits the approval of a Canadian trade accord by Canada's and EU's parliaments. The business sector remains concerned about Venezuela's trade restrictions on Colombian exports, an appreciating domestic currency, and the pending US Congressional approval of the US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$431.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $413.7 billion (2009 est.)

$410.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$283.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 0.8% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $9,500 (2009 est.)

$9,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.3%
industry: 38%
services: 52.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

21.27 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%
industry: 18.9%
services: 63.1% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 12% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

46.8% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.8%
highest 10%: 45% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

58.5 (2009) country comparison to the world: 8 53.8 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Public debt:

44.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 45.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 4.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (October 2010) country comparison to the world: 79 5.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 17.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$31.83 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 54 $24.41 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$104.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $82.39 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$123 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $96.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$133.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 39 $87.03 billion (31 December 2008)

$102 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Industries:

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - production:

50.58 billion kWh (2007) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - consumption:

38.59 billion kWh (2007) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - exports:

876.7 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

39.4 million kWh (2007)

Oil - production:

686,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - consumption:

288,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - exports:

294,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - imports:

16,540 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - proved reserves:

2.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - production:

9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - consumption:

8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - exports:

900 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - proved reserves:

112 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Current account balance:

-$5.946 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 -$4.991 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$40.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $34.03 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel, bananas, cut flowers

Exports - partners:

US 39%, Venezuela 12%, Netherlands 4% (2009)

Imports:

$36.26 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $31.48 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 28%, China 11%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 6.5%, France 4.5%, Germany 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$26.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $24.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$57.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $52.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$84.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $75.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$19.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $16.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 1,893.1 (2010), 2,157.6 (2009), 2,243.6 (2008), 2,013.8 (2007), 2,358.6 (2006)

Communications ::Colombia

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Telephones - mobile cellular:

42.16 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system in many respects with a nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities; telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 90 per 100 persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services
international: country code - 57; landing points for the ARCOS, Colombia-Florida Subsea Fiber (CFX-1), Maya-1, Pan American, and the South America-1 submarine cables providing links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers) (2009)

Broadcast media:

combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast media provide service; more than 500 radio stations and large number of national, regional, and local TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.co

Internet hosts:

2.527 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 32

Internet users:

22.538 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Transportation ::Colombia

Airports:

990 (2010) country comparison to the world: 7

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 116
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 41

914 to 1,523 m: 50
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 874
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 35

914 to 1,523 m: 228
under 914 m: 610 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,567 km; oil 6,097 km; refined products 3,382 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,802 km country comparison to the world: 45 standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 3,652 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 164,257 km (2005) country comparison to the world: 31

Waterways:

18,000 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 105 by type: cargo 11, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1
registered in other countries: 3 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Puerto Bolivar, Santa Marta,
Turbo

Military ::Colombia

Military branches:

National Army (Ejercito Nacional), National Navy (Armada Republica
de Colombia, includes Naval Aviation, Naval Infantry (Infanteria de
Marina, IM), and Coast Guard), Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de
Colombia, FAC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,556,939
females age 16-49: 11,609,122 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,957,960
females age 16-49: 9,763,655 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 432,280
female: 416,051 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Transnational Issues ::Colombia

Disputes - international:

in December 2007, ICJ allocates San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina islands to Colombia under 1928 Treaty but does not rule on 82 degrees W meridian as maritime boundary with Nicaragua; managed dispute with Venezuela over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes Islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics, guerrilla, and paramilitary activities penetrate all neighboring borders and have caused Colombian citizens to flee mostly into neighboring countries; Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the US assert various claims to Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla Bank

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1.8-3.5 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; world's leading coca cultivator with 167,000 hectares in coca cultivation in 2007, a 6% increase over 2006, producing a potential of 535 mt of pure cocaine; the world's largest producer of coca derivatives; supplies cocaine to nearly all of the US market and the great majority of other international drug markets; in 2005, aerial eradication dispensed herbicide to treat over 130,000 hectares but aggressive replanting on the part of coca growers means Colombia remains a key producer; a significant portion of narcotics proceeds are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso exchange; important supplier of heroin to the US market; opium poppy cultivation is estimated to have fallen 25% between 2006 and 2007; most Colombian heroin is destined for the US market (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Comoros (Africa)

Introduction ::Comoros

Background:

Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002 presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI was elected to office. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the island's inhabitants.

Geography ::Comoros

Location:

Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the
Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern
Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 10 S, 44 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,235 sq km country comparison to the world: 179 land: 2,235 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

340 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Terrain:

volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Karthala 2,360 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 35.87%
permanent crops: 23.32%
other: 40.81% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

1.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01 cu km/yr (48%/5%/47%)

per capita: 13 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comore
volcanism: Karthala (elev. 2,361 m, 7,746 ft) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

People ::Comoros

Population:

773,407 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 159,282/female 158,073)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 203,533/female 208,591)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 10,474/female 12,485) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.9 years
male: 18.6 years
female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.731% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Birth rate:

34.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Death rate:

7.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 76

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 64.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 27 male: 72.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.83 years country comparison to the world: 172 male: 61.41 years
female: 66.32 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Ethnic groups:

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 56.5%
male: 63.6%
female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 10 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

7.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 14

Government ::Comoros

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of the Comoros
conventional short form: Comoros
local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian); Union des Comores (French); Jumhuriyat al Qamar al Muttahidah (Arabic)

local short form: Komori (Comorian); Comores (French); Juzur al Qamar (Arabic)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Moroni
geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 islands and 4 municipalities*; Grande Comore (N'gazidja), Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Domoni*, Fomboni*, Moheli (Mwali), Moroni*, Moutsamoudou*

Independence:

6 July 1975 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Constitution:

23 December 2001

Legal system:

French and Islamic law in a new consolidated code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May 2006)

head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three main islands in the Union; election last held on 14 May 2006 (next to be held on 7 November 2010)

election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent of vote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, Mohamed DJAANFAMI 13.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 15 deputies are selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and 18 by universal suffrage to serve for five years);
elections: last held on 6 and 20 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - pro-union coalition 19, autonomous coalition 4, independents 1; note - 9 additional seats are filled by deputies from local island assemblies

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of the republic)

Political parties and leaders:

Camp of the Autonomous Islands or CdIA (a coalition of parties
organized by the islands' presidents in opposition to the Union
President); Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC [AZALI
Assowmani]; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ [Ahmed RACHID]
(Islamic party in opposition); Mouvement pour la Democratie et le
Progress or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Parti Comorien pour la
Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE]; Rassemblement
National pour le Development or RND [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid
AFFRAITANE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Representative to the UN and Ambassador to the US Mohamed TOIHIRI
chancery: Mission to the US, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 418, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, N'gazidja, Nzwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros)

note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

National anthem:

name: "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (The Union of the Great Islands)

lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH
note: adopted 1978

Economy ::Comoros

Economy - overview:

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang and Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by internal political disputes - lacks a comprehensive strategy to attract foreign investment and is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. Political problems have inhibited growth, which has averaged only about 1% in 2006-09. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP. In September 2009 the IMF approved Comoros for a three-year $21 million loan. The IMF gave generally positive reports of the country's program performance as of October 2010. The African Development Bank approved a $34.6 million debt-relief package loan for Comoros in September 2010, and Comoros will attempt to qualifry for debt relief in 2012 under the IMF and World Bank's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$789.4 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 $776.2 million (2009 est.)

$762.5 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$557 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 1.8% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 40%
industry: 4%
services: 56% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

268,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Population below poverty line:

60% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.9%
highest 10%: 55.2% (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Central bank discount rate:

2.21% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81 5.36% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 10.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$104.7 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 179 $98.36 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$168.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 182 $143.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$79.75 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $60.57 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Industries:

fishing, tourism, perfume distillation

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Electricity - consumption:

20.46 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - imports:

766 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Current account balance:

$8 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Exports:

$32 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 202

Exports - commodities:

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), cloves, copra

Exports - partners:

Turkey 25.2%, France 20.44%, Singapore 17.44%, Algeria 8.02%, Italy 6.09%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2009)

Imports:

$143 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 205

Imports - commodities:

rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, cement, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

France 15.5%, China 14.66%, India 10.55%, UAE 7.88%, Pakistan 5.69%,
Kenya 4.51% (2009)

Debt - external:

$232 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Exchange rates:

Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 361.4 (2007), 391.8 (2006), 395.6 (2005), 396.21 (2004), 435.9 (2003)

note: the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677 Comoran francs per euro

Communications ::Comoros

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Telephones - mobile cellular:

100,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communication stations
domestic: fixed-line connections only about 3 per 100 persons; mobile cellular usage about 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 269; HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion

Broadcast media:

national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station; a few independent and small community radio stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV (2007)

Internet country code:

.km

Internet hosts:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 219

Internet users:

24,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Transportation ::Comoros

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 189

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 880 km country comparison to the world: 184 paved: 673 km
unpaved: 207 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 177 country comparison to the world: 37 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 102, carrier 5, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 12
foreign-owned: 98 (Bangladesh 1, Bulgaria 8, China 1, Cyprus 2,
Greece 3, Kenya 1, Kuwait 1, Latvia 1, Lebanon 3, Lithuania 3,
Monaco 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 2, Pakistan 3, Russia 21, Syria 6,
Turkey 16, UAE 11, UK 1, Ukraine 10, US 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mayotte, Mutsamudu

Military ::Comoros

Military branches:

Army of National Development (AND): Comoran Security Force, Comoran
Coast Guard, Comoran Federal Police (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for 2-year voluntary military service; no conscription; women first inducted into the Army in 2004 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 178,670
females age 16-49: 177,811 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 130,064
females age 16-49: 140,600 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,519
female: 8,498 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 50

Transnational Issues ::Comoros

Disputes - international:

claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces are called in to assist the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001
page last updated on January 10, 2011

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

@Congo, Democratic Republic of the (Africa)

Introduction ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Background:

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph KABILA as president and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006 and KABILA was inaugurated president in December 2006. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

Geography ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Location:

Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,344,858 sq km country comparison to the world: 12 land: 2,267,048 sq km
water: 77,810 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 10,730 km
border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Coastline:

37 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October)

Terrain:

vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Natural resources:

cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber

Land use:

arable land: 2.86%
permanent crops: 0.47%
other: 96.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,283 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.36 cu km/yr (53%/17%/31%)

per capita: 6 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes
volcanism: Nyiragongo (elev. 3,470 m, 11,384 ft), which erupted in 2002 and is experiencing ongoing activity, poses a major threat to the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; the volcano produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km (60 mi)/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; its neighbor, Nyamuragira, which erupted in 2010, is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

straddles equator; has narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

People ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Population:

70,916,439 country comparison to the world: 19 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 16,161,301/female 16,038,024)

15-64 years: 50.6% (male 17,289,453/female 17,483,027)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 699,667/female 1,021,070) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.5 years
male: 16.3 years
female: 16.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.165% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Birth rate:

42.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Death rate:

11.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Net migration rate:

0.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Urbanization:

urban population: 34% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 79.36 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 15 male: 87.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.73 years country comparison to the world: 198 male: 52.93 years
female: 56.59 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.11 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

4.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.1 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population

Religions:

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 10%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language),
Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba
total population: 67.2%
male: 80.9%
female: 54.1% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 6 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo
conventional short form: DRC
local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo
local short form: RDC
former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire
abbreviation: DRC

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kinshasa
geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E
time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and 1 city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu
note: according to the Constitution adopted in December 2005, the current administrative divisions will be subdivided into 26 new provinces by 2009

Independence:

30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Constitution:

18 February 2006

Legal system:

civil law based on Belgian law with Napoleonic Civil Code influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Joseph KABILA (since 17 January 2001);
head of government: Prime Minister Adolphe MUZITO (since 10 October 2008)

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 30 July 2006 and on 29 October 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Joseph KABILA elected president; percent of vote (second round) - Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%
note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiations with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional government in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and a run-off on 29 October 2006 confirming Joseph KABILA as president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of a Senate (108 seats; members elected by provincial assemblies to serve five-year terms) and a National Assembly (500 seats; 61 members elected by majority vote in single-member constituencies, 439 members elected by open list proportional-representation in multi-member constituencies to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 19 January 2007 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); National Assembly - last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 22, MLC 14, FR 7, RCD 7, PDC 6, CDC 3, MSR 3, PALU 2, independents 26, others 18 (political parties that won a single seat); National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 111, MLC 64, PALU 34, MSR 27, FR 26, RCD 15, independents 63, others 160 (includes 63 political parties that won 10 or fewer seats)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Appeals Court or Cour de Cassation; Council of State; High Military Court; plus civil and military courts and tribunals

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrat Party or PDC [Jose ENDUNDO]; Congolese Rally for
Democracy or RCD [Azarias RUBERWA]; Convention of Christian
Democrats or CDC; Forces of Renewal or FR [Mbusa NYAMWISI]; Movement
for the Liberation of the Congo or MLC [Jean-Pierre BEMBA]; People's
Party for Reconstruction and Democracy or PPRD [Joseph KABILA];
Social Movement for Renewal or MSR [Pierre LUMBI]; Unified Lumumbist
Party or PALU [Antoine GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social
Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI]; Union of Mobutuist Democrats
or UDEMO [MOBUTU Nzanga]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

MONUC - UN organization working with the government; FARDC (Forces
Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo) - Army of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo which commits atrocities on
citizens; FDL (Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) -
Rwandan militia group

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Faida MITIFU
chancery: Suite 601, 1726 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690 through 7691

FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Samuel BROCK
embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa
mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828
telephone: [243] (81) 225-5872

FAX: [243] (81) 301-0561

Flag description:

sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country

National anthem:

name: "Debout Congolaise" (Arise Congolese)

lyrics/music: Joseph LUTUMBA/Simon-Pierre BOKA di Mpasi Londi
note: adopted 1960; the anthem was replaced during the period in which the country was known as Zaire, but was readopted in 1997

Economy ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - is slowly recovering from decades of decline. Systemic corruption since independence in 1960 and conflict that began in May 1997 has dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 5 million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. The transitional government reopened relations with international financial institutions and international donors, and President KABILA began implementing reforms. Progress has been slow and the International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of most export income, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP growth from 2006-2008, however, the government's review of mining contracts that began in 2006, combined with a fall in world market prices for the DRC's key mineral exports temporarily weakened output in 2009, leading to a balance of payments crisis. The recovery in mineral prices beginning in mid 2009 boosted mineral exports, and emergency funds from the IMF boosted foreign reserves. An uncertain legal framework, corruption, a lack of transparency in government policy are long-term problems for the mining sector and the economy as a whole. The global recession cut economic growth in 2009 to less than half its 2008 level, but growth returned to 3% in 2010. The DRC signed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF in 2009 and received $12 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.92 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $22.25 billion (2009 est.)

$21.64 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 2.8% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 229 $300 (2009 est.)

$300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 37.4%
industry: 26%
services: 36.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

23.53 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 34.7% (2006)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

26.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 46.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

70% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 2 40% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

65.42% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 43.15% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$613.9 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 152 $597 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$1.562 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$928.5 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Industries:

mining (diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, zinc, tin, diamonds), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8.217 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - consumption:

5.997 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - exports:

1.916 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

16,360 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - exports:

20,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - imports:

11,350 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - proved reserves:

180 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - proved reserves:

991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Current account balance:

-$1.47 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 -$402 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$3.8 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $6.6 billion (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, wood products, crude oil, coffee

Exports - partners:

China 46.75%, US 15.35%, Belgium 10.68%, Zambia 5.78%, Finland 4.38% (2009)

Imports:

$5.2 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $6.7 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

South Africa 18.22%, Belgium 10.2%, China 8.34%, Zambia 7.77%, France 7.28%, Zimbabwe 6.52%, Kenya 5.48%, Netherlands 4.13%, Italy 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.01 billion (March 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $1 billion (December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.3 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $12.7 billion (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Congolese francs (CDF) per US dollar - 930 (2010), 810 (2009), 559 (2008), 516 (2007), 464.69 (2006)

Communications ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

40,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.163 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Telephone system:

general assessment: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations; inadequate fixed line infrastructure
domestic: state-owned operator providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 1000 persons; given the backdrop of a wholly inadequate fixed-line infrastructure, the use of mobile-cellular services has surged and subscribership in 2009 exceeded 10 million - roughly 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 243; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV broadcast station with near national coverage; more than a dozen privately-owned TV stations with 2 having near national coverage; 2 state-owned radio stations are supplemented by more than 100 private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cd

Internet hosts:

3,006 (2010) country comparison to the world: 146

Internet users:

290,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 131

Transportation ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Airports:

198 (2010) country comparison to the world: 31

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 172

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 91
under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 37 km; oil 39 km; refined products 756 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,007 km country comparison to the world: 42 narrow gauge: 3,882 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 153,497 km country comparison to the world: 34 paved: 2,794 km
unpaved: 150,703 km (2004)

Waterways:

15,000 km (including the Congo, its tributaries, and unconnected lakes) (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 158 by type: petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa,
Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Military ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Forces
d'Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo, FARDC): Army,
National Navy (La Marine Nationale), Congolese Air Force (Force
Aerienne Congolaise, FAC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-45 years of age for voluntary military service (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,192,858 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,301,818
females age 16-49: 9,440,111 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 842,020
female: 839,044 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 59

Transnational Issues ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Disputes - international:

heads of the Great Lakes states and UN pledged in 2004 to abate tribal, rebel, and militia fighting in the region, including northeast Congo, where the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), organized in 1999, maintains over 16,500 uniformed peacekeepers; members of Uganda's Lords Resistance Army forces continue to seek refuge in Congo's Garamba National Park as peace talks with the Uganda government evolve; the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area; Uganda and DROC dispute Rukwanzi island in Lake Albert and other areas on the Semliki River with hydrocarbon potential; boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda river claimed by Zambia near the DROC village of Pweto

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 132,295 (Angola); 37,313 (Rwanda); 17,777 (Burundi); 13,904 (Uganda); 6,181 (Sudan); 5,243 (Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 1.4 million (fighting between government forces and rebels since mid-1990s; most IDPs are in eastern provinces) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Democratic Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and forced prostitution; the majority of this trafficking is internal, and much of it is perpetrated by armed groups and government forces outside government control within the country's unstable eastern provinces
tier rating: Tier 3 - Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of progress in prosecuting and punishing labor or sex trafficking offenders, including members of its own armed forces; providing protective services for the vast majority of trafficking victims; or raising public awareness of human trafficking; in addition, the government's anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts decreased during the reporting period (2010)

Illicit drugs:

one of Africa's biggest producers of cannabis, but mostly for domestic consumption; traffickers exploit lax shipping controls to transit pseudoephedrine through the capital; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Congo, Republic of the (Africa)

Introduction ::Congo, Republic of the

Background:

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.

Geography ::Congo, Republic of the

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 15 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 342,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 63 land: 341,500 sq km
water: 500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 5,504 km
border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km

Coastline:

169 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Terrain:

coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.45%
permanent crops: 0.15%
other: 98.4% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

832 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (59%/29%/12%)

per capita: 8 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

seasonal flooding

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

People ::Congo, Republic of the

Population:

4,125,916 country comparison to the world: 126 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.9% (male 927,599/female 915,540)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 1,021,975/female 1,034,119)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 46,687/female 66,889) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.9 years
male: 16.7 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.807% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Birth rate:

41.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Death rate:

11.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Net migration rate:

-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 77.93 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 17 male: 83.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 72.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.54 years country comparison to the world: 199 male: 53.27 years
female: 55.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

79,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3%

Religions:

Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 83.8%
male: 89.6%
female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 174

Government ::Congo, Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Congo
conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville)

local long form: Republique du Congo
local short form: none
former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Brazzaville
geographic coordinates: 4 15 S, 15 17 E
time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Independence:

15 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997); note - the position of prime minister was abolished in September 2009
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 July 2009 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 78.6%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU 7.5%, Nicephore Fylla de SAINT-EUDES 7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (72 seats; members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 5 August 2008 (next to be held in 2013); National Assembly - last held on 24 June and 5 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RMP 33, FDU 23, UPADS 2, independents 7, other 7; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 46, MCDDI 11, UPADS 11, MAR 5, MSD 5, independents 37, other 22

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Action Movement for Renewal or MAR; Congolese Labour Party or PCT;
Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI
[Michel MAMPOUYA]; Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD;
Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Martin MBERI];
Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR [Raymond Damasge
NGOLLO]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS
[Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally of the
Presidential Majority or RMP; Union for Democracy and Republic or
UDR; United Democratic Forces or FDU [Sebastian EBAO]; many less
important parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC; General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC; Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese Socialist Youth or UJSC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI
chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Allan EASTHAM
embassy: Boulevard de la Revolution, BDEAC Building, 4th Floor, Brazzaville; note - a new embassy is expected to open in 2009
mailing address: B.P. 1015, Brazzaville
telephone: [242] 281-1481, 281-3368; note - until the new embassy in Brazzaville becomes operational, some duties will still be handled in the US embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests, yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained but has been associated with the struggle for independence
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "La Congolaise" (The Congolese)

lyrics/music: Jacques TONDRA and Georges KIBANGHI/Jean ROYER and Joseph SPADILIERE
note: originally adopted 1959, restored 1991

Economy ::Congo, Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy is a mixture of subsistence agriculture, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. Characterized by budget problems and overstaffing, the government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing debt burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts have been undertaken with the support of international organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions. Economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices during the global crisis reduced oil revenue by about 30%, but the subsequent recovery of oil prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term prospects. In March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo, receiving $1.9 billion in debt relief under the program in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.45 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $15.79 billion (2009 est.)

$14.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.88 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 7.6% (2009 est.)

5.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $3,900 (2009 est.)

$3,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.4%
industry: 63.7%
services: 32% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.514 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 129

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 37.1% (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

41.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 4.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.403 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 118 $1.887 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.746 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.178 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.58 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.889 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Industries:

petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - production:

400 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - consumption:

471 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

449 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

274,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - exports:

241,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - imports:

2,136 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - proved reserves:

1.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - production:

180 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - consumption:

180 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - proved reserves:

90.61 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Current account balance:

-$569 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 -$1.195 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $7.425 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds

Exports - partners:

US 40.08%, China 30.18%, France 8.17%, Taiwan 6.4%, India 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$3.607 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $3.259 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 20.64%, China 14.54%, Italy 9.56%, US 9.02%, India 5.55%,
Belgium 4.51% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.123 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $3.806 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5 billion (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 483.6 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Congo, Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.171 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 131

Telephone system:

general assessment: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order
domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate providing less than 1 connection per 100 persons; in the absence of an adequate fixed line infrastructure, mobile-cellular subscribership has surged and now exceeds 50 per 100 persons
international: country code - 242; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio stations; several privately-owned TV and radio stations; satellite TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cg

Internet hosts:

42 (2010) country comparison to the world: 213

Internet users:

245,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Transportation ::Congo, Republic of the

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7 km; oil 211 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 795 km country comparison to the world: 103 narrow gauge: 795 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 17,289 km country comparison to the world: 118 paved: 864 km
unpaved: 16,425 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,120 km (commercially navigable on Congo and Oubanqui rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the coast is not navigable because of rapids, thereby necessitating a rail connection to Pointe Noire; other rivers are used for local traffic only) (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Democratic Republic of the Congo 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Ports and terminals:

Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire

Military ::Congo, Republic of the

Military branches:

Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Congolaises, FAC): Army (Armee de Terre), Navy, Congolese Air Force (Armee de l'Air Congolaise), Gendarmerie, Special Presidential Security Guard (GSSP) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women allowed to serve (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 898,850
females age 16-49: 886,063 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 557,764
females age 16-49: 546,755 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 48,365
female: 47,874 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Transnational Issues ::Congo, Republic of the

Disputes - international:

the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,341 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 6,564 (Rwanda)

IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic
Lari) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial sexual exploitation, forced street vending, and domestic servitude; children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic servitude, forced market vending, and forced labor in the fishing industry
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the Republic of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for trafficking activity nor provides specialized anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials; the government does not encourage victims to assist in trafficking investigations or prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts in the Republic of the Congo (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cook Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Cook Islands

Background:

Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965, residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

Geography ::Cook Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 236 sq km country comparison to the world: 214 land: 236 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March

Terrain:

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 16.67%
permanent crops: 8.33%
other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (November to March)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

People ::Cook Islands

Population:

11,488 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 1,704/female 1,508)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 3,898/female 3,664)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 540/female 556) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.2 years
male: 30.5 years
female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-3.256% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Birth rate:

15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Death rate:

7.22 deaths/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.33 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 116 male: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.47 years country comparison to the world: 94 male: 71.69 years
female: 77.38 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Ethnic groups:

Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%,
Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other
Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Maori

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 95%
male: NA
female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

0.2% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 186

People - note:

2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Government ::Cook Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cook Islands
former: Harvey Islands

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in consultation with the Cook Islands

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Avarua
geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Constitution:

4 August 1965

Legal system:

based on New Zealand law and English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Linda TE PUNI (since 3 June 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers
elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8

Judicial branch:

High Court

Political parties and leaders:

Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA]; Democratic Party or Demo
[Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes)

other: various groups lobbying for political change

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC,
ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

National anthem:

name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)

lyrics/music: Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS
note: adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics

Economy ::Cook Islands

Economy - overview:

Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$183.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

GDP (official exchange rate):

$183.2 million (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,100 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15.1%
industry: 9.6%
services: 75.3% (2004)

Labor force:

6,820 (2001) country comparison to the world: 217

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29%
industry: 15%
services: 56% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

13.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 138

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Agriculture - products:

copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Industries:

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2002) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - production:

31 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Electricity - consumption:

28.83 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - imports:

495 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Current account balance:

$26.67 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 57

Exports:

$5.222 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 216

Exports - commodities:

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Imports:

$81.04 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 211

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Debt - external:

$141 million (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Exchange rates:

NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Cook Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 211

Telephone system:

general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex
domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable
international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 privately-owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Internet country code:

.ck

Internet hosts:

2,521 (2010) country comparison to the world: 150

Internet users:

6,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Transportation ::Cook Islands

Airports:

10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 157

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 203 paved: 33 km
unpaved: 287 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 34 country comparison to the world: 82 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 27, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 5
foreign-owned: 23 (Egypt 1, Germany 1, Latvia 1, Lithuania 2, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 6, NZ 1, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Avatiu

Military ::Cook Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,272
females age 16-49: 2,222 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 136
female: 115 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Transnational Issues ::Cook Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Coral Sea Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Coral Sea Islands

Background:

Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.

Geography ::Coral Sea Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 152 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: less than 3 sq km country comparison to the world: 248 land: less than 3 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,095 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues:

no permanent fresh water resources

Geography - note:

important nesting area for birds and turtles

People ::Coral Sea Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Government ::Coral Sea Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Legal system:

the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Executive branch:

administered from Canberra by the Australian Attorney-General's Department

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Coral Sea Islands

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Communications ::Coral Sea Islands

Communications - note:

there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

Transportation ::Coral Sea Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Coral Sea Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Coral Sea Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Costa Rica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Costa Rica

Background:

Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Geography ::Costa Rica

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 84 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 51,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 129 land: 51,060 sq km
water: 40 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 639 km
border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Coastline:

1,290 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Terrain:

coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Natural resources:

hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 4.4%
permanent crops: 5.87%
other: 89.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

112.4 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.68 cu km/yr (29%/17%/53%)

per capita: 619 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes
volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m, 5,479 ft), which erupted in 2010, is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m, 11,260 ft), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba

Environment - current issues:

deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65

People ::Costa Rica

Population:

4,516,220 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 581,916/female 555,216)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,443,606/female 1,411,168)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 120,969/female 141,002) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.4 years
male: 27.9 years
female: 28.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.347% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Birth rate:

16.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Death rate:

4.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Net migration rate:

1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 154 male: 10.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.54 years country comparison to the world: 55 male: 74.93 years
female: 80.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.9%
male: 94.7%
female: 95.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 66

Government ::Costa Rica

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica

Government type:

democratic republic

Capital:

name: San Jose
geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

7 November 1949

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)

election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president; percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS (PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLN 23, PAC 10, ML 9, PUSC 6, PASE 4, other 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected for renewable eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres LOPEZ Arias];
Citizen Action Party or PAC [Alberto CANAS Escalante]; Costa Rican
Renovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez]; Democratic
Force Party or PFD [Marco GONZALEZ Nunez]; Frente Amplio [Jose
MERINO del Rio]; Homeland First or PP (Patria Primero) [Juan Jose
VARGAS Fallas]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA
Guth]; National Democratic Alliance or ADN [Jose Miguel VILLALOBOS
Umana]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];
National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECO
Fernandez]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Fabio Enrique DELGADO
Hernandez]; National Union Party or PUN [Arturo ACOSTA Mora];
Patriotic Alliance [Mariano FIGUERES Olsen]; Patriotic Union or UP
[Jose Miguel CORRALES Bolanos]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTES
Araya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Luis FISHMAN
Zonzinski]; Union for Change Party or UPC [Antonio ALVAREZ Desanti]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party affiliate); Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO; Costa Rican Solidarity Movement; Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises or UCCAEP [Rafael CARRILLO]; Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association of Educators or ANDE; National Association of Public and Private Employees or ANEP [Albino VARGAS]; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert BROWN]

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meta Shanon FIGUERES Boggs
chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 or 2946

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne Slaughter ANDREW
embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose
mailing address: APO AA 34020
telephone: [506] 2519-2000

FAX: [506] 2519-2305

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people
note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica)

lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ
note: adopted 1949; the anthem's music was originally written for an 1853 welcome ceremony for diplomatic missions from the United States and United Kingdom; the lyrics were added in 1903

Economy ::Costa Rica

Economy - overview:

Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed stable economic growth. The economy contracted 0.7% in 2009, but resumed growth at more than 3% in 2010. While the traditional agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in recent years. High value added goods and services, including microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the free-trade zones; and Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America. However, many business impediments, such as high levels of bureaucracy, difficulty of enforcing contracts, and weak investor protection, remain. Poverty has remained around 15-20% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America, Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances as they only represent about 2% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated 300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica legally and illegally are an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place heavy demands on the social welfare system. The US-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force on 1 January 2009, after significant delays within the Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR will likely lead to increased foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including the insurance and telecommunications sectors recently opened to private investors. President CHINCHILLA is likely to push for fiscal reform in the coming year, seeking to boost revenue, possibly through revised tax legislation, to fund an increase in security services and education.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$51.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $49.57 billion (2009 est.)

$49.91 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.02 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -0.7% (2009 est.)

2.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $11,100 (2009 est.)

$11,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.3%
industry: 22.9%
services: 70.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.17 million country comparison to the world: 117 note: this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%
industry: 22%
services: 64% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

16% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 35.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48 (2008) country comparison to the world: 30 45.9 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Public debt:

44.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 42% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 7.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

23% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 5 25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 15.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.504 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 94 $3.992 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$16.81 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 $15.84 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$15.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $14.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.452 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 $1.887 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.035 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber

Industries:

microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - production:

8.808 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - consumption:

8.064 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - exports:

77.16 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

203.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - consumption:

44,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - exports:

2,117 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - imports:

47,860 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Current account balance:

-$1.469 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 -$537 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.01 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $8.847 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 32.61%, Netherlands 12.82%, China 11.81%, Mexico 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$13.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $10.87 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 44.72%, Mexico 7.65%, Venezuela 5.56%, China 5.15%, Japan 4.36% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.584 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $4.066 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$9.126 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $7.972 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$13.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $12.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$547 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $539 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 526.68 (2010), 573.29 (2009), 530.41 (2008), 519.53 (2007), 511.3 (2006)

Communications ::Costa Rica

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.493 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.95 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Telephone system:

general assessment: good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed by the nation's telecommunications regulator.

domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available
international: country code - 506; landing points for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan American
Crossing submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central
American Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned television stations and 1 publicly-owned television station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately-owned radio stations and a public radio network (2007)

Internet country code:

.cr

Internet hosts:

34,024 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97

Internet users:

1.485 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Transportation ::Costa Rica

Airports:

151 (2010) country comparison to the world: 36

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 39

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 23
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 112

914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 94 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 796 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 278 km country comparison to the world: 123 narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge
note: none of the railway network is in use (2008)

Roadways:

total: 35,330 km country comparison to the world: 95 paved: 8,621 km
unpaved: 26,709 km (2004)

Waterways:

730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 160 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Caldera, Puerto Limon

Military ::Costa Rica

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security, Government, and Police (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,241,183
females age 16-49: 1,217,037 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,044,923
females age 16-49: 1,026,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 42,486
female: 40,745 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Transnational Issues ::Costa Rica

Disputes - international:

the ICJ has given Costa Rica until January 2008 to reply and Nicaragua until July 2008 to rejoin before rendering its decision on the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa Rican vessels on the Rio San Juan over which Nicaragua retains sovereignty

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,699-11,500 (Colombia) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising; significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cote d'Ivoire (Africa)

Introduction ::Cote d'Ivoire

Background:

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO's government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several hundred French remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to support the peace process.

Geography ::Cote d'Ivoire

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 322,463 sq km country comparison to the world: 68 land: 318,003 sq km
water: 4,460 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,110 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Coastline:

515 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.23%
permanent crops: 11.16%
other: 78.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

730 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

81 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.93 cu km/yr (24%/12%/65%)

per capita: 51 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated

People ::Cote d'Ivoire

Population:

21,058,798 country comparison to the world: 57 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.6% (male 4,215,912/female 4,146,077)

15-64 years: 56.6% (male 5,942,642/female 5,720,108)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 296,074/female 296,255) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years
male: 19.6 years
female: 19.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.105% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Birth rate:

31.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Death rate:

10.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 75

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 24 male: 73.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.19 years country comparison to the world: 195 male: 55.27 years
female: 57.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

480,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

38,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ivoirian(s)

adjective: Ivoirian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)

Religions:

Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)

note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)

Languages:

French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.7%
male: 60.8%
female: 38.6% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years
male: 10 years
female: 5 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 89

Government ::Cote d'Ivoire

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire
local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire
local short form: Cote d'Ivoire
note: pronounced coat-div-whar
former: Ivory Coast

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960
note: the government is currently operating under a power-sharing agreement mandated by international mediators

Capital:

name: Yamoussoukro
geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 17 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan

Administrative divisions:

19 regions; Agneby, Bafing, Bas-Sassandra, Denguele, Dix-Huit
Montagnes, Fromager, Haut-Sassandra, Lacs, Lagunes, Marahoue,
Moyen-Cavally, Moyen-Comoe, N'zi-Comoe, Savanes, Sud-Bandama,
Sud-Comoe, Vallee du Bandama, Worodougou, Zanzan

Independence:

7 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 23 July 2000

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alassane OUATTARA (since 4 December 2010); note - former President Laurent GBAGBO has refused to cede power
head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April 2007); note - on 4 December 2010, Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE was also appointed to the position by former president GBAGBO
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and the president share the authority to appoint ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 31 October and 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Alassane OUATTARA elected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA 54.1%, Laurent GBAGBO 45.9%; note - President OUATTARA was declared winner by the election commission and took the oath of office on 4 December, Prime Minister SORO resigned from the incumbent administration and was subsequently appointed to the same position by OUATTARA; former president GBAGBO refused to cede and on 5 December appointed Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE as Prime Minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (225 seats; members elected in single- and multi-district elections by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: elections last held on 10 December 2000 with by-elections on 14 January 2001 (elections originally scheduled for 2005 have been repeatedly postponed by the government)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2
note: a Senate was scheduled to be created in October 2006 elections that never took place

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four chambers: Judicial
Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for financial cases,
Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases, and Administrative
Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit to the number of
members

Political parties and leaders:

Citizen's Democratic Union or UDCY [Theodore MEL EG]; Democratic
Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE]; Ivorian Popular
Front or FPI [Pascale Affi N'GUESSAN]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT
[Francis WODIE]; Opposition Movement of the Future or MFA [Innocent
Augustin ANAKY]; Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Alassane
OUATTARA]; Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote d'Ivoire or UDPCI
[Toikeuse MABRI]; over 144 smaller registered parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of University and High School Students of Cote d'Ivoire
or FESCI [Serges KOFFI]; Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and
Peace or RHDP [Alphonse DJEDJE MADY]; Young Patriots [Charles BLE
GOUDE]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF,
OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU,
WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yao Charles KOFFI
chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300

FAX: [1] (202) 244-3088

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT
embassy: Cocody Riviera Golf 01, Abidjan
mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01
telephone: [225] 22 49 40 00

FAX: [225] 22 49 43 32

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future
note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France

National anthem:

name: "L'Abidjanaise" (Song of Abidjan)

lyrics/music: Mathieu EKRA, Joachim BONY, and Pierre Marie COTY/Pierre Marie COTY and Pierre Michel PANGO
note: adopted 1960; although the nation's capital city moved from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in 1983, the anthem still owes its name to the former capital

Economy ::Cote d'Ivoire

Economy - overview:

Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products, and, to a lesser extent, in climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top export revenue earners, but the country is also producing gold. Since the end of the civil war in 2003, political turmoil has continued to damage the economy, resulting in the loss of foreign investment and slow economic growth. GDP grew by more than 2% in 2008 and around 4% per year in 2009-10. Per capita income has declined by 15% since 1999, but registered a slight improvement in 2009-10. Power cuts caused by a turbine failure in early 2010 slowed economic activity. Cote d'Ivoire in 2010 signed agreements to restructure its Paris Club bilateral, other bilateral, and London Club debt. Cote d'Ivoire's long term challenges include political instability and degrading infrastructure.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$37.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $36.48 billion (2009 est.)

$35.01 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.38 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 4.2% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.2%
industry: 21.3%
services: 50.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.617 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 68%
industry and services: NA (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA
note: unemployment may have climbed to 40-50% as a result of the civil war

Population below poverty line:

42% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 34% (2002)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.6 (2002) country comparison to the world: 44 36.7 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

9.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Public debt:

63.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 66.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.094 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 87 $4.959 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.653 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $7.437 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.448 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $5.308 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$6.141 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 73 $7.071 billion (31 December 2008)

$8.353 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Industries:

foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity, ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - production:

5.275 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - consumption:

3.231 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - exports:

772 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

58,950 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - exports:

115,700 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - imports:

80,960 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - proved reserves:

250 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - production:

1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - consumption:

1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Current account balance:

$534 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $1.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.25 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $10.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, fish

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.92%, France 10.75%, US 7.79%, Germany 7.2%, Nigeria 6.99%, Ghana 5.56% (2009)

Imports:

$7.015 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $6.318 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Nigeria 20.75%, France 14.19%, China 7.18%, Thailand 5.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.985 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $3.267 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $11.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Cote d'Ivoire

Telephones - main lines in use:

282,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.346 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Telephone system:

general assessment: well developed by African standards; telecommunications sector privatized in late 1990s and operational fixed-lines have increased since that time with two fixed-line providers operating over open-wire lines, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optics; 90% digitalized
domestic: with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing in the market, usage has increased sharply to roughly 65 per 100 persons
international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television operates 2 stations; no private terrestrial TV stations, but satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio operates 2 stations; some private radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ci

Internet hosts:

9,865 (2010) country comparison to the world: 121

Internet users:

967,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Transportation ::Cote d'Ivoire

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 121

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 86 km; gas 180 km; oil 92 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 660 km country comparison to the world: 108 narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000 meter gauge
note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso (2008)

Roadways:

total: 80,000 km country comparison to the world: 60 paved: 6,500 km
unpaved: 73,500 km
note: includes intercity and urban roads; another 20,000 km of dirt roads are in poor condition and 150,000 km of dirt roads are impassable (2006)

Waterways:

980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons) (2008) country comparison to the world: 67

Ports and terminals:

Abidjan, Espoir, San-Pedro

Military ::Cote d'Ivoire

Military branches:

Cote d'Ivoire Defense and Security Forces (FDSCI): Army, Navy, Air
Force (2006)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male and female military service; voluntary recruitment of former rebels into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,094,762
females age 16-49: 4,895,446 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,242,965
females age 16-49: 3,069,569 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 240,989
female: 237,180 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Transnational Issues ::Cote d'Ivoire

Disputes - international:

despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict still leaves displaced hundreds of thousands of Ivorians in and out of the country as well as driven out migrants from neighboring states who worked in Ivorian cocoa plantations; the March 2007 peace deal between Ivorian rebels and the government brought significant numbers of rebels out of hiding in neighboring states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 25,615 (Liberia)

IDPs: 709,000 (2002 coup; most IDPs are in western regions) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

Cote d'Ivoire is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking within the country is more prevalent than international trafficking and the majority of victims are children; women and girls are trafficked from northern areas to southern cities for domestic servitude, restaurant labor, and sexual exploitation; boys are trafficked internally for agricultural and service labor and transnationally for forced labor in agriculture, mining, construction, and in the fishing industry; women and girls are trafficked to and from other West and Central African countries for domestic servitude and forced street vending
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cote d'Ivoire is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking in 2007, particularly with regard to its law enforcement efforts and protection of sex trafficking victims; in addition, Ivoirian law does not prohibit all forms of trafficking, and Cote d'Ivoire has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption; utility as a narcotic transshipment point to Europe reduced by ongoing political instability; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Croatia (Europe)

Introduction ::Croatia

Background:

The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. In April 2009, Croatia joined NATO; it is a candidate for eventual EU accession.

Geography ::Croatia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

45 10 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 56,594 sq km country comparison to the world: 126 land: 55,974 sq km
water: 620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,982 km
border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia 241 km, Montenegro 25 km, Slovenia 455 km

Coastline:

5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast

Terrain:

geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Dinara 1,831 m

Natural resources:

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 25.82%
permanent crops: 2.19%
other: 71.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

105.5 cu km (1998)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks

People ::Croatia

Population:

4,486,881 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.6% (male 358,360/female 340,098)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 1,506,364/female 1,522,789)

65 years and over: 17% (male 295,960/female 465,838) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.2 years
male: 39.3 years
female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.061% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Birth rate:

9.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Death rate:

11.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Net migration rate:

1.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 175 male: 6.33 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.58 years country comparison to the world: 80 male: 71.95 years
female: 79.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 10 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

Ethnic groups:

Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak, Hungarian,
Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)

Languages:

Croatian (official) 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.1%
male: 99.3%
female: 97.1% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 112

Government ::Croatia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Croatia
conventional short form: Croatia
local long form: Republika Hrvatska
local short form: Hrvatska
former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia

Government type:

presidential/parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Zagreb
geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad -
singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska, Brodsko-Posavska,
Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria),
Karlovacka, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka, Krapinsko-Zagorska,
Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska, Osjecko-Baranjska,
Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska,
Sibensko-Kninska, Sisacko-Moslavacka, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
(Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska, Viroviticko-Podravska,
Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Zadarska, Zagreb*, Zagrebacka

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 8 October (1991); note - 25 June 1991 was the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the Yugoslav crisis peacefully, Parliament adopted a decision on 8 October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia

Constitution:

adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001

Legal system:

based on Austro-Hungarian law system with Communist law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ivo JOSIPOVIC (since 18 February 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009), Darko MILINOVIC (since 13 November 2009), Domagoj Ivan MILOSEVIC (since 29 December 2010), Petar COBANKOVIC (since 29 December 2010), Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008), Gordan JANDROKOVIC (since 29 December 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the parliamentary assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2015); the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president and then approved by the assembly
election results: Ivo JOSIPOVIC elected president; percent of vote in the second round - Ivo JOSIPOVIC 60%, Milan BANDIC 40%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sabor (153 seats; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; number of seats by party - HDZ 66, SDP 57, HNS 6, HSS 6, HDSSB 3, IDS 3, SDSS 3, other 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts are appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly

Political parties and leaders:

Croatian Democratic Congress of Slavonia and Baranja or HDSSB
[Vladimir SISLJAGIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Jadranka
KOSOR]; Croatian Party of the Right or HSP [Anto DJAPIC]; Croatian
Peasant Party or HSS [Josip FRISCIC]; Croatian Pensioner Party or
HSU [Silvano HRELJA]; Croatian People's Party or HNS [Radimir
CACIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Darinko KOSOR];
Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Vojislav STANIMIROVIC];
Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC]; Social
Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Zoran MILANOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: human rights groups

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU
(applicant), FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer),
NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI,
UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC
chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899

FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. FOLEY
embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb
mailing address: use street address
telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200

FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue - the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields represent five historic regions, they are (from left to right): Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Lijepa nasa domovino" (Our Beautiful Homeland)

lyrics/music: Antun MIHANOVIC/Josip RUNJANIN
note: adopted 1972; "Lijepa nasa domovino," whose lyrics were written in 1835, served as an unofficial anthem beginning in 1891

Economy ::Croatia

Economy - overview:

Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics, Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as output collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve slowly, with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult problems still remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing trade deficit and uneven regional development. The state retains a large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff public and political resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy remain strong, Croatia will face significant pressure as a result of the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic export sector, strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the medium term.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$78.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $79.64 billion (2009 est.)

$84.54 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$59.92 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 -5.8% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$17,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $17,700 (2009 est.)

$18,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.8%
industry: 27.2%
services: 66% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.762 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 31.3%
services: 63.6% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

17.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 16.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 23.1% (2005 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2008) country comparison to the world: 116 29 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Public debt:

55% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 2.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 9% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.55% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 10.07% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.72 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 75 $8.964 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$40.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $42.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$48.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $48.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$25.64 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 55 $26.79 billion (31 December 2008)

$65.98 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa, clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Industries:

chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - production:

11.49 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - consumption:

18 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - exports:

5.668 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.24 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

23,960 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - consumption:

106,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - exports:

43,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - imports:

122,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - proved reserves:

73.35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - production:

2.847 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - consumption:

3.205 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - exports:

695.5 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - imports:

1.22 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - proved reserves:

30.58 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Current account balance:

-$2.312 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 -$3.247 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$11.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $10.72 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, machinery, textiles, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels

Exports - partners:

Italy 19.1%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.98%, Germany 11.06%, Slovenia 7.47%, Austria 5.44%, Serbia 5.41% (2009)

Imports:

$20.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $21 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport and electrical equipment; chemicals, fuels and lubricants; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Italy 15.46%, Germany 13.57%, Russia 9.29%, China 6.83%, Slovenia 5.75%, Austria 5.04% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$13.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $14.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $62.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$34.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $32.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.334 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $5.934 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kuna (HRK) per US dollar - 5.6356 (2010), 5.271 (2009), 4.98 (2008), 5.3735 (2007), 5.8625 (2006)

Communications ::Croatia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.859 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.035 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications network has improved steadily since the mid-1990s; local lines are digital
domestic: fixed-line teledensity holding steady at about 40 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions exceed the population
international: country code - 385; digital international service is provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe (TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of 2 fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik; the ADRIA-1 submarine cable provides connectivity to Albania and Greece (2009)

Broadcast media:

the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, a satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate national terrestrial networks; about 15 privately-owned regional TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 3 national radio networks and a number of regional radio stations; 2 privately-owned national radio networks and a large number of regional, county, city, and community radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hr

Internet hosts:

1.287 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 38

Internet users:

2.234 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Transportation ::Croatia

Airports:

69 (2010) country comparison to the world: 73

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 46

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,327 km; oil 583 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,722 km country comparison to the world: 63 standard gauge: 2,722 km 1.435-m gauge (985 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 29,248 km (includes 1,043 km of expressways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 99

Waterways:

785 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Merchant marine:

total: 75 country comparison to the world: 56 by type: bulk carrier 24, cargo 7, chemical tanker 6, passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1
foreign-owned: 2 (Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 33 (Bahamas 1, Belize 1, Liberia 2, Malta 7, Marshall Islands 12, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Omisalj, Ploce, Rijeka, Sibernik, Split, Vukovar (on Danube River)

Military ::Croatia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage Republike Hrvatske, OSRH), consists of five major commands directly subordinate to a General Staff: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes coast guard), Air Force and Air Defense Command, Joint Education and Training Command, Logistics Command; Military Police Force supports each of the three Croatian military forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary service; 6-month conscript service obligation; full conversion to voluntary military service by 2010 (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,021,904
females age 16-49: 1,023,465 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 770,574
females age 16-49: 844,594 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,670
female: 26,503 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.39% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Transnational Issues ::Croatia

Disputes - international:

dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia in December 2007

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 2,900-7,000 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Cuba (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Cuba

Background:

The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement and occasional rebellions that were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from the US in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor of his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's Communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country faced a severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba at times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source if its difficulties. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border - is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 982 individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in fiscal year 2009.

Geography ::Cuba

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 110,860 sq km country comparison to the world: 105 land: 109,820 sq km
water: 1,040 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 29 km
border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km
note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba

Coastline:

3,735 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Natural resources:

cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.63%
permanent crops: 6.54%
other: 65.83% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

38.1 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.2 cu km/yr (19%/12%/69%)

per capita: 728 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles

People ::Cuba

Population:

11,477,459 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 1,077,745/female 1,020,393)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 4,035,691/female 4,030,103)

65 years and over: 11.2% (male 584,478/female 703,242) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.8 years
male: 37.1 years
female: 38.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.217% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Birth rate:

11.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Death rate:

7.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Net migration rate:

-1.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Urbanization:

urban population: 76% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 180 male: 6.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.64 years country comparison to the world: 53 male: 75.36 years
female: 80.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.61 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cuban(s)

adjective: Cuban

Ethnic groups:

white 65.1%, mulatto and mestizo 24.8%, black 10.1% (2002 census)

Religions:

nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.8% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years
male: 16 years
female: 19 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

13.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 2

People - note:

illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to Miami and over-land via the southwest border

Government ::Cuba

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cuba
conventional short form: Cuba
local long form: Republica de Cuba
local short form: Cuba

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Havana
geographic coordinates: 23 07 N, 82 21 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Independence:

20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a day of independence

National holiday:

Triumph of the Revolution, 1 January (1959)

Constitution:

24 February 1976; amended July 1992 and June 2002

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law and influenced by American legal concepts with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24 February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24 February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the 31-member Council of State, elected by the assembly to act on its behalf when it is not in session (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 24 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of legislative vote - 100%; Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional del Poder Popular (number of seats in the National Assembly is based on population; 614 seats; members elected directly from slates approved by special candidacy commissions to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 January 2008 (next to be held in January 2013)

election results: Cuba's Communist Party is the only legal party, and officially sanctioned candidates run unopposed

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president, vice presidents, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights Watch; National Association of Small Farmers

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES,
LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962),
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Jorge BOLANOS Suarez; address: Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518; FAX: [1] (202) 797-8521

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Chief of Mission Jonathan D. FARRAR; address: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-1653; protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; the blue bands refer to the three old divisions of the island: central, occidental, and oriental; the white bands describe the purity of the independence ideal; the triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity, while the red color stands for the blood shed in the independence struggle; the white star, called La Estrella Solitaria (the Lone Star) lights the way to freedom and was taken from the flag of Texas
note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

National anthem:

name: "La Bayamesa" (The Bayamo Song)

lyrics/music: Pedro FIGUEREDO
note: adopted 1940; Pedro FIGUEREDO first performed "La Bayamesa" in 1868 during the Ten Years War against the Spanish; a leading figure in the uprising, FIGUEREDO was captured in 1870 and executed in front of a firing squad; just prior to the fusillade he is reputed to have shouted, "Morir por la Patria es vivir" (To die for the country is to live), a line from the anthem

Economy ::Cuba

Economy - overview:

The government continues to balance the need for economic loosening against a desire for firm political control. The government announced it would eliminate 500,000 state jobs by March 2011 and has expanded opportunities for self-employment. President CASTRO said such changes were needed to update the economic model to ensure the survival of socialism. It has rolled back limited reforms undertaken in the 1990s to increase enterprise efficiency and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services. The average Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than before the downturn of the 1990s, which was caused by the loss of Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. Since late 2000, Venezuela has been providing oil on preferential terms, and it currently supplies about 100,000 barrels per day of petroleum products. Cuba has been paying for the oil, in part, with the services of Cuban personnel in Venezuela including some 30,000 medical professionals.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $112.4 billion (2009 est.)

$110.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$57.49 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 1.4% (2009 est.)

4.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $9,800 (2009 est.)

$9,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 22.7%
services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.164 million country comparison to the world: 72 note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%
industry: 19.4%
services: 60.6% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 1.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

10.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Public debt:

34.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 34.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$11.57 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 69 $11.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $35.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Industries:

sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - production:

16.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - consumption:

13.93 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

48,340 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - consumption:

169,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - imports:

104,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - proved reserves:

178.9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - production:

400 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - consumption:

400 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - proved reserves:

70.79 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Current account balance:

-$87 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $539 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.311 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $2.879 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Exports - partners:

China 25.68%, Canada 20.31%, Spain 6.79%, Netherlands 4.53% (2009)

Imports:

$10.25 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $8.91 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 30.51%, China 15.48%, Spain 8.3%, US 6.87% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.847 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $4.647 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$19.75 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $19.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.138 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Exchange rates:

Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - 0.9259 (2010), 0.9259 (2009), 0.9259 (2008), 0.9259 (2007), 0.9231 (2006)

Communications ::Cuba

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.168 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Telephones - mobile cellular:

443,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Telephone system:

general assessment: greater investment beginning in 1994 and the establishment of a new Ministry of Information Technology and Communications in 2000 has resulted in improvements in the system; national fiber-optic system under development; 95% of switches digitized by end of 2006; mobile-cellular telephone service is expensive and must be paid in convertible pesos, which effectively limits subscribership
domestic: fixed-line density remains low at less than 10 per 100 inhabitants; mobile-cellular service expanding but remains less than 5 per 100 persons
international: country code - 53; fiber-optic cable laid to but not linked to US network; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

government owns and controls all broadcast media with private ownership of electronic media prohibited; government operates 4 national TV networks and many local TV stations; government operates 6 national radio networks, an international station, and many local radio stations; Radio-TV Marti is beamed from the US (2007)

Internet country code:

.cu

Internet hosts:

3,025 (2010) country comparison to the world: 145

Internet users:

1.606 million country comparison to the world: 79 note: private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls; some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the government-controlled "intranet" (2009)

Transportation ::Cuba

Airports:

136 (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 65
over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 71

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 58 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 41 km; oil 230 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,598 km country comparison to the world: 24 standard gauge: 8,322 km 1.435-m gauge (176 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 276 km 1.000-gauge
note: 4,533 km of the track is used by sugar plantations; 4,257 km is standard gauge; 276 km is narrow gauge (2006)

Roadways:

total: 60,858 km country comparison to the world: 75 paved: 29,820 km (includes 638 km of expressway)

unpaved: 31,038 km (2000)

Waterways:

240 km (almost all navigable inland waterways are near the mouths of rivers) (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Merchant marine:

total: 5 country comparison to the world: 129 by type: cargo 2, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 2
registered in other countries: 6 (Cyprus 1, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Panama 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Antilla, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Havana, Matanzas, Mariel, Nuevitas
Bay, Santiago de Cuba, Tanamo

Military ::Cuba

Military branches:

Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR):
Revolutionary Army (Ejercito Revolucionario, ER, includes
Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales,
MTT)); Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR,
includes Marine Corps); Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces
(DAAFAR), Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-28 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year service obligation; both sexes subject to military service (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,078,049
females age 16-49: 3,004,713 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,516,543
females age 16-49: 2,450,902 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 74,084
female: 70,445 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Military - note:

the collapse of the Soviet Union deprived the Cuban military of its major economic and logistic support and had a significant impact on the state of Cuban equipment; the army remains well trained and professional in nature; while the lack of replacement parts for its existing equipment has increasingly affected operational capabilities, Cuba remains able to offer considerable resistance to any regional power (2010)

Transnational Issues ::Cuba

Disputes - international:

US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the facility can terminate the lease

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Cuba is principally a source country for children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically commercial sexual exploitation within the country; the scope of trafficking within Cuba is difficult to gauge due to the closed nature of the government and sparse non-governmental or independent reporting
tier rating: Tier 3 - Cuba does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; in a positive step, the Government of Cuba shared information about human trafficking and its efforts to address the issue; the government did not prohibit all forms of trafficking during the reporting period, nor did it provide specific evidence that it prosecuted and punished trafficking offenders, protected victims of all forms of trafficking, or implemented victim protection policies or programs to prevent human trafficking (2010)

Illicit drugs:

territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone for US- and European-bound drugs; established the death penalty for certain drug-related crimes in 1999 (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Curacao (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Curacao

Background:

Originally settled by Arawak Indians, Curacao was seized by the Dutch in 1634 along with the neighboring island of Bonaire. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch Caribbean possesions were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography ::Curacao

Location:

Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea - located 56.35 km off the coast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

12 10 N, 69 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 444 sq km country comparison to the world: 198 land: 444 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

none

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semi-arid with average rainfall of 600 mm/year

Terrain:

generally low, hilly terrain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mt. Christoffel, 372m

Natural resources:

calcium phosphates, aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Land use:

arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 90%

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

NA

Natural hazards:

Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group

People ::Curacao

Population:

142,180 (est. January 2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.1% (males 15,337/females 14,589)

15-64 years: 66.7% (males 42,896/females 51,998)

65 years and over: 12.2% (males 6,972/females 10,388) (2010)

Population growth rate:

NA

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

8 deaths/1,000 population (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Net migration rate:

1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008) country comparison to the world: 50

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.15 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010)

Life expectancy at birth:

total: NA
males: 72.4 years
females: 80.1 years (2009)

Total fertility rate:

2.1 children born/woman (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.1%, Protestant 5.5%, none 4.6%, Pentecostal 3.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7%, Jewish 0.8%, other 1.3%, not reported 0.3% (2001 census)

Languages:

Papiamento 81.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), Dutch 8% (official), Spanish 4%, English 2.9%, other 3.9% (2001 census)

Government ::Curacao

Country name:

Dutch long form: Land Curacao

Dutch short form: Curacao

Papiamentu long form: Pais Korsou

Papiamentu short form: Korsou
former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Willemstad
geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter pending

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 10 October 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Gerrit SCHOTTE (since 10 October 2010)

cabinet: Executive Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister by the parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament or Staten (21 seats; members elected by popular vote for four year terms)

elections: last held 27 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAR 30%, MFK 21%, PS 19%, MAN 9%, FOL 7%, PNP 6%; seats by party - PAR 8, MFK 5, PS 4, MAN 2, FOL 1, PNP 1

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Frente Obrero Liberashon (Workers' Liberation Front) or FOL [Anthony
GODETT]; Movimentu Antiyas Nobo (New Antilles Movement) or MAN
[Charles COOPER]; Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK [Gerrit SCHOTTE];
Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR [Emily DE JONGH-ELHAGE]; People's
National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY]; Pueblo Soberano or PS
[Herman WIELS]

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Valerie BELON
consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao
mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao
telephone: [599] (9) 4613066

FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

Flag description:

on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger - appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun; the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five continents from which Curacao's people derive

National anthem:

name: Himmo di Korsou (Anthem of Curacao)

lyrics/music: Guillermo ROSARIO, Mae HENRIQUEZ, Enrique MULLER, Betty DORAN/Frater Candidus NOWENS, Errol "El Toro" COLINA
note: adapted 1978; the lyrics, originally written in 1899, were rewritten in 1978 to make them less colonial in nature

Economy ::Curacao

Economy - overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Although GDP grew slightly during the past decade, the island enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. Curacao has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil tankers. The Venezuelan state oil company leases the single refinery on the island from the government; most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela; most of the refined products are exported to the US. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico being the major suppliers. The government is attempting to diversify its industry and trade and has signed an Association Agreement with the EU to expand business there. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems complicate reform of the health and pension systems for an aging population.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.838 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $2.606 billion (2007 est.)

$2.452 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.08 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2008) country comparison to the world: 98 2.2% (2007)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,970 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 15%
services: 84% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

63,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 16.9%
services: 81.8%

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2009 est,) country comparison to the world: 46 6.8% (2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment facilities, light manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

848.5 kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 214

Exports:

$876 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 note: excludes oil

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 13.1%, Guatemala 10.8%, Singapore 10.7%, Dominican Republic 9.6%,
Haiti 7.6%, The Bahamas 6.1%, Honduras 4.5%, Mexico 4.2% (2009 est.)

Imports:

$1.34 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.2%, Brazil 8.1% (2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Transportation ::Curacao

Airports:

1 country comparison to the world: 231

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 550 km country comparison to the world: 191

Ports and terminals:

Bullen Baai, Fuik Bay, Willemstad

Military ::Curacao

Military branches:

the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao; other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Curacao), and Police Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

no conscription (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Cyprus (Europe)

Introduction ::Cyprus

Background:

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-occupied area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), but it is recognized only by Turkey. The election of a new Cypriot president in 2008 served as the impetus for the UN to encourage both the Turkish and Cypriot Governments to reopen unification negotiations. In September 2008, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities started negotiations under UN auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens of European Union states.

Geography ::Cyprus

Location:

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus) country comparison to the world: 170 land: 9,241 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 150.4 km (approximately)

border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km (approximately)

Coastline:

648 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain:

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

Natural resources:

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

Land use:

arable land: 10.81%
permanent crops: 4.32%
other: 84.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%)

per capita: 250 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Environment - current issues:

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia)

People ::Cyprus

Population:

1,102,677 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17% (male 94,655/female 89,337)

15-64 years: 73.1% (male 411,952/female 381,074)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 46,610/female 61,120) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years
male: 33.2 years
female: 36.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.663% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Birth rate:

11.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Death rate:

6.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Net migration rate:

11.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Urbanization:

urban population: 70% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 155 male: 11.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.66 years country comparison to the world: 52 male: 74.88 years
female: 80.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.45 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Ethnic groups:

Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% (2001)

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and
Armenian Apostolic) 4%

Languages:

Greek (official), Turkish (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.6%
male: 98.9%
female: 96.3% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 19

Government ::Cyprus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus
conventional short form: Cyprus
local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti
local short form: Kypros/Kibris
note: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC")

Government type:

republic
note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in July 1974 that followed a Greek military-junta-supported coup attempt that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), which is recognized only by Turkey

Capital:

name: Nicosia (Lefkosia)

geographic coordinates: 35 10 N, 33 22 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and Larnaca

Independence:

16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Constitution:

16 August 1960
note: from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and for better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974 Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which became the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" when the Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5 May 1985, although the "TRNC" remains unrecognized by any country other than Turkey

Legal system:

based on English common law with civil law modifications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot
head of government: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%
note: Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April 2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results - Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Huseyin OZGURGUN is "TRNC acting prime minister"

Legislative branch:

unicameral - area under government control: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: area under government control: last held on 21 May 2006 (next to be held in May 2011); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: area under government control: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - AKEL 31.1%, DISY 30.3%, DIKO 17.9%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 5.8%, Greens 2.0%; seats by party - AKEL 18, DISY 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 4, EURO.KO 4, Greens 1; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president and vice president)

note: there is also a Supreme Court in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Political parties and leaders:

area under government control: Democratic Party or DIKO [Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES]; European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU]; Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Michalis PAPAPETROU]

area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Centrist Party or HP [Rasit
PERTEV]; Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus
Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP
[Serdaer DENKTASH]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI];
National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Nationalist Justice
Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI];
Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican
Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP
[Izzet IZCAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West); Confederation of
Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of Turkish Cypriot
Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation or PEO
(Communist controlled)

International organization participation:

Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF
(associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES
chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710
consulate(s) general: New York
note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the US is Hilmi AKIL; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone [1] (202) 887-6198

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Frank C. URBANCIC, Jr.

embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi, Nicosia
mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia
telephone: [357] (22) 393939

FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Flag description:

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities
note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national flag but with the colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
note: adopted 1960; Cyprus adopted the Greek national anthem as its own; the Turkish community in Cyprus uses the anthem of Turkey

Economy ::Cyprus

Economy - overview:

The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts for nearly four-fifths of GDP. Tourism, financial services, and real estate are the most important sectors. Erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area under government control has grown at a rate well above the EU average since 2000. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008. An aggressive austerity program in the preceding years, aimed at paving the way for the euro, helped turn a soaring fiscal deficit (6.3% in 2003) into a surplus of 1.2% in 2008, and reduced inflation to 4.7%. This prosperity came under pressure in 2009, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial crisis. Although Cyprus lagged its EU peers in showing signs of stress from the global crisis, the economy tipped into recession in mid 2009 and contracted 1.8% for the year. In addition, the budget deficit is on the rise and reached 5.7% of GDP in 2010, a violation of the EU's budget deficit criteria of no more than 3% of GDP. In response to the country's deteriorating finances, Nicosia is promising to implement measures to cut the cost of the state payroll, curb tax evasion, and revamp social benefits. However, it has been slow to act, lacking a consensus in parliament and among the social partners for its proposed measures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $23.04 billion (2009 est.)

$23.45 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.75 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 -1.8% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $21,300 (2009 est.)

$22,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 18.6%
services: 79.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

400,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8.5%
industry: 20.5%
services: 71% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 5.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2005) country comparison to the world: 117

Investment (gross fixed):

19.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Public debt:

61.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 0.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 115 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.49% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.341 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 98 $4.602 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Cypriot pounds in circulation prior to Cyprus joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$50.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$101.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $80.68 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.993 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 71 $7.955 billion (31 December 2008)

$29.48 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables; poultry, pork, lamb; dairy, cheese

Industries:

tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum production, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone, and clay products

Industrial production growth rate:

0.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - production:

4.502 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Electricity - consumption:

4.277 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - consumption:

59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - imports:

58,930 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Current account balance:

-$2.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 -$1.915 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.232 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $2.065 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing

Exports - partners:

Greece 23.83%, Germany 9.2%, UK 8.78% (2009)

Imports:

$7.962 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $7.973 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

Greece 20.18%, Italy 10.67%, UK 8.95%, Germany 8.79%, Israel 6.99%,
China 5.52%, Netherlands 4.85%, France 4.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$32.61 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$29.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $26.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$16.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $15.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.4286 (2007), 0.4586 (2006)

Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots:

Economy - overview: The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the work force. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006, fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under government control. GDP declined about 2.0% in 2007. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the "TRNC's" budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in 2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and, because of its reliance on British and Turkish tourism, which has declined due to the recession. Turkish Cypriot finances also deteriorated in 2009 as decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on public sector salaries and social services led to a large budget deficit. As tourism and the world economy picked up, the economy grew about 0.6% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.829 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: -0.6% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita: $11,700 (2007 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%, services: 69.1% (2006 est.)

Labor force: 95,030 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%, services: 56.5% (2004)

Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line: %NA

Inflation rate: 11.4% (2006)

Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006)

Agriculture - products: citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes, olives, poultry, lamb

Industries: foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture

Industrial production growth rate: -0.3% (2007 est.)

Electricity production: 998.9 million kWh (2005)

Electricity consumption: 797.9 million kWh (2005)

Exports: $68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Export - commodities: citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles

Export - partners: Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Imports: $1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Import - commodities: vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals, chemicals, machinery

Import - partners: Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $NA

Debt - external: $NA

Currency (code): Turkish new lira (YTL)

Exchange rates: Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.319 (2007) 1.4286 (2006) 1.3436 (2005) 1.4255 (2004) 1.5009 (2003)

Communications ::Cyprus

Telephones - main lines in use:

area under government control: 414,500 (2009); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: 86,228 (2002) country comparison to the world: 101

Telephones - mobile cellular:

area under government control: 977,500 (2009); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: 147,522 (2002) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent in both area under government control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots
domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay
international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat)

Broadcast media:

mixture of state and privately-run television and radio services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations, and privately-owned TV and radio broadcast stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.cy

Internet hosts:

187,881 (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Internet users:

433,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Transportation ::Cyprus

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 14,671 km country comparison to the world: 122 12,321 km under government control (includes 257 km of expressways),

2,350 km administered by Turkish Cypriots (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 839 country comparison to the world: 13 by type: bulk carrier 267, cargo 173, chemical tanker 77, container 193, liquefied gas 10, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 24, petroleum tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 4
foreign-owned: 637 (Austria 1, Belgium 2, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, Chile 1, China 6, Cuba 1, Denmark 6, Estonia 7, France 16, Germany 189, Greece 216, Hong Kong 2, India 2, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Israel 1, Italy 6, Japan 19, Monaco 1, Netherlands 24, Norway 12, Philippines 1, Poland 20, Portugal 2, Russia 47, Singapore 1, Slovenia 4, Spain 7, Sweden 5, Syria 1, UAE 5, UK 7, Ukraine 2, US 7)

registered in other countries: 138 (Bahamas 14, Belize 1, Burma 1, Cambodia 8, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 4, Hong Kong 3, Liberia 7, Malta 29, Marshall Islands 38, Norway 1, Panama 8, Russia 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 3, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

area under government control: Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos;; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

Military ::Cyprus

Military branches:

Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); northern Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term; length of normal service is 25 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):

males age 16-49: 322,807
females age 16-49: 284,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):

males age 16-49: 271,692
females age 16-49: 236,908 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,317
female: 7,542 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Transnational Issues ::Cyprus

Disputes - international:

hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto autonomous entities, the internationally recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot community (north Cyprus); the 1,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has served in Cyprus since 1964 and maintains the buffer zone between north and south; on 1 May 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union still divided, with the EU's body of legislation and standards (acquis communitaire) suspended in the north; Turkey protests Cypriot Government creating hydrocarbon blocks and maritime boundary with Lebanon in March 2007

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many displaced for over 30 years) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey; some cocaine transits as well; despite a strengthening of anti-money-laundering legislation, remains vulnerable to money laundering; reporting of suspicious transactions in offshore sector remains weak (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Czech Republic (Europe)

Introduction ::Czech Republic

Background:

Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Geography ::Czech Republic

Location:

Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78,867 sq km country comparison to the world: 115 land: 77,247 sq km
water: 1,620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,989 km
border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 815 km, Poland 615 km, Slovakia 197 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Elbe River 115 m
highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Natural resources:

hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Land use:

arable land: 38.82%
permanent crops: 3%
other: 58.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

240 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

16 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.91 cu km/yr (41%/57%/2%)

per capita: 187 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code should improve domestic pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe

People ::Czech Republic

Population:

10,201,707 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.6% (male 712,045/female 673,657)

15-64 years: 71% (male 3,641,887/female 3,604,044)

65 years and over: 15.5% (male 623,882/female 956,389) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.4 years
male: 38.9 years
female: 42.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Birth rate:

8.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Death rate:

10.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Net migration rate:

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 208 male: 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.01 years country comparison to the world: 62 male: 73.74 years
female: 80.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 10 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Nationality:

noun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Ethnic groups:

Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, other 4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant 2.1%, other 3.3%, unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)

Languages:

Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, unidentified 0.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 88

Government ::Czech Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Czech Republic
conventional short form: Czech Republic
local long form: Ceska Republika
local short form: Cesko

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Prague
geographic coordinates: 50 05 N, 14 28 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital city* (hlavni mesto); Jihocesky (South Bohemia), Jihomoravsky (South Moravia), Karlovarsky, Kralovehradecky, Liberecky, Moravskoslezsky (Moravia-Silesia), Olomoucky, Pardubicky, Plzensky (Pilsen), Praha (Prague)*, Stredocesky (Central Bohemia), Ustecky, Vysocina, Zlinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the Czech Republic came into being, the Czechs generally consider 28 October 1918, the day the former Czechoslovakia declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as their independence day

National holiday:

Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Constitution:

ratified on 16 December 1992, effective on 1 January 1993; amended in 1997, 2000, 2001 (twice), 2002

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; legal code modified to bring it in line with European Union obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July 2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 15 February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008 were inconclusive; next election to be held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February 2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 votes (third round; combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held in two rounds on 15-16 and 22-23 October 2010 (next to be held by October 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28-29 May 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CSSD 41, ODS 25, KDU-CSL 6, TOP 09 5, others 4; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 22.1%, ODS 20.2%, TOP 09 16.7%, KSCM 11.3%, VV 10.9%; seats by party - CSSD 56, ODS 53, TOP 09 41, KSCM 26, VV 24

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Supreme Administrative Court; chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the president for a 10-year term

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independent Candidates-European Democrats or SNK-ED
[Zdenka MARKOVA]; Christian Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's
Party or KDU-CSL [Pavel BELOBRADEK]; Civic Democratic Party or ODS
[Petr NECAS]; Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia or KSCM
[Vojtech FILIP]; Czech Social Democratic Party or CSSD [Bohuslav
SOBOTKA (acting)]; Green Party [Ondrej LISKA]; Public Affairs (VV)
[Radek JOHN]; Tradice Odpovednost Prosperita 09 or TOP 09 [Karel
SCHWARZENBERG]; Union of Freedom-Democratic Union or US-DEU [Jan
CERNY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions or CMKOS [Jaroslav
ZAVADIL]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC,
EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Daniel KOSTOVAL
chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joseph PENNINGTON
embassy: Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [420] 257 022 000

FAX: [420] 257 022 809

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
note: is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia; uses the Pan-Slav colors inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Kde domov muj?" (Where is My Home?)

lyrics/music: Josef Kajetan TYL/Frantisek Jan SKROUP
note: adopted 1993; the anthem is a verse from the former Czechoslovakian anthem originally written as part of the opera "Fidlovacka"

Economy ::Czech Republic

Economy - overview:

The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe. Maintaining an open investment climate has been a key element of the Czech Republic's transition from a communist, centrally planned economy to a functioning market economy. As a member of the European Union, with an advantageous location in the center of Europe, a relatively low cost structure, and a well-qualified labor force, the Czech Republic is an attractive destination for foreign investment. Prior to its EU accession in 2004, the Czech government harmonized its laws and regulations with those of the European Union. The small, open, export-driven Czech economy grew by over 6% annually from 2005-2007 and by 2.5% in 2008. The conservative Czech financial system has remained relatively healthy throughout 2009. Nevertheless, the real economy contracted by 4.1% in 2009, mainly due to a significant drop in external demand as the Czech Republic's main export markets fell into recession. GDP is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2010, driven largely by a rebound in external demand, particularly from Gremany.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$261.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $256.9 billion (2009 est.)

$267.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$195.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 -4.1% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $25,200 (2009 est.)

$26,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 38.3%
services: 59.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.37 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 40.2%
services: 56.2% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

9.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.3%
highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 131 25.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Public debt:

40% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 34% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 131 2.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.99% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 6.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$96.82 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 32 $92.95 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$138.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $139 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$119.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $118.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$52.69 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 52 $48.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$73.42 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, poultry

Industries:

motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment, glass, armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - production:

82.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - consumption:

61.65 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - exports:

19.99 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.52 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

10,970 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - consumption:

207,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - exports:

29,670 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - imports:

219,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - production:

176 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - consumption:

8.182 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - exports:

1.111 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - imports:

9.683 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.964 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Current account balance:

-$5.956 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 -$2.146 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$116.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $112.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuel, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Germany 32.25%, Slovakia 9.02%, Poland 5.8%, France 5.62%, UK 4.93%,
Austria 4.71%, Italy 4.38% (2009)

Imports:

$109.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $103.1 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 30.67%, Poland 6.97%, Slovakia 6.6%, Netherlands 5.99%,
China 5.7%, Austria 5.26%, Russia 4.93%, Italy 3.98% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$38.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$86.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $82.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$126.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $121.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$15.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $14.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

koruny (CZK) per US dollar - 19.737 (2010), 19.063 (2009), 17.064 (2008), 20.53 (2007), 22.596 (2006)

Communications ::Czech Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.092 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14.258 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization and modernization of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but is advancing steadily; virtually all exchanges now digital; existing copper subscriber systems enhanced with Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other digital signals; trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: access to the fixed-line telephone network expanded throughout the 1990s but the number of fixed line connections has been dropping since then; mobile telephone usage increased sharply beginning in the mid-1990s and the number of cellular telephone subscriptions now greatly exceeds the population
international: country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2 Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar) (2009)

Broadcast media:

roughly 130 television broadcasters operating some 350 television channels with 4 publicly operated and the remainder in private hands; 13 television stations have national coverage with 4 being publicly operated; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; about 70 radio broadcasters are registered operating roughly 85 radio stations with 15 stations publicly operated; 16 radio stations provide national coverage with the remainder local or regional (2008)

Internet country code:

.cz

Internet hosts:

3.494 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 25

Internet users:

6.681 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Transportation ::Czech Republic

Airports:

122 (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 44
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 78

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 50 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7,010 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 9,620 km country comparison to the world: 22 standard gauge: 9,521 km 1.435-m gauge (3,013 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 99 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 128,582 km country comparison to the world: 37 paved: 128,582 km (includes 691 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

664 km (principally on Elbe, Vltava, Oder, and other navigable rivers, lakes, and canals) (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Ports and terminals:

Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Military ::Czech Republic

Military branches:

Army of the Czech Republic (ACR): Joint Forces Command (includes Land Forces and Air Forces), Support and Training Forces Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,517,268
females age 16-49: 2,418,163 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,086,662
females age 16-49: 2,003,055 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,139
female: 52,440 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.46% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Transnational Issues ::Czech Republic

Disputes - international:

while threats of international legal action never materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the popular Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless Prague closes its controversial Soviet-style nuclear plant in Temelin, bordering Austria

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and minor transit point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for local and regional markets; susceptible to money laundering related to drug trafficking, organized crime; significant consumer of ecstasy (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Denmark (Europe)

Introduction ::Denmark

Background:

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Geography ::Denmark

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 43,094 sq km country comparison to the world: 133 land: 42,434 sq km
water: 660 sq km
note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 68 km
border countries: Germany 68 km

Coastline:

7,314 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Terrain:

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
highest point: Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand

Land use:

arable land: 52.59%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 47.22% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,490 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)

per capita: 123 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen

People ::Denmark

Population:

5,515,575 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.1% (male 511,882/female 485,782)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,817,800/female 1,798,964)

65 years and over: 16.1% (male 387,142/female 498,940) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.7 years
male: 39.8 years
female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.267% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Birth rate:

10.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Death rate:

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Net migration rate:

2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 198 male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.47 years country comparison to the world: 47 male: 76.11 years
female: 80.97 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.74 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Nationality:

noun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and
Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)

note: English is the predominant second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 18 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

7.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 12

Government ::Denmark

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
conventional short form: Denmark
local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
local short form: Danmark

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Copenhagen
geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components

Administrative divisions:

metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark
note: an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Independence:

ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson); 5 June 1849 (becomes a constitutional monarchy)

National holiday:

none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day

Constitution:

5 June 1953; note - constitution allowed for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968)

head of government: Prime Minister Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN (since 5 April 2009)

cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)

elections: last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.2%, Social Democrats 25.5%, Danish People's Party 13.9%, Socialist People's Party 13.0%, Conservative People's Party 10.4%, Social Liberal Party 5.1%, New Alliance 2.8%, Red-Green Unity List 2.2%, other 0.9%; seats by party - Liberal Party 46, Social Democrats 45, Danish People's Party 25, Socialist People's Party 23, Conservative People's Party 18, Social Liberal Party 9, New Alliance 5, Red-Green Alliance 4; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrats [Bjarne Hartung KIRKEGAARD] (was Christian
People's Party); Conservative Party [Lars BARFOED] (sometimes known
as Conservative People's Party); Danish People's Party [Pia
KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Alliance [Anders SAMUELSEN] (formerly known as
New Alliance); Liberal Party [Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN]; Red-Green
Unity List (Alliance) [collective leadership] (bloc includes Left
Socialist Party, Communist Party of Denmark, Socialist Workers'
Party); Social Democratic Party [Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT]; Social
Liberal Party [Margrethe VESTAGER]; Socialist People's Party [Villy
SOEVNDAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn Neergaard
LARSEN]; Principal DA member organizations: Confederation of Danish
Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]; Confederation of Danish Labor
Unions [President Harald BORSTING]; Danish Bankers Association [CEO
Joergen HORWITZ]; DaneAge Association [President Bjarne HASTRUP];
Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella Maria
BISSCHOP-LARSEN]

other: humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN
chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen
mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716
telephone: [45] 33 41 71 00

FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Flag description:

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
note: the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

National anthem:

name: "Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Land); "Kong Christian" (King Christian)

lyrics/music: Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown
note: Denmark has two national anthems with equal status; "Der er et yndigt land," adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while "Kong Christian," adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem; "Kong Christian" is also known as "Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast" (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and "Kongesangen" (The King's Anthem); within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem; when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed; outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested

Economy ::Denmark

Economy - overview:

This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable distribution of income, and comfortable living standards. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.7% in 2009. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%, about half the level of the EU. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$204.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $200.5 billion (2009 est.)

$210.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$304.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 -4.7% (2009 est.)

-0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $36,400 (2009 est.)

$38,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 22.8%
services: 76.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.82 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.5%
industry: 20.2%
services: 77.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 4.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.1% (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 28.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2007) country comparison to the world: 118 24.7 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Public debt:

46.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 41.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 1.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 110 3.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$148.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 23 $153.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$209 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $226.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$636.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $671.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$186.9 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 30 $131.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$277.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products; fish

Industries:

iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products, shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - production:

36.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - consumption:

34.3 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - exports:

11.36 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

12.82 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

262,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - consumption:

166,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - exports:

268,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - imports:

173,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - proved reserves:

1.06 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - production:

8.398 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - consumption:

4.41 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - exports:

3.98 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - proved reserves:

61.3 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Current account balance:

$14.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $12.43 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$99.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $91.51 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Exports - partners:

Germany 17.53%, Sweden 12.68%, UK 8.49%, US 6.05%, Norway 6.01%,
Netherlands 4.84%, France 4.57% (2009)

Imports:

$90.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $84.46 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Germany 21.07%, Sweden 13.18%, Norway 7%, Netherlands 6.97%, China 6.22%, UK 5.53% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$76.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$559.5 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 18 $588.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$149.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $144.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $186.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2010), 5.3609 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Denmark

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.062 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.406 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 79

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph services
domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems
international: country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2008)

Broadcast media:

strong public-sector television presence with state-owned Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 4 channels and publicly-owned TV2 operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of privately-owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations; approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations are operational (2007)

Internet country code:

.dk

Internet hosts:

4.145 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 22

Internet users:

4.75 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Transportation ::Denmark

Airports:

92 (2010) country comparison to the world: 65

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 28
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 64

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,858 km; oil 107 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,667 km country comparison to the world: 64 standard gauge: 2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 73,197 km country comparison to the world: 64 paved: 73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

400 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 89

Merchant marine:

total: 347 country comparison to the world: 28 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 56, carrier 1, chemical tanker 104, container 87, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 38, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 6, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 32 (Germany 10, Greece 1, Iceland 3, Norway 2, Sweden 16)

registered in other countries: 592 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas
59, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 12, Georgia 1,
Gibraltar 6, Hong Kong 41, Isle of Man 26, Italy 4, Jamaica 1,
Liberia 4, Lithuania 8, Malaysia 1, Malta 41, Marshall Islands 7,
Mexico 2, Netherlands 36, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 11,
Panama 46, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19,
Singapore 125, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 15, UK 46, Uruguay 1,
US 34, Venezuela 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia, Kalundborg

Military ::Denmark

Military branches:

Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet,
Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,235,947
females age 16-49: 1,221,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,013,814
females age 16-49: 1,001,411 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 37,831
female: 35,930 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Transnational Issues ::Denmark

Disputes - international:

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese continue
to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with
Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere
Island and Greenland

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Dhekelia (Europe)

Introduction ::Dhekelia

Background:

By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.

Geography ::Dhekelia

Location:

Eastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus near
Famagusta

Geographic coordinates:

34 59 N, 33 45 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 130.8 sq km country comparison to the world: 222 note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves

Area - comparative:

about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 103 km (approximately)

border countries: Cyprus 103 km (approximately)

Coastline:

27.5 km

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Environment - current issues:

netting and trapping of small migrant songbirds in the spring and autumn

Geography - note:

British extraterritorial rights also extended to several small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base Area land 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

People ::Dhekelia

Population:

approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 service and UK based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents country comparison to the world: 220

Languages:

English, Greek

Government ::Dhekelia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Dhekelia

Dependency status:

a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Capital:

name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia); located in Akrotiri
geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Constitution:

Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal document

Legal system:

the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws of the Republic of Cyprus

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

the flag of the UK is used

National anthem:

note: as a United Kingdom area of special sovereignty,"God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Dhekelia

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to the military and their families located in Dhekelia. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Industries:

none

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008)

note: on 1 January 2008, Dhekelia and Akrotiri adopted the euro along with the rest of Cyprus

Communications ::Dhekelia

Broadcast media:

British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base (2009)

Military ::Dhekelia

Military - note:

includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station connected by a roadway
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Djibouti (Africa)

Introduction ::Djibouti

Background:

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term in 2005. Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains a significant military presence in the country but also has strong ties with the US. Djibouti hosts the only US military base in sub-Saharan Africa and is a front-line state in the global war on terrorism.

Geography ::Djibouti

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between
Eritrea and Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

11 30 N, 43 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 23,200 sq km country comparison to the world: 150 land: 23,180 sq km
water: 20 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 516 km
border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Coastline:

314 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

desert; torrid, dry

Terrain:

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m
highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Natural resources:

potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 0.04%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (84%/0%/16%)

per capita: 25 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods
volcanism: Djibouti experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba (elev. 298 m, 978 ft) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located along the Ethiopian border, is also historically active

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land; desertification; endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in Africa

People ::Djibouti

Population:

740,528 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.3% (male 131,878/female 131,449)

15-64 years: 60.4% (male 194,503/female 243,495)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,462/female 12,835) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.4 years
male: 19.8 years
female: 22.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.181% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Birth rate:

25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Death rate:

8.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Net migration rate:

4.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 20

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.8 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 39 male: 64.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 48.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.73 years country comparison to the world: 186 male: 58.31 years
female: 63.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.79 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Ethnic groups:

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian)

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.9%
male: 78%
female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 4 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

8.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 8

Government ::Djibouti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti
conventional short form: Djibouti
local long form: Republique de Djibouti/Jumhuriyat Jibuti
local short form: Djibouti/Jibuti
former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Djibouti
geographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah

Independence:

27 June 1977 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 4 September 1992; note - constitution allows for multiparties

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law; accepts ICJ compulsory jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4 March 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; president is eligible to hold office until age 75; election last held on 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - constitutional amendments in 2010 provided for the establishment of a senate
elections: last held on 8 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP (coalition of parties associated with President Ismail Omar GUELLAH) 65

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la Restauration de l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD]; People's Progress Assembly or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing party); Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon FARAH]; Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed YOUSSOUF]; Union for a Presidential Majority or UMP [Mohamed Dileita DILEITA] (a coalition of parties including RPP, FRUD, PND, and PPSD); Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD (opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, and UDJ)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE Oudine
chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270

FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James C. SWAN
embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti
mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti
telephone: [253] 35 39 95

FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the struggle for independence and stands for unity

National anthem:

name: "Jabuuti" (Djibouti)

lyrics/music: Aden ELMI/Abdi ROBLEH
note: adopted 1977

Economy ::Djibouti

Economy - overview:

The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of nearly 60% in urban areas continues to be a major problem. While inflation is not a concern, due to the fixed tie of the Djiboutian franc to the US dollar, the artificially high value of the Djiboutian franc adversely affects Djibouti's balance of payments. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% between 1999 and 2006 because of recession, civil war, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Djibouti has experienced relatively minimal impact from the global economic downturn, but its reliance on diesel-generated electricity and imported food leave average consumers vulnerable to global price shocks.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.099 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $2.003 billion (2009 est.)

$1.908 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.139 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 5% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $2,800 (2009 est.)

$2,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.2%
industry: 14.9%
services: 81.9% (2006)

Labor force:

351,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 159

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

59% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 note: data are for urban areas, 83% in rural areas

Population below poverty line:

42% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 30.9% (2002)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2009 est.) 5% country comparison to the world: 161

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 11.56% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$577.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 156 $462.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$940.8 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $800.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$339 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 168 $269.9 million (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides

Industries:

construction, agricultural processing

Electricity - production:

280 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Electricity - consumption:

260.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - consumption:

12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - exports:

19 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - imports:

8,476 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Current account balance:

-$352 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 -$212 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$100 million (2009); $340 million country comparison to the world: 192

Exports - commodities:

reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Exports - partners:

Somalia 76.68%, France 4.89%, UAE 4.22% (2009)

Imports:

$644 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $1.555 billion (2006)

Imports - commodities:

foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.26%, India 16.03%, China 14.26%, US 9.57%, Malaysia 6.63%, Japan 4.74% (2009)

Debt - external:

$428 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 165

Exchange rates:

Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.71 (2007), 174.75 (2006), 177.72 (2005), 177.72 (2004), 177.72 (2003)

Communications ::Djibouti

Telephones - main lines in use:

16,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 197

Telephones - mobile cellular:

128,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 179

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti are adequate, as are the microwave radio relay connections to outlying areas of the country
domestic: Djibouti Telecom is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city
international: country code - 253; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat); Medarabtel regional microwave radio relay telephone network (2009)

Broadcast media:

maintains restrictions on the licensing and operation of broadcast media; state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti (RTD) operates the sole terrestrial TV station as well as the only 2 domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.dj

Internet hosts:

195 (2010) country comparison to the world: 196

Internet users:

25,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Transportation ::Djibouti

Airports:

13 (2010) country comparison to the world: 151

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the 781 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway) country comparison to the world: 126 narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge
note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is largely inoperable (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,065 km country comparison to the world: 164 paved: 1,226 km
unpaved: 1,839 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Djibouti

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom

Military ::Djibouti

Military branches:

Djibouti National Army (includes Navy and Air Force)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 16-25 years of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 165,000
females age 16-49: 213,894 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 110,441
females age 16-49: 147,939 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,260
female: 8,503 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 30

Transnational Issues ::Djibouti

Disputes - international:

Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008 restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in 2008, Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 8,642 (Somalia) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Dominica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Dominica

Background:

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Geography ::Dominica

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

15 25 N, 61 20 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 751 sq km country comparison to the world: 188 land: 751 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

148 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Terrain:

rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 6.67%
permanent crops: 21.33%
other: 72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr
per capita: 213 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world

People ::Dominica

Population:

72,813 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24% (male 8,910/female 8,518)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 24,532/female 23,301)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 3,187/female 4,212) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years
male: 29.8 years
female: 30.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Birth rate:

15.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Death rate:

8.12 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Net migration rate:

-5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 132 male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.77 years country comparison to the world: 76 male: 72.82 years
female: 78.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.08 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

black 86.8%, mixed 8.9%, Carib Amerindian 2.9%, white 0.8%, other 0.7% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal 5.6%,
Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other or
unspecified 1.6%, none 6.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 94%
male: 94%
female: 94% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 79

Government ::Dominica

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica
conventional short form: Dominica

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Roseau
geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter

Independence:

3 November 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Constitution:

3 November 1978

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since October 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 1 October 2003 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in 2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of the opposition

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats; 9 members appointed, 21 elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 December 2009 (next to be held in 2015); note - tradition dictates that the election will be held within five years of the last election, but technically it is five years from the first seating of parliament (12 May 2005) plus a 90-day grace period
election results: percent of vote by party - DLP 61.2%, UWP 34.9%; seats by party - DLP 18, UWP 3

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica Labor
Party or DLP [Roosevelt SKERRIT]; Dominica United Workers Party or
UWP [Earl WILLIAMS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hubert J. CHARLES
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

Flag description:

green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou Parrot, unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for social justice

National anthem:

name: "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendor"

lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN
note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Dominica

Economy - overview:

The Dominican economy has been dependent on agriculture - primarily bananas - in years past, but increasingly has been driven by tourism as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. In order to diversify the island's production base, the government also is attempting to develop an offshore financial sector and has signed an agreement with the EU to develop geothermal energy resources. In 2003, the government began a comprehensive restructuring of the economy - including elimination of price controls, privatization of the state banana company, and tax increases - to address an economic and financial crisis and to meet IMF requirements. This restructuring paved the way for an economic recovery - real growth for 2006 reached a two-decade high - and helped to reduce the debt burden, which remains at about 85% of GDP. Hurricane Dean struck the island in August 2007 causing damages equivalent to 20% of GDP. In 2009, growth slowed as a result of the global recession; it picked up only slightly in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$765.4 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $754.8 million (2009 est.)

$757.1 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$375 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 -0.3% (2009 est.)

3.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$10,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.7%
industry: 32.8%
services: 49.5% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

25,000 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40%
industry: 32%
services: 28% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

23% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Population below poverty line:

30% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

78% of GDP (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 85% of GDP (2006 est.) (2006 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 2.7% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.02% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 9.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$74.84 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 183 $67.94 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$398.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 176 $362 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$213.6 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 $193.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, citrus, mangos, root crops, coconuts, cocoa
note: forest and fishery potential not exploited

Industries:

soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

85 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Electricity - consumption:

79.05 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - imports:

838 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Current account balance:

-$72 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Exports:

$94 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 194

Exports - commodities:

bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Exports - partners:

Japan 28.62%, UK 19.81%, Antigua and Barbuda 7.7%, Guyana 6.52%,
Jamaica 5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$296 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 196

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 31.29%, US 19.73%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.8%, China 11.58% (2009)

Debt - external:

$213 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 174

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Dominica

Telephones - main lines in use:

17,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Telephones - mobile cellular:

106,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully automatic network
domestic: Fixed-line teledensity is roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity approached 150 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 1-767; landing points for the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN) submarine cables providing connectivity to other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint Lucia

Broadcast media:

no terrestrial television service available; subscription cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming plus channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean; state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately-owned radio broadcasts on about 15 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.dm

Internet hosts:

718 (2010) country comparison to the world: 174

Internet users:

28,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Transportation ::Dominica

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 208

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 780 km country comparison to the world: 187 paved: 393 km
unpaved: 387 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 40 country comparison to the world: 78 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 20, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 37 (Australia 1, Estonia 6, Germany 2, Greece 9, India 2, Latvia 1, Norway 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 1, Syria 2, Turkey 1, Ukraine 2)

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Portsmouth, Roseau

Military ::Dominica

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,975 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,963
females age 16-49: 15,426 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 729
female: 688 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Dominica

Disputes - international:

Dominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf claims over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; minor cannabis producer (2008)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Dominican Republic (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Dominican Republic

Background:

Explored and claimed by Christopher COLUMBUS on his first voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821 but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930-61. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the United States led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in an election to become president. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. Former President (1996-2000) Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna won election to a new term in 2004 following a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to serve more than one term, and was since reelected to a second consecutive term.

Geography ::Dominican Republic

Location:

Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 70 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 48,670 sq km country comparison to the world: 131 land: 48,320 sq km
water: 350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km
border countries: Haiti 360 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 6 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Terrain:

rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m
highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Natural resources:

nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land: 22.49%
permanent crops: 10.26%
other: 67.25% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

21 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.39 cu km/yr (32%/2%/66%)

per capita: 381 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti

People ::Dominican Republic

Population:

9,823,821 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 1,543,141/female 1,488,016)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 3,087,351/female 2,960,319)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 264,476/female 306,751) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years
male: 25.6 years
female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.357% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Birth rate:

19.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Death rate:

4.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Net migration rate:

-2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.1 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 90 male: 25.11 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.15 years country comparison to the world: 60 male: 75.01 years
female: 79.38 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

62,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87%
male: 86.8%
female: 87.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 13 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 165

Government ::Dominican Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Dominican Republic
conventional short form: The Dominican
local long form: Republica Dominicana
local short form: La Dominicana

Government type:

democratic republic

Capital:

name: Santo Domingo
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district*
(distrito); Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*,
Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia,
La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor
Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata,
Salcedo, Samana, San Cristobal, San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San
Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez Ramirez, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez,
Santo Domingo, Valverde

Independence:

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Constitution:

28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002 and January 2010

Legal system:

based on French civil codes; Criminal Procedures Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed forces and national police cannot vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16 August 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 16 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent of vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY less than 5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (32 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Diputados (178 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2014); House of Representatives - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLD 31, PRD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLD 105, PRD 75, PRSC 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the National Judicial Council comprised of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and an additional non-governing party congressional representative)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna];
Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Ramon ALBURQUERQUE]; National
Progressive Front [Vincent CASTILLO, Pelegrin CASTILLO]; Social
Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Enrique ANTUN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Citizen Participation Group (Participacion Ciudadania); Collective of Popular Organizations or COP; Foundation for Institution-Building and Justice (FINJUS)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto B. SALADIN Selin
chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280

FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Boston, Chicago, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Sun Valley (California)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Raul H. YZAGUIRRE
embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo
mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500
telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171

FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

Flag description:

a centered white cross that extends to the edges divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch (left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross; above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon; in the shield a bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free); blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Emilio PRUD"HOMME/Jose REYES
note: adopted 1934; also known as "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valient Sons of Quisqueye); the anthem never refers to the people as Dominican but rather calls them "Quisqueyanos," a reference to the indigenous name of the island

Economy ::Dominican Republic

Economy - overview:

The Dominican Republic has long been viewed primarily as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, but in recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the economy's largest employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade zones. The economy is highly dependent upon the US, the destination for nearly 60% of exports. Remittances from the US amount to about a tenth of GDP, equivalent to almost half of exports and three-quarters of tourism receipts. The country suffers from marked income inequality; the poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GDP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of GDP. High unemployment and underemployment remains an important long-term challenge. The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) came into force in March 2007, boosting investment and exports and reducing losses to the Asian garment industry. The growth of the Dominican Republic's economy slowed in 2008-09 because of the global recession, but still remained one of the fastest growing in the region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$84.94 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $81.52 billion (2009 est.)

$78.76 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$50.87 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 3.5% (2009 est.)

5.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $8,400 (2009 est.)

$8,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.5%
industry: 21%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.498 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14.6%
industry: 22.3%
services: 63.1% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 14.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

42.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 38.7% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 25 47.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Public debt:

41.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 40.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 1.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.14% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 19.95% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.734 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 93 $4.079 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$15.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$21.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $18.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs

Industries:

tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - production:

14.02 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - consumption:

12.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - consumption:

118,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - imports:

116,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - consumption:

470 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - imports:

470 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Current account balance:

-$3.862 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.161 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $5.462 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Exports - partners:

US 54.08%, Haiti 9.78% (2009)

Imports:

$14.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

US 42.79%, Venezuela 7.04%, Mexico 6.17%, Colombia 5.59% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.705 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $2.905 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $11.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$19.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $17.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$59 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar - 36.92 (2010), 36.027 (2009), 34.775 (2008), 33.113 (2007), 33.406 (2006)

Communications ::Dominican Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

965,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.63 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Telephone system:

general assessment: relatively efficient system based on island-wide microwave radio relay network
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons; multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership of roughly 75 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-809; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), Antillas 1, and the
Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast media; 1 state-owned television network and a number of private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals throughout country; combination of state-owned and privately-owned radio stations; more than 300 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.do

Internet hosts:

283,298 (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Internet users:

2.701 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Transportation ::Dominican Republic

Airports:

35 (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,784 km country comparison to the world: 77 standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,409 km 1.076-m, 0.889-m, and 0.762-m gauges
note: 1,226 km operated by sugar companies in 1.076 m, 0.889 m, and 0.762-m gauges (2008)

Roadways:

total: 19,705 km country comparison to the world: 110 paved: 9,872 km
unpaved: 9,833 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 161 by type: cargo 1
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Andres (Boca Chica), Puerto Haina, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo

Military ::Dominican Republic

Military branches:

Army, Navy (Marina de Guerra), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Dominicana,
FAD) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-21 years of age for compulsory military service; recruits must be Dominican Republic citizens; women may volunteer (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,514,160
females age 16-49: 2,395,804 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,090,785
females age 16-49: 1,957,233 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 98,394
female: 94,576 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Transnational Issues ::Dominican Republic

Disputes - international:

Haitian migrants cross the porous border into the Dominican Republic to find work; illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage each year to Puerto Rico to find better work

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: the Dominican Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; a large number of Dominican women are trafficked into prostitution and sexual exploitation in Western Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Caribbean destinations; a significant number of women, boys, and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude
tier rating: Tier 3 - for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of not adequately investigating and prosecuting public officials who may be complicit with trafficking activity, and inadequate government efforts to protect trafficking victims; the government has taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts with children through criminal prosecutions (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; has become a transshipment point for ecstasy from the Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada; substantial money laundering activity in particular by Colombian narcotics traffickers; significant amphetamine consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Ecuador (South America)

Introduction ::Ecuador

Background:

What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period has been marred by political instability. Protests in Quito contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four democratically elected Presidents. In September 2008, voters approved a new constitution; Ecuador's twentieth since gaining independence. General elections, under the new constitutional framework, were held in April 2009, and voters re-elected President Rafael CORREA.

Geography ::Ecuador

Location:

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 77 30 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 283,561 sq km country comparison to the world: 73 land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
note: includes Galapagos Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Nevada

Land boundaries:

total: 2,010 km
border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,237 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm
continental shelf: 100 nm from 2,500-m isobath

Climate:

tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Terrain:

coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m
note: due to the fact that the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet furthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea-level

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 4.81%
other: 89.48% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

432 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 16.98 cu km/yr (12%/5%/82%)

per capita: 1,283 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts
volcanism: Ecuador experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Sangay (elev. 5,230 m, 17,159 ft), which erupted in 2010, is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (elev. 1,476 m, 4,842 ft), a shield volcano that last erupted in 2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

People ::Ecuador

Population:

14,790,608 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.1% (male 2,312,610/female 2,220,378)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 4,506,908/female 4,636,703)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 432,144/female 464,358) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.3 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.466% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Birth rate:

20.32 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Death rate:

5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Net migration rate:

-0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 100 male: 23.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.52 years country comparison to the world: 81 male: 72.58 years
female: 78.6 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

26,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91%
male: 92.3%
female: 89.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 182

Government ::Ecuador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador
conventional short form: Ecuador
local long form: Republica del Ecuador
local short form: Ecuador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Quito
geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar,
Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos,
Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo,
Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los
Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Independence:

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Constitution:

20 October 2008

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal, compulsory for persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected for another consecutive term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 52%; Lucio GUTIERREZ 28.2%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.4%; other 8.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (124 seats; members are elected through a party-list proportional representation system to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAIS 59, PSP 19, PSC 11, PRIAN 7, MPD 5, PRE 3, other 20; note - defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the various parties

Judicial branch:

National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (according to the Constitution, justices are elected through a procedure overseen by the Judiciary Council); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (Constitutional Court justices are appointed by a commission composed of two delegates each from the Executive, Legislative, and Transparency branches of government)

Political parties and leaders:

Alianza PAIS movement [Rafael Vicente CORREA Delgado]; Christian
Democratic Union or UDC [Luis ACOSTA Moreta]; Democratic Left or ID
[Dalton BACIGALUPO]; Ethical and Democratic Network or RED [Martha
ROLDOS]; Institutional Renewal and National Action Party or PRIAN
[Vicente TAIANO]; Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement - New
Country or MUPP-NP [Jorge GUAMAN Coronel]; Patriotic Society Party
or PSP [Lucio GUTIERREZ Borbua]; Popular Democratic Movement or MPD
[Luis VILLACIS]; Roldosist Party or PRE [Abdala BUCARAM Pulley,
director]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Pascual DEL CIOPPO];
Socialist Party - Broad Front or PS-FA [Silvia SALGADO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or CONAIE
[Marlon SANTI, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or CMS
[F. Napoleon SALTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of
Ecuador or FEINE [Manuel CHUGCHILAN, president]; National Federation
of Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Luis
Alberto ANDRANGO Cadena, president]

International organization participation:

CAN, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH,
NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Benigno GALLEGOS Chiriboga
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200

FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Heather HODGES
embassy: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: Avenida Guayacanes N52-205 y Avenida Avigiras
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000

FAX: [593] (2) 398-5100
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Columbia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice
note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms

National anthem:

name: "Salve, Oh Patria!" (We Salute You Our Homeland)

lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE
note: adopted 1948; Juan Leon MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung

Economy ::Ecuador

Economy - overview:

Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe economic crisis, with GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly, the banking system collapsed, and Ecuador defaulted on its external debt later that year. In March 2000, the Congress approved a series of structural reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional exports. From 2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25 years. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth rate of 7.2% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum prices. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007, defaulted on Ecuador's sovereign debt in December 2008, refusing to make payment on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing over 80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under the CORREA administration - including an announcement in late 2009 terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties - have generated economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment. The Ecuadorian economy slowed to 0.4% growth in 2009 due to the global financial crisis, and the sharp decline in world oil prices and remittance flows, but picked up to a 2.4% growth rate in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $112 billion (2009 est.)

$111.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$61.49 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 0.4% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $7,700 (2009 est.)

$7,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.8%
industry: 32.9%
services: 60.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.59 million (urban) (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8.3%
industry: 21.2%
services: 70.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 8.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

35.1% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 43.3%
note: data for urban households only (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.9 (2009) country comparison to the world: 31 50.5 (2006)

note: data are for urban households

Investment (gross fixed):

23.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Public debt:

23.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 19.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 8.4% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.19% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 50 9.14% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 9.14% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.198 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 83 $5.201 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $15.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$14.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.248 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 83 $4.562 billion (31 December 2008)

$4.266 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca), plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - production:

16.42 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - consumption:

15.81 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - exports:

20.68 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

485,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - consumption:

181,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - exports:

327,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - imports:

54,190 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - proved reserves:

6.542 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - production:

260 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - consumption:

260 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.985 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Current account balance:

-$692 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 -$337.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$17.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14.35 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, hemp, wood, fish

Exports - partners:

US 33.5%, Peru 6.8%, Chile 6.5%, Columbia 4.9%, Colombia 4.58%,
Russia 4.11% (2009)

Imports:

$17.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $14.27 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, nondurable consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 25.4%, Columbia 10.6%, Venezuela 6.5%, Brazil 4.5%, Brazil 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $3.792 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$14.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $13.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$12.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $11.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$8.019 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

1 (2010), 1 (2009)

note: the US dollar is legal tender

Communications ::Ecuador

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.004 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 56

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.635 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded
domestic: fixed-line services provided by multiple telecommunications operators; fixed-line teledensity stands at about 14 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular use has surged and subscribership reached about 95 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 593; landing points for the PAN-AM and South America-1 submarine cables that provide links to the west coast of South America, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and extending onward to Aruba and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

private broadcast media dominate; all stations are privately-owned except for 1 government-controlled station; multiple television networks, a number of national TV channels, and a large number of local channels; more than 400 radio stations; broadcast media required by law to give the government free air time to broadcast programs produced by the state (2007)

Internet country code:

.ec

Internet hosts:

67,975 (2010) country comparison to the world: 82

Internet users:

3.352 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Transportation ::Ecuador

Airports:

428 (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 105
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 323

914 to 1,523 m: 39
under 914 m: 284 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 435 km; gas 5 km; oil 1,374 km; refined products 1,301 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 965 km country comparison to the world: 91 narrow gauge: 965 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 43,670 km country comparison to the world: 86 paved: 6,472 km
unpaved: 37,198 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,500 km (most inaccessible) (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Merchant marine:

total: 41 country comparison to the world: 76 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1, passenger 9, petroleum tanker 26, refrigerated cargo 1
registered in other countries: 7 (Bolivia 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar

Military ::Ecuador

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry, Naval Aviation, Coast Guard),
Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for selective conscript military service; 12-month service obligation (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,662,176
females age 16-49: 3,781,102 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,770,465
females age 16-49: 3,217,235 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 150,296
female: 145,184 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Transnational Issues ::Ecuador

Disputes - international:

organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate across Ecuador's shared border, which thousands of Colombians also cross to escape the violence in their home country

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 11,526 (Colombia); note - UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Columbians are seeking asylum in Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of deportation (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant transit country for cocaine originating in Colombia and Peru, with much of the US-bound cocaine passing through Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; attractive location for cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of dollarization and weak anti-money-laundering regime; increased activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and Colombian insurgents (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Egypt (Africa)

Introduction ::Egypt

Background:

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty with the overthrow of the British-backed monarchy in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's growing population through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.

Geography ::Egypt

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,001,450 sq km country comparison to the world: 30 land: 995,450 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,665 km
border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km

Coastline:

2,450 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain:

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, rare earth elements, zinc

Land use:

arable land: 2.92%
permanent crops: 0.5%
other: 96.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

34,220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

86.8 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 68.3 cu km/yr (8%/6%/86%)

per capita: 923 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes; flash floods; landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms; sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile, which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics; dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues; prone to influxes of refugees

People ::Egypt

Population:

80,471,869 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33% (male 13,308,407/female 12,711,900)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 25,138,546/female 24,342,230)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,546,774/female 1,818,778) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24 years
male: 23.8 years
female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.997% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Birth rate:

25.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Death rate:

4.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Net migration rate:

-0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 82 male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.4 years country comparison to the world: 122 male: 69.82 years
female: 75.1 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Ethnic groups:

Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)

Religions:

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 71.4%
male: 83%
female: 59.4% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 113

Government ::Egypt

Country name:

conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt
conventional short form: Egypt
local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
local short form: Misr
former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Cairo
geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends first Friday in August

Administrative divisions:

29 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Ad Daqahliyah, Al
Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrah (El Beheira), Al Fayyum (El
Faiyum), Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al Isma'iliyah
(Ismailia), Al Jizah (Giza), Al Minufiyah (El Monofia), Al Minya, Al
Qahirah (Cairo), Al Qalyubiyah, Al Uqsur, Al Wadi al Jadid (New
Valley), As Suways (Suez), Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf
(Beni Suef), Bur Sa'id (Port Said), Dumyat (Damietta), Helwan, Janub
Sina' (South Sinai), Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh (Western Desert), Qina
(Qena), Shamal Sina' (North Sinai), Sittah Uktubar, Suhaj (Sohag)

Independence:

28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the revolution that began 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June 1953 and all British troops withdrawn 18 June 1956); note - it was in ca. 3200 B.C. that the Two Lands of Upper (southern) and Lower (northern) Egypt were first united politically

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

Constitution:

11 September 1971; amended 22 May 1980, 25 May 2005, and 26 March 2007

Legal system:

based on Islamic and civil law (particularly Napoleonic codes); judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular referendum; last referendum held on 26 September 1999; first election under terms of the constitutional amendment held on 7 September 2005 (next scheduled for 2011)

election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote - Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral system consists of the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (Shura Council) that traditionally functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 members elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half of the elected members) and the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (518 seats; 508 members elected by popular vote, 64 seats reserved for women, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Advisory Council - last held in June 2007 (next to be held in 2013); People's Assembly - last held in November-December 2010 in one round of voting and one run-off election (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 80, Al-Geel 1, Nasserist 1, NWP 1, Tagammu 1, Tomorrow Party 1, independents 3; People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 419, NWP 6, Tagammu 5, Democratic Peace Party 1, Social Justice Party 1, Tomorrow Party 1, independents 71, seats undecided 4, seats appointed by president 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Geel; Democratic Peace Party; Nasserist Party [Ahmed HASSAN];
National Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed Hosni
MUBARAK]; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Rifaat
EL-SAID]; New Wafd Party or NWP [Sayed EL-BEDAWY]; Social Justice
Party [Mohamed Abdel Al HASAN]; Tomorrow Party [Ayman NOURI]

note: formation of political parties must be approved by the government; only parties with representation in elected bodies are listed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Muslim Brotherhood (technically illegal)

note: despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties and political activity, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes Egypt's most potentially significant political opposition; President MUBARAK has alternated between tolerating limited political activity by the Brotherhood and blocking its influence (its members compete as independents in elections but do not currently hold any seats in the legislature); civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; only trade unions and professional associations affiliated with the government are officially sanctioned; Internet social networking groups and bloggers

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CICA, COMESA,
D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS
(observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sameh Hassan SHOUKRY
chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret SCOBEY
embassy: 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo
mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900; 5 Tawfik Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo
telephone: [20] (2) 2797-3300

FAX: [20] (2) 2797-3200

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)

note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

National anthem:

name: "Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" (My Homeland, My Homeland, My Homeland)

lyrics/music: Younis-al QADI/Sayed DARWISH
note: adopted 1979; after the signing of the 1979 peace with Israel, Egypt sought to create an anthem less militaristic than its previous one; Sayed DARWISH, commonly considered the father of modern Egyptian music, composed the anthem

Economy ::Egypt

Economy - overview:

Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during the rule of former President Gamal Abdel NASSER but has opened up considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008 aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed the reform efforts. The budget deficit climbed to over 8% of GDP and Egypt's GDP growth slowed to 4.6% in 2009, predominately due to reduced growth in export-oriented sectors, including manufacturing and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. In 2010, the government spent more on infrastructure and public projects, and exports drove GDP growth to more than 5%, but GDP growth in 2011 is unlikely to bounce back to pre-global financial recession levels, when it stood at 7%. Despite the relatively high levels of economic growth over the past few years, living conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$500.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $475.7 billion (2009 est.)

$454.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$216.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 4.6% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $6,000 (2009 est.)

$5,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.5%
industry: 37.9%
services: 48.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

26.1 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 32%
industry: 17%
services: 51% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 9.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

20% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 27.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.4 (2001) country comparison to the world: 90

Investment (gross fixed):

18.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Public debt:

80.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 80.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 11.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 36 11.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 12.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$37.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 49 $33.42 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$166.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $146.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$145.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $131.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$89.95 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 $85.89 billion (31 December 2008)

$139.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

Industries:

textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light manufactures

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - production:

118.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - consumption:

104.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - exports:

814 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

251 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

680,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - consumption:

683,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - exports:

89,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - imports:

48,450 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - proved reserves:

4.3 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - production:

62.7 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - consumption:

42.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - exports:

8.55 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.656 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Current account balance:

$270 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 -$3.195 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$25.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $23.09 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals, processed food

Exports - partners:

US 7.95%, Italy 7.26%, Spain 6.78%, India 6.69%, Saudi Arabia 5.53%,
Syria 5.3%, France 4.39%, South Korea 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$46.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $45.56 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 9.92%, China 9.63%, Germany 6.98%, Italy 6.88%, Turkey 4.94% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$35.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$30.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $29.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$72.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $66.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $4.272 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar - 5.6124 (2010), 5.545 (2009), 5.4 (2008), 5.67 (2007), 5.725 (2006)

Communications ::Egypt

Telephones - main lines in use:

10.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55.352 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Telephone system:

general assessment: underwent extensive upgrading during 1990s; principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: largest fixed-line system in the region; as of 2010 there were three mobile-cellular networks with a total of more than 55 million subscribers
international: country code - 20; landing point for Aletar, the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks, Link Around the Globe (FLAG) Falcon and FLAG FEA; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat); tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Broadcast media:

mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks as well as a few satellite channels; about 20 private satellite channels and a large number of Arabic satellite channels are available via subscription; state-run radio operates about 70 stations belonging to 8 networks; 2 privately-owned radio stations operational (2008)

Internet country code:

.eg

Internet hosts:

187,197 (2010) country comparison to the world: 67

Internet users:

20.136 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Transportation ::Egypt

Airports:

86 (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 73
over 3,047 m: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 320 km; condensate/gas 13 km; gas 6,262 km; liquid petroleum gas 956 km; oil 4,319 km; oil/gas/water 3 km; refined products 895 km; unknown 59 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,500 km country comparison to the world: 33 standard gauge: 5,500 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 65,050 km country comparison to the world: 71 paved: 47,500 km
unpaved: 17,550 km (2009)

Waterways:

3,500 km country comparison to the world: 30 note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 66 country comparison to the world: 63 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 24, container 3, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 9
foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 1, France 1, Greece 8, Jordan 2, Lebanon 1)

registered in other countries: 52 (Cambodia 12, Cook Islands 1,
Georgia 11, Honduras 2, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 5,
Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 1,
Sierra Leone 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ayn Sukhnah, Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said, Sidi
Kurayr, Suez

Military ::Egypt

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for male conscript military service; service obligation 12-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve obligation (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,619,887
females age 16-49: 19,785,004 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,733,851
females age 16-49: 16,942,010 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 799,377
female: 764,602 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Transnational Issues ::Egypt

Disputes - international:

Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan breaches in the security wall with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the Sinai border; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 60,000 - 80,000 (Iraq); 70,198 (Palestinian Territories); 12,157 (Sudan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit point for cannabis, heroin, and opium moving to Europe, Israel, and North Africa; transit stop for Nigerian drug couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of financial regulations
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@El Salvador (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::El Salvador

Background:

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.

Geography ::El Salvador

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between
Guatemala and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 50 N, 88 55 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 21,041 sq km country comparison to the world: 153 land: 20,721 sq km
water: 320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 545 km
border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Coastline:

307 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 31.37%
permanent crops: 11.88%
other: 56.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

25.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.28 cu km/yr (25%/16%/59%)

per capita: 186 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
volcanism: El Salvador experiences significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (elev. 1,893 m, 6,211 ft), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (elev. 2,130 m, 6,988 ft), which last erupted in 2002, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea

People ::El Salvador

Population:

6,052,064 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.4% (male 1,299,608/female 1,245,617)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 2,033,423/female 2,225,810)

65 years and over: 5.3% (male 166,224/female 214,536) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years
male: 22.5 years
female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.332% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Birth rate:

18.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Death rate:

5.61 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Net migration rate:

-9.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 98 male: 23.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.18 years country comparison to the world: 116 male: 69.91 years
female: 76.62 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.12 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

35,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Salvadoran(s)

adjective: Salvadoran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%,
Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Literacy:

definition: age 5 and over can read and write
total population: 81.1%
male: 82.8%
female: 79.6% (2007 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 128

Government ::El Salvador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador
conventional short form: El Salvador
local long form: Republica de El Salvador
local short form: El Salvador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: San Salvador
geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan,
Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union,
Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana,
Sonsonate, Usulutan

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

20 December 1983

Legal system:

based on civil and Roman law with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 15 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president; percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (84 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FMLN 35, ARENA 32, PCN 11, PDC 5, CD 1; note - as of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the legislature by seats is as follows: FMLN 35, ARENA 19, GANA 16, PCN 10, PDC 2, CD 1, Independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (15 judges are selected by the
Legislative Assembly; the 15 judges are assigned to four Supreme
Court chambers - constitutional, civil, penal, and administrative
conflict)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER]; Democratic
Convergence or CD [Oscar KATTAN] (formerly United Democratic Center
or CDU); Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN [Medardo
GONZALEZ]; National Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro CRUZ ZEPEDA];
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA [Alfredo CRISTIANI]; Great
Alliance for National Unity or GANA [Andres ROVIRA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or ASI

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, CD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Robert ALTSCHUL Fuentes
chancery: Suite 100, 1400 16th Street, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671

FAX: [1] (202) 234-3763
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Dallas, Duluth (Georgia), Houston,
Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (2), Nogales (Arizona),
Santa Ana (California), San Francisco, Washington (DC), Woodbridge
(Virginia)

consulate(s): Boston, Elizabeth (New Jersey)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert BLAU
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: Unit 3450, APO AA 34023; 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999

FAX: [503] 2501-2150

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity
note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador)

lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE
note: officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; the anthem of El Salvador is one of the world's longest

Economy ::El Salvador

Economy - overview:

Despite being the smallest country geographically in Central America, El Salvador has the third largest economy in the region. The economy took a hit from the global recession and real GDP contracted by 3.5% in 2009. The economy began a slow recovery in 2010 on the back of improved export and remittances figures. Remittances accounted for 16% of GDP in 2009, and about a third of all households receive these transfers. In 2006 El Salvador was the first country to ratify the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which has bolstered the export of processed foods, sugar, and ethanol, and supported investment in the apparel sector amid increased Asian competition and the expiration of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. El Salvador has promoted an open trade and investment environment, and has embarked on a wave of privatizations extending to telecom, electricity distribution, banking, and pension funds. In late 2006, the government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed a five-year, $461 million compact to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the country's northern region, the primary conflict zone during the civil war, through investments in education, public services, enterprise development, and transportation infrastructure. With the adoption of the US dollar as its currency in 2001, El Salvador lost control over monetary policy. Any counter-cyclical policy response to the downturn must be through fiscal policy, which is constrained by legislative requirements for a two-thirds majority to approve any international financing.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$43.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $43.46 billion (2009 est.)

$45.04 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 -3.5% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $7,200 (2009 est.)

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%
industry: 29.1%
services: 59.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.94 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 19%
industry: 23%
services: 58% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 7.2% (2009 est.)

note: data are official rates; but the economy has much underemployment

Population below poverty line:

30.7% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%
highest 10%: 37% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

52.4 (2002) country comparison to the world: 18 52.5 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

13.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Public debt:

55% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 52.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 -0.2% (2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.33% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 120 7.81% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.534 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 117 $2.153 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.666 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $9.011 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $9.867 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.432 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 82 $4.656 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.743 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton, sorghum; beef, dairy products

Industries:

food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - production:

5.559 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - consumption:

4.676 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - exports:

7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

38 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - consumption:

46,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - exports:

1,927 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - imports:

46,310 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Current account balance:

-$907 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 -$374 million (2009)

Exports:

$4.377 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $3.797 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, textiles and apparel, gold, ethanol, chemicals, electricity, iron and steel manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 43.86%, Guatemala 13.92%, Honduras 13.22%, Nicaragua 5.65% (2009)

Imports:

$7.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $7.255 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels, foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 29.79%, Mexico 10.26%, Guatemala 9.7%, China 4.5%, Honduras 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.819 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $2.985 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$11.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $10.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$7.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $7.132 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$273 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $333 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001

Communications ::El Salvador

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.566 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Telephone system:

general assessment: multiple mobile-cellular providers are expanding services rapidly and in 2009 teledensity exceeded 100 per 100 persons; growth in fixed-line services has slowed in the face of mobile-cellular competition
domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system
international: country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned national terrestrial television networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international channels; hundreds of commercial radio broadcast stations and 1 government-owned radio broadcast station (2007)

Internet country code:

.sv

Internet hosts:

13,849 (2010) country comparison to the world: 119

Internet users:

746,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Transportation ::El Salvador

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 61

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 283 km country comparison to the world: 122 narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge
note: railways have been inoperable since 2005 because of disuse and high costs that led to a lack of maintenance (2008)

Roadways:

total: 10,886 km country comparison to the world: 134 paved: 2,827 km (includes 327 km of expressways)

unpaved: 8,059 km (2000)

Waterways:

Rio Lempa is partially navigable for small craft (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco

Military ::El Salvador

Military branches:

Salvadoran Army (ES), Salvadoran Navy (FNES), Salvadoran Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena, FAS) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service; service obligation - 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,426,142
females age 16-49: 1,590,778 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,056,532
females age 16-49: 1,356,824 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,292
female: 68,821 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Transnational Issues ::El Salvador

Disputes - international:

International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras boundary, in 1992, with final agreement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca advocating Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not identified in the ICJ decision, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of marijuana produced for local consumption; significant use of cocaine
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Equatorial Guinea (Africa)

Introduction ::Equatorial Guinea

Background:

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996, 2002, and 2009 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004 legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's third largest oil exporter. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the population's living standards.

Geography ::Equatorial Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and
Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 28,051 sq km country comparison to the world: 145 land: 28,051 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 539 km
border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Coastline:

296 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

Land use:

arable land: 4.63%
permanent crops: 3.57%
other: 91.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

26 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.11 cu km/yr (83%/16%/1%)

per capita: 220 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

violent windstorms; flash floods
volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano; Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

insular and continental regions widely separated

People ::Equatorial Guinea

Population:

650,702 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.9% (male 134,823/female 130,308)

15-64 years: 54% (male 167,820/female 174,238)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 11,574/female 14,678) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 19.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.674% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Birth rate:

36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 74

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 79.47 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 14 male: 80.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 78.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.98 years country comparison to the world: 182 male: 61.05 years
female: 62.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

370 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Ethnic groups:

Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Religions:

nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices

Languages:

Spanish 67.6% (official), other 32.4% (includes French (official),
Fang, Bubi) (1994 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87%
male: 93.4%
female: 80.5% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 185

Government ::Equatorial Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial Guinea
conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea
local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial/Republique de Guinee equatoriale
local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial/Guinee equatoriale
former: Spanish Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Malabo
geographic coordinates: 3 45 N, 8 47 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

Independence:

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January 1995

Legal system:

partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July 2008);
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president; percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico ABOGO 3.6%; elections marred by widespread fraud

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of People's Representatives or Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (100 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 May 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDGE 89, EC 10, CPDS 1
note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all executive authority in the president

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS [Placido MICO Abogo];
Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE [Teodoro OBIANG
NGUEMA MBASOGO] (ruling party); Electoral Coalition or EC; Party for
Progress of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo MOTO]; Popular Action
of Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Avelino MOCACHE]; Popular Union or UP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ASODEGUE (Madrid-based pressure group for democratic reform); Global
Witness (anti-corruption)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP (associate), FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Purificacion ANGUE ONDO
chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700

FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alberto M. FERNANDEZ
embassy: K-3, Carreterade Aeropuerto, al lado de Restaurante El Paraiso, Malabo; note - relocated embassy is opened for limited functions; inquiries should continue to be directed to the US Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon
mailing address: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon; US Embassy Yaounde, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
telephone: [237] 2220-1500

FAX: [237] 2220-1572

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the fight for independence

National anthem:

name: "Caminemos pisando la senda" (Let Us Tread the Path)

lyrics/music: Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO/Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO or Ramiro Sanchez LOPEZ (disputed)

note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Equatorial Guinea

Economy - overview:

The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth but fluctuating oil prices have produced huge swings in GDP growth in recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming is the dominate form of livelihood. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its intention to reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off since 1993 because of corruption and mismanagement. Government officials and their family members own most businesses, but corruption is rampant. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth remained strong in 2008, led by oil, but dropped in 2009-10, as the price of oil fell.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$24.66 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $24.18 billion (2009 est.)

$22.96 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.55 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 5.3% (2009 est.)

11.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $38,200 (2009 est.)

$37,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 93.9%
services: 3.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

195,200 NA (2007) country comparison to the world: 170

Unemployment rate:

30% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

29.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Public debt:

4.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 5.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 7.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 100 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.86 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 121 $1.295 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.207 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.473 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.534 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 136 $3.579 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca), bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Industries:

petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - production:

28 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Electricity - consumption:

26.04 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

346,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - exports:

362,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - imports:

1,114 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - proved reserves:

1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - production:

6.67 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - consumption:

1.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - exports:

5.17 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - proved reserves:

36.81 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Current account balance:

-$1.477 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 -$1.883 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $8.495 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Exports - partners:

US 30.31%, China 12.54%, Japan 9.21%, Spain 7.5%, South Korea 7.01%,
Taiwan 5.63%, Italy 5.38%, Netherlands 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$5.743 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $5.258 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Imports - partners:

China 19.97%, US 17.28%, Spain 14.94%, France 9.49%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.34%, Italy 5.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.086 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $3.252 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$832 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $766 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.4 (2006)

Communications ::Equatorial Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Telephones - mobile cellular:

445,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital fixed-line network in most major urban areas and good mobile coverage
domestic: fixed-line density is about 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing and in 2009 stood at about 70 percent of the population
international: country code - 240; international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state maintains control of broadcast media with domestic broadcast media limited to 1 state-owned TV station, 1 state-owned radio station, and 1 private radio station owned by the president's eldest son; satellite TV service is available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible (2007)

Internet country code:

.gq

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 221

Internet users:

14,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Transportation ::Equatorial Guinea

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 166

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 38 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 2,880 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 167

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 131 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bata, Luba, Malabo (2010)

Military ::Equatorial Guinea

Military branches:

National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Guinea Ecuatoria, GNGE (Army), with Coast Guard (Navy) and Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; women hold only administrative positions in the Coast Guard (2011)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 146,241
females age 16-49: 146,138 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 109,311
females age 16-49: 111,543 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,186
female: 6,920 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Transnational Issues ::Equatorial Guinea

Disputes - international:

in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but a dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River and imprecisely defined maritime coordinates in the ICJ decision delay final delimitation; UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane and lesser islands and to create a maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Equatorial Guinea is primarily a destination country for children trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and possibly for the purpose of sexual exploitation; children have been trafficked from nearby countries for domestic servitude, market labor, ambulant vending, and possibly sexual exploitation; women may also be trafficked to Equatorial Guinea from Cameroon, Benin, other neighboring countries, and China for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Equatorial Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting and convicting trafficking offenders and failing to formalize mechanisms to provide assistance to victims; although the government made some effort to enforce laws against child labor exploitation, it failed to report any trafficking prosecutions or convictions in 2007; the government continued to lack shelters or formal procedures for providing care to victims (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Eritrea (Africa)

Introduction ::Eritrea

Background:

The UN awarded Eritrea to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. Eritrea hosted a UN peacekeeping operation that monitored a 25 km-wide Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) on the border with Ethiopia. Eritrea's denial of fuel to the mission caused the UN to withdraw the mission and terminate its mandate 31 July 2008. An international commission, organized to resolve the border dispute, posted its findings in 2002. However, both parties have been unable to reach agreement on implementing the decision. On 30 November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission remotely demarcated the border by coordinates and dissolved itself, leaving Ethiopia still occupying several tracts of disputed territory, including the town of Badme. Eritrea accepted the EEBC's "virtual demarcation" decision and called on Ethiopia to remove its troops from the TSZ that it states is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has not accepted the virtual demarcation decision. In 2009 the UN imposed sanctions on Eritrea after accusing it of backing anti-Ethiopian Islamist insurgents in Somalia.

Geography ::Eritrea

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 39 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 117,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 100 land: 101,000 sq km
water: 16,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,626 km
border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Coastline:

2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea 1,083 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Terrain:

dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m
highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Natural resources:

gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land: 4.78%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 95.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

210 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.3 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (3%/0%/97%)

per capita: 68 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent droughts; locust swarms
volcanism: Dubbi (elev. 1,625 m, 5,331 ft), which last erupted in 1861, is the country's only historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993

People ::Eritrea

Population:

5,792,984 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.8% (male 1,212,848/female 1,202,240)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 1,483,169/female 1,547,078)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 92,009/female 109,824) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years
male: 18.2 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.522% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Birth rate:

33.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Death rate:

8.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 73

Urbanization:

urban population: 21% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 42.33 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 65 male: 47.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 36.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.15 years country comparison to the world: 180 male: 60.06 years
female: 64.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.6 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

38,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Ethnic groups:

nine recognized ethnic groups: Tigrinya 55%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Kunama 2%, Rashaida 2%, Bilen 2%, other (Afar, Beni Amir, Nera) 5% (2010 est.)

Religions:

Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Languages:

Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre,
Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 58.6%
male: 69.9%
female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years
male: 7 years
female: 5 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 168

Government ::Eritrea

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Eritrea
conventional short form: Eritrea
local long form: Hagere Ertra
local short form: Ertra
former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Government type:

transitional government
note: following a successful referendum on independence for the Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997, did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential elections; parliamentary elections were scheduled in December 2001 but were postponed indefinitely; currently the sole legal party is the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ)

Capital:

name: Asmara (Asmera)

geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); Anseba, Debub (South), Debubawi K'eyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash Barka, Ma'akel (Central), Semenawi Keyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea)

Independence:

24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Constitution:

adopted on 23 May 1997, but has not yet been fully implemented

Legal system:

primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957 with revisions; new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been promulgated; government also issues unilateral proclamations setting laws and policies; also relies on customary and post-independence-enacted laws and, for civil cases involving Muslims, Islamic law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993)

cabinet: State Council the collective executive authority; members appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and only election held on 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as anticipated)

election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member Constituent Assembly, which had been established in 1997 to discuss and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were postponed indefinitely

Judicial branch:

High Court - regional, subregional, and village courts; also have military and special courts

Political parties and leaders:

People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ [ISAIAS Afworki] (the only party recognized by the government); note - a National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in January 2001, but the full National Assembly has yet to debate or vote on it

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) [HAGOS, Mesfin]; Eritrean Islamic Jihad or EIJ (includes Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or EIJM also known as the Abu Sihel Movement); Eritrean Islamic Salvation or EIS (also known as the Arafa Movement); Eritrean Liberation Front or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National Alliance or ENA (a coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number of ELF factions) [HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF [ARADOM Iyob]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber),
ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador GHIRMAI Ghebremariam
chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991

FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304
consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joel REIFMAN
embassy: 179 Ala Street, Asmara
mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara
telephone: [291] (1) 120004

FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Flag description:

red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the shape of the country

National anthem:

name: "Ertra, Ertra, Ertra" (Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea)

lyrics/music: SOLOMON Tsehaye Beraki/Isaac Abraham MEHAREZGI and ARON Tekle Tesfatsion
note: adopted 1993; upon independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea adopted its own national anthem

Economy ::Eritrea

Economy - overview:

Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country, accentuated by the recent implementation of restrictive economic policies. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of the population - nearly 80% - is engaged in subsistence agriculture, but they produce only a small share of total output. Since the conclusion of the Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 2000, the government has maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's development agenda. The government strictly controls the use of foreign currency by limiting access and availability. Few private enterprises remain in Eritrea. Eritrea's economy depends heavily on taxes paid by members of the diaspora. Erratic rainfall and the delayed demobilization of agriculturalists from the military continue to interfere with agricultural production, and Eritrea's recent harvests have been unable to meet the food needs of the country. The Government continues to place its hope for additional revenue on the development of several international mining projects. Despite difficulties for international companies in working with the Eritrean Government, a Canadian mining company signed a contract with the government in 2007 and began mineral extraction in 2010. Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability to master social problems such as illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and more importantly, on the government's willingness to support a true market economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.178 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 $4.017 billion (2009 est.)

$3.877 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.254 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 3.6% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.8%
industry: 20.4%
services: 67.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.935 million NA (2007) country comparison to the world: 120

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

50% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

10.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221 20% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$1.382 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 128 $1.007 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.872 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $2.171 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.919 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $2.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal; livestock, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - production:

271 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - consumption:

228 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - imports:

4,790 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Current account balance:

-$212 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 -$188 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$25 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 $20 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures

Exports - partners:

India 25.3%, Italy 20.7%, Sudan 14.1%, China 12.9%, France 5.5%,
Saudi Arabia 5.4% (2008)

Imports:

$738 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $682 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 20.7%, India 13.6%, Italy 12.6%, China 9.9%, US 5.1%,
Germany 4.6% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$104 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $88 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$961.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 15.375 (2010), 15.375 (2009), 15.38 (2008), 15.5 (2007), 15.4 (2006)

Communications ::Eritrea

Telephones - main lines in use:

48,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Telephones - mobile cellular:

141,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; most telephones are in Asmara; government is seeking international tenders to improve the system (2002)

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership is only about 3 per 100 persons (2009)

international: country code - 291; note - international connections exist

Broadcast media:

government controls broadcast media with private ownership prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; state-owned radio operates 2 networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to international broadcast media are permitted (2007)

Internet country code:

.er

Internet hosts:

1,241 (2010) country comparison to the world: 166

Internet users:

200,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 140

Transportation ::Eritrea

Airports:

13 (2010) country comparison to the world: 152

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 306 km country comparison to the world: 120 narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 4,010 km country comparison to the world: 157 paved: 874 km
unpaved: 3,136 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 132 by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Assab, Massawa

Military ::Eritrea

Military branches:

Eritrean Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and compulsory military service; 16-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,307,012
females age 16-49: 1,319,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 864,608
females age 16-49: 920,104 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 64,489
female: 64,476 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Transnational Issues ::Eritrea

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision but, neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008 Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 32,000 (border war with Ethiopia from 1998-2000; most IDPs are near the central border region) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Eritrea is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; each year, large numbers of migrant workers depart Eritrea in search of work, particularly in the Gulf States, where some likely become victims of forced labor, including in domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation; thousands of Eritreans flee the country illegally, mostly to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya where their illegal status makes them vulnerable to situations of human trafficking; the government remains complicit in conscripting children into military service
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Eritrea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the Eritrean government does not operate with transparency and published neither data nor statistics regarding its efforts to combat human trafficking; it did not respond to requests to provide information for this report; the government made no known progress in prosecuting and punishing trafficking crimes over the reporting period and did not appear to provide any significant assistance to victims of trafficking during the reporting period (2009)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Estonia (Europe)

Introduction ::Estonia

Background:

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Estonia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

59 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 45,228 sq km country comparison to the world: 132 land: 42,388 sq km
water: 2,840 sq km
note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Land boundaries:

total: 633 km
border countries: Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

Coastline:

3,794 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Terrain:

marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Natural resources:

oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Land use:

arable land: 12.05%
permanent crops: 0.35%
other: 87.6% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

21.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%)

per capita: 1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Environment - current issues:

air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to water bodies in 2000 was one-20th the level of 1980; in connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

People ::Estonia

Population:

1,291,170 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.9% (male 99,748/female 94,051)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 417,816/female 459,246)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 75,486/female 153,024) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.2 years
male: 36.7 years
female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.635% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Birth rate:

10.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Death rate:

13.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Net migration rate:

-3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.063 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
total population: 0.84 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 167 male: 8.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.08 years country comparison to the world: 117 male: 67.74 years
female: 78.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Ethnic groups:

Estonian 68.7%, Russian 25.6%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian 1.2%, Finn 0.8%, other 1.6% (2008 census)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.8% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 68

Government ::Estonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Estonia
conventional short form: Estonia
local long form: Eesti Vabariik
local short form: Eesti
former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Tallinn
geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa (Tallinn),
Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa
(Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa
(Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuressaare),
Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa
(Voru)

note: counties have the administrative center name following in parentheses

Independence:

20 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was
the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia; 20
August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the
Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)

cabinet: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 March 2007 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 27.8%, Center Party of Estonia 26.1%, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 17.9%, Social Democratic Party 10.6%, Estonian Greens 7.1%, Estonian People's Union 7.1%, other 5%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 31, Center Party 28, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 19, Social Democratic Party 10, Estonian Greens 6, Estonian People's Union 6, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR]; Estonian
Greens (Rohelised) [Marek STRANDBERG]; Estonian People's Union
(Rahvaliit) [Juhan AARE]; Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond)
[Andrus ANSIP]; Social Democratic Party [Sven MIKSER]; Union of Pro
Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica Liit) [Mart LAAR]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vaino REINART
chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. POLT
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [372] 668-8100

FAX: [372] 668-8265

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun

National anthem:

name: "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy)

lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS
note: adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody with that of Finland but has different lyrics

Economy ::Estonia

Economy - overview:

Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms. The current government has pursued relatively sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and very low public debt. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy slowed down markedly and fell sharply into recession in mid-2008, primarily as a result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting of the real estate market bubble. GDP dropped nearly 15% in 2009, among the world's highest rates of contraction. A modest recovery began in 2010, but unemployment stands above 13%. Estonia adopted the euro in January 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$24.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $24.07 billion (2009 est.)

$27.96 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$19.22 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 -13.9% (2009 est.)

-5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $18,500 (2009 est.)

$21,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.5%
industry: 28.7%
services: 68.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

688,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.8%
industry: 22.7%
services: 74.5% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

13.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 13.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.5% (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.7% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34 (2008) country comparison to the world: 91 37 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Public debt:

7.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 7.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 -0.1% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.345 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 85 $5.822 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$10.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $11.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $20.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.654 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 94 $1.95 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.037 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Industries:

engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

10% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - production:

11.46 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - consumption:

7.686 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - exports:

2.31 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.369 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

7,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - consumption:

30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - exports:

7,280 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - imports:

30,590 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - consumption:

1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - imports:

1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Current account balance:

$265 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $898.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $9.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 29%, wood and paper 13%, metals 10%, food products 8%, textiles 5%, chemical products

Exports - partners:

Finland 18.57%, Sweden 12.52%, Latvia 9.51%, Russia 9.33%, Germany 6.09%, Lithuania 4.76%, US 4.26% (2009)

Imports:

$11.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $9.783 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 35%, textiles 19%, mineral fuels 19%, chemical products 9%, foodstuffs 6%

Imports - partners:

Finland 14.52%, Lithuania 10.84%, Latvia 10.47%, Germany 10.33%,
Russia 8.59%, Sweden 8.34%, Poland 5.63% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.641 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $3.981 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$25.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $25.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$17.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $16.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $6.534 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 12.11 (2010), 11.232 (2009), 10.7 (2008), 11.535 (2007), 12.473 (2006)

note: Estonia adopted the euro on 1 January 2011

Communications ::Estonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

492,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 98

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.72 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephone system:

general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available
domestic: substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online, and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local elections
international: country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 2 television channels; national private TV channels expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; high penetration rate for cable TV services with more than half of Estonian households connected; publicly-owned broadcaster, ERR, operates 4 radio networks and there are a growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.ee

Internet hosts:

729,534 (2010) country comparison to the world: 48

Internet users:

971,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 102

Transportation ::Estonia

Airports:

19 (2010) country comparison to the world: 136

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 859 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,196 km country comparison to the world: 86 broad gauge: 1,196 km 1.520 m/1.524-m gauge (131 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 58,034 km country comparison to the world: 78 paved: 34,936 km (includes 104 km of expressways)

unpaved: 23,098 km (2009)

Waterways:

520 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Merchant marine:

total: 24 country comparison to the world: 94 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn

Military ::Estonia

Military branches:

Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti
Ohuvagi), Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

obligation for compulsory service ages 16-60, with conscription "likely" ages 18-27; service requirement 8-11 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 297,096
females age 16-49: 308,229 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 213,740
females age 16-49: 255,926 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,945
female: 6,564 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Transnational Issues ::Estonia

Disputes - international:

Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's appending prepared a unilateral declaration referencing Soviet occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs:

growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord; potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Ethiopia (Africa)

Introduction ::Ethiopia

Background:

Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974, a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. A border war with Eritrea late in the 1990s ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. In November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission remotely demarcated the border by geographical coordinates, but final demarcation of the boundary on the ground is currently on hold because of Ethiopian objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to surrender territory considered sensitive to Ethiopia.

Geography ::Ethiopia

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,104,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 27 land: 1 million sq km
water: 104,300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,328 km
border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

Terrain:

high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m
highest point: Ras Dejen 4,533 m

Natural resources:

small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.01%
permanent crops: 0.65%
other: 89.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,900 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

110 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 5.56 cu km/yr (6%/0%/94%)

per capita: 72 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
volcanism: Ethiopia experiences volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley; Erta Ale (elev. 613 m, 2,011 ft), which has caused frequent lava flows in recent years, is the country's most active volcano; Dabbahu became active in 2005, causing evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Alayta, Dalaffilla, Dallol, Dama Ali, Fentale, Kone, Manda Hararo, and Manda-Inakir

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor management

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean

People ::Ethiopia

Population:

88,013,491 country comparison to the world: 14 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.1% (male 19,596,784/female 19,688,887)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 21,376,495/female 22,304,812)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 975,923/female 1,294,437) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.202% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Birth rate:

43.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Death rate:

11.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Net migration rate:

-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 119 note: repatriation of Ethiopian refugees residing in Sudan is expected to continue for several years; some Sudanese, Somali, and Eritrean refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to their homes (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 17% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 78.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 16 male: 90.08 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 55.8 years country comparison to the world: 196 male: 53.28 years
female: 58.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

980,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

67,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Ethnic groups:

Oromo 34.5%, Amara 26.9%, Somalie 6.2%, Tigraway 6.1%, Sidama 4%,
Guragie 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Affar 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%,
Gedeo 1.3%, other 11.3% (2007 Census)

Religions:

Orthodox 43.5%, Muslim 33.9%, Protestant 18.6%, traditional 2.6%,
Catholic 0.7%, other 0.7% (2007 Census)

Languages:

Amarigna (Amharic) (official) 32.7%, Oromigna (official regional) 31.6%, Tigrigna (official regional) 6.1%, Somaligna 6%, Guaragigna 3.5%, Sidamigna 3.5%, Hadiyigna 1.7%, other 14.8%, English (official) (major foreign language taught in schools), Arabic (official) (1994 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 42.7%
male: 50.3%
female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 8 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 44

Government ::Ethiopia

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
conventional short form: Ethiopia
local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik
local short form: Ityop'iya
former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa
abbreviation: FDRE

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Addis Ababa
geographic coordinates: 9 02 N, 38 42 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 ethnically based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and 2 self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular - astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara), Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples), Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali), Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples)

Independence:

oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at least 2,000 years (may be traced to the Aksumite Kingdom, which coalesced in the first centuries B.C.)

National holiday:

National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

Constitution:

ratified 8 December 1994, effective 22 August 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law; currently transitional mix of national and regional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8 October 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)

cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994 constitution; ministers selected by the prime minister and approved by the House of People's Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the House of People's Representatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister designated by the party in power following legislative elections
election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of vote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation (or upper chamber responsible for interpreting the constitution and federal-regional issues) (108 seats; members chosen by state assemblies to serve five-year terms) and the House of People's Representatives (or lower chamber responsible for passing legislation) (547 seats; members directly elected by popular vote from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 23 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - EPRDF 499, SPDP 24, BGPDP 9, ANDP 8, GPUDM 3, HNL 1, FORUM 1, APDO 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal Judicial Administrative Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [Mohammed KEDIR]; Arena Tigray; Argoba People's Democratic Organization or APDO; Benishangul Gumuz People's Democratic Party or BGPDP [Mulualem BESSE]; Coalition for Unity and Democratic Party or CUDP; Ethiopian Federal Democatic Forum or FORUM (a UDJ-led 8-party alliance established for the 2010 parliamentary elections); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF; Gambella Peoples Unity Democratic Movement or GPUDM [Umod UBONG]; Gurage Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM; Harari National League or HNL [Murad ABDULHADI]; Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement or OFDM [BULCHA Demeksa]; Oromo People's Congress or OPC [IMERERA Gudina]; Somali Democratic Alliance Forces or SODAF; Somali People's Democratic Party or SPDP; United Ethiopian Democratic Forces or UEDF [BEYENE Petros]; Unity for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Birtukan MEDEKSA, currently imprisoned]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front or EPPF; Ogaden National
Liberation Front or ONLF; Oromo Liberation Front or OLF [DAOUD Ibsa]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Tesfaye YILMA Sabo
chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200

FAX: [1] (202) 587-0195
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald E. BOOTH
embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa
mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa
telephone: [251] 11-517-40-00

FAX: [251] 11-517-40-01

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands; green represents hope and the fertility of the land, yellow symbolizes justice and harmony, while red stands for sacrifice and heroism in the defense of the land; the blue of the disk symbolizes peace and the pentagram represents the unity and equality of the nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia
note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the three main colors of her flag (adopted ca. 1895) were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the Pan-African colors; the emblem in the center of the current flag was added in 1996

National anthem:

name: "Whedefit Gesgeshi Woude Henate Ethiopia" (March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia)

lyrics/music: DEREJE Melaku Mengesha/SOLOMON Lulu
note: adopted 1992

Economy ::Ethiopia

Economy - overview:

Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on agriculture, accounting for almost 45% of GDP, and 85% of total employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian economy with exports of some $350 million in 2006, but historically low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to supplement income. Under Ethiopia's constitution, the state owns all land and provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable to use land as collateral for loans. In November 2001, Ethiopia qualified for debt relief from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and in December 2005 the IMF forgave Ethiopia's debt. The global economic downturn led to balance of payments pressures, partially alleviated by recent emergency funding from the IMF. While GDP growth has remained high, per capita inome is among the lowest in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$84.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $78.52 billion (2009 est.)

$72.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$30.94 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 8.7% (2009 est.)

11.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42.9%
industry: 13.7%
services: 43.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

37.9 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 17

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%
industry: 5%
services: 10% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

38.7% (FY05/06 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.1%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (2000) country comparison to the world: 112 40 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Public debt:

39.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 35.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 8.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 129 7% (31 December 2006)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.764 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 91 $4.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$8.248 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $8.641 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.661 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $9.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane, potatoes, qat, cut flowers; hides, cattle, sheep, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals processing, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - production:

3.46 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - consumption:

3.13 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - imports:

33,590 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - proved reserves:

430,000 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - proved reserves:

24.92 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Current account balance:

-$2.232 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 -$1.996 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.729 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.636 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

Exports - partners:

China 10.87%, Germany 9.75%, Saudi Arabia 7.39%, US 7.21%,
Netherlands 6.38%, Switzerland 5.33%, Sudan 4.35%, Belgium 4% (2009)

Imports:

$7.517 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $6.946 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

Imports - partners:

China 14.73%, Saudi Arabia 8.41%, India 7.65%, US 4.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $1.781 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.289 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $3.621 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

birr (ETB) per US dollar - 14.4 (2010), 11.7776 (2009), 9.57 (2008), 8.96 (2007), 8.69 (2006)

Communications ::Ethiopia

Telephones - main lines in use:

915,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.052 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate telephone system with the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) maintaining a monopoly over telecommunication services; open-wire, microwave radio relay; radio communication in the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; 2 domestic satellites provide the national trunk service
domestic: the number of fixed lines and mobile telephones is increasing from a small base; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity is only about 5 per 100 persons
international: country code - 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13 administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.et

Internet hosts:

151 (2010) country comparison to the world: 200

Internet users:

447,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Transportation ::Ethiopia

Airports:

61 (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 44

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Railways:

total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the 781 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad) country comparison to the world: 106 narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge
note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is largely inoperable (2008)

Roadways:

total: 36,469 km country comparison to the world: 94 paved: 6,980 km
unpaved: 29,489 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 118 by type: cargo 8, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ethiopia is landlocked and uses ports of Djibouti in Djibouti and
Berbera in Somalia

Military ::Ethiopia

Military branches:

Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF): Ground Forces, Ethiopian
Air Force (ETAF) (2010)

note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in Eritrean possession

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service, but the military can conduct call-ups when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,485,269
females age 16-49: 19,145,307 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,466,713
females age 16-49: 12,444,706 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 934,523
female: 947,103 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Transnational Issues ::Ethiopia

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by the 2002 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision, but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; the undemarcated former British administrative line has little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera and trade ties to landlocked Ethiopia; civil unrest in eastern Sudan has hampered efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 66,980 (Sudan); 16,576 (Somalia); 13,078 (Eritrea)

IDPs: 200,000 (border war with Eritrea from 1998-2000, ethnic clashes in Gambela, and ongoing Ethiopian military counterinsurgency in Somali region; most IDPs are in Tigray and Gambela Provinces) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia and destined for Europe, as well as cocaine destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (khat) for local use and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia (legal in all three countries); the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money laundering center
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@European Union (Europe)

Introduction ::European Union

Preliminary statement:

The evolution of the European Union (EU) from a regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to today's supranational organization of 27 countries across the European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation were long the norm in Europe. On a few occasions even country-level unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples - but for such a large number of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching entity is truly unique.

Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN, NAFTA, or Mercosur, and it has many of the attributes associated with independent nations: its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency, as well as an incipient common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations.

In the future, many of these nation-like characteristics are likely to be expanded. Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has been deemed appropriate as a new, separate entity in The World Factbook. However, because of the EU's special status, this description is placed after the regular country entries.

Background:

Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of European leaders in the late 1940s became convinced that the only way to establish a lasting peace was to unite the two chief belligerent nations - France and Germany - both economically and politically. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed an eventual union of all Europe, the first step of which would be the integration of the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The following year the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members, Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris.

The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other parts of the countries' economies. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states undertook to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and they have been held every five years since.

In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU). In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU, raising the membership total to 15.

A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of the 12 euro-area countries (the European Monetary Union or EMU) began using the euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia - and in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined, bringing the current membership to 27. In order to ensure that the EU can continue to function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (in force as of 1 February 2003) set forth rules streamlining the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish an EU constitution, begun in October 2004, failed to attain unanimous ratification. A new effort, undertaken in June 2007, created an Intergovernmental Conference to formulate a political agreement - initially known as the Reform Treaty but subsequently referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon - which would serve as a constitution. Unlike the constitution, however, the Treaty of Lisbon sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement - the Czech Republic signed on soon after. Treaty implementation began on 1 December 2009. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might be removed.

Geography ::European Union

Location:

Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west and Russia,
Belarus, and Ukraine to the east

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 4,324,782 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than one-half the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 12,440.8 km
border countries: Albania 282 km, Andorra 120.3 km, Belarus 1,050 km, Croatia 999 km, Holy See 3.2 km, Liechtenstein 34.9 km, Macedonia 394 km, Moldova 450 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Norway 2,348 km, Russia 2,257 km, San Marino 39 km, Serbia 945 km, Switzerland 1,811 km, Turkey 446 km, Ukraine 1,257 km
note: data for European Continent only

Coastline:

65,992.9 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Terrain:

fairly flat along the Baltic and Atlantic coast; mountainous in the central and southern areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lammefjord, Denmark -7 m; Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m
highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m; note - situated on the border between France and Italy

Natural resources:

iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Irrigated land:

168,050 sq km (2003 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy; periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94

signed but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

People ::European Union

Population:

492,387,344 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.44% (male 38,992,677/female 36,940,450)

15-64 years: 67.23% (male 166,412,403/female 164,295,636)

65 years and over: 17.33% (male 35,376,333/female 49,853,361) (2009 est.)

Median age:

note - see individual country entries of member states (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.098 % (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

9.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate:

10.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 181 male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.82 years country comparison to the world: 41 male: 75.7 years
female: 82.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

note - see individual country entries of member states

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

note - see individual country entries of member states

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish

Languages:

Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French,
Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian,
Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish,
Swedish

note: only official languages are listed; German, the major language of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is the most widely spoken mother tongue - over 19% of the EU population; English is the most widely spoken language - about 49% of the EU population is conversant with it (2007)

Government ::European Union

Union name:

conventional long form: European Union
abbreviation: EU

Political structure:

a hybrid intergovernmental and supranational organization

Capital:

name: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), Luxembourg
geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: the Council of the European Union meets in Brussels, Belgium; the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France; the Court of Justice of the European Communities meets in Luxembourg

Member states:

27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK; note - candidate countries: Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey

Independence:

7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the EU); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered into force)

National holiday:

Europe Day 9 May (1950); note - a Union-wide holiday, the day that
Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel
Community to achieve an organized Europe

Constitution:

none
note: based on a series of treaties: the Treaty of Paris, which set up the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951; the Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957; the Single European Act in 1986; the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht) in 1992; the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997; and the Treaty of Nice in 2003; note - a new draft Constitutional Treaty, signed on 29 October 2004 in Rome, gave member states two years for ratification either by parliamentary vote or national referendum before it was scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006; defeat in French and Dutch referenda in May-June 2005 dealt a severe setback to the ratification process; in June 2007, the European Council agreed on a clear and concise mandate for an Intergovernmental Conference to form a political agreement and put it into legal form; this agreement, known as the Reform Treaty, would have served as a constitution and was presented to the European Council in October 2007 for individual country ratification; it was rejected by Irish voters in June 2008, again stalling the ratification process; the Reform Treaty, more recently known as the Treaty of Lisbon, was again circulated for ratification, and by November 2009 was approved by all 27 countries; it came into effect on 1 December 2009

Legal system:

comparable to the legal systems of member states; first supranational law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of union: President of the European Commission Jose Manuel BARROSO (since 2004)

cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from each member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy areas) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president of the European Commission designated by member governments and confirmed by the European Parliament; working from member state recommendations, the Commission president then assembles a "college" of Commission members; the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; the next confirmation process will likely be held in January 2015
note: the European Council brings together heads of state and government and the president of the European Commission and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the major political issues relating to European integration and to issue general policy guidelines; leaders of the EU member states appointed then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY to be the first full-time president of the European Council in November 2009; he took office on 1 December 2009 and will serve a two-and-one-half-year term, renewable once; his core responsibilities include chairing the four summits each year and providing continuity beyond the rotating, six-month presidencies of the Council of the EU

Legislative branch:

two legislative bodies consisting of the Council of the European Union (27 member-state ministers having 345 votes; the number of votes is roughly proportional to member-states' population) and the European Parliament (736 seats; seats allocated among member states in proportion to population; members elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year term); note - the Council is the main decision-making body of the EU; leaders of the EU member states appointed UK Baroness Catherine Ashton to be the first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Ashton took office on 1 December 2009; her concurrent appointment as Vice President of the European Commission - both of which are subject to confirmation by the European Parliament - endows her position with the policymaking influence of the Council of the EU and the budgetary influence of the European Commission
elections: last held on 4-7 June 2009 (next to be held in June 2014)

election results: percent of vote - EPP 36%, S&D 25%, ALDE 11.4%, Greens/EFA 7.5%, ECR 7.3%, GUE/NGL 4.8%, EFD 4.3%, independents 3.7%; seats by party - EPP 265, S&D 184, ALDE 84, Greens/EFA 55, ECR 54, GUE/NGL 35, EFD 32, independents 27

Judicial branch:

Court of Justice of the European Communities (ensures that the treaties are interpreted and applied uniformly throughout the EU; resolve constitutional issues among the EU institutions) - 27 justices (one from each member state) appointed for a six-year term; note - for the sake of efficiency, the court can sit with 13 justices known as the "Grand Chamber"; Court of First Instance - 27 justices appointed for a six-year term

Political parties and leaders:

Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left or
GUE/NGL [Lothar BISKY]; Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group or EFD
[Nigel FARAGE and Francesco SPERONI]; European Conservatives and
Reformists Group or ECR [Michael KAMINSKI]; Group of Greens/European
Free Alliance or Greens/EFA [Rebecca HARMS and Daniel COHN-BENDIT];
Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE
[Guy VERHOFSTADT]; Group of the European People's Party or EPP
[Joseph DAUL]; Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and
Democrats in the European Parliament or S&D [Martin SCHULZ]

International organization participation:

European Union: ARF (dialogue member), ASEAN (dialogue member), FAO, G-8, G-20, IDA, OAS (observer), PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), UN (observer), WTO

European Commission: Australian Group, CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FATF, G-10,
IEA, LAIA WTO, ZC (observer)

European Central Bank: BIS

European Investment Bank: EBRD

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joao P. Castanheira do VALE DE ALMEIDA
chancery: 2300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 862-9500

FAX: [1] (202) 429-1766

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Christopher MURRAY
embassy: 13 Zinnerstraat/Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: same as above
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 508-2063

Flag description:

a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity; the number of stars is fixed

National anthem:

name: "Ode to Joy""

lyrics/music: none/Ludwig VON BEETHOVEN, arranged by Herbert VON KARAJAN
note: adopted 1972, not in use until 1986; according to the European Union, the song is meant to represent all of Europe rather than just the organization; the song also serves as the anthem for the Council of Europe

Economy ::European Union

Economy - overview:

Internally, the EU has abolished trade barriers, adopted a common currency, and is striving toward convergence of living standards. Internationally, the EU aims to bolster Europe's trade position and its political and economic power. Because of the great differences in per capita income among member states (from $7,000 to $78,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU faces difficulties in devising and enforcing common policies. In the wake of the global economic crisis, the European Commission projected that the EU's economy would shrink by 4% in 2009 and 0.1% in 2010. The EU has recovered from the crisis faster than expected, however, and the Commission estimates 2010 growth at 1.8%. Significant risks to growth nevertheless remain, including, high official debts and deficits, aging populations, over-regulation of non-financial businesses, and doubts about the sustainability of European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). In June 2010, prompted by the Greek financial crisis, the EU and the IMF set up a $1 trillion bailout fund to rescue any EMU member in danger of default, but it has not calmed market jitters that have diminished the value of the euro. Eleven established EU member states introduced the euro as their common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later), but the UK and Denmark have 'opt-outs' that allow them to keep their national currencies, and Sweden has not taken the steps needed to participate. Between 2004 and 2007, the EU admitted 12 countries that are, in general, less advanced economically than the other 15. Of the 12 most recent member states, only Slovenia (1 January 2007), Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008), Slovakia (1 January 2009), and Estonia (1 January 2011) have adopted the euro; the remaining states other than the UK and Denmark are legally required to adopt the currency upon meeting EU's fiscal and monetary convergence criteria.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.89 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $14.64 trillion (2009 est.)

$15.27 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.9 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 -4% (2009 est.)

0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$32,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $32,400 (2009 est.)

$33,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 25.2%
services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

225.2 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 27.7%
services: 66.7% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2002 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 31.2 (1996 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 1.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 121 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.52% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 8.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.542 trillion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 2 $5.649 trillion (31 December 2007)

note: this is the quantity of money, M1, for the euro area, converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date indicated; it excludes the stock of money carried by non-euro-area members of the European Union

Stock of broad money:

$11.17 trillion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $10.83 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

note: this is the quantity of quasi money, M2-M1, for the euro area, converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date indicated; it excludes the stock of quasi money carried by non-euro-area members of the European Union

Stock of domestic credit:

$22.65 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $21.24 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

note: this figure refers to the euro area only; it excludes credit data for non-euro-area members of the EU

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $7.564 trillion (31 December 2008)

$15.57 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, oilseeds, sugar beets, wine, grapes; dairy products, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry; fish

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal, cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems, electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and beverage processing, furniture, paper, textiles, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - production:

3.08 trillion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - consumption:

2.906 trillion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - exports:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh

Oil - production:

2.383 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - consumption:

13.68 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - exports:

2.196 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - imports:

8.613 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - proved reserves:

5.414 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - production:

181.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - consumption:

489.4 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - exports:

NA cu m

Natural gas - imports:

NA cu m

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.242 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Current account balance:

$NA (2009)

$51.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.952 trillion (2007) country comparison to the world: 1 $1.33 trillion (2005)

note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade

Exports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, wood pulp and paper products, textiles, meat, dairy products, fish, alcoholic beverages.

Imports:

$1.69 trillion (2007) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.466 trillion (2005)

note: external imports, excluding intra-EU trade

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, aircraft, plastics, crude oil, chemicals, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, clothing

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

country comparison to the world: 2 $13.72 trillion (30 June 2010); This is the external debt for the euro area only; it excludes the external debt of the non-euro-area members of the EU

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::European Union

Telephones - main lines in use:

238 million (2005)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

466 million (2005)

Telephone system:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Internet country code:

.eu; note - see country entries of member states for individual country codes

Internet hosts:

140,277; note - this sum reflects the number of internet hosts assigned the .eu internet country code (2010)

Internet users:

247 million (2006)

Transportation ::European Union

Airports:

3,383 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1,992
over 3,047 m: 116

2,438 to 3,047 m: 340

1,524 to 2,437 m: 546

914 to 1,523 m: 422
under 914 m: 568 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,391
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 254
under 914 m: 1,112 (2010)

Heliports:

99 (2010)

Railways:

total: 229,450 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 5,919,704 km (2008)

Waterways:

52,332 km (2006)

Ports and terminals:

Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Braila (Romania), Bremen
(Germany), Burgas (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania), Copenhagen
(Denmark), Galati (Romania), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany),
Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre
(France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Naples
(Italy), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Riga (Latvia), Rotterdam
(Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden), Talinn (Estonia), Tulcea
(Romania), Varna (Bulgaria)

Military ::European Union

Military - note:

the five-nation Eurocorps - created in 1992 by France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg - has deployed troops and police on peacekeeping missions to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and assumed command of the ISAF in Afghanistan in August 2004; Eurocorps directly commands the 5,000-man Franco-German Brigade, the Multinational Command Support Brigade, and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina; in November 2004, the EU Council of Ministers formally committed to creating 13 1,500-man battle groups by the end of 2007, to respond to international crises on a rotating basis; 22 of the EU's 27 nations have agreed to supply troops; France, Italy, and the UK formed the first of three battle groups in 2005; Norway, Sweden, Estonia, and Finland established the Nordic Battle Group effective 1 January 2008; nine other groups are to be formed; a rapid-reaction naval EU Maritime Task Group was stood up in March 2007 (2007)

Transnational Issues ::European Union

Disputes - international:

as a political union, the EU has no border disputes with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or "acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), and Switzerland since 2008 bringing the total current membership to 25; the UK (since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal matters; nine of the 12 new member states that joined the EU since 2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the three remaining EU states, Cyprus is expected to join by 2009, while Romania and Bulgaria continue to enhance their border security systems
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (South America)

Introduction ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Background:

Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Geography ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

51 45 S, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 12,173 sq km country comparison to the world: 164 land: 12,173 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate

Terrain:

rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Natural resources:

fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

strong winds persist throughout the year

Environment - current issues:

overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster

Geography - note:

deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season

People ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Population:

3,140 (July 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0.011% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Ethnic groups:

British

Religions:

Christian 67.2%, none 31.5%, other 1.3% (2006 census)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Stanley
geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends third Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Constitution:

1 January 2009

Legal system:

English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010) is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Dr. Tim THOROGOOD (since 3 January 2008)

cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of the Executive Council on domestic affairs (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (10 seats; 2 members are ex officio and 8 are elected by popular vote; members to serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor
elections: last held on 5 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Falkland Islands Association (supports freedom of the people from external causes)

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

National anthem:

name: "Song of the Falklands""

lyrics/music: Christopher LANHAM
note: adopted 1930s; the song is the local unofficial anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Economy - overview:

The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina rose in early 2010 after a UK company began oil drilling activities in the waters around the Falkland Islands but abated somewhat when the drilling operation failed to discover commercially exploitable oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$105.1 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

GDP (official exchange rate):

$105.1 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,400 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 95%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (1996)

Labor force:

1,724 (1996) (1996) country comparison to the world: 224

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)

industry and services: 5% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1998) country comparison to the world: 105

Agriculture - products:

fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products; fish, squid

Industries:

fish and wool processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

16 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Electricity - consumption:

14.88 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - imports:

271 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Exports:

$125 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Exports - commodities:

wool, hides, meat, fish, squid

Imports:

$90 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Imports - commodities:

fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Falkland pounds (FKP) per US dollar - 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 223

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands
international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries

Broadcast media:

television service provided by a multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the public broadcaster Falkland Islands Radio Service (FIRS), broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007)

Internet country code:

.fk

Internet hosts:

91 (2010) country comparison to the world: 203

Internet users:

2,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Transportation ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 167

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 440 km country comparison to the world: 197 paved: 50 km
unpaved: 390 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Stanley

Military ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Disputes - international:

Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks
page last updated on January 10, 2011

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

@Faroe Islands (Europe)

Introduction ::Faroe Islands

Background:

The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self government was granted the Faroese in 1948, who have autonomy over most internal affairs while Denmark is responsible for justice, defense, and foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.

Geography ::Faroe Islands

Location:

Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Iceland and Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 7 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 1,393 sq km country comparison to the world: 182 land: 1,393 sq km
water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Area - comparative:

eight times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,117 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Climate:

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Terrain:

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Natural resources:

fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 2.14%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.86% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping - associate member to the London Convention and Ship Pollution

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

People ::Faroe Islands

Population:

49,057 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.6% (male 5,451/female 5,108)

15-64 years: 64% (male 16,708/female 14,544)

65 years and over: 14.4% (male 3,324/female 3,721) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.1 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 37.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.424% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Birth rate:

12.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Death rate:

8.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 176 male: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.58 years country comparison to the world: 33 male: 77.13 years
female: 82.21 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified 16.2% (2006 census)

Languages:

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Literacy:

NA; note - probably 99%, the same as Denmark proper

Government ::Faroe Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Faroe Islands
local long form: none
local short form: Foroyar

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Torshavn
geographic coordinates: 62 01 N, 6 46 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 34 municipalities

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

National holiday:

Olaifest (Olavsoka ), 29 July

Constitution:

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26 September 2008)

cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)

election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008; governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN becomes prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 21%, Social Democratic Party 19.3%, Republican Party 23.3%, People's Party 20.1%, Center Party 8.4%, Independence Party 7.2%, other 0.7%; seats by party - Republican Party 8, Union Party 7, Social Democratic Party 6, People's Party 7, Center Party 3, Independence Party 2
note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later than November 2011); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 1, Union Party 1

Judicial branch:

none

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party [Kari P. HOJGAARD];
People's Party [Jorgen NICLASEN]; Republican Party [Hogni HOYDAL];
Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Kaj Leo
JOHANNESEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

conservationists

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are traditional Faroese colors

National anthem:

name: "Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land)

lyrics/music: Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG
note: adopted 1948; the anthem is also known as "Tu alfagra land mitt" (Thou Fairest Land of Mine); as an autonomous overseas division of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are permitted their own national anthem

Economy ::Faroe Islands

Economy - overview:

The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy. Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew 0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the Faroese economy followed a strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates averaging close to 6%, mostly a result of increased fish landings and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its lowest level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 3.9% in 2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to fluctuations in world demand. In addition, budget surpluses turned to deficits in 2008-09, and the economy at both the country and local level is running large deficits. Initial discoveries of oil in the Faroese area give hope for eventual oil production, which may provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.642 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.45 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$34,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16%
industry: 29%
services: 55% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

34,680 (November 2008) country comparison to the world: 201

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 20.5%
services: 69.2% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.9% (2009) country comparison to the world: 34 1.2% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.1% (2009) country comparison to the world: 6 6.4% (2008)

Agriculture - products:

milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Industries:

fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - production:

275.8 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Electricity - consumption:

264.4 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - imports:

4,922 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Exports:

$848 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 157 $634 million (2006)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Exports - partners:

Hungary 36.26%, Denmark 21.36%, UK 12.21%, Nigeria 7.72%, US 6.49%,
Norway 5.46% (2009)

Imports:

$983 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 171 $751 million (2006)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods 36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, machinery and transport equipment 29%, fuels, fish, salt

Imports - partners:

Denmark 54.42%, Norway 20.76%, Sweden 4.79% (2009)

Debt - external:

$68.1 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Faroe Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Telephones - mobile cellular:

57,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international communications; good domestic facilities
domestic: conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed
international: country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

Broadcast media:

1 publicly-owned TV station; the Faroese telecommunications company distributes local and international channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly-owned radio station supplemented by 2 privately-owned stations broadcasting over multiple frequencies (2008)

Internet country code:

.fo

Internet hosts:

8,936 (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Internet users:

37,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Transportation ::Faroe Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 230

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 463 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 194

Merchant marine:

total: 26 country comparison to the world: 91 by type: cargo 11, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur

Military ::Faroe Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,792
females age 16-49: 8,354 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 379
female: 368 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues ::Faroe Islands

Disputes - international:

because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Fiji (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Fiji

Background:

Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions, and refused to hold elections.

Geography ::Fiji

Location:

Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 175 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 18,274 sq km country comparison to the world: 156 land: 18,274 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,129 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added

Climate:

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Natural resources:

timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.95%
permanent crops: 4.65%
other: 84.4% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

28.6 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.07 cu km/yr (14%/14%/71%)

per capita: 82 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

People ::Fiji

Population:

875,983 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.3% (male 146,327/female 140,327)

15-64 years: 64.9% (male 307,077/female 305,886)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 20,300/female 24,803) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.6 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.827% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Birth rate:

21.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Death rate:

5.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Net migration rate:

-7.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 146 male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 136 male: 68.46 years
female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Nationality:

noun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Ethnic groups:

Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture),
Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9% (European, other Pacific
Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)

Religions:

Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly of
God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other 10.4%),
Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none
0.7% (2007 census)

Languages:

English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.7%
male: 95.5%
female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 33

Government ::Fiji

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands
conventional short form: Fiji
local long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands/Matanitu ko Viti
local short form: Fiji/Viti

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Suva (on Viti Levu)

geographic coordinates: 18 08 S, 178 25 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March

Administrative divisions:

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western

Independence:

10 October 1970 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Constitution:

enacted on 25 July 1997; effective on 28 July 1998; note - it encourages multiculturalism and makes multiparty government mandatory

Legal system:

based on British system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister under the military regime
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the constitution, president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief Justice Anthony GATES

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other 10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of
Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic
Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat
Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or
FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily
Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN]); Fiji Labor
Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY]; General Voters Party or GVP
(became part of United General Party); Girmit Heritage Party or GHP;
Justice and Freedom Party or AIM; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR;
National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian);
Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of
National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA]; Party of the Truth or
POTT; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL
[Laisenia QARASE]; United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH] (for restoration of a democratic government); Viti Landowners Association

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Winston THOMPSON
chancery: 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 466-8320

FAX: [1] (202) 466-8325

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador C. Steven MCGANN
embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva
mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva
telephone: [679] 331-4466

FAX: [679] 330-0081

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Fiji"

lyrics/music: Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT/C. Austin MILES (adapted by Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT)

note: adopted 1970; the anthem is known in Fijian as "Meda Dau Doka" (Let Us Show Pride); adapted from the hymn, "Dwelling in Beulah Land," the anthem's English lyrics are generally sung, although they differ in meaning from the official Fijian lyrics

Economy ::Fiji

Economy - overview:

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in 2006.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.792 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $3.725 billion (2009 est.)

$3.821 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.154 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 -2.5% (2009 est.)

-0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $4,300 (2009 est.)

$4,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 13.5%
services: 77.6% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

335,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%
industry and services: 30% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (1999) country comparison to the world: 81

Population below poverty line:

25.5% (FY90/91)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2007) country comparison to the world: 138

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 70 6.32% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 7.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$748 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.042 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$1.76 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.799 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 104 $568.2 million (31 December 2008)

$522.2 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Industries:

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

928 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - consumption:

863 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - exports:

2,455 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - imports:

20,340 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Current account balance:

-$507 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Exports:

$1.202 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 147

Exports - commodities:

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

US 15.21%, Australia 12.11%, UK 11.23%, Samoa 5.39%, Tonga 4.74%,
Japan 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$3.12 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 137

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 27.27%, Australia 19.36%, NZ 15.15%, China 6.92%, India 5.23%, Thailand 4.25% (2009)

Debt - external:

$127 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.7313 (2006), 1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004), 1.8958 (2003)

Communications ::Fiji

Telephones - main lines in use:

136,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Telephones - mobile cellular:

640,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center
domestic: telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons
international: country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

Fiji TV, a publicly-traded company, operates a free-to-air channel as well as the Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.fj

Internet hosts:

17,088 (2010) country comparison to the world: 113

Internet users:

114,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation ::Fiji

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 118

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Railways:

total: 597 km country comparison to the world: 110 narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge
note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to December (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,440 km country comparison to the world: 162 paved: 1,692 km
unpaved: 1,748 km (2000)

Waterways:

203 km country comparison to the world: 98 note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 112 by type: passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Military ::Fiji

Military branches:

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval Forces (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 248,020
females age 16-49: 243,468 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 195,414
females age 16-49: 206,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 9,131
female: 8,776 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Transnational Issues ::Fiji

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Fiji is a source country for children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and a destination country for a small number of women from China and India trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Fiji does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated no action to investigate or prosecute traffickers, assist victims, take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support any anti-trafficking information or education campaigns; Fiji has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Finland (Europe)

Introduction ::Finland

Background:

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard of education, equality promotion, and national social security system; currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

Geography ::Finland

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

64 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 338,145 sq km country comparison to the world: 64 land: 303,815 sq km
water: 34,330 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,654 km
border countries: Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

Coastline:

1,250 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)

contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

Natural resources:

timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 6.54%
permanent crops: 0.02%
other: 93.44% (2005)

Irrigated land:

640 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

110 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)

per capita: 444 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain

People ::Finland

Population:

5,255,068 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.4% (male 438,425/female 422,777)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,773,495/female 1,732,792)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 357,811/female 524,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.3 years
male: 40.7 years
female: 44 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.084% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Birth rate:

10.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Death rate:

10.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Net migration rate:

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 213 male: 3.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.13 years country comparison to the world: 39 male: 75.64 years
female: 82.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Nationality:

noun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Ethnic groups:

Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

Religions:

Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%, other
Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

Languages:

Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other 3.3% (small
Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 51

Government ::Finland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Finland
conventional short form: Finland
local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland
local short form: Suomi/Finland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Helsinki
geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

20 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish); landskapen,
singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish), Ahvenanmaa
(Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen (Swedish) [South
Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra Osterbotten (Swedish)
[South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish), Sodra Savolax (Swedish)
[South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish), Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish);
Ita-Uusimaa (Finnish), Ostra Nyland (Swedish) [East Newland]; Kainuu
(Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish); Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish),
Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi
(Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish) [Central Finland];
Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish); Lappi (Finnish),
Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish), Paijanne-Tavastland
(Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland (Swedish) [Tampere];
Osterbotten (Swedish), Pohjanmaa (Finnish) [Ostrobothnia];
Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish) [North Karelia];
Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten (Swedish) [North
Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra Savolax (Swedish)
[North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish); Uusimaa (Finnish),
Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi (Finnish), Egentliga
Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]

Independence:

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Constitution:

1 March 2000

Legal system:

civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on 17 April 2007
election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA (VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held 29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN reelected prime minister; election results 121-71
note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 March 2007 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 23.1%, Kok 22.3%, SDP 21.4%, VAS 8.8%, VIHR 8.5%, KD 4.9%, SFP 4.5%, True Finns 4.1%, other 3.4%; seats by party - Kesk 51, Kok 50, SDP 45, VAS 17, VIHR 15, SFP 9, KD 7, True Finns 5, other 1 (the constituency of Aland)

Judicial branch:

general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative courts

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party or Kesk [Mari KIVINIEMI]; Christian Democrats or KD
[Paivi RASANEN]; Green Party or VIHR [Anni SINNEMAKI]; Left Alliance
or VAS [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party or Kok [Jyrki
KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN];
Swedish People's Party or SFP [Stefan WALLIN]; True Finns [Timo
SOINI]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU,
FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pekka LINTU
chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK
embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki
mailing address: APO AE 09723
telephone: [358] (9) 616250

FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

Flag description:

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is for the snow that covers the land in winter

National anthem:

name: "Maamme" (Our Land)

lyrics/music: Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS
note: in use since 1848; although never officially adopted by law, the anthem has been popular since it was first sung by a student group in 1848; Estonia's anthem uses the same melody as that of Finland

Economy ::Finland

Economy - overview:

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of exports stimulated economic growth in 2010, and led to a lowering of unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge of economic policy will be to implement a post-recession exit strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with general government adjustment measures. Longer-term, Finland must address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$185.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $181.6 billion (2009 est.)

$197.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$232 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -8.1% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $34,600 (2009 est.)

$37,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 29.1%
services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.68 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and forestry: 4.5%
industry: 18.2%
construction: 7.3%
commerce: 15.9%
finance, insurance, and business services: 14.5%
transport and communications: 6.9%
public services: 32.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 8.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 24.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 115 25.6 (1991)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Public debt:

45.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 114 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.51% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 5.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$108 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 29 $110.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$160.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $168.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$259.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $241.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$91.02 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 27 $154.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$369.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

Industries:

metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - production:

77.44 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - consumption:

87.25 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - exports:

3.335 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

16.11 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

8,718 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - consumption:

206,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - exports:

130,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - imports:

337,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - imports:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Current account balance:

$4.696 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $3.444 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$73.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $62.69 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

Exports - partners:

Germany 10.32%, Sweden 9.79%, Russia 9%, US 7.85%, Netherlands 5.9%,
UK 5.24%, China 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$69.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $57.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, grains

Imports - partners:

Russia 16.28%, Germany 15.76%, Sweden 14.65%, Netherlands 6.99%,
China 5.29%, France 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.128 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $11.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$370.8 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 23 $339.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$87.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $85.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $118.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Finland

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.43 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with excellent service
domestic: digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs
international: country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to Estonia and Sweden; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Broadcast media:

a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded services and the largest private TV station has introduced several special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel subscription services are available; all TV signals have been broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code:

.fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

Internet hosts:

4.394 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Internet users:

4.393 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Transportation ::Finland

Airports:

148 (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 75
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 70 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 694 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,794 km country comparison to the world: 31 broad gauge: 5,794 km 1.524-m gauge (3,047 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,141 km country comparison to the world: 62 paved: 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,227 km (2009)

Waterways:

7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Merchant marine:

total: 93 country comparison to the world: 53 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 26, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, container 3, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 28, vehicle carrier 3
foreign-owned: 6 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 52 (Bahamas 8, Germany 5, Gibraltar 2, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Netherlands 14, Norway 1, Panama 2, Sweden 16) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

Military ::Finland

Military branches:

Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal Defense
Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service; service obligation 6-12 months; mandatory retirement at age 60 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,160,812
females age 16-49: 1,111,743 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 958,949
females age 16-49: 916,818 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,297
female: 32,233 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Transnational Issues ::Finland

Disputes - international:

various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@France (Europe)

Introduction ::France

Background:

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999.

Geography ::France

Location:

metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain

French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic
Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname

Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico

Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E

French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W

Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Map references:

metropolitan France: Europe

French Guiana: South America

Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean

Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean

Reunion: World

Area:

total: 643,427 sq km; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France) country comparison to the world: 42 land: 640,053 sq km; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)

water: 3,374 sq km; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)

note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion

Area - comparative:

slightly less than the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

metropolitan France - total: 2,889 km
border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km

French Guiana - total: 1,183 km
border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

Coastline:

total: 4,668 km
metropolitan France: 3,427 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean)

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

Climate:

metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral

French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation

Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average

Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

Terrain:

metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin

Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m
highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
note: in order to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively and periodically measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Natural resources:

metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, fish

French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay

Land use:

arable land: 33.46%
permanent crops: 2.03%
other: 64.51%
note: French Guiana - arable land 0.13%, permanent crops 0.04%, other 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other); Guadeloupe - arable land 11.70%, permanent crops 2.92%, other 85.38%; Martinique - arable land 9.09%, permanent crops 10.0%, other 80.91%; Reunion - arable land 13.94%, permanent crops 1.59%, other 84.47% (2005)

Irrigated land:

total: 26,190 sq km;
metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

189 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 33.16 cu km/yr (16%/74%/10%)

per capita: 548 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean
overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

Environment - current issues:

some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest West European nation

People ::France

Population:

64,768,389 country comparison to the world: 21 note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and its four overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 6,129,729/female 5,838,925)

15-64 years: 65% (male 20,963,124/female 20,929,280)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,403,248/female 6,155,767) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 38.2 years
female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.525% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Birth rate:

12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Death rate:

8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Net migration rate:

1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.31 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 215 male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.09 years country comparison to the world: 12 male: 77.91 years
female: 84.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese,
Basque minorities

overseas departments: black, white, mulatto, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
overseas departments: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, pagan

Languages:

French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

overseas departments: French, Creole patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 42

Government ::France

Country name:

conventional long form: French Republic
conventional short form: France
local long form: Republique francaise
local short form: France

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Paris
geographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas departments, collectivities, or territories

Administrative divisions:

26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,
Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy),
Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica),
Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie
(Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin,
Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la
Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur,
Reunion, Rhone-Alpes

note: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4 overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

Dependent areas:

Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic
Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin,
Wallis and Futuna

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department

Independence:

no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

National holiday:

Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)

Constitution:

adopted by referendum 28 September 1958; effective 4 October 1958; amended many times
note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in 1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by referendum

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU 18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY 53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (343 seats; 321 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms; one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011, 15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats - 326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms with one-half elected every three years; and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; 555 for metropolitan France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); National Assembly - last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 151, PS 102, PCF 22, MoDem 11, NC 11, Greens 5, PG 2, other 39; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.4%, PS 42.2%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.5%, PCF 2.3%, NC 2.1%, PRG 1.6%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.2%, the Greens 0.4%, other 1.2%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous left wing parties 15, PCF 16, miscellaneous right wing parties 9, PRG 7, the Greens 3, other 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously Union for
French Democracy or UDF); French Communist Party or PCF [Pierre
LAURENT]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Party or PG [Jean-Luc
MELENCHON]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET]
(previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical
Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS];
National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Anticapitalist Party
or NPA [Olivier BESANCENOT]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical
Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA];
Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT];
Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union for a Popular Movement
or UMP [Jean-Francois COPE]; Worker's Struggle or LO [Nathalie
ARTHAUD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation francaise democratique du travail or CFDT, left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members; Confederation francaise de l'encadrement - Confederation generale des cadres or CFE-CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000 members; Confederation francaise des travailleurs chretiens of CFTC, independent labor union founded by Catholic workers that claims 132,000 members; Confederation generale du travail or CGT, historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000 members; Confederation generale du travail - Force ouvriere or FO, independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement des entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000 companies as members (claimed)

French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups; hunting pressure groups

Guadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or
KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General
Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent
Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement

Martinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP

Reunion: NA

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. RIVKIN
embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08
mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777
telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22

FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83
consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the "ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French dependent areas
note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

National anthem:

name: "La Marseillaise" (The Song of Marseille)

lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle
note: adopted 1795, restored 1870; originally known as "Chant de Guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin" (War Song for the Army of the Rhine), the National Guard of Marseille made the song famous by singing it while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolutionary Wars

Economy ::France

Economy - overview:

France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. France has weathered the global economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand than in some other countries. Nonetheless, France's real GDP contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, while France's public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to highlight France's commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels. President SARKOZY - who secured passage of pension reform in 2010 - is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.16 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.126 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.18 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.555 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 -2.5% (2009 est.)

0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$33,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $33,000 (2009 est.)

$34,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 19.2%
services: 79% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

28.21 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 24.3%
services: 71.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 9.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

6.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 24.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 98 32.7 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Public debt:

83.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 77.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 0.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.46% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 8.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$858.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 8 $862.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$2.292 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.306 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.319 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $4.121 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.972 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.492 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.771 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - production:

535.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - consumption:

447.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - exports:

58.69 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.68 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

70,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - consumption:

1.875 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - exports:

597,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - imports:

2.386 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - proved reserves:

101.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - production:

877 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - consumption:

44.84 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - exports:

1.931 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - imports:

45.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Current account balance:

-$53.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 -$51.86 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$508.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $473.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

Exports - partners:

Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, UK 7.04%, US 5.65%, Netherlands 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$577.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $535.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands 7.15%,
Spain 6.68%, UK 4.9%, US 4.72%, China 4.44% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$133.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.698 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 5 $4.935 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.207 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.151 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.837 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.711 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::France

Telephones - main lines in use:

36.431 million; 35.5 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Telephones - mobile cellular:

60.95 million; 59.543 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed
domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system
international: country code - 33; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US; satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone communications with more than 20 countries
overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; Guadeloupe - 590; Martinique - 596; Reunion - 262

Broadcast media:

a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV stations; state-owned France Televisions operates 4 networks, one of which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels; a large number of privately-owned regional and local TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services provide a large number of channels; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7 national networks, a series of regional networks, and operates services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio France Internationale (RFI), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster; a large number of commercial FM stations, with many of them consolidating into commercial networks (2008)

Internet country code:

metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Reunion - .re

Internet hosts:

15.182 million; 15.161 million (metropolitan France) (2010) country comparison to the world: 7

Internet users:

45.262 million; 44.625 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Transportation ::France

Airports:

474 (2010) country comparison to the world: 16

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 297
over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 97

914 to 1,523 m: 83
under 914 m: 76 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 177

914 to 1,523 m: 69
under 914 m: 108 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 14,688 km; oil 2,943 km; refined products 5,080 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 29,213 km country comparison to the world: 9 standard gauge: 29,046 km 1.435-m gauge (15,164 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,027,183 km (metropolitan France; includes 10,958 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 7 note: there are another 5,100 km of roadways in overseas departments (2007)

Waterways:

metropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km accessible to craft of 3,000 metric tons) country comparison to the world: 16 French Guiana: 3,760 km (460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and river steamers, 3,300 km by native craft) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 167 country comparison to the world: 38 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 8, chemical tanker 36, container 25, liquefied gas 12, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 44, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11
foreign-owned: 57 (Belgium 7, China 5, Denmark 12, French Polynesia 12, Germany 1, New Caledonia 3, Norway 1, NZ 1, Singapore 3, Spain 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 5)

registered in other countries: 146 (Bahamas 19, Belgium 5, Bermuda 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 16, Egypt 1, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Italy 2, Luxembourg 16, Malta 13, Morocco 4, Netherlands 2, Norway 4, Panama 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 3, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UK 33, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Calais, Dunkerque, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen

Military ::France

Military branches:

Army (Armee de Terre; includes Marines, Foreign Legion, Army Light
Aviation), Navy (Marine Nationale, includes Naval Air, Maritime
Gendarmerie (Coast Guard)), Air Force (Armee de l'Air (AdlA),
includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-40 years of age for male or female voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; 12-month service obligation; women serve in noncombat military posts (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,591,656
females age 16-49: 14,285,551 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,053,912
females age 16-49: 11,763,951 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 389,956
female: 372,312 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Transnational Issues ::France

Disputes - international:

Madagascar claims the French territories of Bassas da India, Europa
Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims
Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; territorial dispute
between Suriname and the French overseas department of French
Guiana; France asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie
Land); France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands, east of
New Caledonia

Illicit drugs:

metropolitan France: transshipment point for South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics

French Guiana: small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe

Martinique: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@French Polynesia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::French Polynesia

Background:

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.

Geography ::French Polynesia

Location:

Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean about half way between South America and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 140 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls) country comparison to the world: 174 land: 3,827 sq km
water: 340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,525 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical, but moderate

Terrain:

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

Natural resources:

timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 0.75%
permanent crops: 5.5%
other: 93.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclonic storms in January

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

includes five archipelagoes (four volcanic, one coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru

People ::French Polynesia

Population:

291,000 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 35,631/female 34,097)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 102,537/female 95,317)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 9,821/female 9,629) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years
male: 29.8 years
female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.355% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Birth rate:

15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Net migration rate:

2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 165 male: 8.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.91 years country comparison to the world: 64 male: 74.44 years
female: 79.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%

Religions:

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%

Languages:

French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 14 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 98% (1977 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::French Polynesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Lands of French Polynesia
conventional short form: French Polynesia
local long form: Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise
local short form: Polynesie Francaise
former: French Colony of Oceania

Dependency status:

overseas lands of France; overseas territory of France from 1946-2004

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Papeete
geographic coordinates: 17 32 S, 149 34 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas lands of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, Iles Sous-le-Vent

Independence:

none (overseas lands of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by Richard DIDIER
head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG (since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term limits)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (57 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10 February 2008 (second round) (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Our Home alliance 45.2%, Union for Democracy alliance 37.2%, Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira) 17.2% other 0.5%; seats by party - Our Home alliance 27, Union for Democracy alliance 20, Popular Rally 10
note: two seats were elected to the French Senate on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1, independent 1; two seats were elected to the French National Assembly on 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or
Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or
Tribunal Administratif

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for a New Democracy or ADN(includes the parties The New
Star and This Country is Yours); New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api);
Our Home alliance; People's Servant Party (Tavini Huiraatira);
Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira); Union for Democracy alliance or
UPD

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Flag description:

two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors
note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

National anthem:

name: "Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" (Long Live Tahiti Nui)

lyrics/music: Maeva BOUGES, Irmine TEHEI, Angele TEROROTUA, Johanna NOUVEAU, Patrick AMARU, Louis MAMATUI and Jean-Pierre CELESTIN
note: adopted 1993; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Government - note:

under certain acts of France, French Polynesia has acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police and justice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are fashioned after those of the French prime minister

Economy ::French Polynesia

Economy - overview:

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.718 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $4.58 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.1 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 134 5.1% (2002)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$18,000 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $17,500 (2003 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 20.4%
services: 76.1% (2005)

Labor force:

116,000 (2007) country comparison to the world: 180

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%
industry: 19%
services: 68% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

11.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 125

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 22 1.1% (2006 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

fish; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits, coffee; poultry, beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts, phosphates

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

650 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - consumption:

604.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - imports:

6,701 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Exports:

$211 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Exports - commodities:

cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat

Imports:

$1.706 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Communications ::French Polynesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

54,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephones - mobile cellular:

208,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular density is roughly 90 per 100 persons
international: country code - 689; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts on 2 television channels and 1 radio station; a government-owned TV station is operating; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.pf

Internet hosts:

36,056 (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Internet users:

120,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Transportation ::French Polynesia

Airports:

53 (2010) country comparison to the world: 90

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 46
over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 33
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,590 km country comparison to the world: 169 paved: 1,735 km
unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 13 (Cambodia 1, France 12) (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Ports and terminals:

Papeete

Military ::French Polynesia

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 81,794 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 66,451
females age 16-49: 65,306 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,592
female: 2,481 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Polynesia

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Antarctica)

Introduction ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Background:

In February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.

Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.

Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.

Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.

Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.

Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.

Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.

Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso
Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile
Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison
operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Geography ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Location:

southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Geographic coordinates:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E

Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E

Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km country comparison to the world: 229 Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km; land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km
note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Area - comparative:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): less than one-half the size of Washington, DC

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC

Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of
Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of The
Mall in Washington, DC

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):

Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands); Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul: oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity

Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy

Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy

Iles Eparses: tropical

Terrain:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the center floor of the volcano is a large plateau

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): triangular in shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs on the eastern side; has active thermal springs

Iles Crozet: a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is divided into two groups of islands

Iles Kerguelen: the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll, awash at high tide; shallow (15 m) lagoon

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island: low, flat, and sandy

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Natural resources:

fish, crayfish
note: Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Land use:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns, and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones; Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and surrounded by reefs
volcanism: Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m, 8,635 ft), which has erupted many times in recent years, including 2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare, eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Environment - current issues:

introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Geography - note:

islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano

Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles

Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

People ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): has no permanent residents but has a meteorological station

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): is uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays

Iles Crozet: are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the
Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession

Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at
Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by scientists

Government ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands
local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
abbreviation: TAAF

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1955

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion.

Communications ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Internet country code:

.tf

Internet hosts:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 212

Communications - note:

one or more meteorological stations on each possession; note - meteorological station on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) is important for forecasting cyclones

Transportation ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Airports:

4 (note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district) (2010) country comparison to the world: 188

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Transportation - note:

aids to navigation - lighthouses: Europa Island 18m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37m; Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Military ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Disputes - international:

French claim to "Adelie Land" in Antarctica is not recognized by the
US

Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands)

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Mauritius
page last updated on December 29, 2010

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

@Gabon (Africa)

Introduction ::Gabon

Background:

Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. President BONGO died in June 2009. New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben BONGO, son of the former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Gabon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between
Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 11 45 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 267,667 sq km country comparison to the world: 76 land: 257,667 sq km
water: 10,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,551 km
border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Coastline:

885 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.21%
permanent crops: 0.64%
other: 98.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

164 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.12 cu km/yr (50%/8%/42%)

per capita: 87 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

People ::Gabon

Population:

1,545,255 country comparison to the world: 151 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 320,414/female 318,027)

15-64 years: 53.9% (male 407,461/female 409,633)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 24,799/female 34,659) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.025% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Birth rate:

35.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Death rate:

12.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Net migration rate:

-2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Urbanization:

urban population: 85% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 49 male: 59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.75 years country comparison to the world: 206 male: 51.96 years
female: 53.58 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

49,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and chikungunya
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic groups:

Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Religions:

Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Languages:

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 63.2%
male: 73.7%
female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (1999)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 120

Government ::Gabon

Country name:

conventional long form: Gabonese Republic
conventional short form: Gabon
local long form: Republique Gabonaise
local short form: Gabon

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Libreville
geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Independence:

17 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 14 March 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16 October 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%
note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009 and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was elected president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (102 seats; members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental assemblies to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in January 2015); National Assembly - last held on 17 and 24 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 75, RPG 6, UGDD 3, CLR 2, PGCI 2, PSD 2, UPG 2, ADERE 1, independents 9; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 82, RPG 8, UPG 8, UGDD 4, ADERE 3, CLR 2, PGP-Ndaot 2, PSD 2, independents 4, others 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers - Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface ASSELE];
Congress for Democracy and Justice or CDJ [Jules Aristide Bourdes
OGOULIGUENDE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE
[Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG
[Simplice Nguedet MANZELA] (former sole party); Gabonese Party for
Progress or PGP [Benoit Mouity NZAMBA]; Gabonese Union for Democracy
and Development or UGDD [Zacherie MYBOTO]; National Rally of
Woodcutters or RNB; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or
RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; Party of Development
and Social Solidarity or PDS [Seraphin Ndoat REMBOGO]; People's
Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]; Union for Democracy and
Social Integration or UDIS; Union of Gabonese Patriots or UPG
[Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Victor BOUNGOU
chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eunice S. REDDICK
embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville
mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville; pouch:2270 Libreville Place, Washington, DC 20521-2270
telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 07380171

FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue; green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun, blue represents the sea

National anthem:

name: "La Concorde" (The Concorde)

lyrics/music: Georges Aleka DAMAS
note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Gabon

Economy - overview:

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production. Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a sizable portion of its Paris Club debt.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.54 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $21.39 billion (2009 est.)

$21.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.56 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 -1.4% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $14,100 (2009 est.)

$14,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%
industry: 62.7%
services: 32.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

712,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 60%
industry: 15%
services: 25% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (2006 est.); NA% country comparison to the world: 170

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 32.7% (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

28.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Public debt:

25.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 27.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 99 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.835 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 122 $1.623 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.764 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.468 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.074 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $826.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical softwood); fish

Industries:

petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - production:

1.774 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - consumption:

1.446 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

241,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - exports:

227,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - imports:

4,185 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - proved reserves:

2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - production:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - consumption:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Current account balance:

$591 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $887 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.803 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $6.04 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium

Exports - partners:

Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28% (2009)

Imports:

$2.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $2.298 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials

Imports - partners:

France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy 4.81%,
Cameroon 4.56%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.602 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $1.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.352 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Gabon

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.373 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations
domestic: a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers is making telephone service more widely available; subscribership reached 90 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 241; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state owns and operates 2 TV stations and 2 radio broadcast stations; a few private radio and TV stations are operational; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ga

Internet hosts:

90 (2010) country comparison to the world: 205

Internet users:

98,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Transportation ::Gabon

Airports:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 240 km; oil 858 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 814 km country comparison to the world: 100 standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 9,170 km country comparison to the world: 138 paved: 937 km
unpaved: 8,233 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 2 (Cambodia 1, Panama 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Ports and terminals:

Gamba, Libreville, Lucinda, Owendo, Port-Gentil

Military ::Gabon

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for voluntary military service; there is no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 344,147
females age 16-49: 345,292 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 198,970
females age 16-49: 192,807 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,283
female: 17,276 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transnational Issues ::Gabon

Disputes - international:

UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,178 (Republic of Congo) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Gabon is predominantly a destination country for children trafficked from other African countries for the purpose of forced labor; girls are primarily trafficked for domestic servitude, forced market vending, forced restaurant labor, and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced street hawking and forced labor in small workshops
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Gabon is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to convict and punish trafficking offenders; the government has not reported the convictions or sentences of any trafficking offenders; the government did not take steps to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Gambia, The (Africa)

Introduction ::Gambia, The

Background:

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.

Geography ::Gambia, The

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 11,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 166 land: 10,000 sq km
water: 1,295 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 740 km
border countries: Senegal 740 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: extent not specified

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)

Terrain:

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 53 m

Natural resources:

fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon

Land use:

arable land: 27.88%
permanent crops: 0.44%
other: 71.68% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8 cu km (1982)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)

per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

People ::Gambia, The

Population:

1,824,158 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 389,877/female 386,218)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 472,216/female 479,595)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 24,985/female 25,190) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.528% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Birth rate:

37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Death rate:

12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 22 male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.07 years country comparison to the world: 201 male: 52.32 years
female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Languages:

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 40.1%
male: 47.8%
female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 7 years
female: 7 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 170

Government ::Gambia, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
conventional short form: The Gambia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Banjul
geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Independence:

18 February 1965 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective 16 January 1997

Legal system:

based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa SALLAH 6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya
A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's Democratic
Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for Democracy and
Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National Convention Party or
NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N.
K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for Independence and
Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United Democratic Party or UDP
[Ousainou DARBOE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace Building
Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment Network
Gambia or YENGambia

other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alieu Momodou NGUM
chancery: Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Cindy GREGG
embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul
telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170

FAX: [220] 439-2475

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

National anthem:

name: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland"

lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE
note: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"

Economy ::Gambia, The

Economy - overview:

The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, The Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. The quality of fiscal management, however, is weak. The government has promised to raise civil service wages over the next two years and the deficit is projected to worsen.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.406 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $3.244 billion (2009 est.)

$3.073 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.04 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 5.6% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.1%
industry: 16.3%
services: 53.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

777,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 146

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%
industry: 19%
services: 6% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.2 (1998) country comparison to the world: 23

Investment (gross fixed):

28% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 4.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 38 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

27% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 27.92% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$222.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 172 $210.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$453.9 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $438.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$293.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $283.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.9% country comparison to the world: 21 note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2010 est.)

Electricity - production:

160 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Electricity - consumption:

148.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - exports:

42 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - imports:

2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Current account balance:

-$90 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 -$81 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$107 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 $95 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports

Exports - partners:

India 42.06%, France 15.34%, UK 9.03%, China 7.38%, Hong Kong 4.55%,
Belgium 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$306 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $280 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment

Imports - partners:

China 20.45%, Senegal 11.97%, Brazil 8.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.71%,
Netherlands 4.68%, US 4.49% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$203 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $224 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$530 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $489 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 28.5193 (2010), 26.67 (2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006)

Communications ::Gambia, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

49,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.433 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, approached 85 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned radio station and 4 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; foreign cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Internet country code:

.gm

Internet hosts:

1,453 (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Internet users:

130,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Transportation ::Gambia, The

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 211

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,742 km country comparison to the world: 159 paved: 723 km
unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)

Waterways:

390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2008) country comparison to the world: 90

Merchant marine:

total: 5 country comparison to the world: 130 by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banjul

Military ::Gambia, The

Military branches:

Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (GNA),
Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 402,073
females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 238,006
females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 20,858
female: 20,762 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Transnational Issues ::Gambia, The

Disputes - international:

attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Gaza Strip (Middle East)

Introduction ::Gaza Strip

Background:

The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September 1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late 2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip; and it enforces a restricted zone along the border inside Gaza. In January 2006, the Islamic Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the international community so as to lift economic sanctions on Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA. However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007, HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge their differences. Late November 2007 through June 2008 witnessed a substantial increase in Israeli-Palestinian violence. An Egyptian-brokered truce in June 2008 between Israel and HAMAS brought about a five-month pause in hostilities, but spiraling end-of-year violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 to 1,400 Palestinians and left tens of thousands of people homeless. International donors pledged $4.5 billion in aid to rebuild the Gaza Strip, but by the end of 2010 large-scale reconstruction had not begun.

Geography ::Gaza Strip

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Israel

Geographic coordinates:

31 25 N, 34 20 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 360 sq km country comparison to the world: 205 land: 360 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 62 km
border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation

Climate:

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Terrain:

flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

Natural resources:

arable land, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 29%
permanent crops: 21%
other: 50% (2002)

Irrigated land:

155 sq km; (note - includes West Bank) (2003)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination of underground water resources

Geography - note:

strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade routes has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history

People ::Gaza Strip

Population:

1,604,238 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.4% (male 353,489/female 334,770)

15-64 years: 53% (male 420,618/female 402,297)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 16,483/female 24,202) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years
male: 17.4 years
female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.29% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Birth rate:

36.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Death rate:

3.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 107 male: 18.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.68 years country comparison to the world: 111 male: 72.05 years
female: 75.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA
adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab

Religions:

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.4%
male: 96.7%
female: 88% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Gaza Strip

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Gaza Strip
local long form: none
local short form: Qita' Ghazzah

Economy ::Gaza Strip

Economy - overview:

High population density, limited land and sea access, continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories. Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive after HAMAS violently took over the territory in June 2007, and fighting between HAMAS and Israel during December 2008-January 2009, resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector, extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by UNRWA - and the HAMAS-regulated black market tunnel trade that flourishes under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. However, chnages to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list - in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not permitted.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - real growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

GDP - per capita (PPP):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - composition by sector:

see entry for West Bank

Labor force:

339,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12%
industry: 5%
services: 83% (June 2008)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 40% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

70% (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.9% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 11.5% (2008)

note: includes West Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

see entry for West Bank

Stock of domestic credit:

note: see entry for West Bank

Agriculture - products:

olives, fruit, vegetables, flowers; beef, dairy products

Industries:

textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

Electricity - production:

65,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - consumption:

202,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

120,000 kWh; note - from Israeli Electric Company (2009)

Oil - production:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - consumption:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - exports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - imports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl NA bbl

Exports - commodities:

strawberries, carnations

Imports:

see entry for West Bank

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods
note: Israel permits limited imports through crossings with Gaza, but many "dual use" goods, such as construction materials, are smuggled through tunnels beneath Gaza's border with Egypt

Debt - external:

see entry for West Bank

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::Gaza Strip

Telephones - main lines in use:

360,400 (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.405 million (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Telephone system:

general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009
domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services
international: country code - 970 (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 television station and about 10 radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.ps; note - same as West Bank

Internet users:

1.379 million (includes West Bank) (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Transportation ::Gaza Strip

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

note: see entry for West Bank

Ports and terminals:

Gaza

Military ::Gaza Strip

Military branches:

Palestinian Authority security forces have operated only in the West Bank, not in the Gaza Strip, since HAMAS seized power in June 2007; law and order and other security functions are performed by HAMAS security organizations (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 372,843 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 324,203
females age 16-49: 308,835 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 18,931
female: 18,010 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Gaza Strip

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip in August 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1.017 million (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Georgia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Georgia

Background:

The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. An attempt by the incumbent Georgian government to manipulate national legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National Movement party. Progress on market reforms and democratization has been made in the years since independence, but this progress has been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After a series of Russian and separatist provocations in summer 2008, Georgian military action in South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response that not only occupied the breakaway areas, but large portions of Georgia proper as well. Russian troops pulled back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This action was strongly condemned by most of the world's nations and international organizations.

Geography ::Georgia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and
Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into
Europe

Geographic coordinates:

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 69,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 120 land: 69,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,461 km
border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km

Coastline:

310 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Terrain:

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth

Land use:

arable land: 11.51%
permanent crops: 3.79%
other: 84.7% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,690 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.61 cu km/yr (20%/21%/59%)

per capita: 808 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

People ::Georgia

Population:

4,600,825 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 395,929/female 345,071)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 1,503,360/female 1,616,234)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 302,103/female 453,110) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years
male: 36.3 years
female: 41.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.325% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Birth rate:

10.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Death rate:

9.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Urbanization:

urban population: 53% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 120 male: 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.93 years country comparison to the world: 63 male: 73.61 years
female: 80.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Nationality:

noun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Ethnic groups:

Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%, other 2.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%,
Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Languages:

Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%
note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 151

Government ::Georgia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Georgia
local long form: none
local short form: Sak'art'velo
former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: T'bilisi
geographic coordinates: 41 43 N, 44 47 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika)

regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli
city: Tbilisi
autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi)

note: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are shown in parentheses

Independence:

9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 24 August 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and defense
head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February 2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the ministries of government except the power ministries of internal affairs and defense
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008 (next to be held in January 2013)

election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%, Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamenti (also known as Supreme Council or Umaghlesi Sabcho) (150 seats; 75 members elected by proportional representation, 75 from single-seat constituencies; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 May 2008 (next to be held in the spring of 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - United National Movement 59.2%, National Council-New Rights (a Joint Opposition, nine-party bloc) 17.7%, Christian Democratic Movement 8.8%, Labor Party 7.4%, Republican Party 3.8%; seats by party - United National Movement 120, National Council-New Rights 16, Christian Democratic Movement 6, Labor Party 6, Republican Party 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the president's or chairman of the Supreme Court's recommendation); Constitutional Court; first and second instance courts

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Movement [Giorgi TARGAMADZE]; Conservative
Party [Kakha KUKAVA]; Democratic Movement United Georgia [Nino
BURJANADZE]; For Fair Georgia [Zurab NOGAIDELI]; Georgian Party
[Sozar SUBARI]; Georgian People's Front [Nodar NATADZE]; Greens
[Giorgi GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia (Industrialists)
or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party [Shalva NATELASHVILI];
National Democratic Party or NDP [Bachuki KARDAVA]; National Forum
[Kakhaber SHARTAVA]; New Rights [David GAMKRELIDZE]; Our
Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) [Irakli ALASANIA]; People's Party
[Koba DAVITASHVILI; Republican Party [David USUPASHVILI]; Socialist
Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki ASATIANI];
United National Movement or UNM [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS
(observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer), UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Temur IAKOBASHVILI
chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390

FAX: [1] (202) 393-4537
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John BASS
embassy: 11 George Balanchine Street, T'bilisi 0131
mailing address: 7060 T'bilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060
telephone: [995] (32) 27-70-00

FAX: [995] (32) 53-23-10

Flag description:

white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date back to the 14th century

National anthem:

name: "Tavisupleba" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dawit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE)

note: adopted 2004; after the Rose Revolution, a new anthem with music based on the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi" was adopted

Economy ::Georgia

Economy - overview:

Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in 2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment and robust government spending. However, GDP growth slowed in 2008 following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and turned negative in 2009 as foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the wake of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2010. Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, aircraft and chemicals. Areas of recent improvement include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and the slowing regional economy are emerging risks. The country imports nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity, a growing component of its energy supplies. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia. The construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline, and the Kars-Akhalkalaki Railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its role as a transit point for gas, oil and other goods. Georgia has historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues; however, the government, since coming to power in 2004, has simplified the tax code, improved tax administration, increased tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption. However, the economic downturn of 2008-09 eroded the tax base and led to a decline in the budget surplus and an increase in public borrowing needs. The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a determined effort to continue to liberalize the economy by reducing regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment climate both domestically and internationally.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.32 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $21.16 billion (2009 est.)

$22.02 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.23 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 -3.9% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%
industry: 27.1%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.918 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 55.6%
industry: 8.9%
services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.4% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 13.6% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

31% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 30.6% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (2009) country comparison to the world: 59 37.1 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 1.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8% (25 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy rate of the Georgian National Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.52% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 21.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.175 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.122 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $3.569 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$733.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 106 $327.3 million (31 December 2008)

$1.389 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - production:

7.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - consumption:

6.902 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - exports:

628 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

430 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

995 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - exports:

1,486 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - imports:

16,590 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - proved reserves:

35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - production:

8 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - consumption:

1.73 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - imports:

1.72 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.495 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Current account balance:

-$1.404 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 -$1.259 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and nuts

Exports - partners:

Turkey 17.87%, Azerbaijan 12.3%, Bulgaria 9.6%, Canada 8.78%, UK 7.49%, Ukraine 6.82%, Spain 5.27%, US 4.99% (2009)

Imports:

$4.828 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $4.293 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 16.81%, Azerbaijan 9.72%, Ukraine 9.17%, Russia 7.39%, US 6.63%, Germany 6.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.381 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 122 $7.711 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.8009 (2010), 1.6705 (2009), 1.47 (2008), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006)

Communications ::Georgia

Telephones - main lines in use:

620,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.837 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Telephone system:

general assessment: fixed-line telecommunications network has only limited coverage outside Tbilisi; long list of people waiting for fixed line connections; multiple mobile-cellular providers provide services to an increasing subscribership throughout the country
domestic: cellular telephone networks cover the entire country; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 60 per 100 people; urban fixed-line telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi; nationwide pager service is available
international: country code - 995; the Georgia-Russia fiber optic submarine cable provides connectivity to Russia; international service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned public television station in Tbilisi and 8 privately-owned TV stations; state-run public broadcaster operates 2 networks; dozens of cable TV operators and several major commercial TV stations are operating; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; several dozen private stations broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.ge

Internet hosts:

110,680 (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Internet users:

1.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Transportation ::Georgia

Airports:

22 (2010) country comparison to the world: 133

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 18
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,596 km; oil 1,258 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,612 km country comparison to the world: 80 broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge (1,575 electrified)

narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (37 electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 20,329 km country comparison to the world: 109 paved: 7,854 km (includes 13 km of expressways)

unpaved: 12,475 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 193 country comparison to the world: 34 by type: bulk carrier 18, cargo 151, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3, container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 7, vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 132 (China 11, Denmark 1, Egypt 11, Germany 4, Greece 3, Hong Kong 4, Israel 1, Italy 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1, Romania 7, Russia 7, Syria 35, Turkey 22, UAE 1, UK 4, Ukraine 15, US 1)

registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bat'umi, P'ot'i

Transportation - note:

large parts of transportation network are in poor condition because of lack of maintenance and repair

Military ::Georgia

Military branches:

Georgian Armed Forces: Land Forces
note: naval forces have been incorporated into the coast guard and the Air and Air Defense forces were incorporated into the Land Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 to 34 years of age for compulsory and voluntary active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,094,390
females age 16-49: 1,140,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 901,307
females age 16-49: 946,357 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,314
female: 28,299 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Military - note:

a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Transnational Issues ::Georgia

Disputes - international:

Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting 80% of their common border, leaving certain small, strategic segments and the maritime boundary unresolved; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; UN Observer Mission in Georgia has maintained a peacekeeping force in Georgia since 1993; Meshkheti Turks scattered throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to Georgia; boundary with Armenia remains undemarcated; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the Georgian government; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,100 (Russia)

IDPs: 220,000-240,000 (displaced from Abkhazia and South Ossetia) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Germany (Europe)

Introduction ::Germany

Background:

As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro. In January 2011, Germany assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Germany

Location:

Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Geographic coordinates:

51 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 357,022 sq km country comparison to the world: 62 land: 348,672 sq km
water: 8,350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,621 km
border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646 km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577 km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Coastline:

2,389 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Terrain:

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m
highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.13%
permanent crops: 0.6%
other: 66.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

188 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 38.01 cu km/yr (12%/68%/20%)

per capita: 460 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15 years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat directive

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea

People ::Germany

Population:

82,282,988 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.7% (male 5,768,366/female 5,470,516)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 27,707,761/female 26,676,759)

65 years and over: 20.3% (male 7,004,805/female 9,701,551) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 44.3 years
male: 43 years
female: 45.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.061% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Birth rate:

8.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Death rate:

11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Net migration rate:

2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.95 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 205 male: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.41 years country comparison to the world: 36 male: 76.41 years
female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.42 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

53,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Nationality:

noun: German(s)

adjective: German

Ethnic groups:

German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek,
Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Religions:

Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 92

People - note:

second most populous country in Europe after Russia

Government ::Germany

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany
conventional short form: Germany
local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
local short form: Deutschland
former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Berlin
geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wurttemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia); note - Bayern, Sachsen, and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten, singular - Freistaat)

Independence:

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945 following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates: 10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized as the first Holy Roman Emperor)

National holiday:

Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Constitution:

23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united Germany 3 October 1990

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June 2010)

head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by the president on the recommendation of the chancellor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative election to be held no later than 2013)

election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625 votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121 abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats; members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional representation and caucus recognition)

elections: Bundestag - last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held no later than autumn 2013); note - there are no elections for the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election
election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU 33.8%, SPD 23%, FDP 14.6%, Left 11.9%, Greens 10.7%, other 6%; seats by party - CDU/CSU 239, SPD 146, FDP 93, Left 76, Greens 68

Judicial branch:

Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance '90/Greens [Claudia ROTH and Cem OZDEMIR]; Christian
Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social Union or
CSU [Horst SEEHOFER]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Guido
WESTERWELLE]; Left Party or Die Linke [Klaus ERNST and Gesine
LOETZSCH]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Sigmar GABRIEL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

business associations and employers' organizations; trade unions; religious, immigrant, expellee, and veterans groups

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CDB, CE,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA
(observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Klaus SCHARIOTH
chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000

FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Philip D. MURPHY
embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 14191 Berlin; note - new embassy opened 4 July 2008
mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265, Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin
telephone: [49] (030) 2385174

FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215
consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold; these colors have played an important role in German history and can be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

National anthem:

name: "Lied der Deutschen" (Song of the Germans)

lyrics/music: August Heinrich HOFFMANN VON FALLERSLEBE/Franz Joseph HAYDN
note: adopted 1922, restored 1990; the anthem, also known as "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany), was abolished in 1945 because of the Nazi's use of the first verse, specifically the phrase, "Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles" (Germany, Germany above all) to promote nationalism; since restoration in 1990, only the third verse is sung

Economy ::Germany

Economy - overview:

The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits from a highly skilled labor force. Like its western European neighbors, Germany faces significant demographic challenges to sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and declining net immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare system and necessitate structural reforms. The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy - where unemployment can exceed 20% in some municipalities - continues to be a costly long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting in 2008 alone to roughly $12 billion. Reforms launched by the government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average growth, contributed to strong growth in 2006 and 2007 and falling unemployment, which in 2008 reached a new post-reunification low of 7.8%. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World War II - and its healthy decrease in 2010. GDP contracted nearly 5% in 2009 but grew by 3.3% in 2010. Germany crept out of recession thanks largely to rebounding manufacturing orders and exports - primarily outside the Euro Zone - and relatively steady consumer demand. Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and 2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second term increased Germany's budget deficit to 3.3% in 2009 and to 3.6% in 2010. The EU has given Germany until 2013 to get its consolidated budget deficit below 3% of GDP. A new constitutional amendment likewise limits the federal government to structural deficits of no more than 0.35% of GDP per annum as of 2016.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.951 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $2.857 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.998 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.306 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 -4.7% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $34,700 (2009 est.)

$36,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.8%
industry: 27.9%
services: 71.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

43.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 29.7%
services: 67.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 7.5% (2009 est.)

note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated rate for international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Office estimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.8%

Population below poverty line:

11% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 24% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27 (2006) country comparison to the world: 125 30 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Public debt:

74.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 73.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 120 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.96% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 5.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.627 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.681 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$4.288 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $4.202 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.2 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $5.019 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.298 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 9 $1.108 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.106 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - production:

593.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - consumption:

547.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - exports:

61.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

41.67 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

156,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - consumption:

2.437 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - exports:

536,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - imports:

2.862 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - proved reserves:

276 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - production:

15.29 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - consumption:

96.26 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - exports:

12.64 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - imports:

94.57 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - proved reserves:

175.6 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Current account balance:

$162.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $168.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.337 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.145 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles

Exports - partners:

France 10.2%, US 6.7%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy 6.3%,
Austria 6%, China 4.5%, Switzerland 4.4% (2009)

Imports:

$1.12 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $956.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 8.5%, China 8.2%, France 8.2%, US 5.9%, Italy 5.9%, UK 4.9%, Belgium 4.3%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$180.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.713 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 4 $5.158 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.054 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.484 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.46 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Germany

Telephones - main lines in use:

48.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Telephones - mobile cellular:

105 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Telephone system:

general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the western part
domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign countries
international: country code - 49; Germany's international service is excellent worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable facilities as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2001)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and radio stations; national and regional public broadcasters compete with nearly 400 privately-owned national and regional TV stations; more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of radio stations broadcasting including multiple national radio networks, regional radio networks, and a large number of local radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.de

Internet hosts:

21.729 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 4

Internet users:

65.125 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Transportation ::Germany

Airports:

549 (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 330
over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 53

1,524 to 2,437 m: 59

914 to 1,523 m: 70
under 914 m: 135 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 219

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 33
under 914 m: 184 (2010)

Heliports:

25 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 24,364 km; oil 3,379 km; refined products 3,843 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 41,896 km country comparison to the world: 6 standard gauge: 41,641 km 1.435-m gauge (20,053 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 75 km 1.000-m gauge (75 km electrified); 180 km 0.750-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 644,480 km country comparison to the world: 11 paved: 644,480 km (includes 12,645 km of expressways)

note: includes local roads (2008)

Waterways:

7,467 km country comparison to the world: 19 note: Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North Sea and Black Sea (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 421 country comparison to the world: 25 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 7, cargo 44, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, container 293, liquefied gas 7, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 10 (China 2, Finland 5, Greece 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries: 3,287 (Antigua and Barbuda 1050, Australia 2, Bahamas 39, Belize 1, Bermuda 15, Brazil 6, Bulgaria 25, Burma 1, Cayman Islands 6, China 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 189, Denmark 10, Dominica 2, Estonia 1, France 1, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 125, Hong Kong 10, Isle of Man 56, Italy 1, Jamaica 10, Liberia 1049, Luxembourg 9, Malta 127, Marshall Islands 247, Morocco 2, Netherlands 92, former Netherlands Antilles 32, NZ 2, Panama 27, Portugal 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 30, Slovakia 4, Spain 5, Sri Lanka 5, Sweden 3, Turkey 1, UK 77, US 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bremen, Bremerhaven, Duisburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Lubeck,
Neuss-Dusseldorf, Rostock, Wilhemshaven

Military ::Germany

Military branches:

Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer), Navy (Deutsche
Marine, includes naval air arm), Air Force (Luftwaffe), Joint
Support Services (Streitkraeftbasis), Central Medical Service
(Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (conscripts serve a 9-month tour of compulsory military service) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,195,804
females age 16-49: 18,159,851 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,564,748
females age 16-49: 14,723,200 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 421,227
female: 398,809 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Transnational Issues ::Germany

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs; major financial center
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Ghana (Africa)

Introduction ::Ghana

Background:

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over as head of state in early 2009.

Geography ::Ghana

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 238,533 sq km country comparison to the world: 81 land: 227,533 sq km
water: 11,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,094 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Coastline:

539 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Terrain:

mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

Natural resources:

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 17.54%
permanent crops: 9.22%
other: 73.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

310 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

53.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.98 cu km/yr (24%/10%/66%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts

Environment - current issues:

recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

People ::Ghana

Population:

24,339,838 country comparison to the world: 47 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.2% (male 4,494,633/female 4,394,074)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 7,065,273/female 7,086,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 389,886/female 457,923) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years
male: 20.8 years
female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.855% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Birth rate:

28.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Death rate:

8.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Net migration rate:

-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Urbanization:

urban population: 50% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 52 male: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.55 years country comparison to the world: 187 male: 59.36 years
female: 61.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.57 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

260,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.9%
male: 66.4%
female: 49.8% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 52

Government ::Ghana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ghana
conventional short form: Ghana
former: Gold Coast

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Accra
geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Independence:

6 March 1957 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Constitution:

approved 28 April 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject to approval by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (230 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 114, NPP 107, PNC 2, CPP 1, independent 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Convention People's Party or CPP [Ladi NYLANDER]; Democratic Freedom
Party or DFP [Alhaji Abudu Rahman ISSAKAH]; Every Ghanaian Living
Everywhere or EGLE; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Dan
LARTEY]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Kwabena ADJEI];
New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter MAC-MANU]; People's National
Convention or PNC [Alhaji Amed RAMADAN]; Reform Party [Kyeretwie
OPUKU]; United Renaissance Party or URP [Charles WAYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Aid (water rights); Committee for Joint Action or CJA (education reform); National Coalition Against the Privatization of Water or CAP (water rights); Oxfam (water rights); Public Citizen (water rights); Students Coalition Against EPA [Kwabena Ososukene OKAI] (education reform); Third World Network (education reform)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM,
OAS (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Ohene AGYEKUM
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520

FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald G. TEITELBAUM
embassy: 24 4th Circular Rd. Cantonments, Accra
mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra
telephone: [233] (21) 741-000

FAX: [233] (21) 741-389

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana"

lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO
note: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, once when a republic was declared in 1960 and again after a 1966 coup

Economy ::Ghana

Economy - overview:

Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture accounts for roughly one-third of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders. The services sector accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December and is expected to boost economic growth. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness, human resource development, and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008-10. In early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$38.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $36.53 billion (2009 est.)

$35.09 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$18.06 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 4.1% (2009 est.)

7.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 $1,500 (2009 est.)

$1,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.7%
industry: 24.7%
services: 41.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

10.56 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 56%
industry: 15%
services: 29% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Population below poverty line:

28.5% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 32.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.4 (2005-06) country comparison to the world: 65 40.7 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

39.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Public debt:

59.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 55.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 19.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

18% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 15 17% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.26 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 82 $5.203 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.583 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $7.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.155 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $6.987 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.508 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 88 $3.394 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Industries:

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - production:

6.746 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Electricity - consumption:

5.702 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - exports:

249 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

435 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

7,081 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - consumption:

57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - exports:

4,843 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - imports:

45,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - proved reserves:

22.65 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Current account balance:

-$1.871 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 -$1.199 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.326 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $5.84 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds, horticulture

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.45%, UK 7.87%, France 5.85%, Ukraine 5.84%, Malaysia 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$10.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $8.046 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.99%, India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $3.165 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.483 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $5.427 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 1.4 (2010), 1.4 (2009), 1.1 (2008), 0.95 (2007), 9,174.8 (2006)

Communications ::Ghana

Telephones - main lines in use:

267,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.109 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephone system:

general assessment: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra
domestic: competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 60 per 100 persons and rising
international: country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately-owned TV stations and a large number of privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.gh

Internet hosts:

41,082 (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Internet users:

1.297 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Transportation ::Ghana

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 155

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 5 km; refined products 309 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 947 km country comparison to the world: 93 narrow gauge: 947 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 62,221 km country comparison to the world: 74 paved: 9,955 km
unpaved: 52,266 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,293 km country comparison to the world: 58 note: 168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 135 by type: petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3
foreign-owned: 2 (Brazil 1, South Korea 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Takoradi, Tema

Military ::Ghana

Military branches:

Ghanaian Army, Ghanaian Navy, Ghanaian Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,126,707
females age 16-49: 6,058,958 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,022,056
females age 16-49: 4,101,964 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 270,993
female: 263,961 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Transnational Issues ::Ghana

Disputes - international:

Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US; widespread crime and money laundering problem, but the lack of a well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money laundering center; significant domestic cocaine and cannabis use
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Gibraltar (Europe)

Introduction ::Gibraltar

Background:

Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997 and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008, but the UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.

Geography ::Gibraltar

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain

Geographic coordinates:

36 08 N, 5 21 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 242 land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries:

total: 1.2 km
border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline:

12 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain:

a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Geography - note:

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

People ::Gibraltar

Population:

28,877 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 3,088/female 2,922)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 9,667/female 9,467)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,754/female 1,898) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years
male: 32.2 years
female: 34.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Birth rate:

14.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Death rate:

8.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Net migration rate:

-3.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.071 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 168 male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.53 years country comparison to the world: 46 male: 75.69 years
female: 81.56 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German, North
Africans

Religions:

Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish,
Italian, Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: above 80%
male: NA
female: NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Gibraltar

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Gibraltar

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Gibraltar
geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain

Constitution:

5 June 2006; came into force 2 January 2007

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have been residents six months or more

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since 26 October 2009)

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 October 2007 (next to be held not later than October 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 49.3%, GSLP 31.8%, Gibraltar Liberal Party 13.6%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 4, Gibraltar Liberal Party 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization; Women's
Association

International organization participation:

Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

National anthem:

name: "Gibraltar Anthem"

lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY
note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Gibraltar

Economy - overview:

Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 $1.066 billion (2005 est.)

$769 million (2000 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2006) country comparison to the world: 91 7% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,400 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $38,200 (2005 est.)

$27,900 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%
industry: 0%
services: 100% (2008)

Labor force:

12,690 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) (2001) country comparison to the world: 214

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: negligible
industry: 40%
services: 60% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

15.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 119 15.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2006) country comparison to the world: 83 2.9% (2005)

Agriculture - products:

none

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

146 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - consumption:

146 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - imports:

25,610 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports:

$271 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Exports - commodities:

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

Imports:

$2.967 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Imports - commodities:

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Gibraltar

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities
domestic: automatic exchange facilities
international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides television and radio broadcasting services via 1 television station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.gi

Internet hosts:

2,053 (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Internet users:

20,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Transportation ::Gibraltar

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 222

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 29 km country comparison to the world: 218 paved: 29 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 265 country comparison to the world: 32 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 139, chemical tanker 65, container 35, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 4, vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 250 (Belgium 2, Cyprus 1, Denmark 6, Finland 2, Germany 125, Greece 7, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4, Netherlands 33, Norway 42, Singapore 1, Sweden 12, UAE 5, UK 4)

registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gibraltar

Military ::Gibraltar

Military branches:

Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,949 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,955
females age 16-49: 5,687 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 250
female: 233 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces in 1992

Transnational Issues ::Gibraltar

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomy
page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Greece (Europe)

Introduction ::Greece

Background:

Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-Communists and Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In 1974, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might voluntarily leave the common currency or be removed.

Geography ::Greece

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the
Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 131,957 sq km country comparison to the world: 96 land: 130,647 sq km
water: 1,310 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries:

total: 1,228 km
border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, Macedonia 246 km

Coastline:

13,676 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Natural resources:

lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 20.45%
permanent crops: 8.59%
other: 70.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,530 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

72 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.7 cu km/yr (16%/3%/81%)

per capita: 782 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes
volcanism: Santorini (elev. 367 m, 1,204 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; although there have been very few eruptions in recent centuries, Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are classified as historically active

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands

People ::Greece

Population:

10,749,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.3% (male 788,722/female 742,270)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,568,660/female 3,578,344)

65 years and over: 19.2% (male 902,617/female 1,156,815) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.2 years
male: 41.1 years
female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Birth rate:

9.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Death rate:

10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Net migration rate:

2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.064 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.08 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 185 male: 5.58 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.8 years country comparison to the world: 29 male: 77.24 years
female: 82.52 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Nationality:

noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic groups:

population: Greek 93%, other (foreign citizens) 7% (2001 census)

note: percents represent citizenship, since Greece does not collect data on ethnicity

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages:

Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: 97.8%
female: 94.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 105

Government ::Greece

Country name:

conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
conventional short form: Greece
local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia
local short form: Ellas or Ellada
former: Kingdom of Greece

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Athens
geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos) and 1 autonomous region*;
Achaia, Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania, Argolis,
Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chania, Chios, Dodekanisos,
Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos, Fthiotis,
Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria,
Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Kyklades,
Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesvos, Magnisia, Messinia,
Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethymnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serres,
Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Independence:

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Constitution:

11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Legal system:

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU (since 6 October 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010 (next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime minister and form a government
election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 October 2009 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.9%, ND 33.5%, KKE 7.5%, LAOS 5.6%, SYRIZA 4.6%, other 4.9%; seats by party - PASOK 160, ND 91, KKE 21, LAOS 15, SYRIZA 13; note - seats by party as of 15 December 2010 - PASOK 156, ND 86, KKE 21 LAOS 15, SYRIZA 9, DISY 5, Democratic Left 4, independents 4 (DISY and Democratic Left entered parliament as members of ND and SYRIZA, respectively, and the independents entered parliament as members of PASOK); only parties supassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups, but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council

Political parties and leaders:

Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA
[Petros KONSTANTINOU]; Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA
[Alexis TSIPRAS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];
Democratic Left [Fotis KOUVELIS]; Democratic Alliance or DISY
[Theodora BAKOGIANNI]; Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]; Golden
Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]; New Democracy or ND [Antonis
SAMARAS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Georgios
PAPANDREOU]; Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros PAPASPYROS];
Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Dimitris DASKALOPOULOS];
General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Ioannis PANAGOPOULOS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU,
FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vassilis KASKARELIS
chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tampa
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Bennett SMITH
embassy: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951

FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

National anthem:

name: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
note: adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158 verse poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans; Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Liberty" as its anthem

Economy ::Greece

Economy - overview:

Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP about two-thirds that of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2007, due partly to infrastructural spending related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and in part to an increased availability of credit, which has sustained record levels of consumer spending. But the economy went into recession in 2009 as a result of the world financial crisis, tightening credit conditions, and Athens' failure to address a growing budget deficit, which was triggered by falling state revenues, and increased government expenditures. The economy contracted by 2% in 2009, and 4.8% in 2010. Greece violated the EU's Growth and Stability Pact budget deficit criterion of no more than 3% of GDP from 2001 to 2006, but finally met that criterion in 2007-08, before exceeding it again in 2009, with the deficit reaching 15.4% of GDP. Austerity measures reduced the deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2010. Public debt, inflation, and unemployment are above the euro-zone average while per capita income is below; unemployment rose to 12% in 2010. Eroding public finances, a credibility gap stemming from inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on following through with reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis. Under intense pressure by the EU and international market participants, the government has adopted a medium-term austerity program that includes cutting government spending, reducing the size of the public sector, decreasing tax evasion, reforming the health care and pension systems, and improving competitiveness through structural reforms to the labor and product markets. Athens, however, faces long-term challenges to push through unpopular reforms in the face of often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. Greek labor unions are striking over new austerity measures, but the strikes so far have had a limited impact on the government's will to adopt reforms. An uptick in widespread unrest, however, could challenge the government's ability to implement reforms and meet budget targets, and could also lead to rioting or violence. In April 2010 a leading credit agency assigned Greek debt its lowest possible credit rating; in May, the International Monetary Fund and Eurozone governments provided Greece emergency short- and medium-term loans worth $147 billion so that the country could make debt repayments to creditors. In exchange for the largest bailout ever assembled, the government announced combined spending cuts and tax increases totaling $40 billion over three years, on top of the tough austerity measures already taken. Greece, however, struggled to boost revenues and cut spending to meet 2010 targets set by the EU and the IMF, especially after Eurostat - the EU's statistical office - revised upward Greece's deficit and debt numbers for 2009 and 2010. Greece's lenders are calling on Athens to step up efforts in 2011 to increase tax collection, shore up public enterprises, and rein in health spending, and are planning to give Greece more time to repay its EU-IMF loan. Greece responded by introducing major structural reforms, but investors still question whether Greece can sustain fiscal efforts in the face of a bleak economic outlook and public discontent.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$321.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $337.9 billion (2009 est.)

$344.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$302 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 -2% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $31,500 (2009 est.)

$32,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%
industry: 17.6%
services: 78.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.05 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12.4%
industry: 22.4%
services: 65.1% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 9.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

20% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 26% (2000 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33 (2005) country comparison to the world: 96 35.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Public debt:

144% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 126.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 117 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.59% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 8.65% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$152.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 22 $172.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$335.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $368.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$419.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $394.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$54.72 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37 $90.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$264.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - production:

58.79 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - consumption:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - exports:

1.962 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

7.575 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

6,779 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - consumption:

414,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - exports:

153,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - imports:

520,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - proved reserves:

10 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - production:

9 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - consumption:

3.528 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - imports:

3.556 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - proved reserves:

991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Current account balance:

-$17.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -$34.43 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$21.14 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products, chemicals, textiles

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.11%, Italy 11.05%, Cyprus 7.28%, Bulgaria 6.74%, US 4.95%, UK 4.4%, Turkey 4.23% (2009)

Imports:

$44.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $64.2 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 13.73%, Italy 12.71%, China 7.08%, France 6.1%, Netherlands 6.02%, South Korea 5.68%, Belgium 4.34%, Spain 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$5.546 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$532.9 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 19 $504.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$48.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $44.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$38.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $40.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Greece

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.93 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.295 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all areas; good mobile telephone and international service
domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire connections; submarine cable to offshore islands
international: country code - 30; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; a number of smaller submarine cables provide connectivity to various parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Cyprus; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150 private TV channels, about a dozen of the private channels broadcast at the national or regional level; 3 publicly-owned terrestrial TV channels with national coverage, 1 publicly-owned satellite channel, and 3 stations designed for digital terrestrial transmissions; multi-channel satellite and cable TV services obtainable; upwards of 1,500 radio stations broadcasting, nearly all of them privately-owned; state-run broadcaster has 7 national stations, 2 international stations, and 19 regional stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gr

Internet hosts:

2.574 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 31

Internet users:

4.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Transportation ::Greece

Airports:

81 (2010) country comparison to the world: 68

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67
over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 14

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,197 km; oil 75 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,548 km country comparison to the world: 66 standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (764 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 117,533 km country comparison to the world: 38 paved: 107,895 km (includes 880 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,638 km (2005)

Waterways:

6 km country comparison to the world: 108 note: Corinth Canal (6 km) crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; shortens sea voyage by 325 km (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 886 country comparison to the world: 12 by type: bulk carrier 263, cargo 53, carrier 1, chemical tanker 72, container 34, liquefied gas 13, passenger 8, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 312, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 62 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 3, Cyprus 4, Italy 5, UK 27, US 7)

registered in other countries: 2,391 (Antigua and Barbuda 5, Bahamas 209, Barbados 14, Belize 2, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 11, Comoros 3, Cyprus 216, Denmark 1, Dominica 9, Egypt 8, Georgia 3, Germany 1, Gibraltar 7, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 22, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 57, Italy 8, Jamaica 8, Liberia 454, Malta 458, Marshall Islands 358, Mexico 1, Moldova 4, Panama 402, Philippines 4, Portugal 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 63, Sao Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 4, Singapore 19, Slovakia 1, Togo 1, UAE 3, UK 1, Uruguay 1, Vanuatu 4, Venezuela 4, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Agioi Theodoroi, Aspropyrgos, Pachi, Piraeus, Thessaloniki

Military ::Greece

Military branches:

Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy (Ellinikos
Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polimiki
Aeroporia, EPA) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; during wartime the law allows for recruitment beginning January of the year of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 1 year for all services; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,502,268
females age 16-49: 2,486,171 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,050,018
females age 16-49: 2,033,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 53,222
female: 49,828 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Transnational Issues ::Greece

Disputes - international:

Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their complex
maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea;
Cyprus question with Turkey; Greece rejects the use of the name
Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of unemployed
Albanians still remains a problem for developed countries, chiefly
Greece and Italy

Illicit drugs:

a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug trafficking and organized crime
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Greenland (North America)

Introduction ::Greenland

Background:

Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.

Geography ::Greenland

Location:

Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the
North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Geographic coordinates:

72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 2,166,086 sq km country comparison to the world: 13 land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km ice-covered)

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

44,087 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Climate:

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain:

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Environment - current issues:

protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Geography - note:

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap

People ::Greenland

Population:

57,637 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23% (male 6,727/female 6,533)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 21,696/female 18,669)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 2,000/female 1,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.5 years
male: 34.9 years
female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.064% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Birth rate:

14.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Death rate:

8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Net migration rate:

-5.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Urbanization:

urban population: 84% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 151 male: 11.71 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.67 years country comparison to the world: 141 male: 68.05 years
female: 73.43 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100 (1999) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic groups:

Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Greenland

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Greenland
local long form: none
local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Government type:

parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Nuuk (Godthab)

geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: Greenland is divided into four time zones

Administrative divisions:

4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq, Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq
note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik (in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest national park in the world and also the most northerly

Independence:

none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland)

National holiday:

June 21 (longest day)

Constitution:

(November 2008) Act on Greenland Self Government

Legal system:

the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER (since April 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)

cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting) on the basis of the strength of parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the leader of the majority party)

election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Inuit Ataqatigiit 43.7%, Siumut 26.5%, Demokratiit 12.7%, Atassut 10.9%; Kattusseqatigiit 3.8%, other 2.4%; seats by party - IA 14, Siumut 9, Demokraatiit 4, Atassut 3, Kattusseqatigiit 1
note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 13 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1

Judicial branch:

High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or
Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)

Political parties and leaders:

Atassut Party (Solidarity) [Gerhardt PETERSEN] (a conservative party favoring continuing close relations with Denmark); Demokratiit [Jens B. FREDERIKSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood) [Kuupik KLEIST] (a leftist party favoring complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule); Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List) [Anthon FREDERIKSEN] (an independent right-of-center party with no official platform); Siumut (Forward Party) [Alega HAMMOND] (a social democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: conservationists; environmentalists

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, NC, NIB, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of Denmark

National anthem:

name: "Nunarput utoqqarsuanngoravit" ("Our Country, Who's Become So Old" also translated as "You Our Ancient Land")

lyrics/music: Henrik LUND/Jonathan PETERSEN
note: adopted 1916; the government also recognizes "Nuna asiilasooq" as a secondary anthem

Economy ::Greenland

Economy - overview:

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy. Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned to deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production has resumed in south Greenland. Tourism also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.03 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.03 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 4% (2007 est.)

2.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.9%
industry: 31.9%
services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

28,240 (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.9%
industry: 31.9%
services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 7.3% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

9.2% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 1% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Industries:

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut); gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining; handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

310.3 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - consumption:

285.6 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - exports:

1,183 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - imports:

5,172 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports:

$485 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 167 $428 million (2007)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 72%, metals 10% (2008)

Exports - partners:

Denmark 61.13%, Japan 13.69%, China 6.15%, Sweden 5.21% (2009)

Imports:

$867 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 174 $669 million (2007)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Denmark 74.93%, Sweden 11.73%, Norway 2.29% (2009)

Debt - external:

$58 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 187 $25 million (1999)

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Greenland

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephones - mobile cellular:

53,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally digital since 1995
domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite
international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)

Broadcast media:

the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio and television services throughout the island with a broadcast station and a series of repeaters; a few private local television and radio stations broadcast; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gl

Internet hosts:

15,668 (2010) country comparison to the world: 116

Internet users:

36,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Transportation ::Greenland

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 145

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

note: although there are short roads in towns, there are no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by sea or air (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 159 by type: passenger 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Sisimiut

Military ::Greenland

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,474 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,833
females age 16-49: 11,439 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 511
female: 484 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues ::Greenland

Disputes - international:

managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's Ellesmere Island and Greenland
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Grenada (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Grenada

Background:

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Geography ::Grenada

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 344 sq km country comparison to the world: 206 land: 344 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources:

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use:

arable land: 5.88%
permanent crops: 29.41%
other: 64.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

People ::Grenada

Population:

107,818 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32% (male 14,608/female 14,410)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 31,278/female 27,873)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,268/female 1,302) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.2 years
male: 28.2 years
female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Birth rate:

17.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Death rate:

7.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Net migration rate:

-3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.097 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 144 male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.79 years country comparison to the world: 120 male: 70.27 years
female: 75.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 58

Government ::Grenada

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Grenada

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Saint George's
geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Independence:

7 February 1974 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution:

19 December 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27 November 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (13 seats, 10 members appointed by the government and 3 by the leader of the opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 July 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 11, NNP 4

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of a court of Appeal and a High Court of Justice (two High Court judges are assigned to and reside in Grenada); Itinerant Court of Appeal three judges; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Gloria Payne BANFIELD]; National
Democratic Congress or NDC [Tillman THOMAS]; New National Party or
NNP [Keith MITCHELL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for Human Rights in Grenada or CHRG; New Jewel Movement Support Group; The British Grenada Friendship Society; The New Jewel 19 Committee

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA,
NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian M.S. BRISTOL
chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada
embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's
mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's
telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1177

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Flag description:

a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

National anthem:

name: "Hail Grenada"

lyrics/music: Irva Merle BAPTISTE/Louis Arnold MASANTO
note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Grenada

Economy - overview:

Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange especially since the construction of an international airport in 1985. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) severely damaged the agricultural sector - particularly nutmeg and cocoa cultivation - which had been a key driver of economic growth. Grenada has rebounded from the devastating effects of the hurricanes but is now saddled with the debt burden from the rebuilding process. Public debt-to-GDP is nearly 110%, leaving the THOMAS administration limited room to engage in public investments and social spending. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with the development of tourism and an offshore financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national output; however, economic growth was stagnant in 2010 after a sizeable contraction in 2009, because of the global economic slowdown's effects on tourism and remittances.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.127 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 $1.118 billion (2009 est.)

$1.211 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$645 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 -7.7% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$11,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.4%
industry: 18%
services: 76.6% (2003)

Labor force:

42,300 (1996) country comparison to the world: 192

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 24%
industry: 14%
services: 62% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2000) country comparison to the world: 132

Population below poverty line:

32% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 68 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.06% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 9.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$123.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 178 $131.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$743.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 168 $719.5 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$658 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $575.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Industries:

food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction

Electricity - production:

178.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Electricity - consumption:

155.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - imports:

1,923 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Current account balance:

-$138 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Exports:

$38 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Exports - commodities:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Exports - partners:

Saint Lucia 19.73%, Antigua and Barbuda 13.41%, US 12.21%, Saint
Kitts and Nevis 12.03%, Dominica 12% (2009)

Imports:

$343 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 190

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Imports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 39.76%, US 18.11% (2009)

Debt - external:

$347 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 167

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Grenada

Telephones - main lines in use:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic, island-wide telephone system
domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links
international: country code - 1-473; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Broadcast media:

the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and Tobago, operates a television station and 2 radio stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; a dozen private radio stations also broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.gd

Internet hosts:

52 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Internet users:

25,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Transportation ::Grenada

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 192

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,127 km country comparison to the world: 182 paved: 687 km
unpaved: 440 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint George's

Military ::Grenada

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Grenada Police Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,453 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,487
females age 16-49: 22,535 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 987
female: 1,026 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Grenada

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for marijuana and cocaine to US
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Guam (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Guam

Background:

Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military installation on the island is one of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific.

Geography ::Guam

Location:

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 544 sq km
land: 544 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

125.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources:

aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)

Land use:

arable land: 3.64%
permanent crops: 18.18%
other: 78.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Environment - current issues:

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

People ::Guam

Population:

180,865 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.8% (male 25,651/female 23,904)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 59,304/female 56,995)

65 years and over: 7% (male 5,786/female 6,790) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years
male: 28.9 years
female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.346% (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

18.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate:

4.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.93 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.35 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.18 years
male: 75.14 years
female: 81.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Guamanian

Ethnic groups:

Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%, white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%, mixed 9.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Languages:

English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%, other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other languages 3.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (1990 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Guam

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Guam
conventional short form: Guam
local long form: Guahan
local short form: Guahan

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Hagatna (Agana)

geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Constitution:

Organic Act of Guam, 1 August 1950

Legal system:

modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011); Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)

cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor with the consent of the Guam legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote - 50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6
note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Judicial branch:

Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president); Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Michael PHILLIPS]; Republican Party [Philip J.
FLORES] (controls the legislature)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Guam Federation of Teachers' Union; Guam Waterworks Authority Workers
other: activists; indigenous groups

International organization participation:

IOC, SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression
note: the US flag is the national flag

National anthem:

name: "Fanohge Chamoru" (Stand Ye Guamanians)

lyrics/music: Ramon Manalisay SABLAN [English], Lagrimas UNTALAN [Chamoru]/Ramon Manalisay SABLAN
note: adopted 1919; the local anthem is also known as "Guam Hymn"; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which generally follows the playing of "Stand Ye Guamanians," is official (see United States)

Economy ::Guam

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on US military spending and tourism. Total US grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays amounted to $1.3 billion in 2004. Over the past 30 years, the tourist industry has grown to become the largest income source following national defense. The Guam economy continues to experience expansion in both its tourism and military sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.5 billion (2005 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.773 billion (2001)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,000 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

82,950 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%
industry: 10%
services: 64% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.4% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Industries:

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.767 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

1.644 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,620 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - imports:

14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Exports:

$45 million (2004 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products

Imports:

$701 million (2004 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Guam

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,500 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

98,000 (2004)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system, integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers
domestic: digital system, including mobile-cellular service and local access to the Internet
international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a trans-Pacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

about a dozen TV broadcast channels, including digital channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Internet country code:

.gu

Internet hosts:

24 (2010)

Internet users:

90,000 (2009)

Transportation ::Guam

Airports:

5; note - 2 serviceable (2010)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,045 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Apra Harbor

Military ::Guam

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,983
females age 16-49: 36,469 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,687
female: 1,597 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Guam

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Guatemala (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Guatemala

Background:

The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.

Geography ::Guatemala

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El
Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean
Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Geographic coordinates:

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 108,889 sq km country comparison to the world: 106 land: 107,159 sq km
water: 1,730 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,687 km
border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline:

400 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.22%
permanent crops: 5.6%
other: 81.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.3 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.01 cu km/yr (6%/13%/80%)

per capita: 160 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
volcanism: Guatemala experiences significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (elev. 3,772 m, 12,375 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (elev. 2,552 m, 8,373 ft), which erupted in May 2010 causing an ashfall on Guatemala City and prompting evacuations, is one of the country's most active volcanoes; the volcano has frequently been in eruption since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

no natural harbors on west coast

People ::Guatemala

Population:

13,550,440 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.4% (male 2,664,058/female 2,573,006)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,655,184/female 3,884,331)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 231,652/female 268,286) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years
male: 19.1 years
female: 20.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.019% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Birth rate:

27.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Death rate:

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Net migration rate:

-2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 80 male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.59 years country comparison to the world: 142 male: 68.76 years
female: 72.51 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

59,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic groups:

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Languages:

Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 69.1%
male: 75.4%
female: 63.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Government ::Guatemala

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala
conventional short form: Guatemala
local long form: Republica de Guatemala
local short form: Guatemala

Government type:

constitutional democratic republic

Capital:

name: Guatemala City
geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2010

Administrative divisions:

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta
Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,
Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,
Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa
Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended 25 May 1993; reinstated 5 June 1993; amended November 1993

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September 2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica (158 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 September 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UNE 30.4%, GANA 23.4%, PP 18.9%, FRG 9.5%, PU 5.1%, other 12.7%; seats by party - UNE 48, GANA 37, PP 30, FRG 15, PU 8, CASA 5, EG 4, PAN 4, UCN 4, URNG 2, UD 1

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad is Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected by Congress for concurrent five-year terms); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (13 members are elected by Congress to serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are named to five-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Center of Social Action or CASA [Feliz Adolfo RUANO de Leon];
Democracy Front or FRENTE [Alfonso CABRERA]; Democratic Union or UD
[Edwin Armando MARTINEZ Herrera]; Encounter for Guatemala or EG
[Nineth MONTENGRO]; Grand National Alliance or GANA [Jaime Antonio
MARTINEZ Lohayza]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG
[Hector Alfredo NUILA Ericastilla]; Guatemalan Republican Front or
FRG [Luis Fernando PEREZ]; Independent Bloc Guatemala or BG [Macario
Efrain OLIVA Muralles]; Independent Democratic Freedom Renewed or
LIDER [Manuel BALDIZON]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Juan
GUTIERREZ]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Roberto KESTLER
Velasquez]; Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Mario ESTRADA]; Patriot
Party or PP [Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias]; Unionista Party or PU
[Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity or AAI;
Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee of
Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations or
CACIF; International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala or
CICIG; Mutual Support Group or GAM

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco VILLAGRAN de Leon
chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952

FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Providence, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen G. MCFARLAND
embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City
mailing address: APO AA 34024
telephone: [502] 2326-4000

FAX: [502] 2326-4654

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band denotes peace and purity

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (National Anthem of Guatemala)

lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE
note: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem; his authorship was not discovered until 1911

Economy ::Guatemala

Economy - overview:

Guatemala is the most populous of the Central American countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agricultural sector accounts for nearly 15% of GDP and half of the labor force; key agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, and bananas. The 1996 peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, and since then Guatemala has pursued important reforms and macroeconomic stabilization. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) entered into force in July 2006 spurring increased investment and diversification of exports, with the largest increases in ethanol and non-traditional agricultural exports. While CAFTA has helped improve the investment climate, concerns over security, the lack of skilled workers and poor infrastructure continue to hamper foreign direct investment. The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest decile comprising over 40% of Guatemala's overall consumption. More than half of the population is below the national poverty line and 15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty among indigenous groups, which make up 38% of the population, averages 76% and extreme poverty rises to 28%. 43% of children under five are chronically malnourished, one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world. President COLOM entered into office with the promise to increase education, healthcare, and rural development, and in April 2008 he inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program, modeled after programs in Brazil and Mexico, that provide financial incentives for poor families to keep their children in school and get regular health check-ups. Given Guatemala's large expatriate community in the United States, it is the top remittance recipient in Central America, with inflows serving as a primary source of foreign income equivalent to nearly two-thirds of exports. Economic growth fell in 2009 as export demand from US and other Central American markets fell and foreign investment slowed amid the global recession, but the economy recovered gradually in 2010 and will likely return to more normal growth rates by 2012. President COLOM, in his last year in office, will likely face opposition to economic reform, particularly over a long-delayed tax reform and an IMF-recommended reform to strengthen the banking sector. Larger budget deficits and increased debt can be expected in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$70.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $68.8 billion (2009 est.)

$68.39 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$40.77 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 0.6% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $5,200 (2009 est.)

$5,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.3%
industry: 24.4%
services: 62.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.26 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%
industry: 15%
services: 35% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Population below poverty line:

56.2% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 42.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

55.1 (2007) country comparison to the world: 13 55.8 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

13.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Public debt:

29.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 27.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 13.39% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 79 $6.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$25.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $22.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$15.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $14.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Industries:

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - production:

8.425 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - consumption:

7.115 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - exports:

131.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.11 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

13,530 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - consumption:

79,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - exports:

21,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - imports:

72,440 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - proved reserves:

83.07 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.96 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Current account balance:

-$1.345 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -$267.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$8.47 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $7.214 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom

Exports - partners:

US 40.41%, El Salvador 11.2%, Honduras 8.48%, Mexico 5.86% (2009)

Imports:

$12.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $11.52 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 36.46%, Mexico 10.49%, China 5.88%, El Salvador 5.14% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.709 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $4.973 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $16.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 8.0798 (2010), 8.1616 (2009), 7.5895 (2008), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006)

Communications ::Guatemala

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.413 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.308 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the city of Guatemala
domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 502; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

4 privately-owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gt

Internet hosts:

196,870 (2010) country comparison to the world: 65

Internet users:

2.279 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Transportation ::Guatemala

Airports:

372 (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 359

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 84
under 914 m: 271 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 480 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 332 km country comparison to the world: 119 narrow gauge: 332 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 14,095 km country comparison to the world: 124 paved: 4,863 km (includes 75 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,232 km (2000)

Waterways:

990 km (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water season) (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Ports and terminals:

Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Military ::Guatemala

Military branches:

National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de Guatemala, ENG),
Guatemalan Navy (Marina Nacional, includes Marines), Guatemalan Air
Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to 24 months; women can serve as officers (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,062,027
females age 16-49: 3,266,655 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,494,903
females age 16-49: 2,827,208 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 168,959
female: 166,414 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Transnational Issues ::Guatemala

Disputes - international:

annual ministerial meetings under the OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures continue to address Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: undetermined (the UN does not estimate there are any IDPs, although some NGOs estimate over 200,000 IDPs as a result of over three decades of internal conflict that ended in 1996) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guatemala is a source, transit, and destination country for Guatemalans and Central Americans trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; human trafficking is a significant and growing problem in the country; Guatemalan women and children are trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation, primarily to Mexico and the United States; Guatemalan men, women, and children are also trafficked within the country, and to Mexico and the United States, for forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guatemala is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, particularly with respect to ensuring that trafficking offenders are appropriately prosecuted for their crimes; while prosecutors initiated trafficking prosecutions, they continued to face problems in court with application of Guatemala's comprehensive anti-trafficking law; the government made modest improvements to its protection efforts, but assistance remained inadequate overall in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005, cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than 1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Guernsey (Europe)

Introduction ::Guernsey

Background:

Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Guernsey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Guernsey

Location:

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78 sq km country comparison to the world: 227 land: 78 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

50 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Sark 114 m

Natural resources:

cropland

Land use:

arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

People ::Guernsey

Population:

64,775 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 4,799/female 4,673)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 22,056/female 22,410)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 5,009/female 6,537) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.9 years
male: 40.9 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.466% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Birth rate:

10.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Death rate:

8.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Net migration rate:

2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 210 male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.08 years country comparison to the world: 6 male: 79.43 years
female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

British and Norman-French descent with small percentages from other
European countries

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational,
Methodist

Languages:

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Guernsey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey
conventional short form: Guernsey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Saint Peter Port
geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 10 parishes including Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28 October 2005)

head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008); Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)

cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation
election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral States of Deliberation (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - Alderney and Sark have parliaments
elections: last held on 23 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety or STEPS; No More Masts
[Colin FALLAIZE]

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings

National anthem:

name: "Sarnia Cherie" (Guernsey Dear)

lyrics/music: George DEIGHTON/Domencio SANTANGELO
note: adopted 1911; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Guernsey

Economy - overview:

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance - account for about 23% of employment and about 55% of total income in this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Financial services, construction, retail, and the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of the EU nations is changing the environment under which Guernsey operates.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.742 billion (2005) country comparison to the world: 178

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.742 billion (2005)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$44,600 (2005) country comparison to the world: 13

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%
industry: 10%
services: 87% (2000)

Labor force:

31,470 (March 2006) country comparison to the world: 203

Unemployment rate:

0.9% (March 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 102

Agriculture - products:

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Industries:

tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Guernsey pound 0.6504 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Guernsey

Telephones - main lines in use:

45,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 44; 1 submarine cable

Broadcast media:

multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in November 2010; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Internet country code:

.gg

Internet hosts:

197 (2010) country comparison to the world: 195

Internet users:

48,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Transportation ::Guernsey

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port

Military ::Guernsey

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,404
females age 16-49: 12,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 347
female: 350 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Guernsey

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Guinea (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea

Background:

Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008 when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution. His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and evacuated to Morocco and subsequently to Burkina Faso. A transitional government led by General Sekouba KONATE held democratic elections in 2010 and Alpha CONDE was elected president in the country's first free and fair elections since independence.

Geography ::Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 245,857 sq km country comparison to the world: 78 land: 245,717 sq km
water: 140 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 3,399 km
border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline:

320 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 4.47%
permanent crops: 2.64%
other: 92.89% (2005)

Irrigated land:

950 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

226 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.51 cu km/yr (8%/2%/90%)

per capita: 161 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their sources in the Guinean highlands

People ::Guinea

Population:

10,324,025 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,175,852/female 2,128,518)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,701,184/female 2,704,161)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 153,053/female 195,207) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years
male: 18.3 years
female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.649% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Birth rate:

37.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Death rate:

10.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Urbanization:

urban population: 34% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.09 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 31 male: 66.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.6 years country comparison to the world: 192 male: 56.13 years
female: 59.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.15 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

87,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions:

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages:

French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 29.5%
male: 42.6%
female: 18.1% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 175

Government ::Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
conventional short form: Guinea
local long form: Republique de Guinee
local short form: Guinee
former: French Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Conakry
geographic coordinates: 9 33 N, 13 42 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla, Boffa,
Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah,
Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia,
Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,
Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele,
Tougue, Yomou

Independence:

2 October 1958 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Constitution:

23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24 December 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010 with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010
election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; members elected by a mixed system of direct popular vote and proportional party lists)

elections: last held on 30 June 2002 (legislative elections first due in 2007 have been rescheduled multiple times and are currently unscheduled)

election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%, other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Judicial branch:

Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of
Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]; Guinean Union for
Democracy or UGD; New Democratic Forces or NDF [Muoctar DIALLO];
Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Sekouba KONATE]; Rally for the
Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for Progress and Renewal
or UPR [Ousmane BAH]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG
[Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general]; Union of Democratic Forces of
Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]; Union of Republican Forces or
UFR [Sidya TOURE]; United Front for Democracy and Change or FUDEC
[Francois FALL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of Guinean
Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance (includes National Confederation of
Guinean Workers or CNTG [Rabiatou Sarah DIALLO] and Labor Union of
Guinean Workers or USTG [Dr. Ibrahima FOFANA]); Syndicate of Guinean
Teachers and Researchers or SLECG [Dr. Louis M'Bemba SOUMAH]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), ECOWAS (suspended), FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mory Karamoko KABA
chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia Newton MOLLER
embassy: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle
mailing address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00

FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal

National anthem:

name: "Liberte" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA
note: adopted 1958

Economy ::Guinea

Economy - overview:

Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounts for more than 70% of exports. Long-run improvements in the management of the economy, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Investor confidence has been sapped by rampant corruption, a lack of electricity and other infrastructure, a lack of skilled workers, and the political uncertainty resulting from the death of President Lansana CONTE in December 2008. International donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, cut their development programming significantly in response to the coup, and international partners have said that a resumption of aid will be contingent on a successful democratic transition with a democratically elected president and a functioning National Assembly. Growth rose slightly in 2006-08, primarily due to increases in global demand and commodity prices on world markets, but bauxite and alumina exports were negatively affected by the global economic downturn and the economy in 2009 contracted. International investors expressed renewed interest in Guinea's iron ore mines in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $10.3 billion (2009 est.)

$10.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.344 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 -3.5% (2009 est.)

4.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25.8%
industry: 45.7%
services: 28.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.392 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 76%
industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

47% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 41% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (2006) country comparison to the world: 73 40.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 7 22.25% (31 December 2005)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$496.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 158 $459.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$830 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $761.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$734.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $674.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Industries:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron; alumina refining; light manufacturing, and agricultural processing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - production:

850 million kWh country comparison to the world: 148 note: excludes electricity generated at interior mining sites (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

790.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - imports:

8,674 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Current account balance:

-$434 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 -$538 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.18 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%, Germany 6.86%, Ireland 5.87%, US 5.71%, Ukraine 5.6% (2009)

Imports:

$1.551 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.236 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%, France 4.33%, UK 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$51 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.072 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $3.222 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 6,100 (2010), 5,500 (2009), 5,500 (2008), 4,122.8 (2007), 5,350 (2006)

Communications ::Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.607 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire lines, small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay system
domestic: Conakry reasonably well served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate and large companies tend to rely on their own systems for nationwide links; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding and exceeded 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government maintains control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; about 20 privately-owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign television programming available via satellite and cable subscription services (2008)

Internet country code:

.gn

Internet hosts:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 220

Internet users:

95,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Transportation ::Guinea

Airports:

16 (2010) country comparison to the world: 142

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,185 km country comparison to the world: 87 standard gauge: 238 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 947 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 44,348 km country comparison to the world: 84 paved: 4,342 km
unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2008) country comparison to the world: 57

Ports and terminals:

Conakry, Kamsar

Military ::Guinea

Military branches:

National Armed Forces: Army, Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; 18-month conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,292,338
females age 16-49: 2,264,589 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,443,655
females age 16-49: 1,483,676 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 114,353
female: 111,873 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Transnational Issues ::Guinea

Disputes - international:

conflicts among rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in neighboring states have spilled over into Guinea resulting in domestic instability; Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 21,856 (Liberia); 5,259 (Sierra Leone); 3,900 (Cote d'Ivoire)

IDPs: 19,000 (cross-border incursions from Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia,
Sierra Leone) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children, and internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking; within the country, girls are trafficked primarily for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced agricultural labor, and as forced beggars, street vendors, shoe shiners, and laborers in gold and diamond mines; some Guinean men are also trafficked for agricultural labor within Guinea; transnationally, girls are trafficked into Guinea for domestic servitude and likely also for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking over 2006; Guinea demonstrated minimal law enforcement efforts for a second year in a row, while protection efforts diminished over efforts in 2006; the government did not report any trafficking convictions in 2007; due to a lack of resources, the government does not provide shelter services for trafficking victims; the government took no measures to reduce the demand for commercial sexual exploitation (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Guinea-Bissau (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea-Bissau

Background:

Since independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected president in the country's first free elections. A military mutiny and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in office, YALA was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup, and businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an emergency election held in June 2009.

Geography ::Guinea-Bissau

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 36,125 sq km country comparison to the world: 137 land: 28,120 sq km
water: 8,005 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 724 km
border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline:

350 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m

Natural resources:

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 8.31%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 84.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

31 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.18 cu km/yr (13%/5%/82%)

per capita: 113 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland

People ::Guinea-Bissau

Population:

1,565,126 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 312,253/female 313,609)

15-64 years: 56.1% (male 414,924/female 445,639)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 19,191/female 28,348) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years
male: 18.8 years
female: 19.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.004% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Birth rate:

35.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Death rate:

15.52 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Urbanization:

urban population: 30% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 98.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 8 male: 108.03 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 87.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.3 years country comparison to the world: 216 male: 46.44 years
female: 50.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (includes Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 42.4%
male: 58.1%
female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 5 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 59

Government ::Guinea-Bissau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau
local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau
local short form: Guine-Bissau
former: Portuguese Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bissau
geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note - Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Independence:

24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Constitution:

16 May 1984; amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993, 9 June 1993, and in 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25 December 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the legislature
election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (100 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 November 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 49.8%, PRS 25.3%, PRID 7.5%, PND 2.4%, AD 1.4%, other parties 13.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 67, PRS 28, PRID 3, PND 1, AD 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists of nine justices appointed by the president and serve at his pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases); Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases valued at more than $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases valued at less than $1,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde
or PAIGC [Carlos GOMES Junior]; Democratic Alliance or AD [Victor
MANDINGA]; Democratic Social Front or FDS [Rafael BARBOSA];
Electoral Union or UE [Joaquim BALDE]; Guinea-Bissau Civic
Forum/Social Democracy or FCGSD [Antonieta Rosa GOMES];
Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG; Guinea-Bissau Socialist
Democratic Party or PDSG [Serifo BALDE]; Labor and Solidarity Party
or PST [Lancuba INDJAI]; New Democracy Party or PND; Party for
Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Party for Renewal
and Progress or PRP; Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Kumba YALA];
Progress Party or PP; Republican Party for Independence and
Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]; Union of Guinean Patriots or
UPG [Francisca VAZ]; Union for Change or UM [Amine SAAD]; United
Platform or UP (coalition formed by PCD, FDS, FLING, and RGB-MB);
United Popular Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or
PUSD [Frnacisco FADUL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

National anthem:

name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country)

lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He
note: adopted 1974; a delegation from Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRA, the leader of Guinea-Bissa"s independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence

Economy ::Guinea-Bissau

Economy - overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, Guinea-Bissau's legal economy depends mainly on farming and fishing, but trafficking narcotics is probably the most lucrative trade. Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years. Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the major crop and staple food. However, intermittent fighting between Senegalese-backed government troops and a military junta destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to the economy in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that year, with partial recovery in 1999-2002. In December 2003, the World Bank, IMF, and UNDP were forced to step in to provide emergency budgetary support in the amount of $107 million for 2004, representing over 80% of the total national budget. The combination of limited economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.769 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $1.738 billion (2009 est.)

$1.687 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$825 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 3% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $1,100 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 62%
industry: 12%
services: 26% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

632,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 152

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 82%
industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 28% (2002)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 98 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$192.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 175 $171.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$209.3 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $189.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$42.56 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $58.87 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Industries:

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Industrial production growth rate:

4.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - production:

65 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - consumption:

60.45 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - imports:

2,545 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Current account balance:

-$6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Exports:

$133 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Exports - commodities:

fish, shrimp; cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Exports - partners:

India 62.21%, Nigeria 31.28%, Portugal 1.48% (2009)

Imports:

$200 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 17.33%, Senegal 13.66%, Netherlands 9.27%, India 9.11%,
Thailand 5.2%, Brazil 4.49% (2009)

Debt - external:

$941.5 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Guinea-Bissau

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Telephones - mobile cellular:

560,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications
domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 35 per 100 in 2009
international: country code - 245 (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV station and a second station, RTP Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP; 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gw

Internet hosts:

82 (2010) country comparison to the world: 206

Internet users:

37,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Transportation ::Guinea-Bissau

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 158

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,455 km country comparison to the world: 161 paved: 965 km
unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Waterways:

rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Military ::Guinea-Bissau

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary force

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger with parental consent, for voluntary service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 361,785
females age 16-49: 363,488 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 199,771
females age 16-49: 206,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,300
female: 17,523 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Transnational Issues ::Guinea-Bissau

Disputes - international:

in 2006, political instability within Senegal's Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees, cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,454 (Senegal) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country for children trafficked primarily for forced begging and forced agricultural labor to other West African countries
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for the second year in a row, Guinea-Bissau is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, as evidenced by the continued failure to pass an anti-trafficking law and inadequate efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking crimes or convict and punish trafficking offenders (2008)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important transit country for South American cocaine enroute to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations thanks to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography around the capital facilitates drug smuggling
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Guyana (South America)

Introduction ::Guyana

Background:

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Geography ::Guyana

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Suriname and Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 214,969 sq km country comparison to the world: 84 land: 196,849 sq km
water: 18,120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 2,949 km
border countries: Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline:

459 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Terrain:

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use:

arable land: 2.23%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 97.63% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

241 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

per capita: 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

People ::Guyana

Population:

748,486 country comparison to the world: 161 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.3% (male 127,818/female 123,261)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 233,270/female 234,025)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 14,481/female 20,085) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.6 years
male: 22.9 years
female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.547% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Birth rate:

17.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Death rate:

7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Net migration rate:

-15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 70 male: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.74 years country comparison to the world: 157 male: 62.93 years
female: 70.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Ethnic groups:

East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican 6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness 1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%, other 4.3%, none 4.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 91.8%
male: 92%
female: 91.6% (2002 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 37

Government ::Guyana

Country name:

conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
conventional short form: Guyana
former: British Guiana

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Georgetown
geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 10 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East
Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice,
Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper
Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Independence:

26 May 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution:

6 October 1980

Legal system:

based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August 1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006
head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992, except for a period as chief of state after the death of President Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of vote 54.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PPP/C 54.6%, PNC/R 34%, AFC 8.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - PPP/C 36, PNC/R 22, AFC 5, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN and Khemraj RAMJATTAN];
Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Justice for All Party [C.N.
SHARMA]; People's National Congress/Reform or PNC/R [Robert Herman
Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Bharrat
JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United
Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey JAGAN]; Vision
Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]; Working People's Alliance or WPA [Rupert
ROOPNARAINE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association; Guyana
Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana Public
Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades Union
Congress

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bayney KARRAN
chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Karen L. WILLIAMS
embassy: US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170
telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909

FAX: [592] 225-8497

Flag description:

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future; white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

National anthem:

name: "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains"

lyrics/music: Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER
note: adopted 1966

Economy ::Guyana

Economy - overview:

The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily in the raw materials sector. Economic recovery since a 2005 flood-related contraction was buoyed by increases in remittances and foreign direct investment in the sugar and rice industries as well as the mining sector. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank, Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million debt, equivalent to nearly 48% of GDP, which along with other Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in 2009-10 as a result of the world recession. The slowdown in the domestic economy and lower import costs helped to narrow the country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings from exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.069 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $4.946 billion (2009 est.)

$4.834 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.197 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 2.3% (2009 est.)

3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $6,600 (2009 est.)

$6,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 24.3%
industry: 24.7%
services: 51% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

333,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

11% (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.2 (1999) country comparison to the world: 47

Investment (gross fixed):

34.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Public debt:

57% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 2.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 59 6.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.54% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 14.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$386.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 162 $252.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $905.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$754 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $524 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 107 $289.9 million (31 December 2008)

$262.4 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, edible oils; shrimp, fish, beef, pork, poultry

Industries:

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - production:

821 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - consumption:

667 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - imports:

10,550 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Current account balance:

-$311 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 -$265 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$814 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $763 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber

Exports - partners:

Canada 27.52%, US 16.93%, UK 10.84%, Ukraine 5.54%, Netherlands 5%,
Trinidad and Tobago 4.33%, Jamaica 4.12% (2009)

Imports:

$1.366 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $1.161 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners:

US 25.23%, Trinidad and Tobago 23.23%, Cuba 6.41%, China 6.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$506 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $631.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$804.3 million (30 September 2008) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.2 billion (2002)

Exchange rates:

Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.07 (2010), 204.02 (2009), 203.86 (2008), 201.89 (2007), 200.28 (2006)

Communications ::Guyana

Telephones - main lines in use:

130,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Telephones - mobile cellular:

281,400 (2005) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system for long-distance service; microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons; ; mobile-cellular teledensity about 35 per 100 persons in 2005
international: country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government-dominated broadcast media; the National Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2 radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new private radio stations continue to constrain competition in broadcast media (2007)

Internet country code:

.gy

Internet hosts:

8,840 (2010) country comparison to the world: 132

Internet users:

189,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Transportation ::Guyana

Airports:

96 (2010) country comparison to the world: 63

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 7,970 km country comparison to the world: 142 paved: 590 km
unpaved: 7,380 km (2000)

Waterways:

330 km country comparison to the world: 92 note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 121 by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1
registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Georgetown

Military ::Guyana

Military branches:

Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Coast Guard, Air Corps) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 189,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 132,188
females age 16-49: 147,296 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,842
female: 8,452 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 82

Transnational Issues ::Guyana

Disputes - international:

all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guyana is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; most trafficking appears to take place in remote mining camps in the country's interior; some women and girls are trafficked from northern Brazil; reporting from other nations suggests Guyanese women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to neighboring countries and Guyanese men and boys are subject to labor exploitation in construction and agriculture; trafficking victims from Suriname, Brazil, and Venezuela transit Guyana en route to Caribbean destinations
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guyana is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders; the government has yet to produce an anti-trafficking conviction under the comprehensive Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which became law in 2005; the government operates no shelters for trafficking victims, but did include limited funding for anti-trafficking NGOs in its 2008 budget; the government did not make any effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis; rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human smuggling
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Haiti (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Haiti

Background:

The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with an epicenter about 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years and massive international assistance will be required to help the country recover.

Geography ::Haiti

Location:

Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 72 25 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 27,750 sq km country comparison to the world: 147 land: 27,560 sq km
water: 190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km
border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Coastline:

1,771 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rough and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 28.11%
permanent crops: 11.53%
other: 60.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

920 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.99 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

per capita: 116 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

People ::Haiti

Population:

9,719,932 country comparison to the world: 87 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (2011 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,735,917/female 1,704,383)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 2,621,059/female 2,665,447)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 120,040/female 188,690) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years
male: 20.9 years
female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.787% country comparison to the world: 139 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Birth rate:

24.4 births/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 98 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.011 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.02 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 43 male: 58.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.83 deaths/1,000 live births
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.17 years country comparison to the world: 179 male: 60.84 years
female: 63.53 years
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.07 children born/woman (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Ethnic groups:

black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%,
Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%

note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Languages:

French (official), Creole (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 52.9%
male: 54.8%
female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 177

Government ::Haiti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Haiti
conventional short form: Haiti
local long form: Republique d'Haiti/Repiblik d' Ayiti
local short form: Haiti/Ayiti

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Port-au-Prince
geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

10 departments (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Independence:

1 January 1804 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Constitution:

approved March 1987
note: suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989; constitutional government ousted in a military coup in September 1991, although in October 1991 military government claimed to be observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in October 1994; constitution, while technically in force between 2004-2006, was not enforced; returned to constitutional rule in May 2006

Legal system:

based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7 November 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 28 November 2010; runoff scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the National Assembly
election results: 2010 results not final, initial results are under OAS review; Mirlande MANIGAT 31.37%, Jude CELESTIN 22.48%, Michel MARTELLY 21.84%, all others less than 10% each

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of the Senate (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - in reestablishing the Senate in 2006, the candidate in each department receiving the most votes in the last election serves six years, the candidate with the second most votes serves four years, and the candidate with the third most votes serves two years
elections: Senate - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next regular election, for one third of seats, to be held in 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections schedule for 16 January 2011 (next regular election to be held in 2014)

election results: 2010 election results are not final; 2006 Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 11, FUSION 5, OPL 4, FL 3, LAAA 2, UNCRH 2, PONT 2, ALYANS 1; 2006 Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 23, FUSION 17, FRN 12, OPL 10, ALYANS 10, LAAA 5, MPH 3, MOCHRENA 3, other 10; results for six other seats contested on 3 December 2006 remain unknown

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Artibonite in Action or LAAA [Youri LATORTUE]; Assembly of
Progressive National Democrats or RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convention
for Democratic Unity or KID [Evans PAUL]; Cooperative Action to
Build Haiti or KONBA [Evans LESCOUFALIR]; Democratic Alliance or
ALYANS [Evans PAUL] (coalition composed of KID and PPRH); Effort and
Solidarity to Create an Alternative for the People or ESKAMP [Joseph
JASME]; Fanmi Lavalas or FL [Rudy HERIVEAUX]; For Us All or PONT
[Jean-Marie CHERESTAL]; Front for Hope or L'ESPWA [Rene PREVAL]
(alliance of ESKAMP, PLB, and grass-roots organizations Grand-Anse
Resistance Committee, the Central Plateau Peasants' Group, and
Kombit Sudest); Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH [Osner
FEVRY and Marie-Denise CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic and Reform
Movement or MODEREH [Dany TOUSSAINT and Pierre Soncon PRINCE]; Heads
Together or Tet-Ansanm [Dr. Gerard BLOT]; Independent Movement for
National Reconciliation or MIRN [Luc FLEURINORD]; Justice for Peace
and National Development or JPDN [Rigaud DUPLAN]; Liberal Party of
Haiti or PLH [Gehy MICHEL]; Merging of Haitian Social Democratic
Parties or FUSION or FPSDH [Serge GILLES] (coalition of Ayiti
Capable, Haitian National Revolutionary Party, and National Congress
of Democratic Movements); Mobilization for Haiti's Development or
MPH [Samir MOURRA]; Mobilization for National Development or MDN
[Hubert de RONCERAY]; Movement for National Reconstruction or MRN
[Jean Henold BUTEAU]; Movement for the Installation of Democracy in
Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; National Christian Union for the
Reconstruction of Haiti or UNCRH [Marie Claude GERMAIN]; National
Front for the Reconstruction of Haiti or FRN [Guy PHILIPPE]; New
Christian Movement for a New Haiti or MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open
the Gate Party or PLB [Anes LUBIN]; Popular Party for the Renewal of
Haiti or PPRH [Claude ROMAIN]; Struggling People's Organization or
OPL [Edgard LEBLANC]; Union of Nationalist and Progressive Haitians
or UNITE [Edouard FRANCISQUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Autonomous Organizations of Haitian Workers or CATH [Fignole
ST-CYR]; Confederation of Haitian Workers or CTH; Federation of
Workers Trade Unions or FOS; General Organization of Independent
Haitian Workers [Patrick NUMAS]; Grand-Anse Resistance Committee, or
KOREGA; National Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement
or MPP [Chavannes JEAN-BAPTISTE]; Popular Organizations Gathering
Power or PROP; Protestant Federation of Haiti; Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis Harold JOSEPH
chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090

FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Orlando (Florida)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth H. MERTEN
embassy: Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince
mailing address: use mailing address
telephone: [509] 229-8000

FAX: [509] 229-8028

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks and mulattoes

National anthem:

name: "La Dessalinienne" (The Dessalines Song)

lyrics/music: Justin LHERISSON/Nicolas GEFFRARD
note: adopted 1904; the anthem is named for Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, a leader in the Haitian Revolution and first ruler of an independent Haiti

Economy ::Haiti

Economy - overview:

Haiti's economy suffered a severe setback when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake damaged its capital city, Port-au-Prince, in January 2010. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty, the damage to Port-au-Prince caused the country's GDP to contract an estimated 8% in 2010. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend on the agricultural sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming, and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters, exacerbated by the country's widespread deforestation. US economic engagement under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, passed in December 2006, has boosted apparel exports and investment by providing tariff-free access to the US. Congress voted in 2010 to extend the legislation until 2020 under the Haitian Economic Lift Act (HELP); the apparel sector accounts for three-quarters of Haitian exports and nearly one-tenth of GDP. Remittances are the primary source of foreign exchange, equaling nearly a quarter of GDP and more than twice the earnings from exports. Haiti suffers from a lack of investment because of insecurity and limited infrastructure, and a severe trade deficit. In 2005, Haiti paid its arrears to the World Bank, paving the way for reengagement with the Bank. Haiti received debt forgiveness for over $1 billion of its debt through the Highly-Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative in 2009. The remainder of its outstanding external debt was cancelled by donor countries in early 2010 but has since climbed back to about $500 million. The government relies on formal international economic assistance for fiscal sustainability.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $12.15 billion (2009 est.)

$11.81 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.495 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 2.9% (2009 est.)

0.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23%
industry: 20%
services: 57% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

3.643 million country comparison to the world: 95 note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 66%
industry: 9%
services: 25% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

note: widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs

Population below poverty line:

80% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.7%
highest 10%: 47.7% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

59.2 (2001) country comparison to the world: 7

Investment (gross fixed):

28.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 2% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 17.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$787.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 144 $800 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.137 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 131 $2.958 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.632 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $1.698 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Industries:

textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light assembly based on imported parts

Industrial production growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - production:

665 million kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - consumption:

273 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - consumption:

12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - imports:

12,280 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Current account balance:

-$781 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 -$627 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$559 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $551 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, manufactures, oils, cocoa, mangoes, coffee

Exports - partners:

US 79.76%, Dominican Republic 7.24%, Canada 2.96% (2009)

Imports:

$2.446 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $2.032 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials

Imports - partners:

US 33.11%, Dominican Republic 23.53%, Netherlands Antilles 10.75%,
China 5.36% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.021 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $790 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$494 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $1.362 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

gourdes (HTG) per US dollar - 41.198 (2010), 41.195 (2009), 39.216 (2008), 37.138 (2007), 40.232 (2006)

Communications ::Haiti

Telephones - main lines in use:

108,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.648 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 108

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is among the least developed in Latin America and the Caribbean; domestic facilities barely adequate; international facilities slightly better
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone services are expanding rapidly due, in part, to the introduction of low-cost GSM phones; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 40 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 509; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

several television stations, including 1 government-owned; cable TV subscription service is available; government-owned radio network; more than 250 private and community radio stations operating with about 50 FM stations in Port-au-Prince alone (2007)

Internet country code:

.ht

Internet hosts:

273 (2010) country comparison to the world: 185

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Transportation ::Haiti

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 4,160 km country comparison to the world: 155 paved: 1,011 km
unpaved: 3,149 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince

Military ::Haiti

Military branches:

no regular military forces - small Coast Guard; the regular Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) - Army, Navy, and Air Force - have been demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are constitutionally abolished (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,283,915
females age 16-49: 2,250,220 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,573,371
females age 16-49: 1,591,942 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 110,514
female: 108,208 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 167

Transnational Issues ::Haiti

Disputes - international:

since 2004, about 8,000 peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) maintain civil order in Haiti; despite efforts to control illegal migration, Haitians cross into the Dominican Republic and sail to neighboring countries; Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island

Illicit drugs:

Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to the US and Europe; substantial bulk cash smuggling activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial transactions; pervasive corruption; significant consumer of cannabis
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Background:

These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Geography ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Location:

islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

53 06 S, 72 31 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 412 sq km country comparison to the world: 201 land: 412 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101.9 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, the most recent being in 2005

People ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
abbreviation: HIMI

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Legal system:

the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Economy - overview:

The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian
Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters.

Communications ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Internet country code:

.hm

Transportation ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Transnational Issues ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Holy See (Vatican City) (Europe)

Introduction ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Background:

Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the environment, the Middle East, China, the decline of religion in Europe, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About one billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith.

Geography ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

41 54 N, 12 27 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 0.44 sq km country comparison to the world: 250 land: 0.44 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 3.2 km
border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Terrain:

urban; low hill

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location 19 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 75 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence)

People ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Population:

829 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 236

Population growth rate:

0.004% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: none
adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

Italians, Swiss, other

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian, Latin, French, various other languages

Literacy:

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

Government ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Country name:

conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City)

conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City)

local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)

local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Government type:

ecclesiastical

Capital:

name: Vatican City
geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century

National holiday:

Election Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 19 April (2005)

Constitution:

Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaced the first Fundamental Law of 1929)

Legal system:

based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Executive branch:

chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19 April 2005)

head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE (since 15 September 2006)

cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals; election last held on 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope
election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI

Legislative branch:

unicameral Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State

Judicial branch:

there are three tribunals responsible for civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See
note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio, papal directive, of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)

International organization participation:

IAEA, Interpol, IOM (observer), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, OAS (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer),
UNCTAD, UNHCR, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO,
WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro SAMBI
chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121

FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Miguel Humberto DIAZ
embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome
mailing address: PSC 833, Box 66, APO AE 09624
telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428

FAX: [39] (06) 575-3411

Flag description:

two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara, centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's spiritual power, the white his worldly power

National anthem:

name: "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (Hymn and Pontifical March)

lyrics/music: Raffaello LAVAGNA/Charles-Francois GOUNOD
note: adopted 1950; although used as such, "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" is not officially a national anthem but rather a hymn meant to appeal to Roman Catholics throughout the world

Economy ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Economy - overview:

The Holy See is supported financially by a variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions; these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic missions, and media outlets. The separate Vatican City State budget includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos; by fees for admission to museums; and by publications sales. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund known as Peter's Pence, which is used directly by the Pope for charity, disaster relief, and aid to churches in developing nations. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

note: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Industries:

printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy; a small portion of electricity is self-produced from solar panels

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,120 (2005) country comparison to the world: 211

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic digital exchange
domestic: connected via fiber optic cable to Telecom Italia network
international: country code - 39; uses Italian system

Broadcast media:

the Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections (2008)

Internet country code:

.va

Internet hosts:

68 (2010) country comparison to the world: 208

Military ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Military branches:

Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera
Pontificia) (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy; ceremonial and limited security duties performed by Pontifical Swiss Guard

Transnational Issues ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Honduras (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Honduras

Background:

Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded.

Geography ::Honduras

Location:

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 86 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 112,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 102 land: 111,890 sq km
water: 200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,520 km
border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922 km

Coastline:

820 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Terrain:

mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Natural resources:

timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 9.53%
permanent crops: 3.21%
other: 87.26% (2005)

Irrigated land:

800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

95.9 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.86 cu km/yr (8%/12%/80%)

per capita: 119 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast

Environment - current issues:

urban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of fresh water), as well as several rivers and streams, with heavy metals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

People ::Honduras

Population:

7,989,415 country comparison to the world: 93 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38% (male 1,521,006/female 1,457,790)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,290,300/female 2,280,848)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 127,187/female 156,565) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years
male: 20.3 years
female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.935% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Birth rate:

25.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Death rate:

4.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Net migration rate:

-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.04 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 97 male: 23.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.51 years country comparison to the world: 143 male: 68.82 years
female: 72.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.17 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

28,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 80%
male: 79.8%
female: 80.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 119

Government ::Honduras

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Honduras
conventional short form: Honduras
local long form: Republica de Honduras
local short form: Honduras

Government type:

democratic constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Tegucigalpa
geographic coordinates: 14 06 N, 87 13 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida,
Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco
Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz,
Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended many times

Legal system:

rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include abandoning Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27 January 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa elected president; percent of vote - Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 56.3%, Elvin SANTOS Lozano 38.1%, other 5.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats; members elected proportionally by department to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNH 71, PL 45, PDC 5, PUD 4, PINU 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (15 judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Felicito AVILA Ordonez];
Democratic Unification Party or PUD [Cesar HAM]; Liberal Party or PL
[Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Party or PN [Antonio ALVAREZ
Arias]; Social Democratic Innovation and Unity Party or PINU [Jorge
Rafael AGUILAR Paredes]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Beverage and Related Industries Syndicate or STIBYS; Committee for
the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or CODEH; Confederation of
Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating Committee of Popular
Organizations or CCOP; General Workers Confederation or CGT;
Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or COHEP; National
Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH; National Union of
Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United Confederation of
Honduran Workers or CUTH

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC (suspended),
IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM, OAS (suspended), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG
(suspended), SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge Ramon HERNANDEZ Alcerro
chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604

FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco
honorary consulate(s): Jacksonville

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo LLORENS
embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa
mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa
telephone: [504] 236-9320, 238-5114

FAX: [504] 238-4357

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue, with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water and the peace and prosperity of its people
note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (National Anthem of Honduras)

lyrics/music: Augusto Constancio COELLO/Carlos HARTLING
note: adopted 1915; the anthem's seven verses chronicle Honduran history; on official occasions, only the chorus and last verse are sung

Economy ::Honduras

Economy - overview:

Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, suffers from extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, as well as high underemployment. While historically dependent on the export of bananas and coffee, Honduras has diversified its export base to include apparel and automobile wire harnessing. Nearly half of Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with exports to the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for another 20%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) came into force in 2006 and has helped foster foriegn direct investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter potential investors; about 70% of FDI is from US firms. The economy registered marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient to improve living standards for the nearly 60% of the population in poverty. The LOBO administration inherited a difficult fiscal position with off-budget debts accrued in previous administrations and government salaries nearly equivalent to tax collections. His government has displayed a commitment to improving tax collection and cutting expenditures. This enabled Tegucigalpa to secure an IMF Precautionary Stand-By agreement in October 2010. The IMF agreement has helped renew multilateral and bilateral donor confidence in Honduras following the ZELAYA administration's economic mismanagement and the political coup.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$33.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $32.94 billion (2009 est.)

$33.65 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.34 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 -2.1% (2009 est.)

4.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $4,200 (2009 est.)

$4,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.4%
industry: 26.9%
services: 60.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.394 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 39.2%
industry: 20.9%
services: 39.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 3.2% (2009 est.)

note: about 36% are unemployed or underemployed

Population below poverty line:

65% (2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.7%
highest 10%: 42.2% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.8 (2003) country comparison to the world: 15 56.3 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Public debt:

26.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 23.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 5.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.16% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 17.94% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.296 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.564 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.618 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $7.064 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.581 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $7.029 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, citrus, corn, African palm; beef; timber; shrimp, tilapia, lobster

Industries:

sugar, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - production:

6.58 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Electricity - consumption:

6.54 billion kWh country comparison to the world: 102 note: approximately 1.5 billion kWh in transmission and distribution losses (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - consumption:

56,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - imports:

46,130 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Current account balance:

-$1.048 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 -$1.327 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.879 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $5.09 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, coffee, shrimp, wire harnessing, cigars, bananas, gold, palm oil, fruit, lobster, lumber

Exports - partners:

US 59.6%, El Salvador 5.61%, Guatemala 5.28%, Mexico 4.19%, Germany 4.04% (2009)

Imports:

$8.878 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $5.924 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw materials, chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US 46.81%, Guatemala 8.92%, El Salvador 7.13%, Mexico 5.54%, Costa
Rica 4.91% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.302 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $2.127 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $3.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lempiras (HNL) per US dollar - 18.9 (2010), 18.895 (2009), 18.983 (2008), 18.9 (2007), 18.895 (2006)

Communications ::Honduras

Telephones - main lines in use:

830,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.714 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Telephone system:

general assessment: the number of fixed-line connections are increasing but still limited; competition among multiple providers of mobile-cellular services is contributing to a sharp increase in the number of subscribers
domestic: beginning in 2003, private sub-operators allowed to provide fixed-lines in order to expand telephone coverage contributing to an increase in fixed-line teledensity to roughly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership reached 100 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 504; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks, supplemented by multiple cable TV networks; Radio Honduras is the lone government-owned radio network; roughly 300 privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hn

Internet hosts:

16,075 (2010) country comparison to the world: 115

Internet users:

731,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 108

Transportation ::Honduras

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 56

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 92

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Railways:

total: 75 km country comparison to the world: 128 narrow gauge: 75 km 1.067-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 14,239 km country comparison to the world: 123 paved: 3,159 km
unpaved: 11,080 km (1,420 km summer only) (2009)

Waterways:

465 km (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Merchant marine:

total: 104 country comparison to the world: 49 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 50, carrier 2, chemical tanker 7, container 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 49 (Bahrain 5, Canada 1, China 2, Egypt 2, Greece 4,
Hong Kong 1, Israel 1, Japan 4, Lebanon 2, Mexico 1, Montenegro 2,
Panama 1, Singapore 12, South Korea 6, Taiwan 2, Tanzania 1, UK 1,
Vietnam 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

La Ceiba, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela

Military ::Honduras

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Honduran Air Force (Fuerza
Aerea Hondurena, FAH) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary 2 to 3-year military service (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,989,556
females age 16-49: 1,939,462 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,483,292
females age 16-49: 1,502,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 94,501
female: 90,757 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Transnational Issues ::Honduras

Disputes - international:

International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras border in 1992 with final settlement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the ICJ ruling, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its constitution, but agreed to a joint ecological park around the cays should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean under the OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local consumption; corruption is a major problem; some money-laundering activity
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Hong Kong (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Hong Kong

Background:

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Geography ::Hong Kong

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 15 N, 114 10 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,104 sq km country comparison to the world: 183 land: 1,054 sq km
water: 50 sq km

Area - comparative:

six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 30 km
regional border: China 30 km

Coastline:

733 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Terrain:

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Natural resources:

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Land use:

arable land: 5.05%
permanent crops: 1.01%
other: 93.94% (2001)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Geography - note:

more than 200 islands

People ::Hong Kong

Population:

7,089,705 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Age structure:

0-14 years: 12.2% (male 450,833/female 411,997)

15-64 years: 74.6% (male 2,551,256/female 2,713,532)

65 years and over: 13.1% (male 434,090/female 493,363) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.8 years
male: 42.4 years
female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.476% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Birth rate:

7.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Net migration rate:

4.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.076 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 218 male: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.96 years country comparison to the world: 8 male: 79.24 years
female: 84.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.04 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Nationality:

noun: Chinese/Hong Konger
adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 95%, Filipino 1.6%, Indonesian 1.3%, other 2.1% (2006 census)

Religions:

eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Cantonese 90.8% (official), English 2.8% (official), Putonghua (Mandarin) 0.9%, other Chinese dialects 4.4%, other 1.1% (2006 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 93.5%
male: 96.9%
female: 89.6% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 137

Government ::Hong Kong

Country name:

conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
conventional short form: Hong Kong
local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu
local short form: Xianggang
abbreviation: HK

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law, approved in March 1990 by China's National People's
Congress, is Hong Kong's charter

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

direct election - 18 years of age for half the legislature and a majority of seats in 18 district councils; universal for permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years
indirect election - limited to about 220,000 members of functional constituencies for the other half of the legislature and an 800-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, and municipal organizations

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG Yam-kuen (since 24 June 2005)

cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official members and 14 non-official members (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-member electoral committee; election last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand the electoral committee to 1,200 seats for the next election
election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving 84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG Kah-kit received 15.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council or LegCo (60 seats; 30 members indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 30 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)

note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand to 70 seats for the next election; the measure was approved by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in August 2010; the 10 new seats will be chosen by popular vote
elections: last held on 7 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - pro-democracy 57%; pro-Beijing 40%, independent 3%; seats by parties - (pro-Beijing 35) DAB 13, Liberal Party 7, FTU 1, others 14; (pro-democracy 23) Democratic Party 8, Civic Party 5, CTU 3, League of Social Democrats 3, ADPL 2, The Frontier 1, NWSC 1; others 11; independents and non-voting LegCo president 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

parties: Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood or ADPL
[LIU Sung Lee]; Civic Party [Audrey EU Yuet-mee]; Democratic
Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB [TAM
Yiu Cheng]; Democratic Party [Albert HO Chun-yan]; League of Social
Democrats [Raymond WONG Yuk-man]; Liberal Party [Miriam LAU
Kin-yee]; The Frontier (disbanded)

others: Confederation of Trade Unions or CTU; Federation of Trade Unions or FTU; Neighborhood and Workers Service Center or NWSC
note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - ADPL, Civic Party, Democratic Party, League of Social Democrats; pro-Beijing - DAB, Liberal Party, The Professional Forum (an informal group of three generally pro-government and pro-business LegCo members from functional constituencies and one independent elected from a geographic constituency); there is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese
Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade
Unions or CTU (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE
Cheuk-yan, general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries;
Federation of Trade Unions or FTU (pro-China) [CHENG Yiu-tong,
executive councilor]; Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic
Democratic Movement in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and
Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG
Man-kwong, president]; Neighborhood and Workers' Service Center or
NWSC [LEUNG Yiu-chung, LegCo member] (pro-democracy); Civic Act-up
[Cyd HO Sau-lan, LegCo member] (pro-democracy)

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC, IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China); Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office carries out normal liaison and communication with the US Government and other US entities
representative: Donald TONG
office: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] 202 331-8947

FAX: [1] 202 331-0318

NKETO offices: New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Stephen M. YOUNG
consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006
telephone: [852] 2523-9011

FAX: [852] 2845-1598

Flag description:

red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in the center; each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in its middle; the red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag and represents the motherland; the fragrant Bauhinia - developed in Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region; the five stars echo those on the flag of China

National anthem:

note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" is official (see China)

Economy ::Hong Kong

Economy - overview:

Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on international trade and finance - the value of goods and services trade, including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China, through trade, tourism, and financial links, helped it recover more quickly than many observers anticipated. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts; RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is allowed. The territory far exceeded the RMB conversion quota set by Beijing for trade settlements in 2010 due to the growth of earnings from exports to the mainland. RMB deposits grew to roughly 3.6% of total system deposits in Hong Kong by October 2010, an increase of over 250% since the beginning of the year. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets and is seeking to expand the RMB quota for 2011. The mainland has long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. As a result of China's easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in 2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. In 2009 mainland Chinese companies constituted about 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and accounted for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization. During the past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009 accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009, and the economy grew nearly 6% in 2010. The Hong Kong government adopted several temporary fiscal policy support measures in response to the crisis that it may discontinue if strong growth is sustained. Credit expansion and tight housing supply conditions caused Hong Kong property prices to rise rapidly in 2010, and some lower income segments of the population are increasingly unable to afford adequate housing. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar, maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$323.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $305.9 billion (2009 est.)

$314.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$226.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 -2.8% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$45,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $43,400 (2009 est.)

$44,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 7.6%
services: 92.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.7 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Labor force - by occupation:

manufacturing: 6.1%
construction: 1.9%
wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels: 42.9%
financing, insurance, and real estate: 21.4%
transport and communications: 7.9%
community and social services: 19.7%
note: above data exclude public sector (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 5.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.3 (2007) country comparison to the world: 16

Investment (gross fixed):

22.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Public debt:

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 37.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 138 0.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$84.88 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 34 $75.49 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$850.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 $808.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$374.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $351.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.292 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 8 $1.32 trillion (31 December 2008)

$1.163 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fresh vegetables; poultry, pork; fish

Industries:

textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - production:

39.4 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - consumption:

42.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - exports:

3.926 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - consumption:

359,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - exports:

160,000 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - imports:

440,000 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - consumption:

2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - imports:

2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Current account balance:

$18.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $18.28 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$382.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $321.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel, footwear, watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones, printed material

Exports - partners:

China 51.2%, US 11.6%, Japan 4.4% (2009 est.)

Imports:

$413 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $348.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials and semi-manufactures, consumer goods, capital goods, foodstuffs, fuel (most is re-exported)

Imports - partners:

China 46.4%, Japan 8.8%, Taiwan 6.5%, Singapore 6.5%, US 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$262.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $255.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$69.86 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $655.1 billion (30 September 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$962.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $912.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$873.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $834.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per US dollar - 7.78 (2010), 7.7518 (2009), 7.751 (2008), 7.802 (2007), 7.7678 (2006)

Communications ::Hong Kong

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.188 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12.207 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 56

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent domestic and international services
domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic network
international: country code - 852; multiple international submarine cables provide connections to Asia, US, Australia, the Middle East, and Western Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China

Broadcast media:

2 commercial terrestrial television networks each with multiple stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available; 3 radio networks, one of which is government-funded, operate about 15 radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.hk

Internet hosts:

817,701 (2010) country comparison to the world: 45

Internet users:

4.873 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Transportation ::Hong Kong

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 206

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,050 km country comparison to the world: 173 paved: 2,050 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,429 country comparison to the world: 5 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 629, cargo 177, carrier 11, chemical tanker 134, container 274, liquefied gas 37, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 139, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 855 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 12, Canada 70, China 432,
Cyprus 3, Denmark 41, France 3, Germany 10, Greece 22, Indonesia 8,
Iran 1, Japan 84, Libya 1, Norway 49, Russia 1, Singapore 13, South
Korea 3, Taiwan 26, UAE 2, UK 27, US 31)

registered in other countries: 297 (Bahamas 2, Bermuda 5, Cambodia 11, China 15, Cyprus 2, Georgia 4, Honduras 1, India 1, Kiribati 1, Liberia 47, Malaysia 8, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 3, former Netherlands Antilles 1, NZ 1, Panama 125, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Seychelles 1, Sierra Leone 4, Singapore 38, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 1, UK 8, unknown 11) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Hong Kong

Military ::Hong Kong

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) includes elements of the PLA Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou Military Region (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,729,179
females age 16-49: 1,899,296 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,405,324
females age 16-49: 1,526,196 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 41,717
female: 38,240 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of China

Transnational Issues ::Hong Kong

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

despite strenuous law enforcement efforts, faces difficult challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs, especially among young people
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Hungary (Europe)

Introduction ::Hungary

Background:

Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Geography ::Hungary

Location:

Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 93,028 sq km country comparison to the world: 109 land: 89,608 sq km
water: 3,420 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,185 km
border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia 166 km, Slovakia 676 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m
highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 49.58%
permanent crops: 2.06%
other: 48.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

120 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 21.03 cu km/yr (9%/59%/32%)

per capita: 2,082 cu m/yr (2001)

Environment - current issues:

the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution to meet EU requirements will require large investments

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between
Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and
Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza
Rivers divide the country into three large regions

People ::Hungary

Population:

9,992,339 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15% (male 763,553/female 720,112)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 3,384,961/female 3,475,135)

65 years and over: 15.8% (male 566,067/female 995,768) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40 years
male: 37.8 years
female: 42.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.156% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Birth rate:

9.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Death rate:

12.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Net migration rate:

1.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 183 male: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.57 years country comparison to the world: 92 male: 70.8 years
female: 78.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Ethnic groups:

Hungarian 92.3%, Roma 1.9%, other or unknown 5.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 51.9%, Calvinist 15.9%, Lutheran 3%, Greek Catholic 2.6%, other Christian 1%, other or unspecified 11.1%, unaffiliated 14.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

Hungarian 93.6%, other or unspecified 6.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.5%
female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 48

Government ::Hungary

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Hungary
conventional short form: Hungary
local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag
local short form: Magyarorszag

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Budapest
geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 urban counties (singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)

counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,
Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves,
Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy,
Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala

urban counties: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor,
Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa,
Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar,
Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg

capital city: Budapest

Independence:

16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date); 30 March 1867 (dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary created)

National holiday:

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Constitution:

18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949; revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989; and 1997
note: 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997 amendment streamlined the judicial system

Legal system:

based on the German-Austrian legal system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pal SCHMITT (since 6 August 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministers proposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of their duties by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; election last held 29 May 2010
election results: Pal SCHMITT elected president; National Assembly vote - Pal SCHMITT 263, Andras BALOGH 58; Viktor ORBAN was elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 261 to 107
note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the third round

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and direct representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 and 25 April 2010 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote required for parliamentary representation in the first round) - Fidesz 52.7%, MSzP 19.3%, Jobbik 16.7%, LMP 7.5%; seats by party - Fidesz 263, MSzP 59, Jobbik 47, LMP 16, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [5 administrators]; Christian
Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Semjen ZSOLT]; Hungarian Civic
Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman]; Hungarian Democratic
Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP
[Atilla MESTERHAZY]; Movement for a Better Hungary or Jobbik [Gabor
VONA]; Politics Can Be Different or LMP [13-member leadership]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Air Work Group (works to reduce air pollution in towns and cities); Company For Freedom Rights (Tarsasag a Szabadsagjogokert) or TASZ (personal data protection); Danube Circle (protests the building of the Gabchikovo-Nagymaros dam); Green Future (protests the impact of lead contamination of local factory on health of the people); environmentalists: Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (Magyar Madartani Egyesulet)or MME; Green Alternative (Zold Alternativa)

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bela SZOMBATI
chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tsakopoulos KOUNALAKIS
embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270
telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400

FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green; the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag; folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the country

National anthem:

name: "Himnusz" (Hymn)

lyrics/music: Ferenc KOLCSEY/Ferenc ERKEL
note: adopted 1844; the anthem is also known as "Isten, aldd meg a magyart" (God, Bless the Hungarians)

Economy ::Hungary

Economy - overview:

Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy, with a per capita income nearly two-thirds that of the EU-25 average. The private sector accounts for more than 80% of GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment worth more than $70 billion. The government's austerity measures, imposed since late 2006, have reduced the budget deficit from over 9% of GDP in 2006 to 3.8% in 2010. Hungary's impending inability to service its short-term debt - brought on by the global financial crisis in late 2008 - led Budapest to obtain an IMF-arranged financial assistance package worth over $25 billion. The global economic downturn, declining exports, and low domestic consumption and fixed asset accumulation, dampened by government austerity measures, resulted in an economic contraction of 6.3% in 2009. The economy rebounded in 2010 with a big boost from exports, and growth of more than 2.5% is expected in 2011. Unemployment remained high, at more than 11%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$190 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $188.5 billion (2009 est.)

$201.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$132.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -6.3% (2009 est.)

0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $18,800 (2009 est.)

$20,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.8%
industry: 35.7%
services: 61.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.17 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.5%
industry: 32.1%
services: 63.4% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 10% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12% (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 24.1% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2005) country comparison to the world: 122 24.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Public debt:

72.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 78% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 4.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 46 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 10.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$28.67 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 58 $30.25 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$67.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $70.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$99.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $103 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$28.29 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 62 $18.58 billion (31 December 2008)

$47.65 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products

Industries:

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - production:

40.03 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - consumption:

37.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - exports:

9.446 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

13.35 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

35,580 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - consumption:

158,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - exports:

69,650 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - imports:

181,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - proved reserves:

26.57 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - production:

2.603 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - consumption:

11.32 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - exports:

85 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - imports:

9.708 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.098 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Current account balance:

-$631 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $441 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$93.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $82.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 61.1%, other manufactures 28.7%, food products 6.5%, raw materials 2%, fuels and electricity 1.6% (2009 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 25.54%, Italy 5.67%, UK 5.41%, France 5.37%, Romania 5.28%,
Slovakia 4.97%, Austria 4.52% (2009)

Imports:

$87.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $76.42 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 50%, fuels and electricity 11%, food products, raw materials

Imports - partners:

Germany 25.05%, China 8.56%, Russia 7.3%, Austria 6.08%, Netherlands 4.73%, France 4.51%, Slovakia 4.14%, Italy 4.13%, Poland 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $44.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$134.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $147.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$72.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $70.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.48 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $19.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

forints (HUF) per US dollar - 213.69 (2010), 202.34 (2009), 171.8 (2008), 183.83 (2007), 210.39 (2006)

Communications ::Hungary

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.069 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.793 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system has been modernized; the system is digital and highly automated; trunk services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was initiated in 1996
domestic: competition among mobile-cellular service providers has led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since 2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections
international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals

Broadcast media:

mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast media and private broadcasters; the 3 publicly-owned TV channels and the 2 main privately-owned TV stations are the major national broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels have emerged; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing multi-channel services; 3 state-supported public-service radio networks and 2 major national commercial stations; a large number of local stations including commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hu

Internet hosts:

2.655 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 30

Internet users:

6.176 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Transportation ::Hungary

Airports:

43 (2010) country comparison to the world: 100

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,407 km; oil 987 km; refined products 335 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,057 km country comparison to the world: 27 broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 7,802 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 160,057 km country comparison to the world: 33 paved: 70,539 km (31,363 km of interurban roads including 858 km of expressways)

unpaved: 89,518 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Ports and terminals:

Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs

Military ::Hungary

Military branches:

Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; 6-month service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,380,381
females age 16-49: 2,319,142 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,884,232
females age 16-49: 1,923,902 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 58,894
female: 55,922 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.75% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Transnational Issues ::Hungary

Disputes - international:

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Iceland (Europe)

Introduction ::Iceland

Background:

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. The second half of the 20th century saw substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing industry. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008. Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world standards.

Geography ::Iceland

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom

Geographic coordinates:

65 00 N, 18 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 103,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 107 land: 100,250 sq km
water: 2,750 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,970 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,110 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

Land use:

arable land: 0.07%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

170 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.17 cu km/yr (34%/66%/0%)

per capita: 567 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes and volcanic activity
volcanism: Iceland, situated on top of a hotspot, experiences severe volcanic activity; Eyjafjallajokull (elev. 1,666 m, 5,466 ft) erupted in 2010, sending ash high into the atmosphere and seriously disrupting European air traffic; scientists continue to monitor nearby Katla (elev. 1,512 m, 4,961 ft), which has a high probability of eruption in the very near future, potentially disrupting air traffic; Grimsvotn and Hekla are Iceland's most frequently active volcanoes; other historically active volcanoes include Askja, Bardarbunga, Brennisteinsfjoll, Esjufjoll, Hengill, Krafla, Krisuvik, Kverkfjoll, Oraefajokull, Reykjanes, Torfajokull, and Vestmannaeyjar

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe

People ::Iceland

Population:

308,910 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 32,268/female 31,308)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 104,158/female 101,584)

65 years and over: 12.2% (male 16,952/female 20,424) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.4 years
male: 34.9 years
female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.699% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Birth rate:

13.36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Death rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Net migration rate:

0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 216 male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.79 years country comparison to the world: 17 male: 78.63 years
female: 83.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

220 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Nationality:

noun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6%

Religions:

Lutheran Church of Iceland 80.7%, Roman Catholic Church 2.5%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.4%, Hafnarfjorour Free Church 1.6%, other religions 3.6%, unaffiliated 3%, other or unspecified 6.2% (2006 est.)

Languages:

Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years
male: 17 years
female: 20 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 15

Government ::Iceland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iceland
conventional short form: Iceland
local long form: Lydveldid Island
local short form: Island

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Reykjavik
geographic coordinates: 64 09 N, 21 57 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions; Austurland, Hofudhborgarsvaedhi, Nordhurland Eystra, Nordhurland Vestra, Sudhurland, Sudhurnes, Vestfirdhir, Vesturland

Independence:

1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

Constitution:

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944; amended many times

Legal system:

civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1 February 2009);
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president, a largely ceremonial post, elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually the prime minister
note: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was not held because Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn in on 1 August 2008

2004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president; percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON 12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%;

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic Alliance 29.8%, Independence Party 23.7%, Left-Green Movement 21.7%, Progressive Party 14.8%, Citizens' Movement 7.2%, other 2.8%; seats by party - Social Democratic Alliance 20, Independence Party 16, Left-Green Alliance 14, Progressive Party 9, Citizens' Movement 4
note: the Citizens' Movement disintegrated in September 2009; three of its former MPs are now represented under the banner of The Movement and the fourth former MP is an independent

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Independence Party or IP [Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON]; Left-Green Movement
or LGM [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Sigmundur
David GUNNLAUGSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance or SDA [Johanna
SIGURDARDOTTIR]; The Movement [Birgitta JONSDOTTIR]

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA,
FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hjalmar W. HANNESSON
chancery: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW #509, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653

FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis E. ARREAGA
embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik
mailing address: US Department of State, 5640 Reykjavik Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-5640
telephone: [354] 562-9100

FAX: [354] 562-9118

Flag description:

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean

National anthem:

name: "Lofsongur" (Song of Praise)

lyrics/music: Matthias JOCHUMSSON/Sveinbjorn SVEINBJORNSSON
note: adopted 1944; the anthem, also known as "O, Guo vors Lands" (O, God of Our Land), was originally written and performed in 1874

Economy ::Iceland

Economy - overview:

Iceland's Scandinavian-type social-market economy combines a capitalist structure and free-market principles with an extensive welfare system. Prior to the 2008 crisis, Iceland had achieved high growth, low unemployment, and a remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 40% of export earnings, more than 12% of GDP, and employs 7% of the work force. It remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, particularly within the fields of software production, biotechnology, and tourism. Abundant geothermal and hydropower sources have attracted substantial foreign investment in the aluminum sector and boosted economic growth, although the financial crisis has put several investment projects on hold. Much of Iceland's economic growth in recent years came as the result of a boom in domestic demand following the rapid expansion of the country's financial sector. Domestic banks expanded aggressively in foreign markets, and consumers and businesses borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, following the privatization of the banking sector in the early 2000s. Worsening global financial conditions throughout 2008 resulted in a sharp depreciation of the krona vis-a-vis other major currencies. The foreign exposure of Icelandic banks, whose loans and other assets totaled more than 10 times the country's GDP, became unsustainable. Iceland's three largest banks collapsed in late 2008. The country secured over $10 billion in loans from the IMF and other countries to stabilize its currency and financial sector, and to back government guarantees for foreign deposits in Icelandic banks. GDP fell 6.8% in 2009, and unemployment peaked at 9.4% in February 2009. GDP fell 3.4% in 2010. Since the collapse of Iceland's financial sector, government economic priorities have included: stabilizing the krona, reducing Iceland's high budget deficit, containing inflation, restructuring the financial sector, and diversifying the economy. Three new banks were established to take over the domestic assets of the collapsed banks. Two of them have foreign majority ownership, while the State holds a majority of the shares of the third. British and Dutch authorities have pressed claims totaling over $5 billion against Iceland to compensate their citizens for losses suffered on deposits held in the failed Icelandic bank, Landsbanki Islands. Iceland agreed to new terms with the UK and the Netherlands to compensate British and Dutch depositors, but the agreement must first be approved by the Icelandic President. Iceland began EU accession negotiations with the EU in July 2010, however, public support has dropped substantially because of concern about losing control over fishing resources and in reaction to measures taken by Brussels during the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

$13.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.77 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 -6.8% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $40,000 (2009 est.)

$43,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 24.7%
services: 69.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

188,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.8%
industry: 22.2%
services: 73% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

8.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2006) country comparison to the world: 123 25 (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Public debt:

123.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 113.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 12% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

14.55% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 8 22% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.99% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 19.29% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.413 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 95 $4.438 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$19.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $24.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$46.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $54.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.128 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 77 $5.557 billion (31 December 2008)

$40.56 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, green vegetables; mutton, chicken, pork, beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production; geothermal power, hydropower, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Electricity - production:

16.84 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - consumption:

16.48 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - consumption:

18,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - exports:

1,915 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - imports:

16,390 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Current account balance:

-$42 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 -$440 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.619 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $4.05 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 40%, aluminum, animal products, ferrosilicon, diatomite

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 30.71%, UK 12.73%, Germany 11.21%, Norway 5.75%, Spain 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$3.677 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $3.318 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

Norway 12.97%, Netherlands 8.62%, Germany 8.3%, Sweden 8.03%,
Denmark 7.27%, US 6.94%, China 4.98%, UK 4.55%, Brazil 4.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.206 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.073 billion (2002) country comparison to the world: 127

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$9.2 billion (#REF!)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

$8.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar - 139.319 (2010), 123.638 (2009), 85.619 (2008), 63.391 (2007), 70.195 (2006)

Communications ::Iceland

Telephones - main lines in use:

185,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Telephones - mobile cellular:

349,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations, fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network
domestic: liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the mobile services segment of the market
international: country code - 354; the CANTAT-3 and FARICE-1 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Canada, the Faroe Islands, UK, Denmark, and Germany; a planned new section of the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable will provide additional connectivity to Canada, US, and Ireland; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public television broadcaster operates 1 TV channel nationally; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast nationally and roughly another half-dozen operate locally; about half the households utilize multi-channel cable or satellite TV services; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 national networks and 4 regional stations; 2 privately-owned radio stations operate nationally and another 15 provide more limited coverage (2007)

Internet country code:

.is

Internet hosts:

344,748 (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Internet users:

301,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Transportation ::Iceland

Airports:

99 (2010) country comparison to the world: 59

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 93

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 63 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 12,869 km country comparison to the world: 128 paved/oiled gravel: 4,438 km (does not include urban roads)

unpaved: 8,431 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 146 by type: passenger/cargo 2
registered in other countries: 19 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Belize 2, Denmark 3, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Norway 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik

Military ::Iceland

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Icelandic National Police (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 75,259 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 62,705
females age 16-49: 61,392 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,318
female: 2,263 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Military - note:

Iceland has no standing military force; under a 1951 bilateral agreement - still valid - its defense was provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik; however, all US military forces in Iceland were withdrawn as of October 2006; although wartime defense of Iceland remains a NATO commitment, in April 2007, Iceland and Norway signed a bilateral agreement providing for Norwegian aerial surveillance and defense of Icelandic airspace (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Iceland

Disputes - international:

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@India (South Asia)

Introduction ::India

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated onto the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established the Mughal Dynasty which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th century. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU, eventually brought about independence in 1947. Communal violence led to the subcontinent's bloody partition, which resulted in the creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of which in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 caused Pakistan to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists allegedly originating from Pakistan conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Despite pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, rapid economic development is fueling India's rise on the world stage. In January 2011, India assumed a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::India

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 77 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 3,287,263 sq km country comparison to the world: 7 land: 2,973,193 sq km
water: 314,070 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 14,103 km
border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Coastline:

7,000 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Terrain:

upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Natural resources:

coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 48.83%
permanent crops: 2.8%
other: 48.37% (2005)

Irrigated land:

558,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,907.8 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%)

per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes
volcanism: Barren Island (elev. 354 m, 1,161 ft) in the Andaman Sea has been active in recent years

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing population is overstraining natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal

People ::India

Population:

1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.5% (male 187,197,389/female 165,285,592)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 384,131,994/female 359,795,835)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 28,816,115/female 31,670,841) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.9 years
male: 25.4 years
female: 26.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.376% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Birth rate:

21.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Death rate:

7.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Net migration rate:

-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Urbanization:

urban population: 29% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 53 male: 47.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.46 years country comparison to the world: 159 male: 65.46 years
female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.4 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

310,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Religions:

Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%
note: English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the most widely spoken language and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 61%
male: 73.4%
female: 47.8% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 142

Government ::India

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of India
conventional short form: India
local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya
local short form: India/Bharat

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: New Delhi
geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*,
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*,
Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa,
Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry*, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
West Bengal

Independence:

15 August 1947 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Constitution:

26 January 1950; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus, and Muslims

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pratibha Devisingh PATIL (since 25 July 2007); Vice President Mohammad Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held in July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime minister chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections; election last held April - May 2009 (next to be held no later than May 2014)

election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote - Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members elected by popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - last held in five phases on 16, 22-23, 30 April and 7, 13 May 2009 (next must be held by May 2014)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - INC 206, BJP 116, SP 23, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2; note - seats by party as November 2009 - INC 207, BJP 116, SP 22, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")

Political parties and leaders:

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [J.
JAYALALITHAA]; All India Trinamool Congress or AITC [Mamata
BANERJEE]; Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata
Party or BJP [Nitin GADKARI]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen
PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [B. BARDHAN]; Communist
Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam or DMK [Kalaignar M.KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress
or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV];
Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Nationalist
Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Lok Dal or RLD [Ajit
SINGH]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali
Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY];
Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; note - India has
dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or
coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are
listed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley (separatist
group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National Socialist
Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group); Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh [Mohan BHAGWAT] (religious organization); Vishwa
Hindu Parishad [Ashok SINGHAL] (religious organization)

other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations; various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CD, CERN (observer), CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF,
G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW,
PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNITAR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meera SHANKAR
chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note - Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy J. ROEMER
embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000

FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017
consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad; Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth; green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation
note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Jana-Gana-Mana" (Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People)

lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE
note: adopted 1950; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote Bangladesh's national anthem

Economy ::India

Economy - overview:

India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization, including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment, began in the early 1990s and has served to accelerate the country's growth, which has averaged more than 7% per year since 1997. India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Slightly more than half of the work force is in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output, with only one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of information technology services and software workers. In 2010, the Indian economy rebounded robustly from the global financial crisis - in large part because of strong domestic demand - and growth exceeded 8% year-on-year in real terms. Merchandise exports, which account for about 15% of GDP, returned to pre-financial crisis levels. An industrial expansion and high food prices, resulting from the combined effects of the weak 2009 monsoon and inefficiencies in the government's food distribution system, fueled inflation which peaked at about 11% in the first half fo 2010, but has gradually decreased to single digits following a series of central bank interest rate hikes. New Delhi in 2010 reduced subsidies in fuel and fertilizers, sold a small percentage of its shares in some state-owned enterprises and auctioned off rights to radio bandwidth for 3G telecommunications in part to lower the government's deficit. The Indian Government seeks to reduce its deficit to 5.5% of GDP in FY 2010-11, down from 6.8% in the previous fiscal year. India's long term challenges include widespread poverty, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment opportunities, insufficient access to quality basic and higher education, and accommodiating rual-to-urban migration.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.046 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $3.736 trillion (2009 est.)

$3.478 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.43 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 7.4% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $3,200 (2009 est.)

$3,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.1%
industry: 28.6%
services: 55.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

478.3 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 52%
industry: 14%
services: 34% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 10.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 31.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (2004) country comparison to the world: 79 37.8 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

32% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Public debt:

55.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 10.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 74 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.19% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 13.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 15 $268.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.29 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.04 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.164 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $938.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.179 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 14 $645.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.819 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, lentils, onions, potatoes; dairy products, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Industries:

textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

9.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - production:

723.8 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - consumption:

568 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - exports:

810 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.27 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

878,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - consumption:

2.98 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - exports:

738,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - imports:

2.9 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - proved reserves:

5.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - production:

38.65 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - consumption:

51.27 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - imports:

12.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.075 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Current account balance:

-$26.91 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 -$26.63 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$201 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $168.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products, precious stones, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles, apparel

Exports - partners:

UAE 12.87%, US 12.59%, China 5.59% (2009)

Imports:

$327 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $274.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, precious stones, machinery, fertilizer, iron and steel, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 10.94%, US 7.16%, Saudi Arabia 5.36%, UAE 5.18%, Australia 5.02%, Germany 4.86%, Singapore 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$284.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $274.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$237.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $221.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$191.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $157.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$89.04 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $76.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar - 46.163 (2010), 48.405 (2009), 43.319 (2008), 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006)

Communications ::India

Telephones - main lines in use:

35.77 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Telephones - mobile cellular:

670 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Telephone system:

general assessment: supported by recent deregulation and liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world; total telephone subscribership base reached 700 million, an overall teledensity of 60%, and subscribership is currently growing more than 15 million per month; urban teledensity has reached 100% and rural teledensity is about 20% and steadily growing
domestic: mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture terminals (VSAT)

international: country code - 91; a number of major international submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); 9 gateway exchanges operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam (2010)

Broadcast media:

Doordarshan, India's public TV network, operates about 20 national, regional, and local services; large number of privately-owned TV stations are distributed by cable and satellite service providers; government controls AM radio with All India Radio operating domestic and external networks; news broadcasts via radio are limited to the All India Radio Network; since 2000, privately-owned FM stations are permitted but limited to broadcasting entertainment and educational content (2007)

Internet country code:

.in

Internet hosts:

4.536 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Internet users:

61.338 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Transportation ::India

Airports:

352 (2010) country comparison to the world: 23

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 249
over 3,047 m: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 75

914 to 1,523 m: 81
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 103
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 43
under 914 m: 48 (2010)

Heliports:

40 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 2 km; gas 7,542 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,163 km; oil 7,659 km; refined products 7,201 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 64,015 km country comparison to the world: 4 broad gauge: 52,808 km 1.676-m gauge (18,172 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 8,473 km 1.000-m gauge; 2,734 km 0.762-m gauge and 0.610-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,320,410 km (includes 200 km of expressways) (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Waterways:

14,500 km country comparison to the world: 9 note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 324 country comparison to the world: 29 by type: bulk carrier 94, cargo 78, chemical tanker 23, container 15, liquefied gas 11, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 87
foreign-owned: 8 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Jersey 1, Malaysia 1, UAE 4)

registered in other countries: 56 (Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Liberia 1, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 8, Nigeria 1, Panama 17, Singapore 19, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chennai, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai
(Bombay), Sikka, Vishakhapatnam

Military ::India

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes naval air arm), Air Force (Bharatiya Vayu
Sena), Coast Guard (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women may join as officers, but for noncombat roles only (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 313,905,989
females age 16-49: 291,755,100 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 244,727,406
females age 16-49: 235,662,750 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 12,011,217
female: 10,639,158 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 62

Transnational Issues ::India

Disputes - international:

since China and India launched a security and foreign policy dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to Pakistan, and other matters continue; various talks and confidence-building measures have cautiously begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India and Pakistan have maintained the 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; discussions with Bangladesh remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, to exchange territory for 51 Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, to allocate divided villages, and to stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the border; India seeks cooperation from Bhutan and Burma to keep Indian Nagaland and Assam separatists from hiding in remote areas along the borders; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested boundary sections, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal cross-border activities from Nepal

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 77,200 (Tibet/China); 69,609 (Sri Lanka); 9,472 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: at least 600,000 (about half are Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: India is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; internal forced labor may constitute India's largest trafficking problem; men, women, and children are held in debt bondage and face forced labor working in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery factories; women and girls are trafficked within the country for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced marriage; children are subjected to forced labor as factory workers, domestic servants, beggars, and agriculture workers, and have been used as armed combatants by some terrorist and insurgent groups; India is also a destination for women and girls from Nepal and Bangladesh trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Indian women are trafficked to the Middle East for commercial sexual exploitation; men and women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked through India for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation in the Middle East
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - India is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007; despite the reported extent of the trafficking crisis in India, government authorities made uneven efforts to prosecute traffickers and protect trafficking victims; government authorities continued to rescue victims of commercial sexual exploitation and forced child labor and child armed combatants, and began to show progress in law enforcement against these forms of trafficking; a critical challenge overall is the lack of punishment for traffickers, effectively resulting in impunity for acts of human trafficking; India has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries and throughout Southwest Asia; illicit producer of methaqualone; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through the hawala system; licit ketamine and precursor production
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Indian Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Indian Ocean

Background:

The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Geography ::Indian Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 80 00 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 68.556 million sq km
note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,
Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,
Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of
Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 5.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

66,526 km

Climate:

northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean

Terrain:

surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Natural hazards:

occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in southern reaches

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait

Economy ::Indian Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Transportation ::Indian Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South Africa),
Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India) Melbourne
(Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South Africa)

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa, the Bay of Bengal, and the Strait of Malacca; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast adrift; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Transnational Issues ::Indian Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Indonesia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Indonesia

Background:

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. Free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999 after decades of repressive rule. Indonesia is now the world's third most populous democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face low intensity armed resistance by the separatist Free Papua Movement.

Geography ::Indonesia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the
Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,904,569 sq km country comparison to the world: 16 land: 1,811,569 sq km
water: 93,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,830 km
border countries: Timor-Leste 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Coastline:

54,716 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land: 11.03%
permanent crops: 7.04%
other: 81.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

45,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,838 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 82.78 cu km/yr (8%/1%/91%)

per capita: 372 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest fires
volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, western Sumatra, the Sunda Islands, Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda Sea; Merapi (elev. 2,968 m, 9,737 ft), Indonesia's most active volcano and in eruption since 2010, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu, Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, and Tambora

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

People ::Indonesia

Population:

242,968,342 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 34,337,341/female 33,162,207)

15-64 years: 66% (male 79,549,569/female 78,918,321)

65 years and over: 6% (male 6,335,208/female 7,968,876) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.9 years
male: 27.4 years
female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.097% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Birth rate:

18.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Death rate:

6.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Net migration rate:

-1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 74 male: 33.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.05 years country comparison to the world: 135 male: 68.53 years
female: 73.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

270,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

8,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Ethnic groups:

Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)

Religions:

Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.4%
male: 94%
female: 86.8% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 134

Government ::Indonesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia
conventional short form: Indonesia
local long form: Republik Indonesia
local short form: Indonesia
former: Netherlands East Indies, Dutch East Indies

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Jakarta
geographic coordinates: 6 10 S, 106 49 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Indonesia is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

30 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 2 special
regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1
special capital city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*,
Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**, Jambi, Jawa Barat
(West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa Timur (East Java),
Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan Selatan (South
Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan), Kalimantan
Timur (East Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Bangka Belitung
Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung, Maluku, Maluku
Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), Nusa
Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua Barat (West
Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi Selatan
(South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi), Sulawesi
Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North Sulawesi),
Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South Sumatra),
Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta*

note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on 1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key administrative units responsible for providing most government services

Independence:

17 August 1945 (declared); 27 December 1949 (by the Netherlands); note - in August 2005 the Netherlands announced that it had recognized de facto Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Constitution:

August 1945; abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959; series of amendments concluded in 2002

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures and election codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry; election last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president; percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%

Legislative branch:

People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) is the upper house; it consists of members of the DPR and DPD and has role in inaugurating and impeaching the president and in amending the constitution but does not formulate national policy; House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (560 seats, members elected to serve five-year terms), formulates and passes legislation at the national level; House of Regional Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD), constitutionally mandated role includes providing legislative input to DPR on issues affecting regions (132 members, four from each of Indonesia's 30 provinces, two special regions, and one special capital city district)

elections: last held on 9 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - PD 20.9%, GOLKAR 14.5%,
PDI-P 14.0%, PKS 7.9%, PAN 6.0%, PPP 5.3%, PKB 4.9%, GERINDRA 4.5%,
HANURA 3.8%, others 18.2%; seats by party - PD 148, GOLKAR 107,
PDI-P 94, PKS 57, PAN 46, PPP 37, PKB 28, GERINDRA 26, HANURA 17

note: 29 other parties received less than 2.5% of the vote so did not obtain any seats; because of election rules, the number of seats won does not always follow the percentage of votes received by parties

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung is the final court of appeal but does not have the power of judicial review (justices are appointed by the president from a list of candidates selected by the legislature); in March 2004 the Supreme Court assumed administrative and financial responsibility for the lower court system from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Constitutional Court or Mahkamah Konstitusi (invested by the president on 16 August 2003) has the power of judicial review, jurisdiction over the results of a general election, and reviews actions to dismiss a president from office; Labor Court under supervision of Supreme Court began functioning in January 2006; the Anti-Corruption Court has jurisdiction over corruption cases brought by the independent Corruption Eradication Commission

Political parties and leaders:

Democrat Party or PD [Anas URANINGRUM]; Functional Groups Party or
GOLKAR [Aburizal BAKRIE]; Great Indonesia Movement Party or GERINDRA
[SUHARDI]; Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P [MEGAWATI
Sukarnoputri]; National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman ISKANDAR];
National Mandate Party or PAN [Hatta RAJASA]; People's Conscience
Party or HANURA [WIRANTO]; Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Luthfi
Hasan ISHAQ]; United Development Party or PPP [Suryadharma ALI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Commission for the "Disappeared" and Victims of Violence or KontraS;
Indonesia Corruption Watch or ICW; Indonesian Forum for the
Environment or WALHI; Islamic Defenders Front or FPI; People's
Democracy Fortress or Bendera

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO,
G-11, G-15, G-20, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer),
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PIF
(partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dino Patti DJALAL
chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200

FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Scot A. MARCIEL
embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110
mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520
telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000

FAX: [62] (21) 3435-9922
consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the 13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity
note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red

National anthem:

name: "Indonesia Raya" (Great Indonesia)

lyrics/music: Wage Rudolf SOEPRATMAN
note: adopted 1945

Economy ::Indonesia

Economy - overview:

Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, has weathered the global financial crisis relatively smoothly because of its heavy reliance on domestic consumption as the driver of economic growth. Although the economy slowed significantly in 2009 from the 6%-plus growth rate recorded in 2007 and 2008, by 2010 growth returned to a 6% rate. During the recession, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth. The government made economic advances under the first administration of President YUDHOYONO, introducing significant reforms in the financial sector, including tax and customs reforms, the use of Treasury bills, and capital market development and supervision. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio in recent years has declined steadily because of increasingly robust GDP growth and sound fiscal stewardship. Indonesia still struggles with poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among regions. YUDHOYONO's reelection, with respected economist BOEDIONO as his vice president, suggests broad continuity of economic policy, although the start of their term has been marred by corruption scandals and the departure of an internationally respected finance minister. The government in 2010 faces the ongoing challenge of improving Indonesia's insufficient infrastructure to remove impediments to economic growth, while addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation needs, particularly with regard to conserving Indonesia's forests and peatlands, the focus of a potentially trailblazing $1 billion REDD+ pilot project.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.033 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $974.6 billion (2009 est.)

$932.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$695.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 4.5% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $4,100 (2009 est.)

$3,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.9%
industry: 46.8%
services: 38.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

114.9 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 42.1%
industry: 18.6%
services: 39.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

13.3% (2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 32.3% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.4 (2005) country comparison to the world: 66 37 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Public debt:

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 27.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 4.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.46% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 10.83% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 13.6% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$65.47 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 42 $49.63 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$276.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $205.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$253.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $192.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$178.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 35 $98.76 billion (31 December 2008)

$211.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - production:

134.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - consumption:

119.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.023 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - consumption:

1.115 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - exports:

85,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - imports:

671,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - proved reserves:

4.05 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - production:

70 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - consumption:

36.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - exports:

33.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.001 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Current account balance:

$8.532 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $10.75 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$146.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $119.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.28%, Singapore 11.29%, US 10.81%, China 7.62%, South Korea 5.53%, India 4.35%, Taiwan 4.11%, Malaysia 4.07% (2009)

Imports:

$111.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $84.35 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.96%, China 12.52%, Japan 8.92%, Malaysia 5.88%, South
Korea 5.64%, US 4.88%, Thailand 4.45% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$83.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $66.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$155.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $156.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$81.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $72.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$33.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $30.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Indonesian rupiah (IDR) per US dollar - 9,169.5 (2010), 10,389.9 (2009), 9,698.9 (2008), 9,143 (2007), 9,159.3 (2006)

Communications ::Indonesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

33.958 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Telephones - mobile cellular:

159.248 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic service includes an interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic satellite communications system; international service good
domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly
international: country code - 62; landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

mixture of about a dozen national television networks - 2 public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations operating; widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations operating with more than 650 privately-operated (2008)

Internet country code:

.id

Internet hosts:

1.269 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Internet users:

20 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Transportation ::Indonesia

Airports:

684 (2010) country comparison to the world: 10

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 171
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 64
under 914 m: 34 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 513

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 484 (2010)

Heliports:

64 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 735 km; condensate/gas 73 km; gas 5,800 km; oil 5,721 km; oil/gas/water 12 km; refined products 1,370 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,529 km country comparison to the world: 25 narrow gauge: 8,529 km 1.067-m gauge (565 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 437,759 km country comparison to the world: 14 paved: 258,744 km
unpaved: 179,015 km (2008)

Waterways:

21,579 km (2011) country comparison to the world: 5

Merchant marine:

total: 1,244 country comparison to the world: 8 by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 601, chemical tanker 57, container 112, liquefied gas 17, passenger 47, passenger/cargo 76, petroleum tanker 214, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 61 (China 1, France 1, Greece 1, Japan 7, Malaysia 1, Norway 4, Singapore 42, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, US 2)

registered in other countries: 87 (Bahamas 2, Cambodia 2, Hong Kong 8, Liberia 4, Mongolia 2, Panama 14, Singapore 53, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banjarmasin, Belawan, Kotabaru, Krueg Geukueh, Palembang, Panjang,
Sungai Pakning, Tanjung Perak, Tanjung Priok

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Indonesia

Military branches:

Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI): Army
(TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL);
includes marines, naval air arm), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan Udara
(TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Kommando Pertahanan Udara
Nasional (Kohanudnas)) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, with reserve obligation to age 45 (officers); Indonesian citizens only (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 65,166,986
females age 16-49: 62,715,534 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 53,624,156
females age 16-49: 52,879,309 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,227,993
female: 2,156,427 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Transnational Issues ::Indonesia

Disputes - international:

Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of its neighbors; some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave and maritime boundaries with Timor-Leste remain unresolved; many refugees from Timor-Leste who left in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse repatriation; a 1997 treaty between Indonesia and Australia settled some parts of their maritime boundary but outstanding issues remain; ICJ's award of Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia in 2002 left the sovereignty of Unarang rock and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea in dispute; the ICJ decision has prompted Indonesia to assert claims to and to establish a presence on its smaller outer islands; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea; maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 200,000-350,000 (government offensives against rebels in Aceh; most IDPs in Aceh, Central Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi Provinces, and Maluku) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use; producer of methamphetamine and ecstasy
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Iran (Middle East)

Introduction ::Iran

Background:

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987 and 1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has passed a number of resolutions (1696 in July 2006, 1737 in December 2006, 1747 in March 2007, 1803 in March 2008, and 1835 in September 2008) calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and responsibilities. Resolutions 1737, 1477, and 1803 subject a number of Iranian individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs to sanctions. Additionally, several Iranian entities are subject to US sanctions under Executive Order 13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224 designations for support of terrorism.

Geography ::Iran

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the
Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 53 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 1,648,195 sq km country comparison to the world: 18 land: 1,531,595 sq km
water: 116,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 5,440 km
border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Coastline:

2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the Persian Gulf
continental shelf: natural prolongation

Climate:

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Terrain:

rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur

Land use:

arable land: 9.78%
permanent crops: 1.29%
other: 88.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

76,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

137.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 72.88 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)

per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation (salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

People ::Iran

Population:

76,923,300 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.7% (male 7,394,841/female 7,022,076)

15-64 years: 72.9% (male 24,501,544/female 23,914,172)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,725,828/female 1,870,823) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.3 years
male: 26 years
female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.253% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Birth rate:

18.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Death rate:

5.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Net migration rate:

-0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 62 male: 43.93 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.77 years country comparison to the world: 146 male: 68.32 years
female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

86,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Ethnic groups:

Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%,
Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98% (Shia 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian,
Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Languages:

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%,
Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 77%
male: 83.5%
female: 70.4% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 80

Government ::Iran

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran
conventional short form: Iran
local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
local short form: Iran
former: Persia

Government type:

theocratic republic

Capital:

name: Tehran
geographic coordinates: 35 40 N, 51 25 E
time difference: UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Monday in March; ends fourth Wednesday in September

Administrative divisions:

31 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Alborz, Ardabil,
Azarbayjan-e Gharbi (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Sharqi (East
Azerbaijan), Bushehr, Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars,
Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah,
Khorasan-e Jonubi (South Khorasan), Khorasan-e Razavi (Razavi
Khorasan), Khorasan-e Shomali (North Khorasan), Khuzestan,
Kohgiluyeh va Bowyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi,
Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran,
Yazd, Zanjan

Independence:

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable earlier dates: ca. 625 B.C. (unification of Iran under the Medes); ca. A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavids); 12 December 1925 (modern Iran established under the Pahlavis)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Constitution:

2-3 December 1979; revised in 1989
note: the revision in 1989 expanded powers of the presidency and eliminated the prime ministership

Legal system:

based on sharia law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989)

head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August 2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over appointments to the more sensitive ministries (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan), a popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if deemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for the Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkhis-e-Maslahat-e-Nezam) exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national policy; in 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a supervisory body for the government; 3) Council of Guardians of the Constitution or Council of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye Negban-e Qanon-e Asassi) determines whether proposed legislation is both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates in popular elections for suitability, and supervises national elections
elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); election last held on 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for June 2013)

election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percent of vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei 33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85% (according to official figures published by the government)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami or Majles (290 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 March 2008 with a runoff held on 25 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - conservatives/Islamists 167, reformers 39, independents 74, religious minorities 5, other 5

Judicial branch:

The Supreme Court (Qeveh Qazaieh) and the four-member High Council of the Judiciary have a single head and overlapping responsibilities; together they supervise the enforcement of all laws and establish judicial and legal policies; lower courts include a special clerical court, a revolutionary court, and a special administrative court

Political parties and leaders:

formal political parties are a relatively new phenomenon in Iran and most conservatives still prefer to work through political pressure groups rather than parties; often political parties or coalitions are formed prior to elections and disbanded soon thereafter; a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad Front, which includes political parties as well as less formal groups and organizations, achieved considerable success in elections for the sixth Majles in early 2000; groups in the coalition included the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF), Executives of Construction Party (Kargozaran), Solidarity Party, Islamic Labor Party, Mardom Salari, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution Organization (MIRO), and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); the coalition participated in the seventh Majles elections in early 2004; following his defeat in the 2005 presidential elections, former MCS Secretary General and sixth Majles Speaker Mehdi KARUBI formed the National Trust Party; a new conservative group, Islamic Iran Developers Coalition (Abadgaran), took a leading position in the new Majles after winning a majority of the seats in February 2004; following the 2004 Majles elections, traditional and hardline conservatives have attempted to close ranks under the United Front of Principlists and the Broad Popular Coalition of Principlists; several reformist groups, such as the Mujahadin of the Islamic Revolution, came together as a reformist coalition in advance of the 2008 Majles elections; the IIPF has repeatedly complained that the overwhelming majority of its candidates have been unfairly disqualified from the 2008 elections

Political pressure groups and leaders:

groups that generally support the Islamic Republic: Ansar-e Hizballah-Islamic Coalition Party (Motalefeh); Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader; Islamic Engineers Society; Tehran Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat); active pro-reform student group: Office of Strengthening Unity (OSU); opposition groups: Baluchistan People's Party (BPP); Freedom Movement of Iran; Green Path movement [Mehdi KARUBI, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI]; Marz-e Por Gohar; National Front; and various ethnic and Monarchist organizations; armed political groups that have been repressed by the government: Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI); Jundallah; Komala; Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO); People's Fedayeen; People's Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK)

International organization participation:

CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
PCA, SAARC (observer), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202) 965-4990; FAX [1] (202) 965-1073

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - the US Interests Section is located in the Embassy of Switzerland No. 39 Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Ave., Tehran, Iran; telephone [98] 21 2254 2178/2256 5273; FAX [98] 21 2258 0432

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band; green is the color of Islam and also represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and peace, red stands for bravery and martyrdom

National anthem:

name: "Soroud-e Melli-e Jomhouri-e Eslami-e Iran" (National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran)

lyrics/music: multiple authors/Hassan RIAHI
note: adopted 1990

Economy ::Iran

Economy - overview:

Iran's economy is marked by an inefficient state sector, reliance on the oil sector, which provides the majority of government revenues, and statist policies, which create major distortions throughout the system. Private sector activity is typically limited to small-scale workshops, farming, and services. Price controls, subsidies, and other rigidities weigh down the economy, undermining the potential for private-sector-led growth. Significant informal market activity flourishes. The legislature in late 2009 passed President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD's bill to reduce subsidies, particularly on food and energy. The bill would phase out subsidies - which benefit Iran's upper and middle classes the most - over three to five years and replace them with cash payments to Iran's lower classes. However, the start of the program was delayed repeatedly throughout 2010 over fears of public reaction to higher prices. This is the most extensive economic reform since the government implemented gasoline rationing in 2007. The recovery of world oil prices in the last year increased Iran's oil export revenue by at least $10 billion over 2009, easing some of the financial impact of the newest round of international sanctions. Although inflation has fallen substantially since the mid-2000s, Iran continues to suffer from double-digit unemployment and underemployment. Underemployment among Iran's educated youth has convinced many to seek jobs overseas, resulting in a significant "brain drain."

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$863.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $838.3 billion (2009 est.)

$825.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$337.9 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 1.5% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $11,000 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%
industry: 45.9%
services: 43.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

25.7 million country comparison to the world: 22 note: shortage of skilled labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 25%
industry: 31%
services: 45% (June 2007)

Unemployment rate:

14.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 10.3% (2008 est.)

note: data are according to the Iranian Government

Population below poverty line:

18% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.5 (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Investment (gross fixed):

27.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 16.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 13.5% (2009 est.)

note: official Iranian estimate

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 12% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$50.37 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 45 $48.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$167.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$132.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $120.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$63.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 $49.04 billion (31 December 2008)

$45.57 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, sugar cane, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, fertilizers, caustic soda, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), ferrous and non-ferrous metal fabrication, armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

4.3% excluding oil (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - production:

212.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - consumption:

206.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - exports:

6.15 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

4.172 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - consumption:

1.7 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - exports:

2.21 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - imports:

162,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - proved reserves:

137.6 billion bbl based on Iranian claims country comparison to the world: 3 note: Iran has about 10% of world reserves (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

200 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - consumption:

140 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 4 note: excludes injection and flaring (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

4.246 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - imports:

5.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - proved reserves:

29.61 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Current account balance:

$9.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $1.913 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$78.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $69.04 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets

Exports - partners:

China 16.58%, Japan 11.9%, India 10.54%, South Korea 7.54%, Turkey 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$58.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $58.97 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services

Imports - partners:

UAE 15.14%, China 13.48%, Germany 9.66%, South Korea 7.16%, Italy 5.27%, Russia 4.81%, India 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$75.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $81.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$12.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $12.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$16.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.075 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $1.825 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Iranian rials (IRR) per US dollar - 10,308.2 (2010), 9,864.3 (2009), 9,142.8 (2008), 9,407.5 (2007), 9,227.1 (2006)

Communications ::Iran

Telephones - main lines in use:

25.804 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Telephones - mobile cellular:

52.555 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Telephone system:

general assessment: currently being modernized and expanded with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and increasing the volume of the urban service but also bringing telephone service to several thousand villages, not presently connected
domestic: the addition of new fiber cables and modern switching and exchange systems installed by Iran's state-owned telecom company have improved and expanded the fixed-line network greatly; fixed-line availability has more than doubled to nearly 26 million lines since 2000; additionally, mobile-cellular service has increased dramatically serving more than 50 million subscribers in 2009; combined fixed and mobile-cellular subscribership now exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 98; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9 Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run broadcast media with no private, independent broadcasters; Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state-run TV broadcaster, operates 5 nationwide channels, a news channel, about 30 provincial channels, and several international channels; about 20 foreign Persian-language TV stations broadcasting on satellite TV are capable of being seen in Iran; satellite dishes are illegal and, while their use had been tolerated, authorities began confiscating satellite dishes following the unrest stemming from the 2009 presidential election; IRIB operates 8 nationwide networks, a number of provincial stations, and an external service; most major international broadcasters transmit to Iran (2009)

Internet country code:

.ir

Internet hosts:

119,947 (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Internet users:

8.214 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Transportation ::Iran

Airports:

319 (2010) country comparison to the world: 24

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 133
over 3,047 m: 42

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 186
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 142
under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Heliports:

19 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 7 km; condensate/gas 12 km; gas 19,246 km; liquid petroleum gas 570 km; oil 7,018 km; refined products 7,936 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,442 km country comparison to the world: 26 broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge
standard gauge: 8,348 km 1.435-m gauge (148 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 172,927 km country comparison to the world: 28 paved: 125,908 km (includes 1,429 km of expressways)

unpaved: 47,019 km (2006)

Waterways:

850 km (on Karun River; some navigation on Lake Urmia) (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Merchant marine:

total: 74 country comparison to the world: 57 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 40, chemical tanker 5, container 9, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 78 (Barbados 4, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 10, Hong Kong 1, Malta 56, Panama 5, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Assaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, Bandar-e-Eman Khomeyni

Military ::Iran

Military branches:

Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces,
Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense; Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami,
IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Qods Force
(special operations); Law Enforcement Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation - 18 months; women exempt from military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,763,890
females age 16-49: 20,157,570 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,844,536
females age 16-49: 17,312,808 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 636,558
female: 604,658 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 60

Transnational Issues ::Iran

Disputes - international:

Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed tributaries to the Helmand River in periods of drought; Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which are occupied by Iran; Iran stands alone among littoral states in insisting upon a division of the Caspian Sea into five equal sectors

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 914,268 (Afghanistan); 54,024 (Iraq) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Iran is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; Iranian women are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced prostitution and for forced marriages to settle debts; Iranian and Afghan children living in Iran are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced marriages, commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude as beggars or laborers to pay debts, provide income or support drug addiction of their families; press reports indicate that criminal organizations play a significant role in human trafficking to and from Iran, in connection with smuggling of migrants, drugs, and arms
tier rating: Tier 3 - Iran did not provide evidence of law enforcement activities against trafficking, and credible reports indicate that Iranian authorities' response is not sufficient to penalize offenders, protect victims, and eliminate trafficking; some aspects of Iranian law and policy hinder efforts to combat trafficking including punishment of victims and legal obstacles to punishing offenders; Iran has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

Illicit drugs:

despite substantial interdiction efforts and considerable control measures along the border with Afghanistan, Iran remains one of the primary transshipment routes for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe; suffers one of the highest opiate addiction rates in the world, and has an increasing problem with synthetic drugs; lacks anti-money laundering laws; has reached out to neighboring countries to share counter-drug intelligence
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Iraq (Middle East)

Introduction ::Iraq

Background:

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces. In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (CoR) in December 2005. After the election, Ibrahim al-JAFARI was selected as prime minister; he was replaced by Nuri al-MALIKI in May 2006. The CoR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. On 31 January 2009, Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all provinces except for the three provinces comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and Kirkuk province. Iraq held a national legislative election in March 2010, and after nine months of deadlock the CoR approved the new government in December.

Geography ::Iraq

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 44 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 438,317 sq km country comparison to the world: 58 land: 437,367 sq km
water: 950 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 3,650 km
border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Coastline:

58 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq

Terrain:

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: unnamed peak; 3,611 m; note - this peak is neither Gundah Zhur 3,607 m nor Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Land use:

arable land: 13.12%
permanent crops: 0.61%
other: 86.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

35,250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

96.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 42.7 cu km/yr (3%/5%/92%)

per capita: 1,482 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms; sandstorms; floods

Environment - current issues:

government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf

People ::Iraq

Population:

29,671,605 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.8% (male 5,711,187/female 5,514,794)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,535,550/female 8,303,942)

65 years and over: 3% (male 410,395/female 469,701) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.6 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.449% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Birth rate:

29.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Death rate:

4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 82

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 64 male: 47.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 38.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.25 years country comparison to the world: 145 male: 68.88 years
female: 71.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.76 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Ethnic groups:

Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74.1%
male: 84.1%
female: 64.2% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Iraq

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iraq
conventional short form: Iraq
local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq
local short form: Al Iraq

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Baghdad
geographic coordinates: 33 20 N, 44 23 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) and 1 region*; Al
Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah), An
Najaf, Arbil (Erbil), As Sulaymaniyah, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi
Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Kirkuk, Kurdistan Regional Government*,
Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Independence:

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi-controlled Government

National holiday:

Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes Republic Day

Constitution:

ratified on 15 October 2005 (subject to review by the Constitutional Review Committee and a possible public referendum)

Legal system:

based on European civil and Islamic law under the framework outlined in the Iraqi Constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers consists of ministers appointed by the Presidency Council plus the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Council of Representatives (parliament) to serve a four-year term (eligible for a second term)

election results: President Jalal TALABANI reelected on 11 November 2010; parliamentary vote count on second ballot - 195 votes; Nuri al-MALIKI reselected prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Council of Representatives (325 seats consisting of 317 members elected by an optional open-list, proportional representation system and 8 seats reserved for minorities; members serve four-year terms); note - Iraq's Constitution calls for the establishment of an upper house, the Federation Council
elections: last held on 7 March 2010 for an enlarged 325-seat parliament; next election to be held in 2014
election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 25.9%, State of Law coalition 25.8%, Iraqi National Alliance 19.4%, Kurdistan Alliance 15.3%, Goran (Change) List 4.4%, Tawafuq Front 2.7%, Iraqi Unity Alliance 2.9%, Kurdistan Islamic Union 2.3%, Kurdistan Islamic Group 1.4%; seats by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 91, State of Law Coalition 89, Iraqi National Alliance 70, Kurdistan Alliance 43, Goran (Change) List 8, Tawafuq Front 6, Iraqi Unity Alliance 4, Kurdistan Islamic Union 4, Kurdistan Islamic Group 2, seats reserved for minorities 8

Judicial branch:

the Iraq Constitution calls for the federal judicial power to be comprised of the Higher Judicial Council, Federal Supreme Court, Federal Court of Cassation, Public Prosecution Department, Judiciary Oversight Commission and other federal courts that are regulated in accordance with the law

Political parties and leaders:

Badr Organization [Hadi al-AMIRI]; Da'wa al-Islamiya Party [Prime
Minister Nuri al-MALIKI]; Da'wa Tanzim [Hashim al-MUSAWI branch];
Da-wa Tanzim [Abd al-Karim al-ANZI branch]; Fadilah Party [Hashim
al-HASHIMI]; Hadba Gathering [Athil al-NUJAYFI]; Iraqi Charter
Assembly [Ahmad Abd al-Ghafur al-SAMARRAI]; Iraqi Constitutional
Party [Jawad al-BULANI]; Iraqi Front for National Dialogue [Salih
al-MUTLAQ]; Iraqi Islamic Party or IIP [Usama al-TIKRITI]; Iraqi
Justice and Reform Movement [Shaykh Abdallah al-YAWR]; Iraqi
National Congress or INC [Ahmad CHALABI]; Iraqi National Accord or
INA [former Prime Minister Ayad ALLAWI]; Islamic Supreme Council of
Iraq or ISCI [Ammar al-HAKIM]; Kurdistan Democratic Party or KDP
[Kurdistan Regional Government President Masud BARZANI]; National
Gathering [Deputy Prime Minister Rafi al-ISSAWI]; National Movement
for Reform and Development [Jamal al-KARBULI]; National Reform Trend
[former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-JAFARI]; Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan or PUK [Jalal TALABANI]; Renewal List [Vice President
Tariq al-HASHIMI]; Sadrist Trend [Muqtada al-SADR]; Sahawa al-Iraq
[Ahmad al-RISHAWI]; Tawafuq Front

note: numerous smaller local, tribal, and minority parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Sunni militias; Shia militias, some associated with political parties

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Samir Shakir al-SUMAYDI
chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 742-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 333-1129

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James F. Jeffrey
embassy: Baghdad
mailing address: APO AE 09316
telephone: 1-240-553-0589 ext. 5340 or 5635; note - Consular Section

FAX: NA

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in 2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist Saddam-era flag
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Mawtini" (My Homeland)

lyrics/music: Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL
note: adopted 2004; following the ousting of Saddam HUSSEIN, Iraq adopted "Mawtini," a popular folk song throughout the Arab world, which also serves as an unofficial anthem of the Palestinian people

Economy ::Iraq

Economy - overview:

An improved security environment and an initial wave of foreign investment are helping to spur economic activity, particularly in the energy, construction, and retail sectors. Broader economic improvement, long-term fiscal health, and sustained increases in the standard of living still depend on the government passing major policy reforms and on continued development of Iraq's massive oil reserves. Although foreign investors viewed Iraq with increasing interest in 2010, most are still hampered by difficulties in acquiring land for projects and by other regulatory impediments. Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides over 90% of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings. Since mid-2009, oil export earnings have returned to levels seen before Operation Iraqi Freedom and government revenues have rebounded, along with global oil prices. In 2011 Baghdad probably will increase oil exports above the current level of 1.9 million barrels per day (bbl/day) as a result of new contracts with international oil companies, but is likely to fall short of the 2.4 million bbl/day it is forecasting in its budget. Iraq is making modest progress in building the institutions needed to implement economic policy. In 2010, Bagdad signed a new agreement with both the IMF and World Bank for conditional aid programs that will help strengthen Iraq's economic institutions. Some reform-minded leaders within the Iraqi government are seeking to pass laws to strengthen the economy. This legislation includes a package of laws to establish a modern legal framework for the oil sector and a mechanism to equitably divide oil revenues within the nation, although these and other important reforms are still under contentious and sporadic negotiation. Iraq's recent contracts with major oil companies have the potential to greatly expand oil revenues, but Iraq will need to upgrade its oil processing, pipeling, and export infrastructure to enable these deals to reach their potential. The Government of Iraq is pursuing a strategy to gain additional foreign investment in Iraq's economy. This includes an amendment to the National Investment Law, multiple international trade and investment events, as well as potential participation in joint ventures with state-owned enterprises. Provincial Councils also are using their own budgets to promote and facilitate investment at the local level. However, widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient essential services, and antiquated commercial laws and regulations stifle investment and continue to constrain the growth of private, non-energy sectors. The Central Bank has successfully held the exchange rate at approximately 1,170 Iraqi dinar/US dollar since January 2009. Inflation has decreased consistently since 2006 as the security situation has improved. However, Iraqi leaders remain hard pressed to translate macroeconomic gains into improved lives for ordinary Iraqis. Unemployment remains a problem throughout the country. Reducing corruption and implementing reforms - such as bank restructuring and developing the private sector - would be important steps in this direction.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$117.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $111.5 billion (2009 est.)

$106.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$84.14 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 4.5% (2009 est.)

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $3,600 (2009 est.)

$3,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.7%
industry: 63%
services: 27.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

8.5 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.6%
industry: 18.7%
services: 59.8% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.3% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 15.2% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 6.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.83% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 16 16.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.64% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 19.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$35.69 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 50 $30.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$46.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $37.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$21.94 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $10.16 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.6 billion (31 July 2010) country comparison to the world: 93 $2 billion (31 July 2009)

$1.878 billion (31 March 2008)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - production:

46.39 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - consumption:

52 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

2.399 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - consumption:

687,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - exports:

1.91 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - imports:

116,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - proved reserves:

115 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - production:

1.88 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - consumption:

9.454 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 48 note: 1.48 billion cu m were flared (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.17 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Current account balance:

$2.715 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 -$19.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$49.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $40.86 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food and live animals

Exports - partners:

US 27.62%, India 14.45%, Italy 10.14%, South Korea 8.62%, Taiwan 5.61%, China 4.23%, Netherlands 4.13%, Japan 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$42.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $50 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, medicine, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Turkey 24.99%, Syria 17.36%, US 8.66%, China 6.79%, Jordan 4.17%,
Italy 3.98%, Germany 3.97% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $44.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$52.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar - 1,170 (2010), 1,170 (2009), 1,176 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,466 (2006)

Communications ::Iraq

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.108 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Telephones - mobile cellular:

19.722 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephone system:

general assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications through fiber optic links are in progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly and its subscribership base is expected to continue increasing rapidly
domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003 continue; additional switching capacity is improving access; mobile-cellular service is available and centered on 3 GSM networks which are being expanded beyond their regional roots, improving country-wide connectivity; wireless local loop is available in some metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure
international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kuwait with planned connections to Iran and Jordan; a link to the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine fiber-optic cable is planned (2009)

Broadcast media:

the number of private radio and television stations has increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly-funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting Service; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible (2007)

Internet country code:

.iq

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 222

Internet users:

325,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Transportation ::Iraq

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 58

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 75
over 3,047 m: 20

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 29
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Heliports:

21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,501 km; liquid petroleum gas 918 km; oil 5,032 km; refined products 1,637 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,272 km country comparison to the world: 69 standard gauge: 2,272 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 44,900 km country comparison to the world: 83 paved: 37,851 km
unpaved: 7,049 km (2002)

Waterways:

5,279 km country comparison to the world: 23 note: Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third River (565 km) are principal waterways (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 147 by type: petroleum tanker 2
registered in other countries: 2 (Marshall Islands 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr

Military ::Iraq

Military branches:

Iraqi Armed Forces: Iraqi Army (includes Iraqi Special Operations
Force, Iraqi Intervention Force), Iraqi Navy (former Iraqi Coastal
Defense Force), Iraqi Air Force (former Iraqi Army Air Corps) (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

18-40 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,541,723
females age 16-49: 7,238,553 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,402,171
females age 16-49: 6,232,674 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 323,328
female: 313,360 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

8.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 4

Transnational Issues ::Iraq

Disputes - international:

coalition forces assist Iraqis in monitoring internal and cross-border security; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan, and lesser numbers to Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey; Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Turkey has expressed concern over the autonomous status of Kurds in Iraq

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,000-15,000 (Palestinian Territories); 11,773 (Iran); 16,832 (Turkey)

IDPs: 2.4 million (ongoing US-led war and ethno-sectarian violence) (2007)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Ireland (Europe)

Introduction ::Ireland

Background:

Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1949, Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland is gradually being implemented despite some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British governments developed and began to implement the St. Andrews Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.

Geography ::Ireland

Location:

Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 70,273 sq km country comparison to the world: 119 land: 68,883 sq km
water: 1,390 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km
border countries: UK 360 km

Coastline:

1,448 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Terrain:

mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Land use:

arable land: 16.82%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 83.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

46.8 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.18 cu km/yr (23%/77%/0%)

per capita: 284 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin

People ::Ireland

Population:

4,622,917 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 454,571/female 424,022)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,411,336/female 1,409,760)

65 years and over: 12% (male 224,850/female 278,661) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years
male: 34.1 years
female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.007% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Birth rate:

16.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Death rate:

6.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 206 male: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.07 years country comparison to the world: 26 male: 77.86 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Nationality:

noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

adjective: Irish

Ethnic groups:

Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% (2006 census)

Languages:

English (official) is the language generally used, Irish (Gaelic or
Gaeilge) (official) spoken mainly in areas along the western coast

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years
male: 18 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 73

Government ::Ireland

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Ireland
local long form: none
local short form: Eire

Government type:

republic, parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Dublin
geographic coordinates: 53 19 N, 6 14 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

29 counties and 5 cities*; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Cork*,
Donegal, Dublin*, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway, Galway*,
Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Limerick*,
Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, North Tipperary, Offaly,
Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, South Tipperary, Waterford,
Waterford*, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

Independence:

6 December 1921 (from the UK by treaty)

National holiday:

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Constitution:

adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite; effective 29 December 1937

Legal system:

based on English common law substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November 1997)

head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian COWEN (since 7 May 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 1997 (next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE was appointed to a second term when no other candidate qualified for the 2004 presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the president
election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote - Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 49 members elected by the universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held probably in early 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2007 (next to be held probably in early 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Fianna Fail 28, Fine Gael 14, Labor Party 6, Progressive Democrats 2, Green Party 2, Sein Fein 1, independents 7; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.6%, Fine Gael 27.3%, Labor Party 10.1%, Sinn Fein 6.9%, Green Party 4.7%, Progressive Democrats 2.7%, other 6.7%; seats by party - Fianna Fail 78, Fine Gael 51, Labor Party 20, Sinn Fein 4, Green Party 6, Progressive Democrats 2, independents 4, Speaker of the Dail 1; note - through dissertions and attrition the makeup of both houses is greatly changed
note: on 8 November 2008, delegates voted to disband the Progressive Democrats, and in November 2009 it officially stopped operating as a political party

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Fianna Fail [Brian COWEN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green Party [John
GORMLEY]; Labor Party [Eamon GILMORE]; Progressive Democrats or PD
[Noel GREALISH] (formerly dissolved on 20 November 2009); Sinn Fein
[Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party [Joe HIGGINS]; The Workers' Party
[Michael FINNEGAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Families Acting for Innocent Relatives or FAIR [Brian MCCONNELL] (seek compensation for victims of violence); Families Against Intimidation and Terror or FAIT (oppose terrorism); Gaeltacht Civil Rights Campaign (Coiste Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeilge) or CCSG (encourages the use of the Irish language and campaigns for greater civil rights in Irish speaking areas); Iona Institute [David QUINN] (a conservative Catholic think tank); Irish Anti-War Movement [Richard Boyd BARRETT] (campaigns against wars around the world); Irish Republican Army or IRA (terrorist group); Keep Ireland Open (environmental group); Midland Railway Action Group or MRAG [Willie ALLEN] (transportation promoters); Peace and Neutrality Alliance [Roger COLE] (campaigns to protect Irish neutrality); Rail Users Ireland (formerly the Platform 11 - transportation promoters); 32 Country Sovereignty Movement or 32CSM (supports a fully sovereign Ireland); Ulster Defence Association or UDA (terrorist group)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael COLLINS
chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel ROONEY
embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777

FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist (Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the orange
note: similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red

National anthem:

name: "Amhran na bhFiann" (The Soldier"s Song)

lyrics/music: Peadar KEARNEY [English], Liam O RINN [Irish]/Patrick HEENEY and Peadar KEARNEY
note: adopted 1926; instead of "Amhran na bhFiann," the song "Ireland"s Call" is often used in athletic events where citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland compete as a unified team

Economy ::Ireland

Economy - overview:

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland joined 11 other EU nations in circulating the euro on 1 January 2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity has dropped sharply since 2008 with GDP falling by over 3% in 2008, nearly 8% in 2009, and 1% in 2010, and further contraction is expectd in 2011. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time in more than a decade with the onset of the world financial crisis and subsequent severe slowdown in its domestic property and construction markets. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector, dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled economic growth along with strong consumer spending and business investment. Property prices rose more rapidly in Ireland in the decade up to 2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home prices have fallen 50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in response to the country's economic downturn. In 2009, in an effort to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government established the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to acquire problem commercial property and development loans from Irish banks. Faced with sharply reduced revenues and a burgeoning budget deficit, the Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian budgets in 2009. In addition to across-the-board cuts in spending, the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants. These measures were not sufficient. The budget deficit reached nearly 38% of GDP in 2010 because of additional government support for the banking sector. In late 2010, the COWEN Government agreed to a $112 billion loan package from the EU and IMF to help Dublin recapitalize its banking sector and avoid defaulting on its sovereign debt, and initiated a four-year austerity plan to cut an additional $20 billion from its budget.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$174 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $175.1 billion (2009 est.)

$189.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$204.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 -7.6% (2009 est.)

-3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $38,200 (2009 est.)

$41,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 46%
services: 49% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.18 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%
industry: 27%
services: 67% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 11.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

4.2% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 27.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 108 35.9 (1987)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Public debt:

98.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 64.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 -4.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 118 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.32% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 6.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$127.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 26 $141 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$257.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $275.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$745.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $738.5 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$29.88 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 50 $49.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$144 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy products

Industries:

steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, and gypsum mining processing; food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals, pharmaceuticals; machinery, rail transportation equipment; glass and crystal; software, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - production:

26.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - consumption:

25.12 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - exports:

303 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

753 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - consumption:

164,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - exports:

22,410 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - imports:

192,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - production:

392 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - consumption:

5.112 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - imports:

4.723 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - proved reserves:

9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Current account balance:

-$3.191 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 -$6.762 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$115.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $107.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products

Exports - partners:

US 20.52%, Belgium 17.78%, UK 16.31%, Germany 5.66%, France 5.56%,
Spain 4.19% (2009)

Imports:

$70.36 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $62.22 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Imports - partners:

UK 35.28%, US 16.87%, Germany 6.76%, Netherlands 5.86%, France 4.76% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$2.154 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.131 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.356 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$221.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $198.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$192.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $180.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Ireland

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.08 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.871 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 98

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly operator; increasing levels of broadband access
international: country code - 353; landing point for the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and UK; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

publicly-owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE) operates 2 TV stations; commercial television stations are available; about 75% of households utilize multi-channel satellite and TV services that provide access to a wide range of stations; RTE operates 4 national radio stations and has launched digital audio broadcasts on several stations; a number of commercial broadcast stations operate at the national, regional, and local levels (2007)

Internet country code:

.ie

Internet hosts:

1.339 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 36

Internet users:

3.042 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Transportation ::Ireland

Airports:

39 (2010) country comparison to the world: 105

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,550 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,237 km country comparison to the world: 53 broad gauge: 1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (37 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 96,036 km country comparison to the world: 48 paved: 96,036 km (includes 423 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

956 km (pleasure craft only) (2008) country comparison to the world: 68

Merchant marine:

total: 28 country comparison to the world: 87 by type: cargo 25, chemical tanker 2, container 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Norway 3, US 2)

registered in other countries: 21 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 2, Cyprus 3, Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 1, Netherlands 7, Panama 1, Slovakia 1, Sweden 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cork, Dublin, Shannon Foynes, Waterford

Military ::Ireland

Military branches:

Irish Defense Forces (IDF; Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army, Naval
Service, Air Corps (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-25 years of age for male or female voluntary military service (17-27 years of age for the Naval Service); enlistees 16 years of age can be recruited for apprentice specialist positions; 17-35 years of age for the Reserve Defense Forces (RDF); maximum obligation 12 years (5 years IDF, 7 years RDF); EU citizenship or 5-year residence in Ireland required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,031,985
females age 16-49: 1,030,606 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 858,317
females age 16-49: 855,125 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,987
female: 26,240 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Transnational Issues ::Ireland

Disputes - international:

Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for Western Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money laundering - using bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Isle of Man (Europe)

Introduction ::Isle of Man

Background:

Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Isle of Man

Location:

Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and
Ireland

Geographic coordinates:

54 15 N, 4 30 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 572 sq km country comparison to the world: 193 land: 572 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about a third of the time

Terrain:

hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m
highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 9%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 91% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland) (2002)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

waste disposal (both household and industrial); transboundary air pollution

Geography - note:

one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest and is a bird sanctuary

People ::Isle of Man

Population:

83,859 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 6,612/female 6,300)

15-64 years: 66% (male 25,433/female 25,083)

65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,408/female 7,676) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.3 years
male: 41.6 years
female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.968% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Birth rate:

11.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Death rate:

9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Net migration rate:

8.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Urbanization:

urban population: 51% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 196 male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.53 years country comparison to the world: 21 male: 79.01 years
female: 82.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)

adjective: Manx

Ethnic groups:

Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Britons

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Languages:

English, Manx Gaelic (about 2% of the population has some knowledge)

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Isle of Man

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Isle of Man
abbreviation: I.O.M.

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Douglas
geographic coordinates: 54 09 N, 4 29 W
time difference: UTC 0 (five hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 24 local authorities each with its own elections

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Tynwald Day, 5 July

Constitution:

unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act of 1961 does not embody the unwritten Manx Constitution

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply and Manx statutes

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K. HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)

head of government: Chief Minister Tony BROWN (since 14 December 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; the chief minister elected by the Tynwald for a five-year term; election last held on 14 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chief minister by the Tynwald

Legislative branch:

bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (11 seats; members composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Keys - last held on 23 November 2006 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal Vannin Party 2, Manx Labor Party 1, independents 21

Judicial branch:

High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Progressive Government; Liberal Vannin Party [Peter
KARRAN]; Manx Labor Party; Manx Nationalist Party (Mec Vannin)
[Bernard MOFFATT]

note: most members sit as independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Alliance for Progressive Government or APG (a government watchdog);
Mec Vannin (political party advocating a sovereign state and
environment policies); note - has only had one member elected to the
Tynwald

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (triskelion), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used; the flag is based on the coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III (r. 1252-1265); the triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun symbol

National anthem:

name: "Arrane Ashoonagh dy Vannin" (O Land of Our Birth)

lyrics/music: William Henry GILL [English], John J. KNEEN [Manx]/traditional
note: adopted 2003, in use since 1907; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) and is played when the sovereign, members of the royal family, or the lieutenant governor are present

Economy ::Isle of Man

Economy - overview:

Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government offers low taxes and other incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island; this has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their contributions to GDP. The Isle of Man also attracts online gambling sites and the film industry. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.719 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.719 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2005) country comparison to the world: 51

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 13%
services: 86% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

39,690 (2001) country comparison to the world: 196

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, forestry, and fishing: 3%
manufacturing: 11%
construction: 10%
transport and communication: 8%
wholesale and retail distribution: 11%
professional and scientific services: 18%
public administration: 6%
banking and finance: 18%
tourism: 2%
entertainment and catering: 3%
miscellaneous services: 10% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

1.8% (October 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 1.5% (December 2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.1% (December 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Industries:

financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

timber, fertilizers, fish

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Manx pounds (IMP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Manx pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Isle of Man

Telephones - main lines in use:

51,000 (1999) country comparison to the world: 160

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system
international: country code - 44; fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satellite earth station, submarine cable

Broadcast media:

national public radio broadcasts over 3 FM stations and 1 AM station; 2 commercial broadcasters operating with 1 having multiple FM stations; receives radio and TV services via relays from British TV and radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code:

.im

Internet hosts:

765 (2010) country comparison to the world: 173

Transportation ::Isle of Man

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 221

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 63 km country comparison to the world: 129 narrow gauge: 6 km 1.076-m gauge (6 km electrified); 57 km 0.914-m gauge (29 km electrified)

note: primarily summer tourist attractions (2008)

Roadways:

total: 500 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Merchant marine:

total: 292 country comparison to the world: 31 by type: bulk carrier 45, cargo 49, chemical tanker 48, container 6, liquefied gas 41, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 91, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned: 200 (Bermuda 7, Chile 8, Denmark 26, Germany 56, Greece 57, Ireland 1, Japan 15, Norway 26, Singapore 1, Sweden 1, US 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Douglas, Ramsey

Military ::Isle of Man

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,748
females age 16-49: 14,392 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 469
female: 449 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Isle of Man

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Israel (Middle East)

Introduction ::Israel

Background:

Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords") guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However, progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February 2005. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT became prime minister in March 2006 and presided over a 34-day conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006 and a 23-day conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip during December 2008 and January 2009. OLMERT, who in June 2007 resumed talks with PA President Mahmoud ABBAS, resigned in September 2008. Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU formed a coalition in March 2009 following a February 2009 general election. Direct talks launched in September 2010 collapsed following the expiration of Israel's 10-month partial settlement construction moratorium in the West Bank. Diplomatic initiatives to revive the negotiations through proximity talks began at the end of 2010.

Geography ::Israel

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Lebanon

Geographic coordinates:

31 30 N, 34 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 22,072 sq km country comparison to the world: 152 land: 21,642 sq km
water: 430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,017 km
border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Coastline:

273 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Terrain:

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains;
Jordan Rift Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Natural resources:

timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Land use:

arable land: 15.45%
permanent crops: 3.88%
other: 80.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,940 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.05 cu km/yr (31%/7%/62%)

per capita: 305 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

People ::Israel

Population:

7,353,985 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2009 est.); approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.9% (male 1,031,629/female 984,230)

15-64 years: 62.3% (male 2,283,034/female 2,221,301)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 311,218/female 402,289) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years
male: 28.6 years
female: 30 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.628% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Birth rate:

19.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Death rate:

5.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Net migration rate:

2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.17 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 202 male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.86 years country comparison to the world: 16 male: 78.7 years
female: 83.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.72 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Nationality:

noun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Ethnic groups:

Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born 22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly Arab) (2004)

Religions:

Jewish 75.5%, Muslim 16.8%, Christian 2.1%, Druze 1.7%, other 3.9% (2008)

Languages:

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.1%
male: 98.5%
female: 95.9% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 30

Government ::Israel

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Israel
conventional short form: Israel
local long form: Medinat Yisra'el
local short form: Yisra'el

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Jerusalem
geographic coordinates: 31 46 N, 35 14 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends the Sunday between the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the US, like all other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Independence:

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May

Constitution:

no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law; note - since May 2003 the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee of the Knesset has been working on a draft constitution

Legal system:

mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and in personal matters Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held 13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to accomplish that task
election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21; PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional basis; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 10 February 2009 (next scheduled election to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kadima 23.2%, Likud-Ahi 22.3%, YB 12.1%, Labor 10.2%, SHAS 8.8%, United Torah Judaism 4.5%, United Arab List 3.5%, National Union 3.4%, Hadash 3.4%, The Jewish Home 3%, The New Movement-Meretz 3%, Balad 2.6%; seats by party - Kadima 28, Likud-Ahi 27, YB 15, Labor 13, SHAS 11, United Torah Judaism 5, United Arab List 4, National Union 4, HADASH 4, The Jewish Home 3, The New Movement-Meretz 3, Balad 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by Judicial Selection Committee - made up of all three branches of the government; mandatory retirement age is 70)

Political parties and leaders:

Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality
(HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]; Kadima [Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI]; Labor
Party [Ehud BARAK]; Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU]; National Union
[Yaakov KATZ]; SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]; The Jewish Home (HaBayit
HaYehudi) [Daniel HERSCHKOWITZ]; The New Movement-Meretz [Haim
ORON]; United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]; United Torah Judaism
or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN]; Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human rights abuses; Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, Secretary General] supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; YESHA Council of Settlements [Danny DAYAN, Chairman] promotes settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; Breaking the Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, Executive Director] collects testimonies from soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

International organization participation:

BIS, BSEC (observer), CERN (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA,
SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael OREN
chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. CUNNINGHAM
embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903
telephone: [972] (3) 519-7575

FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390
consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government

Flag description:

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times

National anthem:

name: "Hatikvah" (The Hope)

lyrics/music: Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN
note: adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Shmuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox Driven Cart)

Economy ::Israel

Economy - overview:

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, its major source of economic and military aid. Israel's GDP, after contracting slightly in 2001 and 2002 due to the Palestinian conflict and troubles in the high-technology sector, grew about 5% per year from 2004-07. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a series of liberalizing reforms - and a resilient banking sector, and the economy has shown signs of an early recovery. Following GDP growth of 4% in 2008, Israel's GDP slipped to 0.2% in 2009, but reached 3.4% in 2010, as exports rebounded. The global economic downturn affected Israel's economy primarily through reduced demand for Israel's exports in the United States and EU, Israel's top trading partners. Exports account for about 25% of the country's GDP. The Israeli Government responded to the recession by implementing a modest fiscal stimulus package and an aggressive expansionary monetary policy - including cutting interest rates to record lows, purchasing government bonds, and intervening in the foreign currency market. The Bank of Israel began raising interest rates in the summer of 2009 when inflation rose above the upper end of the Bank's target and the economy began to show signs of recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$217.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $210 billion (2009 est.)

$209.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$201.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 0.2% (2009 est.)

4.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$29,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $29,000 (2009 est.)

$29,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 32.6%
services: 65% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.08 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%
industry: 16%
services: 82% (September 2008)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23.6%
note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 24.3% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 67 35.5 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Public debt:

77.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 77.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 130 2.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.73% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 6.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$27.58 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 59 $25.16 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$208.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $195.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$169.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $148.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$182.1 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 28 $134.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$236.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Industries:

high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles, footwear

Industrial production growth rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - production:

54.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - consumption:

46.38 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - exports:

2.081 billion kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

3,806 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - consumption:

231,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - exports:

69,580 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - imports:

318,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - proved reserves:

1.94 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - production:

1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - consumption:

1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - proved reserves:

30.44 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Current account balance:

$6.269 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $7.637 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$54.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $45.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Exports - partners:

US 35.05%, Hong Kong 6.02%, Belgium 4.95% (2009)

Imports:

$55.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $45.99 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 12.35%, China 7.43%, Germany 7.1%, Switzerland 6.94%, Belgium 5.42%, Italy 4.49%, UK 4.03%, Netherlands 3.98% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$66.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $60.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$89.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $86.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$64.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $58.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$58.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $55.02 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.588 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::Israel

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.25 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.022 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Telephone system:

general assessment: most highly developed system in the Middle East although not the largest
domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; four privately-owned mobile-cellular service providers with countrywide coverage
international: country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately-owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.il

Internet hosts:

1.689 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Internet users:

4.525 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51

Transportation ::Israel

Airports:

48 (2010) country comparison to the world: 92

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 30
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 176 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 949 km country comparison to the world: 92 standard gauge: 949 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,096 km country comparison to the world: 116 paved: 18,096 km (includes 146 km of expressways) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 113 by type: cargo 2, container 8
registered in other countries: 51 (Bermuda 3, Cyprus 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 31, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 4, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa

Military ::Israel

Military branches:

Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (IN), Israel Air
Force (IAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,771,661
females age 16-49: 1,687,698 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,496,542
females age 16-49: 1,425,537 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 61,613
female: 58,679 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

7.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 6

Transnational Issues ::Israel

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 150,000-420,000 (Arab villagers displaced from homes in northern Israel) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan; money-laundering center
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Italy (Europe)

Introduction ::Italy

Background:

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Geography ::Italy

Location:

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central
Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

42 50 N, 12 50 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 301,340 sq km country comparison to the world: 71 land: 294,140 sq km
water: 7,200 sq km
note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

total: 1,899.2 km
border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 km

Coastline:

7,600 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Natural resources:

coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 26.41%
permanent crops: 9.09%
other: 64.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

27,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

175 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 41.98 cu km/yr (18%/37%/45%)

per capita: 723 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice
volcanism: Italy experiences significant volcanic activity; Etna (elev. 3,330 m, 10,925 ft), which is in eruption as of 2010, is Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius, which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei, Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsini

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

People ::Italy

Population:

58,090,681 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 4,056,156/female 3,814,070)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 19,530,696/female 18,981,084)

65 years and over: 20.2% (male 4,903,762/female 6,840,444) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 43.7 years
male: 42.3 years
female: 45.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.075% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Birth rate:

8.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Death rate:

10.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Net migration rate:

2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 182 male: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.33 years country comparison to the world: 23 male: 77.39 years
female: 83.46 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Nationality:

noun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Ethnic groups:

Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and
Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and
Greek-Italians in the south)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90% (approximately; about one-third practicing), other 10% (includes mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community)

Languages:

Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.4%
male: 98.8%
female: 98% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 99

Government ::Italy

Country name:

conventional long form: Italian Republic
conventional short form: Italy
local long form: Repubblica Italiana
local short form: Italia
former: Kingdom of Italy

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Rome
geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 29 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma)

regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna,
Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte
(Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Veneto
(Venetia)

autonomous regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia; Sardegna (Sardinia); Sicilia (Sicily); Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or Trentino-Suedtirol (German); Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee d'Aoste (French)

Independence:

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1870)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Constitution:

passed 11 December 1947, effective 1 January 1948; amended many times

Legal system:

based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials; judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May 2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the president of the Council of Ministers
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and nominated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006 (next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by parliament
election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth round of voting; electoral college vote - 543

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or Senato della Repubblica (315 seats; members elected by proportional vote with the winning coalition in each region receiving 55% of seats from that region; members to serve five-year terms; and up to 5 senators for life appointed by the president of the Republic) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; members elected by popular vote with the winning national coalition receiving 54% of chamber seats; members to serve five-year terms); note - it has not been clarified if each president has the power to designate up to five senators or if five is the number of senators for life who might sit in the Senate
elections: Senate - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 174 (PdL 147, LN 25, MpA 2), W. VELTRONI coalition 132 (PD 118, IdV 3), UdC 3, other 6; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 344 (PdL 276, LN 60, MpA 8), W. VELTRONI coalition 246 (PD 217, IdV 29), UdC 36, other 4

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15 judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative Supreme Courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Center-Right coalition: Lega Nord or LN [Umberto BOSSI]; Movement for Autonomy or MpA [Raffaele LOMBARDO]; People of Freedom or PdL [Silvio BERLUSCONI]

Center-Left coalition: Democratic Party or PD [Pier Luigi BERSANI];
Italy of Values or IdV [Antonio DI PIETRO]

other non-allied parties: Future and Liberty Party or FLI [Gianfranco FINI]; Union of the Center or UdC [Pier Ferdinando CASINI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

manufacturers and merchants associations - Confcommercio;
Confindustria; organized farm groups - Confcoltivatori;
Confagricoltura; Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union
confederations - Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL
[Guglielmo EPIFANI] which is left wing; Confederazione Italiana dei
Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Raffaele BONANNO], which is Roman
Catholic centrist; Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL [Luigi
ANGELETTI] which is lay centrist)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner),
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Giulio TERZI di Sant' Agata
chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco
consulate(s): Detroit

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David THORNE
embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187-Rome
mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624
telephone: [39] (06) 46741

FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356
consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard
note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker shades of red and green, and has its coat of arms centered on the white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green

National anthem:

name: "Il Canto degli Italiani" (The Song of the Italians)

lyrics/music: Goffredo MAMELI/Michele NOVARO
note: adopted 1946; the anthem, originally written in 1847, is also known as "L'Inno di Mameli" (Mameli's Hymn), and "Fratelli D'Italia" (Brothers of Italy)

Economy ::Italy

Economy - overview:

Italy has a diversified industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 15% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy has moved slowly on implementing needed structural reforms, such as reducing graft, overhauling costly entitlement programs, and increasing employment opportunities for young workers, particularly women. The international financial crisis worsened conditions in Italy's labor market, with unemployment rising from 6.2% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2010, but in the longer-term Italy's low fertility rate and quota-driven immigration policies will increasingly strain its economy. A rise in exports and investment driven by the global economic recovery nevertheless helped the economy grow by about 1% in 2010 following a 5% contraction in 2009. The Italian government has struggled to limit government spending, but Italy's exceedingly high public debt remains above 115% of GDP, and its fiscal deficit - just 1.5% of GDP in 2007 - exceeded 5% in 2009 and 2010, as the costs of servicing the country's debt rose.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.782 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $1.763 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.857 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.037 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 -5.1% (2009 est.)

-1.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $30,300 (2009 est.)

$31,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 24.9%
services: 73.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

25.05 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 30.7%
services: 65.1% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 26.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2006) country comparison to the world: 101 27.3 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Public debt:

118.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 115.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 119 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 11.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.234 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 7 $1.267 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$1.884 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $1.846 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.274 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $3.047 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$317.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 16 $520.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.073 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Industrial production growth rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - production:

289.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - consumption:

315 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - exports:

3.431 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

43 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

146,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - consumption:

1.537 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - exports:

586,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - imports:

1.911 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - proved reserves:

423.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - production:

8.119 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - consumption:

78.12 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - exports:

124 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - imports:

69.24 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - proved reserves:

69.83 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Current account balance:

-$61.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 -$66.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$458.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $407.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food, beverages and tobacco; minerals, and nonferrous metals

Exports - partners:

Germany 12.6%, France 11.57%, US 5.92%, Spain 5.69%, UK 5.13%,
Switzerland 4.69% (2009)

Imports:

$459.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $403.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing; food, beverages, and tobacco

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.68%, France 8.82%, China 6.53%, Netherlands 5.63%, Spain 4.3%, Russia 4.12%, Belgium 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$132.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.223 trillion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.328 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$405.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $368.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$601.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $555.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Italy

Telephones - main lines in use:

21.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Telephones - mobile cellular:

90.613 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully automated telephone, telex, and data services
domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks
international: country code - 39; a series of submarine cables provide links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat

Broadcast media:

two Italian media giants - the publicly-owned Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) with 3 national terrestrial stations and privately-owned Mediaset with 3 national terrestrial stations - dominate; additional broadcasts by a large number of private stations and Sky Italia - a satellite TV network; RAI operates 3 AM/FM nationwide radio stations; some 1,300 commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.it

Internet hosts:

23.16 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Internet users:

29.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Transportation ::Italy

Airports:

132 (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 101
over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 31
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 17,558 km; oil 1,241 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 19,729 km country comparison to the world: 15 standard gauge: 18,317 km 1.435-m gauge (12,458 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 123 km 1.000-m gauge (123 km electrified); 1,058 km 0.950-m gauge (151 km electrified); 231 km 0.850-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 487,700 km country comparison to the world: 13 paved: 487,700 km (includes 6,700 km of expressways) (2007)

Waterways:

2,400 km country comparison to the world: 38 note: used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared to road and rail (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 667 country comparison to the world: 17 by type: bulk carrier 81, cargo 47, carrier 1, chemical tanker 169, container 22, liquefied gas 25, passenger 23, passenger/cargo 160, petroleum tanker 56, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 34
foreign-owned: 78 (Denmark 4, France 2, Germany 1, Greece 8, Luxembourg 12, Nigeria 1, Norway 6, Sweden 1, Switzerland 6, Taiwan 11, Turkey 3, UK 2, US 21)

registered in other countries: 213 (Bahamas 5, Belize 3, Cayman
Islands 6, Cyprus 6, Georgia 2, Gibraltar 4, Greece 5, Kiribati 1,
Liberia 48, Malta 52, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 9, Norway 3,
Panama 23, Portugal 10, Russia 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 3, Slovakia 2, Spain 1,
Sweden 5, Turkey 2, UK 4, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Augusta, Cagliari, Genoa, Livorno, Santa Panagia (Melilli), Taranto,
Trieste, Venice

Military ::Italy

Military branches:

Italian Armed Forces: Italian Army (Esercito Italiano, EI), Italian
Navy (Marina Militare Italiana, MMI), Italian Air Force (Aeronautica
Militare Italiana, AMI), Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei Carabinieri,
CC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 year of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished January 2005; women may serve in any military branch; 10-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 45 (Army and Air Force) or 39 (Navy) (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,705,846
females age 16-49: 12,929,946 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,092,984
females age 16-49: 10,452,910 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 280,255
female: 263,336 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Transnational Issues ::Italy

Disputes - international:

Italy's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and northern Africa

Illicit drugs:

important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money laundering by organized crime and from smuggling
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Jamaica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Jamaica

Background:

The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

Geography ::Jamaica

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 77 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 10,991 sq km country comparison to the world: 167 land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,022 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 15.83%
permanent crops: 10.01%
other: 74.16% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

9.4 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.41 cu km/yr (34%/17%/49%)

per capita: 155 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (especially July to November)

Environment - current issues:

heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

People ::Jamaica

Population:

2,847,232 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 451,310/female 436,466)

15-64 years: 61.1% (male 851,372/female 875,132)

65 years and over: 7.5% (male 94,833/female 116,815) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years
male: 23.4 years
female: 24.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.747% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Birth rate:

19.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Death rate:

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Net migration rate:

-5.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Urbanization:

urban population: 53% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 125 male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.48 years country comparison to the world: 113 male: 71.8 years
female: 75.25 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

27,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Nationality:

noun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Ethnic groups:

black 91.2%, mixed 6.2%, other or unknown 2.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal 9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic 2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census)

Languages:

English, English patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 87.9%
male: 84.1%
female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 34

Government ::Jamaica

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jamaica

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland
note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation

Independence:

6 August 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1962)

Constitution:

6 August 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26 February 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy prime minister recommended by the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated 8 seats) and the House of Representatives (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 September 2007 (next to be held no later than October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - JLP 50.1%, PNP 49.8%; seats by party - JLP 33, PNP 27

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Bruce GOLDING]; People's National Party or PNP [Portia SIMPSON-MILLER]; National Democratic Movement or NDM [Michael WILLIAMS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Audrey P. MARKS
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660

FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela BRIDGEWATER
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: P.O. Box 541, Kingston 5
telephone: [1] (876) 702-6000

FAX: [1] (876) 702-6001

Flag description:

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side); green represents hope, vegetation, and agriculture, black reflects hardships overcome and to be faced, and yellow recalls golden sunshine and the island's natural resources

National anthem:

name: "Jamaica, Land We Love"

lyrics/music: Hugh Braham SHERLOCK/Robert Charles LIGHTBOURNE
note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Jamaica

Economy - overview:

The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which now account for more than 60% of GDP. The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 15% of GDP and exports of bauxite and alumina make up about 10%. Tourism revenues account for roughly 10% of GDP, and both arrivals and revenues grew in 2010, up 4% and 6% respectively. The Economic growth faces many challenges: high crime and corruption, large-scale unemployment and underemployment, and a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 120%. Jamaica's onerous debt burden - the fourth highest per capita - is the result of government bailouts to ailing sectors of the economy, most notably to the financial sector in the mid-to-late 1990s. The Government of Jamaica signed a $1.27 billion, 27-month Standby Agreement with the International Monetary Fund for balance of payment support in February 2010. Other multilaterals have also provided millions of dollars in loans and grants. The government's difficult fiscal position hinders spending on infrastructure and social programs, particularly as job losses rise in a shrinking economy. The GOLDING administration faces the difficult prospect of having to achieve fiscal discipline in order to maintain debt payments, while simultaneously attacking a serious and growing crime problem that is hampering economic growth. High unemployment exacerbates the crime problem, including gang violence that is fueled by the drug trade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $24.12 billion (2009 est.)

$24.81 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$13.74 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 -2.8% (2009 est.)

-0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $8,500 (2009 est.)

$8,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.7%
industry: 29.7%
services: 64.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.317 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%
industry: 19%
services: 64% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

12.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 11.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14.8% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 35.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.5 (2004) country comparison to the world: 40 37.9 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Public debt:

123.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 124.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 9.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

16.43% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 16.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.432 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.371 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$5.782 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $5.472 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.922 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $7.282 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$6.201 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 72 $7.513 billion (31 December 2008)

$12.33 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, yams, ackees, vegetables; poultry, goats, milk; crustaceans, mollusks

Industries:

tourism, bauxite/alumina, agro processing, light manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products, telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - production:

7.324 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - consumption:

6.345 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - consumption:

77,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - imports:

77,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Current account balance:

-$1.382 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 -$876 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.487 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $1.263 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams, beverages, chemicals, wearing apparel, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

US 38.19%, Canada 12.2%, UK 10.79%, Norway 4.89%, Netherlands 4.69% (2009)

Imports:

$5.378 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $4.581 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and other consumer goods, industrial supplies, fuel, parts and accessories of capital goods, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 28.32%, Trinidad and Tobago 22.98%, Venezuela 12.14%, China 4.61%, Brazil 4.18% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $2.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$12.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $10.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar - 87.41 (2010), 87.894 (2009), 72.236 (2008), 69.034 (2007), 65.768 (2006)

Communications ::Jamaica

Telephones - main lines in use:

302,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone network
domestic: the 1999 agreement to open the market for telecommunications services resulted in rapid growth in mobile-cellular telephone usage while the number of fixed-lines in use has declined; combined mobile-cellular teledensity exceeded 110 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 1-876; the Fibralink submarine cable network provides enhanced delivery of business and broadband traffic and is linked to the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) submarine cable in the Dominican Republic; the link to ARCOS-1 provides seamless connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

privately-owned Radio Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries operate multiple television stations, subscription cable services, and radio stations; 2 other privately-owned television stations broadcast; roughly 70 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.jm

Internet hosts:

3,099 (2010) country comparison to the world: 143

Internet users:

1.581 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Transportation ::Jamaica

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 15
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 21,552 km country comparison to the world: 108 paved: 15,937 km (includes 33 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,615 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 19 country comparison to the world: 100 by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 5, container 4, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 19 (Denmark 1, Germany 10, Greece 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Discovery Bay (Port Rhoades), Kingston, Montego Bay, Port Antonio,
Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rocky Point

Military ::Jamaica

Military branches:

Jamaica Defense Force: Ground Forces, Coast Guard, Air Wing (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; younger recruits may be conscripted with parental consent (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 712,627
females age 16-49: 730,845 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 581,033
females age 16-49: 590,437 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 32,723
female: 32,098 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Transnational Issues ::Jamaica

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North America and Europe; illicit cultivation and consumption of cannabis; government has an active manual cannabis eradication program; corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit financial transactions
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Jan Mayen (Europe)

Introduction ::Jan Mayen

Background:

This desolate, arctic, mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg volcano resumed activity in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred in 1985. It is the northernmost active volcano on earth.

Geography ::Jan Mayen

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian
Sea, northeast of Iceland

Geographic coordinates:

71 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 377 sq km country comparison to the world: 203 land: 377 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

124.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Terrain:

volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
highest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 m
note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

dominated by the volcano Beerenberg
volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) is Norway's only active volcano; volcanic activity resumed in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred in 1985

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

People ::Jan Mayen

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and the weather and coastal services radio station

Government ::Jan Mayen

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however, authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy ::Jan Mayen

Economy - overview:

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources, although surrounding waters contain substantial fish stocks and potential untapped petroleum resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations on the island.

Communications ::Jan Mayen

Broadcast media:

a coastal radio station has been remotely operated since 1994 (2008)

Transportation ::Jan Mayen

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 220

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Jan Mayen

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues ::Jan Mayen

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Japan (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Japan

Background:

In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains a major economic power.

Geography ::Japan

Location:

Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the
Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

36 00 N, 138 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 377,915 sq km country comparison to the world: 61 land: 364,485 sq km
water: 13,430 sq km
note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29,751 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m
highest point: Fujiyama 3,776 m

Natural resources:

negligible mineral resources, fish
note: with virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil

Land use:

arable land: 11.64%
permanent crops: 0.9%
other: 87.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

25,920 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

430 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 88.43 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)

per capita: 690 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons
volcanism: both Unzen (elev. 1,500 m, 4,621 ft) and Sakura-jima (elev. 1,117 m, 3,665 ft), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location in northeast Asia

People ::Japan

Population:

126,804,433 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 8,804,465/female 8,344,800)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 41,187,425/female 40,533,876)

65 years and over: 22.2% (male 11,964,694/female 16,243,419) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 44.6 years
male: 42.9 years
female: 46.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.242% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Birth rate:

7.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Death rate:

9.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 96

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 219 male: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.17 years country comparison to the world: 5 male: 78.87 years
female: 85.66 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Nationality:

noun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Ethnic groups:

Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%
note: up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil (2004)

Religions:

Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%
note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

Languages:

Japanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 126

Government ::Japan

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Japan
local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku
local short form: Nihon/Nippon

Government type:

a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Tokyo
geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka,
Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki,
Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto,
Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita,
Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka,
Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata,
Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Independence:

3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution); notable earlier dates: 660 B.C. (traditional date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy)

National holiday:

Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Constitution:

3 May 1947

Legal system:

modeled after European civil law systems with English-American influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors or Sangi-in (242 seats - members elected for fixed six-year terms; half reelected every three years; 146 members in multi-seat constituencies and 96 by proportional representation) and the House of Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for maximum four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180 members by proportional representation in 11 regional blocs); the prime minister has the right to dissolve the House of Representatives at any time with the concurrence of the cabinet
elections: House of Councillors - last held on 11 July 2010 (next to be held in July 2013); House of Representatives - last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be held by August 2013)

election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - DPJ 31.6%, LDP 24.1%, YP 13.6%, NK 13.1%, JCP 6.1%, SDP 3.8%, others 7.7%; seats by party - DPJ 106, LDP 84, NK 19, YP 11, JCP 6, SDP 4, others 12

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party (by proportional representation) - DPJ 42.4%, LDP 26.7%, NK 11.5%, JCP 7.0%, SDP 4.3%, others 8.1%; seats by party - DPJ 308, LDP 119, NK 21, JCP 9, SDP 7, others 16 (2009)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN]; Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Sadakazu TANIGAKI]; New Komeito or NK [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI]; People's New Party or PNP [Shizuka KAMEI]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho FUKUSHIMA]; Your Party or YP [Yoshimi WATANABE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: business groups; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ichiro FUJISAKI
chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Agana (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Seattle
consulate(s): Anchorage, Nashville

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John V. ROOS
embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
mailing address: Unit 9800, Box 300, APO AP 96303-0300
telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000

FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862
consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo
consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Flag description:

white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center

National anthem:

name: "Kimigayo" (The Emperor"s Reign)

lyrics/music: unknown/Hiromori HAYASHI
note: adopted 1999; in use as unofficial national anthem since 1883; oldest anthem lyrics in the world, dating to the 10th century or earlier; there is some opposition to the anthem because of its association with militarism and worship of the emperor

Economy ::Japan

Economy - overview:

In the years following World War II, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan develop a technologically advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-war economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features are now eroding under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the world. Usually self sufficient in rice, Japan imports about 60% of its food on a caloric basis. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. For three decades, overall real economic growth had been spectacular - a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the after effects of inefficient investment and an asset price bubble in the late 1980s that required a protracted period of time for firms to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. The Japanese financial sector was not heavily exposed to sub-prime mortgages or their derivative instruments and weathered the initial effect of the recent global credit crunch, but a sharp downturn in business investment and global demand for Japan's exports in late 2008 pushed Japan further into recession. Government stimulus spending helped the economy recover in late 2009 and 2010, but Tokyo is warning that GDP growth will slow in 2011. Prime Minister Kan's government has proposed opening the agricultural and services sectors to greater foreign competition and boosting exports through free-trade agreements, but debate continues on restructuring the economy and funding new stimulus programs in the face of a tight fiscal situation. Japan's huge government debt, which is approaching 200 percent of GDP, persistent deflation, and an aging and shrinking population are major complications for the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.338 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $4.211 trillion (2009 est.)

$4.442 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.391 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 -5.2% (2009 est.)

-1.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$34,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $33,100 (2009 est.)

$34,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.5%
industry: 22.8%
services: 75.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

65.64 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4%
industry: 28%
services: 68% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 5.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.8%
highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (2002) country comparison to the world: 74 24.9 (1993)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Public debt:

196.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 192.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 -1.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 139 0.3% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

1.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 1.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.541 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 3 $5.162 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.3 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 2 $14.56 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$16.39 trillion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $13.32 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$3.378 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 $3.22 trillion (31 December 2008)

$4.453 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish

Industries:

among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - production:

957.9 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - consumption:

925.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

132,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - consumption:

4.363 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - exports:

380,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - imports:

5.033 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - proved reserves:

44.12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - production:

3.539 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - consumption:

94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - imports:

90.29 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - proved reserves:

20.9 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Current account balance:

$182.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $142.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$735.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $545.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors, electrical machinery, chemicals

Exports - partners:

China 18.88%, US 16.42%, South Korea 8.13%, Taiwan 6.27%, Hong Kong 5.49% (2009)

Imports:

$636.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $501.6 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, raw materials

Imports - partners:

China 22.2%, US 10.96%, Australia 6.29%, Saudi Arabia 5.29%, UAE 4.12%, South Korea 3.98%, Indonesia 3.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.024 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.246 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 6 $2.231 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$161.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$831.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $738.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

yen (JPY) per US dollar - 88.67 (2010), 93.57 (2009), 103.58 (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Communications ::Japan

Telephones - main lines in use:

44.364 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Telephones - mobile cellular:

114.917 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service
domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind
international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 3 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2008)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 5 national terrestrial television networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2008)

Internet country code:

.jp

Internet hosts:

54.846 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Internet users:

99.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Transportation ::Japan

Airports:

176 (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 144
over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 44

1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

914 to 1,523 m: 28
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 28 (2010)

Heliports:

15 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,879 km; oil 167 km; oil/gas/water 53 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 26,435 km country comparison to the world: 11 standard gauge: 3,978 km 1.435-m gauge (3,978 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 96 km 1.372-m gauge (96 km electrified); 22,313 km 1.067-m gauge (15,235 km electrified); 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 1,203,777 km country comparison to the world: 5 paved: 961,366 km (includes 7,560 km of expressways)

unpaved: 242,411 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,770 km (seagoing vessels use inland seas) (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Merchant marine:

total: 673 country comparison to the world: 16 by type: bulk carrier 152, cargo 31, carrier 3, chemical tanker 28, container 2, liquefied gas 63, passenger 12, passenger/cargo 120, petroleum tanker 152, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 52, vehicle carrier 54
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries: 3,064 (Bahamas 93, Belize 1, Bermuda 2, Burma 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 19, China 2, Cyprus 19, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 84, Indonesia 7, Isle of Man 15, Liberia 102, Malaysia 4, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 41, Netherlands 1, Panama 2347, Philippines 82, Portugal 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 3, Singapore 146, South Korea 15, Thailand 2, UK 4, Vanuatu 44, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo,
Tomakomai, Yokohama

Military ::Japan

Military branches:

Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD): Ground Self-Defense Force
(Rikujou Jietai, GSDF), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jietai,
MSDF), Air Self-Defense Force (Koku Jieitai, ASDF) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,461,338
females age 16-49: 26,478,466 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,564,075
females age 16-49: 21,720,375 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 626,115
female: 593,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Transnational Issues ::Japan

Disputes - international:

the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954; China and Taiwan dispute both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon prospecting
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Jersey (Europe)

Introduction ::Jersey

Background:

Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Jersey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Jersey

Location:

Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 15 N, 2 10 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 116 sq km country comparison to the world: 224 land: 116 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

70 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Terrain:

gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 143 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier

People ::Jersey

Population:

93,363 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 7,623/female 7,087)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 30,914/female 31,081)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 6,614/female 8,307) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.1 years
male: 38.5 years
female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.86% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Birth rate:

10.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Net migration rate:

5.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.02 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 204 male: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.28 years country comparison to the world: 11 male: 78.88 years
female: 83.83 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

Jersey 51.1%, Britons 34.8%, Irish, French, and other white 6.6%,
Portuguese/Madeiran 6.4%, other 1.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,
Methodist, Presbyterian

Languages:

English 94.5% (official), Portuguese 4.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Jersey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey
conventional short form: Jersey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Saint Helier
geographic coordinates: 49 11 N, 2 06 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 12 parishes including Grouville, Saint Brelade, Saint Clement, Saint Helier, Saint John, Saint Lawrence, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, Saint Ouen, Saint Peter, Saint Saviour, and Trinity

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply and local statutes; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June 2006)

head of government: Chief Minister Terry LE SUEUR (12 December 2008); Bailiff Michael BIRT (since 9 July 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister are elected by the Assembly of States; the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (58 seats; 55 are voting members, of which 12 are senators elected for six-year terms, 12 are constables or heads of parishes elected for three-year terms, 29 are deputies elected for three-year terms, the bailiff and the deputy bailiff, and 3 non-voting members include the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held on 15 October 2008 for senators and 26 November 2008 for deputies (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 55

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

two declared parties: Centre Party; Jersey Democratic Alliance
note: all senators and deputies elected in 2008 were independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Institute of Directors, Jersey branch (provides business support);
Jersey Hospitality Association [Robert JONES] (trade association);
Jersey Rights Association [David ROTHERHAM] (human rights); La
Societe Jersiaise (education and conservation group); Progress
Jersey [Daren O'TOOLE, Gino RISOLI] (human rights); Royal Jersey
Agriculture and Horticultural Society or RJA&HS (development and
management of the Jersey breed of cattle); Save Jersey's Heritage
(protects heritage through building preservation)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition, the ships of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross to the "X" (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick, the yellow Plantagenet crown and Jersey coat of arms were added

National anthem:

name: "Isle de Siez Nous" (Island Home)

lyrics/music: Gerard LE FEUVRE
note: adopted 2008; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Jersey

Economy - overview:

Jersey's economy is based on international financial services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector accounted for about 50% of the island's output. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts for one-quarter of GDP. In recent years, the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that an electronics industry has developed, displacing more traditional industries. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come close to those of the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.1 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.1 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$57,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 2%
services: 97% (2005)

Labor force:

53,560 (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 187

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (December 2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - consumption:

630.1 million kWh (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle, foodstuffs, textiles, flowers

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Jersey pounds per US dollar 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Jersey

Telephones - main lines in use:

73,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83,900 (2004) country comparison to the world: 188

Telephone system:

general assessment: state-owned, partially-competitive market; increasingly modern, with some broadband access
domestic: digital telephone system launch announced in 2006 and currently being implemented; fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular density exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 44; submarine cable connectivity to Guernsey, the UK, and France (2008)

Broadcast media:

multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in November 2010; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Internet country code:

.je

Internet hosts:

237 (2010) country comparison to the world: 191

Internet users:

29,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Transportation ::Jersey

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 219

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 576 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 11 (Gibraltar 1, India 1, Marshall Islands 9) (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Ports and terminals:

Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Military ::Jersey

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 16,853
females age 16-49: 16,737 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 594
female: 555 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Jersey

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Jordan (Middle East)

Introduction ::Jordan

Background:

Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the UK received a mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain separated out a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in the early 1920s, and the area gained its independence in 1946; it adopted the name of Jordan in 1950. The country's long-time ruler was King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic leader, he successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population. Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel in the 1967 war and barely managed to defeat Palestinian rebels who attempted to overthrow the monarchy in 1970. King HUSSEIN in 1988 permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank. In 1989, he reinstituted parliamentary elections and initiated a gradual political liberalization; political parties were legalized in 1992. In 1994, he signed a peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II, the son of King HUSSEIN, assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in the European Free Trade Association in 2001. In 2003, Jordan staunchly supported the Coalition ouster of Saddam in Iraq and following the outbreak of insurgent violence in Iraq, absorbed thousands of displaced Iraqis. Municipal elections were held in July 2007 under a system in which 20% of seats in all municipal councils were reserved by quota for women. Parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and saw independent pro-government candidates win the vast majority of seats.

Geography ::Jordan

Location:

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

31 00 N, 36 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 89,342 sq km country comparison to the world: 111 land: 88,802 sq km
water: 540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,635 km
border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain:

mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, potash, shale oil

Land use:

arable land: 3.32%
permanent crops: 1.18%
other: 95.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.9 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.01 cu km/yr (21%/4%/75%)

per capita: 177 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank

People ::Jordan

Population:

6,407,085 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36% (male 1,161,484/female 1,096,441)

15-64 years: 59.4% (male 1,892,472/female 1,829,112)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 143,058/female 146,718) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years
male: 21.6 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.159% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Birth rate:

27.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Death rate:

2.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Net migration rate:

-2.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.03 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 109 male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.92 years country comparison to the world: 27 male: 78.64 years
female: 81.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.42 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Nationality:

noun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some
Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,
Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several
small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.9%
male: 95.1%
female: 84.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 72

Government ::Jordan

Country name:

conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
conventional short form: Jordan
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah
local short form: Al Urdun
former: Transjordan

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Amman
geographic coordinates: 31 57 N, 35 56 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends last Friday in October

Administrative divisions:

12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al 'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Independence:

25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Constitution:

1 January 1952; amended many times

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999); Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of King ABDALLAH II
head of government: Prime Minister Samir al-RIFAI (since 9 December 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Ayman al-SAFADI, Khalid al-KARAKI, Sa'ad Hayel SROUR
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of the Senate, also called the House of Notables or Majlis al-Ayan (60 seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies, also called the House of Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwaab (120 seats; members elected using a single, non-transferable vote system in multi-member districts to serve four-year terms); note - the new electoral law enacted in May 2010 allocated an additional 10 seats (6 seats added to the number reserved for women, bringing the total to 12; 2 additional seats for Amman; and 1 seat each for the cities of Zarqa and Irbid; unchanged are 9 seats reserved for Christian candidates, 9 for Bedouin candidates, and 3 for Jordanians of Chechen or Circassian descent
elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held on 9 November 2010 (next scheduled in 2014); note - the King dissolved the previous Chamber of Deputies in November 2009, midway through the parliamentary term
election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents and other 120 (includes 12 seats filled by women's quota and 1 woman was directly elected); note - the IAF boycotted the election

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation (Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Arab Ba'ath Socialist Party [Fuad DABBOUR]; Ba'ath Arab Progressive
Party [Tayseer al-HAMSI]; Call Party [Mohammed Abu BAKR]; Democratic
People's Party [Ablah al-ULBAH]; Democratic Popular Unity Party
[Sa'ed DIAB]; Islamic Action Front or IAF [Hamzeh MANSOUR]; Islamic
Center Party [Marwan al-FA'OURI; Jordanian Communist Party [Munir
HAMARNEH]; Jordanian National Party [Mona Abu BAKR]; Jordanian
United Front [Amjad al-MAJALI]; Life Party [Thaher 'AMROU]; Message
Party [Hazem QASHOU]; National Constitution Party [Ahmed al-SHUNAQ];
National Current Party [Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI]; National Movement
for Direct Democracy [Mohammed al-QAQ]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Anti-Normalization Committee [Hamzeh MANSOUR, chairman]; Higher
Coordination Committee of Opposition Parties [Hamzeh MANZOUR];
Jordan Bar Association [Saleh al-ARMUTI, chairman]; Jordanian Press
Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Jordanian Muslim
Brotherhood [Dr. Hamam SAID, controller general]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alia Hatough BOURAN
chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664

FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert S. BEECROFT
embassy: Abdoun, Amman
mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box 5, DPO AE 09892-0200
telephone: [962] (6) 590-6000

FAX: [962] (6) 592-0121

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), representing the Abbassid Caliphate, white, representing the Ummayyad Caliphate, and green, representing the Fatimid Caliphate; a red isosceles triangle on the hoist side, representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, and bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations; design is based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I

National anthem:

name: "As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni" (Long Live the King of Jordan)

lyrics/music: Abdul-Mone'm al-RIFAI'/Abdul-Qader al-TANEER
note: adopted 1946; the shortened version of the anthem is used most commonly, while the full version is reserved for special occasions

Economy ::Jordan

Economy - overview:

Jordan's economy is among the smallest in the Middle East, with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural resources, underlying the government's heavy reliance on foreign assistance. Other economic challenges for the government include chronic high rates of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and a large budget deficit. Since assuming the throne in 1999, King ABDALLAH has implemented significant economic reforms, such as opening the trade regime, privatizing state-owned companies, and eliminating most fuel subsidies, which in the past few years have spurred economic growth by attracting foreign investment and creating some jobs. The global economic slowdown, however, has depressed Jordan's GDP growth. Export-oriented sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and the transport of re-exports have been hit the hardest. The Government approved two supplementary budgets in 2010, but sweeping tax cuts planned for 2010 did not materialize because of Amman's need for additional revenue to cover excess spending. The budget deficit is likely to remain high, at 5-6% of GDP, and Amman likely will continue to depend heavily on foreign assistance to finance the deficit in 2011. Jordan's financial sector has been relatively isolated from the international financial crisis because of its limited exposure to overseas capital markets. Jordan is currently exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$33.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $32.74 billion (2009 est.)

$31.98 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.13 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 2.4% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $5,200 (2009 est.)

$5,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.4%
industry: 30.3%
services: 66.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.719 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 20%
services: 77.4% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 12.9% (2009 est.)

note: official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30%

Population below poverty line:

14.2% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 30.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.7 (2007) country comparison to the world: 63 36.4 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Public debt:

61.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 64.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 73 6.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 9.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$9.386 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 72 $8.437 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $33.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$26.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $25.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$31.86 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 53 $35.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$41.22 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, strawberries, stone fruits; sheep, poultry, dairy

Industries:

clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - production:

12.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - consumption:

10.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - exports:

176 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - consumption:

108,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - imports:

108,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - proved reserves:

1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - production:

250 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - consumption:

2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - imports:

2.72 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.031 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Current account balance:

-$975 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 -$1.27 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.333 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $6.366 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables, pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

US 17.13%, Iraq 17%, India 13.59%, Saudi Arabia 10.56%, Syria 4.18%,
UAE 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$12.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $12.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 17.3%, China 10.95%, US 6.94%, Germany 6.29%, Egypt 6.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$12.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $12.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $6.766 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$22.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $19.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Jordanian dinars (JOD) per US dollar - 0.709 (2010), 0.709 (2009), 0.709 (2008), 0.709 (2007), 0.709 (2006)

Communications ::Jordan

Telephones - main lines in use:

501,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.014 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Telephone system:

general assessment: service has improved recently with increased use of digital switching equipment; microwave radio relay transmission and coaxial and fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk lines; growing mobile-cellular usage in both urban and rural areas is reducing use of fixed-line services; Internet penetration remains modest and slow-growing
domestic: 1995 telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line services to private competition; in 2005, monopoly over fixed-line services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was opened to competition; currently multiple mobile-cellular providers with subscribership rapidly approaching 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 962; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) FEA and FLAG Falcon submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and 29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals); fiber-optic cable to Saudi Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria; participant in Medarabtel (2010)

Broadcast media:

radio and TV dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) that operates a main network, a sports network, a film network, and a satellite channel; first independent TV broadcaster aired in 2007; international satellite TV and Israeli and Syrian TV broadcasts are available; roughly 30 radio stations operational with JRTV operating the main government-owned station; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.jo

Internet hosts:

42,412 (2010) country comparison to the world: 92

Internet users:

1.642 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Transportation ::Jordan

Airports:

18 (2010) country comparison to the world: 138

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 439 km; oil 49 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 507 km country comparison to the world: 114 narrow gauge: 507 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 7,891 km country comparison to the world: 143 paved: 7,891 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 108 by type: cargo 5, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 7 (UAE 7)

registered in other countries: 20 (Bahamas 2, Egypt 2, Panama 13, Syria 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al 'Aqabah

Military ::Jordan

Military branches:

Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF): Royal Jordanian Land Force (RJLF), Royal Jordanian Navy, Royal Jordanian Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya, RJAF), Special Operations Command (Socom); Public Security Directorate (normally falls under Ministry of Interior, but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription at age 18 was suspended in 1999, although all males under age 37 are required to register; women not subject to conscription, but can volunteer to serve in non-combat military positions in the Royal Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps; conscription for males only resurrected in July 2007 in order to provide youth training necessary for job market needs (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,646,215
females age 16-49: 1,579,268 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,416,681
females age 16-49: 1,358,608 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 73,554
female: 69,359 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

8.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 5

Transnational Issues ::Jordan

Disputes - international:

approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan; 2004 Agreement settles border dispute with Syria pending demarcation

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,835,704 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)); 500,000 (Iraq)

IDPs: 160,000 (1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Kazakhstan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Kazakhstan

Background:

Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-ethnic Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 drove many of these newcomers to emigrate. Kazakhstan's economy is larger than those of all the other Central Asian states largely due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: developing a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets; diversifying the economy outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors; enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness; developing a multiparty parliament and advancing political and social reform; and strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign powers.

Geography ::Kazakhstan

Location:

Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural
(Zhayyq) River in eastern-most Europe

Geographic coordinates:

48 00 N, 68 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 2,724,900 sq km country comparison to the world: 9 land: 2,699,700 sq km
water: 25,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 12,185 km
border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,224 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Terrain:

vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m
highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Natural resources:

major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 8.28%
permanent crops: 0.05%
other: 91.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

35,560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

109.6 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 35 cu km/yr (2%/17%/82%)

per capita: 2,360 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty

Environment - current issues:

radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers that flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004, Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050

People ::Kazakhstan

Population:

15,460,484 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 1,717,469/female 1,643,920)

15-64 years: 70.2% (male 5,279,292/female 5,534,607)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 426,494/female 797,655) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.9 years
male: 28.4 years
female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.399% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Birth rate:

16.66 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Death rate:

9.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Net migration rate:

-3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Urbanization:

urban population: 58% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.93 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 84 male: 29.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 20.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.19 years country comparison to the world: 152 male: 62.91 years
female: 73.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.87 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Nationality:

noun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Ethnic groups:

Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%,
German 2.4%, Tatar 1.7%, Uighur 1.4%, other 4.9% (1999 census)

Religions:

Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Languages:

Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.5%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.3% (1999 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 156

Government ::Kazakhstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan
conventional short form: Kazakhstan
local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy
local short form: Qazaqstan
former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch

Capital:

name: Astana
geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Kazakhstan is divided into two time zones

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities* (qalalar,
singular - qala); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola Oblysy
(Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys
Qazaqstan Oblysy [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy
[Baykonur]*, Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy
[South Kazakhstan] (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy, Qaraghandy Oblysy,
Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy [East
Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavlovsk),
Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr (Baykonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, a new agreement extended the lease to 2050

Independence:

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

Constitution:

first post-independence constitution adopted 28 January 1993; new constitution adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and Roman law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected president 1 December 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March 2009), Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October 2007), Aset ISEKESHEV (since 12 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments of May 2007 shortened the presidential term from seven years to five years and established a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will take effect after NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is allowed to run for president indefinitely
election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A. TUYAKBAY 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAYMENOV 1.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (47 seats; 15 members are appointed by the president; 32 members elected by local assemblies; members serve six-year terms, but elections are staggered with half of the members up for re-election every three years) and the Mazhilis (107 seats; 9 out of the 107 Mazhilis members elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the country's ethnic minorities; non-appointed members are popularly elected to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - (indirect) last held in October 2008 (next to be held in 2011); Mazhilis - last held on 18 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Nur Otan 16; Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Nur-Otan 88.1%, NSDP 4.6%, Ak Zhol 3.3%, Auyl 1.6%, Communist People's Party 1.3%, Patriots Party 0.8% Ruhaniyat 0.4%; seats by party - Nur-Otan 98; note - parties had to achieve a threshold of 7% of the electorate to qualify for seats in the Mazhilis; changes to electoral legislation enacted since the 2007 election now ensure that the second-placed party will enter the Majilis at the next parliamentary election, even if it does not clear the 7% threshold

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (seven members)

Political parties and leaders:

Adilet (Justice) [Maksut NARIKBAYEV, Zeynulla ALSHIMBAYEV, Serik
ABDRAHMANOV, Bakhytbek AKHMETZHAN, Yerkin ONGARBAYEV, Tolegan
SYDYKOV] (formerly Democratic Party of Kazakhstan); Agrarian and
Industrial Union of Workers Block or AIST (Agrarian Party and Civic
Party); Ak Zhol Party (Bright Path) [Alikhan BAYMENOV]; Alga
[Vladimir KOZLOV] (unregistered); Auyl (Village) [Gani KALIYEV];
Azat (Freedom) Party [Bolat ABILOV] (formerly True Ak Zhol Party);
Azat NSDP [co-chaired by Bolat ABILOV and Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Azat
and NSDP united in 2009, but the authorities have refused to
register Azat NSDP as a single party; Communist Party of Kazakhstan
or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN]; Communist People's Party of
Kazakhstan [Vladislav KOSAREV]; National Social Democratic Party or
NSDP [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Nur-Otan [Bakhytzhan ZHUMAGULOV] (the
Agrarian, Asar, and Civic parties merged with Otan); Patriots' Party
[Gani KASYMOV]; Rukhaniyat (Spirituality) [Altynshash ZHAGANOVA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Almaty Helsinki Committee [Ninel
FOKINA]; Confederation of Free Trade Unions [Sergei BELKIN]; For
Fair Elections [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS (jailed), Sabit ZHUSUPOV, Sergey
DUVANOV, Ibrash NUSUPBAYEV]; Kazakhstan International Bureau on
Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Pan-National
Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY];
Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman];
Republican Network of International Monitors [Dos KUSHIM];
Transparency International [Sergey ZLOTNIKOV]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS
(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yerlan IDRISSOV
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND
embassy: Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, Building #3, Astana 010010
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00

FAX: [7] (7172) 34-08-90

Flag description:

a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky blue background; the hoist side displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of the ram) in gold; the blue color is of religious significance to the Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity; it also represents the endless sky as well as water; the sun, a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude; the sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance and prosperity; the eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future

National anthem:

name: "Menin Qazaqstanim" (My Kazakhstan)

lyrics/music: Zhumeken NAZHIMEDENOV and Nursultan NAZARBAYEV/Shamshi KALDAYAKOV
note: adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics

Economy ::Kazakhstan

Economy - overview:

Kazakhstan, geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves and plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural sector featuring livestock and grain. Kazakhstan's industrial sector is primarily focused on the extraction and processing of these natural resources. Kazakhstan enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01 and 8% or more per year in 2002-07 - thanks largely to its booming energy sector but also to economic reform, good harvests, and increased foreign investment; GDP growth slowed dramatically following the near-collapse of the banking sector in late 2007 and the declines in oil and metals prices associated with the global economic downturn in 2008-09. Kazakhstan has embarked upon an industrial policy designed to diversify the economy away from overdependence on the oil sector as well expanding export markets away from its historical reliance on Russia. Nevertheless, growth is still driven by oil. The government has engaged in several disputes with Western oil companies over the terms of production agreements, most recently, with regard to the Kashagan project in 2007-08 and the Karachaganak project in 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$193.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $184.8 billion (2009 est.)

$182.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$129.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 1.2% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $12,000 (2009 est.)

$11,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%
industry: 42.8%
services: 51.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

8.718 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 31.5%
industry: 18.4%
services: 50% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 6.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.1% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 26.5% (2004 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.8 (2008) country comparison to the world: 119 31.5 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

27.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Public debt:

15.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 14.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 7.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 42 10.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$20.91 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 63 $16.66 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$65.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $52.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$44.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $39.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$57.66 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 54 $31.08 billion (31 December 2008)

$41.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Industries:

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - production:

78.4 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - consumption:

77.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - exports:

3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.94 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

1.54 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - consumption:

241,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - exports:

1.345 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - imports:

164,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - proved reserves:

30 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - production:

35.61 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - consumption:

33.68 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - exports:

17.66 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - imports:

3.72 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.407 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Current account balance:

$6.993 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 -$3.405 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$59.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $43.84 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and oil products 59%, ferrous metals 19%, chemicals 5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal

Exports - partners:

China 16.34%, France 9.23%, Germany 8.32%, Russia 6.9%, Ukraine 5.52%, Romania 5.25%, Italy 5.12%, US 4.34% (2009)

Imports:

$30.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $28.77 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, metal products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Russia 28.5%, China 26.72%, Germany 6.59%, Italy 5.58%, Ukraine 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$32.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $23.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$94.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $106.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$83.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $69.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.208 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $5.708 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

tenge (KZT) per US dollar - 147.28 (2010), 147.5 (2009), 120.25 (2008), 122.55 (2007), 126.09 (2006)

Communications ::Kazakhstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.763 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14.995 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Telephone system:

general assessment: inherited an outdated telecommunications network from the Soviet era requiring modernization
domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of fixed-line connections is gradually increasing and fixed-line teledensity now roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing and the subscriber base now is roughly 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 7; international traffic with other former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; nearly all nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government; some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized and are controlled by the president's daughter, who heads the Khabar Agency that runs multiple TV and radio stations; a number of privately-owned TV stations; households with satellite dishes have access to foreign media; a small number of commercial radio stations operating along with state-run radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.kz

Internet hosts:

53,984 (2010) country comparison to the world: 85

Internet users:

5.299 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 44

Transportation ::Kazakhstan

Airports:

97 (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 65
over 3,047 m: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 658 km; gas 11,146 km; oil 10,376 km; refined products 1,095 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 15,082 km country comparison to the world: 19 broad gauge: 15,082 km 1.520-m gauge (3,700 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 93,612 km country comparison to the world: 51 paved: 84,100 km
unpaved: 9,512 km (2008)

Waterways:

4,000 km; on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya (Syrdariya) River (2008) country comparison to the world: 26

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 123 by type: petroleum tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Ireland 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk),
Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Military ::Kazakhstan

Military branches:

Kazakhstani Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Mobile Forces,
Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years; minimum age for volunteers NA (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,176,999
females age 16-49: 4,202,422 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,902,859
females age 16-49: 3,543,467 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 133,884
female: 127,415 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Transnational Issues ::Kazakhstan

Disputes - international:

Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; field demarcation of the boundaries with Turkmenistan commenced in 2005, and with Uzbekistan in 2004; demarcation is scheduled to get underway with Russia in 2007; demarcation with China was completed in 2002; creation of a seabed boundary with Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea remains under discussion; equidistant seabed treaties have been ratified with Azerbaijan and Russia in the Caspian Sea, but no resolution has been made on dividing the water column among any of the littoral states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 3,700 (Russia); 508 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS markets, as well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra (for the drug ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; significant consumer of opiates
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Kenya (Africa)

Introduction ::Kenya

Background:

Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over the constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement, which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people died. UN-sponsored talks in late February produced a powersharing accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister.

Geography ::Kenya

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and
Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 580,367 sq km country comparison to the world: 48 land: 569,140 sq km
water: 11,227 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Land boundaries:

total: 3,477 km
border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Coastline:

536 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Terrain:

low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Natural resources:

limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 8.01%
permanent crops: 0.97%
other: 91.02% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,030 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

30.2 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.58 cu km/yr (30%/6%/64%)

per capita: 46 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons
volcanism: Kenya experiences limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (elev. 1,032 m, 3,385 ft) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value

People ::Kenya

Population:

40,046,566 country comparison to the world: 33 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 8,300,393/female 8,181,898)

15-64 years: 55.1% (male 10,784,119/female 10,702,999)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 470,218/female 563,145) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years
male: 18.7 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.588% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Birth rate:

35.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 53.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 44 male: 56.28 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 58.82 years country comparison to the world: 190 male: 58.33 years
female: 59.32 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.38 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.2 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

150,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Ethnic groups:

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%

Religions:

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous beliefs 10%, other 2%
note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely

Languages:

English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 85.1%
male: 90.6%
female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 21

Government ::Kenya

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kenya
conventional short form: Kenya
local long form: Republic of Kenya/Jamhuri ya Kenya
local short form: Kenya
former: British East Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Nairobi
geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Independence:

12 December 1963 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Constitution:

27 August 2010; the new constitution abolishes the position of prime minister and establishes a bicameral legislature; many details have yet to be finalized and will require significant legislative action

Legal system:

based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in 1991

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008);
head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008); note - the roles of the president and prime minister are not well defined at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remains chief of state and head of government, but the prime minister is charged with coordinating government business
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the prime minister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largest number of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice president appointed by the president
election results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote - Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge usually referred to as Parliament (224 seats; 210 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, 12 nominated members appointed by the president but selected by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote totals, 2 ex-officio members)

elections: last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ODM 99, PNU 46, ODM-K 16, KANU 14 other 35; ex-officio 2; seats appointed by the president - ODM 6, PNU 3, ODM-K 2, KANU 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president); High
Court

Political parties and leaders:

Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-Kenya [Musikari
KOMBO]; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-People
[Reuben OYONDI]; Kenya African National Union or KANU [Uhuru
KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya or NARC-Kenya [Martha
KARUA]; Orange Democratic Movement or ODM [Raila ODINGA]; Orange
Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K [Kalonzo MUSYOKA]; Party of
National Unity or PNU [Mwai KIBAKI]; Shirikisho Party of Kenya or
SPK [Chirau Ali MWAKWERE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Council of Islamic Preachers of Kenya or CIPK [Sheikh Idris
MOHAMMED]; Kenya Human Rights Commission [L. Muthoni WANYEKI];
Muslim Human Rights Forum [Ali-Amin KIMATHI]; National Convention
Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition of political
parties and nongovernment organizations [Ndung'u WAINANA]; National
Muslim Leaders Forum or NAMLEF [Abdullahi ABDI]; Protestant National
Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK [Canon Peter Karanja MWANGI];
Roman Catholic and other Christian churches; Supreme Council of
Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur al-BUSAIDY]

other: labor unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Elkanah Odembo ABSALOM
chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. RANNEBERGER
embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; P. O. Box 606 Village Market, Nairobi 00621
mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831
telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000

FAX: [254] (20) 363-410

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom

National anthem:

name: "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (Oh God of All Creation)

lyrics/music: Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE/traditional, adapted by Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE
note: adopted 1963; the anthem is based on a traditional Kenyan folk song

Economy ::Kenya

Economy - overview:

Although the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa, Kenya has been hampered by corruption and by reliance upon several primary goods whose prices have remained low. In 1997, the IMF suspended Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to the government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption. The IMF, which had resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through a drought, again halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to institute several anticorruption measures. In the key December 2002 elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign ended, and a new opposition government took on the formidable economic problems facing the nation. After some early progress in rooting out corruption and encouraging donor support, the KIBAKI government was rocked by high-level graft scandals in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the World Bank and IMF delayed loans pending action by the government on corruption. The international financial institutions and donors have since resumed lending, despite little action on the government's part to deal with corruption. Post-election violence in early 2008, coupled with the effects of the global financial crisis on remittance and exports, reduced GDP growth to 1.7 in 2008, but the economy rebounded in 2009-10.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$65.95 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $63.42 billion (2009 est.)

$61.78 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$32.42 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 2.6% (2009 est.)

1.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 22%
industry: 16%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17.94 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%
industry and services: 25% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 40% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.8%
highest 10%: 37.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.5 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 44.9 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Public debt:

50.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 9.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.8% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 14.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.333 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 81 $5.717 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$15.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $13.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $13.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$10.76 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 66 $10.92 billion (31 December 2008)

$13.39 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Industries:

small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - production:

5.223 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - consumption:

4.863 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - exports:

58.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

22.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - consumption:

76,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - exports:

7,270 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - imports:

80,530 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Current account balance:

-$1.414 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 -$1.611 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.141 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $4.459 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement

Exports - partners:

UK 11.31%, Netherlands 9.81%, Uganda 9.07%, Tanzania 8.83%, US 5.93%, Pakistan 5.63% (2009)

Imports:

$10.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $9.715 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Imports - partners:

India 11.67%, China 10.58%, UAE 9.32%, South Africa 8.36%, Saudi
Arabia 6.53%, US 6.25%, Japan 5.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.585 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $3.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.935 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $7.795 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.337 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $2.129 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$338 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $288 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 79.217 (2010), 77.35 (2009), 68.358 (2008), 68.309 (2007), 72.101 (2006)

Communications ::Kenya

Telephones - main lines in use:

664,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Telephones - mobile cellular:

19.365 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; fixed-line telephone system is small and inefficient; trunks are primarily microwave radio relay; business data commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system
domestic: sole fixed-line provider, Telkom Kenya, is slated for privatization; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 254; The East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) and the SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable systems; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Broadcast media:

about a half-dozen privately-owned TV stations and a state-owned television broadcaster that operates 2 channels; satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; a large number of private radio broadcasters, including provincial stations broadcasting in local languages; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ke

Internet hosts:

47,676 (2010) country comparison to the world: 90

Internet users:

3.996 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Transportation ::Kenya

Airports:

191 (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 174

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 107
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 4 km; refined products 928 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,778 km country comparison to the world: 60 narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 160,886 km country comparison to the world: 32 paved: 11,197 km
unpaved: 149,689 km (2008)

Waterways:

the only significant inland waterway in the country is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 150 by type: petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 5 (Comoros 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Tuvalu 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kisumu, Mombasa

Military ::Kenya

Military branches:

Kenya Armed Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-26 years of age for voluntary service (less than 18 with parental consent), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy); applicants must be Kenyan citizens and provide a national identity card (obtained at age 18) and a school-leaving certificate (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,525,556
females age 16-49: 9,242,381 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,162,904
females age 16-49: 5,904,173 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 417,061
female: 412,438 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 51

Transnational Issues ::Kenya

Disputes - international:

Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005; Kenya provides shelter to almost a quarter of a million refugees, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; the boundary that separates Kenya's and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 173,702 (Somalia); 73,004 (Sudan); 16,428 (Ethiopia)

IDPs: 250,000-400,000 (2007 post-election violence; KANU attacks on opposition tribal groups in 1990s) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa; significant potential for money-laundering activity given the country's status as a regional financial center; massive corruption, and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Kiribati (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Kiribati

Background:

The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892 and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.

Geography ::Kiribati

Location:

Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about half way between Hawaii and Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the International Date Line

Geographic coordinates:

1 25 N, 173 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 811 sq km country comparison to the world: 186 land: 811 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,143 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m

Natural resources:

phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Land use:

arable land: 2.74%
permanent crops: 47.95%
other: 49.31% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

People ::Kiribati

Population:

99,482 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.6% (male 21,488/female 20,899)

15-64 years: 59% (male 32,871/female 33,690)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 1,656/female 2,246) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years
male: 21.4 years
female: 23 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.271% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Birth rate:

23.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Death rate:

7.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Net migration rate:

-2.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 184

Urbanization:

urban population: 44% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 40.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 66 male: 41.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 38.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.03 years country comparison to the world: 171 male: 61.68 years
female: 66.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.86 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Ethnic groups:

Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 55%, Protestant 36%, Mormon 3.1%, Bahai 2.2%,
Seventh-Day Adventist 1.9%, other 1.8% (2005 census)

Languages:

I-Kiribati, English (official)

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

17.8% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 1

Government ::Kiribati

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati
conventional short form: Kiribati
local long form: Republic of Kiribati
local short form: Kiribati
note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss
former: Gilbert Islands

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tarawa
geographic coordinates: 1 19 N, 172 58 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Independence:

12 July 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Constitution:

12 July 1979

Legal system:

English common law supplemented by local, customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO
cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the House of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president
election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex officio member - the attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders (representing Banaba Island); members serve four-year terms)

elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA, other 2 (includes attorney general)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON]; Maneaban Te
Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati or MKP;
National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]

note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an honorary consulate in Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Flag description:

the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigate bird symbolizes authority and freedom

National anthem:

name: "Teirake kaini Kiribati" (Stand Up, Kiribati)

lyrics/music: Urium Tamuera IOTEBA
note: adopted 1979

Economy ::Kiribati

Economy - overview:

A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Islands. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP. Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million each year. Kiribati receives around $15 million annually for the government budget from an Australian trust fund.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$619.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $610.4 million (2009 est.)

$614.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$152 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 -0.7% (2009 est.)

-1.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $6,200 (2009 est.)

$6,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 24.2%
services: 66.8% (2004)

Labor force:

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 32%
services: 65.3% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1992 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Industries:

fishing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

14 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - consumption:

13.02 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - imports:

261 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Current account balance:

-$21 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Exports:

$17 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Exports - commodities:

copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Imports:

$62 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel

Debt - external:

$10 million (1999 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Kiribati

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 216

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 217

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally good quality national and international service
domestic: wire line service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF radiotelephone; wireless service available in Tarawa since 1999
international: country code - 686; Kiribati is being linked to the Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which should improve telephone service; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 television broadcast station that provides about 1 hour of local programming Monday-Friday; multi-channel TV packages provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated radio station broadcasting on AM, FM, and shortwave (2009)

Internet country code:

.ki

Internet hosts:

31 (2010) country comparison to the world: 214

Internet users:

7,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Transportation ::Kiribati

Airports:

19 (2010) country comparison to the world: 137

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 670 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 189

Waterways:

5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands) (2007) country comparison to the world: 109

Merchant marine:

total: 71 country comparison to the world: 61 by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 32, chemical tanker 6, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 15
foreign-owned: 51 (China 28, Hong Kong 1, Italy 1, Singapore 11, South Korea 2, Taiwan 5, Turkey 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Betio (Tarawa Atoll), Canton Island, English Harbor

Military ::Kiribati

Military branches:

no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited); Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 24,734 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,941
females age 16-49: 19,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,107
female: 1,083 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance is provided by Australia and NZ

Transnational Issues ::Kiribati

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Korea, North (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Korea, North

Background:

An independent kingdom for much of its long history, Korea was occupied by Japan beginning in 1905 following the Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. After failing in the Korean War (1950-53) to conquer the US-backed Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North Korea (DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a check against outside influence. The DPRK demonized the US as the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son, the current ruler KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population. North Korea's history of regional military provocations, proliferation of military-related items, long-range missile development, WMD programs including tests of nuclear devices in 2006 and 2009, and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community.

Geography ::Korea, North

Location:

Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the
Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 127 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 120,538 sq km country comparison to the world: 98 land: 120,408 sq km
water: 130 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Mississippi

Land boundaries:

total: 1,673 km
border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Coastline:

2,495 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
note: military boundary line 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Climate:

temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Natural resources:

coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 22.4%
permanent crops: 1.66%
other: 75.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,600 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

77.1 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 9.02 cu km/yr (20%/25%/55%)

per capita: 401 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall
volcanism: Changbaishan (elev. 2,744 m, 9,003 ft) (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu or P'aektu-san), on the Chinese border, is considered historically active

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; waterborne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

People ::Korea, North

Population:

22,757,275 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.3% (male 2,440,439/female 2,376,557)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 7,776,889/female 7,945,399)

65 years and over: 9.4% (male 820,504/female 1,305,557) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.9 years
male: 32.5 years
female: 35.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.389% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Birth rate:

14.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Death rate:

10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Net migration rate:

-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.15 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 51 male: 57.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.13 years country comparison to the world: 170 male: 61.53 years
female: 66.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

Religions:

traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)

note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom

Languages:

Korean

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Korea, North

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of Korea
conventional short form: North Korea
local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk
local short form: Choson
abbreviation: DPRK

Government type:

Communist state one-man dictatorship

Capital:

name: Pyongyang
geographic coordinates: 39 01 N, 125 45 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities (si, singular and plural)

provinces: Chagang-do (Chagang), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong),
Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae),
Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae), Kangwon-do (Kangwon),
P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan),
Yanggang-do (Yanggang)

municipalities: Nason-si, P'yongyang-si (Pyongyang)

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), 9
September (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 1948; revised several times most recently in 2009

Legal system:

based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note - on 9 April 2009, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2009 president of its Presidium also with responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic credentials
head of government: Premier CHOE Yong Rim (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier HAN Kwang Bok (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JO Pyong Ju (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JON Ha Chol (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KANG Nung Su (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KIM Rak Hui (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September 2009), Vice Premier RI Thae Nam (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)

cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: last election held in September 2003; date of next election NA
election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees for positions and ran unopposed

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; ruling party approves a list of candidates who are elected without opposition; a token number of seats are reserved for minor parties

Judicial branch:

Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

major party - Korean Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Jong Il]; minor parties - Chondoist Chongu Party [RYU Mi Yong] (under KWP control), Social Democratic Party [KIM Yong Dae] (under KWP control)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the US as consular protecting power

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star; the broad red band symbolizes revolutionary traditions; the narrow white bands stands for purity, strength, and dignity; the blue bands signify sovereignty, peace, and friendship; the red star represents socialism

National anthem:

name: "Aegukka" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: PAK Se Yong/KIM Won Gyun
note: adopted 1947; both North Korea and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics; the North Korean anthem is also known as "Ach'imun pinnara" (Let Morning Shine)

Economy ::Korea, North

Economy - overview:

North Korea, one of the world's most centrally directed and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems. Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts. Large-scale military spending draws off resources needed for investment and civilian consumption. Industrial and power output have declined in parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007 aggravated chronic food shortages caused by on-going systemic problems, including a lack of arable land, collective farming practices, and persistent shortages of tractors and fuel. Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the people of North Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the government has allowed private "farmers' markets" to begin selling a wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an experimental basis - in an effort to boost agricultural output. In October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies by forbidding private sales of grains and reinstituting a centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in North Korea (calling instead for developmental assistance only) and restricted the activities of remaining international and non-governmental aid organizations. In mid-2008, North Korea began receiving food aid under a US program to deliver 500,000 metric tons of food via the World Food Program and US nongovernmental organizations; but Pyongyang stopped accepting the aid in March 2009. In December 2009, North Korea carried out a redenomination of its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be exchanged for the new notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week window. A concurrent crackdown on markets and foreign currency use yielded severe shortages and inflation, forcing Pyongyang to ease the restrictions by February 2010. Nevertheless, firm political control remains the Communist government's overriding concern, which likely will inhibit changes to North Korea's current economic system.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$40 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $40 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars;

North Korea does not publish reliable National Income Accounts data; the data shown here are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP estimates for North Korea that were made by Angus MADDISON in a study conducted for the OECD; his figure for 1999 was extrapolated to 2009 using estimated real growth rates for North Korea's GDP and an inflation factor based on the US GDP deflator; the results were rounded to the nearest $10 billion.

GDP (official exchange rate):

$28 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.9% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20.9%
industry: 46.9%
services: 32.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

12.2 million country comparison to the world: 41 note: estimates vary widely (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 35%
industry and services: 65% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs, pork, eggs

Industries:

military products; machine building, electric power, chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - consumption:

18.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

118 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - imports:

13,890 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Exports:

$1.997 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 131 $2.062 billion (2008)

Exports - commodities:

minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures (including armaments), textiles, agricultural and fishery products

Exports - partners:

China 42%, South Korea 38%, India 5% (2008)

Imports:

$3.096 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 138 $3.574 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment, textiles, grain

Imports - partners:

China 57%, South Korea 25%, Russia 3%, Singapore 3% (2008)

Debt - external:

$12.5 billion (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exchange rates:

North Korean won (KPW) per US dollar (market rate) 1,800 (December 2010), 3,630 (December 2008), 140 (2007), 141 (2006)

Communications ::Korea, North

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.18 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 70

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system; nationwide fiber-optic network; mobile-cellular service expanding beyond Pyongyang
domestic: fiber-optic links installed down to the county level; telephone directories unavailable; mobile-cellular service, initiated in 2002, suspended in 2004; Orascom Telecom, an Egyptian company, launched mobile service on December 15, 2008 for the Pyongyang area with plans to expand nationwide
international: country code - 850; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Russian - Indian Ocean region); other international connections through Moscow and Beijing (2009)

Broadcast media:

no independent media; radios and televisions are pre-tuned to government stations; 4 government-owned television stations; the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, and the state-run Voice of Korea operates an external broadcast service; the government prohibits listening to and jams foreign broadcasts (2008)

Internet country code:

.kp

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 227

Transportation ::Korea, North

Airports:

79 (2010) country comparison to the world: 70

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 23

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 42

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

22 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 154 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,242 km country comparison to the world: 35 standard gauge: 5,242 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 25,554 km country comparison to the world: 104 paved: 724 km
unpaved: 24,830 km (2006)

Waterways:

2,250 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Merchant marine:

total: 158 country comparison to the world: 42 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 129, carrier 1, container 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 19 (Belgium 1, China 1, Nigeria 1, Romania 1, Singapore 2, South Korea 1, Syria 6, UAE 6)

registered in other countries: 5 (Mongolia 1, Sierra Leone 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Namp'o, Senbong, Songnim,
Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Wonsan

Military ::Korea, North

Military branches:

North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force; civil security forces (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,132,987
females age 16-49: 6,119,405 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,127,999
females age 16-49: 4,522,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 184,631
female: 178,565 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Korea, North

Disputes - international:

risking arrest, imprisonment, and deportation, tens of thousands of North Koreans cross into China to escape famine, economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers; Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern Limiting Line as a maritime boundary; North Korea supports South Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima)

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: undetermined (flooding in mid-2007 and famine during mid-1990s) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: North Korea is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of trafficking involves North Korean women and girls who cross the border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and girls are lured out of North Korea to escape poor social and economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only to be forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor arrangements once in China
tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge the existence of human rights abuses in the country or recognize trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North Korea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

for years, from the 1970s into the 2000s, citizens of the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea (DPRK), many of them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad while trafficking in narcotics, including two in Turkey in December 2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have linked North Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003
page last updated on January 18, 2011

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

@Korea, South (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Korea, South

Background:

An independent Korean state or collection of states has existed almost continuously for several millennia. Between its initial unification in the 7th century - from three predecessor Korean states - until the 20th century, Korea existed as a single independent country. In 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War, Korea became a protectorate of imperial Japan, and in 1910 it was annexed as a colony. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II, a Republic of Korea (ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the north (the DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South Korea from DPRK attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. President LEE Myung-bak has pursued a policy of global engagement since taking office in February 2008, highlighted by Seoul's hosting of the G-20 summit in November 2010. Serious tensions with North Korea have punctuated inter-Korean relations in recent years, including the North's sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in March 2010 and its artillery attack on South Korean soldiers and citizens in November 2010.

Geography ::Korea, South

Location:

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the
Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Geographic coordinates:

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 99,720 sq km country comparison to the world: 108 land: 96,920 sq km
water: 2,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 238 km
border countries: North Korea 238 km

Coastline:

2,413 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Natural resources:

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 16.58%
permanent crops: 2.01%
other: 81.41% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,780 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

69.7 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%)

per capita: 389 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest
volcanism: Halla (elev. 1,950 m, 6,398 ft) is considered historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift net fishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Korea Strait

People ::Korea, South

Population:

48,636,068 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 4,278,581/female 3,887,516)

15-64 years: 72.3% (male 17,897,053/female 17,196,840)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 2,104,589/female 3,144,393) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.9 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 39.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.258% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Birth rate:

8.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Death rate:

6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.24 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 199 male: 4.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.81 years country comparison to the world: 42 male: 75.56 years
female: 82.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Nationality:

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Religions:

Christian 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic 6.6%), Buddhist 23.2%, other or unknown 1.3%, none 49.3% (1995 census)

Languages:

Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high school

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.9%
male: 99.2%
female: 96.6% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 18 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 100

Government ::Korea, South

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Korea
conventional short form: South Korea
local long form: Taehan-min'guk
local short form: Han'guk
abbreviation: ROK

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Seoul
geographic coordinates: 37 33 N, 126 59 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7 metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural)

provinces: Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto (North Cholla), Cholla-namdo
(South Cholla), Ch'ungch'ong-bukto (North Ch'ungch'ong),
Ch'ungch'ong-namdo (South Ch'ungch'ong), Kangwon-do, Kyonggi-do,
Kyongsang-bukto (North Kyongsang), Kyongsang-namdo (South Kyongsang)

metropolitan cities: Inch'on-gwangyoksi, Kwangju-gwangyoksi, Pusan-gwangyoksi, Soul-t'ukpyolsi (Seoul), Taegu-gwangyoksi, Taejon-gwangyoksi, Ulsan-gwangyoksi

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Constitution:

17 July 1948; note - amended or rewritten many times; current constitution approved on 29 October 1987

Legal system:

combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

19 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President LEE Myung-bak (since 25 February 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October 2010)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 19 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly
election results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December 2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats; 245 members elected in single-seat constituencies, 54 elected by proportional representation; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - GNP 172, UDP 83, LFP 20, PPA 8, DLP 5, RKP 1, independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president with consent of
National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices appointed by the
president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief
Justice of the court)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [CHUNG Sye-kyun] (formerly the United
Democratic Party or UDP); Democratic Labor Party or DLP [KANG
Ki-kap]; Grand National Party or GNP [AHN Sang-soo]; Liberty Forward
Party or LFP [LEE Hoi-chang]; New Progressive Party or NPP [ROH
Hoe-chan]; Pro-Park Alliance or PPA [SUH Choung-won]; Renewal Korea
Party or RKP [SONG Yong-o]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean Trade Unions;
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National Council of
Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans' Association;
National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic Alliance of
Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National
Federation of Student Associations

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF
(partner), SAARC (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Duck-soo
chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205
consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kathleen STEPHENS
embassy: 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710
mailing address: US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550
telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114

FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Flag description:

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the Korean national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes one of the four universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony

National anthem:

name: "Aegukga" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay
note: adopted 1948, well known by 1910; both North Korea and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics

Economy ::Korea, South

Economy - overview:

Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of growth and global integration to become a high-tech industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, and currently is among the world's 20 largest economies. Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible. The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and investment over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model including high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered by 9% in 1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the crisis, including greater openness to foreign investment and imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and 2007. With the global economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean GDP growth slowed to 0.2% in 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low interest rates, and an expansionary fiscal policy, and growth exceeded 6% in 2010. The South Korean economy's long term challenges include a rapidly aging population, inflexible labor market, and overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.467 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.383 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.38 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$986.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 0.2% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $28,500 (2009 est.)

$28,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%
industry: 39.4%
services: 57.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

24.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7.3%
industry: 24.3%
services: 68.4% (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 24.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.4 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104 35.8 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

28.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Public debt:

23.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 23.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 2.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 133 1.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 7.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$101.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 30 $82.54 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.346 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.132 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $935.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$836.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 17 $494.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.124 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - production:

417 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - consumption:

402 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

48,180 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - consumption:

2.185 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - exports:

907,100 bbl/day country comparison to the world: 21 note: exports consist of oil derivatives (gasoline, light oil, and diesel), not crude oil (2009)

Oil - imports:

3.074 million bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - production:

651 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - consumption:

34.09 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - imports:

32.69 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - proved reserves:

50 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Current account balance:

$36.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $42.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$466.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $373.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals

Exports - partners:

China 21.5%, US 10.9%, Japan 6.6%, Hong Kong 4.6% (2008)

Imports:

$417.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $317.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics

Imports - partners:

China 17.7%, Japan 14%, US 8.9%, Saudi Arabia 7.8%, UAE 4.4%,
Australia 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $270 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$370.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $370.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$112.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $110.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$115.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 $74.6 billion (30 June 2008)

Exchange rates:

South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar - 1,153.77 (2010), 1,276.93 (2009), 1,101.7 (2008), 929.2 (2007), 954.8 (2006)

Communications ::Korea, South

Telephones - main lines in use:

19.289 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Telephones - mobile cellular:

47.944 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 140 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce
international: country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 66

Broadcast media:

multiple national television networks with 2 of the 3 largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately-owned network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; publicly-operated radio broadcast networks and a large number of privately-owned radio broadcasting networks, each with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.kr

Internet hosts:

291,329 (2010) country comparison to the world: 58

Internet users:

39.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Transportation ::Korea, South

Airports:

116 (2010) country comparison to the world: 53

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 72
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 44

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 42 (2010)

Heliports:

510 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,423 km; refined products 827 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,381 km country comparison to the world: 51 standard gauge: 3,381 km 1.435-m gauge (1,843 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 103,029 km country comparison to the world: 41 paved: 80,642 km (includes 3,367 km of expressways)

unpaved: 22,387 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,608 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Merchant marine:

total: 819 country comparison to the world: 14 by type: bulk carrier 201, cargo 246, carrier 5, chemical tanker 132, container 69, liquefied gas 40, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 21, petroleum tanker 67, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 33 (China 9, France 1, Japan 15, US 8)

registered in other countries: 438 (Cambodia 11, Ghana 1, Honduras 6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 2, Liberia 1, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 25, North Korea 1, Panama 366, Philippines 1, Russia 1, Singapore 9, Tuvalu 1, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Inch'on, P'ohang, Pusan, Ulsan, Yosu

Military ::Korea, South

Military branches:

Republic of Korea Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20-30 years of age for compulsory military service, with middle school education required; conscript service obligation - 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in service since 1950, admitted to 7 service branches, including infantry, but excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and chaplaincy corps; some 4,000 women serve as commissioned and noncommissioned officers, approx. 2.3% of all officers; HIV-positive individuals are exempt from military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,274,442
females age 16-49: 12,542,699 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,929,625
females age 16-49: 10,264,608 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 370,645
female: 321,765 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 53

Transnational Issues ::Korea, South

Disputes - international:

Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by South Korea since 1954
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Kosovo (Europe)

Introduction ::Kosovo

Background:

Ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century but did not fully incorporate them into the Serbian realm until the early 13th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians replaced the Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control over Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War of 1912. Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia with status almost equivalent to that of a republic under the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence. At the same time, Serb nationalist leaders, such as Slobodan MILOSEVIC, exploited Kosovo Serb claims of maltreatment to secure votes from supporters, many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural heartland. Under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia instituted a new constitution in 1989 that revoked Kosovo's status as an autonomous province of Serbia. Kosovo Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by organizing a referendum that declared Kosovo independent. Under MILOSEVIC, Serbia carried out repressive measures against the Albanians in the early 1990s as the unofficial Kosovo government, led by Ibrahim RUGOVA, used passive resistance in an attempt to try to gain international assistance and recognition of an independent Kosovo. Albanians dissatisfied with RUGOVA's passive strategy in the 1990s created the Kosovo Liberation Army and launched an insurgency. Starting in 1998, Serbian military, police, and paramilitary forces conducted a counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians. Approximately 800,000 Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo during this time. International attempts to mediate the conflict failed, and MILOSEVIC's rejection of a proposed settlement led to a three-month NATO military campaign against Serbia beginning in March 1999 that forced Serbia to agree to withdraw its military and police forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to determine Kosovo's final status. The negotiations ran in stages between 2006 and 2007, but ended without agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Since then, over sixty countries have recognized Kosovo, and it has joined the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence and it subsequently sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's independence declaration. In July 2010 the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law.

Geography ::Kosovo

Location:

Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Geographic coordinates:

42 35 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 10,887 sq km country comparison to the world: 168 land: 10,887 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 702 km
border countries: Albania 112 km, Macedonia 159 km, Montenegro 79 km, Serbia 352 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December

Terrain:

flat fluvial basin with an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim 297 m (located on the border with Albania)

highest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

Natural resources:

nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxite

People ::Kosovo

Population:

1,815,048 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 260,678/female 239,779)

15-64 years: 65.7% (male 617,890/female 567,939)

65 years and over: 6.6% (male 50,463/female 68,089) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.3 years
male: 25.8 years
female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovac (Serbian)

adjective: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovski (Serbian)

note: Kosovan, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective

Ethnic groups:

Albanians 92%, other (Serb, Bosniak, Gorani, Roma, Turk, Ashkali,
Egyptian) 8% (2008)

Religions:

Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Roman Catholic

Languages:

Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Bosnian, Turkish, Roma

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.9%
male: 96.6%
female: 87.5% (2007 Census)

Government ::Kosovo

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kosovo
conventional short form: Kosovo
local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Republika Kosovo)

local short form: Kosova (Kosovo)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)

geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

30 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna in Albanian; opstine,
singular - opstina in Serbian); Decan (Decani), Dragash (Dragas),
Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove (Dakovica),
Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc/Drenas (Glogovac), Istog (Istok),
Kacanik, Kamenice/Dardana (Kamenica), Kline (Klina), Leposaviq
(Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo), Mitrovice
(Mitrovica), Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Peje (Pec),
Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec
(Orahovac), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica),
Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin
Potok, Zvecan

note - the Government of Kosovo has announced the establishment of eight additional municipalities in accordance with UN Special Envoy AHTISAARI's mandated decentralization process; the boundaries of several municipalities are pending final approval; the municipalities are: Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Dzeneral Jankovic), Junik, Kllokot-Verboc (Klokot-Vrbovac), Mamushe (Mamusa), Partes, and Ranillug (Ranilug); in addition, the current Mitrovice (Mitrovica) municipality is to be split into Mitrovice (Mitrovica) North and Mitrovice (Mitrovica) South

Independence:

17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 February (2008)

Constitution:

adopted by the Kosovo Assembly on 9 April 2008; effective 15 June 2008

Legal system:

evolving legal system based on terms of former UN Special Envoy Martti AHTISAARI's Plan for Kosovo's supervised independence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Acting President Jakup KRASNIQI (since 27 September 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January 2008)

cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected for a five-year term by the Kosovo Assembly; election last held on 9 January 2008 (next to be held - a special election in 2011); the prime minister elected by the Kosovo Assembly
election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three rounds; note - resigned from the office of president on 27 Septermber 2010; Hashim THACI elected prime minister by the Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral national Assembly (120 seats; 100 seats directly elected, 10 seats guaranteed for ethnic Serbs, 10 seats guaranteed for other ethnic minorities; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 November 2007 (next expected to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDK 34.3%, LDK 22.6%, AKR 12.3%, LDD 10.0%, AAK 9.6%, other 11.2%; seats by party - PDK 37, LDK 25, AKR 13, LDD 11, AAK 10, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; district courts; municipal courts
note: the Kosovo Constitution dictates that the Supreme Court of Kosovo is the highest judicial authority, and provides for a Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) that proposes to the president candidates for appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors; the KJC is also responsible for decisions on the promotion and transfer of judges and disciplinary proceedings against judges; at least 15 percent of Supreme Court and district court judges shall be from non-majority communities

Political parties and leaders:

Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo or PShDK [Ton MARKU];
Alliance for a New Kosovo or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI]; Alliance for the
Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ]; Alliance of Independent
Social Democrats of Kosovo and Metohija or SDSKIM [Ljubisa ZIVIC];
Bosniak Vakat Coalition or DSV [Sadik IDRIZI]; Citizens' Initiative
of Gora or GIG [Murselj HALJILJI]; Democratic Action Party or SDA
[Numan BALIC]; Democratic League of Dardania or LDD [Nexhat DACI];
Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Fatmir SEJDIU]; Democratic Party
of Ashkali of Kosovo or PDAK [Berat QERIMI]; Democratic Party of
Bosniaks [Dzezair MURATI]; Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim
THACI]; Independent Liberal Party or SLS [Slobadan PETROVIC]; Kosovo
Democratic Turkish Party of KDTP [Mahir YAGCILAR]; New Democratic
Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK [Xhevdet NEZIRAJ]; New Democratic Party
or ND [Predrag JOVIC]; New Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behxhet PACOLLI];
Reform Party Ora [Teuta SAHATCIA]; Serb National Party or SNS
[Mihailo SCEPANOVIC]; Serbian Democratic Party of Kosovo and
Metohija or SDS KiM [Slavisa PETKOVIC]; Serbian Kosovo and Metohija
Party or SKMS [Dragisa MIRIC]; Serbian National Council of Northern
Kosovo and Metohija or SNV [Milan IVANOVIC]; Social Democratic Party
of Kosovo or PSDK [Agim CEKU]; Socialist Party of Kosovo or PSK
[Emrush XHEMAJLI]; United Roma Party of Kosovo or PREBK [Haxhi Zylfi
MERXHA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedom (human rights);
Humanitarian Law Centre (human rights); Movement for
Self-Determination; Serb National Council (SNV)

International organization participation:

IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC, MIGA

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Avni SPAHIU
chancery: 1101 30th Street NW, Suites 330/340, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: 202-380-3581

FAX: 202-380-3628
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL
embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, Pristina, Kosovo
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [381] 38 59 59 3000

FAX: [381] 38 549 890

Flag description:

centered on a dark blue field is the geographical shape of Kosovo in a gold color surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks

National anthem:

name: "Europe"

lyrics/music: none/Mendi MENGJIQI
note: adopted 2008; Kosovo chose to not include lyrics in its anthem so as not to offend minority ethnic groups in the country

Economy ::Kosovo

Economy - overview:

Over the past few years Kosovo's economy has shown significant progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora - located mainly in Germany and Switzerland - are estimated to account for about 14% of GDP, and donor-financed activities and aid for another 7.5%. Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe with an average annual per capita income of only $2,500. Unemployment, around 40% of the population, is a significant problem that encourages outward migration and black market activity. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical expertise. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by number, and over 90% of SOEs by value. Minerals and metals - including lignite, lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety of construction materials - once formed the backbone of industry, but output has declined because of ageing equipment and insufficient investment. A limited and unreliable electricity supply due to technical and financial problems is a major impediment to economic development. Kosovo's Ministry of Energy and Mining has solicited expressions of interest from private investors to develop a new power plant in order to address Kosovo and the region's unmet and growing demands for power. The official currency of Kosovo is the euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Serb enclaves. Kosovo's tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low. Kosovo has one of the most open economies in the region, and continues to work with the international community on measures to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. Kosovo has kept the government budget in balance as a result of efficient value added tax (VAT) collection at the borders and inefficient budget execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. However, Serbia and Bosnia have refused to recognize Kosovo's customs stamp or extend reduced tariff privileges for Kosovo products under CEFTA. In July 2008, Kosovo received pledges of $1.9 billion from 37 countries in support of its reform priorities. In June 2009, Kosovo joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and Kosovo began servicing its share of the former Yugoslavia's debt.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.3 billion (2008); $4.7 billion country comparison to the world: 158

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.237 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2007) country comparison to the world: 174

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.9%
industry: 22.6%
services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

NA (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 16.5%
industry: NA
services: NA (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.6% (2009 est.); 14% country comparison to the world: 157

Population below poverty line:

35% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (FY05/06)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Public debt:

NA% of GDP

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.09% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 13.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers

Industries:

mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances

Electricity - production:

832 million kWh (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - consumption:

4.281 billion kWh (2006) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2007) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2007) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m

Current account balance:

-$2.716 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 -$2.408 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$527 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather products, machinery, appliances

Imports:

$2.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$21.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $21.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Communications ::Kosovo

Telephones - main lines in use:

106,300 (2006) country comparison to the world: 143

Telephones - mobile cellular:

562,000 (2007) country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation ::Kosovo

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 165

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 430 km country comparison to the world: 116 standard gauge: 430 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 1,926 km country comparison to the world: 175 paved: 1,668 km
unpaved: 258 km (2009)

Military ::Kosovo

Military branches:

Kosovo Security Force (2010)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 429,645
females age 16-49: 389,071 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Kosovo

Disputes - international:

Serbia with several other states protest the US and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in September 2008

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDP's: 21,000 (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Kuwait (Middle East)

Introduction ::Kuwait

Background:

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. The country witnessed the historic election in May 2009 of four women to its National Assembly.

Geography ::Kuwait

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi
Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 N, 45 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 17,818 sq km country comparison to the world: 157 land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 462 km
border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Coastline:

499 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Terrain:

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 306 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.84%
permanent crops: 0.17%
other: 98.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%)

per capita: 164 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

People ::Kuwait

Population:

2,789,132 country comparison to the world: 139 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.4% (male 361,274/female 348,351)

15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,219,674/female 683,494)

65 years and over: 3% (male 49,807/female 29,926) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years
male: 28.2 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.501% country comparison to the world: 5 note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of expatriates (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

21.64 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Death rate:

2.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Net migration rate:

15.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Urbanization:

urban population: 98% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.041 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.79 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.65 male(s)/female
total population: 1.54 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 159 male: 9.35 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.89 years country comparison to the world: 51 male: 76.64 years
female: 79.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Ethnic groups:

Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions:

Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shia 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu,
Parsi) 15%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.3%
male: 94.4%
female: 91% (2005 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 118

Government ::Kuwait

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Kuwait
conventional short form: Kuwait
local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt
local short form: Al Kuwayt

Government type:

constitutional emirate

Capital:

name: Kuwait City
geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir

Independence:

19 June 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 February (1950)

Constitution:

approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Legal system:

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal (adult); note - males in the military or police are not allowed to vote; adult females were allowed to vote as of 16 May 2005; all voters must have been citizens for 20 years

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 7 February 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad al-Sabah (since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR AL-MUBAREK al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD AL-SABAH al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the amir (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the prime minister and deputy prime ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; all cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National Assembly)

elections: last held on 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by bloc - NA; seats by bloc - tribal MPs 25 (all Sunni Muslims, and represented primarily by the Al-Mutairi, Al-Azmi, Al-Ajmi, and Al-Rasheedi tribes), Shia Muslims 9, liberals 7, independents 6, Salafi (Sunni) Islamists 3

Judicial branch:

High Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none; formation of political parties is in practice illegal but is not forbidden by law

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: Islamists; merchants; political groups; secular liberals and pro-governmental deputies; Shia activists; tribal groups

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, FAO,
G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador SALIM al-Abdallah al-Jabir al-Sabah
chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702

FAX: [1] (202) 364-2868
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah K. JONES
embassy: Bayan 36302, Block 13, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan palace), Kuwait City
mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE 09880-9000
telephone: [965] 2259-1001

FAX: [965] 2538-0282

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy

National anthem:

name: "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA
note: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions

Economy ::Kuwait

Economy - overview:

Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. The rise in global oil prices throughout 2010 is reviving government consumption and economic growth as Kuwait experiences a 20% increase in government budget revenue. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in part, because of this positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch, which has stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the government in May 2010 passed a privatization bill that allows the government to sell assets to private investors, and in January passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $130 billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$144.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $139.8 billion (2009 est.)

$146.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$117.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 -4.6% (2009 est.)

8.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$51,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $51,900 (2009 est.)

$56,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.3%
industry: 48.1%
services: 51.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.154 million country comparison to the world: 118 note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

13.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Public debt:

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 13.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 109 3.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 121 7.61% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$18.12 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 65 $16.38 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$88.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $86.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$96.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $90.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$95.94 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 33 $107.2 billion (31 December 2008)

$188 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fish

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - production:

45.83 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - consumption:

40.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.494 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - consumption:

320,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - exports:

2.349 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - proved reserves:

104 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - production:

12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - consumption:

12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - imports:

300 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 note: Kuwait signed a deal with ?XX? to import 2 billion cu m per year in 2010 and beyond (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.798 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Current account balance:

$38.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $28.61 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$65.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $50.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and refined products, fertilizers

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.9%, South Korea 17.31%, India 12.43%, Taiwan 9.07%, US 7.9%, China 7.55%, Singapore 5.48% (2009)

Imports:

$20.36 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $17.08 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Imports - partners:

US 11.18%, China 9.07%, Germany 7.63%, Japan 7.14%, Saudi Arabia 6.24%, Italy 5%, France 4.77%, India 4.09%, UK 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$22.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $20.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$56.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $55.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.281 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $1.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$44.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $34.73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar - 0.2888 (2010), 0.2877 (2009), 0.2679 (2008), 0.2844 (2007), 0.29 (2006)

Communications ::Kuwait

Telephones - main lines in use:

553,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.876 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Telephone system:

general assessment: the quality of service is excellent
domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a mobile-cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the country is well supplied with pay telephones
international: country code - 965; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); linked to Bahrain, Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG) cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.kw

Internet hosts:

2,485 (2010) country comparison to the world: 151

Internet users:

1.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Transportation ::Kuwait

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 168

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 269 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 5,749 km country comparison to the world: 150 paved: 4,887 km
unpaved: 862 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 30 country comparison to the world: 83 by type: bulk carrier 1, carrier 3, container 6, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 16
registered in other countries: 47 (Bahamas 2, Bahrain 5, Comoros 1, Libya 1, Malta 2, Panama 12, Qatar 7, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saudi Arabia 4, UAE 10) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina' 'Abd
Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi

Military ::Kuwait

Military branches:

Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya), Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory and 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; women age 18-30 may be subject to compulsory military service; conscription suspended in 2001 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,131,529
females age 16-49: 612,126 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 979,832
females age 16-49: 539,574 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 19,038
female: 19,787 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 14

Transnational Issues ::Kuwait

Disputes - international:

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Kuwait is a destination country for men and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions of physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the home, and withholding of passports to restrict their freedom of movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq; some of these workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this work, and others are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude in Iraq
tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of trafficking (2009)

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Kyrgyzstan

Background:

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Over the next few years, the new president manipulated the parliament to accrue new powers for himself. In July 2009, after months of harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won re-election in a presidential campaign that the international community deemed flawed. In April 2010, nationwide protests led to the resignation and expulsion of BAKIEV. He was replaced by President Roza OTUNBAEVA who will serve as president until 31 December 2011 according to a presidential decree issued 19 May 2010. Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in October 2011. Continuing concerns include: endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, and terrorism.

Geography ::Kyrgyzstan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 75 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 199,951 sq km country comparison to the world: 86 land: 191,801 sq km
water: 8,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 3,051 km
border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Terrain:

peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m
highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Natural resources:

abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Land use:

arable land: 6.55%
permanent crops: 0.28%
other: 93.17%
note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut forest (2005)

Irrigated land:

10,720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

46.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.08 cu km/yr (3%/3%/94%)

per capita: 1,916 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

People ::Kyrgyzstan

Population:

5,508,626 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 822,128/female 789,425)

15-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,717,497/female 1,787,551)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 123,045/female 192,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.7 years
male: 23.8 years
female: 25.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.414% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Birth rate:

23.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Death rate:

6.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Net migration rate:

-2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Urbanization:

urban population: 36% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 30.25 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 73 male: 35.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.74 years country comparison to the world: 147 male: 65.74 years
female: 73.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.64 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Nationality:

noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Ethnic groups:

Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%,
Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Religions:

Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Languages:

Kyrgyz 64.7% (official), Uzbek 13.6%, Russian 12.5% (official),
Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.7%
male: 99.3%
female: 98.1% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 29

Government ::Kyrgyzstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
local short form: Kyrgyzstan
former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bishkek
geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city* (shaar);
Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad
Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty
(Karakol)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Constitution:

27 June 2010

Legal system:

based on French and Russian laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Roza OTUNBAEVA (since 19 May 2010); note - OTUNBAEVA became acting president on 7 April 2010 following the early April 2010 riots that overthrew President Kurmanbek BAKIEV; she was appointed president through 31 December 2011 by a 19 May 2010 decree of the provisional government, which also prohibited her from running in the next presidential election; she was officially sworn in on 3 July 2010
head of government: Prime Minister Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 17 December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister - Omurbek BABANOV (since 17 December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers - Shamil ATAKHANOV, Ibragim JUNUSOV, Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 17 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security, are appointed solely by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 23 July 2009 (next scheduled for 2011); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government
election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAEV 8.4%, Temir SARIEV 6.7%, other candidates 8.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 10 October 2007 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23, Ata-Meken 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (judges of both the Supreme and Constitutional Courts are appointed for 10-year terms by the Jogorku Kengesh on the recommendation of the president; their mandatory retirement age is 70 years); Higher Court of Arbitration; Local Courts (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council on Legal Affairs for a probationary period of five years, then 10 years)

Political parties and leaders:

Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV]; Ata-Jurt (Homeland)
[Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV]; Ata-Meken (Fatherland)
[Omurbek TEKEBAEV]; Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan) [Adakhan
MADUMAROV, Miroslav NIYAZOV]; Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV];
Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Adilet Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA]; Coalition for Democracy and
Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA]; Interbilim [Asiya SASYKBAEVA]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC,
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV
chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822

FAX: [1] (202) 386-7550
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tatiana GFOELLER
embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217

FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Flag description:

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth

National anthem:

name: "Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic)

lyrics/music: Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV
note: adopted 1992

Economy ::Kyrgyzstan

Economy - overview:

Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and exports began to increase. In 2005, the BAKIEV government and international financial institutions initiated a comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Bishkek agreed to pursue much needed tax reform and, in 2006, became eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. The government made steady strides in controlling its substantial fiscal deficit, nearly closing the gap between revenues and expenditures in 2006, before boosting expenditures more than 20% in 2007-08. GDP grew about 8% annually in 2007-08, partly due to higher gold prices internationally, but slowed to 2.3% in 2009. The overthrow of President BAKIEV in April, 2010 and subsequent ethnic clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Shrinking trade and agricultural production, as well as political instability, caused GDP to contract about 3.5% in 2010. The fiscal deficit widened to 12% of GDP, reflecting significant increases in crisis-related spending, including both rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and bank recapitalization. Progress in reconstruction, fighting corruption, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to future growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.85 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

$12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.444 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 2.3% (2009 est.)

8.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 24.6%
industry: 25%
services: 50.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.344 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 111

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 48%
industry: 12.5%
services: 39.5% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 25.9% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.3 (2003) country comparison to the world: 111 29 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 6.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.07% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 15.11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

23.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 19.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$714.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 148 $826.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $1.247 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$505.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $572.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$71.84 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 112 $93.79 million (31 December 2008)

$121 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Industries:

small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - production:

15.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - consumption:

9 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - exports:

2.379 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

979 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - consumption:

15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - exports:

1,890 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - imports:

12,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - proved reserves:

40 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - production:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - consumption:

750 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - imports:

720 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Current account balance:

-$210 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $184 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.682 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.726 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 25.96%, Russia 25.88%, Uzbekistan 15.72%, Kazakhstan 12.47% (2009)

Imports:

$3.075 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.987 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 57.03%, Russia 19.34%, Kazakhstan 5.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.615 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $1.585 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.738 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.467 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

soms (KGS) per US dollar - 46.337 (2010), 42.905 (2009), 36.108 (2008), 37.746 (2007), 40.149 (2006)

Communications ::Kyrgyzstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

498,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.487 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network, digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links
domestic: fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership exceeded 80 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Broadcast media:

state-run television broadcaster operates 2 nationwide networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.kg

Internet hosts:

97,976 (2010) country comparison to the world: 78

Internet users:

2.195 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Transportation ::Kyrgyzstan

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 119

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 18
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 254 km; oil 16 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 470 km country comparison to the world: 115 broad gauge: 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,500 km country comparison to the world: 115 paved: 16,909 km (includes 140 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,591 km (2003)

Waterways:

600 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Ports and terminals:

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Military ::Kyrgyzstan

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces), National
Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory male military service in the armed forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation 1 year; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,439,750
females age 16-49: 1,455,806 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,101,709
females age 16-49: 1,243,904 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 56,269
female: 54,004 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Transnational Issues ::Kyrgyzstan

Disputes - international:

Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Laos (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Laos

Background:

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997. In late 2009, Thailand returned to Laos about 3,000 Hmong residing in refugee camps.

Geography ::Laos

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 236,800 sq km country comparison to the world: 83 land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:

total: 5,083 km
border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:

arable land: 4.01%
permanent crops: 0.34%
other: 95.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

333.6 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%)

per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

floods, droughts

Environment - current issues:

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand

People ::Laos

Population:

6,368,162 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,399,674/female 1,386,526)

15-64 years: 56.2% (male 1,900,638/female 1,938,165)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 90,144/female 119,198) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 21 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.712% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Birth rate:

26.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Death rate:

8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Net migration rate:

-1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 160

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 35 male: 67.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 54.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62 years country comparison to the world: 181 male: 60.14 years
female: 63.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008) (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:

Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)

Languages:

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 73%
male: 83%
female: 63% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 164

Government ::Laos

Country name:

conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Vientiane (Viangchan)

geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence:

19 July 1949 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Constitution:

promulgated 14 August 1991; amended in 2003

Legal system:

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister THONGSING Thammavong (since 24
December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
May 2002), Lt. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT
Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27
March 2001)

cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held on 8 June 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly for five-year term
election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 97%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 30 on April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 113, independents 2

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court
is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the
National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the
People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National
Assembly Standing Committee)

Political parties and leaders:

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador SENG Soukhathivong
chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Karen B. STEWART
embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane
mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546
telephone: [856] 21-26-7000

FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Pathet Lao, as well as the country's bright future

National anthem:

name: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)

lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit
note: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed following the 1975 Communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy

Economy ::Laos

Economy - overview:

The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts. Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from international donors. Economic growth has reduced official poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in 2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues from mining projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will improve Lao's economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. The World Bank has declared that Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 is achievable. According Laotian officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will outline efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$15.42 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $14.41 billion (2009 est.)

$13.53 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.341 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 6.5% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29.8%
industry: 31.7%
services: 38.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.65 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.5% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 2.4% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:

26% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.6 (2002) country comparison to the world: 88 37 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.3% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 108 4% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

26% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 83 11% (30 November 2009)

Stock of narrow money:

$630 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 150 $691.1 million (31 December 2009)

Stock of broad money:

$1.818 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $1.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.562 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.095 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Industries:

copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - production:

1.656 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - consumption:

1.798 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - exports:

230 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

819.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - imports:

3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Current account balance:

-$23 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 -$356 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.215 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.104 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Exports - partners:

Thailand 29.18%, China 15.04%, Vietnam 14.96%, UK 4.29% (2009)

Imports:

$1.504 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $1.308 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Thailand 66.2%, China 11.45%, Vietnam 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$756 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $712.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.085 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $3.179 billion (2006 est.)

Exchange rates:

kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,320.27 (2010), 8,516.04 (2009), 8,760.69 (2008), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006)

Communications ::Laos

Telephones - main lines in use:

132,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Telephone system:

general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations operating out of Vientiane - 1 government-operated and the other jointly-owned by the government and a Thai company; roughly 15 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated station in Vientiane; relays from Hanoi provide access to a Vietnamese television station; broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 2 SW, and 2 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.la

Internet hosts:

1,468 (2010) country comparison to the world: 161

Internet users:

300,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 130

Transportation ::Laos

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 102

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 540 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 36,831 km country comparison to the world: 93 paved: 4,811 km
unpaved: 32,020 km (2007)

Waterways:

4,600 km country comparison to the world: 24 note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 157 by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Military ::Laos

Military branches:

Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA; includes
Riverine Force), Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum 18-month conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,633,725
females age 16-49: 1,654,235 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,056,050
females age 16-49: 1,121,640 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 77,910
female: 77,761 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 164

Military - note:

serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups; together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Laos

Disputes - international:

Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Illicit drugs:

estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Latvia (Europe)

Introduction ::Latvia

Background:

The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Latvia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and
Lithuania

Geographic coordinates:

57 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 64,589 sq km country comparison to the world: 123 land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,382 km
border countries: Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 292 km

Coastline:

498 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

low plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

Natural resources:

peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 28.19%
permanent crops: 0.45%
other: 71.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

200 sq km
note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

49.9 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)

per capita: 108 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east

People ::Latvia

Population:

2,217,969 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.3% (male 152,472/female 145,161)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 756,469/female 797,505)

65 years and over: 17% (male 124,432/female 255,464) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.4 years
male: 37.4 years
female: 43.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.602% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Birth rate:

9.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Death rate:

13.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Net migration rate:

-2.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.59 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 161 male: 10.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.42 years country comparison to the world: 121 male: 67.27 years
female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Ethnic groups:

Latvian 59.3%, Russian 27.8%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian 2.5%,
Polish 2.4%, Lithuanian 1.3%, other 3.1% (2009)

Religions:

Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other 0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Languages:

Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 67

Government ::Latvia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
conventional short form: Latvia
local long form: Latvijas Republika
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Riga
geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

109 municipalities (novadi, singular-novads) and 9 cities*: Adazu
Novads, Aglonas Novads, Aizkraukles Novads, Aizputes Novads,
Aknistes Novads, Alojas Novads, Alsungas Novads, Aluksnes Novads,
Amatas Novads, Apes Novads, Auces Novads, Babites Novads, Baldones
Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Balvu Novads, Bauskas Novads, Beverinas
Novads, Brocenu Novads, Burtnieku Novads, Carnikavas Novads, Cesu
Novads, Cesvaines Novads, Ciblas Novads, Dagdas Novads, Daugavpils*,
Daugavpils Novads, Dobeles Novads, Dundagas Novads, Durbes Novads,
Engures Novads, Erglu Novads, Garkalnes Novads, Grobinas Novads,
Gulbenes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Ikskiles Novads, Ilukstes Novads,
Incukalna Novads, Jaunjelgavas Novads, Juanpiebalgas Novads,
Jaunpils Novads, Jekabpils*, Jekabpils Novads, Jelgava*, Jelgavas
Novads, Jurmala*, Kandavas Novads, Karsavas Novads, Keguma Novads,
Kekavas Novads, Kocenu Novads, Kokneses Novads, Kraslavas Novads,
Krimuldas Novads, Krustpils Novads, Kuldigas Novads, Lielvardes
Novads, Liepaja*, Ligatnes Novads, Limbazu Novads, Livanu Novads,
Lubanas Novads, Ludzas Novads, Madonas Novads, Malpils Novads,
Marupes Novads, Mazsalacas Novads, Nauksenu Novads, Neretas Novads,
Nicas Novads, Ogres Novads, Olaines Novads, Ozolnieku Novads,
Pargaujas Novads, Pavilostas Novads, Plavinu Novads, Preilu Novads,
Priekules Novads, Priekulu Novads, Raunas Novads, Rezekne*, Rezeknes
Novads, Riebinu Novads, Riga*, Rojas Novads, Ropazu Novads, Rucavas
Novads, Rugaju Novads, Rujienas Novads, Rundales Novads, Salacgrivas
Novads, Salas Novads, Salaspils Novads, Saldus Novads, Saulkrastu
Novads, Sejas Novads, Siguldas Novads, Skriveru Novads, Skrundas
Novads, Smiltenes Novads, Stopinu Novads, Strencu Novads, Talsu
Novads, Tervetes Novads, Tukuma Novads, Vainodes Novads, Valkas
Novads, Valmiera*, Varaklanu Novads, Varkavas Novads, Vecpiebalgas
Novads, Vecumnieku Novads, Ventspils*, Ventspils Novads, Viesites
Novads, Vilakas Novads, Vilanu Novads, Zilupes Novads

Independence:

18 November 1918 (from the Soviet Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21 August 1991 was the date of de facto independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council on 21 August 1991; multiple amendments since

Legal system:

based on civil law system with traces of Socialist legal traditions and practices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 May 2007 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament
election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Unity bloc 31.2%, SC 26%, ZZS 19.7%, National Alliance 7.7%, For a Good Latvia bloc 7.7%; seats by party - Unity Coalition 33, SC 29, ZZS 22, National Alliance 8, For a Good Latvia 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament)

Political parties and leaders:

All For Latvia! [Irnants PARADNIEKS, Raivis DZINTARS]; Civic Union
[Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of
Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For a Good Latvia
(alliance of TP, LPP/LC); For Human Rights in a United Latvia or
PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and
Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts
ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis
URBANOVICS]; National Alliance (alliance of TB/LNNK, All For
Latvia!); New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS];
People's Party or TP [Andris SKELE]; Society for Different Politics
or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian
Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]; Unity bloc
(alliance of Civic Union, New Era, SCP)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS],
Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament
[Juris LAZDINS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO,
NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS
chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Judith G. GARBER
embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510
mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723
telephone: [371] 670-36200

FAX: [371] 678-20047

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280

National anthem:

name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)

lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS
note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; the song was first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; the anthem was banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990

Economy ::Latvia

Economy - overview:

Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07 but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the softening world economy. GDP plunged 18% in 2009 - the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst declines that year - and another 1.8% in 2010. The IMF, EU, and other donors provided assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro and reduce the fiscal deficit to about 5% of GDP over time. DOMBROVSKIS' government enacted major speding cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, and plans to cut the deficit further in 2011. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in May 2004.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$32.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $32.79 billion (2009 est.)

$39.99 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$23.39 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 -18% (2009 est.)

-4.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $14,700 (2009 est.)

$17,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 20.6%
services: 75.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.178 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12.1%
industry: 25.8%
services: 61.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 17.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36 (2005) country comparison to the world: 84 32 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Public debt:

46.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 36.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 75 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

16.23% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 11.85% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.769 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 84 $5.893 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$11.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $11.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$27.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $27.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.824 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 98 $1.609 billion (31 December 2008)

$3.111 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, plastics, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, soaps, paints, rubber, processed foods, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - production:

4.62 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - consumption:

6.822 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Electricity - exports:

2.123 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

4.643 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - consumption:

40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - exports:

5,873 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - imports:

43,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - consumption:

2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - imports:

2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Current account balance:

$1.62 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $2.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.894 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $7.223 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Lithuania 15.19%, Estonia 13.57%, Russia 13.17%, Germany 8.13%,
Sweden 5.7% (2009)

Imports:

$9.153 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $8.906 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Imports - partners:

Lithuania 16.36%, Germany 11.34%, Russia 10.68%, Poland 8.11%,
Estonia 7.69% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$37.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $41.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$11.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $11.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.097 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $1.037 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5422 (2010), 0.5056 (2009), 0.4701 (2008), 0.5162 (2007), 0.5597 (2006)

Communications ::Latvia

Telephones - main lines in use:

644,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.243 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Telephone system:

general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands
domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100 persons
international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2008)

Broadcast media:

several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly-owned; system supplemented by privately-owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts are available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lv

Internet hosts:

289,478 (2010) country comparison to the world: 59

Internet users:

1.504 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Transportation ::Latvia

Airports:

42 (2010) country comparison to the world: 101

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,298 km country comparison to the world: 68 broad gauge: 2,265 km 1.520-m gauge
narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 73,074 km country comparison to the world: 65 paved: 14,459 km
unpaved: 58,615 km (2010)

Waterways:

300 km (navigable year round) (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 107 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 4 (Estonia 4)

registered in other countries: 90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1, Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Riga, Ventspils

Military ::Latvia

Military branches:

National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Ground Forces, Navy
(Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flotes)),
Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Border Guard, Latvian Home
Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 554,943
females age 16-49: 550,700 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 406,592
females age 16-49: 456,071 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 11,536
female: 11,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Transnational Issues ::Latvia

Disputes - international:

Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification documentation in preparation; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs:

transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Balkan countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds
page last updated on January 25, 2011

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

@Lebanon (Middle East)

Introduction ::Lebanon

Background:

Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French separated out the region of Lebanon in 1920, and granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections. Most militias have been reduced or disbanded, with the exception of Hizballah, designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Palestinian militant groups. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 and the passage in September 2004 of UNSCR 1559 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI and 22 others in February 2005 led to massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence ("the Cedar Revolution"), and Syria withdrew the remainder of its military forces in April 2005. In May-June 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections since the end of the civil war free of foreign interference, handing a majority to the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, the slain prime minister's son. In July 2006, Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel in which approximately 1,200 Lebanese civilians were killed. UNSCR 1701 ended the war in August 2006, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed throughout the country for the first time in decades, charged with securing Lebanon's borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon with the help of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The LAF in May-September 2007 battled Sunni extremist group Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp, winning a decisive victory, but destroying the camp and displacing 30,000 Palestinian residents. Lebanese politicians in November 2007 were unable to agree on a successor to Emile LAHUD when he stepped down as president, creating a political vacuum until the election of LAF Commander Gen. Michel SULAYMAN in May 2008 and the formation of a new unity government in July 2008. Legislative elections in June 2009 again produced victory for the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, but a period of prolonged negotiation over the composition of the cabinet ensued. A national unity government was finally formed in November 2009 and approved by the National Assembly the following month. In January 2010, Lebanon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Lebanon

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and
Syria

Geographic coordinates:

33 50 N, 35 50 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 10,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 169 land: 10,230 sq km
water: 170 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 454 km
border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers;
Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

Natural resources:

limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 16.35%
permanent crops: 13.75%
other: 69.9% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,040 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.8 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.38 cu km/yr (33%/1%/67%)

per capita: 385 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity

People ::Lebanon

Population:

4,125,247 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.8% (male 528,047/female 506,838)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,294,485/female 1,399,047)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 130,148/female 158,530) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.4 years
male: 28.3 years
female: 30.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.621% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Birth rate:

15.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Death rate:

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Net migration rate:

-2.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 179

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 115 male: 16.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.79 years country comparison to the world: 90 male: 73.28 years
female: 76.36 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Nationality:

noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Ethnic groups:

Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians

Religions:

Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri),
Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic,
Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian
Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant),
other 1.3%

note: 17 religious sects recognized

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87.4%
male: 93.1%
female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 169

Government ::Lebanon

Country name:

conventional long form: Lebanese Republic
conventional short form: Lebanon
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah
local short form: Lubnan
former: Greater Lebanon

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Beirut
geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beqaa, Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye
note: two new governorates - Aakar and Baalbek-Hermel - have been legislated but not yet implemented

Independence:

22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Constitution:

23 May 1926; amended a number of times, most recently in 1990 to include changes necessitated by the Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989

Legal system:

mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; the constitutional court reviews laws only after they have been passed; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21 with elementary education; excludes military personnel

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (since 25 May 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Najib MIQATI (since 25 January 2011)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and members of the National Assembly; note - the Cabinet resigned on 12 January 2010 following the resignation of over a third of the ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 25 May 2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly
election results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; National Assembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated; 1 seat unfilled due to death of incumbent

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Nuwab (Arabic) or Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by group - March 8 Coalition 54.7%, March 14 Coalition 45.3%; seats by group - March 14 Coalition 71; March 8 Coalition 57

Judicial branch:

four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional Council (called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of laws); Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and prime minister as needed)

Political parties and leaders:

14 March Coalition: Democratic Left [Ilyas ATALLAH]; Democratic Renewal Movement [Nassib LAHUD]; Future Movement Bloc [Sa'ad al-HARIRI]; Kataeb Party [Amine GEMAYEL]; Lebanese Forces [Samir JA'JA]; Tripoli Independent Bloc

8 March Coalition: Development and Resistance Bloc [Nabih BERRI, leader of Amal Movement]; Free Patriotic Movement [Michel AWN]; Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc [Mohammad RA'AD] (includes Hizballah [Hassan NASRALLAH]); Nasserite Popular Movement [Usama SAAD]; Popular Bloc [Elias SKAFF]; Syrian Ba'th Party [Sayez SHUKR]; Syrian Social Nationalist Party [Ali QANSO]; Tashnaq [Hovig MEKHITIRIAN]

Independent: Democratic Gathering Bloc [Walid JUNBLATT, leader of
Progressive Socialist Party]; Metn Bloc [Michel MURR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Maronite Church [Patriarch Nasrallah SFAYR]

other: note - most sects retain militias and a number of militant groups operate in Palestinian refugee camps

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA,
UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine CHEDID
chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324
consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Maura CONNELLY
embassy: Awkar, Lebanon (Awkar facing the Municipality)

mailing address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; from US: US Embassy Beirut, 6070 Beirut Place, Washington, DC 20521-6070
telephone: [961] (4) 542600, 543600

FAX: [961] (4) 544136

Flag description:

three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white (middle, double width), and red (bottom) with a green cedar tree centered in the white band; the red bands symbolize blood shed for liberation, the white band denotes peace, the snow of the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Kulluna lil-watan" (All Of Us, For Our Country!)

lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA
note: adopted 1927; the anthem was chosen following a nationwide competition

Economy ::Lebanon

Economy - overview:

Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign investment; however, the investment climate suffers from red tape, corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. In the years since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning national debt, the Rafiq HARIRI government in 2000 began an austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state enterprises, but economic and financial reform initiatives stalled and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2 billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors Conference. The Israeli-Hizballah conflict in July-August 2006 caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January 2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5 billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support, conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism, retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in July 2008. Political stability following the Doha Accord of May 2008 helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector, enabled real GDP growth of 7% per year in 2009-10 despite a slowdown in the region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$58.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $54.71 billion (2009 est.)

$51.18 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$39.15 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 6.9% (2009 est.)

9.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $13,300 (2009 est.)

$12,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.1%
industry: 15.9%
services: 79% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.481 million country comparison to the world: 132 note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

28% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

30.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Public debt:

150.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 154.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 35 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.57% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 9.96% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.692 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 104 $3.21 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$92.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $82.07 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$62.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $56.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$12.89 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 67 $9.641 billion (31 December 2008)

$10.86 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Industries:

banking, tourism, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating

Industrial production growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - production:

10.41 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - consumption:

9.793 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.114 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - imports:

86,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Current account balance:

-$6.972 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 -$7.555 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.187 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $4.716 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

jewelry, base metals, chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, construction minerals, electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 22%, UAE 10%, Iraq 8%, Saudi Arabia 7% (2009)

Imports:

$17.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $15.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 11%, France 10%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Germany 8%, Turkey 4%,
Ukraine 4.55%, Turkey 4.5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$41.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $39.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$34.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $31.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2010), 1,507.5 (2009), 1,507.5 (2008), 1,507.5 (2007), 1,507.5 (2006)

Communications ::Lebanon

Telephones - main lines in use:

750,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.526 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Telephone system:

general assessment: repair of the telecommunications system, severely damaged during the civil war, now complete
domestic: two mobile-cellular networks provide good service; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 55 per 100 persons
international: country code - 961; submarine cable links to Cyprus, Egypt, and Syria; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean); coaxial cable to Syria (2009)

Broadcast media:

7 TV stations in operation, 1 of which is state-owned; more than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and cable TV services are available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lb

Internet hosts:

51,451 (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 101

Transportation ::Lebanon

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 169

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 43 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 401 km country comparison to the world: 118 standard gauge: 319 km 1.435 m
narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050 m
note: rail system unusable because of the damage done during fighting in the 1980s and in 2006 (2008)

Roadways:

total: 6,970 km (includes 170 km of expressways) (2005) country comparison to the world: 148

Merchant marine:

total: 29 country comparison to the world: 85 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 12, carrier 11, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Syria 3)

registered in other countries: 40 (Barbados 2, Cambodia 6, Comoros 3, Egypt 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 2, Liberia 1, Malta 7, Moldova 1, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Syria 2, Togo 6, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Beirut, Tripoli

Military ::Lebanon

Military branches:

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army ((Al Jaysh al Lubnaniya) includes
Navy (Al Quwwat al Bahiriyya al Lubnaniya), Air Force (Al Quwwat al
Jawwiya al Lubnaniya)) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,075,503
females age 16-49: 1,112,139 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 917,404
females age 16-49: 940,238 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 37,856
female: 36,072 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Transnational Issues ::Lebanon

Disputes - international:

lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; the roughly 2,000-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been in place since 1978

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 405,425 (Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)); 50,000-60,000 (Iraq)

IDPs: 17,000 (1975-90 civil war, Israeli invasions); 200,000
(July-August 2006 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares in 2002 despite continued significant cannabis consumption; opium poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way to European markets and for Middle Eastern consumption; money laundering of drug proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug trafficking
page last updated on January 25, 2011

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

@Lesotho (Africa)

Introduction ::Lesotho

Background:

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Botswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections of February 2007 were hotly contested and aggrieved parties continue to dispute how the electoral law was applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly.

Geography ::Lesotho

Location:

Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 S, 28 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 30,355 sq km country comparison to the world: 141 land: 30,355 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 909 km
border countries: South Africa 909 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m
highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Natural resources:

water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay, building stone

Land use:

arable land: 10.87%
permanent crops: 0.13%
other: 89% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.05 cu km/yr (40%/40%/20%)

per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level

People ::Lesotho

Population:

1,919,552 country comparison to the world: 146 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 373,159/female 368,271)

15-64 years: 60.2% (male 629,346/female 654,054)

65 years and over: 5% (male 42,074/female 63,915) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.6 years
male: 22.6 years
female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.277% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Birth rate:

27.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Death rate:

15.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Net migration rate:

-8.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 40 male: 60.78 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.67 years country comparison to the world: 212 male: 50.58 years
female: 50.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

23.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

270,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Nationality:

noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Ethnic groups:

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Religions:

Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Languages:

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.8%
male: 74.5%
female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

12.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 3

Government ::Lesotho

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
conventional short form: Lesotho
local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
local short form: Lesotho
former: Basutoland

Government type:

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Maseru
geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Independence:

4 October 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Constitution:

2 April 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996); note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May 1998)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: according to the constitution, the leader of the majority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession, or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22 principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party) and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by popular vote and 40 by proportional vote; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LCD 61, NIP 21, ABC 17, LWP 10, ACP 4, BNP 3, other 4

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch acting on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Congress Parties or ACP (including the Lesotho People's
Congress or LCP [Kelebone MAOPE], the Basotholand African Congress
or BAC [Khauhelo RALITAPOLE], and a faction of the Basotho Congress
Party or BCP [Ntsukunyane MPHANYA]); All Basotho Convention or ABC
[Thomas THABANE]; Basotho Batho Democratic Party or BBDP; Basotho
Congress Party or BCP; Basotho Democratic National Party or BDNP
[Thabang NYEOE]; Basotho National Party or BNP [Maj. Gen. Justin
Metsing LEKHANYA]; Basotholand African National Congress or BANC;
Christian Democratic Party or CDP [Enerst RAMOKOENA]; Lesotho
Congress for Democracy or LCD [Pakalitha MOSISILI] (the governing
party); Lesotho Workers Party or LWP [Macaefa BILLY]; National
Independent Party or NIP [Anthony MANYELI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Media Institute of Southern Africa, Lesotho chapter [Thabang
MATJAMA] (pushes for media freedom)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David Mohlomi RANTEKOA
chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert NOLAN
embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)

mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho
telephone: [266] 22 312666

FAX: [266] 22 310116

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green in the proportions of 3:4:3; the colors represent rain, peace, and prosperity respectively; centered in the white stripe is a black Basotho hat representing the indigenous people; the flag was unfurled in October 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence

National anthem:

name: "Lesotho fatse la bo ntat'a rona" (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)

lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR
note: adopted 1967; the anthem's music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbook

Economy ::Lesotho

Economy - overview:

Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on remittances from miners employed in South Africa, customs duties from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and export revenue for the majority of government revenue. However, the government has recently strengthened its tax system to reduce dependency on customs duties. Completion of a major hydropower facility in January 1998 permitted the sale of water to South Africa and generated royalties for Lesotho. Lesotho produces about 90% of its own electrical power needs. As the number of mineworkers has declined steadily over the past several years, a small manufacturing base has developed based on farm products that support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries, as well as an apparel-assembly sector. Despite Lesotho's market-based economy being heavily tied to its neighbor South Africa, the US is an important trade partner because of the export sector's heavy dependence on apparel exports. Exports have grown significantly because of the trade benefits contained in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The economy is still primarily based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock, although drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme inequality in the distribution of income remains a major drawback. Lesotho has signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF. In July 2007, Lesotho signed a Millennium Challenge Account Compact with the US worth $362.5 million. Economic growth dropped in 2009, due mainly to the effects of the global economic crisis as demand for the country's exports declined and SACU revenue fell precipitously when South Africa - the primary contributor to the SACU revenue pool - went into recession, but growth returned to 3.5% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 $3.198 billion (2009 est.)

$3.148 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.799 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 1.6% (2009 est.)

3.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 $1,700 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7.1%
industry: 34.6%
services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

854,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 86% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa
industry and services: 14% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

45% (2002) country comparison to the world: 189

Population below poverty line:

49% (1999)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%
highest 10%: 39.4% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

63.2 (1995) country comparison to the world: 3 56 (1986-87)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 7.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.66% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 24 14.05% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 16.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$653.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 149 $509.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.057 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $876 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$177.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $147.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - production:

502 million kWh country comparison to the world: 159 note: electricity supplied by South Africa (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

516.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

50 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - imports:

1,553 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Current account balance:

-$125 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $194 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$985 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $821 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool and mohair, food and live animals

Exports - partners:

US 58.9%, Belgium 37%, Madagascar 1.2% (2008)

Imports:

$1.766 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $1.572 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 26.3%, Taiwan 20.1%, Hong Kong 16.4%, South Korea 14.1%, India 9.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$893 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $988 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$647 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $671 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 7.9 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.25 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Communications ::Lesotho

Telephones - main lines in use:

40,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Telephones - mobile cellular:

661,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary system consisting of a modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a small radiotelephone communication system; mobile-cellular telephone system is expanding
domestic: privatized in 2001, Telecom Lesotho was tasked with providing an additional 50,000 fixed-line connections within five years, a target not met; mobile-cellular service dominates the market and is expanding with a subscribership exceeding 30 per 100 persons in 2009; rural services are scant
international: country code - 266; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations; government controls most private broadcast media; satellite TV subscription service is available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable (2008)

Internet country code:

.ls

Internet hosts:

632 (2010) country comparison to the world: 175

Internet users:

76,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Transportation ::Lesotho

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 7,091 km country comparison to the world: 147 paved: 1,404 km
unpaved: 5,687 km (2003)

Military ::Lesotho

Military branches:

Lesotho Defense Force (LDF): Army (includes Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women serve as commissioned officers (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 469,509
females age 16-49: 505,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 267,825
females age 16-49: 273,348 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 19,435
female: 20,400 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 56

Military - note:

Lesotho's declared policy is maintenance of its independent sovereignty and preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa; restructuring of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and Ministry of Defense and Public Service over the past five years has focused on subordinating the defense apparatus to civilian control and restoring the LDF's cohesion; the restructuring has considerably improved capabilities and professionalism, but the LDF is disproportionately large for a small, poor country; the government has outlined a reduction to a planned 1,500-man strength, but these plans have met with vociferous resistance from the political opposition and from inside the LDF (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Lesotho

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Liberia (Africa)

Introduction ::Liberia

Background:

Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. In 1980, a military coup led by Samuel DOE ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE himself was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections that brought TAYLOR to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted the resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who faces war crimes charges in The Hague related to his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. After two years of rule by a transitional government, democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) maintains a strong presence throughout the country, but the security situation is still fragile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country continues.

Geography ::Liberia

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

6 30 N, 9 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 111,369 sq km country comparison to the world: 103 land: 96,320 sq km
water: 15,049 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,585 km
border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km

Coastline:

579 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.43%
permanent crops: 1.98%
other: 94.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

232 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.11 cu km/yr (27%/18%/55%)

per capita: 34 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)

Environment - current issues:

tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

People ::Liberia

Population:

3,685,076 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.1% (male 760,989/female 758,554)

15-64 years: 53% (male 904,770/female 920,704)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 47,013/female 49,760) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years
male: 18.3 years
female: 18.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.782% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Birth rate:

38.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Death rate:

10.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Net migration rate:

0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 76.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 18 male: 80.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.58 years country comparison to the world: 194 male: 55.05 years
female: 58.14 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.24 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

35,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Ethnic groups:

Kpelle 20.3%, Bassa 13.4%, Grebo 10%, Gio 8%, Mano 7.9%, Kru 6%,
Lorma 5.1%, Kissi 4.8%, Gola 4.4%, other 20.1% (2008 Census)

Religions:

Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%, none 1.4% (2008 Census)

Languages:

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.5%
male: 73.3%
female: 41.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 13 years
female: 9 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 157

Government ::Liberia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Liberia
conventional short form: Liberia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Monrovia
geographic coordinates: 6 18 N, 10 48 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Independence:

26 July 1847

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Constitution:

6 January 1986

Legal system:

dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16 January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16 January 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 November 2005 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percent of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH 40.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30 seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in October 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - COTOL 7, NPP 4, CDC 3, LP 3, UP 3, APD 3, other 7; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDC 15, LP 9, COTOL 8, UP 8, APD 5, NPP 4, other 15; note - the UP now holds 13 out of 30 senate seats and 16 out of 64 house seats following a merger with several smaller parties in 2009
note: junior senators - those who received the second most votes in each county in the 11 October 2005 election - will only serve a six-year first term because the Liberian constitution mandates staggered Senate elections to ensure continuity of government; all senators will be eligible for nine-year terms thereafter

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD [Togba-na TIPOTEH];
Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia or COTOL [H. Varney
SHERMAN]; Congress for Democratic Change or CDC [George WEAH];
Liberty Party or LP [Charles BRUMSKINE]; National Patriotic Party or
NPP [Roland MASSAQUOI]; Unity Party or UP [Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: demobilized former military officers

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Edwin F. SELE
chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437

FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Linda THOMAS-GREENFIELD
embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 98, Mamba Point, 1000 Monrovia, 10
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [231] 7-705-4826

FAX: [231] 7-701-0370

Flag description:

11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a white five-pointed star appears on a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner; the stripes symbolize the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence; the blue square represents the African mainland, and the star represents the freedom granted to the ex-slaves; according to the constitution, the blue color signifies liberty, justice, and fidelity, the white color purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness, and the red color steadfastness, valor, and fervor
note: the design is based on the US flag

National anthem:

name: "All Hail, Liberia Hail!"

lyrics/music: Daniel Bashiel WARNER/Olmstead LUCA
note: lyrics adopted 1847, music adopted 1860; the anthem's author would become the third president of Liberia

Economy ::Liberia

Economy - overview:

Liberia is a low income country heavily reliant on foreign assistance for revenue. Civil war and government mismanagement destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, several have returned. Liberia has the distinction of having the highest ratio of direct foreign investment to GDP in the world. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products, primarily raw timber and rubber and is reviving those sectors. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a Harvard-trained banker and administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support from international donors, and encourage private investment. Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new sources of revenue for the government and Liberia shipped its first major timber exports to Europe in 2010. The country reached its Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative completion point in 2010 and nearly $5 billion of international debt was permanently eliminated. This new status will enable Liberia to estabilish a sovereign credit rating and issue bonds. Liberia's Paris Club creditors agreed to cancel Liberia's debt as well. Rebuilding infrastructure and raising incomes will depend on generous financial and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power generation.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $1.66 billion (2009 est.)

$1.587 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$977 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 4.6% (2009 est.)

8.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 226 $500 (2009 est.)

$500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 76.9%
industry: 5.4%
services: 17.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.372 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 134

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%
industry: 8%
services: 22% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

85% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Population below poverty line:

80% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 30.1% (2007)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 45 15.05% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$206.9 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 174 $145.6 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.202 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.157 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Industries:

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

350 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - consumption:

325.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - exports:

23 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - imports:

4,263 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Current account balance:

-$224 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 92

Exports:

$1.197 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Exports - commodities:

rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Exports - partners:

Germany 27.92%, Poland 17.12%, South Africa 15.83%, India 10.48%,
Greece 7.09%, US 6.23%, Norway 5.24% (2009)

Imports:

$7.143 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 102

Imports - commodities:

fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

South Korea 28.29%, Singapore 19.06%, Japan 17.06%, China 14.58%,
Taiwan 4.02% (2009)

Debt - external:

$3.2 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 59.43 (2006), 53.098 (2005), 54.906 (2004), 59.379 (2003)

Communications ::Liberia

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 224

Telephones - mobile cellular:

842,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Telephone system:

general assessment: the limited services available are found almost exclusively in the capital Monrovia; fixed-line service stagnant and extremely limited; telephone coverage extended to a number of other towns and rural areas by four mobile-cellular network operators
domestic: mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity reached 25 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 231; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

3 private TV stations; satellite TV service is available; 1 state-owned radio station; about 15 independent radio stations broadcasting in Monrovia, with another 25 local stations operating in other areas; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.lr

Internet hosts:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 224

Internet users:

20,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Transportation ::Liberia

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 115

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Railways:

total: 429 km country comparison to the world: 117 standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge
note: most sections of the railway are inoperable because of damage suffered during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003 (2008)

Roadways:

total: 10,600 km country comparison to the world: 135 paved: 657 km
unpaved: 9,943 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 2,512 country comparison to the world: 2 by type: barge carrier 3, bulk carrier 507, cargo 136, carrier 1, chemical tanker 232, combination ore/oil 6, container 875, liquefied gas 93, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 509, refrigerated cargo 109, roll on/roll off 2, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 25
foreign-owned: 2,356 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Australia 2, Belgium 1, Bermuda 4, Brazil 20, Canada 4, Chile 7, China 10, Croatia 2, Cyprus 7, Denmark 4, Finland 2, Germany 1049, Gibraltar 5, Greece 454, Hong Kong 47, India 1, Indonesia 4, Isle of Man 19, Israel 31, Italy 48, Japan 102, Latvia 9, Lebanon 1, Monaco 10, Netherlands 35, Nigeria 4, Norway 42, Poland 13, Qatar 5, Romania 3, Russia 108, Saudi Arabia 24, Singapore 27, Slovenia 5, South Korea 1, Sweden 10, Switzerland 17, Syria 1, Taiwan 88, Turkey 15, UAE 27, UK 25, Ukraine 16, Uruguay 1, US 39, Vietnam 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Buchanan, Monrovia

Military ::Liberia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Navy, Air Force

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 797,084
females age 16-49: 808,017 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 510,337
females age 16-49: 527,737 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,411
female: 35,264 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Transnational Issues ::Liberia

Disputes - international:

although civil unrest continues to abate with the assistance of 18,000 UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, as of January 2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN sanctions ban Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 12,600 (Cote d'Ivoire)

IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in
November 2004) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine for the European and US markets; corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Libya (Africa)

Introduction ::Libya

Background:

The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI began to espouse his own political system, the Third Universal Theory. The system is a combination of socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a unique form of "direct democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. In addition, beginning in 1973, he engaged in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian politics - but was forced to retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of Pan AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. During the 1990s, QADHAFI began to rebuild his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended in April 1999 and finally lifted in September 2003 after Libya accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing. In December 2003, Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to develop weapons of mass destruction and to renounce terrorism. QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with Western nations since then. He has received various Western European leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations, and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he traveled to Brussels in April 2004. The US rescinded Libya's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June 2006. In January 2008, Libya assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term. In August 2008, the US and Libya signed a bilateral comprehensive claims settlement agreement to compensate claimants in both countries who allege injury or death at the hands of the other country, including the Lockerbie bombing, the LaBelle disco bombing, and the UTA 772 bombing. In October 2008, the US Government received $1.5 billion pursuant to the agreement to distribute to US national claimants, and as a result effectively normalized its bilateral relationship with Libya. The two countries then exchanged ambassadors for the first time since 1973 in January 2009. Libya in May 2010 was elected to its first three-year seat on the UN Human Rights Council, prompting protests from international non-governmental organizations and human rights campaigners.

Geography ::Libya

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,759,540 sq km country comparison to the world: 17 land: 1,759,540 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 4,348 km
border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline:

1,770 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north
exclusive fishing zone: 62 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m
highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Land use:

arable land: 1.03%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 98.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.6 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.27 cu km/yr (14%/3%/83%)

per capita: 730 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

desertification; limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

People ::Libya

Population:

6,461,454 country comparison to the world: 101 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33% (male 1,065,606/female 1,020,102)

15-64 years: 62.6% (male 2,036,780/female 1,923,566)

65 years and over: 4.4% (male 136,224/female 142,079) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.2 years
male: 24.3 years
female: 24.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.117% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Birth rate:

24.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Death rate:

3.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 93

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 99 male: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.47 years country comparison to the world: 57 male: 75.18 years
female: 79.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Ethnic groups:

Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians,
Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3%

Languages:

Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 82.6%
male: 92.4%
female: 72% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 159

Government ::Libya

Country name:

conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
conventional short form: Libya
local long form: Al Jamahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uthma
local short form: none

Government type:

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state

Capital:

name: Tripoli (Tarabulus)

geographic coordinates: 32 53 N, 13 10 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

22 states (shabiyat, singular - shabiyat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal al
Akhdar, Al Jabal Al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jafrah, Al Kafrah, Al
Maraj, Al Marqab, Al Murzuq, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az
Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Nalut, Sibha, Surt,
Tarabulus, Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati

Independence:

24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Constitution:

none; note - following the September 1969 military overthrow of the Libyan government, the Revolutionary Command Council replaced the existing constitution with the Constitutional Proclamation in December 1969; in March 1977, Libya adopted the Declaration of the Establishment of the People's Authority

Legal system:

based on Italian and French civil law systems and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and technically compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title, but is de facto chief of state
head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)

cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General People's Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of people's committees; head of government elected by the General People's Congress; election last held in March 2010 (next elections expected in early 2011)

election results: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General People's Congress (760 seats; members elected indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile movement; Islamic elements

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Suleiman AUJALI
chancery: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601

FAX: [1] (202) 944-9060

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gene A. CRETZ
embassy: off Jaraba Street, behind the Libyan-Swiss clinic, Ben Ashour
mailing address: US Embassy, 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC 20521-8850
telephone: [218] 91-220-3239

Flag description:

plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion)

National anthem:

name: "Allahu Akbar" (God Is Greatest)

lyrics/music: Mahmoud el-SHERIF/Abdalla Shams el-DIN
note: adopted 1969; the anthem was originally a battle song for the Egyptian Army in the 1956 Suez War

Economy ::Libya

Economy - overview:

The Libyan economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contribute about 95% of export earnings, 25% of GDP, and 80% of government revenue. The weakness in world hydrocarbon prices in 2009 reduced Libyan government tax income and constrained economic growth. Substantial revenues from the energy sector coupled with a small population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income flows down to the lower orders of society. Libyan officials in the past five years have made progress on economic reforms as part of a broader campaign to reintegrate the country into the international fold. This effort picked up steam after UN sanctions were lifted in September 2003 and as Libya announced in December 2003 that it would abandon programs to build weapons of mass destruction. The process of lifting US unilateral sanctions began in the spring of 2004; all sanctions were removed by June 2006, helping Libya attract greater foreign direct investment, especially in the energy sector. Libyan oil and gas licensing rounds continue to draw high international interest; the National Oil Corporation (NOC) set a goal of nearly doubling oil production to 3 million bbl/day by 2012. In November 2009, the NOC announced that that target may slip to as late as 2017. Libya faces a long road ahead in liberalizing the socialist-oriented economy, but initial steps - including applying for WTO membership, reducing some subsidies, and announcing plans for privatization - are laying the groundwork for a transition to a more market-based economy. The non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for more than 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food. Libya's primary agricultural water source remains the Great Manmade River Project, but significant resources are being invested in desalinization research to meet growing water demands.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$89.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $86.19 billion (2009 est.)

$86.77 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$77.91 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 -0.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $13,600 (2009 est.)

$14,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 63.8%
services: 33.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.729 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%
industry: 23%
services: 59% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Population below poverty line:

NA
note: About one-third of Libyans live at or below the national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

13.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Public debt:

3.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 3.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 2.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.41% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 137 6% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.85 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 56 $29.82 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $36.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$55.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $41.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts, soybeans; cattle

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Electricity - production:

23.98 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - consumption:

22.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - exports:

104 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

77 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

1.79 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - exports:

1.542 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - imports:

575 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - proved reserves:

47 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - production:

15.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - consumption:

5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - exports:

10.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.539 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Current account balance:

$15.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $10.06 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$44.89 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $37.16 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Italy 37.65%, Germany 10.11%, France 8.44%, Spain 7.94%, Switzerland 5.93%, US 5.27% (2009)

Imports:

$24.47 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $22.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, semi-finished goods, food, transport equipment, consumer products

Imports - partners:

Italy 18.9%, China 10.54%, Turkey 9.92%, Germany 9.78%, France 5.63%, Tunisia 5.25%, South Korea 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$107.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $104.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.378 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $5.891 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$18.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $15.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$15.32 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $13.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Libyan dinars (LYD) per US dollar - 1.2648 (2010), 1.2535 (2009), 1.2112 (2008), 1.2604 (2007), 1.3108 (2006)

Communications ::Libya

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.101 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.004 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Broadcast media:

state controls broadcast media; state-owned terrestrial TV station and about a half-dozen state-owned satellite stations broadcast; some provinces operate local TV stations; a single, non-state-owned TV station launched in 2007; pan-Arab satellite TV stations are available; state-owned radio broadcasts on a number of frequencies, some of which carry regional programming; Voice of Africa, Libya's external radio service, can also be heard; a single, non-state-owned radio station broadcasting (2007)

Internet country code:

.ly

Internet hosts:

12,432 (2010) country comparison to the world: 120

Internet users:

353,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Transportation ::Libya

Airports:

137 (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 59
over 3,047 m: 24

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 78
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 42
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 776 km; gas 2,860 km; oil 6,987 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 100,024 km country comparison to the world: 43 paved: 57,214 km
unpaved: 42,810 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 27 country comparison to the world: 89 by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 4, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 13, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 1, Norway 1, Syria 2, UK 1)

registered in other countries: 5 (Hong Kong 1, Malta 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Tripoli

Military ::Libya

Military branches:

Armed Peoples on Duty (APOD, Army), Libyan Arab Navy, Libyan Arab
Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriya al-Arabia al-Libyya,
LAAF), Libyan Coast Guard (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,746,512
females age 16-49: 1,683,390 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,490,011
females age 16-49: 1,436,613 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 59,842
female: 57,357 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Transnational Issues ::Libya

Disputes - international:

Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern Algeria and about 25,000 sq km in the Tommo region of Niger in a currently dormant dispute; various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in southern Libya

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 8,000 (Palestinian Territories) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Libya is a transit and destination country for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Libya is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to address trafficking in persons in 2007 when compared to 2006, particularly in the area of investigating and prosecuting trafficking offenses; Libya did not publicly release any data on investigations or punishment of any trafficking offenses (2008)

page last updated on January 25, 2011

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

@Liechtenstein (Europe)

Introduction ::Liechtenstein

Background:

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and Russian troops during the Napoleonic wars, it became a sovereign state in 1806 and joined the Germanic Confederation in 1815. Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the Confederation dissolved. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. In 2000, shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight resulted in concerns about the use of financial institutions for money laundering. However, Liechtenstein implemented anti-money-laundering legislation and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US that went into effect in 2003.

Geography ::Liechtenstein

Location:

Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Geographic coordinates:

47 16 N, 9 32 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 160 sq km country comparison to the world: 218 land: 160 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 76 km
border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m
highest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

Natural resources:

hydroelectric potential, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 25%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation

People ::Liechtenstein

Population:

35,002 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.6% (male 2,877/female 2,901)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 11,917/female 12,220)

65 years and over: 13.9% (male 2,085/female 2,761) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.4 years
male: 40.8 years
female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.683% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Birth rate:

9.69 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Net migration rate:

4.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Urbanization:

urban population: 14% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.006 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 201 male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.19 years country comparison to the world: 24 male: 76.73 years
female: 83.66 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Ethnic groups:

Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002)

Languages:

German (official), Alemannic dialect

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 16 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Liechtenstein

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein
conventional short form: Liechtenstein
local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein
local short form: Liechtenstein

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Vaduz
geographic coordinates: 47 08 N, 9 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Independence:

23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire)

National holiday:

Assumption Day, 15 August

Constitution:

5 October 1921; amended 15 September 2003

Legal system:

local civil and penal codes based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August 2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state
head of government: Head of Government Klaus TSCHUETSCHER (since 25 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag usually appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a coalition government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members elected by popular vote under proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 February 2009 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - VU 47.6%, FBP 43.5%, FL 8.9%; seats by party - VU 13, FBP 11, FL 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht

Political parties and leaders:

Die Freie Liste (The Free List) or FL [Wolfgang MARXER];
Fortschrittliche Buergerpartei (Progressive Citizens' Party) or FBP
[Alexander BATLINER]; Vaterlaendische Union (Fatherland Union) or VU
[Adolf HEEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention (de facto member),
UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE
chancery: 2900 K Street, NW, Suite 602B, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 331-0590

FAX: [1] (202) 331-3221

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein; the US Ambassador to Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band; the colors may derive from the blue and red livery design used in the principality's household in the 18th century; the prince's crown was introduced in 1937 to distinguish the flag from that of Haiti

National anthem:

name: "Oben am jungen Rhein" (High Above the Young Rhine)

lyrics/music: Jakob Joseph JAUCH/unknown
note: adopted 1850, revised 1963; the anthem uses the tune of "God Save the Queen"

Economy ::Liechtenstein

Economy - overview:

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008, Liechtenstein came under renewed international pressure - particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking and tax systems. In December 2008, Liechtenstein signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's conclusion of 12 bilateral information-sharing agreements, the OECD in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of countries that had yet to implement the organization's Model Tax Convention.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.16 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 168 $4.035 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.603 billion (2007)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$122,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%
industry: 39%
services: 54% (2007)

Labor force:

32,440 of whom 16,200 commute from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (2008) country comparison to the world: 202

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 43.5%
services: 55.4% (December 2006)

Unemployment rate:

1.5% (31 December 2007) country comparison to the world: 8 1.3% (September 2002)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Industries:

electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism, optical instruments

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Exports:

$3.92 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Exports - commodities:

small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products

Imports:

$2.59 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 145

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, raw materials, energy products, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Debt - external:

$0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 196

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Communications ::Liechtenstein

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Telephones - mobile cellular:

35,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic telephone system
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined telephone service subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio relay (2008)

Broadcast media:

relies on foreign terrestrial and satellite broadcasters for most broadcast media services; first Liechtenstein-based television station established August 2008; Radio Liechtenstein operates multiple radio stations; a Swiss-based broadcaster operates several radio stations in Liechtenstein (2008)

Internet country code:

.li

Internet hosts:

9,418 (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Internet users:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Transportation ::Liechtenstein

Pipelines:

gas 20 km (2009)

Railways:

9 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)

note: belongs to the Austrian Railway System connecting Austria and Switzerland (2008)

Roadways:

total: 380 km country comparison to the world: 200 paved: 380 km (2010)

Waterways:

28 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 107

Military ::Liechtenstein

Military branches:

no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited); Principality of Liechtenstein National Police (Landespolizei, LP) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,041 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,559
females age 16-49: 6,782 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 209
female: 208 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

Liechtenstein has no military forces but is interested in European security policy and is an active member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Transnational Issues ::Liechtenstein

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

has strengthened money laundering controls, but money laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated offshore financial services sector
page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Lithuania (Europe)

Introduction ::Lithuania

Background:

Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795 when its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries. Lithuania regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Lithuania

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 24 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 65,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 122 land: 62,680 sq km
water: 2,620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,574 km
border countries: Belarus 680 km, Latvia 576 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Coastline:

90 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters and summers

Terrain:

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Aukstojas 294 m

Natural resources:

peat, arable land, amber

Land use:

arable land: 44.81%
permanent crops: 0.9%
other: 54.29% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

24.5 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.33 cu km/yr (78%/15%/7%)

per capita: 971 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are ancient glacial deposits

People ::Lithuania

Population:

3,545,319 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 258,423/female 245,115)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 1,214,743/female 1,261,413)

65 years and over: 16.2% (male 198,714/female 376,771) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 37.1 years
female: 42.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.276% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Birth rate:

9.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Death rate:

11.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Net migration rate:

-0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.37 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 173 male: 7.61 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.12 years country comparison to the world: 87 male: 70.23 years
female: 80.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.24 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Ethnic groups:

Lithuanian 84%, Polish 6.1%, Russian 4.9%, Belarusian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.9% (2009)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant (including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other or unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other and unspecified 4.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.6% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 85

Government ::Lithuania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania
conventional short form: Lithuania
local long form: Lietuvos Respublika
local short form: Lietuva
former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Vilnius
geographic coordinates: 54 41 N, 25 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus, Kauno, Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages, Telsiu, Utenos, Vilniaus

Independence:

11 March 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February 1918 was the date Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 11 March 1990 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 25 October 1992; last amended 13 July 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; legislative acts can be appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (since 12 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27 November 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the nomination of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014); prime minister appointed by the president on the approval of the Parliament
election results: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE 69.1%, Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS 11.8%, Valentinas MAZURONIS 6.2%, others 12.9%; Andrius KUBILIUS' government approved by Parliament 83-40 with 5 abstentions

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members elected by popular vote, 70 elected by proportional representation; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - TS-LKD 19.7%, TPP 15.1%, TT 12.7%, LSDP 11.7%, KDP+J 9%, LRLS 5.7%, LCS 5.3%, LLRA 4.8%, LVLS 3.7%, NS 3.6%, other 8.7%; seats by faction - TS-LKD 44, LSDP 26, TPP 16, TT 15, LRLS 11, KDP+J 10, LCS 8, LLRA 3, LVLS 3, NS 1, independent 4; note - seats by faction as of 15 March 2010 - TS-LKD 46, LSDP 25, TT 18, Christian Party 12, LS 11, DP 10, LCS 7, TPP 7, unaffiliated 5; note - TS-LKD, LS, LCS, and TPP form the ruling coalition

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judges for all courts appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Christian party [Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Civil Democracy Party or PDP
[Algimantas MATULEVICIUS]; Electoral Action of Lithuanian Poles or
LLRA [Valdemar TOMASZEVSKI]; Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian
Democrats or TS-LKD [Andrius KUBILIUS]; Labor Party or DP [Viktor
USPASKICH]; Liberal and Center Union or LCS [Gintautas BABRAVICIUS];
Liberal Movement or LS or LRLS [Eligijus MASIULIS]; Lithuanian
Farmers' Union or LVLS or VLS [ Ramunas KARBAUSKIS]; Lithuanian
People's Party (not yet officially established) [Kazimiera
PRUNSKIENE]; National Revival or TPP [Arunas VALINSKAS]; New Union
(Social Liberal) or NS [Arturas PAULAUSKAS]; Order and Justice Party
or TT [Rolandas PAKSAS]; Social Democratic Party or LSDP [Algirdas
BUTKEVICIUS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Zygimantas PAVILIONIS
chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860

FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne E. DERSE
embassy: Akmenu gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106
mailing address: American Embassy, Akmenu Gatve 6, Vilnius LT-03106
telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500

FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red; yellow symbolizes golden fields, as well as the sun, light, and goodness; green represents the forests of the countryside, in addition to nature, freedom, and hope; red stands for courage and the blood spilled in defense of the homeland

National anthem:

name: "Tautiska giesme" (The National Song)

lyrics/music: Vincas KUDIRKA
note: adopted 1918, restored 1990; the anthem was written in 1898 while Lithuania was a part of Russia; it was banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990

Economy ::Lithuania

Economy - overview:

Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization and joined the EU in May 2004. Despite Lithuania's EU accession, Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing percentage of total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business support have helped in the transition from the old command economy to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year for the four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic demand. However, GDP plunged nearly 15% in 2009 - during the 2008-09 crisis the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst economic declines. In 2009, the government launched a high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to attract foreign investment and to develop export markets. The current account deficit, which had risen to roughly 15% of GDP in 2007-08, recovered to a surplus of 4% 2009 and 3.5% in 2010 in the wake of a cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Nevertheless, economic growth was flat and unemployment continued upward to 16% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$56.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $55.99 billion (2009 est.)

$65.72 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.73 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 -14.8% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $15,700 (2009 est.)

$18,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.3%
industry: 27.6%
services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.633 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%
industry: 29.1%
services: 56.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 13.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

4% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36 (2005) country comparison to the world: 85 34 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Public debt:

36.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 29.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 4.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (February 2010) country comparison to the world: 105 4.73% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 8.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.917 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 73 $8.896 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$17.26 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $17.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$25.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $25.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.477 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.625 billion (31 December 2008)

$10.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, amber jewelry

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - production:

12.09 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - consumption:

9.612 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - exports:

6.606 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.649 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

6,333 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - consumption:

74,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - exports:

137,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - imports:

204,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - proved reserves:

12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - consumption:

3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - imports:

3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Current account balance:

$1.231 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $1.492 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$19.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $16.48 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mineral products 22%, machinery and equipment 10%, chemicals 9%, textiles 7%, foodstuffs 7%, plastics 7%

Exports - partners:

Russia 13.2%, Latvia 10%, Germany 9.6%, Poland 7.1%, Estonia 7.1%,
Belarus 4.7%, UK 4.3% (2009)

Imports:

$20.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $17.56 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, chemicals, textiles and clothing, metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 30.1%, Germany 11.1%, Poland 9.9%, Latvia 6.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$6.418 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $6.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$27.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $28.69 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $13.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $2.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

litai (LTL) per US dollar - 2.6637 (2010), 2.4787 (2009), 2.3251 (2008), 2.5362 (2007), 2.7498 (2006)

Communications ::Lithuania

Telephones - main lines in use:

747,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.962 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate; being modernized to provide improved international capability and better residential access
domestic: rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections; mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 140 per 100 persons
international: country code - 370; major international connections to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by submarine cable for further transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland (2008)

Broadcast media:

public broadcaster operates 3 channels with the third channel - a satellite channel - introduced in 2007; various privately-owned commercial TV broadcasters operate national and multiple regional channels; large number of privately-owned local TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 3 radio networks; large number of privately-owned commercial broadcasters, many with repeater stations in various regions throughout the country (2007)

Internet country code:

.lt

Internet hosts:

1.17 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Internet users:

1.964 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Transportation ::Lithuania

Airports:

81 (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 55
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 51 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,695 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,768 km country comparison to the world: 78 broad gauge: 1,746 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)

standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 81,030 km country comparison to the world: 58 paved: 71,563 km (includes 309 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,467 km (2008)

Waterways:

441 km (navigable year round) (2007) country comparison to the world: 88

Merchant marine:

total: 42 country comparison to the world: 75 by type: cargo 22, container 1, passenger/cargo 6, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 8 (Denmark 8)

registered in other countries: 29 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Belize 2, Comoros 3, Cook Islands 2, Norway 1, Panama 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Butinge, Klaipeda

Military ::Lithuania

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (Karines Oro Pajegos, KOP),
National Defense Volunteer Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19-26 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for volunteers; 12-month conscript service obligation; male registration required at age 16 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 900,746
females age 16-49: 887,843 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 674,265
females age 16-49: 734,806 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21,606
female: 20,536 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Transnational Issues ::Lithuania

Disputes - international:

Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a non-EU member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation

Illicit drugs:

transshipment and destination point for cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and opiates from Southwest Asia, Latin America, Western Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis, methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking legislation
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Luxembourg (Europe)

Introduction ::Luxembourg

Background:

Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Geography ::Luxembourg

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 2,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 178 land: 2,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

total: 359 km
border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Moselle River 133 m
highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Natural resources:

iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.42%
permanent crops: 0.69%
other: 71.89% (includes Belgium) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

1.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.06 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%)

per capita: 121 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of farmland

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

People ::Luxembourg

Population:

497,538 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 46,918/female 44,052)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 165,342/female 162,681)

65 years and over: 14.8% (male 29,839/female 42,943) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.3 years
male: 38.3 years
female: 40.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.158% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Birth rate:

11.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Death rate:

8.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Net migration rate:

8.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 194 male: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.48 years country comparison to the world: 35 male: 76.22 years
female: 82.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Nationality:

noun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Ethnic groups:

Luxembourger 63.1%, Portuguese 13.3%, French 4.5%, Italian 4.3%,
German 2.3%, other EU 7.3%, other 5.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87%, other (includes Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 13% (2000)

Languages:

Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language),
French (administrative language)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 125

Government ::Luxembourg

Country name:

conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
conventional short form: Luxembourg
local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg
local short form: Luxembourg

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Luxembourg
geographic coordinates: 49 36 N, 6 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Independence:

1839 (from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June; note - the actual date of birth was 23 January 1896, but the festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a more favorable time of year

Constitution:

17 October 1868; occasional revisions

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000); Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20 January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following popular elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies
note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 38%, LSAP 21.6%, DP 15%, Green Party 11.7%, ADR 8.1%, The Left 3.3%, other 2.3%; seats by party - CSV 26, LSAP 13, DP 9, Green Party 7, ADR 4, The Left 1
note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Judicial branch:

judicial courts and tribunals (three Justices of the Peace, two district courts, and one Supreme Court of Appeals); administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional Court); judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative Democratic Reform Party or ADR [Robert MEHLEN];
Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Michel WOLTER]; dei Lenk/la
Gauche (the Left); Democratic Party or DP [Claude MEISCH]; Green
Party [Francois BAUSCH]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP
[Alex BODRY]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL (federation of industrialists); Greenpeace (environment protection); LCGP (center-right trade union); Mouvement Ecologique (protection of ecology); OGBL (center-left trade union)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, Benelux, CE, EAPC, EBRD,
EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Paul SENNINGER
chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 through 72

FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia STROUM
embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City
mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE 09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box 9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)

telephone: [352] 46 01 23

FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; the coloring is derived from the Grand Duke's coat of arms (a red lion on a white and blue striped field)

National anthem:

name: "Ons Heemecht" (Our Motherland); "De Wilhelmus" (The William)

lyrics/music: Michel LENTZ/Jean-Antoine ZINNEN; Nikolaus WELTER/unknown
note: "Ons Heemecht," adopted 1864, is the national anthem, while "De Wilhelmus," adopted 1919, serves as a royal anthem for use when members of the grand ducal family enter or exit a ceremony in Luxembourg

Economy ::Luxembourg

Economy - overview:

This small, stable, high-income economy - benefiting from its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - has historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign owned and have extensive foreign dealings, but Luxembourg has lost some of its advantages as a tax haven because of OECD and EU pressure. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for about 60% of its labor force. Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic crisis that began in late 2008, but unemployment has trended below the EU average. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007, Luxembourg's economy contracted and 3.4% in 2009, but rebounded 2.6% in 2010. The country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita ranks third in the world, after Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in the world financial markets and lower global demand during 2008-09 prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government stimulus measures and support for the banking sector, however, led to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009, however, the deficit was cut below 3% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$40.81 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $39.55 billion (2009 est.)

$41.07 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.43 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 -3.7% (2009 est.)

1.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$81,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $80,700 (2009 est.)

$84,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 13.6%
services: 86% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

206,000 of whom 125,400 are foreign cross-border workers commuting primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 17.2%
services: 80.6% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 5.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 23.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 132

Investment (gross fixed):

16.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 14.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 0.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 128 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Stock of narrow money:

$120.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 28 $121 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $231.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$395.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $369.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$105.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 $66.46 billion (31 December 2008)

$166.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits; dairy and livestock products

Industries:

banking and financial services, iron and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - production:

2.696 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - consumption:

6.525 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Electricity - exports:

2.483 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6.83 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - consumption:

50,720 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - exports:

63 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - imports:

59,210 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - consumption:

1.268 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - imports:

1.263 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Current account balance:

$3.396 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $2.985 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$17.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $15.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.78%, France 15.87%, Belgium 11.07%, UK 7.96%, Italy 7.49%, Netherlands 4.31% (2009)

Imports:

$23.67 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $19.76 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Belgium 27.22%, Germany 23.14%, China 18.62%, France 8.85%,
Netherlands 5.06% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$810 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.892 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 11 $2.02 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

$11.21 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Luxembourg

Telephones - main lines in use:

273,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Telephones - mobile cellular:

719,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables
domestic: fixed line teledensity over 50 per 100 persons; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular phones virtually saturated
international: country code - 352 (2008)

Broadcast media:

Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV services to pan-European audiences and is home to Europe's largest privately-owned broadcast media group, the RTL group, which operates 45 television stations and 31 radio stations in Europe; also home to Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES); domestically, the RTL group operates TV and radio networks; other domestic private radio and TV operators and French and German stations are available; satellite and cable TV services are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.lu

Internet hosts:

244,225 (2010) country comparison to the world: 63

Internet users:

424,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Transportation ::Luxembourg

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 197

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 155 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 275 km country comparison to the world: 124 standard gauge: 275 km 1.435-m gauge (243 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 5,227 km country comparison to the world: 152 paved: 5,227 km (includes 147 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

37 km (on Moselle River) (2008) country comparison to the world: 106

Merchant marine:

total: 47 country comparison to the world: 72 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 16, container 10, passenger 3, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 10
foreign-owned: 45 (Belgium 9, France 16, Germany 9, Netherlands 2, Switzerland 1, UK 5, US 3)

registered in other countries: 16 (Italy 12, Malta 3, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mertert

Military ::Luxembourg

Military branches:

Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; soldiers under 18 are not deployed into combat or with peacekeeping missions; no conscription; Luxembourg citizen or EU citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 117,892
females age 16-49: 116,517 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 96,585
females age 16-49: 95,519 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,211
female: 3,057 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Transnational Issues ::Luxembourg

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Macau (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Macau

Background:

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be practiced in Macau, and that Macau would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Geography ::Macau

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 10 N, 113 33 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 28.2 sq km country comparison to the world: 236 land: 28.2 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 0.34 km
regional border: China 0.34 km

Coastline:

41 km

Maritime claims:

not specified

Climate:

subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Terrain:

generally flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Coloane Alto 172 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Geography - note:

essentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland peninsula by three bridges

People ::Macau

Population:

567,957 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 47,853/female 42,019)

15-64 years: 76.2% (male 199,593/female 227,010)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 20,245/female 23,126) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.6 years
male: 36.3 years
female: 35 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.89% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Birth rate:

8.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Death rate:

3.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Net migration rate:

3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 217 male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 84.38 years country comparison to the world: 2 male: 81.42 years
female: 87.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

0.91 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Chinese
adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 94.3%, other 5.7% (includes Macanese - mixed Portuguese and
Asian ancestry) (2006 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none or other 35% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Cantonese 85.7%, Hokkien 4%, Mandarin 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 2.7%, English 1.5%, Tagalog 1.3%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.3%
male: 95.3%
female: 87.8% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 15 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 166

Government ::Macau

Country name:

conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region
conventional short form: Macau
local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)

local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of the People's Republic of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law, approved on 31 March 1993 by China's National People's
Congress, is Macau's charter

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system

Suffrage:

direct election 18 years of age for some non-executive positions, universal for permanent residents living in Macau for the past seven years; indirect election limited to organizations registered as "corporate voters" (257 are currently registered) and a 300-member Election Committee drawn from broad regional groupings, municipal organizations, and central government bodies

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive Fernando CHUI Sai-on (since 20 December 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of 1 government secretary, 3 legislators, 4 businessmen, 1 pro-Beijing unionist, and 1 pro-Beijing educator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held in July 2014)

election results: Fernando CHUI Sai-on elected in 2009 with 282 votes, took office on 20 December 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (29 seats; 12 members elected by popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief executive; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote - UPD 14.9%, ACUM 12%, APMD 11.6%, NUDM 9.9%, UPP 9.9%, ANMD 7.8%, UMG 7.3%, MUDAR 5.5%, others 21.1%; seats by political group - UPD 2, ACUM 2, APMD 2, NUMD 1, UPP 1, ANMD 1, UMG 1, MUDAR 1; 10 seats filled by professional and business groups; 7 members appointed by the chief executive

Judicial branch:

Court of Final Appeal in Macau Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Change or MUDAR; Macau Development Alliance or NUDM
[Angela LEONG On-kei]; Macau-Guangdong Union or UNG; Macau United
Citizens' Association or ACUM [CHAN Meng-kam]; New Democratic Macau
Association or APMD [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]; New Hope or NE [Jose
Maria Pereira COUTINHO]; Union for Promoting Progress or UPP [LEONG
Heng-teng]

note: there is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civic Power [Agnes LAM Lok-fong]; Macau New Chinese Youth
Association [LEONG Sin-man]; Macau Society of Tourism and
Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO]; Macau Worker's Union [HO
Heng-kuok]; Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]

International organization participation:

IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong Kong is accredited to Macau

Flag description:

green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in the center of the arc and two smaller on either side; the lotus is the floral emblem of Macau, the three petals represent the peninsula and two islands that make up Macau; the five stars echo those on the flag of China

National anthem:

note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" is official (see China)

Economy ::Macau

Economy - overview:

Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in 2010, largely on the back of strong tourism and gaming sectors. After opening up its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in 2001, the territory attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign investment, transforming Macau into one of the world's largest gaming center. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens wishing to visit Macau. By 2006, Macau's gaming revenue surpassed that of the Las Vegas strip, and gaming-related taxes accounted for more than 70% of total government revenue. In 2008, Macau introduced measures to cool the rapidly developing sector. This city of nearly 570,000 hosted more than 21 million visitors in 2009. Almost 51% came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry has virtually disappeared since the termination of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. In 2009, total exports were less than US$1 billion, while gaming receipts were almost US$15 billion. By October 2010, gross gaming revenue had already reached US$19 billion for the year. The Macau government plans to tighten control over the opening of new casinos and strengthen supervision of local casino operations in 2011 and has introduced measures to diversify the economy. The Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Macau and mainland China that came into effect on 1 January 2004 offers Macau-made products tariff-free access to the mainland; nevertheless, China remains Macau's third largest goods export market, behind Hong Kong and the United States. Macau's currency, the Pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also freely accepted in the territory.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18.47 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $18.14 billion (2008 est.)

$14.4 billion (2006)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.1 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 12.9% (2008)

26% (2007)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$33,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 41 $31,800 (2008)

$28,400 (2006)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 2.8%
services: 97.1% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

322,000 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Labor force - by occupation:

manufacturing: 4.9%
construction: 9.3%
transport and communications: 5.2%
wholesale and retail trade: 12.6%
restaurants and hotels: 13.6%
gambling: 14.2%
public sector: 6.6%
financial services: 2.1%
other services and agriculture: 31.5% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (2009) country comparison to the world: 30 3% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 8.6% (2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 5.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.831 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $3.099 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$26.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $23.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.717 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $847 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.3 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$413.1 million (2004 est.)

Agriculture - products:

only 2% of land area is cultivated, mainly by vegetable growers; fishing, mostly for crustaceans, is important; some of the catch is exported to Hong Kong

Industries:

tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear, toys

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.424 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - consumption:

3.474 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.215 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - imports:

9,294 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - consumption:

91.3 million cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - imports:

97.8 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - proved reserves:

300,000 cu m (1 January 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Current account balance:

$NA

Exports:

$950 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $2 billion (2008); note - includes reexports

Exports - commodities:

clothing, textiles, footwear, toys, electronics, machinery and parts

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 38.7%, US 17.9%, China 14.4%, Germany 4% (2009)

Imports:

$4.5 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $5.4 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods (foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco), capital goods, mineral fuels and oils

Imports - partners:

China 31.1%, Hong Kong 10.8%, Japan 8.1%, France 8%, US 6.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$0 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$13.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $11.1 billion (#REF! est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$980 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $1 billion (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

patacas (MOP) per US dollar - 7.985 (2009), 7.983 (2008), 8.011 (2007), 8.0015 (2006)

Communications ::Macau

Telephones - main lines in use:

168,903 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.109 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services
domestic: termination of monopoly over mobile-cellular telephone services in 2001 spurred sharp increase in subscriptions with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 200 per 100 persons in 2010; fixed-line subscribership appears to have peaked and is now in decline
international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2010)

Broadcast media:

local government dominates broadcast media; 2 television stations operated by the government with one broadcasting in Portuguese and the other in Cantonese and Mandarin; cable and satellite TV services are available; 3 radio stations broadcasting, of which 2 are government-operated (2008)

Internet country code:

.mo

Internet hosts:

252 (2010) country comparison to the world: 189

Internet users:

270,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Transportation ::Macau

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 218

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 413 km country comparison to the world: 198 paved: 413 km (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Macau

Military ::Macau

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 150,712 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 124,074
females age 16-49: 149,799 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,488
female: 3,900 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of China

Transnational Issues ::Macau

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for drugs going into mainland China; consumer of opiates and amphetamines
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Macedonia (Europe)

Introduction ::Macedonia

Background:

Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue. Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led to the internationally-brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the rights of minorities. Fully implementing the Framework Agreement and stimulating economic growth and development continue to be challenges for Macedonia, although progress has been made on both fronts over the past several years.

Geography ::Macedonia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, north of Greece

Geographic coordinates:

41 50 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 25,713 sq km country comparison to the world: 149 land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Vermont

Land boundaries:

total: 766 km
border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km, Kosovo 159 km, Serbia 62 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Terrain:

mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Natural resources:

low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 22.01%
permanent crops: 1.79%
other: 76.2% (2005)

Irrigated land:

550 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.4 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.27
per capita: 1,118 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

high seismic risks

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

People ::Macedonia

Population:

2,072,086 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 206,054/female 191,354)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 722,823/female 710,830)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 102,231/female 133,426) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.4 years
male: 34.4 years
female: 36.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.257% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Birth rate:

11.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Death rate:

8.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 158 male: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.92 years country comparison to the world: 89 male: 72.4 years
female: 77.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Nationality:

noun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Ethnic groups:

Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma (Gypsy) 2.7%,
Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census)

Religions:

Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census)

Languages:

Macedonian (official) 66.5%, Albanian (official) 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.1%
male: 98.2%
female: 94.1% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 133

Government ::Macedonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Macedonia
conventional short form: Macedonia
local long form: Republika Makedonija
local short form: Makedonija
note: the provisional designation used by the UN, EU, and NATO is the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM)

former: People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of Macedonia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Skopje
geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

84 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aerodrom (Skopje),
Aracinovo, Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica,
Butel (Skopje), Cair (Skopje), Caska, Centar (Skopje), Centar Zupa,
Cesinovo, Cucer Sandevo, Debar, Debarca, Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Demir
Kapija, Dojran, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Gjorce Petrov) (Skopje),
Drugovo, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden,
Jegunovce, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kisela Voda
(Skopje), Kocani, Konce, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani,
Krusevo, Kumanovo, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski
Brod, Mavrovo i Rostusa, Mogila, Negotino, Novaci, Novo Selo, Ohrid,
Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis,
Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Saraj (Skopje), Sopiste, Staro Nagoricane,
Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti
Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica,
Vranestica, Vrapciste, Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zelino, Zrnovci

note: the 10 municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses collectively constitute the larger Skopje Municipality

Independence:

8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed independence from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as National Day

Constitution:

adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991; amended November 2001, 2005 and in 2009
note: amended November 2001 by a series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights, in 2005 with amendments related to the judiciary, and in 2009 with amendments related to the threshold required to elect the president

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gjorge IVANOV (since 12 May 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 26 August 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, BDI/DUI, and several small parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); two-round election: first round held on 22 March 2009, second round held on 5 April 2009 (next to be held in March 2014); prime minister elected by the Assembly following legislative elections
election results: Gjorge IVANOV elected president on second-round ballot; percent of vote - Gjorge IVANOV 63.1%, Ljubomir FRCKOSKI 36.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sobranie (120 seats; members elected by popular vote from party lists based on the percentage of the overall vote the parties gain in each of six electoral districts; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 June and 15 June 2008 (next to be held by July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 49%, SDSM-led block 24%, BDI/DUI 13%, PDSh/DPA 8%, other 6%; seats by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 63, SDSM-led block 27, BDI/DUI 18, PDSh/DPA 11, PEI 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Republican Judicial Council
note: the Assembly appoints the judges

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Alliance or DS [Pavle TRAJANOV]; Democratic Party of
Serbs in Macedonia [Ivan STOILJKOVIC]; Democratic Party of the
Albanians or PDSh/DPA [Menduh THACI]; Democratic Party of Turks in
Macedonia [Kenan HASIPI]; Democratic Union for Integration or
BDI/DUI [Ali AHMETI]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization—Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity
(VMRO-DPMNE) [Nikola GRUEVSKI]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
[Jovan MANSIJEVSKI]; Liberal Party [Borce STOJANOVSKI]; Movement for
Reconstruction of Macedonia or DOM [Liljana POPOVSKA]; New
Alternative [Gjorgji OROVCANEC]; New Democracy or DR [Imer SELMANI];
New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP [Tito PETKOVSKI]; Party for
Democratic Action in Macedonia or SDAM [Avdija PEPIC]; Party for
European Future or PEI [Fijat CANOSKI]; Social-Democratic Union of
Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI]; Socialist Party or SP
[Ljubisav IVANOV-ZINGO]; Union of Roma of Macedonia [Amdi BAJRAM];
United for Macedonia or OM [Ljube BOSKOVSKI]; VMRO-Macedonian
[Borislav STOJMENOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Free Trade Unions [Svetlana PETROVIC]; Federation of Trade Unions [Vanco MURATOVSKI]; Trade Union of Education, Science and Culture [Dojcin CVETANOSKI]

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran JOLEVSKI
chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2131
consulate(s) general: Southfield (Michigan), Chicago

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Philip T. REEKER
embassy: Str. Samolilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, US Department of State, 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)

telephone: [389] 2 310-2000

FAX: [389] 2 310-2499

Flag description:

a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field; the red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia

National anthem:

name: "Denes Nad Makedonija" (Today Over Macedonia)

lyrics/music: Vlado MALESKI/Todor SKALOVSKI
note: adopted 1991; the song, written in 1943, previously served as the anthem of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia while part of Yugoslavia

Economy ::Macedonia

Economy - overview:

Having a small, open economy makes Macedonia vulnerable to economic developments in Europe and dependent on regional integration and progress toward EU membership for continued economic growth. At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the central government and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on the downsized Yugoslavia, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth until 1996. Since then, Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has so far lagged the region in attracting foreign investment and creating jobs, despite making extensive fiscal and business sector reforms. Official unemployment remains high at 33%, but may be overstated based on the existence of an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20% of GDP, that is not captured by official statistics. In the wake of the global economic downturn, Macedonia has experienced decreased foreign direct investment, lowered credit, and a large trade deficit, but the financial system remained sound. Macroeconomic stability was maintained by a prudent monetary policy, which kept the domestic currency at the pegged level against the euro, at the expense of raising interest rates. As a result, GDP fell in 2009. but returned to positive in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$19.46 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $19.18 billion (2009 est.)

$19.31 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars; Macedonia has a large informal sector

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.58 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 -0.7% (2009 est.)

4.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $9,300 (2009 est.)

$9,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.1%
industry: 29.6%
services: 58.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

942,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18.6%
industry: 29.5%
services: 51.9% (September 2009)

Unemployment rate:

33.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 32.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

28.7% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2003) country comparison to the world: 68

Investment (gross fixed):

22.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Public debt:

25.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 32.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 62 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 9.68% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.184 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $4.217 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.055 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.859 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 100 $823.5 million (31 December 2008)

$2.715 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, tobacco, vegetables, fruits; milk, eggs

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - production:

6.162 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - consumption:

7.797 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.635 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - exports:

4,672 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - imports:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - consumption:

80 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - imports:

82 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Current account balance:

-$328 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 -$645.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.171 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $2.686 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco; textiles, miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.31%, Greece 13.09%, Italy 11.08%, Bulgaria 10.61%,
Croatia 7.74% (2009)

Imports:

$5.113 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $4.842 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels, food products

Imports - partners:

Germany 15.11%, Greece 14.88%, Bulgaria 9.08%, Italy 7.68%, Turkey 7.59%, Slovenia 6.26%, Hungary 4.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.127 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $2.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $5.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$3.528 billion (31 October 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.357 billion (2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar - 47.601 (2010), 44.1 (2009), 41.414 (2008), 44.732 (2007), 48.978 (2006)

Communications ::Macedonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

442,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.943 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Telephone system:

general assessment: competition from the mobile-cellular segment of the telecommunications market has led to a drop in fixed-line telephone subscriptions
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership about 115 per 100 persons
international: country code - 389 (2009)

Broadcast media:

public television broadcaster operates 3 national channels and a satellite network; 5 privately-owned TV channels broadcast nationally; roughly 50 local commercial TV stations broadcasting; large number of cable operators offering domestic and international programming; public radio broadcaster operates over multiple stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationally; roughly 65 local commercial radio stations functioning (2007)

Internet country code:

.mk

Internet hosts:

60,533 (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Internet users:

1.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Transportation ::Macedonia

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 149

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 268 km; oil 120 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 699 km country comparison to the world: 104 standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (234 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 13,736 km (includes 216 km of expressways) (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Military ::Macedonia

Military branches:

Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational Command,
with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV);
Special Operations Regiment; Logistic Support Command; Training
Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 530,966
females age 16-49: 511,534 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 442,953
females age 16-49: 425,981 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 15,338
female: 14,445 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Transnational Issues ::Macedonia

Disputes - international:

Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in
September 2008; Greece continues to reject the use of the name
Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: fewer than 1,000 (ethnic conflict in 2001) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe; although not a financial center and most criminal activity is thought to be domestic, money laundering is a problem due to a mostly cash-based economy and weak enforcement
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Madagascar (Africa)

Introduction ::Madagascar

Background:

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. RAVALOMANANA achieved a second term following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential elections of 2006. In early 2009, protests over increasing restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in RAVALOMANANA stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA. Following negotiations in July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month transitional period was established, but has not yet been implemented.

Geography ::Madagascar

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 47 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 587,041 sq km country comparison to the world: 46 land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,501 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,828 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath

Climate:

tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Natural resources:

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.03%
permanent crops: 1.02%
other: 93.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

337 cu km (1984)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 14.96 cu km/yr (3%/2%/96%)

per capita: 804 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation
volcanism: Madagascar's volcanoes have not erupted in historical times

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel

People ::Madagascar

Population:

21,281,844 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 4,523,033/female 4,460,473)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 5,483,684/female 5,557,098)

65 years and over: 3% (male 280,677/female 348,591) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.1 years
male: 17.8 years
female: 18.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.993% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Birth rate:

37.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Death rate:

7.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 92

Urbanization:

urban population: 29% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 47 male: 57.69 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 47.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.26 years country comparison to the world: 175 male: 61.27 years
female: 65.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Ethnic groups:

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed
African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka,
Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Languages:

French (official), Malagasy (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68.9%
male: 75.5%
female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 152

Government ::Madagascar

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar
conventional short form: Madagascar
local long form: Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara
local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara
former: Malagasy Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Antananarivo
geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Independence:

26 June 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 17 November 2010; promulgated 11 December 2010 (2010)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Albert Camille VITAL (since 18 December 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 December 2006 (next to be held on 4 May 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean
LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,
Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia
RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note -
RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009

note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in general elections in 2010; as of December 2009 the agreement had not been fully implemented

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of a Senate or Senat (100 seats; two-thirds of the members appointed by regional assemblies; the remaining one-third appointed by the president; members to serve four-year terms) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (127 seats - reduced from 160 seats by an April 2007 national referendum; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 September 2007 (next to be held on 16 March 2011); note - a power-sharing agreement in the summer of 2009 established a 15-month transition, concluding in general elections
election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - TIM 106, LEADER/Fanilo 1, independents 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court or Haute
Cour Constitutionnelle

Political parties and leaders:

Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA [Pierrot
RAJAONARIVELO]; Democratic Party for Union in Madagascar or PSDUM
[Jean LAHINIRIKO]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for
National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO]; Fihaonana
Party or FP [Guy-Willy RAZANAMASY]; I Love Madagascar or TIM [Marc
RAVALOMANANA]; Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or RPSD
[Evariste MARSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR; Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Eulalie N. RAVELOSOA
chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 through 5526

FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador R. Niels MARQUARDT
embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101
mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56

FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side; by tradition, red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, white for purity

National anthem:

name: "Ry Tanindraza nay malala o" (Oh, Our Beloved Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Pasteur RAHAJASON/Norbert RAHARISOA
note: adopted 1959

Economy ::Madagascar

Economy - overview:

After discarding socialist economic policies in the mid-1990s, Madagascar followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of privatization and liberalization that has been undermined since the start of the political crisis. This strategy placed the country on a slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing 80% of the population. Exports of apparel have boomed in recent years primarily due to duty-free access to the US. However, Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) led to the termination of the country's duty-free access in January 2010. Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns. Former President RAVALOMANANA worked aggressively to revive the economy following the 2002 political crisis, which triggered a 12% drop in GDP that year. The current political crisis which began in early 2009 has dealt additional blows to the economy. Tourism dropped more than 50% in 2009, compared with the previous year, and many investors are wary of entering the uncertain investment environment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $20.42 billion (2009 est.)

$20.63 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.33 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 -1% (2009 est.)

7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26.5%
industry: 16.7%
services: 56.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.504 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 51

Population below poverty line:

50% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 41.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.5 (2001) country comparison to the world: 32 38.1 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

34.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

45% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.233 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.228 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.012 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $1.994 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $997.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Industries:

meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - production:

1.045 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - consumption:

971.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - exports:

365 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - imports:

16,940 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Current account balance:

-$600 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 -$561 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.412 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.309 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, chromite, petroleum products

Exports - partners:

France 28.9%, US 20.49%, Germany 5.89%, China 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$1.958 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Imports - partners:

China 12.99%, Thailand 11.93%, Bahrain 7.1%, France 6.89%, US 4.13% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.038 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $1.136 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.973 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $2.261 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 2,062.5 (2010), 1,956.21 (2009), 1,654.78 (2008), 1,880 (2007), 2,161.4 (2006)

Communications ::Madagascar

Telephones - main lines in use:

181,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.997 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Telephone system:

general assessment: system is above average for the region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is poorly developed; have been adding fixed line connections since 2005
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 261; SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable and the Lion undersea cable connecting to Reunion and Mauritius; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach; privately-owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns; state-run radio predominates in rural areas; relays of 2 international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2007)

Internet country code:

.mg

Internet hosts:

27,606 (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Internet users:

319,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Transportation ::Madagascar

Airports:

84 (2010) country comparison to the world: 67

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 17
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 35
under 914 m: 20 (2010)

Railways:

total: 854 km country comparison to the world: 98 narrow gauge: 854 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 65,663 km country comparison to the world: 70 paved: 7,617 km
unpaved: 58,046 km (2003)

Waterways:

600 km country comparison to the world: 80 note: 432 km navigable (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 124 by type: cargo 4, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara (Tulear)

Military ::Madagascar

Military branches:

People's Armed Forces: Intervention Force, Development Force, and
Aeronaval Force (navy and air); National Gendarmerie

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for male-only voluntary military service; no conscription; service obligation - 18 months (either military or equivalent civil service); 20-30 years of age for National Gendarmerie recruits (35 years of age for those with military experience) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,745,274
females age 16-49: 4,750,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,268,291
females age 16-49: 3,541,256 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 242,334
female: 241,359 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 134

Transnational Issues ::Madagascar

Disputes - international:

claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France); the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point for heroin
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Malawi (Africa)

Introduction ::Malawi

Background:

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another term, struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor and subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2005. As president, MUTHARIKA has overseen economic improvement but because of political deadlock in the legislature, his minority party has been unable to pass significant legislation, and anti-corruption measures have stalled. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. MUTHARIKA was reelected to a second term in May 2009.

Geography ::Malawi

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

13 30 S, 34 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 118,484 sq km country comparison to the world: 99 land: 94,080 sq km
water: 24,404 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 2,881 km
border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Terrain:

narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m
highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Natural resources:

limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 20.68%
permanent crops: 1.18%
other: 78.14% (2005)

Irrigated land:

560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

17.3 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.01 cu km/yr (15%/5%/80%)

per capita: 78 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature

People ::Malawi

Population:

15,447,500 country comparison to the world: 64 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,419,711/female 3,404,726)

15-64 years: 51.9% (male 3,889,065/female 3,915,309)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 172,679/female 227,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.1 years
male: 17 years
female: 17.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.758% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Birth rate:

41.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Death rate:

13.69 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 91

Urbanization:

urban population: 19% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.015 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 11 male: 87.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 79.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.92 years country comparison to the world: 211 male: 50.22 years
female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

11.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

930,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

68,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Ethnic groups:

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde,
Asian, European

Religions:

Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998 census)

Languages:

Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other 3.6% (1998 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 62.7%
male: 76.1%
female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 101

Government ::Malawi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malawi
conventional short form: Malawi
local long form: Dziko la Malawi
local short form: Malawi
former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland Protectorate, Nyasaland

Government type:

multiparty democracy

Capital:

name: Lilongwe
geographic coordinates: 13 59 S, 33 47 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

28 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa,
Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe),
Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Neno, Ntcheu, Nkhata
Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo,
Zomba

Independence:

6 July 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Constitution:

18 May 1994

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004)

cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 66%, John TEMBO 30.7%, other 3.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - DPP 114, MCP 26, UDF 17, independents 32, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed by the president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Dindi NYASULU]; Congress of
Democrats or CODE [Ralph KASAMBARA]; Democratic Progressive Party or
DPP [Bingu wa MUTHARIKA]; Malawi Congress Party or MCP [John TEMBO];
Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; Malawi Forum for
Unity and Development or MAFUNDE [George MNESA]; Maravi People's
Party [Uladi MUSSA]; National Unity Party or NUP [Harry CHIUME]; New
Rainbow Coalition Party [Beatrice MWALE]; New Republican Party
[Gwanda CHAKUWAMBA]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Aleke
BANDA]; People's Transformation Movement or PETRA [Kamuzu CHIBAMBO];
Republican Party or RP [Stanley MASAULI]; United Democratic Front or
UDF [Bakili MULUZI]; United Democratic Party [Kenedy KALAMBO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agri-Ecology Media (agriculture and environmental group); Council for NGOs in Malawi or CONGOMA (human rights, democracy, and development); Human Rights Consultative Committee or HRCC (human rights); Malawi Law Society (human rights and law reform); Malawi Movement for the Restoration of Democracy or MMRD (acts to restore and maintain democracy); Public Affairs Committee or PAC (promotes democracy, development, peace and unity)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen D. Tennyson MATENJE
chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 721-0270

FAX: [1] (202) 721-0288

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter W. BODDE
embassy: 16 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe 3
mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
telephone: [265] (1) 773 166

FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), black, and green; a white sun disc is centered on the black band, its surrounding 45 white rays extend partially into the red and green bands; black represents the native peoples, red the blood shed in their struggle for freedom, and green the color of nature; the sun represents Malawi's economic progress since attaining independence

National anthem:

name: "Mulungu dalitsa Malawi" (Oh God Bless Our Land of Malawi)

lyrics/music: Michael-Fredrick Paul SAUKA
note: adopted 1964

Economy ::Malawi

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer subsidies since 2006, accounts for more than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of exports. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. In 2006, Malawi was approved for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. In December 2007, the US granted Malawi eligibility status to receive financial support within the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative. The government faces many challenges including developing a market economy, improving educational facilities, facing up to environmental problems, dealing with the rapidly growing problem of HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors that fiscal discipline is being tightened. Since 2005 President MUTHARIKA'S government has exhibited improved financial discipline under the guidance of Finance Minister Goodall GONDWE and signed a three year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility worth $56 million with the IMF. Improved relations with the IMF lead other international donors to resume aid as well. The government has announced infrastructure projects that could yield improvements, such as a new oil pipeline, for better fuel access, and the potential for a waterway link through Mozambican rivers to the ocean, for better transportation options. Since 2009, however, Malawi experienced some setbacks, including a general shortage of foreign exchange, which has damaged its ability to pay for imports, and fuel shortages that hinder transportation and productivity. Investment fell 23% in 2009. The government has failed to address barriers to investment such as unreliable power, water shortages, poor telecommunications infrastructure, and the high costs of services.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$13.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $12.69 billion (2009 est.)

$11.79 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.035 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 7.6% (2009 est.)

9.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 $800 (2009 est.)

$800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.4%
industry: 21.7%
services: 44.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.747 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%
industry and services: 10% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

53% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 31.9% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2004) country comparison to the world: 69

Investment (gross fixed):

27.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Public debt:

40.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 8.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 21 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 25.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$626.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 151 $580.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.434 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $1.233 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.515 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 97 $1.771 billion (31 December 2008)

$587.2 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Industries:

tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

17.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - production:

1.69 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - consumption:

1.572 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - consumption:

8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - imports:

6,960 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Current account balance:

-$315 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 -$332 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.189 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $912 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco 53%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood products, apparel

Exports - partners:

Germany 12.37%, Egypt 8.52%, South Africa 7.67%, Zimbabwe 7.55%, US 7.4%, Russia 6.79%, Netherlands 6.64%, Japan 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$1.675 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $1.502 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment

Imports - partners:

South Africa 40.15%, China 6.79%, India 6.73%, France 5.03%,
Tanzania 4.81%, Mozambique 4.03% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$301 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $163.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.213 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.166 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Malawian kwachas (MWK) per US dollar - 151.65 (2010), 141.14 (2009), 142.41 (2008), 141.12 (2007), 135.96 (2006)

Communications ::Malawi

Telephones - main lines in use:

175,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary; privatization of Malawi Telecommunications (MTL), a necessary step in bringing improvement to telecommunications services, completed in 2006
domestic: limited fixed-line subscribership of about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services are expanding but network coverage is limited and is based around the main urban areas; mobile-cellular subscribership about 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 265; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

radio is the main broadcast medium; state-run radio has the widest geographic broadcasting reach, but about a dozen privately-owned radio stations broadcast in major urban areas; the single television network is government-owned; relays of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mw

Internet hosts:

870 (2010) country comparison to the world: 167

Internet users:

716,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 109

Transportation ::Malawi

Airports:

32 (2010) country comparison to the world: 112

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Railways:

total: 797 km country comparison to the world: 102 narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 15,451 km country comparison to the world: 121 paved: 6,956 km
unpaved: 8,495 km (2003)

Waterways:

700 km; (on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Ports and terminals:

Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Military ::Malawi

Military branches:

Malawi Armed Forces: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; standard obligation is 2 years of active duty and 5 years of reserve service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,402,724 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,048,900
females age 16-49: 1,960,258 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177,376
female: 176,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 118

Transnational Issues ::Malawi

Disputes - international:

disputes with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Malaysia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Malaysia

Background:

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism.

Geography ::Malaysia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 329,847 sq km country comparison to the world: 66 land: 328,657 sq km
water: 1,190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,669 km
border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Coastline:

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

Climate:

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

Terrain:

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Natural resources:

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 5.46%
permanent crops: 17.54%
other: 77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

580 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 9.02 cu km/yr (17%/21%/62%)

per capita: 356 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding; landslides; forest fires

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

People ::Malaysia

Population:

28,274,729 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 4,153,621/female 3,914,962)

15-64 years: 63.6% (male 8,210,373/female 8,143,043)

65 years and over: 5% (male 569,245/female 724,575) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.609% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Birth rate:

21.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Death rate:

4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Net migration rate:

-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 139 note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal immigrants from other countries in the region (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 70% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 121 male: 17.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.55 years country comparison to the world: 112 male: 70.81 years
female: 76.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

80,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Ethnic groups:

Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin,
Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi,
Thai

note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 88.7%
male: 92%
female: 85.4% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 90

Government ::Malaysia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Malaysia
local long form: none
local short form: Malaysia
former: Federation of Malaya

Government type:

constitutional monarchy
note: nominally headed by paramount ruler (commonly referred to as the King) and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a nonelected upper house and an elected lower house; all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)

Capital:

name: Kuala Lumpur
geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Putrajaya is referred to as administrative center not capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

Administrative divisions:

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with three components, city of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

Independence:

31 August 1957 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Constitution:

31 August 1957; amended many times the latest in 2007

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; Islamic law is applied to Muslims in matters of family law and religion; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King - Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin (since 13 December 2006); (the position of the king is primarily ceremonial)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed Yassin (since 9 April 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the king (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: kings elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; selection based on principle of rotation among rulers of states; election last held on 3 November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this has been the leader of the UMNO party)

election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected king

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by June 2013)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN coalition 50.3%, opposition parties 46.8%, others 2.9%; seats - BN coalition 140, opposition parties 82

Judicial branch:

civil courts include Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High Court of Malaya on peninsula Malaysia, and High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in states of Borneo (judges are appointed by the king on the advice of the prime minister); sharia courts include Sharia Appeal Court, Sharia High Court, and Sharia Subordinate Courts at state-level and deal with religious and family matters such as custody, divorce, and inheritance only for Muslims; decisions of sharia courts cannot be appealed to civil courts

Political parties and leaders:

National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (ruling coalition) consists
of the following parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or PGRM [KOH
Tsu Koon]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal Demokratik -
Sabah) or LDP [LIEW Vui Keong]; Malaysian Chinese Association
(Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [CHUA Soi Lek]; Malaysian Indian
Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [Govindasamy PALANIVEL];
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah or PBRS [Joseph KURUP]; Parti Bersatu
Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera
Bersatu or PBB [Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Parti Rakyat Sarawak or PRS
[James MASING]; Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat
Sarawak) or SUPP [George CHAN Hong Nam]; United Malays National
Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak]; United Pasokmomogun
Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan
Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Bernard DOMPOK]; People's Progressive Party
(Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia) or PPP [M.Kayveas]; Sarawak
Progressive Democratic Party or SPDP [William MAWAN])

People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) or PR (opposition coalition)
consists of the following parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti
Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [KARPAL Singh]; Islamic Party of
Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang];
People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH
Wan Ismail]; Sarawak National Party or SNAP [Edwin DUNDANG]

independent party: Sabah Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Saban) or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bar Council; BERSIH (electoral reform coalition); PEMBELA (Muslim
NGO coalition)

other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO,
G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador JAMALUDDIN Jarjis
chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700

FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul W. JONES
embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152
telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000

FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Flag description:

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers
note: the design is based on the flag of the US

National anthem:

name: "Negaraku" (My Country)

lyrics/music: collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER
note: adopted 1957; the full version is only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of the state of Perak

Economy ::Malaysia

Economy - overview:

Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move farther up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, medical technology, and pharmaceuticals. The NAJIB administration also is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and to wean the economy off of its dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics - remain a significant driver of the economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with strained government finances, has forced Kuala Lumpur to reduce government subsidies. The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil producer Petronas, which supplies at least 40% of government revenue. The central bank maintains healthy foreign exchange reserves and its well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global financial crisis. Nevertheless, decreasing worldwide demand for consumer goods hurt Malaysia's exports and economic growth in 2009, although both showed signs of recovery in 2010. In order to attract increased investment, NAJIB has also sought to revise the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but he has encountered significant opposition, especially from Malay nationalists.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$416.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $388.8 billion (2009 est.)

$395.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$219 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 -1.7% (2009 est.)

4.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $14,000 (2009 est.)

$14,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.1%
industry: 41.6%
services: 49.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%
industry: 36%
services: 51% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

5.1% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 28.5% (2005 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.1 (2002) country comparison to the world: 36 49.2 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Public debt:

52.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 53.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 0.6% (2009 est.)

note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 6.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$69.03 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 38 $57 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$337.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $280.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$314.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $265.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$256 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 $187.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$325.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, coconuts, rice; rubber, timber; Sarawak - rubber, timber; pepper

Industries:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - production:

103.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - consumption:

99.25 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - exports:

2.268 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

693,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - consumption:

536,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - exports:

511,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - imports:

314,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - proved reserves:

2.9 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - production:

57.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - consumption:

26.27 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - exports:

31.03 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Current account balance:

$34.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $34.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$192.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $157.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Singapore 13.9%, China 12.2%, US 10.9%, Japan 9.8%, Thailand 5.4%,
Hong Kong 5.2% (2009)

Imports:

$149.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $117.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 13.9%, Japan 12.5%, US 11.2%, Singapore 11.1%, Thailand 6%,
Indonesia 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$104.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $96.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$62.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $58.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$77.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $74.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$82.65 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $75.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 3.2182 (2010), 3.5246 (2009), 3.33 (2008), 3.46 (2007), 3.6683 (2006)

Communications ::Malaysia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.312 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30.379 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent
domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 135 per 100 persons
international: country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks as well as regional and local stations; large number of private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 400 radio stations overall (2008)

Internet country code:

.my

Internet hosts:

344,452 (2010) country comparison to the world: 56

Internet users:

15.355 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Transportation ::Malaysia

Airports:

118 (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38
over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 80

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 3 km; gas 1,965 km; oil 31 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,849 km country comparison to the world: 75 standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 98,721 km country comparison to the world: 44 paved: 80,280 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)

unpaved: 18,441 km (2004)

Waterways:

7,200 km country comparison to the world: 20 note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km (2011)

Merchant marine:

total: 321 country comparison to the world: 30 by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 97, carrier 2, chemical tanker 45, container 44, liquefied gas 35, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 79, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 4
foreign-owned: 35 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 4, Nigeria 1, Russia 2, Singapore 19)

registered in other countries: 79 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, Tuvalu 1, US 2, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port
Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; increased naval patrols in 2009 resulted in significantly reduced numbers of incidents

Military ::Malaysia

Military branches:

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian
Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut
Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara
Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,692,438
females age 16-49: 6,494,413 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,612,642
females age 16-49: 5,501,129 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 267,646
female: 253,529 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.03% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Transnational Issues ::Malaysia

Disputes - international:

Malaysia is involved in a complex dispute with Brunei, China, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam over claims to part or all of the Spratly Islands; while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; ICJ awarded Ligitan and Sipadan islands, also claimed by Indonesia and Philippines, to Malaysia but left maritime boundary and sovereignty of Unarang rock in the hydrocarbon-rich Celebes Sea in dispute; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 15,174 (Indonesia); 21,544 (Burma) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, and men, women, and children for forced labor; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for men, women, and children who migrate willingly from South and Southeast Asia to work, some of whom are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by Malaysian employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation, and industrial sectors; to a lesser extent, some Malaysian women, primarily of Chinese ethnicity, are trafficked abroad for commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, despite some progress in enforcing the 2007 comprehensive anti-trafficking law; it has yet to fully address labor trafficking in Malaysia; there are credible allegations of involvement of Malaysian immigration officials in trafficking and extorting Burmese refugees; the government did not develop mechanisms to effectively screen victims of trafficking in vulnerable groups and condones the confiscation of passports of migrant workers by employers (2009)

Illicit drugs:

drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Maldives (South Asia)

Introduction ::Maldives

Background:

The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in August. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former regime. Challenges facing the new president include strengthening democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. Maldives officials have been prominent participants in international climate change talks due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise.

Geography ::Maldives

Location:

Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India

Geographic coordinates:

3 15 N, 73 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 298 sq km country comparison to the world: 209 land: 298 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

644 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain:

flat, with white sandy beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Viligili in the Addu Atholhu 2.4 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.33%
permanent crops: 30%
other: 56.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.03 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.003 cu km/yr (98%/2%/0%)

per capita: 9 cu m/yr (1987)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to sea level rise

Environment - current issues:

depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

People ::Maldives

Population:

395,650 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.3% (male 45,038/female 43,291)

15-64 years: 73.8% (male 180,874/female 111,703)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 7,711/female 7,717) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.9 years
male: 26.6 years
female: 24.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.178% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Birth rate:

14.5 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Death rate:

3.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Net migration rate:

-12.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Urbanization:

urban population: 38% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.57 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.4 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.47 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 77 male: 30.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.21 years country comparison to the world: 100 male: 72 years
female: 76.54 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Ethnic groups:

South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Dhivehi (official) (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic),
English spoken by most government officials

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.8%
male: 93%
female: 94.7% (2006 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

8.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 11

Government ::Maldives

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
conventional short form: Maldives
local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Male
geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital city*;
Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa
Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale (Male)*, Meemu,
Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu

Independence:

26 July 1965 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Constitution:

new constitution ratified 7 August 2008

Legal system:

based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11 November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since 11 November 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11 November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since 11 November 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution, the president elected by direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote - NASHEED 54.3%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or People's Majlis (77 seats; members elected by direct vote to serve five-year terms); note - the Majlis in February 2009 passed legislation that increased the number of seats to 77 from 50
elections: last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote - DRP 36.4%, MDP 33.8 %, PA 9.1%, DQP 2.6% Republican Party 1.2%, independents 16.9%; seats by party - DRP 28, MDP 26, PA 7, DQP 2, Republican Party 1, independents 13

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president
with approval of voting members of the People's Council; High Court;
Trial Courts; all lower court judges are appointed by the Judicial
Service Commission

Political parties and leaders:

Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Shaykh Hussein RASHEED Ahmed];
Dhivehi Quamee Party or DQP [Hassan SAEED]; Dhivehi Rayyithunge
Party (Maldivian People's Party) or DRP [THASMEEN Ali]; Gaumii
Ithihaad (National Alliance) or GI [Mohamed WAHEED]; Islamic
Democratic Party or IDP; Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mariya
DIDI]; Maldives National Congress or MNC; Maldives Social Democratic
Party or MSDP; People's Alliance or PA [Abdullah YAMEEN]; People's
Party or PP; Poverty Alleviation Party or PAP; Republican
(Jumhooree) Party or JP [Gasim IBRAHIM]; Social Liberal Party or SLP
[Ibrahim ISMAIL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various unregistered political parties

International organization participation:

ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS
(observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed
chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6195

FAX: [1] (212) 661-6405

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS, is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits

Flag description:

red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies Islam

National anthem:

name: "Gaumee Salaam" (National Salute)

lyrics/music: Mohamed Jameel DIDI/Wannakuwattawaduge DON AMARADEVA
note: lyrics adopted 1948, music adopted 1972; between 1948 and 1972, the lyrics were sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne"

Economy ::Maldives

Economy - overview:

Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic reforms, beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year for more than a decade, and registered 18% in 2006, due to a rebound in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December 2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 due to the global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis, which was eased with a December 2009, $79.3 million dollar IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above sea level.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.767 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 $1.708 billion (2009 est.)

$1.763 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.433 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 -3.1% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $4,300 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 16.9%
services: 77.5% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

144,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 11%
industry: 23%
services: 65% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.4% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Population below poverty line:

16% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 12.3% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

13% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 27 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$460 million (31 October 2009) country comparison to the world: 159 $475.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.065 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 161 $946.1 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.548 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.08 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Industries:

tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.9% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - production:

542 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - consumption:

542 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - imports:

5,490 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Current account balance:

-$370 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 -$638 million (2008 est.)

Exports:

$88 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $125 million (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish

Exports - partners:

France 17.01%, Thailand 15.16%, Italy 13.49%, UK 13.13%, Sri Lanka 12.38% (2009)

Imports:

$782 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $1.221 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, ships, foodstuffs, clothing, intermediate and capital goods

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.62%, UAE 15.7%, India 11.02%, Malaysia 8.98%, Sri Lanka 5.4%, Thailand 5.36% (2009)

Debt - external:

$589 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $477 million (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar - 12.8 (2009), 12.8 (2008), 12.8 (2007), 12.8 (2006)

Communications ::Maldives

Telephones - main lines in use:

49,913 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Telephones - mobile cellular:

461,149 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone services have improved; interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service
domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned radio and television monopoly until recently; by mid-2008 there were 5 radio broadcast stations operating; first private cable TV channel now operational with an additional 4 private TV channels in the regulatory pipeline (2008)

Internet country code:

.mv

Internet hosts:

2,164 (2010) country comparison to the world: 153

Internet users:

86,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Transportation ::Maldives

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 178

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 88 km country comparison to the world: 214 paved roads: 88 km - 60 km in Male; 14 km on Addu Atolis; 14 km on Laamu
note: village roads are mainly compacted coral (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 24 country comparison to the world: 95 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 20, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2
registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 3, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Male

Military ::Maldives

Military branches:

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps, Security
Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 158,307
females age 16-49: 97,166 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 137,181
females age 16-49: 83,837 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,369
female: 3,765 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Military - note:

the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive economic zone (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Maldives

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1,000-10,000 (December 2004 tsunami victims) (2007)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Mali (Africa)

Introduction ::Mali

Background:

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a military coup - led by the current president Amadou TOURE - enabling Mali's emergence as one of the strongest democracies on the continent. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first democratic presidential election in 1992 and was reelected in 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, KONARE stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE, who was subsequently elected to a second term in 2007. The elections were widely judged to be free and fair.

Geography ::Mali

Location:

Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,240,192 sq km country comparison to the world: 24 land: 1,220,190 sq km
water: 20,002 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 7,243 km
border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m
highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Natural resources:

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower
note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited

Land use:

arable land: 3.76%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 96.21% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,360 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

100 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.55 cu km/yr (9%/1%/90%)

per capita: 484 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan

People ::Mali

Population:

13,796,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.6% (male 3,220,491/female 3,177,823)

15-64 years: 49.5% (male 3,241,250/female 3,406,757)

65 years and over: 3% (male 189,886/female 207,018) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.2 years
male: 15.8 years
female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.607% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Birth rate:

46.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Death rate:

14.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Net migration rate:

-5.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 113.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 4 male: 120.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 106.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.17 years country comparison to the world: 208 male: 50.59 years
female: 53.8 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Ethnic groups:

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,
Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%

Languages:

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 46.4%
male: 53.5%
female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Government ::Mali

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mali
conventional short form: Mali
local long form: Republique de Mali
local short form: Mali
former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bamako
geographic coordinates: 12 39 N, 8 00 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence:

22 September 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 12 January 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%, other 9.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 22 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ADP coalition 113 (ADEMA 51, URD 34, MPR 8, CNID 7, UDD 3, and other 10), FDR coalition 15 (RPM 11, PARENA 4), SADI 4, independent 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI [Oumar
MARIKO, secretary general]; Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA
[Diounconda TRAORE]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP (a
coalition of political parties including ADEMA and URD formed in
December 2006 to support the presidential candidacy of Amadou
TOURE); Alliance for Democratic Change (political group comprised
mainly of Tuareg from Mali's northern region); Convergence 2007
[Soumeylou Boubeye MAIGA]; Front for Democracy and the Republic or
FDR (a coalition of political parties including RPM and PARENA
formed to oppose the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE);
National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL];
Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Mady KONATE]; Party for
National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME]; Patriotic Movement for
Renewal or MPR [Choguel MAIGA]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT
[Amadou Ali NIANGADOU]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Boubacar
KEITA]; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou
Basir GOLOGO]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa
Balla COULIBALY]; Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Soumaila
CISSE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: the army; Islamic authorities; rebels in the northern region; state-run cotton company CMDT; tuaregs

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mamadou TRAORE
chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian A. MILOVANOVIC
embassy: located just off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge just west of the Bamako central district
mailing address: ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako
telephone: [223] 270-2300

FAX: [223] 270-2479

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal (which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

National anthem:

name: "Le Mali" (Mali)

lyrics/music: Seydou Badian KOUYATE/Banzoumana SISSOKO
note: adopted 1962; the anthem is also known as "Pour L'Afrique et pour toi, Mali" (For Africa and for You, Mali) and "A ton appel Mali" (At Your Call, Mali)

Economy ::Mali

Economy - overview:

Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a landlocked country highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest. Mali remains dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River and about 65% of its land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The government has continued an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that has helped the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali is developing its cotton and iron ore extraction industries to diversify its revenue sources because gold production has started to fall. Mali has invested in tourism but security issues are hurting the industry. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a 5% average in 1996-2010. Worker remittances and external trade routes for the landlocked country have been jeopardized by continued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, however, Mali is building a road network that will connect it to all adjacent countries and it has a railway line to Senegal. In 2010, Mali experienced a regional drought that hurt livestock and livelihoods.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$16.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $15.91 billion (2009 est.)

$15.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.077 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 4.4% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 45%
industry: 17%
services: 38% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

3.241 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Population below poverty line:

36.1% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 30.5% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.1 (2001) country comparison to the world: 61 50.5 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 97 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.758 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 $1.559 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$2.514 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $2.12 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$994.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 150 $1.095 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

515 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - consumption:

479 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - imports:

4,402 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Current account balance:

-$446 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$294 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports - commodities:

cotton, gold, livestock

Exports - partners:

China 14.61%, Thailand 8.28%, Pakistan 6.74%, Morocco 6.48%, Burkina
Faso 4.67%, France 4.6%, India 4.45% (2009)

Imports:

$2.358 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

Senegal 12.21%, France 11.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 10.05%, China 5.89% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2002) country comparison to the world: 133

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Mali

Telephones - main lines in use:

81,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.742 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving; increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to remote areas
domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to nearly 30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 223; satellite communications center and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

national public TV broadcaster; 2 privately-owned companies provide subscription services to foreign multi-channel TV packages; national public radio broadcaster supplemented by a large number of privately-owned and community broadcast stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ml

Internet hosts:

524 (2010) country comparison to the world: 179

Internet users:

249,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Transportation ::Mali

Airports:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 134

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 593 km country comparison to the world: 111 narrow gauge: 593 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,709 km country comparison to the world: 114 paved: 3,368 km
unpaved: 15,341 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,800 km (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels) (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Ports and terminals:

Koulikoro

Military ::Mali

Military branches:

Malian Armed Forces: Army, Republic of Mali Air Force (Force
Aerienne de la Republique du Mali, FARM), National Guard (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,759,648
females age 16-49: 2,894,776 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,760,901
females age 16-49: 1,900,025 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 153,198
female: 154,762 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 78

Transnational Issues ::Mali

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 6,300 (Mauritania) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Malta (Europe)

Introduction ::Malta

Background:

Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.

Geography ::Malta

Location:

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily
(Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

35 50 N, 14 35 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 316 sq km country comparison to the world: 207 land: 316 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

196.8 km (excludes 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Natural resources:

limestone, salt, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 31.25%
permanent crops: 3.13%
other: 65.62% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.07 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (74%/1%/25%)

per capita: 50 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People ::Malta

Population:

406,771 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 33,526/female 31,780)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 142,491/female 138,769)

65 years and over: 14.5% (male 25,406/female 33,193) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 38.5 years
female: 41.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.391% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Birth rate:

10.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Death rate:

8.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Net migration rate:

2.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Urbanization:

urban population: 94% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 209 male: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.59 years country comparison to the world: 32 male: 77.34 years
female: 81.97 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.52 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Nationality:

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Ethnic groups:

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages:

Maltese (official) 90.2%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.8% (2005 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 92.8%
male: 91.7%
female: 93.9% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 81

Government ::Malta

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malta
conventional short form: Malta
local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
local short form: Malta

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Valletta
geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (administered directly from Valletta); note - local councils carry out administrative orders and have some responsibility for local road and other public maintenance

Independence:

21 September 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974)

Constitution:

1964; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by a resolution of the House of Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 January 2009 (next to be held by April 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election results: George ABELA elected president by the House of Representatives

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections has a majority in Parliament)

elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PN 49.3%, PL 48.8%, other 1.9%; seats by party - PN 35, PL 34

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance; Court of Appeal
note: magistrates and judges for the courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Political parties and leaders:

Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [Michael
BRIGUGLIO]; Azzjoni Nazzjonaili or AN [Josi MUSCAT]; Malta Labor
Party or PL [Joseph MUSCAT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence GONZI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Maltra or ALDM (for divorce, abortion, gay marriage, the rights existent in other EU member states); Alleanza Nazzionali Repubblikana or ANR (for traditional values, anti-immigration); Alternattiva Demokratika (pro-environment); Azzjoni Nazzjonali or AN (freedom to participate in democratic government); Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar (pro-environment); Ghazda tal-Konsumaturi (consumer rights)

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Australia Group, C, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina
(observer), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark MICELI-FARRUGIA
chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611 through 3612

FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas W. KMIEC
embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, FRN 9010
mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, VLT1000
telephone: [356] 2561 4000

FAX: [356] 2124 3229

Flag description:

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field

National anthem:

name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Hymn of Malta)

lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT
note: adopted 1945; the anthem is written in the form of a prayer

Economy ::Malta

Economy - overview:

Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in 2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the indigenous real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally, the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed to the stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high electricity and water prices hurt Malta's real economy, which is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially electronics and pharmaceuticals - and tourism, but growth bounced back as the global economy recovered in 2010. Following a 1.2% contraction in 2009, GDP grew 2% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.21 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $10.01 billion (2009 est.)

$10.13 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.801 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 -1.2% (2009 est.)

1.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $24,700 (2009 est.)

$25,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 17.4%
services: 80.9% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

174,000 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.6%
industry: 22.8%
services: 75.6% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 6% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2007) country comparison to the world: 128

Investment (gross fixed):

14.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Public debt:

72.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 69% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 127 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 5.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.195 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 86 $4.956 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Maltese liri in circulation prior to Malta joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$14.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $13.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$13.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.982 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 85 $3.572 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.633 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Industries:

tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

2.146 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - consumption:

1.832 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - consumption:

19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - imports:

17,910 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Current account balance:

-$403 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 -$491 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.954 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $2.383 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, fish and crustaceans, pharmaceutical products, printed material

Exports - partners:

Germany 13.3%, Singapore 12.5%, France 11.4%, US 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.5%, UK 5.9%, Italy 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$4.074 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery, non-electrical machinery, aircraft and other transport equipment, plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, tobacco

Imports - partners:

Italy 24.4%, UK 11.7%, Germany 9.3%, France 7.6%, China 4.2%,
Singapore 4.11%, Switzerland 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$522 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $538.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$41.02 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 57 $3.75 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$8.24 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7732 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3106 (2007), 0.37 (2006)

Communications ::Malta

Telephones - main lines in use:

252,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Telephones - mobile cellular:

422,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 165 per 100 persons
international: country code - 356; submarine cable connects to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 publicly-owned television station, Television Malta (TVM); several national television stations, two of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are obtainable; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 stations; roughly 50 commercial radio stations functioning (2008)

Internet country code:

.mt

Internet hosts:

24,941 (2010) country comparison to the world: 102

Internet users:

240,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Transportation ::Malta

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,227 km country comparison to the world: 171 paved: 2,014 km
unpaved: 213 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,571 country comparison to the world: 4 by type: bulk carrier 522, cargo 377, carrier 1, chemical tanker 280, container 91, liquefied gas 31, passenger 45, passenger/cargo 22, petroleum tanker 141, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 15
foreign-owned: 1,401 (Angola 7, Austria 1, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 14, Bermuda 8, Bulgaria 7, Canada 1, China 11, Croatia 7, Cyprus 29, Denmark 41, Egypt 1, Estonia 16, Finland 2, France 13, Germany 127, Greece 458, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 56, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 52, Japan 5, Kuwait 2, Latvia 11, Lebanon 7, Libya 4, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 1, Norway 84, Poland 22, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 47, Singapore 3, Slovenia 4, South Korea 3, Spain 10, Sweden 3, Switzerland 14, Syria 5, Turkey 211, UAE 1, UK 16, Ukraine 30, US 35)

registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta

Military ::Malta

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritime elements) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 95,899
females age 16-49: 91,412 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 79,961
females age 16-49: 76,067 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,570
female: 2,410 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Transnational Issues ::Malta

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Marshall Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Marshall Islands

Background:

After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.

Geography ::Marshall Islands

Location:

Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 168 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 181 sq km country comparison to the world: 216 land: 181 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

Area - comparative:

about the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

370.4 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

Terrain:

low coral limestone and sand islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Natural resources:

coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 11.11%
permanent crops: 44.44%
other: 44.45% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

infrequent typhoons

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific

People ::Marshall Islands

Population:

65,859 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 12,683/female 12,217)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 19,302/female 18,459)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 902/female 959) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.5 years
male: 21.5 years
female: 21.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.023% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Birth rate:

29.94 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Death rate:

4.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Net migration rate:

-5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 86 male: 27.61 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.48 years country comparison to the world: 130 male: 69.41 years
female: 73.65 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic groups:

Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2% (2006)

Religions:

Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian 3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Languages:

Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)

note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.7%
male: 93.6%
female: 93.7% (1999)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

12.3% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 4

Government ::Marshall Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
local short form: Marshall Islands
abbreviation: RMI
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Capital:

name: Majuro
geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur,
Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo,
Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili,
Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik,
Wotho, Wotje

Independence:

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Constitution:

1 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among its members for a four-year term; election last held on 7 January 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA president on 26 October 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 4
note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court; Traditional Rights Court

Political parties and leaders:

traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DEBRUM
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
consulate(s) general: Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martha L. CAMPBELL
embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro
mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379
telephone: [692] 247-4011

FAX: [692] 247-4012

Flag description:

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's position just to the north

National anthem:

name: "Forever Marshall Islands"

lyrics/music: Amata KABUA
note: adopted 1981

Economy ::Marshall Islands

Economy - overview:

US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny island economy. The Marshall Islands received more than $1 billion in aid from the US from 1986-2002. Agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$133.5 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 $115 million (2001 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$161.7 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 3.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $2,900 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.7%
industry: 14.9%
services: 53.4% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

14,680 (2000) country comparison to the world: 212

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.4%
industry: 20.9%
services: 57.7% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

36% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 30.9% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 3% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens

Industries:

copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Exports:

$19.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $9.1 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Imports:

$79.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $54.7 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco

Debt - external:

$87 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Marshall Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits
domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular, seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) and mini-satellite telephones
international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein (2005)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast station; a cable network is available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)

Internet country code:

.mh

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 230

Internet users:

2,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 209

Transportation ::Marshall Islands

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 147

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2007) country comparison to the world: 174

Merchant marine:

total: 1,381 country comparison to the world: 7 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 415, cargo 63, chemical tanker 314, combination ore/oil 2, container 206, liquefied gas 83, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 259, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7
foreign-owned: 1,284 (Australia 1, Bermuda 34, Brazil 1, Canada 4, China 16, Croatia 12, Cyprus 38, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, Germany 247, Greece 358, Hong Kong 3, India 8, Iraq 2, Isle of Man 2, Israel 1, Italy 1, Japan 41, Jersey 9, Latvia 18, Malaysia 11, Mexico 4, Monaco 21, Netherlands 16, Norway 57, Pakistan 1, Qatar 24, Romania 2, Russia 6, Singapore 28, Slovenia 6, South Korea 25, Switzerland 12, Taiwan 2, Turkey 72, UAE 17, UK 7, Ukraine 1, US 168) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Military ::Marshall Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; under the 1983 Compact of Free Association, the US has full authority and responsibility for security and defense of the Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands Police (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 16,138 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,277
females age 16-49: 13,374 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 602
female: 580 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Marshall Islands

Disputes - international:

claims US territory of Wake Island
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Mauritania (Africa)

Introduction ::Mauritania

Background:

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Geography ::Mauritania

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 12 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,030,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 29 land: 1,030,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 5,074 km
border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline:

754 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0.2%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

490 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

11.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.7 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)

per capita: 554 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country

People ::Mauritania

Population:

3,205,060 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41% (male 643,436/female 638,793)

15-64 years: 55.7% (male 818,778/female 923,046)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 44,836/female 60,597) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years
male: 18.5 years
female: 20.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.373% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Birth rate:

33.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Death rate:

9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Net migration rate:

-0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 34 male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.75 years country comparison to the world: 184 male: 58.57 years
female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and Rift Valley fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mauritanian(s)

adjective: Mauritanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French, Hassaniya

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 51.2%
male: 59.5%
female: 43.4% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 95

Government ::Mauritania

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah

Government type:

military junta

Capital:

name: Nouakchott
geographic coordinates: 18 07 N, 16 02 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Independence:

28 November 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Constitution:

12 July 1991

Legal system:

a combination of Islamic law and French civil law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ (since 5 August 2009); note - AZIZ, who deposed democratically elected President Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI in a coup and installed himself as President of the High State Council on 6 August 2008, retired from the military and stepped down from the Presidency in April 2009 to run for president; he was elected president in an election held on 18 July 2009
head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF (since 14 August 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: following the August 2008 coup, the High State Council planned to hold a new presidential election in June 2009; the election was subsequently rescheduled to 18 July 2009 following the Dakar Accords, which brought Mauritania back to constitutional rule; under Mauritania's constitution, the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ 52.6%, Messaoud Ould BOULKHEIR 16.3%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 13.7%, Other 17.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis al-Shuyukh (56 seats; 53 members elected by municipal leaders and 3 members elected for Mauritanians abroad to serve six-year terms; a portion of seats up for election every two years) and the National Assembly or Al Jamiya Al Wataniya (95 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on November 2009; National Assembly - last held on 19 November and 3 December 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM (Coalition of Majority Parties) 45, COD (Coordination of Democratic Opposition) 7, RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM 63 (UPR 50, PRDR 7, UDP 3, HATEM-PMUC 2, RD 1), COD 27 (RFD 9, UFP 6, APP 6, PNDD-ADIL 6), RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4, FP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative or El-Badil [Mohamed Yahdhi Ould MOCTAR HACEN];
Coalition of Majority Parties or CPM (parties supporting the regime
including PRDR, UPR, RD, HATEM-PMUC, UCD); Coordination of
Democratic Opposition or COD (coalition of opposition political
parties opposed to the government including APP, RFD, UFP,
PNDD-ADIL, Alternative or El-Badil); Democratic Renewal or RD
[Moustapha Ould ABDEIDARRAHMANE]; Mauritanian Party for Unity and
Change or HATEM-PMUC [Saleh Ould HANENA]; National Pact for
Democracy and Development or PNDD-ADIL [Yahya Ould Ahmed Ould
WAGHEF] (independents formerly supporting President Abdellahi);
National Rally for Freedom, Democracy and Equality or RNDLE;
National Rally for Reform and Development/RNRD-TAWASSOUL [Mohamed
Jamil MANSOUR] (moderate Islamists); Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih
Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progressive Alliance or APP [Messoud
Ould BOULKHEIR]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould
DADDAH]; Republican Party for Democracy and Renewal or PRDR [Mintata
Mint HDEID]; Socialist and Democratic Unity Party or PUDS; Union for
Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]; Union for the
Republic or UPR; Union of Democratic Center or UCD [Cheikh Sid'Ahmed
Ould BABA]; Union of the Forces for Progress or UFP [Mohamed Ould
MAOULOUD];

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould
MOHAMED, secretary general]; Independent Confederation of
Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory Ould BEYE]; Mauritanian Workers
Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]

other: Arab nationalists; Ba'thists; Islamists

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Lemine EL HAYCEN
chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700 through 5701

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark M. BOULWARE
embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye, Rue 42-100 (between Presidency building and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott
mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott
telephone: [222] 525-2660 through 2663

FAX: [222] 525-1592

Flag description:

green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the gold color stands for the sands of the Sahara

National anthem:

name: "Hymne National de la Republique Islamique de Mauritanie" (National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania)

lyrics/music: Baba Ould CHEIKH/traditional, arranged by Tolia NIKIPROWETZKY
note: adopted 1960; the unique rhythm of the Mauritanian anthem makes it particularly challenging to sing

Economy ::Mauritania

Economy - overview:

Half the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. Before 2000, drought and economic mismanagement resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and nearly all of its foreign debt has since been forgiven. A new investment code approved in December 2001 improved the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Mauritania and the IMF agreed to a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement in 2006. Mauritania made satisfactory progress, but the IMF, World Bank, and other international actors suspended assistance and investment in Mauritania after the August 2008 coup. Since the presidential election in July 2009, donors have resumed assistance. Oil prospects, while initially promising, have largely failed to materialize, and the government has placed a priority on attracting private investment to spur economic growth. The Government also emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of health and education, and privatization of the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $6.476 billion (2009 est.)

$6.542 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.486 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 -1% (2009 est.)

3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $2,100 (2009 est.)

$2,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.5%
industry: 46.7%
services: 40.7% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

1.318 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 135

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%
industry: 10%
services: 40% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 20% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 29.5% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2000) country comparison to the world: 71 37.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 33 12% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; cattle, sheep

Industries:

fish processing, oil production, mining of iron ore, gold, and copper
note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - production:

415.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - consumption:

386.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

16,510 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - exports:

30,620 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - imports:

20,610 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Current account balance:

-$184 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Exports:

$1.395 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 141

Exports - commodities:

iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum

Exports - partners:

China 42.06%, Italy 9.71%, Japan 7.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.16%, Spain 5.63%, Netherlands 4.32% (2009)

Imports:

$1.475 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 163

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 14.3%, Netherlands 10.33%, China 9.94%, Brazil 5.58%, Belgium 4.87%, Germany 4.04%, Spain 4.02% (2009)

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar - 261.5 (2010 est.), 262.4 (2009), 238.2 (2008), 258.6 (2007), 271.3 (2006)

Communications ::Mauritania

Telephones - main lines in use:

74,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 130

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations; mobile-cellular services expanding rapidly
domestic: Mauritel, the national telecommunications company, was privatized in 2001 but remains the monopoly provider of fixed-line services; fixed-line teledensity 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of 70 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional capitals
international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat); optical-fiber and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cables for internet access (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media state-owned; 1 state-run TV and 1 state-run radio network; Television de Mauritanie, the state-run TV station, has an additional 6 regional TV stations that provide local programming (2008)

Internet country code:

.mr

Internet hosts:

23 (2010) country comparison to the world: 216

Internet users:

75,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Transportation ::Mauritania

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 120

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

728 km
standard gauge: 728 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,066 km country comparison to the world: 133 paved: 2,966 km
unpaved: 8,100 km (2006)

Waterways:

some navigation possible on Senegal River (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Nouadhibou, Nouakchott

Military ::Mauritania

Military branches:

Mauritanian Armed Forces: Army, Mauritanian Navy (Marine
Mauritanienne; includes naval infantry), Islamic Air Force of
Mauritania (Force Aerienne Islamique de Mauritanie, FAIM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 2 years; majority of servicemen believed to be volunteers; service in Air Force and Navy is voluntary (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 699,028
females age 16-49: 783,108 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 464,959
females age 16-49: 562,765 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,322
female: 36,035 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 13

Transnational Issues ::Mauritania

Disputes - international:

Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara remain dormant

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Mauritania is a source and destination country for children trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; slavery-related practices, rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships, continue to exist in isolated parts of the country; Mauritanian boys called talibe are trafficked within the country by religious teachers for forced begging; children are also trafficked by street gangs within the country that force them to steal, beg, and sell drugs; girls are trafficked internally for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; women and children from neighboring states are trafficked into Mauritania for purposes of forced begging, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Mauritania does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of overall progress in prosecuting and punishing trafficking offenders, protecting trafficking victims, and preventing new incidents of trafficking during the past year; progress that the previous government demonstrated in 2007 through enactment of strengthened anti-slavery legislation and deepened political will to eliminate slavery and trafficking has stalled; law enforcement efforts to address human trafficking including traditional slavery practices decreased (2009)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Mauritius (Africa)

Introduction ::Mauritius

Background:

Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather, declining sugar prices, and declining textile and apparel production, have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Geography ::Mauritius

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

20 17 S, 57 33 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,040 sq km country comparison to the world: 180 land: 2,030 sq km
water: 10 sq km
note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues

Area - comparative:

almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

177 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Terrain:

small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 49.02%
permanent crops: 2.94%
other: 48.04% (2005)

Irrigated land:

220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.61 cu km/yr (25%/14%/60%)

per capita: 488 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs; home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons, driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species

People ::Mauritius

Population:

1,294,104 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.5% (male 147,136/female 142,121)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 449,176/female 455,057)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 36,309/female 54,465) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.3 years
male: 31.4 years
female: 33.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.751% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Birth rate:

14.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Death rate:

6.63 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Net migration rate:

-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.85 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 142 male: 14.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.25 years country comparison to the world: 99 male: 70.77 years
female: 77.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Nationality:

noun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%

Religions:

Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, Muslim 16.6%, other Christian 8.6%, other 2.5%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English (official; spoken by less than 1% of the population), other 3.7%, unspecified 0.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.4%
male: 88.4%
female: 80.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Government ::Mauritius

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius
conventional short form: Mauritius
local long form: Republic of Mauritius
local short form: Mauritius

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Port Louis
geographic coordinates: 20 09 S, 57 29 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne

Independence:

12 March 1968 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Constitution:

12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7 October 2003); Vice President Monique OHSAN-BELLEPEAU (since 13 November 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5 July 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly
election results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president by unanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (70 seats; 62 members elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the election commission to give representation to various ethnic minorities; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AF 41, MMM 18, MR 2, MSF 1; appointed seats - to be assigned 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of the Future or AF [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM] (governing
coalition - includes MLD, MMSM, MR, MSD, PMXD); Mauritian Labor
Party or MLP [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant Movement
or MMM [Paul BERENGER]; Mauritian Militant Socialist Movement or
MMSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH]; Mauritian Socialist Militant Movement or
MSMM [Madan DULLOO]; Mauritian Solidarity Front [Cehl FAKEERMEEAH];
Mouvement Republicain or MR [Jayarama VALAYDEN]; Parti Mauricien
Xavier Duval or PMXD [Xavier Luc DUVAL]; Rodrigues Movement or MR
[Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples Organization or OPR
[Serge CLAIR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various labor unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, CPLP (associate), FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SAARC (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joyker NAYECK
chancery: 1709 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491 through 1492

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Jo WILLS
embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2450
telephone: [230] 202-4400

FAX: [230] 208-9534

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green; red represents the blood shed for independence, blue the Indian Ocean surrounding the island, yellow has been interpreted as the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright future, and green can symbolize either agriculture or the lush vegetation of the island

National anthem:

name: "Motherland"

lyrics/music: Jean Georges PROSPER/Philippe GENTIL
note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Mauritius

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. The economy rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial services, and is expanding into fish processing, information and communications technology, and hospitality and property development. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 15% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South Africa, and China. Investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion. Mauritius, with its strong textile sector, has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mauritius' sound economic policies and prudent banking practices helped to mitigate negative effects from the global financial crisis in 2008-09. GDP grew 3.6% in 2010 and the country continues to expand its trade and investment outreach around the globe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $16.88 billion (2009 est.)

$16.37 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.427 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 3.1% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $13,100 (2009 est.)

$12,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.8%
industry: 24.6%
services: 70.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

597,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing: 9%
construction and industry: 30%
transportation and communication: 7%
trade, restaurants, hotels: 22%
finance: 6%
other services: 25% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 7.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

8% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 37 (1987 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Public debt:

60.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 62.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 2.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 21.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.889 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 120 $1.906 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.605 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $9.277 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $9.423 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.74 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 $3.443 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.666 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing, mining, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - production:

2.321 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - consumption:

2.158 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - imports:

22,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Current account balance:

-$949 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 -$674.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.041 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $1.942 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 25.55%, France 16.89%, US 9.51%, Italy 5.68%, UAE 5.47%, Belgium 4.93%, Madagascar 4.11% (2009)

Imports:

$3.935 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $3.499 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

India 24.5%, France 14.02%, South Africa 8.55%, China 8.17% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.304 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.043 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $4.474 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Mauritian rupees (MUR) per US dollar - 30.991 (2010), 31.96 (2009), 27.973 (2008), 31.798 (2007), 31.656 (2006)

Communications ::Mauritius

Telephones - main lines in use:

379,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.087 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system with good service
domestic: monopoly over fixed-line services terminated in 2005; fixed-line teledensity roughly 30 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services launched in 1989 with teledensity in 2009 reaching 85 per 100 persons
international: country code - 230; landing point for the SAFE submarine cable that provides links to Asia and South Africa where it connects to the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable that provides further links to parts of East Africa, and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

the government maintains control over TV broadcasting through the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which operates 3 analog and 10 digital TV stations; MBC is a shareholder in a local company that operates 2 pay TV stations; the state retains the largest radio broadcast network with multiple stations; several private radio broadcasters have entered the market since 2001; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mu

Internet hosts:

36,653 (2010) country comparison to the world: 94

Internet users:

290,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Transportation ::Mauritius

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 179

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,066 km country comparison to the world: 172 paved: 2,066 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 136 by type: passenger/cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Port Louis

Military ::Mauritius

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Mauritius Police Force, Special Mobile Force, National Coast Guard (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 343,279 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 279,405
females age 16-49: 283,023 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 10,565
female: 10,447 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Transnational Issues ::Mauritius

Disputes - international:

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius; claims French-administered Tromelin Island

Illicit drugs:

consumer and transshipment point for heroin from South Asia; small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally; significant offshore financial industry creates potential for money laundering, but corruption levels are relatively low and the government appears generally to be committed to regulating its banking industry
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Mayotte (Africa)

Introduction ::Mayotte

Background:

Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence. In March 2009, Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to become France's 101st department - and fifth overseas department - a change scheduled to become official in 2011.

Geography ::Mayotte

Location:

Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 50 S, 45 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 374 sq km country comparison to the world: 204 land: 374 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

185.2 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Terrain:

generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mlima Benara 660 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: NA%
permanent crops: NA%
other: NA%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclones during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)

People ::Mayotte

Population:

231,139 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.3% (male 50,985/female 50,413)

15-64 years: 52.9% (male 63,395/female 54,882)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 2,085/female 2,005) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years
male: 18.1 years
female: 16.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.171% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Birth rate:

38.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Death rate:

7.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 41 male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.28 years country comparison to the world: 174 male: 60.99 years
female: 65.63 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)

adjective: Mahoran

Ethnic groups:

NA

Religions:

Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) 3%

Languages:

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population

Literacy:

86%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Mayotte

Country name:

conventional long form: Department Collectivity of Mayotte
conventional short form: Mayotte

Dependency status:

departmental collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Mamoudzou
geographic coordinates: 12 46 S, 45 13 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Independence:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Hubert DERACHE (since 22 July 2009)

head of government: President of the General Council Ahmed Attoumani DOUCHINA (since March 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term; next election to be held in 2014

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 and 16 March 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 8, Diverse Right 4, independents 4, Citizens and Republic Movement 1, Democratic Movement 1, Diverse Left 1; note - political parties are the same as parties in France
note: Mayotte elects two members of the French Senate; elections last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UC-UDF 1, UMP 1; Mayotte also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Federation of Mahorans or
UMP-RPR [Mansour KAMARDINE]; Force of the Rally and the Alliance for
Democracy or FRAP; Mahoran Popular Movement or MPM [Ahmed MADI];
Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM [Mouhoutar SALIM];
Renewed Communist Party of Mayotte or MRC [Omar SIMBA]; Socialist
Party or PS [Ibrahim ABUBACAR] (local branch of French Parti
Socialiste); Union for French Democracy or UDF [Henri JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

InOC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

unofficial, local flag with the coat of arms of Mayotte centered on a white field, above which the name of the island appears in red capital letters; the main elements of the coat of arms are a blue upper half with white upturned crescent moon and a red lower half with two yellow ylang-ylang flowers, supported on either side by a white seahorse, and set above a scroll with the motto RA HACHIRI (We are Vigilant)

note: the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as an overseas collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Mayotte

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$953.6 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

44,560 (2002) country comparison to the world: 190

Unemployment rate:

25.4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 174

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 49

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra; fish, livestock

Industries:

newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

139.2 million kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 184

Exports:

$6.5 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 213

Exports - commodities:

ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts, coffee, cinnamon

Imports:

$341 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 191

Imports - commodities:

food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, metals, chemicals

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Mayotte

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Telephones - mobile cellular:

48,100 (2005) country comparison to the world: 197

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications
domestic: NA
international: country code - 262; microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communications to Comoros

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Mayotte television and radio station (2008)

Internet country code:

.yt

Internet hosts:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 231

Transportation ::Mayotte

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 216

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dzaoudzi

Military ::Mayotte

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,001
females age 16-49: 36,018 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,627
female: 2,619 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France; a small contingent of French forces is stationed on the island

Transnational Issues ::Mayotte

Disputes - international:

claimed by Comoros
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Mexico (North America)

Introduction ::Mexico

Background:

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The global financial crisis beginning in late 2008 caused another massive economic downturn the following year. As the economy recovers, ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. The elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON. In January 2009, Mexico assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.

Geography ::Mexico

Location:

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 N, 102 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 1,964,375 sq km country comparison to the world: 15 land: 1,943,945 sq km
water: 20,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,353 km
border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Coastline:

9,330 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from tropical to desert

Terrain:

high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m
highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land: 12.66%
permanent crops: 1.28%
other: 86.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

63,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

457.2 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 78.22 cu km/yr (17%/5%/77%)

per capita: 731 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts
volcanism: Mexico experiences volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (elev. 3,850 m, 12,631 ft), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (elev. 5,426 m, 17,802 ft) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana

Environment - current issues:

scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion
note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize), one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated in Mexico

People ::Mexico

Population:

112,468,855 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.1% (male 16,544,223/female 15,861,141)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 34,734,571/female 37,129,793)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 3,130,518/female 3,811,543) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.7 years
male: 25.6 years
female: 27.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.118% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Birth rate:

19.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Death rate:

4.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Net migration rate:

-3.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 106 male: 19.71 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.26 years country comparison to the world: 71 male: 73.45 years
female: 79.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified 13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%, indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.1%
male: 86.9%
female: 85.3% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 82

Government ::Mexico

Country name:

conventional long form: United Mexican States
conventional short form: Mexico
local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
local short form: Mexico

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Mexico City (Distrito Federal)

geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October
note: Mexico is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*
(distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California
Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima,
Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco,
Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca,
Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,
Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,
Yucatan, Zacatecas

Independence:

16 September 1810 (declared); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Constitution:

5 February 1917

Legal system:

mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa (since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa (since 1 December 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior treasury officials require consent of the Senate (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)

election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote - Felipe CALDERON 35.9%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.3%, Roberto MADRAZO 22.3%, other 6.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by popular vote; remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2006 for all of the seats (next to be held on 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held on 1 July 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAN 52, PRI 33, PRD 26, PVEM 6, CD 5, PT 5, independent 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRI 237, PAN 143, PRD 72, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 6, other 8; note - as of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the Senate is: PAN 50, PRI 33, PRD 25, PVEM 6, CD 6, PT 5, independent 3; the current composition of the Chamber of Deputies is: PRI 237, PAN 142, PRD 69, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 8, other 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president with consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence for Democracy or CD [Luis WALTON Aburto]; Institutional
Revolutionary Party or PRI [Beatriz PAREDES Rangel]; Labor Party or
PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]; Mexican Green Ecological Party or PVEM
[Jorge Emilio GONZALEZ Martinez]; National Action Party (Partido
Accion Nacional) or PAN [Gustavo MADERO Munoz]; New Alliance Party
(Partido Nueva Alianza) or PNA/PANAL [Jorge Antonio KAHWAGI Macari];
Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion
Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ORTEGA Martinez]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Businessmen's Coordinating Council or CCE; Confederation of
Employers of the Mexican Republic or COPARMEX; Confederation of
Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN; Confederation of Mexican Workers or
CTM; Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO;
Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations or COECE;
Dialogue for the Reconstruction of Mexico or DIA; Federation of
Unions Providing Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of
Transformation Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant
Confederation or CNC; National Small Business Chamber or CANACOPE;
National Syndicate of Education Workers or SNTE; National Union of
Workers or UNT; Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca or APPO;
Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

APEC, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CSN
(observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-3, G-15, G-24, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR
(observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo SARUKHAN Casamitjana
chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,
Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Raleigh (North Carolina),
Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San
Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Albuquerque, Anchorage (Alaska), Boise (Idaho),
Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Del Rio (Texas),
Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California),
Indianapolis (Indiana), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo (Texas), Las
Vegas, Little Rock (Arkansas), McAllen (Texas), New Orleans, Omaha,
Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),
Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, Santa Ana
(California), Seattle, Tucson, Washington DC, Yuma (Arizona); note -
Washington DC Consular Section located in a separate building from
the Mexican Embassy and has jurisdiction over DC, parts of Virginia,
Maryland, and West Virginia

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos PASCUAL
embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, Distrito Federal
mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-9000
telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000

FAX: [52] (55) 5511-9980
consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana
consulate(s): Merida, Nogales

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle at a location where they would see an eagle on a catus eating a snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City
note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter shades of red and green, and does not have anything in its white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (National Anthem of Mexico)

lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA
note: adopted 1943, in use since 1854; the anthem is also known as "Mexicanos, al grito de Guerra" (Mexicans, to the War Cry); according to tradition, Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA, an accomplished poet, was uninterested in submitting lyrics to a national anthem contest; his fiancee locked him in a room and refused to release him until the lyrics were completed

Economy ::Mexico

Economy - overview:

Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, Mexico's share of US imports has increased from 7% to 12%, and its share of Canadian imports has doubled to 5%. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements. In 2007, during its first year in office, the Felipe CALDERON administration was able to garner support from the opposition to successfully pass pension and fiscal reforms. The administration passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform in 2009. Mexico's GDP plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP posted positive growth of 5% in 2010, with export growth leading the way. The administration continues to face many economic challenges, including improving the public education system, upgrading infrastructure, modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the energy sector. CALDERON has stated that his top economic priorities remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.56 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.485 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.589 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.004 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 -6.5% (2009 est.)

1.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $13,400 (2009 est.)

$14,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 33.3%
services: 62.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

46.99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13.7%
industry: 23.4%
services: 62.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

5.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 5.5% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment may be as high as 25%

Population below poverty line:

18.2% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based poverty amounted to more than 47% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 36.3% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 28 53.1 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Public debt:

41.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 39.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 3.6% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 8.71% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$135.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 25 $119.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$583.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $493 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$342.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $288.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$340.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 24 $232.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$397.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Industries:

food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - production:

245 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - consumption:

181.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - exports:

1.288 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

584 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3.001 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - consumption:

2.078 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - exports:

1.225 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - imports:

521,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - proved reserves:

12.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - production:

60.35 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - consumption:

59.8 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - exports:

688 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - imports:

11.84 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - proved reserves:

359.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Current account balance:

-$7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 -$6.23 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$303 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $229.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

US 80.5%, Canada 3.6%, Germany 1.4% (2009)

Imports:

$306 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $234.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Imports - partners:

US 48%, China 13.5%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$116.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $99.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $204.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $308.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$62.93 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 12.687 (2010), 13.514 (2009), 11.016 (2008), 10.8 (2007), 10.899 (2006)

Communications ::Mexico

Telephones - main lines in use:

19.425 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83.528 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable
domestic: despite the opening to competition in January 1997, Telmex remains dominant; Fixed-line teledensity is less than 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 120 (32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 1 Panamsat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections (2009)

Broadcast media:

large number of television stations and more than 1,400 radio stations, most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and foreign satellite and cable operators are now available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mx

Internet hosts:

12.854 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 9

Internet users:

31.02 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Transportation ::Mexico

Airports:

1,819 (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 250
over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 85

914 to 1,523 m: 83
under 914 m: 40 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,569
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 66

914 to 1,523 m: 438
under 914 m: 1,063 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 22,705 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,875 km; oil 8,688 km; oil/gas/water 228 km; refined products 6,520 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 17,516 km country comparison to the world: 16 standard gauge: 17,516 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 366,095 km country comparison to the world: 17 paved: 132,289 km (includes 6,279 km of expressways)

unpaved: 233,806 km (2008)

Waterways:

2,900 km (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly connected with ports on the country's east coast) (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Merchant marine:

total: 60 country comparison to the world: 65 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 3, chemical tanker 12, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, roll on/roll off 4
foreign-owned: 5 (Denmark 2, Greece 1, South Africa 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 18 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Honduras 1, Marshall Islands 4, Panama 6, Portugal 1, Spain 2, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Salina Cruz,
Veracruz

Military ::Mexico

Military branches:

Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional,
Sedena): Army (Ejercito, includes Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea
Mexicana, FAM)); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina,
Semar): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico, ARM, includes Naval Air
Force (FAN), naval infantry) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; conscripts serve only in the Army; Navy and Air Force service is all voluntary; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 28,475,126
females age 16-49: 30,048,077 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,893,649
females age 16-49: 25,401,642 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,108,032
female: 1,069,885 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Transnational Issues ::Mexico

Disputes - international:

abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 5,500-10,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

major drug-producing nation; cultivation of opium poppy in 2007 rose to 6,900 hectares yielding a potential production of 18 metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin, the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United States; marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons; government conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual cocaine movements toward the US stopping in Mexico; major drug syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the US market (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Micronesia, Federated States of (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Background:

In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Geography ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Location:

Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 55 N, 158 15 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 702 sq km country comparison to the world: 190 land: 702 sq km
water: 0 sq km (fresh water only)

note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6,112 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Terrain:

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Natural resources:

timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 45.71%
other: 48.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

overfishing, climate change, pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

four major island groups totaling 607 islands

People ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Population:

107,154 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 19,010/female 18,411)

15-64 years: 62.3% (male 33,286/female 33,629)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 1,317/female 1,781) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.4 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.284% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Birth rate:

22.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Death rate:

4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Net migration rate:

-21.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 25.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 83 male: 27.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 22.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.23 years country comparison to the world: 132 male: 69.32 years
female: 73.24 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.8 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Ethnic groups:

Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 52.7%, Congregational 40.1%, Baptist 0.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 0.7%, other 3.8%, none or unspecified 0.8% (2000 Census)

Languages:

English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean,
Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89%
male: 91%
female: 88% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

7.3% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 16

Government ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Country name:

conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia
conventional short form: none
local long form: Federated States of Micronesia
local short form: none
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts
abbreviation: FSM

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Capital:

name: Palikir
geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 09 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Independence:

3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Constitution:

10 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establish popular elections for president and vice president failed
election results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of Congress vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress (14 seats; 4 - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms; members elected by popular vote)

elections: last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

no formal parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,
IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yosiwo GEORGE
chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383

FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter A. PRAHAR
embassy: 101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia
mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941
telephone: [691] 320-2187

FAX: [691] 320-2186

Flag description:

light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap

National anthem:

name: "Patriots of Micronesia"

lyrics/music: unknown
note: adopted 1991; the anthem is also known as "Across All Micronesia;" the music is based on the 1820 German patriotic song "Ich hab mich ergeben," which was the West German national anthem from 1949-1950; variants of this tune are used in Johannes Brahms' "Festival Overture" and Gustav Mahler's "Third Symphony"

Economy ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Economy - overview:

Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder development. Under the original terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US provided $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001; the level of aid has been subsequently reduced. The Amended Compact of Free Association with the US guarantees the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) millions of dollars in annual aid through 2023, and establishes a Trust Fund into which the US and the FSM make annual contributions in order to provide annual payouts to the FSM in perpetuity after 2023. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the current slow growth of the private sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$238.1 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 $277 million (2002 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually

GDP (official exchange rate):

$238.1 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

0.3% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $2,300 (2005 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.9%
industry: 15.2%
services: 55.9% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

16,360 (2008) country comparison to the world: 211

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 34.4%
services: 64.7%
note: two-thirds are government employees (FY05 est.)

Unemployment rate:

22% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Population below poverty line:

26.7% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2005) country comparison to the world: 64

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 14.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.02 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 185 $21.21 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$114 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $98 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$65.68 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 180 $43.75 million (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), sakau (kava), Kosraen citrus, betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish

Industries:

tourism, construction; fish processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items (from shell, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

192 million kWh (2002) country comparison to the world: 177

Electricity - consumption:

178.6 million kWh (2002) country comparison to the world: 179

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Current account balance:

-$34.3 million (FY05 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Exports:

$14 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Exports - commodities:

fish, garments, bananas, black pepper, sakau (kava), betel nut

Imports:

$132.7 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 207

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages

Debt - external:

$60.8 million (FY05 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephones - mobile cellular:

38,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system
domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes), satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap
international: country code - 691; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; each state has a multi-channel cable service with television transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local programming; about a half dozen radio stations in operation (2009)

Internet country code:

.fm

Internet hosts:

3,097 (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Transportation ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 170

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 240 km country comparison to the world: 206 paved: 42 km
unpaved: 198 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 140 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Colonia (Tomil Harbor), Lele Harbor, Pohnepi Harbor

Military ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,687 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 21,909
females age 16-49: 23,410 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,270
female: 1,221 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major consumer of cannabis
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Moldova (Europe)

Introduction ::Moldova

Background:

Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of parliamentary votes required to elect a president. Moldova's four opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European Integration (AEI), which acted as Moldova's governing coalition until parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and a new governing coalition could be formed. Moldova experienced significant political uncertainty in 2009 and 2010, holding three general elections (in April 2009, July 2009, and November 2010) and four presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a president.

Geography ::Moldova

Location:

Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 29 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 33,851 sq km country comparison to the world: 139 land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,390 km
border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

moderate winters, warm summers

Terrain:

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m
highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Natural resources:

lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 54.52%
permanent crops: 8.81%
other: 36.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

11.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.31 cu km/yr (10%/58%/33%)

per capita: 549 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

landslides

Environment - current issues:

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

People ::Moldova

Population:

4,317,483 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.9% (male 353,495/female 334,592)

15-64 years: 73.3% (male 1,536,263/female 1,629,882)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 172,070/female 294,446) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35 years
male: 33.1 years
female: 37.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.072% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Birth rate:

11.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Death rate:

10.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Net migration rate:

-1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.77 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 135 male: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 133 male: 67.39 years
female: 75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Nationality:

noun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Ethnic groups:

Moldovan/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz 4.4%,
Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004 census)

note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000)

Languages:

Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language),
Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.1%
male: 99.7%
female: 98.6% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

8.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 9

Government ::Moldova

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Moldova
conventional short form: Moldova
local long form: Republica Moldova
local short form: Moldova
former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Chisinau (Kishinev)

note: pronounced KEE-shee-now
geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 28 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiu), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala)

raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir,
Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari,
Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova,
Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti,
Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni

municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau
autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia
territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

Independence:

27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 29 July 1994; effective 27 August 1994; note - replaced 1979 Soviet constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of resolution; accepts many UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Acting President Marian LUPU (since 30 December 2010)

note: Vladimir VORONIN, president since 4 April 2001, resigned on 11 September 2009; Marian LUPU, the Speaker of Parliament, is serving as acting president until new elections can be held
head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir FILAT (since 25 September 2009)

note: Vladimir Filat resigned on 27 December 2010, but was reappointed on 31 December 2010
cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 4 April 2005, most recent (failed) election held on 10 December 2009); note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; prime minister (re)designated on 31 December 2010; cabinet received a vote of confidence on 14 January 2011
election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president (2005); parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vladimir FILAT (re)designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence - 59 of 101

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; members elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014); note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July 2009) could not agree on a presidential candidate
election results: percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%, PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD 15, PL 12; note - the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition, termed the Alliance for European Integration, has 59 seats; it remains 2 votes short of the 61 needed to elect a new president

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for constitutional judicature)

Political parties and leaders:

represented in Parliament: Communist Party of the Republic of
Moldova or PCRM [Vladimir VORONIN]; Democratic Party or PD [Mihai
LUPU]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLDM [Vladmir FILAT]; Liberal
Party or PL [Mihai GHIMPU]

not represented in Parliament: Christian Democratic People's Party
or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Conservative Party or PC [Natalia NIRCA];
Ecological Party of Moldova "Green Alliance" or PEMAVE [Vladimir
BRAGA]; European Action Movement or MAE [Veaceslav UNTILA]; For
Nation and Country Party or PpNT [Sergiu MOCANU]; Humanist Party of
Moldova or PUM [Valeriu PASAT]; Labor Party or PM [Gheorghe SIMA];
National Liberal Party or PNL [Vitalia PAVLICENKO]; Our Moldova
Alliance or AMN [Serafim URECHEAN]; Patriots of Moldova Party or PPM
[Mihail GARBUZ]; Popular Republican Party or PPR [Nicolae ANDRONIC];
Republican Party of Moldova or PRM [Andrei STRATAN]; Roma Social
Political Movement of the Republic of Moldova or MRRM [Ion BUCUR];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor SELIN]; Social Political
Movement "Equality" or MR [Valeriy KLIMENCO]; United Moldova Party
or PMUEM [Vladimir TURCAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Asif J. CHAUDHRY
embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [373] (22) 40-8300

FAX: [373] (22) 23-3044

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of the flag of Romania - with whom Moldova shares a history and culture - but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag does not display any coat of arms
note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia

National anthem:

name: "Limba noastra" (Our Tongue)

lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA
note: adopted 1994

Economy ::Moldova

Economy - overview:

Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import almost all of its energy supplies. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy was underscored at the end of 2005, when a Russian-owned electrical station in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region cut off power to Moldova and Russia's Gazprom cut off natural gas in disputes over pricing. In January 2009, gas supplies were cut during a dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's decision to ban Moldovan wine and agricultural products, coupled with its decision to double the price Moldova paid for Russian natural gas, have hurt growth. The onset of the global financial crisis and poor economic conditions in Moldova's main foreign markets, caused GDP to fall 6.5% in 2009. Unemployment almost doubled and inflation disappeared - at -0.1%, a record low. Moldova's IMF agreement expired in May 2009. In fall 2009, the IMF allocated $186 million to Moldova to cover its immediate budgetary needs, and the government signed an new agreement with the IMF in January 2010 for a program worth $574 million. In 2010, an upturn in the world economy boosted GDP growth to 3.1% and inflation to 7.3%. Economic reforms have been slow because of corruption and strong political forces backing government controls. Nevertheless, the government's primary goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. The granting of EU trade preferences and increased exports to Russia will encourage higher growth rates, but the agreements are unlikely to serve as a panacea, given the extent to which export success depends on higher quality standards and other factors. The economy has made a modest recovery, but remains vulnerable to political uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic interests, higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors as well as the presence of an illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $10.28 billion (2009 est.)

$10.99 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.357 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 -6.5% (2009 est.)

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.3%
industry: 20.1%
services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.203 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40.6%
industry: 16%
services: 43.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 3.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

29.5% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 28.2% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.2 (2003) country comparison to the world: 95 40.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Public debt:

25% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 25.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -0.1% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.54% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 21.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.221 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.189 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.889 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $2.942 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $2.251 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (2004) country comparison to the world: 103 $573.9 million (2004)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruits, grapes, grain, sugar beets,sunflower seed, tobacco; beef, milk; wine

Industries:

sugar, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - production:

3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - consumption:

4.37 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - exports:

240 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.931 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - consumption:

19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - exports:

36 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - imports:

14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - consumption:

2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - imports:

2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Current account balance:

-$565 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 -$464.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.45 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.332 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Exports - partners:

Russia 23.77%, Italy 14.11%, Romania 12.74%, Germany 6.92%, Turkey 6.08%, Belarus 5.38% (2009)

Imports:

$3.66 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $3.276 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals, textiles

Imports - partners:

Ukraine 19.9%, Romania 15.1%, Russia 14.52%, Germany 8.69%, Italy 5.7%, Belarus 4.38% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $1.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.844 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$1.813 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 12.443 (2010), 11.11 (2009), 10.326 (2008), 12.177 (2007), 13.131 (2006)

Communications ::Moldova

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.139 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.785 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor service outside Chisinau; some modernization is under way
domestic: depending on location, new subscribers may face long wait for service; multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 90 per 100 persons
international: country code - 373; service through Romania and Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3 (Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 television and 2 radio stations; a total of nearly 40 terrestrial TV channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and Romanian channels also are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.md

Internet hosts:

492,181 (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Internet users:

1.333 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Transportation ::Moldova

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,906 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,138 km country comparison to the world: 88 broad gauge: 1,124 km 1.520-m gauge
standard gauge: 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 9,343 km country comparison to the world: 137 paved: 8,810 km
unpaved: 533 km (2008)

Waterways:

558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 83

Merchant marine:

total: 107 country comparison to the world: 48 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 89, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 6
foreign-owned: 63 (Belgium 2, Egypt 5, Greece 4, Israel 4, Lebanon 1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 3, Turkey 18, UK 6, Ukraine 12, Yemen 1) (2010)

Military ::Moldova

Military branches:

National Army: Land Forces Command (includes special forces), Air
Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary service; male registration required at age 16; 12-month service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,150,585
females age 16-49: 1,168,169 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 877,031
females age 16-49: 979,128 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,012
female: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Transnational Issues ::Moldova

Disputes - international:

Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under OSCE supervision

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Moldova is a major source and, to a lesser extent, a transit country for women and girls trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Moldovan women are trafficked to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe; girls and young women are trafficked within the country from rural areas to Chisinau; children are also trafficked to neighboring countries for forced labor and begging; labor trafficking of men to work in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors of Russia is increasingly a problem; according to an ILO report, Moldova's national Bureau of Statistics estimated that there were likely over 25,000 Moldovan victims of trafficking for forced labor in 2008
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Government of Moldova does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite initial efforts to combat trafficking-related complicity since the government's reassessment on the Tier 2 Watch List in September 2008, and increased victim assistance, the government did not demonstrate sufficiently meaningful efforts to curb trafficking-related corruption, which is a government-acknowledged problem in Moldova; the government improved victim protection efforts, deployed more law-enforcement officers in the effort and contributed direct financial assistance toward victim protection and assistance for the first time (2010)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Monaco (Europe)

Introduction ::Monaco

Background:

The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Geography ::Monaco

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 44 N, 7 24 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 2 sq km country comparison to the world: 249 land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 4.4 km
border countries: France 4.4 km

Coastline:

4.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

hilly, rugged, rocky

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air
Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); almost entirely urban

People ::Monaco

Population:

30,586 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.6% (male 2,466/female 2,349)

15-64 years: 62.4% (male 10,184/female 10,395)

65 years and over: 23% (male 3,068/female 4,503) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 48.9 years
male: 48 years
female: 49.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.183% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Birth rate:

7.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Death rate:

8.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Net migration rate:

-0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 1.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 223 male: 2.03 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 89.78 years country comparison to the world: 1 male: 85.81 years
female: 93.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Ethnic groups:

French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Languages:

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 97

Government ::Monaco

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form: Monaco
local long form: Principaute de Monaco
local short form: Monaco

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Monaco
geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Independence:

1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi)

National holiday:

National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)

Constitution:

17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)

head of government: Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%, Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union for
Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco or
UNAM)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen
Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gilles NOGHES
chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: (202) 234-1530

FAX: (202) 244-7656
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red

National anthem:

name: "A Marcia de Muneghu" (The March of Monaco)

lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT
note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is much more commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions

Economy ::Monaco

Economy - overview:

Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$976.3 million (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,000 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%
industry: 4.9%
services: 95.1% (2005)

Labor force:

44,000 country comparison to the world: 191 note: includes workers from all foreign countries (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

0% (2005) country comparison to the world: 1

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2000) country comparison to the world: 54

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

none

Industries:

tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Exports:

$716.3 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 161 note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France

Imports:

$916.1 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 172
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France

Debt - external:

$18 billion (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Monaco

Telephones - main lines in use:

35,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephones - mobile cellular:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100%
international: country code - 377; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system

Broadcast media:

TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; Radio Monte-Carlo has both an Italian-language and a French-language network; a few private radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.mc

Internet hosts:

23,621 (2010) country comparison to the world: 104

Internet users:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Transportation ::Monaco

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 217 paved: 50 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 68 (Bahamas 14, Bermuda 2, Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Liberia 10, Marshall Islands 21, Norway 1, Panama 14, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Vanuatu 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Ports and terminals:

Monaco

Military ::Monaco

Military branches:

no regular military forces; the Palace Guard performs ceremonial duties

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,814 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,680
females age 16-49: 4,691 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 147
female: 133 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Monaco

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Mongolia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Mongolia

Background:

The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through conquest. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and in the late 17th century came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing and a Communist regime was installed in 1924. The modern country of Mongolia, however, represents only part of the Mongols' historical homeland; more ethnic Mongolians live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the People's Republic of China than in Mongolia. Following a peaceful democratic revolution, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996 parliamentary election. The MPRP won an overwhelming majority in the 2000 parliamentary election, but the party lost seats in the 2004 election and shared power with democratic coalition parties from 2004-08. The MPRP regained a solid majority in the 2008 parliamentary elections but nevertheless formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party. In 2010 the MPRP voted to retake the name of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), a name it used in the early 1920s. The prime minister and most cabinet members are MPP members.

Geography ::Mongolia

Location:

Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 1,564,116 sq km country comparison to the world: 19 land: 1,553,556 sq km
water: 10,560 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 8,220 km
border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,543 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)

Terrain:

vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m
highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Natural resources:

oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron

Land use:

arable land: 0.76%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

840 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

34.8 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.44 cu km/yr (20%/27%/52%)

per capita: 166 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms; grassland and forest fires; drought; "zud," which is harsh winter conditions

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar; deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on the environment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

People ::Mongolia

Population:

3,086,918 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 436,391/female 418,923)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 1,031,819/female 1,033,806)

65 years and over: 4% (male 52,430/female 67,773) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years
male: 25.3 years
female: 26.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.495% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Birth rate:

21.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Death rate:

6.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 116

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 38.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 69 male: 41.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.98 years country comparison to the world: 153 male: 65.54 years
female: 70.54 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Nationality:

noun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Ethnic groups:

Mongol (mostly Khalkha) 94.9%, Turkic (mostly Kazakh) 5%, other (including Chinese and Russian) 0.1% (2000)

Religions:

Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim 4%, none 40% (2004)

Languages:

Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 98%
female: 97.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 65

Government ::Mongolia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Mongolia
local long form: none
local short form: Mongol Uls
former: Outer Mongolia

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Ulaanbaatar
geographic coordinates: 47 55 N, 106 55 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1 municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan-Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan (Zavkhan), Govi-Altay, Govisumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Independence:

11 July 1921 (from China)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Constitution:

13 January 1992

Legal system:

blend of Soviet and German systems that employ "continental" or "civil" code; case-precedent may be used to inform judges, but all decisions must refer to the law as written; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29 October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since 20 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 6 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural (parliament) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by State Great Hural
election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.2%, Nambar ENKHBAYAR 47.4%, others 1.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral State Great Hural 76 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms
elections: last held on 29 June 2008 (next to be held in June 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPP 46, DP 27, others 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts; judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts and approved by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [Norov ALTANHUYAG]; Mongolian People's Party or MPP [Sukhbaatar BATBOLD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: human rights groups; women's groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Khasbazar BEKHBAT
chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117

FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan ADDLETON
embassy: Big Ring Road, 11th Micro Region, Ulaanbaatar, 14171 Mongolia
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002; P.O. Box 1021, Ulaanbaatar-13
telephone: [976] (11) 329-095

FAX: [976] (11) 320-776

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol); blue represents the sky, red symbolizes progress and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Mongol ulsyn toriin duulal" (National Anthem of Mongolia)

lyrics/music: Tsendiin DAMDINSUREN/Bilegiin DAMDINSUREN and Luvsanjamts MURJORJ
note: music adopted 1950, lyrics adopted 2006; the anthem's lyrics have been altered on numerous occasions

Economy ::Mongolia

Economy - overview:

Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits, however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper, gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct investment and government revenues. Soviet assistance, at its height one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990 and 1991 at the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. The following decade saw Mongolia endure both deep recession, because of political inaction and natural disasters, as well as economic growth, because of reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization of the formerly state-run economy. Severe winters and summer droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to privatization. Growth averaged nearly 9% per year in 2004-08 largely because of high copper prices and new gold production. In 2008 Mongolia experienced a soaring inflation rate with year-to-year inflation reaching nearly 30% - the highest inflation rate in over a decade. By late 2008, as the country began to feel the effects of the global financial crisis, falling commodity prices helped lower inflation, but also reduced government revenues and forced cuts in spending. In early 2009, the International Monetary Fund reached a $236 million Stand-by Arrangement with Mongolia, and the country has started to move out of the crisis. Although the banking sector remains unstable, the government is now enforcing stricter supervision regulations. In October 2009, the government passed long-awaited legislation on an investment agreement to develop Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine, considered to be one of the world's largest untapped copper deposits. The economy grew an estimated 7% in 2010, largely on the strength of exports to nearby countries, and international reserves reached $1.6 billion in September, an all time high for Mongolia. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily influenced by its neighbors. Mongolia purchases 95% of its petroleum products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia, leaving it vulnerable to price increases. Trade with China represents more than half of Mongolia's total external trade - China receives about two-thirds of Mongolia's exports. Remittances from Mongolians working abroad are sizable, but have fallen due to the economic crisis; money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and seeks to expand its participation in regional economic and trade regimes.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.16 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $9.5 billion (2009 est.)

$9.654 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.807 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -1.6% (2009 est.)

8.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $3,100 (2009 est.)

$3,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 29.5%
services: 49.3% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

1.068 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 141

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%
industry: 5%
services: 61% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

2.8% (2008) country comparison to the world: 22 3% (2007)

Population below poverty line:

36.1% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 24.9% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.8 (2002) country comparison to the world: 97 44 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 28% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.82% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 22 14.78% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

21.67% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 20.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$451.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $510.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.996 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.791 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.664 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $1.183 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$430.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 105 $407 million (31 December 2008)

$612.2 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, vegetables, forage crops; sheep, goats, cattle, camels, horses

Industries:

construction and construction materials; mining (coal, copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural fiber manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - production:

4.03 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - consumption:

3.439 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - exports:

21.2 million kWh (2009)

Electricity - imports:

186.1 million kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

5,100 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - exports:

5,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Current account balance:

-$228.7 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 -$710 million (2008 est.)

Exports:

$1.902 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.539 billion (2008)

Exports - commodities:

copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals, coal

Exports - partners:

China 78.52%, Canada 9.46%, Russia 3.02% (2009)

Imports:

$2.131 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 150 $3.224 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Imports - partners:

China 35.99%, Russia 31.56%, South Korea 7.08%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.86 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.6 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

togrog/tugriks (MNT) per US dollar - 1,442.8 (2009), 1,267.51 (2008), 1,170 (2007), 1,165 (2006)

Communications ::Mongolia

Telephones - main lines in use:

188,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 125

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.249 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Telephone system:

general assessment: network is improving with international direct dialing available in many areas; a fiber-optic network has been installed that is improving broadband and communication services between major urban centers with multiple companies providing inter-city fiber-optic cable services
domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity; there are multiple mobile- cellular providers and subscribership is increasing rapidly;
international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7

Broadcast media:

following a law passed in 2005, Mongolia's state-run radio and TV provider converted to a public service provider; also available are private radio and TV broadcasters, as well as multi-channel satellite and cable TV providers; more than 100 radio stations, including some 20 via repeaters for the public broadcaster; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.mn

Internet hosts:

7,942 (2010) country comparison to the world: 134

Internet users:

330,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 125

Transportation ::Mongolia

Airports:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 94

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 14
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,810 km country comparison to the world: 76 broad gauge: 1,810 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 49,250 km country comparison to the world: 82 paved: 2,824 km
unpaved: 46,426 km (includes 1,994 km with gravel surface and 1,874 km with improved surface) (2009)

Waterways:

580 km country comparison to the world: 82 note: only waterway in operation is Lake Hovsgol (135 km); Selenge River (270 km) and Orhon River (175 km) are navigable but carry little traffic; lakes and rivers freeze in winter, are open from May to September (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 58 country comparison to the world: 67 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 29, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 44 (Indonesia 2, North Korea 1, Russia 4, Singapore 1, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, Vietnam 34) (2010)

Military ::Mongolia

Military branches:

Mongolian Armed Forces: Mongolian Army, Mongolian Air Force; there is no navy (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months in land or air defense forces or police; a small portion of Mongolian land forces (2.5 percent) is comprised of contract soldiers; women cannot be deployed overseas for military operations (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 887,059
females age 16-49: 880,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 715,585
females age 16-49: 748,083 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 29,240
female: 28,156 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 106

Transnational Issues ::Mongolia

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Montenegro (Europe)

Introduction ::Montenegro

Background:

The use of the name Montenegro began in the 15th century when the Crnojevic dynasty began to rule the Serbian principality of Zeta; over subsequent centuries Montenegro was able to maintain its independence from the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro became a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it was transformed into a secular principality. After World War I, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929; at the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro federated with Serbia, first as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, in a looser union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU - allowing Montenegro to formally declare its independence on 3 June 2006.

Geography ::Montenegro

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia

Geographic coordinates:

42 30 N, 19 18 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 13,812 sq km country comparison to the world: 161 land: 13,452 sq km
water: 360 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 625 km
border countries: Albania 172 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 225 km, Croatia 25 km, Kosovo 79 km, Serbia 124 km

Coastline:

293.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: defined by treaty

Climate:

Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Terrain:

highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, hydroelectricity

Land use:

arable land: 13.7%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 85.3%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along the Adriatic coast

People ::Montenegro

Population:

666,730 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16% (male 52,645/female 54,846)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 244,949/female 227,794)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 37,217/female 54,729) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.2 years
male: 35.9 years
female: 38.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.777% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 229

Birth rate:

11.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Death rate:

8.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin

Ethnic groups:

Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other
(Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12% (2003 census)

Religions:

Orthodox 74.2%, Muslim 17.7%, Catholic 3.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 3%, atheist 1% (2003 census)

Languages:

Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%, Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2003 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Montenegro

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montenegro
local long form: none
local short form: Crna Gora
former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Podgorica
geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

21 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina); Andrijevica, Bar,
Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi,
Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pljevlja, Pluzine,
Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Ulcinj, Zabljak

Independence:

3 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

National holiday:

National Day, 13 July (1878)

Constitution:

approved 19 October 2007 (by the Assembly)

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 6 April 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Igor LUKSIC (since 29 December 2010)

cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 April 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president, accepted by Assembly
election results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; Filip VUJANOVIC 51.9%, Andrija MANDIC 19.6%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.6%, Srdan MILIC 11.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly (81 seats; members elected by direct vote to serve four-year terms; note - seats increased from 74 seats in 2006)

elections: last held on 29 March 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Coalition for European Montenegro 51.94%, SNP 16.83%, NOVA 9.22%, PZP 6.03%, other (including Albanian minority parties) 15.98%; seats by party - Coalition for European Montenegro 48, SNP 16, NOVA 8, PZP 5, Albanian minority parties 4

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (five judges serve nine-year terms); Supreme
Court (judges have life tenure)

Political parties and leaders:

Albanian Alternative or AA [Vesel SINISHTAJ]; Coalition for European
Montenegro (bloc) [Milo DJUKANOVIC] (includes Democratic Party of
Socialists or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC], Social Democratic Party or SDP
[Ranko KRIVOKAPIC], Bosniak Party of BS [Rafet HUSOVIC], and
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Marija VUCINOVIC); Coalition
SNP-NS-DSS (bloc) (includes Socialist People's Party or SNP [Srdjan
MILIC], People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC], and
Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]);
Democratic League-Party of Democratic Prosperity or SPP [Mehmet
BARDHIJ]; Democratic Union of Albanians or DUA [Ferhat DINOSHA]; For
a Different Montenegro (bloc) [Goran BATRICEVIC] (includes
Democratic Center or DC [Goran BATRICEVIC] and Liberal Party of
Montenegro or LP [Miodrag ZIVKOVIC]); FORCA [Nazif CUNGU]; Movement
for Changes or PZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]; National Coalition (includes
People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC] and Democratic
Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]); New Serb
Democracy or NOVA [Andrija MANDIC]; Socialist People's Party of
Montenegro or SNP [Srdjan MILIC]

International organization participation:

CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Srdjan DARMANOVIC
chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Benjamin LOWENTHAL
embassy: Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [382] 81 225 417

FAX: [382] 81 241 358

Flag description:

a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a blue sky; the lion is symbol of episcopal authority and harks back to the three and a half centuries that Montenegro was ruled as a theocracy

National anthem:

name: "Oj, svijetla majska zoro" (Oh, Bright Dawn of May)

lyrics/music: Sekula DRLJEVIC/unknown, arranged by Zarko MIKOVIC
note: adopted 2004; the anthem's music is based on a Montenegrin folk song

Economy ::Montenegro

Economy - overview:

Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and maintained its own central bank, adopted the Deutchmark, then the euro - rather than the Yugoslav dinar - as official currency, collected customs tariffs, and managed its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate membership in several international financial institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In January 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization and signed a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European Union in October 2007. The European Council granted candidate country status to Montenegro at the December 2010 session. Unemployment and regional disparities in development are key political and economic problems. Montenegro has privatized its large aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism sector. The global financial crisis has had a significant negative impact on the economy, due to the ongoing credit crunch, a decline in the real estate sector, and a fall in aluminum exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.569 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $6.689 billion (2009 est.)

$7.093 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.884 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 -5.7% (2009 est.)

6.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $10,000 (2009 est.)

$10,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

259,100 (2004) country comparison to the world: 166

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%
industry: 30%
services: 68% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Population below poverty line:

7% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (2003) country comparison to the world: 113

Investment (gross fixed):

30.5% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Public debt:

38% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 79

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2007) country comparison to the world: 101

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.36% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 9.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$816.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.172 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$1.406 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 149 $1.446 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.29 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $3.771 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.289 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 89 $2.863 billion (31 December 2008)

$3.699 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, potatoes, citrus fruits, olives, grapes; sheep

Industries:

steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism

Electricity - production:

2.864 billion kWh (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - consumption:

18.6 million kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2005)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2005)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - exports:

314 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - imports:

6,093 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - consumption:

NA cu m

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Current account balance:

-$1.102 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exports:

$171.3 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 182

Exports - partners:

Italy 29.52%, Greece 22.65%, Slovenia 11.83%, Hungary 8.96%, US 7.93% (2009)

Imports:

$601.7 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 184

Imports - partners:

Italy 17.54%, Slovenia 14.62%, Germany 10.5%, Austria 7.82%, China 7.82%, Russia 4.4%, Hungary 4.11%, Greece 4.11%, Netherlands 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$650 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 156

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Montenegro

Telephones - main lines in use:

366,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Telephones - mobile cellular:

752,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern telecommunications system with access to European satellites
domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing
international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system

Broadcast media:

state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial television networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio networks; roughly a dozen privately-owned TV broadcasters operate networks nationally, regionally, and locally; in addition to the 2 state-owned national radio networks, roughly 50 privately-owned radio stations and networks broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.me

Internet hosts:

6,247 (2010) country comparison to the world: 137

Internet users:

280,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Transportation ::Montenegro

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 182

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 250 km country comparison to the world: 125 standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 169 km) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 7,404 km country comparison to the world: 146 paved: 4,927 km
unpaved: 2,477 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 144 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1
registered in other countries: 5 (Bahamas 2, Honduras 2, Slovakia 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bar

Military ::Montenegro

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: Army, Navy, Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

compulsory national military service abolished August 2006

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 151,798
females age 16-49: 134,267 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,407
female: 3,741 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Montenegro

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,000 (Kosovo); note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999

IDPs: 16,192 (ethnic conflict in 1999 and riots in 2004) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Montserrat (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Montserrat

Background:

English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Geography ::Montserrat

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

16 45 N, 62 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 102 sq km country comparison to the world: 225 land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Environment - current issues:

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Geography - note:

the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages

People ::Montserrat

Population:

5,118 country comparison to the world: 229 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.6% (male 731/female 678)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,599/female 1,738)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 232/female 119) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.1 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.391% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Birth rate:

11.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Death rate:

7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 115

Urbanization:

urban population: 14% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.033 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 119 male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.91 years country comparison to the world: 119 male: 74.82 years
female: 70.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Montserratian(s)

adjective: Montserratian

Ethnic groups:

black, white

Religions:

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day
Adventist, other Christian denominations

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 138

Government ::Montserrat

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Plymouth
geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Administrative divisions:

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

effective 19 December 1989

Legal system:

English common law and statutory law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July 2007)

head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and financial secretary sit as ex-officio members)

elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia, one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS]; Movement for
Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY]; New People's
Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Montserrat

Economy - overview:

Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain uninhabitable for another decade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

-1% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,400 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 23.1%
services: 75.7% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

6% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 67 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 9.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$14.13 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 188 $14.51 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$69.63 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 186 $62.13 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$9.93 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $5.537 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products

Industries:

tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - consumption:

20.46 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - imports:

521 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Exports:

$700,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Exports - commodities:

electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Imports:

$17 million (2001); $17 million country comparison to the world: 219

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Debt - external:

$8.9 million (1997) country comparison to the world: 191

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Montserrat

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and fully digitalized
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone systems available
international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Broadcast media:

Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.ms

Internet hosts:

552 (2010) country comparison to the world: 177

Internet users:

1,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Transportation ::Montserrat

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 205

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built in the north end of the island (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Little Bay, Plymouth

Military ::Montserrat

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,339 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,127
females age 16-49: 1,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 38
female: 36 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Montserrat

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Morocco (Africa)

Introduction ::Morocco

Background:

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, established a sultanate in Morocco beginning in the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of King. Morocco annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Under King MOHAMMED VI - who in 1999 succeeded his father to the throne - human rights have improved. Morocco enjoys a moderately free press, but the government occasionally takes action against journalists who report on three broad subjects considered to be taboo: the monarchy, Islam, and the status of Western Sahara. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Geography ::Morocco

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 446,550 sq km country comparison to the world: 57 land: 446,300 sq km
water: 250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 2,017.9 km
border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

1,835 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Terrain:

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m
highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 2%
other: 79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

29 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.6 cu km/yr (10%/3%/87%)

per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

People ::Morocco

Population:

31,627,428 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.7% (male 4,548,808/female 4,418,768)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 10,009,928/female 10,437,103)

65 years and over: 6% (male 851,190/female 1,019,377) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years
male: 25.9 years
female: 27 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.077% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Birth rate:

19.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Death rate:

4.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Net migration rate:

-3.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Urbanization:

urban population: 56% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 76 male: 33.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.69 years country comparison to the world: 77 male: 72.63 years
female: 78.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.23 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Nationality:

noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions:

Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 52.3%
male: 65.7%
female: 39.6% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 40

Government ::Morocco

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco
conventional short form: Morocco
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
local short form: Al Maghrib

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Rabat
geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 regions; Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Doukkala-Abda,
Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara,
Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz,
Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer,
Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al
Hoceima-Taounate

note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political status of which is considered undetermined by the US Government; portions of the regions Guelmim-Es Smara and Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra as claimed by Morocco lie within Western Sahara; Morocco also claims Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, another region that falls entirely within Western Sahara

Independence:

2 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)

Constitution:

10 March 1972; revised 4 September 1992, amended September 1996
note: the amendment of September 1996 was to create a bicameral legislature

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law systems; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19 September 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Chamber of Counselors (or upper house) (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates to serve nine-year terms; one-third of the members are elected every three years) and Chamber of Representatives (or lower house) (325 seats; 295 members elected by multi-seat constituencies and 30 from national lists of women; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held on 3 October 2009 (next to be held in 2012); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 7 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PI 52, PJD 46, MP 41, RNI 39, USFP 38, UC 27, PPS 17, FFD 9, MDS 9, Al Ahd 8, other 39

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the
Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI]; Al Ahd (The Covenant)
Party [Najib EL OUAZZANI]; Alliance des Libert'es (Alliance of
Liberty) or ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or An-Nahj
[Abdellah EL HARIF]; Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM
[Mohamed Cheikh BIADILLAH, Secretary General]; Choura et Istiqlal
(Consultation and Independence) Party or PCI [Abdelwahed MAACH];
Citizens' Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI]; Citizenship and
Development Initiative or ICD [Mohamed BENHAMOU]; Constitutional
Union Party or UC [Mohammed ABIED]; Democratic and Social Movement
or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE]; Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Touhami EL
KHIARI]; Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party or PADS [Ahmed
BENJELLOUN]; Democratic Society Party or PSD [Zhor CHEKKAFI];
Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN]; Environment and Development
Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI
[Abbas EL FASSI]; Justice and Development Party or PJD [Abdelilah
BENKIRANE]; Labor Party or PT [Abdelkrim BENATIK]; Moroccan Liberal
Party or PML [Mohamed ZIANE]; National Democratic Party or PND
[Abdallah KADIRI]; National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI
[Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National Popular Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi
AHERDANE]; National Rally of Independents or RNI [Mustapha EL
MANSOURI]; National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP [Abdellah
IBRAHIM]; Popular Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Progress and
Socialism Party or PPS [Ismail ALAOUI]; Reform and Development Party
or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV
[Mohamed KHALIDI]; Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR];
Social Center Party or PSC [Lahcen MADIH]; Socialist Democratic
Party or PSD [Aissa OUARDIGHI]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or
USFP [Abdelwahed RADI]; Unified Socialist Left Party or PGSU
[Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI]; General
Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL]; Moroccan
Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National Labor Union
of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan Workers or
UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris
Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR
chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Samuel L. KAPLAN
embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat
mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718
telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65

FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61
consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Flag description:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates to 1912

National anthem:

name: "Hymne Cherifien" (Hymn of the Sharif)

lyrics/music: Ali Squalli HOUSSAINI/Leo MORGAN
note: music adopted 1956, lyrics adopted 1970

Economy ::Morocco

Economy - overview:

Morocco's market economy benefits from the country's relatively low labor costs and proximity to Europe, which aid key areas of the economy such as agriculture, light manufacturing, tourism, and remittances. Morocco is also the world's largest exporter of phosphate, which has long provided a source of export earnings and economic stability. Economic policies pursued since 2003 by King MOHAMMED VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the country with generally low inflation, improved financial performance, and steady progress in developing the service and industrial sectors. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU. However, poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment rates remain high. In response to these challenges, King MOHAMMED in 2005 launched a National Initiative for Human Development, a $2 billion program aimed at alleviating poverty and underdevelopment by expanding electricity to rural areas and replacing urban slums with public and subsidized housing, among other policies. Morocco's trade and budget deficits widened in 2010, and reducing govenment spending and adapting to sluggish economic growth in Europe will be challenges in 2011. Morocco's long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for young Moroccans, closing the disparity in wealth between the rich and the poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and diversifying exports beyond phosphates and low-value-added products.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$153.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $147.6 billion (2009 est.)

$140.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$91.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 4.9% (2009 est.)

5.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.1%
industry: 31.6%
services: 51.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.63 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 44.6%
industry: 19.8%
services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 9.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 33.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.9 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 39.5 (1999 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Public debt:

58.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 56.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.31% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 112 3.32% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.5% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$67.33 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 40 $64.58 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$108.7 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 $99.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$93.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $91.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$62.91 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 46 $65.75 billion (31 December 2008)

$75.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives; livestock; wine

Industries:

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - production:

19.78 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - consumption:

20.78 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.429 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

4,053 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - consumption:

187,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - exports:

17,420 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - imports:

195,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - production:

60 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - consumption:

560 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - imports:

500 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.501 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Current account balance:

-$7.922 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 -$4.958 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$14.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $13.92 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and textiles, electric components, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish

Exports - partners:

Spain 22.02%, France 20.22%, India 4.91%, Italy 4% (2009)

Imports:

$34.19 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $30.55 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Imports - partners:

France 16.95%, Spain 14.72%, China 7.1%, Italy 6.76%, Germany 6.28%,
US 5.66%, Saudi Arabia 5.11% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$24.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$22.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $21.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$42.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $40.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $1.333 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2010), 8.0571 (2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Communications ::Morocco

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.516 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25.311 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat; national network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio relay; Internet available but expensive
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership approached 75 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Euroafrica, Spain-Morocco, and SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optical telecommunications undersea cables that provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable link from Agadir to Algeria and Tunisia (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 television broadcast networks with state-run Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one; the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in addition to its national service (2007)

Internet country code:

.ma

Internet hosts:

277,793 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Internet users:

13.213 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Transportation ::Morocco

Airports:

58 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 32
over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 830 km; oil 439 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,907 km country comparison to the world: 74 standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 57,625 km country comparison to the world: 79 paved: 35,664 km (includes 639 km of expressways)

unpaved: 21,961 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 30 country comparison to the world: 84 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 7, passenger/cargo 15, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 6 (France 4, Germany 2)

registered in other countries: 5 (Gibraltar 4, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammedia, Safi, Tangier

Military ::Morocco

Military branches:

Royal Armed Forces (Forces Armees Royales, FAR): Royal Moroccan Army
(includes Air Defense), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes Coast Guard,
Marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force (Al Quwwat al Jawyiya al Malakiya
Marakishiya; Force Aerienne Royale Marocaine) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; service obligation - 18 months (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,167,760
females age 16-49: 8,599,418 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,960,026
females age 16-49: 7,307,491 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 300,262
female: 298,227 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5% of GDP (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Transnational Issues ::Morocco

Disputes - international:

claims and administers Western Sahara whose sovereignty remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa

Illicit drugs:

one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; significant consumer of cannabis
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Mozambique (Africa)

Introduction ::Mozambique

Background:

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Geography ::Mozambique

Location:

Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South
Africa and Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 799,380 sq km country comparison to the world: 35 land: 786,380 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,571 km
border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Coastline:

2,470 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical to subtropical

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Natural resources:

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Land use:

arable land: 5.43%
permanent crops: 0.29%
other: 94.28% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,180 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

216 cu km (1992)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.63 cu km/yr (11%/2%/87%)

per capita: 32 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces

Environment - current issues:

a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant poaching for ivory is a problem

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country

People ::Mozambique

Population:

22,061,451 country comparison to the world: 52 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997 Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.3% (male 4,829,272/female 4,773,209)

15-64 years: 52.8% (male 5,605,227/female 5,842,679)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 257,119/female 361,772) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years
male: 17.1 years
female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.797% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Birth rate:

37.8 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Death rate:

19.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 114

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.017 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 103.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 6 male: 106.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 101.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 41.37 years country comparison to the world: 222 male: 42.05 years
female: 40.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.13 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

12.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.5 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

81,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Ethnic groups:

African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Religions:

Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%, other 17.8%, none 23.1% (1997 census)

Languages:

Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47.8%
male: 63.5%
female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 70

Government ::Mozambique

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique
conventional short form: Mozambique
local long form: Republica de Mocambique
local short form: Mocambique
former: Portuguese East Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Maputo
geographic coordinates: 25 57 S, 32 35 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city (cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Independence:

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Constitution:

30 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2 February 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Aires Bonifacio ALI (since 16 January 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Armando GUEBUZA reelected president; percent of vote - Armando GUEBUZA 76.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 14.9%, Daviz SIMANGO 8.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 74.7%, RENAMO 17.7%, MDM 3.9%, other 3.7%; seats by party - FRELIMO 191, RENAMO 51, MDM 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its professional judges are appointed by the president, and some are elected by the Assembly); other courts include an Administrative Court, Constitutional Court, customs courts, maritime courts, courts marshal, labor courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico de
Mocambique) or MDM [Daviz SIMANGO]; Front for the Liberation of
Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Armando
Emilio GUEBUZA]; Mozambique National Resistance (Resistencia
Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Afonso DHLAKAMA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga Mocambicana dos Direitos
Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Amelia Matos SUMBANA
chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146

FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie V. ROWE
embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo
mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo
telephone: [258] (21) 492797

FAX: [258] (21) 490114

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and the star represents Marxism and internationalism

National anthem:

name: "Patria Amada" (Lovely Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Salomao J. MANHICA/unknown
note: adopted 2002

Economy ::Mozambique

Economy - overview:

At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal civil war from 1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, have led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth rate. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance for more than half of its annual budget, and the majority of the population remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture continues to employ the vast majority of the country's work force and smallholder agricultural productivity and productivity growth is weak. A substantial trade imbalance persists although the opening of the Mozal aluminum smelter, the country's largest foreign investment project to date, has increased export earnings. At the end of 2007, and after years of negotiations, the government took over Portugal's majority share of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectricity (HCB) company, a dam that was not transferred to Mozambique at independence because of the ensuing civil war and unpaid debts. More power is needed for additional investment projects in titanium extraction and processing and garment manufacturing that could further close the import/export gap. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is now at a manageable level. In July 2007 the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a Compact with Mozambique; the Compact entered into force in September 2008 and will continue for five years. Compact projects will focus on improving sanitation, roads, agriculture, and the business regulation environment in an effort to spur economic growth in the four northern provinces of the country. Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 9% in the decade up to 2007, one of Africa's strongest performances. However, heavy reliance on aluminum, which accounts for about one-third of exports, subjects the economy to volatile international prices. The sharp decline in aluminum prices during the global economic crisis lowered GDP growth by several percentage points. Despite 8.3% GDP growth in 2010, the increasing cost of living prompted citizens to riot in September 2010, after bread price increases were announced. In an attempt to contain the cost of living, the government implemented subsidies, decreased taxes and tariffs, and instituted other fiscal measures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.19 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $20.49 billion (2009 est.)

$19.28 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.21 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 6.3% (2009 est.)

6.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.8%
industry: 26%
services: 45.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.87 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 81%
industry: 6%
services: 13% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Population below poverty line:

70% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 39.2% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.3 (2002) country comparison to the world: 33 39.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 33.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.95% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 48 9.95% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 18.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.657 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 114 $2.812 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.803 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $4.074 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $2.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry

Industries:

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - production:

15.91 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - consumption:

10.16 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - exports:

11.82 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.278 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - consumption:

18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - imports:

13,760 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - production:

3.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - consumption:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - exports:

3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - proved reserves:

127.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Current account balance:

-$1.028 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 -$866 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.517 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.947 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 47.62%, South Africa 11.6% (2009)

Imports:

$3.527 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $3.059 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

South Africa 33.54%, Netherlands 8.42%, India 5.93%, China 4.24% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $1.829 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $4.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

meticais (MZM) per US dollar - 35 (2010), 26.283 (2009), 24.125 (2008), 26.264 (2007), 25.4 (2006)

Communications ::Mozambique

Telephones - main lines in use:

82,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Telephone system:

general assessment: a fair telecommunications system that is shackled with a heavy state presence, lack of competition, and high operating costs and charges
domestic: stagnation in the fixed-line network contrasts with rapid growth in the mobile-cellular network; mobile-cellular coverage now includes all the main cities and key roads, including those from Maputo to the South African and Swaziland borders, the national highway through Gaza and Inhambane provinces, the Beira corridor, and from Nampula to Nacala; extremely low fixed-line teledensity; despite significant growth in mobile-cellular services, teledensity remains low at about 25 per 100 persons
international: country code - 258; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); landing point for the SEACOM fiber-optic cable

Broadcast media:

1 state-run TV station supplemented by private TV station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple languages; a number of privately-owned and community-operated stations also broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mz

Internet hosts:

21,172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Internet users:

613,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Transportation ::Mozambique

Airports:

106 (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 83

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 39 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 918 km; refined products 278 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,787 km country comparison to the world: 37 narrow gauge: 4,787 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 30,400 km country comparison to the world: 97 paved: 5,685 km
unpaved: 24,715 km (2000)

Waterways:

460 km (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora Bassa Lake) (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 145 by type: cargo 2
foreign-owned: 2 (Belgium 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Beira, Maputo, Nacala

Military ::Mozambique

Military branches:

Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM): Mozambique Army, Mozambique
Navy (Marinha de Guerra, MdG), Mozambique Air Force (Forca Aerea de
Mocambique, FAM) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

registration for military service is mandatory for all males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or enlisted (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,787,832 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,448,161
females age 16-49: 2,269,562 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 272,922
female: 272,062 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Transnational Issues ::Mozambique

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

southern African transit point for South Asian hashish and heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for the European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for local consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa); corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Namibia (Africa)

Introduction ::Namibia

Background:

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won independence in 1990. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule. POHAMBA was reelected in November 2009.

Geography ::Namibia

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 824,292 sq km country comparison to the world: 34 land: 823,290 sq km
water: 1,002 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 3,936 km
border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km

Coastline:

1,572 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Terrain:

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish
note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.99%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

80 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

45.5 cu km (1991)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (24%/5%/71%)

per capita: 148 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged periods of drought

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; desertification; wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

People ::Namibia

Population:

2,128,471 country comparison to the world: 142 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.9% (male 381,904/female 375,059)

15-64 years: 60.2% (male 641,995/female 627,146)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 36,894/female 45,667) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.4 years
male: 21.3 years
female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.909% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Birth rate:

21.82 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Death rate:

12.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Net migration rate:

0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 45.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 57 male: 48.89 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.95 years country comparison to the world: 210 male: 52.25 years
female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.57 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Ethnic groups:

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%
note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Religions:

Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

Languages:

English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages 1% (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 85%
male: 86.8%
female: 83.5% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 23

Government ::Namibia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Namibia
conventional short form: Namibia
local long form: Republic of Namibia
local short form: Namibia
former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Windhoek
geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Independence:

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Constitution:

ratified 9 February 1990, effective 12 March 1990

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27-28 November 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%, Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%, Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the National Council, primarily an advisory body (26 seats; two members chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms), and the National Assembly (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 29-30 November 2004 (next to be held on 26-27 November 2010); National Assembly - last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 89.7%, UDF 4.7%, NUDO 2.8%, DTA 1.9%, other 0.9%; seats by party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%, APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party - SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, RP 1, COD 1, SWANU 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI]; Congress of
Democrats or COD [Benjamin ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of
Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurie
VILJOEN]; National Democratic Movement for Change or NamDMC;
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Kuaima RIRUAKO];
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Hidipo HAMUTENYA];
Republican Party or RP [Hendrick MUDGE]; South West Africa National
Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA]; South West Africa People's
Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA]; United Democratic Front
or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Earthlife Namibia [Berthchen KOHRS] (environmentalist group);
National Society for Human Rights or NSHR; The World Information
Services of Energy or WISE (group against nuclear power)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin ANDJABA
chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise MATHIEU
embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek
mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek
telephone: [264] (61) 295-8500

FAX: [264] (61) 295-8603

Flag description:

a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a yellow, 12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain; the yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources

National anthem:

name: "Namibia, Land of the Brave"

lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB
note: adopted 1991

Economy ::Namibia

Economy - overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 8% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the population while about 35-40% of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides one of the world's most unequal income distributions, as shown by Namibia's GINI coefficient. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Until 2010, Namibia drew 40% of its budget revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Increased payments from SACU put Namibia's budget into surplus in 2007 for the first time since independence. SACU allotments to Namibia increased in 2009, but will drop for 2010 and 2011 because South Africa went into recession during the global economic crisis, reducing overall SACU income. Increased fish production and mining of zinc, copper, uranium, and silver spurred growth in 2003-08, but growth in recent years was undercut by poor fish catches, higher costs of producing metals, and the global recession.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.64 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $14.06 billion (2009 est.)

$14.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.45 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 -0.8% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $6,700 (2009 est.)

$6,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%
industry: 32.7%
services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

729,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 16.3%
industry: 22.4%
services: 61.3% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

51.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 36.7% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

55.8%
note: the UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report indicated that 34.9% of the population live on $1 per day and 55.8% live on $2 per day (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 53% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

70.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 1

Investment (gross fixed):

24% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Public debt:

20% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 15.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 8.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 47 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 13.74% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.049 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 109 $2.495 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.756 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $3.691 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.122 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.041 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$846.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $618.7 million (31 December 2008)

$702 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Industries:

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - production:

1.491 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - consumption:

2.845 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - exports:

40 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - consumption:

22,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - imports:

19,120 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - proved reserves:

62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Current account balance:

-$187 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 -$160.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.277 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.535 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle, processed fish, karakul skins

Imports:

$5.152 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $4.519 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.961 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $2.051 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.175 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4234 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.18 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Communications ::Namibia

Telephones - main lines in use:

142,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.217 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers and connections are now digital
domestic: multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of nearly 60 telephones per 100 persons; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 per 100 persons
international: country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East (SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 private and 1 state-run television station; satellite and cable TV service is available; state-run radio service broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations operating; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.na

Internet hosts:

76,020 (2010) country comparison to the world: 80

Internet users:

127,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Transportation ::Namibia

Airports:

129 (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 108

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 71
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Railways:

total: 2,629 km country comparison to the world: 65 narrow gauge: 2,629 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 64,189 km country comparison to the world: 72 paved: 5,477 km
unpaved: 58,712 km (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 156 by type: cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Military ::Namibia

Military branches:

Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 554,531 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 341,783
females age 16-49: 304,496 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 26,152
female: 25,790 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 31

Transnational Issues ::Namibia

Disputes - international:

concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia border; managed dispute with South Africa over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 4,700 (Angola) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Nauru (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Nauru

Background:

The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888. Its phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic.

Geography ::Nauru

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall
Islands

Geographic coordinates:

0 32 S, 166 55 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 21 sq km country comparison to the world: 239 land: 21 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

30 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)

Terrain:

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation along plateau rim 61 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and
Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

People ::Nauru

Population:

9,267 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 2,482/female 2,384)

15-64 years: 63.2% (male 4,362/female 4,495)

65 years and over: 2.1% (male 151/female 145) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.8 years
male: 24 years
female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.594% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Birth rate:

28.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Death rate:

6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Net migration rate:

-16.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 219

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 0.838 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 157 male: 11.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.99 years country comparison to the world: 166 male: 60.93 years

female: 68.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.13 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Ethnic groups:

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Religions:

Nauru Congregational 35.4%, Roman Catholic 33.2%, Nauru Independent
Church 10.4%, other 14.1%, none 4.5%, unspecified 2.4% (2002 census)

Languages:

Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Nauru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nauru
conventional short form: Nauru
local long form: Republic of Nauru
local short form: Nauru
former: Pleasant Island

Government type:

republic

Capital:

no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Independence:

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Constitution:

29 January 1968; amended 17 May 1968

Legal system:

acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by parliament for a three-year term; election last held on 1 November 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Marcus STEPHEN reelected in a parliamentary vote of 11 to 6

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 June 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]; Nauru First (Naoero Amo) Party;
Nauru Party (informal); note - loose multiparty system

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Woman Information and News Agency (women's issues)

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marlene I. MOSES
chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074

FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079
consulate(s): Agana (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Flag description:

blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru

National anthem:

name: "Nauru Bwiema" (Song of Nauru)

lyrics/music: Margaret HENDRIE/Laurence Henry HICKS
note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Nauru

Economy - overview:

Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from exports of phosphates now significantly depleted. An Australian company in 2005 entered into an agreement intended to exploit remaining supplies. Few other resources exist with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia its former occupier and later major source of support. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Reserves of phosphates may only last until 2010 at current mining rates. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds, the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government has frozen wages and reduced overstaffed public service departments. Nauru lost further revenue in 2008 with the closure of Australia's refugee processing center, making it almost totally dependent on food imports and foreign aid. Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant is deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the government and economy afloat continues to climb. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist with estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force - by occupation:

note: employed in mining phosphates, public administration, education, and transportation (1992)

Unemployment rate:

90% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts

Industries:

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

31 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Electricity - consumption:

28.83 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - imports:

1,026 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Exports:

$64,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Exports - commodities:

phosphates

Imports:

$20 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Imports - commodities:

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Debt - external:

$33.3 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Nauru

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 225

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,500 (2002) country comparison to the world: 216

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities
domestic: NA
international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station broadcasting programs from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1 government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes Australian and British programs (2009)

Internet country code:

.nr

Internet hosts:

4,158 (2010) country comparison to the world: 140

Transportation ::Nauru

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 215

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 24 km country comparison to the world: 219 paved: 24 km (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Nauru

Military ::Nauru

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,683
females age 16-49: 3,059 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 174
female: 168 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Nauru

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Navassa Island (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Navassa Island

Background:

This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857 for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual scientific expeditions have continued.

Geography ::Navassa Island

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 35 miles west of Tiburon
Peninsula of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

18 25 N, 75 02 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 245 land: 5.4 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

marine, tropical

Terrain:

raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on southwest side 77 m

Natural resources:

guano

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution holes but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig trees, scattered cactus

People ::Navassa Island

Population:

uninhabited
note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

Government ::Navassa Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Navassa Island

Dependency status:

unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996 the Coast Guard ceased operations and maintenance of Navassa Island Light a 46-meter-tall lighthouse on the southern side of the island; there has also been a private claim advanced against the island

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::Navassa Island

Economy - overview:

Subsistence fishing and commercial trawling occur within refuge waters.

Communications ::Navassa Island

Broadcast media:

no television or radio broadcast stations (2009)

Transportation ::Navassa Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Navassa Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Navassa Island

Disputes - international:

claimed by Haiti, source of subsistence fishing
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Nepal (South Asia)

Introduction ::Nepal

Background:

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing ten-year civil war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace accord and the promulgation of an interim constitution. Following a nation-wide election in April 2008, the newly formed Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic and abolished the monarchy at its first meeting the following month. The Constituent Assembly elected the country's first president in July. The Maoists, who received a plurality of votes in the Constituent Assembly election, formed a coalition government in August 2008, but resigned in May 2009 after the president overruled a decision to fire the chief of the army staff. The Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist and the Nepali Congress party then formed a new coalition government with several smaller parties. In June 2010, the prime minister resigned but, as of December 2010, continued to lead a caretaker government while the parties debate who should lead the next government. Disagreements among the political parties over issues such as the future of former Maoist combatants has hindered the drafting of a new constitution — due in May 2011 — and the formal conclusion of the peace process.

Geography ::Nepal

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 84 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 147,181 sq km country comparison to the world: 93 land: 143,351 sq km
water: 3,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arkansas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,926 km
border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Terrain:

Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Natural resources:

quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 16.07%
permanent crops: 0.85%
other: 83.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

11,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

210.2 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.18 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)

per capita: 375 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife conservation; vehicular emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively

People ::Nepal

Population:

28,951,852 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.6% (male 5,327,484/female 5,127,178)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 8,094,494/female 8,812,675)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 566,666/female 634,880) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.2 years
male: 20.2 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.419% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Birth rate:

22.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Net migration rate:

-1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Urbanization:

urban population: 17% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 46 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 56 male: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.81 years country comparison to the world: 163 male: 64.62 years
female: 67.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

70,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepalese

Ethnic groups:

Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Nepali (official) 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)

note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.6%
male: 62.7%
female: 34.9% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 8 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 116

Government ::Nepal

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
conventional short form: Nepal
local long form: Sanghiya Loktantrik Ganatantra Nepal
local short form: Nepal

Government type:

federal democratic republic

Capital:

name: Kathmandu
geographic coordinates: 27 43 N, 85 19 E
time difference: UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Independence:

1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 29 May; Democracy Day, 24 April

Constitution:

15 January 2007 (interim Constitution); note - in April 2008, a Constituent Assembly was elected to draft and promulgate a new constitution by May 2010, but the deadline has been extended to May 2011

Legal system:

based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (since 23 July 2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (since 23 July 2008)

head of government: vacant; Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL resigned on 30 June 2010 but leads a caretaker government
cabinet: cabinet was formed in May 2009 by a majority coalition made up of the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Nepali Congress, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, Nepal-Democratic, and several smaller parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament; term extends until the new constitution is promulgated; election last held on 21 July 2008; date of next election NA
election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by the Constituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008; Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282

Legislative branch:

unicameral Constituent Assembly (601 seats; 240 members elected by direct popular vote, 335 by proportional representation, and 26 appointed by the Cabinet (Council of Ministers))

elections: last held on 10 April 2008 (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote by party - CPN-M 38%, NC 19%, CPN-UML 19%,Madhesi People's Right Forum 9%, Terai Madhes Democratic Party and Sadbhawana Party 5%, other 15%; seats by party - CPN-M 220, NC 110, CPN-UML 103, Madhesi People's Rights Forum 52, Terai Madhes Democratic Party 20, Sadbhawana Party 9, other smaller parties 56; note - 26 seats filled by the new Cabinet and are included in the seat totals above

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (the president appoints the chief justice on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the chief justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekata Party [Keshav Prasad MAINALI]; Communist
Party of Nepal-Maoist (inactive); Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist
Leninist or CPN-ML [C.P. MAINALI]; Communist Party of Nepal-Unified
[Raj Singh SHRIS]; Communist Party of Nepal-United [Chandra Dev
JOSHI]; Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist or CPN-UML
[Jhalanath KHANAL]; Dalit Janajati Party [Vishwendraman PASHWAN];
Federal Democratic National Forum; Madhesi People's Rights
Forum-Democratic [Bijay Kumar GACHHADAR]; Madhesi People's Rights
Forum-Nepal [Upendra YADAV]; Nepal Loktantrik Samajbadi Dal [Upendra
GACHCHHADAR]; Nepal Pariwar Dal [Eknath DHAKAL]; Nepal Sadbhavana
Party-Anandi Devi [Sarita GIRI]; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party or
[Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE]; Nepali Congress or NC [Sushil KOIRALA];
Nepali Janata Dal [Harish Chandra SHA]; Newa Rastriya Party [Keshav
Man SHAKYA]; Rastriya Janamorcha [Chitra Bahadur K.C.]; Rastriya
Janamukti Party [Malwar Singh THAPA]; Rastriya Janashakti Party or
RJP [Surya Bahadur THAPA]; Rastriya Prajantantra Party [Pashupati
Shumsher RANA]; Rastriya Prajantantra Party Nepal [Kamal THAPA];
Sadbhavana Party [Rajendra MAHATO]; Samajbadi Prajatantrik Janata
Party Nepal [Prem Bahadur SINGH]; Terai Madhes Democratic Party
[Mahantha THAKUR]; Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) [Pushpa
Kamal DAHAL, also known as PRACHANDA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: several small armed Madhesi groups along the southern border with India; a variety of groups advocating regional autonomy for individual ethnic groups

International organization participation:

ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO,
NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Shankar Prasad SHARMA
chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Scott H. DELISI
embassy: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [977] (1) 400-7200

FAX: [977] (1) 400-7272

Flag description:

red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle displays a white 12-pointed sun; the color red represents the rhododendron (Nepal's national flower) and is a sign of victory and bravery, the blue border signifies peace and harmony; the two right triangles are a combination of two single pennons (pennants) that originally symbolized the Himalaya Mountains while their charges represented the families of the king (upper) and the prime minister, but today they are understood to denote Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's two main religions; the moon represents the serenity of the Nepalese people and the shade and cool weather in the Himalayas, while the sun depicts the heat and higher temperatures of the lower parts of Nepal; the moon and the sun are also said to express the hope that the nation will endure as long as these heavenly bodies
note: Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not rectangular or square

National anthem:

name: "Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka" (Hundreds of Flowers)

lyrics/music: Pradeep Kumar RAI/Ambar GURUNG
note: adopted 2007; after the abolition of the monarchy in 2006, a new anthem was required because of the previous anthem's praise for the king

Economy ::Nepal

Economy - overview:

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world, with almost one-quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for about one-third of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural products, including pulses, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower, with an estimated 42,000 MW of feasible capacity, but political instability hampers foreign investment. Additional challenges to Nepal's growth include its landlocked geographic location, civil strife and labor unrest, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$35.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $34.11 billion (2009 est.)

$32.58 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.11 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 4.7% (2009 est.)

5.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33%
industry: 15%
services: 52% (FY09 est.)

Labor force:

18 million country comparison to the world: 32 note: severe lack of skilled labor (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%
industry: 7%
services: 18% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

46% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 42% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

24.7% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 6%
highest 10%: 40.6% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 34 36.7 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.6% (September 2010) country comparison to the world: 193 13.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 66 6.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.03 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 110 $2.72 billion (July 2009)

Stock of broad money:

$10.01 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 99 $10.67 billion (July 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$9 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 96 $7.7 billion (July 2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$5.2 billion (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 78 $5.485 billion (31 December 2009)

$4.894 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

pulses, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat

Industries:

tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (FY08) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - production:

2.6 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - consumption:

2.243 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

213 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - consumption:

18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - imports:

16,920 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Current account balance:

-$449 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 114 $537 million (2009)

Exports:

$849 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 156 $907 million (2008)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, pashima, jute goods

Exports - partners:

India 65.6%, US 8%, Bangladesh 6.04%, Germany 5% (2009)

Imports:

$5.26 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.1 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical goods, medicine

Imports - partners:

India 57%, China 13% (2009)

Debt - external:

$4.5 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $3.285 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar - 72.56 (2010), 77.44 (2009), 65.21 (2008), 70.35 (2007), 72.446 (2006)

Communications ::Nepal

Telephones - main lines in use:

820,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.618 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radiotelephone communication service and mobile-cellular telephone network
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone service subscribership base only about 30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 977; radiotelephone communications; microwave landline to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state operates 2 television stations as well as national and regional radio stations; more than 60 independent radio stations and a small number of independent television stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.np

Internet hosts:

43,928 (2010) country comparison to the world: 91

Internet users:

577,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Transportation ::Nepal

Airports:

47 (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 31 (2010)

Railways:

total: 59 km country comparison to the world: 130 narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 17,282 km country comparison to the world: 119 paved: 10,142 km
unpaved: 7,140 km (2007)

Military ::Nepal

Military branches:

Nepal Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for military training; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,699,614
females age 16-49: 7,388,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,053,600
females age 16-49: 5,730,116 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 374,882
female: 361,848 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 93

Transnational Issues ::Nepal

Disputes - international:

joint border commission continues to work on contested sections of boundary with India, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India has instituted a stricter border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 106,000 Bhutanese Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in southeastern Nepal since 1990

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 107,803 (Bhutan); 20,153 (Tibet/China)

IDPs: 50,000-70,000 (remaining from ten-year Maoist insurgency that officially ended in 2006; displacement spread across the country) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast Asia to the West
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Netherlands (Europe)

Introduction ::Netherlands

Background:

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Geography ::Netherlands

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 30 N, 5 45 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,543 sq km country comparison to the world: 134 land: 33,893 sq km
water: 7,650 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,027 km
border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Coastline:

451 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m
highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles)

note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 21.96%
permanent crops: 0.77%
other: 77.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

89.7 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.86 cu km/yr (6%/60%/34%)

per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

People ::Netherlands

Population:

16,783,092 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.4% (male 1,485,873/female 1,416,999)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 5,720,387/female 5,604,014)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 1,070,496/female 1,418,230) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.8 years
male: 40 years
female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.39% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Birth rate:

10.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Death rate:

8.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Net migration rate:

2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 193 male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.55 years country comparison to the world: 34 male: 76.94 years
female: 82.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Nationality:

noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Ethnic groups:

Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%,
Moroccan 2%, Caribbean 0.8%, other 4.8% (2008 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other
Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006)

Languages:

Dutch (official), Frisian (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Government ::Netherlands

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands
conventional short form: Netherlands
local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
local short form: Nederland

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Amsterdam
geographic coordinates: 52 23 N, 4 54 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: The Hague is the seat of government; time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, not to the Caribbean components

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland,
Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant
(North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North Holland), Overijssel, Utrecht,
Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland (South Holland)

Dependent areas:

Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten

Independence:

23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26 July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of deceased Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

adopted 1815; amended many times, most recently in 2002

Legal system:

based on civil law system incorporating French penal theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Mark RUTTE (since 14 October 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Maxime VERHAGEN (since 14 October 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch
note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet on legislative and administrative policy

Legislative branch:

bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils to serve four-year terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: First Chamber - last held 29 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2011); Second Chamber - last held 9 June 2010 (next to be held by May 2015)

election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CDA 21, PvdA 14, VVD 14, Socialist Party 11, Christian Union 4, Green Left Party 4, D66 2, other 5; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party - VVD 20.5%, PvdA 19.6%, PVV, 15.4%, CDA 13.6%, SP 9.8%, D66 6.9%, GL 6.7%, CU 3.2, other 4.3%; seats by party - VVD 31, PvdA 30, PVV 24, CDA 21, SP 15, D66 10, GL 10, CU 5, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime VERHAGEN]; Christian
Union [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or D66 [Alexander PECHTOLD];
Green Left [Jolande SAP]; Labor Party or PvdA [Job COHEN]; Party for
Freedom or PVV [Geert WILDERS]; Party for the Animals or PvdD
[Marianne THIEME]; People's Party for Freedom and Democracy or VVD
[Mark RUTTE] (Liberal); Reformed Political Party of SGP [Kees VAN
DER STAAIJ]; Socialist Party [Emile ROEMER]; plus a few minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Trade Union Federation or CNV [Jaap SMIT]; Confederation
of Netherlands Industry and Employers or VNO-NCW [Bernard WIENTJES];
Federation for Small and Medium-sized businesses or MKB [Loek
HERMANS]; Netherlands Trade Union Federation or FNV [Agnes
JONGERIUS]; Social Economic Council or SER [Alexander RINNOOY KAN];
Trade Union Federation of Middle and High Personnel or MHP [Richard
STEENBORG]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA,
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Regina "Renee" JONES-BOS
chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300, [1] 877-388-2443

FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
consulate(s): Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fay HARTOG LEVIN
embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague
mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209

FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer; the colors were those of WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange, who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter half of the 16th century; originally the upper band was orange, but because it tended to fade to red over time, the red shade was eventually made the permanent color; the banner is perhaps the oldest tricolor in continuous use

National anthem:

name: "Het Wilhelmus" (The William)

lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown
note: adopted 1932, in use since the 17th century, making it the oldest national anthem in the world; also known as "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe" (William of Nassau), it is in the form of an acrostic, where the first letter of each stanza spells the name of the leader of the Dutch Revolt

Economy ::Netherlands

Economy - overview:

The Netherlands economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of GDP in 2009 and 5.6% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check while promoting economic recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$680.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $669 billion (2009 est.)

$696.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$770.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 -3.9% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $40,000 (2009 est.)

$41,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 24.9%
services: 72.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.86 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%
industry: 18%
services: 80% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 4.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10.5% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 22.9% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.9 (2007) country comparison to the world: 107 32.6 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Public debt:

64.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 60.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 126 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.01% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 9.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$368.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 12 $351.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$1.124 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $1.133 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.083 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.824 trillion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$542.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 $387.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$956.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - production:

108.2 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - consumption:

124.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - exports:

10.56 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

15.45 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

57,190 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - consumption:

922,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - exports:

1.66 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - imports:

2.426 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - production:

79.58 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - consumption:

48.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - exports:

55.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - imports:

24.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.416 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Current account balance:

$46.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $39.58 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$451.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $421.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 25.54%, Belgium 12.49%, France 9.27%, UK 8.17%, Italy 5.07%,
US 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$408.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $371.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.16%, China 11.58%, Belgium 8.68%, US 7.77%, UK 5.72%,
Russia 4.47%, France 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$39.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (30 June 2010)

$3.733 trillion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$687.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $654.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$950.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $932.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Netherlands

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.32 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Telephones - mobile cellular:

21.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and well maintained
domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) services
international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (2007)

Broadcast media:

more than 90% of households are connected to cable or satellite TV systems that provide a wide range of domestic and foreign channels; public service broadcast system includes multiple broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder operating in regional and local markets; 2 major nationwide commercial television companies, each with 3 or more stations, and a large number of commercial TV stations in regional and local markets; nearly 600 radio stations operating with a mix of public and private stations providing national or regional coverage (2008)

Internet country code:

.nl

Internet hosts:

12.607 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 10

Internet users:

14.872 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Transportation ::Netherlands

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 20
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,816 km; oil 365 km; refined products 716 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,896 km country comparison to the world: 58 standard gauge: 2,896 km 1.435-m gauge (2,064 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 136,827 km (includes 2,582 km of expressways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 36

Waterways:

6,215 km (navigable for ships of 50 tons) (2007) country comparison to the world: 22

Merchant marine:

total: 706 country comparison to the world: 15 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 464, carrier 21, chemical tanker 57, container 73, liquefied gas 19, passenger 17, passenger/cargo 15, petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 21, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 217 (Australia 1, Denmark 36, Finland 14, France 2, Germany 92, Ireland 7, Italy 9, Japan 1, Norway 18, Sweden 18, UAE 4, US 15)

registered in other countries: 240 (Antigua and Barbuda 18, Australia 1, Bahamas 22, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 24, Gibraltar 33, Liberia 35, Luxembourg 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 16, former Netherlands Antilles 52, Panama 8, Paraguay 1, Philippines 18, Portugal 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Moerdijk, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Vlissingen

Military ::Netherlands

Military branches:

Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Naval Air
Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke
Luchtmacht, KLu), Royal Military Police (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for an all-volunteer force (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,927,311
females age 16-49: 3,831,110 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,213,954
females age 16-49: 3,133,972 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 104,694
female: 99,874 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Transnational Issues ::Netherlands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major European producer of synthetic drugs, including ecstasy, and cannabis cultivator; important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering Europe; major source of US-bound ecstasy; large financial sector vulnerable to money laundering; significant consumer of ecstasy
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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@Netherlands Antilles (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Netherlands Antilles

Background:

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is shared with France; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles; its northern portion, called Saint Martin, is an overseas collectivity of France.

Geography ::Netherlands Antilles

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea - composed of five
islands, Curacao and Bonaire located off the coast of Venezuela, and
Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius lie east of the US Virgin
Islands

Geographic coordinates:

Bonaire: 12 12 N, 68 15 W

Curacao: 12 10 N, 69 00 W

Saba: 17 38 N, 63 14 W

Sint Eustatius: 17 30 N, 62 58 W

Sint Maarten: 18 04 N, 63 04 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 800 sq km country comparison to the world: 187 land: 800 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin)

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km
border countries: Saint Martin 15 km

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

generally hilly, volcanic interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m

Natural resources:

phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)

Land use:

arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 90% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October; Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt and are rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles are divided geographically into the Leeward Islands (northern) group (Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) and the Windward Islands (southern) group (Bonaire and Curacao); the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Netherlands Antilles

Population:

228,693 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 26,429/female 25,162)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 74,183/female 79,434)

65 years and over: 9.6% (male 8,875/female 12,966) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.1 years
male: 32.1 years
female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.712% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Birth rate:

14.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Death rate:

6.54 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Net migration rate:

-0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.83 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 157 male: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.86 years country comparison to the world: 66 male: 74.52 years
female: 79.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Dutch Antillean(s)

adjective: Dutch Antillean

Ethnic groups:

mixed black 85%, other 15% (includes Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 72%, Pentecostal 4.9%, Protestant 3.5%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 3.1%, Methodist 2.9%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7%, other
Christian 4.2%, Jewish 1.3%, other or unspecified 1.2%, none 5.2%
(2001 census)

Languages:

Papiamento 65.4% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect),
English 15.9% (widely spoken), Dutch 7.3% (official), Spanish 6.1%,
Creole 1.6%, other 1.9%, unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.7%
male: 96.7%
female: 96.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Netherlands Antilles

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles
local long form: none
local short form: Nederlandse Antillen
former: Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Willemstad (on Curacao)

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

note: each island has its own government

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Emily de JONGH-ELHAGE (since 26 March 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by the Staten; election last held on 22 January 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

note: government coalition - PAR, PNP, NA, UPB, WIPM Saba, DP-St. E

Legislative branch:

unicameral States or Staten (22 seats; Curacao 14, Bonaire 3, St. Maarten 3, St. Eustatius 1, Saba 1; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 January 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAR 6, LdK 5, National Alliance 3, PS 2, UPB 2, PNP 1, DP-St. E 1, PDB 1, WIPM 1
note: the government is a coalition of several parties

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Bonaire: Democratic Party of Bonaire or PDB [Jopi ABRAHAM];
Patriotic Union of Bonaire or UPB [Ramonsito BOOI]

Curacao: Ban Vota [Norbert GEORGE]; C-93 [Stanley BROWN]; Democratic
Party of Curacao or DP [Errol HERNANDEZ]; E Mayoria [Aurelio PEDRO];
Forsa Korsou [Nelson NAVARRO]; Lista di Kambio or LdK (coalition of
MAN, NPA, and FK); Liste Ni'un Paso Atras [Nelson PIERRE];
Movemiento Patriotiko Korsou [Reginald LAK]; New Antilles Movement
or MAN [Charles COOPER]; Partido Akshon Pa Prosperidat I Seguridat
[Sonja BERKEMEYER]; Partido Laboral Krusada Popular or PLKP [Errol
COVA]; Party for the Restructured Antilles or PAR [Emily de
JONGH-ELHAGE]; People's National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY];
Pidjin [Jasmin PINEDO]; Pueblo Soberano or PS [Herman WIELS];
Workers' Liberation Front or FOL [Anthony GODETT]

Saba: Saba Labor Party [Akilah LEVENSTONE]; Windward Islands
People's Movement or WIPM [Ray HASSELL]

Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius or DP-St. E
[Julian WOODLEY]; Progressive Labor Party [Clyde VAN PUTTEN]; St.
Eustatius Alliance [Ingrid HOUTMAN-WHITFIELD]

Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten or DP-St. M [Sarah
WESCOTT-WILLIAMS]; Freedom Slate of National Democratic Party
[Theophilus PRIEST]; National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN];
People's Progressive Alliance or PPA [Gracita ARRINDELL]; St.
Maarten People's Party [Johan LEONARD]; United People's Labor Party
[Bienvenido RICHARDSON]

note: political parties are indigenous to each island

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Employers Association (VBC); Unions (AVBO)

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Jeffrey CORRION, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Timothy J. DUNN
consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao
mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao
telephone: [599] (9) 461-3066

FAX: [599] (9) 461-6489

Flag description:

white, with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band, also centered; five white, five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the colors reflect those of the Netherlands; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten

Economy ::Netherlands Antilles

Economy - overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Although GDP has declined or grown slightly in each of the past eight years, the islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. The Venezuelan state oil company owns the single refinery on the island; most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, Braxil, Italy, and Mexico being the major suppliers. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems hamper reform of the health and pension systems of an aging population. The Netherlands provides financial aid to support the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.8 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,000 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 15%
services: 84% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

91,470 (2007) country comparison to the world: 183

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 20%
services: 79% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.5% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $757.9 million
expenditures: $949.5 million (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.51% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 8.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.517 billion (31 December 2009)

$1.295 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$4.286 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$3.881 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.408 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $3.286 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 $488.6 billion (2003)

Agriculture - products:

aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Industries:

tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.22 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - consumption:

1.013 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - consumption:

69,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - exports:

224,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - imports:

298,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Exports:

$3.71 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 120

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 13.09%, Guatemala 10.84%, Singapore 10.65%, Dominican Republic 9.6%, Haiti 7.6%, Bahamas 6.05%, Honduras 4.54%, Mexico 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$15.74 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 79

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.18%, Brazil 8.11% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.68 billion (2004) country comparison to the world: 135

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Communications ::Netherlands Antilles

Telephones - main lines in use:

88,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephones - mobile cellular:

200,000 (2004) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate facilities
domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links
international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government-run television on Curacao provides service to Bonaire and Saba; the Leeward Broadcasting Corporation provides television service to Sint Maarten; cable TV subscription service provides access to programming from Venezuela and the US; roughly 30 radio stations and repeaters operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.an

Internet hosts:

72,165 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Transportation ::Netherlands Antilles

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 845 km country comparison to the world: 185

Merchant marine:

total: 120 country comparison to the world: 46 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 2, cargo 59, carrier 18, chemical tanker 1, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 26, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 101 (Angola 2, Cuba 1, Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 32, Hong Kong 1, Netherlands 52, Norway 2, Sweden 1, Turkey 8)

registered in other countries: 1 (Cook Islands 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bopec Terminal, Willemstad

Military ::Netherlands Antilles

Military branches:

no regular military forces; National Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for National Guard recruitment; no conscription (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 56,267
females age 16-49: 57,334 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 46,824
females age 16-49: 47,447 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,934
female: 1,839 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues ::Netherlands Antilles

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs bound for the US and Europe; money-laundering center
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@New Caledonia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::New Caledonia

Background:

Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s ended in the 1998 Noumea Accord, which over a period of 15 to 20 years will transfer an increasing amount of governing responsibility from France to New Caledonia. The agreement also commits France to conduct a referendum between 2014 and 2019 to decide whether New Caledonia should assume full sovereignty and independence.

Geography ::New Caledonia

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 S, 165 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 18,575 sq km country comparison to the world: 155 land: 18,275 sq km
water: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,254 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains with interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

Natural resources:

nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper

Land use:

arable land: 0.32%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 99.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

cyclones, most frequent from November to March
volcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically active

Environment - current issues:

erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

Geography - note:

consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

People ::New Caledonia

Population:

252,352 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.8% (male 31,191/female 29,870)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 75,189/female 74,552)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 7,681/female 8,953) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.8 years
male: 29.3 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Birth rate:

16.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Death rate:

5.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Net migration rate:

4.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 21 note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 179 male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.56 years country comparison to the world: 68 male: 72.46 years
female: 80.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 44.1%, European 34.1%, Wallisian & Futunian 9%, Tahitian 2.6%, Indonesian 2.5%, Vietnamese 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu 1.1%, other 5.2% (1996 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

Languages:

French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.2%
male: 96.8%
female: 95.5% (1996 census)

Government ::New Caledonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies
conventional short form: New Caledonia
local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances
local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

Dependency status:

territorial collectivity of France since 1998

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Noumea
geographic coordinates: 22 16 S, 166 27 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Province des Iles, Province Nord, and Province Sud

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France); note - a referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new referendum is scheduled for 2014

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

based on French civil law; the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Albert DUPUY (since 6 October 2010)

head of government: President of the Government Philippe GOMES (since 5 June 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by the Territorial Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held on 5 June 2009

Legislative branch:

elections: unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres du territoire (54 seats; members belong to the three Provincial Assemblies or Assemblees Provinciales elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held on 10 May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 13, Caledonia Together 10, UC 8, UNI 8, AE 6, FLNKS 3, Labor Party 3, other 3
note: New Caledonia holds two seats in the French Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held not later than September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2; New Caledonia also elects two seats to the French National Assembly; elections last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint Commerce
Tribunal Court; Children's Court

Political parties and leaders:

Caledonia My Country; Caledonia Together [Philippe GOMES];
Caledonian Union or UC [Nicholas ABOUT]; Communist Republican and
Left Party or CRC-SPG [Nichole BORVO COHEN-SEAT]; Democratic and
European Social Rally or R.D.S.E. [Yvon COLLIN]; Front National or
FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; Kanak Socialist Front for National
Liberation or FLNKS (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM); National
Union for Independence-Kanak and Socialist National Liberation
Front; Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul NEAOUTYINE];
Renewed Caledonian Union; Socialist Group [Jean Pierre BEL];
Socialist Kanak Liberation or LKS [Nidoish NAISSELINE]; The Future
Together or AE [Didier LEROUX]; The Rally or UMP [Gerard LONGUET];
Union Nationale pour l'Independance or UNI; Union of
Pro-Independence Co-operation Committees [Francois BURCK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "Soyons unis, devenons freres" (Let Us Be United, Let Us Become Brothers)

lyrics/music: Chorale Melodia (a local choir)

note: adopted 2008; the anthem contains a mixture of lyrics in both French and Nengone (an indigenous language); as a self-governing territory of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::New Caledonia

Economy - overview:

New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic outlook for the next several years.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.158 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.3 billion (2003 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15%
industry: 8.8%
services: 76.2% (2003)

Labor force:

102,600 (2007) country comparison to the world: 182

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%
industry: 20%
services: 60% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

17.1% (2004) country comparison to the world: 158

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products; fish

Industries:

nickel mining and smelting

Electricity - production:

1.825 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - consumption:

1.697 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - exports:

645 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - imports:

14,430 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Exports:

$1.341 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 143

Exports - commodities:

ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

Exports - partners:

France 27.52%, Japan 14.87%, Taiwan 10.51%, Spain 7.74%, China 7.31%, Australia 6.64%, Belgium 5.13%, South Korea 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$1.998 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 151

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 39.89%, Singapore 14.12%, Australia 12.5%, NZ 5.42% (2009)

Debt - external:

$79 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

Communications ::New Caledonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Telephones - mobile cellular:

208,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Telephone system:

general assessment: a submarine cable network connection between New Caledonia and Australia, completed in 2007, is expected to significantly increase network capacity and improve high-speed connectivity and access to international networks
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 687; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Nouvelle Caledonie television and radio stations; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.nc

Internet hosts:

22,456 (2010) country comparison to the world: 106

Internet users:

85,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Transportation ::New Caledonia

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 5,622 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 151

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 3 (France 3) (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Ports and terminals:

Noumea

Military ::New Caledonia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; French military, police, and gendarmerie (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 59,612 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 49,173
females age 16-49: 49,619 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,138
female: 2,061 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::New Caledonia

Disputes - international:

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by France and Vanuatu
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@New Zealand (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::New Zealand

Background:

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.

Geography ::New Zealand

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 267,710 sq km country comparison to the world: 75 land: 267,710 sq km
water: NA
note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15,134 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Terrain:

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 5.54%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 87.54% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

397 cu km (1995)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.11 cu km/yr (48%/9%/42%)

per capita: 524 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity
volcanism: New Zealand experiences significant volcanism on North Island; Ruapehu (elev. 2,797 m, 9,177 ft), which last erupted in 2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island, Tongariro, and White Island

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

almost 90% of the population lives in cities; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world

People ::New Zealand

Population:

4,252,277 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 447,174/female 424,522)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,404,143/female 1,399,530)

65 years and over: 12.8% (male 244,986/female 293,063) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years
male: 36 years
female: 37.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.901% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Birth rate:

13.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Death rate:

7.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Net migration rate:

2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 187 male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.48 years country comparison to the world: 22 male: 78.52 years
female: 82.53 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Nationality:

noun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Ethnic groups:

European 56.8%, Asian 8%, Maori 7.4%, Pacific islander 4.6%, mixed 9.7%, other 13.5% (2006 Census)

Religions:

Anglican 13.8%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Reformed 10%, Christian (no denomination specified) 4.6%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Baptist 1.4%, other Christian 3.8%, Maori Christian 1.6%, Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%, other religions 2.2%, none 32.2%, other or unidentified 9.9% (2006 Census)

Languages:

English 91.2% (official), Maori 3.9% (official), Samoan 2.1%, French 1.3%, Hindi 1.1%, Yue 1.1%, Northern Chinese 1%, other 12.9%, New Zealand Sign Language (official)

note: shares sum to 114.6% due to multiple responses on census (2006 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 19 years
male: 19 years
female: 20 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 35

Government ::New Zealand

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: New Zealand
abbreviation: NZ

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Wellington
geographic coordinates: 41 28 S, 174 51 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April
note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones - New Zealand standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)

Administrative divisions:

16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury,
Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui,
Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman,
Waikato, Wellington, West Coast

Dependent areas:

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Independence:

26 September 1907 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

Constitution:

consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand parliaments, as well as The Constitution Act 1986, which is the principal formal charter; adopted 1 January 1987, effective 1 January 1987

Legal system:

based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members elected by popular vote in single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, 50 proportional seats chosen from party lists; serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 November 2008 (next to be held not later than 27 November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 44.9%, Labor Party 34%, Green Party 6.7%, NZ First 4%, ACT Party 3.7%, Maori 2.4%, Progressive 0.9%, United Front 0.9%, other 6.6%; seats by party - National Party 58, Labor Party 43, Green Party 9, ACT Party 5, Maori 5, Progressive 1, United Front 1
note: results of 2008 election saw the total number of seats increase to 122

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Court; note - judges appointed by the governor general

Political parties and leaders:

ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]; Green Party [Russel NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]; Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita SHARPLES]; New Zealand National Party [John KEY]; New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party [Phil GOFF]; Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON]; United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL
other: apartheid groups; civil rights groups; farmers groups; Maori; nuclear weapons groups; women's rights groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael K. MOORE
chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227
consulate(s) general: New York, Santa Monica

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David HUEBNER
embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP 96531-1034
telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000

FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490
consulate(s) general: Auckland

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation

National anthem:

name: "God Defend New Zealand"

lyrics/music: Thomas BRACKEN [English], Thomas Henry SMITH [Maori]/John Joseph WOODS
note: adopted 1940 as national song, adopted 1977 as co-national anthem; New Zealand has two national anthems with equal status; as a commonwealth realm, in addition to "God Defend New Zealand," "God Save the Queen" serves as a national anthem (see United Kingdom); "God Save the Queen" normally is played only when a member of the royal family or the governor-general is present; in all other cases, "God Defend New Zealand" is played

Government - note:

while not an official symbol, the Kiwi, a small native flightless bird, represents New Zealand

Economy ::New Zealand

Economy - overview:

Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector. Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, helping fuel a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for economic managers. Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08; international capital inflows attracted to the high rates further strengthened the currency and housing market, however, aggravating the current account deficit. The economy fell into recession before the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy posted a 1.7% decline in 2009, but pulled out of recession late in the year, and achieved 2.1% growth in 2010. Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain vulnerable to weak external demand. The government plans to raise productivity growth and develop infrastructure, while reining in government spending.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$119.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $116.8 billion (2009 est.)

$118.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$138 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 -1.7% (2009 est.)

-0.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $27,700 (2009 est.)

$28,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.6%
industry: 24%
services: 71.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.32 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%
industry: 19%
services: 74% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 6.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: %NA
highest 10%: %NA

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.2 (1997) country comparison to the world: 83

Investment (gross fixed):

19.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Public debt:

25.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 22.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 90 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 12.21% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$24.15 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 61 $21.81 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$118.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $108.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$206.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $180.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$67.06 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 57 $24.17 billion (31 December 2008)

$47.45 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dairy products, lamb and mutton; wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef; fish

Industries:

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - production:

42.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - consumption:

39.24 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

61,150 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - consumption:

154,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - exports:

54,560 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - imports:

143,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - proved reserves:

60 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - production:

4.305 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - consumption:

4.32 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - imports:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

33.98 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Current account balance:

-$4.504 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 -$3.693 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$33.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $25.35 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish, machinery

Exports - partners:

Australia 23.36%, US 9.64%, China 9.21%, Japan 7.1%, UK 4.21% (2009)

Imports:

$30.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Imports - partners:

Australia 18.4%, China 15.09%, US 10.45%, Japan 7.24%, Germany 4.16%, Singapore 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$17.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $15.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$64.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $62.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$67.18 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $66.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$59.08 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::New Zealand

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.87 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international systems
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other)

Broadcast media:

state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple television networks while state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region; a small number of national commercial television and radio stations and a large number of regional commercial television and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.nz

Internet hosts:

2.47 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Internet users:

3.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Transportation ::New Zealand

Airports:

122 (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 40
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 24
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 82

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 32
under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 331 km; gas 1,838 km; liquid petroleum gas 172 km; oil 288 km; refined products 198 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,128 km country comparison to the world: 39 narrow gauge: 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 93,911 km country comparison to the world: 50 paved: 61,879 km (includes 172 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,032 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 14 country comparison to the world: 103 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 7 (Australia 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 1, South Africa 1, Switzerland 2)

registered in other countries: 6 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Cook Islands 1, France 1, Samoa 1, UK 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point, Tauranga,
Wellington

Military ::New Zealand

Military branches:

New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army, Royal New
Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi,
RNZAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,017,575
females age 16-49: 1,003,087 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 840,977
females age 16-49: 828,081 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,956
female: 29,236 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Transnational Issues ::New Zealand

Disputes - international:

asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

Illicit drugs:

significant consumer of amphetamines
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Nicaragua (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Nicaragua

Background:

The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, saw the Sandinistas defeated, but voting in 2006 announced the return of former Sandinista President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra. The 2008 municipal elections were characterized by widespread irregularities. Nicaragua's infrastructure and economy - hard hit by the earlier civil war and by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 - are slowly being rebuilt, but democratic institutions face new challenges under the ORTEGA administration.

Geography ::Nicaragua

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 85 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 130,370 sq km country comparison to the world: 97 land: 119,990 sq km
water: 10,380 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New York state

Land boundaries:

total: 1,231 km
border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Coastline:

910 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: natural prolongation

Climate:

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain:

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Natural resources:

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land: 14.81%
permanent crops: 1.82%
other: 83.37% (2005)

Irrigated land:

610 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

196.7 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.3 cu km/yr (15%/2%/83%)

per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
volcanism: Nicaragua experiences significant volcanic activity; Cerro Negro (elev. 728 m, 2,388 ft), which last erupted in 1999, is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion, Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

People ::Nicaragua

Population:

5,995,928 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.8% (male 1,013,866/female 976,430)

15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,847,756/female 1,857,264)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 85,782/female 110,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.5 years
male: 22.1 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.74% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Birth rate:

22.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Death rate:

4.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Net migration rate:

-1.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 87 male: 27.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.78 years country comparison to the world: 128 male: 69.61 years
female: 74.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 58.5%, Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%, Jehovah's
Witness 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census)

Languages:

Spanish 97.5% (official), Miskito 1.7%, other 0.8% (1995 census)

note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.5%
male: 67.2%
female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 146

Government ::Nicaragua

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua
conventional short form: Nicaragua
local long form: Republica de Nicaragua
local short form: Nicaragua

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Managua
geographic coordinates: 12 09 N, 86 17 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region autonoma); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

9 January 1987; revised in 1995, 2000, and 2005

Legal system:

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January 2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so long as it is not consecutive); election last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.1%, Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.2%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92 seats; 90 members elected by proportional representation and party lists to serve five-year terms; 1 seat for the previous president, 1 seat for the runner-up in previous presidential election)

elections: last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FSLN 38, PLC 25, ALN 23 (22 plus one for presidential candidate
Eduardo MONTEALEGRE, runner-up in the 2006 presidential election),
MRS 5, APRE 1 (outgoing President Enrique BOLANOS); note - as of 1
May 2009: seats by party - FSLN 38, PLC 20, BDN 17, ALN 6, MRS 3,
APRE 1, Independent 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (16 judges elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for the Republic or APRE; Conservative Party or PC
[Alejandro BOLANOS Davis]; Independent Liberal Party or PLI
[Indalecio RODRIGUEZ]; Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC [Jorge
CASTILLO Quant]; Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN [Alejandro MEJIA
Ferreti]; Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN [Daniel
ORTEGA Saavedra]; Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS [Enrique
SAENZ Navarrete]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Workers Front or FNT (a Sandinista umbrella group of eight
labor unions including: Farm Workers Association or ATC, Health
Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of
Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National Association of
Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of Employees or UNE,
National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG, Sandinista Workers
Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of Nicaragua or UPN);
Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT (an umbrella group of four
non-Sandinista labor unions including: Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers
Central or CTN-A, Confederation of Labor Unification or CUS,
Independent General Confederation of Labor or CGT-I, and Labor
Action and Unity Central or CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central or
CTN (an independent labor union); Superior Council of Private
Enterprise or COSEP (a confederation of business groups)

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Obadiah CAMPBELL Hooker
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570, 6573

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert J. CALLAHAN
embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: American Embassy Managua, APO AA 34021
telephone: [505] 252-7100, 252-7888; 252-7634 (after hours)

FAX: [505] 252-7304

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water
note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Salve a ti, Nicaragua" (Hail to Thee, Nicaragua)

lyrics/music: Salomon Ibarra MAYORGA/traditional, arranged by Luis Abraham DELGADILLO
note: although only officially adopted in 1971, the music was approved in 1918 and the lyrics in 1939; the tune, originally from Spain, was used as an anthem for Nicaragua from the 1830"s until 1876

Economy ::Nicaragua

Economy - overview:

Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports, but increases in the minimum wage during the ORTEGA administration will likely erode its comparative advantage in this industry. ORTEGA's promotion of mixed business initiatives, owned by the Nicaraguan and Venezuelan state oil firms, together with the weak rule of law, could undermine the investment climate for domestic and international private firms in the near-term. Nicaragua relies on international economic assistance to meet internal- and external-debt financing obligations. Foreign donors have curtailed this funding, however, in response to November 2008 electoral fraud. Managua has an IMF extended Credit Facility program, which could help keep the government's fiscial deficit on target during the 2011 election year and encourage transparency in the use of Venezuelan off-budget loans and assistance. In early 2004, Nicaragua secured some $4.5 billion in foreign debt reduction under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, however, Managua still struggles with a high public debt burden. Nicaragua is gradually recovering from the global economic crisis as increased exports drove positive growth in 2010. The economy is expected to grow at a rate of about 3% in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $16.87 billion (2009 est.)

$17.12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.375 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 -1.5% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$3,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 26.5%
services: 56% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.343 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 28%
industry: 19%
services: 53% (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 8.2% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment was 46.5% in 2008

Population below poverty line:

48% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.4%
highest 10%: 41.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.1 (2001) country comparison to the world: 48 60.3 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Public debt:

78% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 63% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 3.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 13.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.273 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 131 $989.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.586 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.083 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $4.161 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products; shrimp, lobsters

Industries:

food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - production:

3.286 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - consumption:

2.569 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

63.95 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - consumption:

29,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - exports:

213 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - imports:

29,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Current account balance:

-$819 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 -$841.1 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.182 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $2.593 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts; textiles and apparel

Exports - partners:

US 61.98%, El Salvador 7.74%, Costa Rica 3.67% (2009)

Imports:

$4.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.481 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

US 22.63%, Venezuela 12.27%, Mexico 9.05%, Costa Rica 8.66%, China 7.16%, Guatemala 6.59%, El Salvador 5.63% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $1.573 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $3.633 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

cordobas (NIO) per US dollar - 21.35 (2010), 20.34 (2009), 19.374 (2008), 18.457 (2007), 17.582 (2006)

Communications ::Nicaragua

Telephones - main lines in use:

255,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.204 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Telephone system:

general assessment: system being upgraded by foreign investment; nearly all installed telecommunications capacity now uses digital technology, owing to investments since privatization of the formerly state-owned telecommunications company
domestic: since privatization, access to fixed-line and mobile-cellular services has improved but teledensity still lags behind other Central American countries; fixed-line teledensity roughly 5 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership is increasing and reached 55 per 100 persons in 2009; connected to Central American Microwave System
international: country code - 505; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic submarine cable provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks, supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; of more than 100 radio broadcast stations, nearly all are privately owned; Radio Nicaragua is government-owned and Radio Sandino is controlled by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (2007)

Internet country code:

.ni

Internet hosts:

157,162 (2010) country comparison to the world: 70

Internet users:

199,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Transportation ::Nicaragua

Airports:

143 (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 132

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 115 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 54 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 19,137 km country comparison to the world: 112 paved: 2,033 km
unpaved: 17,104 km (2009)

Waterways:

2,220 km (navigable waterways as well as the use of the large Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua; rivers serve only the sparsely populated eastern part of the country) (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Ports and terminals:

Bluefields, Corinto

Military ::Nicaragua

Military branches:

National Army of Nicaragua (Ejercito Nacional de Nicaragua, ENN; includes Navy, Air Force) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; tour of duty 18-36 months (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,605,398
females age 16-49: 1,594,270 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,318,762
females age 16-49: 1,374,652 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,171
female: 68,948 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 158

Transnational Issues ::Nicaragua

Disputes - international:

memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western Caribbean Sea, final public hearings are scheduled for 2007; the 1992 ICJ ruling for El Salvador and Honduras advised a tripartite resolution to establish a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca, which considers Honduran access to the Pacific; legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border with Costa Rica

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Niger (Africa)

Introduction ::Niger

Background:

Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999, BARE was killed in a counter coup by military officers who restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and in 2009 spearheaded a constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his term as president. In February 2010, a military coup deposed TANDJA, immediately suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet, and promised that elections would be held following a transitional period of unspecified duration. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. A predominately Tuareg ethnic group emerged in February 2007, the Nigerien Movement for Justice (MNJ), and attacked several military targets in Niger's northern region throughout 2007 and 2008. Successful government offensives in 2009 limited the rebels' operational capabilities.

Geography ::Niger

Location:

Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.267 million sq km country comparison to the world: 22 land: 1,266,700 sq km
water: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,697 km
border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain:

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Niger River 200 m
highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

Natural resources:

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 11.43%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 88.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

730 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

33.7 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.18 cu km/yr (4%/0%/95%)

per capita: 156 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world; northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna, suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

People ::Niger

Population:

15,878,271 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Age structure:

0-14 years: 49.6% (male 3,840,379/female 3,758,674)

15-64 years: 48% (male 3,658,361/female 3,690,373)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 159,984/female 198,481) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 15.2 years
male: 15 years
female: 15.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.66% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Birth rate:

51.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Death rate:

14.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Urbanization:

urban population: 16% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 114.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 3 male: 119.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 109.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.99 years country comparison to the world: 204 male: 51.75 years
female: 54.26 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

60,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Ethnic groups:

Haoussa 55.4%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9.3%, Peuhl 8.5%, Kanouri
Manga 4.7%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Religions:

Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20%

Languages:

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 28.7%
male: 42.9%
female: 15.1% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 4 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 124

Government ::Niger

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Niger
conventional short form: Niger
local long form: Republique du Niger
local short form: Niger

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Niamey
geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Independence:

3 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960

Constitution:

adopted 18 July 1999

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Djibo SALOU, chairman of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, and a leader of the military coup that deposed President Mamadou TANDJA on 18 February 2010
head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou DANDA (since 19 February 2010); appointed by the president and shares some executive responsibilities with the president
cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president (Cabinet dissolved following the 18 February 2010 coup) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); second round of election last held on 4 December 2004; a presidential election to restore civilian rule is scheduled for 31 January 2011
election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNSD 76, RSD 15, RDP 7, PNA-Alouma 1, Alkalami 1, Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor 1, independents 12

Judicial branch:

State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Alkalama; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or CDS-Rahama
[Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing
Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Hama AMADOU]; Niger Social
Democratic Party or PSDN; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Social
Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni DJERMAKOYE];
Nigerien Party for Autonomy or PNA-Alouma [Sanousi JACKOU]; Nigerien
Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Issifou
MAHAMADOU]; Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor; Nigerien
Progressive Party or PPN-RDA; Rally for Democracy and Progress or
RDP-jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]; Social and Democratic Rally or
RSD-Gaskiyya [Cheiffou AMADOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Nigerien Movement for Justice or MNJ, a predominantly Tuareg rebel group

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
(regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aminata Djibrilla Maiga TOURE
chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227

FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bisa WILLIAMS
embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey
mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey
telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61 thru 64

FAX: [227] 20-73-31-67

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the people
note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "La Nigerienne" (The Nigerian)

lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET
note: adopted 1961

Economy ::Niger

Economy - overview:

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought, desertification, and strong population growth have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. In December 2005, Niger received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately US $86 million in debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. In 2010, the Niger economy was recovering from the effects of a 2009 drought that reduced grain and cowpea production and decimated livestock herds. The economy was also hurt when the international community cut off non-humanitarian aid in response to TANDJA's moves to extend his term as president. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.58 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $10.22 billion (2009 est.)

$10.35 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.603 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 -1.2% (2009 est.)

9.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 39%
industry: 17%
services: 44% (2001)

Labor force:

4.688 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 77

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%
industry: 6%
services: 4% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

63% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 35.7% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.5 (1995) country comparison to the world: 21

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$782.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 145 $617.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $844.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$683.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 158 $313.5 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Industries:

uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Industrial production growth rate:

5.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - production:

150 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - consumption:

589.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

450 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - imports:

5,367 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Current account balance:

-$321 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Exports:

$428 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 170

Exports - commodities:

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Exports - partners:

France 52.63%, Nigeria 22.43%, US 18.24% (2009)

Imports:

$800 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Imports - partners:

China 16.32%, France 15.95%, Netherlands 7.66%, Algeria 7.15%, French Polynesia 6.11%, Nigeria 5.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.15%, US 4.05% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.1 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Niger

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.599 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains less than 20 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned
international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming; only national radio station with national reach is state-run; about 30 private radio stations operate locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ne

Internet hosts:

172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Internet users:

115,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Transportation ::Niger

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 123

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 18,949 km country comparison to the world: 113 paved: 3,912 km
unpaved: 15,037 km (2008)

Waterways:

300 km; (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya between September and March) (2008) country comparison to the world: 94

Military ::Niger

Military branches:

Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army,
Nigerien Air Force (Force Aerienne du Niger) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-21 years of age for selective compulsory or voluntary military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried; 2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,202,237
females age 16-49: 3,151,521 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,104,378
females age 16-49: 2,129,985 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177,985
female: 172,180 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 117

Transnational Issues ::Niger

Disputes - international:

Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute in the Tommo region; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty that also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Niger is a source, transit, and destination country for children and women trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; caste-based slavery practices, rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships, continue in isolated areas of the country - an estimated 8,800 to 43,000 Nigeriens live under conditions of traditional slavery; children are trafficked within Niger for forced begging, forced labor in gold mines, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and possibly for forced labor in agriculture and stone quarries; women and children from neighboring states are trafficked to and through Niger for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced labor in mines and on farms, and as mechanics and welders
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Niger does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; the government demonstrated marginal efforts to combat human trafficking, including traditional slavery, during the last year (2009)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Nigeria (Africa)

Introduction ::Nigeria

Background:

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Nigeria

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and
Cameroon

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 923,768 sq km country comparison to the world: 32 land: 910,768 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,047 km
border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain:

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.02%
permanent crops: 3.14%
other: 63.84% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,820 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

286.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.01 cu km/yr (21%/10%/69%)

per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; flooding

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil; has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land; rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea

People ::Nigeria

Population:

152,217,341 country comparison to the world: 8 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.5% (male 31,624,050/female 30,242,637)

15-64 years: 55.5% (male 42,240,641/female 40,566,672)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 2,211,840/female 2,343,250) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years
male: 19 years
female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.966% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Birth rate:

36.07 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Death rate:

16.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Net migration rate:

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 92.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 10 male: 98.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 86.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.24 years country comparison to the world: 220 male: 46.46 years
female: 48.08 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

170,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly endemic areas for Lassa fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic groups:

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68%
male: 75.7%
female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 183

Government ::Nigeria

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria
conventional short form: Nigeria

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Abuja
geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra,
Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo,
Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa,
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger,
Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Independence:

1 October 1960 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; JONATHAN assumed the presidency on 5 May 2010 following the death of President YAR'ADUA, he was declared Acting President on 9 February 2010 by the National Assembly during the extended illness of the former president
head of government: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010)

cabinet: Federal Executive Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 22 January 2011)

election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (109 seats, 3 from each state plus 1 from Abuja; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives (360 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 15 January 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDP 85, ANPP 16, AC 6, PPA 1, ACCORD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 65.1%, ANPP 21.6%, AC 8.8%, PPA 0.8%, LP 0.8%; seats by party - PDP 263, ANPP 63, AC 30, PPA 3, LP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges recommended by the National Judicial Council and appointed by the president); Federal Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the federal government from a pool of judges recommended by the National Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Accord Party [Augustine MAZIE, acting]; Action Congress or AC [Bisi
AKANDE]; All Nigeria Peoples Party or ANPP [Edwin UME-EZEOKE]; All
Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor C. UMEH]; Alliance for
Democracy or AD [Mojisoluwa AKINFENWA]; Conference of Nigerian
Political Parities or CNPP [Abdulkadir Balarabe MUSA]; Democratic
Peoples Party or DPP [Jeremiah USENI]; Fresh Democratic Party [Chris
OKOTIE]; Labor Party [Dan NWANYANWU]; National Democratic Party or
NDP [Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Vincent
OGBULAFOR]; Peoples Progressive Alliance [Larry ESIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Academic Staff Union for Universities or ASUU; Campaign for
Democracy or CD; Civil Liberties Organization or CLO; Committee for
the Defense of Human Rights or CDHR; Constitutional Right Project or
CRP; Human Right Africa; National Association of Democratic Lawyers
or NADL; National Association of Nigerian Students or NANS; Nigerian
Bar Association or NBA; Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC; Nigerian
Medical Association or NMA; the press; Universal Defenders of
Democracy or UDD

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, D-8, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE
chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400

FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS
embassy: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja
mailing address: P. O. Box 5760, Garki, Abuja
telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000

FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity

National anthem:

name: "Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey"

lyrics/music: John A. ILECHUKWU, Eme Etim AKPAN, B. A. OGUNNAIKE, Sotu OMOIGUI and P. O. ADERIBIGBE/Benedict Elide ODIASE
note: adopted 1978; the lyrics are a mixture of five of the top entries in a national contest

Economy ::Nigeria

Economy - overview:

Oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management but in 2008 began pursuing economic reforms. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. Since 2008 the government has begun to show the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernizing the banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. GDP rose strongly in 2007-10 because of increased oil exports and high global crude prices in 2010. President JONATHAN has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010 JONATHAN unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes privatization of the state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. The government also is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria's financial sector was hurt by the global financial and economic crises and the Central Bank governor has taken measures to strengthen that sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$369.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $346.2 billion (2009 est.)

$327.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$206.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 5.6% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.9%
industry: 32.9%
services: 35.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

48.33 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%
industry: 10%
services: 20% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Population below poverty line:

70% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 46 50.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

11.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Public debt:

13.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 11.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 11.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 9.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.36% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 15.48% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$40.41 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 47 $33.61 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$91.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$77.43 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $62.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$33.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 $49.8 billion (31 December 2008)

$86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Industries:

crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood; hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - production:

21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - consumption:

19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.211 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - exports:

2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - imports:

170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - proved reserves:

37.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - production:

32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - consumption:

12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - exports:

20.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.246 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Current account balance:

$27.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $22.89 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$76.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $59.32 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Exports - partners:

US 35.08%, India 10.43%, Brazil 9.32%, Spain 7.19%, France 4.65% (2009)

Imports:

$34.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $29.05 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

China 14.89%, US 8.88%, Netherlands 8.18%, South Korea 5.46%, UK 4.63%, France 4.19% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$43.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $44.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $10.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$67.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $61.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.071 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $5.821 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 150.88 (2010), 148.84 (2009), 117.8 (2008), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006)

Communications ::Nigeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephones - mobile cellular:

73.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephone system:

general assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains a problem
domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; network of federal-government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40 state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet hosts:

1,378 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Internet users:

43.989 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Transportation ::Nigeria

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38
over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km; oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,505 km country comparison to the world: 49 narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 193,200 km country comparison to the world: 26 paved: 28,980 km
unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Merchant marine:

total: 98 country comparison to the world: 51 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11, Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1, Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Nigeria

Military branches:

Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,203,921
females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,298,351
females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,731,734
female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 101

Transnational Issues ::Nigeria

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)

IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly short-term) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF
page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Niue (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Niue

Background:

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography ::Niue

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km country comparison to the world: 212 land: 260 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 11.54%
permanent crops: 15.38%
other: 73.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

one of world's largest coral islands

People ::Niue

Population:

1,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 235

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%,
Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints 8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely related to
Tongan and Samoan; English

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 95%
male: NA
female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Niue

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Niue
note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee
former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Alofi
geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order

Independence:

19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the power to make its laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)

head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20 independents

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or NPP
[Young VIVIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO,
WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand

National anthem:

name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven)

lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA
note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.01 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.01 million (2003)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.5%
industry: 26.9%
services: 49.5% (2003)

Labor force:

663 (2001) country comparison to the world: 227

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001) country comparison to the world: 128

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 116

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Industries:

handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - imports:

31 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$201,400 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Exports - commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Imports:

$9.038 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 227

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600 (2004) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island
international: country code - 683 (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet hosts:

397,270 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Internet users:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Transportation ::Niue

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 120 km country comparison to the world: 212 paved: 120 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Alofi

Military ::Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Niue

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Norfolk Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Norfolk Island

Background:

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography ::Norfolk Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 36 sq km country comparison to the world: 234 land: 36 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People ::Norfolk Island

Population:

2,155 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.006% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Religions:

Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Languages:

English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E
time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Legal system:

based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the administrator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political parties)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island
note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band

National anthem:

name: "Come Ye Blessed"

lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT
note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia), however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"

Economy ::Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

978 (2006) country comparison to the world: 226

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%
industry and services: 90%

Agriculture - products:

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Industries:

tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$1.5 million (FY91/92) country comparison to the world: 217

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million country comparison to the world: 218

Imports - commodities:

NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital (32) circuits (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate
domestic: free local calls
international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet hosts:

93 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Norfolk Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 80 km country comparison to the world: 215 paved: 53 km
unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kingston

Military ::Norfolk Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Norfolk Island

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Northern Mariana Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Geography ::Northern Mariana Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 464 sq km country comparison to the world: 195 land: 464 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

Terrain:

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.04%
permanent crops: 4.35%
other: 82.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues:

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

48,317 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)

15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years
male: 29.9 years
female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-5.567% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Birth rate:

21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Death rate:

3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Net migration rate:

-73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Urbanization:

urban population: 91% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 178 male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.9 years country comparison to the world: 65 male: 74.27 years
female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Languages:

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 96% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands
abbreviation: CNMI
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status:

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

name: Saipan
geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Legal system:

based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with 51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held on 23 November 2009

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3
note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S.
CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

National anthem:

name: "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea)

lyrics/music: Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN
note: adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the United States, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

8% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 8

Agriculture - products:

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Industries:

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

60,600 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - consumption:

48,300 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Exports:

$98.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Exports - commodities:

garments

Imports:

$214.4 million (2001) country comparison to the world: 199

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,500 (2004) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Transportation ::Northern Mariana Islands

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 536 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 192

Ports and terminals:

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Military ::Northern Mariana Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,359
females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 430
female: 346 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on December 13, 2010

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

@Norway (Europe)

Introduction ::Norway

Background:

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Geography ::Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 323,802 sq km country comparison to the world: 67 land: 304,282 sq km
water: 19,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,542 km
border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.7%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.3% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

381.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)

per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches
volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world

People ::Norway

Population:

4,676,305 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 38.8 years
female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.334% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Birth rate:

10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Net migration rate:

1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 211 male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.08 years country comparison to the world: 25 male: 77.42 years
female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Religions:

Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other
Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Languages:

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 27

Government ::Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway
conventional short form: Norway
local long form: Kongeriket Norge
local short form: Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Oslo
geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,
Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,
Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,
Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution:

17 May 1814; amended many times

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H 17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2
note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE]; Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party (Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer advocacy group)

other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO,
FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN
chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE
embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will move to Huseby in the near future
mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707
telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50

FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

Flag description:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)

National anthem:

name: "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" (Yes, We Love This Country)

lyrics/music: Bjornstjerne BJORNSON/Rikard NORDRAAK
note: adopted 1864; in addition to the national anthem, "Kongesangen" (Song of the King), which uses the tune of "God Save the Queen," serves as the royal anthem

Economy ::Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$276.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $272.3 billion (2009 est.)

$276.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$413.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -1.4% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$59,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $58,400 (2009 est.)

$59,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 40.1%
services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 21.1%
services: 76% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 3.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (2008) country comparison to the world: 133 25.8 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Public debt:

47.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 72 6.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 27 $118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$227.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 $125.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - production:

142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - consumption:

128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - exports:

17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - consumption:

204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - exports:

2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - imports:

107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - proved reserves:

6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - production:

103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - consumption:

4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - exports:

98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Current account balance:

$60.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$137 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $122 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%, Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$74.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US 6.16%,
UK 6.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.232 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 7 $475.9 billion (31 December 2008)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.336 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe
domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems
international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet hosts:

3.352 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Internet users:

4.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Transportation ::Norway

Airports:

98 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,114 km country comparison to the world: 40 standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 92,946 km country comparison to the world: 52 paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Waterways:

1,577 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Merchant marine:

total: 632 country comparison to the world: 19 by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139, combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46
foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark 11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1, Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)

registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia 1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada 4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark 2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6, Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4, Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1, Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK 39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Military ::Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske
Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard
(Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske
Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18 and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,078,562
females age 16-49: 1,049,529 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 888,310
females age 16-49: 864,344 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 32,045
female: 30,610 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Transnational Issues ::Norway

Disputes - international:

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and its continental shelf); Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the respective national assemblies
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Oman (Middle East)

Introduction ::Oman

Background:

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Geography ::Oman

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian
Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Geographic coordinates:

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 309,500 sq km country comparison to the world: 70 land: 309,500 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 1,374 km
border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline:

2,092 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain:

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.12%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 99.74% (2005)

Irrigated land:

720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)

per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::Oman

Population:

2,967,717 country comparison to the world: 136 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years
male: 25.4 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.996% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Birth rate:

23.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Death rate:

3.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female
total population: 1.23 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 118 male: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years country comparison to the world: 105 male: 72.15 years
female: 75.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.87 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,300 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Nationality:

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,
Bangladeshi), African

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 81.4%
male: 86.8%
female: 73.5% (2003 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Government ::Oman

Country name:

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman
conventional short form: Oman
local long form: Saltanat Uman
local short form: Uman
former: Muscat and Oman

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Muscat
geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*, Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday:

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Constitution:

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has only advisory powers and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has only advisory powers)

elections: last held on 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female candidates was elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court
note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and sharia law

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI
chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. SCHMIERER
embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat
mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
telephone: [968] 24-643-400

FAX: [968] 24-699771

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

National anthem:

name: "Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem)

lyrics/music: Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS
note: adopted 1932; new words were written after QABOOS bin Said al Said gained power in 1970; the anthem was first performed by the band of a British ship as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the bandmaster of the HMS Hawkins was asked to write a salutation to the Sultan on the occasion of his visiting the ship

Economy ::Oman

Economy - overview:

Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices thoughout 2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest in non-oil sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$76.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $73.87 billion (2009 est.)

$72.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$53.78 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 2% (2009 est.)

12.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $25,400 (2009 est.)

$25,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 48.2%
services: 50.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

968,800 country comparison to the world: 142 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

15% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Public debt:

4.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 5.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.05% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 135 0.91% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.44% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 7.1% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.257 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 78 $6.15 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$22.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $20.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$22.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $19.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$17.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 63 $14.91 billion (31 December 2008)

$23.06 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - production:

13.58 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - consumption:

11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

816,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - consumption:

84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - exports:

593,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - imports:

17,290 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - proved reserves:

5.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - production:

24 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - consumption:

13.46 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - exports:

10.89 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - imports:

350 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Current account balance:

$2.724 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 -$2.143 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$36.12 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $27.65 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Exports - partners:

China 26.98%, South Korea 17.19%, Japan 12.12%, UAE 11.23%, Thailand 7.64% (2009)

Imports:

$19.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $16.13 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Imports - partners:

UAE 22.9%, Japan 13.99%, US 6.46%, China 5.64%, India 5.27%, France 5.19%, South Korea 4.65% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$14 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $12.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$8.829 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $7.061 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2010), 0.3845 (2009), 0.3845 (2008), 0.3845 (2007), 0.3845 (2006)

Communications ::Oman

Telephones - main lines in use:

300,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems
international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen are accessible via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operation in 2007 and 2 additional stations now operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.om

Internet hosts:

9,114 (2010) country comparison to the world: 126

Internet users:

1.465 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Transportation ::Oman

Airports:

130 (2010) country comparison to the world: 45

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11
over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 119
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 51

914 to 1,523 m: 33
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,209 km; oil 3,558 km; refined products 263 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 68,467 km country comparison to the world: 69 paved: 23,223 km (includes 1,384 km of expressways)

unpaved: 30,207 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 134 by type: chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2
registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Military ::Oman

Military branches:

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman,
Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 964,200
females age 16-49: 714,421 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 816,579
females age 16-49: 622,927 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,827
female: 30,148 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

11.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Transnational Issues ::Oman

Disputes - international:

boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Pacific Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Pacific Ocean

Background:

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Geography ::Pacific Ocean

Location:

body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 160 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 155.557 million sq km
note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world

Coastline:

135,663 km

Climate:

planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December

Terrain:

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana Trench, which is the world's deepest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Natural hazards:

surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Geography - note:

the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Economy ::Pacific Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to fluctuations in new drillings.

Transportation ::Pacific Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los
Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San
Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney
(Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Transportation - note:

the Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state); the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast adrift

Transnational Issues ::Pacific Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Pakistan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Pakistan

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. India-Pakistan relations have been rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, but both countries are taking small steps to put relations back on track. In February 2008, Pakistan held parliamentary elections and in September 2008, after the resignation of former President MUSHARRAF, elected Asif Ali ZARDARI to the presidency. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan.

Geography ::Pakistan

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 N, 70 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 796,095 sq km country comparison to the world: 36 land: 770,875 sq km
water: 25,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,774 km
border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km

Coastline:

1,046 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Terrain:

flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Natural resources:

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 24.44%
permanent crops: 0.84%
other: 74.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

182,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

233.8 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 169.39 cu km/yr (2%/2%/96%)

per capita: 1,072 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; most of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

People ::Pakistan

Population:

184,404,791 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.7% (male 33,037,943/female 31,092,572)

15-64 years: 59.1% (male 53,658,173/female 49,500,786)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,495,350/female 3,793,734) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.2 years
male: 21.2 years
female: 21.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.589% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Birth rate:

25.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Death rate:

7.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Net migration rate:

-2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Urbanization:

urban population: 36% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 26 male: 68.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.63 years country comparison to the world: 165 male: 63.84 years
female: 67.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

96,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Ethnic groups:

Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhajirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Religions:

Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and
Hindu) 5%

Languages:

Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 49.9%
male: 63%
female: 36% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 6 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 153

Government ::Pakistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
conventional short form: Pakistan
local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan
local short form: Pakistan
former: West Pakistan

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Islamabad
geographic coordinates: 33 42 N, 73 10 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan,
Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly North-West Frontier Province), Punjab,
Sindh

note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Independence:

14 August 1947 (from British India)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Constitution:

12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored in stages in 2002; amended 31 December 2003; suspended 3 November 2007; restored on 15 December 2007; amended 19 April 2010

Legal system:

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9 September 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25 March 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected by secret ballot through an Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term; election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45 years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime minister selected by the National Assembly; election last held on 24 March 2008
election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481 votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes; several abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National Assembly to serve six-year terms; one half are elected every three years) and the National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members elected by popular vote; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for non-Muslims; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2012); National Assembly - last held on 18 February 2008 with by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPPP 27, PML-Q 21, MMA 9, PML-N 7, ANP 6, MQM 6, JUI-F 4, BNP-A 2, JWP 1, NPP 1, PKMAP 1, PML-F 1, PPP 1, independents 13; National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party as of October 2010 - PPPP 127, PML-N 90, PML 51, MQM 25, ANP 13, JUI-F 8, PML-F 5, BNP-A 1, NPP 1, PPP-S 1, independents 18, unfilled seats - 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); Federal Islamic or Sharia Court

Political parties and leaders:

Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN]; Balochistan
National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH]; Balochistan
National Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. Hayee BALOCH]; Balochistan
National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL]; Jamaat-i
Islami or JI [Syed Munawar HASAN]; Jamhoori Watan Party or JWP;
Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Fazl-ur
Rehman or JUI-F [Fazl-ur REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Sami-ul HAQ
or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]; Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP [Shah Faridul
HAQ]; Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Muttahida
Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]; National Alliance or NA
[Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML); National Peoples Party or
NPP; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP [Mahmood Khan
ACHAKZAI]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]; Pakistan
Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN]; Pakistan Muslim
League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Peoples Party
Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI, chairman; Asif Ali
ZARDARI, co-chairman]; Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S
[Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran
KHAN]; Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]

note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: military (most important political force); ulema (clergy); landowners; industrialists; small merchants

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C, CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO,
G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI
chancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544
consulate(s) general: Boston (Honorary Consulate General), Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York
consulate(s): Chicago, Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron MUNTER
embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad
mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200
telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000

FAX: [92] (51) 2276427
consulate(s) general: Karachi
consulate(s): Lahore, Peshawar

Flag description:

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

National anthem:

name: "Qaumi Tarana" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez JULLANDHURI/Ahmed Ghulamali CHAGLA
note: adopted 1954; the anthem is also known as "Pak sarzamin shad bad" (Blessed Be the Sacred Land)

Economy ::Pakistan

Economy - overview:

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has suffered from decades of internal political disputes and low levels of foreign investment. Between 2001-07, however, poverty levels decreased by 10%, as Islamabad steadily raised development spending. Between 2004-07, GDP growth in the 5-8% range was spurred by gains in the industrial and service sectors - despite severe electricity shortfalls - but growth slowed in 2008-09 and unemployment rose. Inflation remains the top concern among the public, climbing from 7.7% in 2007 to more than 13% in 2010. In addition, the Pakistani rupee has depreciated since 2007 as a result of political and economic instability. The government agreed to an International Monetary Fund Standby Arrangement in November 2008 in response to a balance of payments crisis, but during 2009-10 its current account strengthened and foreign exchange reserves stabilized - largely because of lower oil prices and record remittances from workers abroad. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles account for most of Pakistan's export earnings, but Pakistan's failure to expand a viable export base for other manufactures has left the country vulnerable to shifts in world demand. Other long term challenges include expanding investment in education, healthcare, and electricity production, and reducing dependence on foreign donors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$451.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $439.4 billion (2009 est.)

$421.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$174.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 4.3% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.8%
industry: 23.6%
services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

55.77 million country comparison to the world: 10 note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use of child labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 43%
industry: 20.3%
services: 36.6% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 14% (2009 est.)

note: substantial underemployment exists

Population below poverty line:

24% (FY05/06 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 26.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.6 (FY07/08) country comparison to the world: 109 41 (FY98/99)

Investment (gross fixed):

15% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Public debt:

49.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 49.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216 13.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 20 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$59.75 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 43 $47.23 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$85.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $65.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$71.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $63.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$33.24 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 58 $23.49 billion (31 December 2008)

$70.26 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs

Industries:

textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Industrial production growth rate:

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - production:

90.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - consumption:

72.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

59,140 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - consumption:

373,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - exports:

30,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - imports:

319,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - proved reserves:

436.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - production:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - consumption:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - proved reserves:

840.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Current account balance:

-$2.641 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 -$3.583 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$20.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $18.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, yarn), rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and rugs

Exports - partners:

US 15.87%, UAE 12.35%, Afghanistan 8.48%, UK 4.7%, China 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$32.71 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $28.53 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea

Imports - partners:

China 15.35%, Saudi Arabia 10.54%, UAE 9.8%, US 4.81%, Kuwait 4.73%,
Malaysia 4.43%, India 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $13.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $53.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $28.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $1.017 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar - 85.27 (2010), 81.7129 (2009), 70.64 (2008), 60.6295 (2007), 60.35 (2006)

Communications ::Pakistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.058 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Telephones - mobile cellular:

103 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

media is government regulated; 1 dominant state-owned TV broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), operates a network consisting of 6 channels; private TV broadcasters are permitted and some foreign satellite channels are carried by cable TV operators; the state-owned radio network operates more than 40 stations; privately-owned radio stations mostly limit programming to music and talk shows (2007)

Internet country code:

.pk

Internet hosts:

330,466 (2010) country comparison to the world: 57

Internet users:

20.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Transportation ::Pakistan

Airports:

148 (2010) country comparison to the world: 38

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 101
over 3,047 m: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 47

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

20 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 10,402 km; oil 2,011 km; refined products 787 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 7,791 km country comparison to the world: 28 broad gauge: 7,479 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 312 km 1.000-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 259,197 km country comparison to the world: 20 paved: 172,827 km (includes 711 km of expressways)

unpaved: 86,370 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 114 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 4, petroleum tanker 5
registered in other countries: 14 (Comoros 3, Georgia 1, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Military ::Pakistan

Military branches:

Army (includes National Guard), Navy (includes Marines and Maritime
Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; the Pakistani Air Force and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and sailors (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 45,829,360
females age 16-49: 41,716,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 35,774,936
females age 16-49: 34,572,451 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,144,574
female: 2,000,479 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Transnational Issues ::Pakistan

Disputes - international:

various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; India and Pakistan have maintained their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show the Junagadh claim in India's Gujarat State; by 2005, Pakistan, with UN assistance, repatriated 2.3 million Afghan refugees leaving slightly more than a million, many of whom remain at their own choosing; Pakistan has proposed and Afghanistan protests construction of a fence and laying of mines along portions of their porous border; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal areas to monitor and control the border with Afghanistan and to stem terrorist or other illegal activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,043,984 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in South Waziristan); 34,000 (October 2005 earthquake; most of those displaced returned to their home villages in the spring of 2006) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant transit area for Afghan drugs, including heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Iran, Western markets, the Gulf States, Africa, and Asia; financial crimes related to drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain problems; opium poppy cultivation estimated to be 2,300 hectares in 2007 with 600 of those hectares eradicated; federal and provincial authorities continue to conduct anti-poppy campaigns that utilizes forced eradication, fines, and arrests
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Palau (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Palau

Background:

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.

Geography ::Palau

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 459 sq km country comparison to the world: 196 land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,519 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Terrain:

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Natural resources:

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 8.7%
permanent crops: 4.35%
other: 86.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

People ::Palau

Population:

20,879 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.9% (male 2,458/female 2,314)

15-64 years: 70.8% (male 8,207/female 6,521)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 401/female 895) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.4 years
male: 32.2 years
female: 33 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.374% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Birth rate:

10.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Death rate:

7.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Net migration rate:

0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.43 male(s)/female
total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 134 male: 14.43 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.51 years country comparison to the world: 129 male: 68.36 years
female: 74.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Ethnic groups:

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 69.9%,
Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%,
Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%
(2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8% (indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese
and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and
Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%,
English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, other
Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92%
male: 93%
female: 90% (1980 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

10.3% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 5

Government ::Palau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Palau
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 1 October 1994

Capital:

name: Melekeok
geographic coordinates: 7 29 N, 134 38 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Independence:

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution:

1 January 1981

Legal system:

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN (49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Delegates - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Common Pleas; Land Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,
IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814

FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires James PANOS
embassy: Koror (no street address)

mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940
telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990

FAX: [680] 488-2911

Flag description:

light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility

National anthem:

name: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)

lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
note: adopted 1980

Economy ::Palau

Economy - overview:

The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$164 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 $124.5 million (2004 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$164 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA% (2009)

5.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $7,600 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.2%
industry: 12%
services: 81.8% (2003)

Labor force:

9,777 (2005) country comparison to the world: 215

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

4.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish

Industries:

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Current account balance:

$15.09 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 59

Exports:

$5.882 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Exports - commodities:

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Imports:

$107.3 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$0 (FY99/00) country comparison to the world: 197

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Palau

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 210

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; a cable television network covers the major islands and provides access to rebroadcasts, on a delayed basis, of a number of US stations as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations with 1 government-owned (2009)

Internet country code:

.pw

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Transportation ::Palau

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 191

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Koror

Military ::Palau

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Palau National Police (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,955 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,223
females age 16-49: 3,949 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 212
female: 218 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is granted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationed any military forces there (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Palau

Disputes - international:

maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia
page last updated on December 15, 2010

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

@Panama (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Panama

Background:

Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Geography ::Panama

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 75,420 sq km country comparison to the world: 117 land: 74,340 sq km
water: 1,080 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 555 km
border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline:

2,490 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Terrain:

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

Natural resources:

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 7.26%
permanent crops: 1.95%
other: 90.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

430 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

148 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.82 cu km/yr (67%/5%/28%)

per capita: 254 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

People ::Panama

Population:

3,410,676 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)

15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.2 years
male: 26.9 years
female: 27.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.463% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Birth rate:

19.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Death rate:

4.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Net migration rate:

-0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 139 male: 12.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.61 years country comparison to the world: 54 male: 74.85 years
female: 80.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.48 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.9%
male: 92.5%
female: 91.2% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 115

Government ::Panama

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Panama
conventional short form: Panama
local long form: Republica de Panama
local short form: Panama

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Panama City
geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Comarca Kuna Yala, Comarca Ngobe-Bugle, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas* (Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

Independence:

3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution:

11 October 1972; revised in 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president; percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA 38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%
note: government coalition - CD (Democratic Change), Panamenista, MOLIRENA (Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement), and UP (Patriotic Union Party)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRD 26, Panamenista 22, CD 14, UP 4, Independent 2, MOLIRENA 2, PP 1
note: legislators from outlying rural districts chosen on a plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based formula

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts of appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic
Revolutionary Party or PRD [Francisco SANCHEZ Cardenas]; Nationalist
Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Sergio GONZALEZ-Ruiz];
Panamenista Party [Juan Carlos VARELA Rodriguez] (formerly the
Arnulfista Party); Patriotic Union Party or UP (combination of the
Liberal National Party or PLN and the Solidarity Party or PS)[Anibal
GALINDO]; Popular Party or PP [Milton HENRIQUEZ] (formerly Christian
Democratic Party or PDC)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private Enterprise or CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE; Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama or CTRP

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN (observer), CSN (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime Eduardo ALEMAN Healy
chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Phyllis M. POWERS
embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama, Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City
mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002
telephone: [507] 207-7000

FAX: [507] 317-5568

Flag description:

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center; the blue and red colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the red star signifies authority and law

National anthem:

name: "Himno Istemno" (Isthmus Hymn)

lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE
note: adopted 1925

Economy ::Panama

Economy - overview:

Panama's dollarized economy rests primarily on a well-developed services sector that accounts for three-quarters of GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by 2014 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 25% of current GDP. The expansion project will more than double the Canal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are now too large to transverse the transoceanic crossway, and should help to reduce the unemployment rate. The United States and China are the top users of the Canal. Panama also plans to construct a metro system in Panama City, valued at $1.2 billion and scheduled to be completed by 2014. Panama's aggressive infrastructure development projects will likely lead the economy to continued growth in 2011. Strong economic performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity as Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America. About 30% of the population lives in poverty, however, during TORRIJOS's term poverty was reduced from 40% to 30% and unemployment dropped from 12% to 6%. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December 2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US, which, when implemented, will help promote the country's economic growth. Seeking removal from the Organization of Economic Development's gray-list of tax havens, Panama has also recently signed various double taxation treaties with other nations.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$43.48 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $41.37 billion (2009 est.)

$40.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 2.4% (2009 est.)

10.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $12,300 (2009 est.)

$12,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 16.6%
services: 77.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.49 million country comparison to the world: 130 note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%
industry: 18%
services: 76% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 6.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

28.6% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.8%
highest 10%: 41.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.1 (2003) country comparison to the world: 12 48.5 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 2.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 8.16% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.04 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 88 $4.404 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$24.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $21.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$23.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $20.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$8.048 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 75 $6.568 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.219 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp

Industries:

construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - production:

6.322 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - consumption:

5.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - exports:

124.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.74 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - consumption:

93,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - exports:

4,803 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - imports:

87,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Current account balance:

-$813 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -$2.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $10.9 billion (2009 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Exports - commodities:

bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Exports - partners:

Greece 21.03%, US 17.63%, Japan 9.87%, Germany 4.28%, Italy 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$16.05 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $12.93 billion (2009 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 36.21%, Singapore 16.86%, US 12.3%, China 7.84% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.525 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.028 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $13.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2010), 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Communications ::Panama

Telephones - main lines in use:

537,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.677 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international facilities well developed
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased rapidly
international: country code - 507; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), the MAYA-1, and PAN-AM submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System (2008)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned television networks and a government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100 commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pa

Internet hosts:

9,585 (2010) country comparison to the world: 123

Internet users:

959,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Transportation ::Panama

Airports:

118 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 54
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 17
under 914 m: 30 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 64

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 52 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 76 km country comparison to the world: 127 standard gauge: 76 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,978 km country comparison to the world: 130 paved: 4,300 km
unpaved: 7,678 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being widened) (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Merchant marine:

total: 6,379 country comparison to the world: 1 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 2,383, cargo 1,129, carrier 18, chemical tanker 626, combination ore/oil 3, container 751, liquefied gas 192, passenger 42, passenger/cargo 61, petroleum tanker 576, refrigerated cargo 212, roll on/roll off 100, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 282
foreign-owned: 5,244 (Albania 3, Argentina 7, Australia 5, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belgium 2, Bermuda 15, Brazil 3, Bulgaria 6, Burma 3, Canada 5, Chile 17, China 574, Colombia 2, Croatia 2, Cuba 4, Cyprus 8, Denmark 46, Ecuador 6, Egypt 11, Finland 2, France 13, Gabon 1, Germany 27, Gibraltar 1, Greece 402, Hong Kong 125, India 17, Indonesia 14, Iran 5, Ireland 1, Isle of Man 11, Israel 1, Italy 23, Japan 2347, Jordan 13, Kuwait 12, Latvia 4, Lebanon 2, Lithuania 4, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 12, Maldives 3, Malta 2, Mexico 6, Monaco 14, Morocco 1, Netherlands 8, Nigeria 7, Norway 89, Oman 8, Pakistan 5, Peru 12, Philippines 6, Poland 3, Portugal 9, Qatar 1, Romania 2, Russia 39, Saudi Arabia 8, Singapore 79, South Korea 366, Spain 40, Sweden 1, Switzerland 22, Syria 42, Taiwan 337, Tanzania 2, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 79, UAE 83, UK 33, Ukraine 11, US 102, Venezuela 8, Vietnam 37, Yemen 4)

registered in other countries: 1 (Honduras 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

Military ::Panama

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Panamanian public forces include: Panamanian National Police (PNP), National Air-Naval Service (SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 878,281 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 719,761
females age 16-49: 719,444 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,398
female: 30,182 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 132

Military - note:

on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a standing military force but allowing the temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of "external aggression"

Transnational Issues ::Panama

Disputes - international:

organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with Panama

Illicit drugs:

major cocaine transshipment point and primary money-laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering activity is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore financial center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring of financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains a major problem
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Papua New Guinea (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Papua New Guinea

Background:

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Geography ::Papua New Guinea

Location:

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 462,840 sq km country comparison to the world: 54 land: 452,860 sq km
water: 9,980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 820 km
border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline:

5,152 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources:

gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries

Land use:

arable land: 0.49%
permanent crops: 1.4%
other: 98.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

801 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.1 cu km/yr (56%/43%/1%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (1987)

Natural hazards:

active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis
volcanism: Papua New Guinea experiences severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (elev. 2,334 m, 7,657 ft), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul (elev. 688 m, 2,257 ft) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa

Environment - current issues:

rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects; severe drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

People ::Papua New Guinea

Population:

6,064,515 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.3% (male 1,126,214/female 1,088,211)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 1,815,731/female 1,704,430)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 113,285/female 92,904) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.6 years
male: 21.9 years
female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.033% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Birth rate:

26.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Death rate:

6.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 112

Urbanization:

urban population: 12% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.59 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 58 male: 48.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.99 years country comparison to the world: 162 male: 63.78 years
female: 68.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

54,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%, United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%, Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000 census)

Languages:

Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of the world's total)

note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.3%
male: 63.4%
female: 50.9% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

People - note:

the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness

Government ::Papua New Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea
conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
local short form: Papuaniugini
former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Port Moresby
geographic coordinates: 9 30 S, 147 10 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*,
Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik,
Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**,
New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western
Highlands, West New Britain

Independence:

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution:

16 September 1975

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by acting governor general Michael OGIO (since 20 December 2010)

note: governor general Sir Paulias MATANE (since 29 June 2004) was replaced on 10 December 2010 when his reappointment to the office in May 2010 was declared null and void
head of government: Acting Prime Minister Sam ABAL (since 14 December 2010)

note: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002) stepped aside on 14 December 2010 because he was to be referred to a tribunal for not submitting three annual fiscal returns; Deputy Prime Minister Don POYLE (since 20 June 2010) was replaced on 9 December 2010 by Sam ABAL
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89 filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats
elections: last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held in June 2012
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA 27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU PATI 5, PDM 5, independents 19, others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified
note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE]; Papua and Niugini
Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua New Guinea Party
or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Action Party or PAP [Gabriel
KAPRIS]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Michael OGIO]; United
Resources Party or URP [William DUMA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes); Centre for
Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien ASE];
Community Coalition Against Corruption

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU,
MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI
chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680

FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR
embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.

mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 321-1455

FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag description:

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered; red, black, and yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea; the bird of paradise - endemic to the island of New Guinea - is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross, visible in the night sky, symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific

National anthem:

name: "O Arise All You Sons"

lyrics/music: Thomas SHACKLADY
note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Papua New Guinea

Economy - overview:

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits, including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 227 billion cubic meters. A consortium led by a major American oil company is constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility that could begin exporting in 2013 or 2014. As the largest investment project in the country's history, it has the potential to double GDP in the near-term and triple Papua New Guinea's export revenue. The government faces the challenge of ensuring transparency and accountability for revenues flowing from this and other large LNG projects. The government of Prime Minister SOMARE has expended much of its energy remaining in power. He was the first prime minister ever to serve a full five-year term. The government has brought stability to the national budget, largely through expenditure control; however, it relaxed spending constraints in 2006 and 2007 as elections approached. Numerous challenges still face the government, including providing physical security for foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by privatizing moribund state institutions, and balancing relations with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural challenges could upend the economy including an HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the highest infection rate in all of East Asia and the Pacific, and chronic law and order and land tenure issues. The global financial crisis had little impact because of continued high demand for Papua New Guinea's commodities exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $14.06 billion (2009 est.)

$13.33 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.809 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 5.5% (2009 est.)

6.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.2%
industry: 35.7%
services: 32.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.809 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.8% (2004) country comparison to the world: 11

Population below poverty line:

37% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.9 (1996) country comparison to the world: 19

Investment (gross fixed):

17.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Public debt:

27.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 6.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.92% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 58 7% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.09% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 9.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 116 $2.263 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.726 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $4.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.796 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $2.424 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$6.632 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla; shell fish; poultry, pork

Industries:

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; crude oil production, petroleum refining; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

10% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - production:

2.885 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - consumption:

2.683 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

35,090 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - consumption:

36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - exports:

32,490 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - imports:

14,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - proved reserves:

170 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - production:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - consumption:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - proved reserves:

226.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Current account balance:

-$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 -$446.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.976 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $4.392 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Exports - partners:

Australia 30.05%, Japan 7.48% (2009)

Imports:

$3.547 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $2.871 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 43.27%, China 13.29%, Singapore 9.59%, US 6.4%, Japan 4.62% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.017 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $2.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.548 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $1.436 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

kina (PGK) per US dollar - 2.7517 (2010), 2.7551 (2009), 2.6956 (2008), 3.03 (2007), 3.0643 (2006)

Communications ::Papua New Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

60,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephones - mobile cellular:

900,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Telephone system:

general assessment: services are minimal; facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services
domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 675; submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio communication service (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations, 1 commercial station operating since the late 1980s and 1 state-run station launched in 2008; satellite and cable TV services are available; state-run National Broadcasting Corporation operates 3 radio networks with multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well as several community stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible (2009)

Internet country code:

.pg

Internet hosts:

4,285 (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Internet users:

125,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Transportation ::Papua New Guinea

Airports:

562 (2010) country comparison to the world: 12

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 541

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 469 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 195 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 9,349 km country comparison to the world: 136 paved: 3,000 km
unpaved: 6,349 km (2011)

Waterways:

11,000 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 12

Merchant marine:

total: 28 country comparison to the world: 88 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 24, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 7 (Malaysia 1, UAE 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak

Military ::Papua New Guinea

Military branches:

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes Maritime Operations
Element, Air Operations Element) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,532,378
females age 16-49: 1,440,528 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,103,479
females age 16-49: 1,107,479 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 66,139
female: 64,244 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Transnational Issues ::Papua New Guinea

Disputes - international:

relies on assistance from Australia to keep out illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and secessionists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,177 (Indonesia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Papua New Guinea is a country of destination for women and children from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and China trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; internal trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude occurs as well
tier rating: Tier 3 - Papua New Guinea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the current legal framework does not contain elements of crimes that characterize trafficking; the government lacks victim protection services or a systematic procedure to identify victims of trafficking; the government did not prosecute anyone in 2007 for trafficking; Papua New Guinea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major consumer of cannabis
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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@Paracel Islands (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Paracel Islands

Background:

The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932, French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam. China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. China built a military installation on Woody Island with an airfield and artificial harbor. The islands also are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Geography ::Paracel Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

16 30 N, 112 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: NA sq km
land: NA sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

518 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

mostly low and flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group

People ::Paracel Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons

Government ::Paracel Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Economy ::Paracel Islands

Economy - overview:

The islands have the potential for oil and gas development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing, but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis.

Transportation ::Paracel Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 227

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island

Military ::Paracel Islands

Military - note:

occupied by China

Transnational Issues ::Paracel Islands

Disputes - international:

occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Paraguay (South America)

Introduction ::Paraguay

Background:

Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70) - between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half century. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since then.

Geography ::Paraguay

Location:

Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 406,752 sq km country comparison to the world: 59 land: 397,302 sq km
water: 9,450 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,995 km
border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain:

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m
highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 7.47%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 92.29% (2005)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

336 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.49 cu km/yr (20%/8%/71%)

per capita: 80 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in southern part of country

People ::Paraguay

Population:

6,375,830 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.7% (male 1,304,115/female 1,260,560)

15-64 years: 58.1% (male 2,043,509/female 2,023,317)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 168,554/female 195,600) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.9 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.31% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Birth rate:

17.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Death rate:

4.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Net migration rate:

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.83 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 88 male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.99 years country comparison to the world: 72 male: 73.39 years
female: 78.71 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94%
male: 94.9%
female: 93% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 106

Government ::Paraguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
conventional short form: Paraguay
local long form: Republica del Paraguay
local short form: Paraguay

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Asuncion
geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence:

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)

Constitution:

promulgated 20 June 1992

Legal system:

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president; percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR 30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - ANR 15, PLRA 14, UNACE 9, PPQ 4, other 3;
Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
- ANR 30, PLRA 27, UNACE 15, PPQ 3, APC 2, other 3; note - as of 1
January 2010, the composition of the Chamber of Deputies is ANR 30,
PLRA 29, UNACE 15, PPQ 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, and approved by the Senate and president)

Political parties and leaders:

Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for Change) or
APC [Fernando LUGO]; Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado
Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]; Movimiento Popolar Tekojoja or
Tekojoja [Sixto PEREIRA]; Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos
Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Patria Querida (Beloved
Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella]; Partido
del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo Ernesto SOARES
Machado]; Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP [Rafael Augusto
FILIZZOLA Serra]; Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN [Fernando
CAMACHO Paredes]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA [Amanda
NUNEZ]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA
Pallares]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Coordinating Board of Campesino
Organizations or MCNOC [Luis AGUAYO]; National Federation of
Campesinos or FNC [Odilon ESPINOLA]; National Workers Central or CNT
[Secretary General Juan TORRALES]; Paraguayan Workers Confederation
or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central or CUT [Jorge
Guzman ALVARENGA Malgarejo]

International organization participation:

CAN (associate), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA,
MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rigoberto GAUTO Vielman
chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962

FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
consulate(s) general: Kansas City (Kansas), Los Angeles, Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

Ambassador Liliana AYALDE
embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion
mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001
telephone: [595] (21) 213-715

FAX: [595] (21) 228-603

Flag description:

three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity
note: the three color bands resemble those on the flag of the Netherlands; one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia

National anthem:

name: "Paraguayos, Republica o muerte!" (Paraguayans, The Republic or Death!)

lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/disputed
note: adopted 1934, in use since 1846; the anthem was officially adopted following its re-arrangement in 1934

Economy ::Paraguay

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly between 2003 and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession. The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to contract. The government reacted by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Growth resumed at a 6.5% level in 2010. Political uncertainty, corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$30.94 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $29.06 billion (2009 est.)

$30.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$17.17 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 -3.8% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.8%
industry: 18.2%
services: 60.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.038 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26.5%
industry: 18.5%
services: 55% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.4% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 42.3% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 17 57.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Public debt:

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

20% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 10 20% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

28.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 25.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 115 $2.107 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$5.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $4.057 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.395 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $3.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$409.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Industries:

sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - production:

53.19 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - consumption:

8.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - exports:

45.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

31 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - consumption:

27,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - imports:

25,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Current account balance:

-$391 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 -$149.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.606 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $5.784 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity, wood, leather

Exports - partners:

Brazil 21%, Uruguay 17%, Chile 12%, Argentina 11%, Russia 4% (2009)

Imports:

$9.242 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $6.917 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products, electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts

Imports - partners:

China 30%, Brazil 23%, Argentina 16%, US 5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.082 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $3.862 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.346 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.153 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 87 $2.057 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 4,767.6 (2010), 4,965.4 (2009), 4,337.7 (2008), 5,031 (2007), 5,672.8 (2006)

Communications ::Paraguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

387,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 102

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.619 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Telephone system:

general assessment: the fixed-line market is a state monopoly and fixed-line telephone service is meager; principal switching center is in Asuncion
domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers
international: country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

5 privately-owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations broadcasting; 1 state-owned radio network (2007)

Internet country code:

.py

Internet hosts:

167,281 (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Internet users:

1.105 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Transportation ::Paraguay

Airports:

800 (2010) country comparison to the world: 9

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 15
over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 785

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 290
under 914 m: 470 (2010)

Railways:

total: 36 km country comparison to the world: 132 standard gauge: 36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 29,500 km country comparison to the world: 98 paved: 14,986 km
unpaved: 14,514 km (2000)

Waterways:

3,100 km (primarily on the Paraguay and Parana river systems) (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Merchant marine:

total: 23 country comparison to the world: 96 by type: cargo 15, carrier 1, container 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Military ::Paraguay

Military branches:

Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marine Corps, Naval
Aviation), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy; volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,640,761
females age 16-49: 1,637,460 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,375,610
females age 16-49: 1,400,597 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 72,455
female: 70,910 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Transnational Issues ::Paraguay

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations

Illicit drugs:

major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Peru (South America)

Introduction ::Peru

Background:

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his ouster in 2000. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, has overseen a robust macroeconomic performance.

Geography ::Peru

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between
Chile and Ecuador

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 76 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,285,216 sq km country comparison to the world: 20 land: 1,279,996 sq km
water: 5,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 7,461 km
border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km, Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,414 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes

Terrain:

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural resources:

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 2.88%
permanent crops: 0.47%
other: 96.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:

12,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,913 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 20.13 cu km/yr (8%/10%/82%)

per capita: 720 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity
volcanism: Peru experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Ubinas (elev. 5,672 m, 18,609 ft), which last erupted in 2009, is the country's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and Yucamane

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

People ::Peru

Population:

29,907,003 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 796,631/female 893,757) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years
male: 26.1 years
female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.193% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Birth rate:

19 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Death rate:

6.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Net migration rate:

-0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 79 male: 30.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 138 male: 69.14 years
female: 73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

76,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Ethnic groups:

Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 Census)

Languages:

Spanish 84.1% (official), Quechua 13% (official), Aymara 1.7%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages 0.7% (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages), other 0.2% (2007 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.9%
male: 96.4%
female: 89.4% (2007 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 158

Government ::Peru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Peru
conventional short form: Peru
local long form: Republica del Peru
local short form: Peru

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Lima
geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Independence:

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution:

29 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006)

note: Prime Minister Jose Antonio CHANG Escobedo (since 14 September 2010) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and congressional elections last held on 9 April 2006 with runoff election held on 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011
election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA Tasso 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 April 2006 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 21.2%, PAP 20.6%, UN 15.3%, AF 13.1%, FC 7.1%, PP 4.1%, RN 4.0%, other 14.6%; seats by party - UPP 45, PAP 36, UN 17, AF 13, FC 5, PP 2, RN 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance For Progress (Alianza Para El Progreso) [Cesar ACUNA Peralta]; Alliance For The Future (Alianza Por El Futuro) or AF (a coalition of pro-FUJIMORI parties including Cambio 90, Nueva Mayoria, and Si Cumple); Central Front (Frente Del Centro) or FC (a coalition of Accion Popular, Somos Peru, and Coordinadora Nacional de Independientes) [Victor Andres GARCIA Belaunde]; National Renovation Party (Partido Renovacion Nacional) [Rafael REY]; National Restoration Party (Restauracion Nacional) or RN [Humberto LAY Sun]; National Solidarity Party (Partido Solidaridad Nacional) or SN [Luis CASTANEDA Lossio]; Peru Possible (Peru Posible) or PP [Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique]; Peruvian Aprista Party (Partido Aprista Peruano) or PAP [Alan GARCIA Perez] (also referred to by its original name Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana or APRA); Peruvian Nationalist Party (Partido Nacionalista Peruano) or PNP [Ollanta HUMALA Tasso]; Popular Christian Party (Partido Popular Cristiano) or PPC [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Union for Peru (Union por el Peru) or UPP [Aldo ESTRADA Choque]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Workers Confederation of Peru (Confederacion General de
Trabajadores del Peru) or CGTP [Mario HUAMAN]; Shining Path (Sendero
Luminoso) or SL [Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned), Victor QUISPE
Palomino (top leader at-large)] (leftist guerrilla group)

International organization participation:

APEC, CAN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur
(associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis VALDIVIESO Montano
chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS
embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33
mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima), APO AA 34031-5000
telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000

FAX: [51] (1) 618-2397

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna (representing fauna), a cinchona tree (the source of quinine, signifying flora), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out coins (denoting mineral wealth); red recalls blood shed for independence, white symbolizes peace

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional del Peru" (National Anthem of Peru)

lyrics/music: Jose DE LA TORRE Ugarte/Jose Bernardo ALZEDO
note: adopted 1822; the song won a national contest for an anthem

Economy ::Peru

Economy - overview:

Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering Colombia and Brazil. Abundant mineral resources are found in the mountainous areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent fishing grounds. The Peruvian economy grew by more than 4% per year during the period 2002-06, with a stable exchange rate and low inflation. Growth jumped to 9% per year in 2007 and 2008, driven by higher world prices for minerals and metals and the government's aggressive trade liberalization strategies, but then fell to less than 1% in 2009 in the face of the world recession and lower commodity export prices. Growth resumed in 2010 at nearly 8%, due partly to increased exports. Peru's rapid expansion has helped to reduce the national poverty rate by about 15% since 2002, though underemployment remains high; inflation has trended downward in 2009, to below the Central Bank's 1-3% target. Despite Peru's strong macroeconomic performance, overdependence on minerals and metals subjects the economy to fluctuations in world prices, and poor infrastructure precludes the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal areas. Not all Peruvians therefore have shared in the benefits of growth and despite President GARCIA's pursuit of sound trade and macroeconomic policies, persistent inequality has cost him political support. Nevertheless, he remains committed to Peru's free-trade path. Since 2006, Peru has signed trade deals with the United States, Canada, Singapore, and China, concluded negotiations with the European Union, and begun trade talks with Korea, Japan, and others. The US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force 1 February 2009, opening the way to greater trade and investment between the two economies.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$274.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $254.8 billion (2009 est.)

$252.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$153.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 0.9% (2009 est.)

9.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $8,600 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 33%
services: 52.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

10.58 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 23.8%
services: 75.5% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 8.1% (2009 est.)

note: data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment

Population below poverty line:

34.8% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 37.9% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.6 (2009) country comparison to the world: 26 46.2 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Public debt:

23.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 25% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 2.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.7% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 7.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

21.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 23.67% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$20.53 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 64 $16.77 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$55.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $43.57 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$28.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $23.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$69.75 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 47 $55.63 billion (31 December 2008)

$106 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef, dairy products; fish; guinea pigs

Industries:

mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication; petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas; fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - production:

30.57 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - consumption:

28.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

148,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - consumption:

157,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - exports:

68,640 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - imports:

133,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - proved reserves:

470.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - production:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - consumption:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - exports:

NA
note: in 2010 Peru became a net exporter of LNG (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - proved reserves:

334.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Current account balance:

-$333 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $246.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$33.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $26.88 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products, coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, fishmeal

Exports - partners:

US 17.86%, China 15.96%, Canada 11.35%, Japan 6.75%, Chile 5.42%,
Germany 4.25% (2009)

Imports:

$25.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $21.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper

Imports - partners:

US 23.96%, China 10.74%, Ecuador 7.25%, Brazil 7.19%, Chile 5.68%,
Argentina 5.59%, Mexico 5.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$37.27 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $33.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$33.29 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $30.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$43.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $36.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.12 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $1.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar - 2.8178 (2010), 3.0115 (2009), 2.91 (2008), 3.1731 (2007), 3.2742 (2006)

Communications ::Peru

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.965 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple providers, has increased to roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

6 major television networks of which only one, Television Nacional de Peru, is state-owned; multi-channel cable TV services are available; more than 500 radio stations including a substantial number of indigenous language stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pe

Internet hosts:

268,225 (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Internet users:

9.158 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Transportation ::Peru

Airports:

211 (2010) country comparison to the world: 29

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 58
over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 153

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 40
under 914 m: 87 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 533 km; gas 1,083 km; liquid petroleum gas 677 km; oil 1,018 km; refined products 15 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,989 km country comparison to the world: 73 standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 263 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 102,887 km country comparison to the world: 42 note: includes 23,838 km of national roads, 19,049 km of departmental roads, and 60,000 km of local roads (2007)

Waterways:

8,808 km country comparison to the world: 14 note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries on Amazon system and 208 km on Lago Titicaca (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 106 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 7
foreign-owned: 1 (Bahamas 1)

registered in other countries: 13 (Belize 1, Panama 12) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note -
Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the
Amazon and its tributaries

Military ::Peru

Military branches:

Army of Peru (Ejercito Peruano), Navy of Peru (Marina de Guerra del
Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and Coast Guard)),
Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,920,056
females age 16-49: 7,795,130 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,045,256
females age 16-49: 6,501,224 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 312,375
female: 302,452 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 100

Transnational Issues ::Peru

Disputes - international:

Chile and Ecuador rejected Peru's November 2005 unilateral legislation to shift the axis of their joint treaty-defined maritime boundaries along the parallels of latitude to equidistance lines which favor Peru; organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia have penetrated Peru's shared border; Peru rejects Bolivia's claim to restore maritime access through a sovereign corridor through Chile along the Peruvian border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 60,000-150,000 (civil war from 1980-2000; most IDPs are indigenous peasants in Andean and Amazonian regions) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer, Peru is now the world's second largest producer of coca leaf, though it lags far behind Colombia; cultivation of coca in Peru declined to 36,000 hectares in 2007; second largest producer of cocaine, estimated at 210 metric tons of potential pure cocaine in 2007; finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to the international drug market; increasing amounts of base and finished cocaine, however, are being moved to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia for use in the Southern Cone or transshipment to Europe and Africa; increasing domestic drug consumption
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Philippines (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Philippines

Background:

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New Peoples' Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.

Geography ::Philippines

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the
South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 300,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 72 land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

36,289 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:

arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 16.67%
other: 64.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

479 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: the Philippines experience significant volcanic activity; Taal (elev. 311 m, 1,020 ft), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m, 8,077 ft), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo and Ragang

Environment - current issues:

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

People ::Philippines

Population:

99,900,177 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)

15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.7 years
male: 22.2 years
female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.931% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Birth rate:

25.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Death rate:

5.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Net migration rate:

-1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 101 male: 22.49 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.38 years country comparison to the world: 131 male: 68.45 years
female: 74.45 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.23 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Ethnic groups:

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 92.5%
female: 92.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 162

Government ::Philippines

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form: Philippines
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form: Pilipinas

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Manila
geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

80 provinces and 120 chartered cities
provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay,
Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas,
Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines
Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu,
Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat
Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La
Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,
Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain
Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato,
Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga,
Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani,
Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat,
Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi,
Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago,
Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan,
Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan,
Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan,
Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan,
General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga,
Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag,
Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati,
Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi,
Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga,
Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan,
Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon,
Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos
(in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in
Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa
Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban,
Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu),
Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac,
Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela,
Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Independence:

12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US

Constitution:

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system:

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note - president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May 2010; Benigno AQUINO declared winner and took office on 30 June 2010; next election to be held in May 2016
election results: Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote - Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%; Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY 41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan; the House has 287 seats including 230 members in one tier representing districts and 57 sectoral party-list members in a second tier representing special minorities elected on the basis of one seat for every 2% of the total vote but are limited to three seats; a party represented in one tier may not hold seats in the other tier; all House members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms
note: the constitution limits the House of Representatives to 250 members; the number of members allowed was increased, however, through legislation when in April 2009 the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that additional party members could sit in the House of Representatives if they received the required number of votes
elections: Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 38.4%, LP 20.3%, NPC 15.4%, NP 11.5%, independents 7.1%, others 7.3%; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 104, LP 45, NPC 31, NP 26, others 17, independents 7, party-list 56

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Political parties and leaders:

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or
LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or
Lakas-CMD [Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO]; Liberal Party or LP [Manuel
ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR]; Nationalist
People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino
PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; Puwersa
ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph
ESTRADA]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar BINAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia BARAQUIEL]; An Waray
[Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael
MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III]; Association of Philippine
Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A
TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna [Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro
CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene
VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila
CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose
PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and Luzviminda ILAGAN]; KABATAAN
[Raymon PALATINO]; Kilosbayan [Jovito SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO,
G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN,
UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMIT, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA
chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr.

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila
mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000

FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897
note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

National anthem:

name: "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)

lyrics/music: Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE
note: music adopted 1898, original Spanish lyrics adopted 1899, Filipino (Tagalog) lyrics adopted 1956; although the original lyrics were written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions were created; today, only the Filipino version is used

Economy ::Philippines

Economy - overview:

Philippine GDP grew nearly 7% in 2010. The economy weathered the 2008-09 global recession better than its regional peers due to minimal exposure to securities issued by troubled global financial institutions; lower dependence on exports; relatively resilient domestic consumption, supported by large remittances from four-to five-million overseas Filipino workers; and a growing business process outsourcing industry. Economic growth in the Philippines has averaged 4.5% per year since 2001, when former President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office. Despite this growth, poverty worsened during the term of MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, because of a high population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures to address the government's yawning budget deficit and to reduce high debt and debt service ratios. But the government abandoned its 2008 balanced-budget goal in order to help the economy weather the global financial and economic storm. The economy under AQUINO faces budget shortfalls in the near term, but has had little difficulty issuing debt both locally and internationally to finance the deficits. AQUINO's first budget emphasizes education and other social spending programs, relying on the private sector to finance important infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection in recent years limits the government's ability to address major challenges.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$351.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $329.2 billion (2009 est.)

$325.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$189.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 1.1% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $3,400 (2009 est.)

$3,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.7%
industry: 31.7%
services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

38.91 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%
industry: 15%
services: 51% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 7.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32.9% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.8 (2006) country comparison to the world: 37 46.6 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Public debt:

55.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 3.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 76 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.57% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 55 $24.06 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$91.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $78.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$95.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $83.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$80.13 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 41 $85.63 billion (31 December 2008)

$172.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Industries:

electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - production:

56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - consumption:

48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

25,290 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - consumption:

313,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - exports:

36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - imports:

342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - proved reserves:

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - production:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - consumption:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - proved reserves:

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Current account balance:

$8.575 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $8.552 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$45.89 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $37.51 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits

Exports - partners:

US 17.6%, Japan 16.2%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.6%, China 7.7%,
Germany 6.5%, Singapore 6.2% (2009)

Imports:

$57.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $46.39 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

Imports - partners:

Japan 12.5%, US 12%, China 8.8%, Singapore 8.7%, South Korea 7.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$49.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $44.24 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$61.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $62.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$24.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $22.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.591 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $6.191 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 45.459 (2010), 47.68 (2009), 44.439 (2008), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006)

Communications ::Philippines

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Telephones - mobile cellular:

74.489 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate
domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations; mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 80 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple national private TV and radio networks and a government-operated national TV and radio network; about 300 television stations and more than 1,000 radio stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.ph

Internet hosts:

394,990 (2010) country comparison to the world: 53

Internet users:

8.278 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Transportation ::Philippines

Airports:

254 (2010) country comparison to the world: 25

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 85
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 29

914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 169

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 66
under 914 m: 99 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 897 km country comparison to the world: 95 narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 201,910 km country comparison to the world: 24 paved: 21,677 km
unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

Waterways:

3,219 km; (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2011) country comparison to the world: 31

Merchant marine:

total: 428 country comparison to the world: 24 by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 135, carrier 16, chemical tanker 26, container 13, liquefied gas 5, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 68, petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 12, vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 156 (Bermuda 43, China 4, Greece 4, Japan 82, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 18, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Philippines

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine
Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,079,262
females age 16-49: 24,556,912 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,650,825
females age 16-49: 21,029,243 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,039,679
female: 1,001,448 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Transnational Issues ::Philippines

Disputes - international:

Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu
Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Pitcairn Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Pitcairn Islands

Background:

Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to less than 50 today.

Geography ::Pitcairn Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between
Peru and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

25 04 S, 130 06 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 47 sq km country comparison to the world: 233 land: 47 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

51 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Big Ridge 347 m

Natural resources:

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish
note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been discovered offshore

Land use:

arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially November to March)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Geography - note:

Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed offshore

People ::Pitcairn Islands

Population:

48 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 238

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives

Religions:

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Languages:

English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Pitcairn Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands
conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Adamstown
geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W
time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

The Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, effective 4 March 2010

Legal system:

local island by-laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the Island Council
head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1 January 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a three-year term; election last held in December 2007 (next to be held in December 2010)

election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Island Council (11 seats; mayor, deputy mayor, 4 members elected by popular vote, 1 member appointed by the governor, 3 ex officio members including governor, deputy governor, and commissioner; deputy mayor and elected members serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 24 December 2009 (next to be held on 24 December 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judicial officers are appointed by the governor

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the green, yellow, and blue of the shield represents the island rising from the ocean; the green field features a yellow anchor surmounted by a bible (both the anchor and the bible were items found on the HMS Bounty); sitting on the crest is a Pitcairn Island wheelbarrow from which springs a slip of miro (a local plant)

National anthem:

name: "We From Pitcairn Island"

lyrics/music: unknown/Frederick M. LEHMAN
note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Pitcairn Islands

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. In October 2004, more than one-quarter of Pitcairn's small labor force was arrested, putting the economy in a bind, since their services were required as lighter crew to load or unload passing ships.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

15 able-bodied men (2004) country comparison to the world: 229

Labor force - by occupation:

note: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Agriculture - products:

honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables; goats, chickens, fish

Industries:

postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a small diesel-powered generator

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Pitcairn Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line); (2004) country comparison to the world: 230

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite phone services
domestic: domestic communication via radio (CB)

international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1 (Inmarsat)

Broadcast media:

no local broadcast television or radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.pn

Internet hosts:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 218

Transportation ::Pitcairn Islands

Ports and terminals:

Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Military ::Pitcairn Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Pitcairn Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Poland (Europe)

Introduction ::Poland

Background:

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century. During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

Geography ::Poland

Location:

Central Europe, east of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 312,685 sq km country comparison to the world: 69 land: 304,255 sq km
water: 8,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,047 km
border countries: Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 615 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 420 km, Ukraine 428 km

Coastline:

440 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

Climate:

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Terrain:

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m
highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Natural resources:

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 40.25%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 58.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.73 cu km/yr (13%/79%/8%)

per capita: 304 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to EU code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

People ::Poland

Population:

38,463,689 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15% (male 2,964,995/female 2,802,278)

15-64 years: 71.6% (male 13,713,078/female 13,845,251)

65 years and over: 13.4% (male 1,966,406/female 3,190,911) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.2 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.053% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Birth rate:

10.04 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Death rate:

10.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Net migration rate:

-0.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 171 male: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.85 years country comparison to the world: 75 male: 71.88 years
female: 80.06 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Ethnic groups:

Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%,
Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)

Languages:

Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 78

Government ::Poland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Poland
conventional short form: Poland
local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska
local short form: Polska

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Warsaw
geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie
(Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie,
Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland),
Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie, Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia),
Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie,
Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater
Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)

Independence:

11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Constitution:

adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997

Legal system:

based on a mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of Justice in Strasbourg; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (since 6 August 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 June and 4 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
election results: Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI elected president; percent of popular vote - Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI 53%, Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI 47%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, the Senate or Senat (100 seats; members elected by a majority vote on a provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the Sejm (460 seats; members elected under a complex system of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the designation of National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly
elections: Senate - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011); Sejm - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PO 60, PiS 39, independents 1; Sejm - percent of vote by party - PO 41.5%, PiS 32.1%, LiD 13.2%, PSL 8.9%, other 4.3%; seats by party - PO 209, PiS 166, LiD 53, PSL 31, German minorities 1; note - seats by party as of December 2010 - PO 203, PiS 147, SLD 44, PSL 31, PJN 17, SPDL 4, DKP_SD 3, German minorities 1, Independents 9, Vacant 1
note: one seat is assigned to ethnic minority parties in the Sejm only

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Civic Platform or PO [Donald TUSK, chairman; Tomasz TOMCZYKIEWICZ, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Caucus of the Democratic Party (SD) or DKP SD [Bogdan LIS, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Grzegorz NAPIERALSKI, chairman, parlimentary caucus leader]; Democratic Party or PD [Brygida KUZNIAK, chairwoman]; Democratic Party or SD [Pawel PISKORSKI, chairman]; German Minority of Lower Silesia or MNSO [Richard GALL, representative]; Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI, chairman; Mariusz BLASZCZAK, parliamentary caucus leader]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Witold BALAZAK, chairman]; Poland is the most important or PJN [Joanna KLUZIK-ROSTKOWSKA, president]; Polish People's Party or PSL [Waldemar PAWLAK, chairman; Stanislaw ZELICHOWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Samoobrona or SO [Andrzej LEPPER, chairman]; Social Democratic Party of Poland or SDPL [Wojciech FILEMONOWICZ, chairman; Marek BOROWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Union of Labor or UP [Waldemar WITKOWSKI, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Jan GUZ];
Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Stanislaw DZIWISZ, Archbishop Jozef
MICHALIK]; Solidarity Trade Union [Piotr DUDA]

International organization participation:

Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer),
CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state),
EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI
chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802

FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lee FEINSTEIN
embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw
mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)

telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688
consulate(s) general: Krakow

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field
note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

National anthem:

name: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)

lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional
note: adopted 1927; the anthem, commonly known as "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela" (Poland Has Not Yet Perished), was written in 1797; the lyrics resonate strongly with Poles because they reflect the numerous occasions in which the nation's lands have been occupied

Economy ::Poland

Economy - overview:

Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. Before 2009, GDP had grown about 5% annually, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. Unemployment fell rapidly to 6.4% in October 2008, but climbed back to 11.8% for the year 2010, exceeding the EU average by more than 2%. In 2008 inflation reached 4.2%, more than the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range, but fell to 2.4% in 2010 due to global economic slowdown. Poland's economic performance could improve over the longer term if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure and its business environment. An inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, burdensome tax system, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system caused the public sector budget deficit to rise to 7.9% of GDP in 2010. The PO/PSL coalition government, which came to power in November 2007, plans to reduce the budget deficit in 2011 and has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, increase workforce participation, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government, however, has moved slowly on major reforms. The legislature passed a law significantly limiting early retirement benefits. A health-care bill also passed through the legislature, but the legislature failed to overturn a presidential veto.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$721.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $698.6 billion (2009 est.)

$687 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$438.9 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 1.7% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$18,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $18,200 (2009 est.)

$17,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.9%
industry: 31.8%
services: 63% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17.4%
industry: 29.2%
services: 53.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 11% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 27.2% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 87 31.6 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Public debt:

50.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 89 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.99% (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 5.72% (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$138.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 24 $124.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$251.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $229.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$288.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $264.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$135.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 38 $90.23 billion (31 December 2008)

$207.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork, dairy

Industries:

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - production:

149.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - consumption:

129.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - exports:

9.703 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

8.48 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

34,140 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - consumption:

545,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - exports:

65,280 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - imports:

553,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - proved reserves:

96.38 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - production:

5.842 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - consumption:

16.33 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - exports:

40 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - imports:

9.954 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - proved reserves:

164.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Current account balance:

-$12.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 -$9.598 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$160.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $142.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%, food and live animals 7.6%

Exports - partners:

Germany 26.06%, Italy 6.84%, France 6.78%, UK 6.38%, Czech Republic 5.85%, Netherlands 4.14% (2009)

Imports:

$167.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $146.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 38%, intermediate manufactured goods 21%, chemicals 15%, minerals, fuels, lubricants, and related materials 9%

Imports - partners:

Germany 28.08%, Russia 8.65%, Italy 6.5%, Netherlands 5.59%, China 5.27%, France 4.6%, Czech Republic 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$99.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $79.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$252.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $239.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$198.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $182.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$30.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $26.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 3.0718 (2010), 3.1214 (2009), 2.3 (2008), 2.81 (2007), 3.1032 (2006)

Communications ::Poland

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.556 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Telephones - mobile cellular:

44.553 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Telephone system:

general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has accelerated with market-based competition; fixed-line service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by the growth in mobile-cellular services
domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning operations in late 2006; coverage is generally good with some gaps in the east; fixed-line service lags in rural areas
international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run public television operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels; privately-owned entities operate several national TV broadcast networks and a number of special interest channels; large number of privately-owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2 privately-owned national radio networks, several commercial stations broadcasting to multiple cities, and a large number of privately-owned local radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pl

Internet hosts:

10.51 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 11

Internet users:

22.452 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Transportation ::Poland

Airports:

129 (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 86
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 43

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 13,631 km; oil 1,384 km; refined products 777 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 22,314 km country comparison to the world: 12 broad gauge: 633 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 21,681 km 1.435-m gauge (11,769 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 423,997 km country comparison to the world: 15 paved: 295,356 km (includes 765 km of expressways)

unpaved: 128,641 km (2008)

Waterways:

3,997 km (navigable rivers and canals) (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 116 by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 1
registered in other countries: 104 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Bahamas 32, Cyprus 20, Liberia 13, Malta 22, Norway 2, Panama 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 2, Vanuatu 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, Szczecin

Military ::Poland

Military branches:

Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Aviation
Forces, Special Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for male voluntary or compulsory military service; service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005; conscription is to end in 2012; only soldiers who have completed their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional service; as of April 2004, women are only allowed to serve as officers and noncommissioned officers; reserve obligation to age 50 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,597,047
females age 16-49: 9,364,939 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,860,841
females age 16-49: 7,828,221 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 235,248
female: 224,801 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.71% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Transnational Issues ::Poland

Disputes - international:

as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine

Illicit drugs:

despite diligent counternarcotics measures and international information sharing on cross-border crimes, a major illicit producer of synthetic drugs for the international market; minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to Western Europe
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Portugal (Europe)

Introduction ::Portugal

Background:

Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of its wealthiest colony of Brazil in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986. In January 2011, Portugal assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Portugal

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of
Spain

Geographic coordinates:

39 30 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 92,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 110 land: 91,470 sq km
water: 620 sq km
note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,214 km
border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Coastline:

1,793 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Terrain:

mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 17.29%
permanent crops: 7.84%
other: 74.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

6,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

73.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.09 cu km/yr (10%/12%/78%)

per capita: 1,056 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

Azores subject to severe earthquakes
volcanism: Portugal experiences limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (elev. 1,043 m, 3,422 ft) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

People ::Portugal

Population:

10,735,765 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 912,147/female 834,941)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,525,717/female 3,554,513)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 772,413/female 1,108,193) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 37.6 years
female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.244% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Birth rate:

10.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Death rate:

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Net migration rate:

3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Urbanization:

urban population: 59% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.067 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 190 male: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.38 years country comparison to the world: 48 male: 75.12 years
female: 81.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

34,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Nationality:

noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Religions:

Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%, unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.3%
male: 95.5%
female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 96

Government ::Portugal

Country name:

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic
conventional short form: Portugal
local long form: Republica Portuguesa
local short form: Portugal

Government type:

republic; parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Lisbon
geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu

Independence:

1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes (1524-80) died

Constitution:

adopted 2 April 1976; subsequently revised
note: the revisions placed the military under strict civilian control, trimmed the powers of the president, and laid the groundwork for a stable, pluralistic liberal democracy; they allowed for the privatization of nationalized firms and government-owned communications media

Legal system:

based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9 March 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa (since 12 March 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (230 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held in fall 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 42%, PSD 35%, CDS/PP 9%, BE 7%, CDU 7%; seats by party - PS 97, PSD 81, CDS/PP 21, BE 16, CDU 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica); judges appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party or CDS/PP [Paulo PORTAS];
Socialist Party or PS [Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Pedro Manuel PASSOS COELHO]; The
Left Bloc or BE [Franciso Anacleto LOUCA]; Unitarian Democratic
Coalition or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes Portuguese Communist
Party or PCP and Ecologist Party ("The Greens") or PEV)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

the media; labor unions

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen Convention,
SECI (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joao DE VALLERA
chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726
consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco
consulate(s): New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Allan J. KATZ
embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon
mailing address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE 09726
telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300

FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109
consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Flag description:

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line; explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the nation

National anthem:

name: "A Portugesa" (The Song of the Portuguese)

lyrics/music: Henrique LOPES DE MENDOCA/Alfredo KEIL
note: adopted 1910; "A Portuguesa" was originally written to protest the Portuguese monarchy's acquiescence to the 1890 British ultimatum forcing Portugal to give up areas of Africa; the lyrics refer to the "insult" that resulted from the event

Economy ::Portugal

Economy - overview:

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986. Over the past two decades, successive governments have privatized many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU member economies. Economic growth had been above the EU average for much of the 1990s, but fell back in 2001-08, shrank 2.6% in 2009, before growing 1% in 2010. GDP per capita stands at roughly two-thirds of the EU-27 average. A poor educational system and a rigid labor market have been obstacles to greater productivity and growth. Portugal also has been increasingly overshadowed by lower-cost producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for foreign direct investment. Portugal's competitiveness problems, low growth prospects, and high levels of public debt have made it vulnerable to bond market turbulence. Lisbon is implementing austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit from 9.4% of GDP in 2009 to 4.6% of GDP in 2011, but some investors have expressed concern about Portugal's ability to achieve these targets and cover its sovereign debt. Without the option for stimulus measures, the government is focusing instead on boosting exports and implementing labor market reforms to try to raise GDP growth and tackle Portugal's competitiveness problems, which may help mitigate investor concerns over time.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$247 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $244.5 billion (2009 est.)

$251 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$223.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 -2.6% (2009 est.)

0% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$23,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $22,800 (2009 est.)

$23,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 23%
services: 74.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.57 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%
industry: 30%
services: 60% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 9.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 72 35.6 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Public debt:

83.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 76.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 -0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 125 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 8.35% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$98.23 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 31 $100.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$282 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $302.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$556.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $490.8 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$98.65 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 44 $68.71 billion (31 December 2008)

$132.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, dairy products; fish

Industries:

textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper, chemicals, auto-parts manufacturing, base metals, diary products, wine and other foods, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - production:

44.47 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - consumption:

48.78 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - exports:

1.313 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.74 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,721 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - consumption:

272,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - exports:

53,660 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - imports:

323,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - production:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.846 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - imports:

4.895 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Current account balance:

-$19.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 -$23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$46.27 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $44.49 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision instruments

Exports - partners:

Spain 26.25%, Germany 12.99%, France 12.04%, Angola 7.21%, UK 5.54% (2009)

Imports:

$68.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $68.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision instruments, computer accessories and parts, semi-conductors and related devices, household goods, passenger cars new and used, and wine products

Imports - partners:

Spain 31.58%, Germany 12.41%, France 8.58%, Italy 5.55%, Netherlands 5.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$16.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$497.8 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 20 $507 billion (30 June 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$105.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $102.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$63.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $63.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Portugal

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.049 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.178 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Telephone system:

general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities
domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations
international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 domestic channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly 40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to international broadcasters with more than half of all households connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; publicly-owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides regional and external services; several privately-owned national radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.pt

Internet hosts:

3.267 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 28

Internet users:

5.168 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Transportation ::Portugal

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 43
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,786 km country comparison to the world: 59 broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 82,900 km country comparison to the world: 57 paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,613 km of expressways)

unpaved: 11,606 km (2008)

Waterways:

210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008) country comparison to the world: 96

Merchant marine:

total: 111 country comparison to the world: 47 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 33, carrier 1, chemical tanker 17, container 8, liquefied gas 9, passenger 13, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 80 (Belgium 8, Denmark 4, Germany 13, Greece 5, Italy 10, Japan 9, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Spain 15, Sweden 6, Switzerland 3, US 4)

registered in other countries: 14 (Cyprus 2, Malta 3, Panama 9) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines

Military ::Portugal

Military branches:

Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy (Marinha
Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force (Forca
Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,572,007
females age 16-49: 2,474,719 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,104,945
females age 16-49: 2,034,912 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 62,628
female: 55,737 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Transnational Issues ::Portugal

Disputes - international:

Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs:

seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Puerto Rico (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Puerto Rico

Background:

Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status.

Geography ::Puerto Rico

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 66 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,790 sq km country comparison to the world: 162 land: 8,870 sq km
water: 4,921 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

501 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Natural resources:

some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil

Land use:

arable land: 3.69%
permanent crops: 5.59%
other: 90.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Geography - note:

important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

People ::Puerto Rico

Population:

3,978,702 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 402,473/female 384,655)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,260,191/female 1,361,359)

65 years and over: 14.1% (male 239,957/female 317,578) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years
male: 35 years
female: 38.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Birth rate:

11.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Death rate:

7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Net migration rate:

-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Urbanization:

urban population: 98% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 162 male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.77 years country comparison to the world: 43 male: 75.15 years
female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,397 (1997) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Languages:

Spanish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.1%
male: 93.9%
female: 94.4% (2002 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Puerto Rico

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Dependency status:

unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President

Government type:

commonwealth

Capital:

name: San Juan
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular -
municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas
Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,
Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,
Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,
Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,
Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,
Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las
Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,
Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,
Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San
German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa
Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,
Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Independence:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

National holiday:

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25
July (1952)

Constitution:

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD 18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party - PNP 37, PPD 14
note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National Republican Party
of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive Party or PNP
[Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic Party or PPD
[Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican Independence
Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance, Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents liberty, victory, and peace
note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

National anthem:

name: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican)

lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES
note: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name is a reference to the indigenous name of the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century; there is some evidence that the music was written by Francisco RAMIREZ; as a commonwealth of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Puerto Rico

Economy - overview:

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$64.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $68.84 billion (2009 est.)

$71.51 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$93.52 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 -3.7% (2009 est.)

-2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $17,400 (2009 est.)

$18,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 45%
services: 54% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

1.479 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 133

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 19%
services: 79% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2002) country comparison to the world: 129

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - consumption:

22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1,783 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - consumption:

164,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - exports:

16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - imports:

225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - consumption:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - imports:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Exports:

$46.9 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 55

Exports - commodities:

chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Imports:

$29.1 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 61

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Puerto Rico

Telephones - main lines in use:

870,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.716 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability
domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services
international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

Broadcast media:

more than 30 television stations operating; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.pr

Internet hosts:

482 (2010) country comparison to the world: 182

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Transportation ::Puerto Rico

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 117

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17
over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 26,670 km country comparison to the world: 102 paved: 25,337 km (includes 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,333 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 138 by type: roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San
Juan

Military ::Puerto Rico

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 704,833
females age 16-49: 788,234 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,616
female: 29,196 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Puerto Rico

Disputes - international:

increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for work
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Qatar (Middle East)

Introduction ::Qatar

Background:

Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.

Geography ::Qatar

Location:

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 11,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 165 land: 11,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 60 km
border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline:

563 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 0.27%
other: 98.09% (2005)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)

per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

People ::Qatar

Population:

840,926 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)

15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)

65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years
male: 32.9 years
female: 25.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.869% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Birth rate:

15.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Death rate:

2.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Net migration rate:

-4.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Urbanization:

urban population: 96% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.44 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.36 male(s)/female
total population: 1.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.24 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 137 male: 13.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.51 years country comparison to the world: 83 male: 73.78 years
female: 77.33 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Ethnic groups:

Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions:

Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89%
male: 89.1%
female: 88.6% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 140

Government ::Qatar

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Qatar
conventional short form: Qatar
local long form: Dawlat Qatar
local short form: Qatar
note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Government type:

emirate

Capital:

name: Doha
geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal

Independence:

3 September 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December (anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne)

Constitution:

ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Legal system:

based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the amir (selected Heir Apparent by the amir on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir Al Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the amir is hereditary
note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Legislative branch:

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed)

note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect 30 members and the Amir would appoint 15; elections to the Majlis al-Shura are tentatively scheduled for June 2010

Judicial branch:

Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA (observer), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA,
NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI
chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061
consulate(s) general: Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON
embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha
mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
telephone: [974] 488 4161

FAX: [974] 488 4150

Flag description:

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars, white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916
note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun and the new shade was eventually adopted

National anthem:

name: "Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (The Peace for the Anthem)

lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN
note: adopted 1996; the anthem was first performed that year at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperative Council hosted by Qatar

Economy ::Qatar

Economy - overview:

Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar has prospered in the last several years - in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest growth rate. Qatari authorities throughout the crisis sought to protect the local banking sector with direct investments into domestic banks. GDP rebounded in 2010 largely due to the increase in oil prices. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and likely the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar's successful 2022 world cup bid will likely accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects such as Qatar's metro system and the Qatar-Bahrain causeway.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$122.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $102.3 billion (2009 est.)

$93.44 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$126.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

19.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 9.5% (2009 est.)

11.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$145,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $122,800 (2009 est.)

$113,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 78.8%
services: 21.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.254 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Unemployment rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 0.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

33% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Public debt:

10.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 14% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -4.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 80 5.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 6.84% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$15.98 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 66 $14.59 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$65.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $59.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$70.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $69.21 billion (31 December 2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$87.86 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 42 $76.31 billion (31 December 2008)

$95.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Industries:

liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

27.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - production:

15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - consumption:

13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.213 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - consumption:

142,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - exports:

753,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - proved reserves:

25.41 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - production:

76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - consumption:

20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - exports:

56.78 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - proved reserves:

25.47 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Current account balance:

$20.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $809 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$57.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $33.28 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Exports - partners:

Japan 34.68%, South Korea 22.44%, Singapore 10.03%, India 4.86% (2009)

Imports:

$23.38 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $20.89 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 13.43%, Italy 8.34%, South Korea 8.33%, Japan 8.04%, Germany 7.31%, France 6.26%, UK 5.59%, China 5%, UAE 4.67%, Saudi Arabia 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$22.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $18.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$71.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $70.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$26.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $20.75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$19.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $14.27 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2010), 3.64 (2009), 3.64 (2008), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006)

Communications ::Qatar

Telephones - main lines in use:

285,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.472 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha
domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 300 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2009)

Broadcast media:

television and radio broadcast media are state controlled; home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally owned and financed by the Qatari Government; Al-Jazeera claims editorial independence in broadcasting; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Doha (2007)

Internet country code:

.qa

Internet hosts:

822 (2010) country comparison to the world: 170

Internet users:

563,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Transportation ::Qatar

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 173

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 980 km; liquid petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 7,790 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 144

Merchant marine:

total: 29 country comparison to the world: 86 by type: bulk carrier 3, chemical tanker 2, container 14, liquefied gas 6, petroleum tanker 4
foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)

registered in other countries: 30 (Liberia 5, Marshall Islands 24, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra's Laffan

Military ::Qatar

Military branches:

Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN), Qatari
Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 387,399
females age 16-49: 163,652 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 320,277
females age 16-49: 138,558 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,403
female: 5,144 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Transnational Issues ::Qatar

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Qatar does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in February 2009, Qatar enacted a new migrant worker sponsorship law that criminalizes some practices commonly used by trafficking offenders, and it announced plans to use that law effectively to prevent human trafficking; punishment for offenses related to trafficking in persons remains lower than that for crimes such as rape and kidnapping, and the Qatari government has yet to take significant action to investigate, prosecute, and punish trafficking offenses; the government continues to lack formal victim identification procedures and, as a result, victims of trafficking are likely punished for acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked (2009)

page last updated on January 27, 2011

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

@Romania (Europe)

Introduction ::Romania

Background:

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography ::Romania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and
Ukraine

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 238,391 sq km country comparison to the world: 82 land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,508 km
border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Terrain:

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 39.49%
permanent crops: 1.92%
other: 58.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30,770 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

42.3 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)

per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

People ::Romania

Population:

21,959,278 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)

15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)

65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years
male: 36.9 years
female: 39.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.247% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Birth rate:

9.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Death rate:

11.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Net migration rate:

-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 145 male: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.74 years country comparison to the world: 110 male: 70.26 years
female: 77.42 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Nationality:

noun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Ethnic groups:

Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 1.2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.3%
male: 98.4%
female: 96.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 94

Government ::Romania

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Romania
local long form: none
local short form: Romania

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bucharest
geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Independence:

9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)

Constitution:

8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Marko BELA (since 23 December 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 November 2009 with runoff on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in November-December 2014); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the Parliament
election results: Traian BASESCU reelected president; percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 50.3%, Mircea GEOANA 49.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (137 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL 32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%; seats by alliance/party - PDL 115, PSD-PC 114, PNL 65, UDMR 22, ethnic minorities 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or PC [Daniel CONSTANTIN] (formerly Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC]; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party or PNL [Crin ANTONESCU]; National Union for Romania's Progress or UNPR [Gabriel OPREA]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor PONTA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania or PDSR)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various human rights and professional associations

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD,
EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA
chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN
embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)

telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300

FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; modeled after the flag of France, the colors are those of the principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and blue), which united in 1861 to form Romania; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed
note: now similar to the flag of Chad, whose blue band is darker; also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

National anthem:

name: "Desteapta-te romane!" (Wake up, Romanian)

lyrics/music: Andrei MURESIANU/Anton PANN
note: adopted 1990; the anthem was written during the 1848 Revolution

Economy ::Romania

Economy - overview:

Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment. Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline. Romania's GDP contracted markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial markets and trade, and GDP fell more than 7% in 2009, prompting Bucharest to seek a $26 billion emergency assistance package from the IMF, the EU, and other international lenders. Drastic austerity measures, as part of Romania's IMF-led agreement led to a further 1.9% GDP contraction in 2010. The economy is expected to return to positive growth in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$253.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $258.2 billion (2009 est.)

$277.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$158.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 -7.1% (2009 est.)

7.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $11,700 (2009 est.)

$12,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.8%
industry: 36%
services: 51.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29.7%
industry: 23.2%
services: 47.1% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2008) country comparison to the world: 103 28.8 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Public debt:

34.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 5.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 14.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$24.39 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 60 $26.03 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$63.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $61.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$77.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$30.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 61 $19.92 billion (31 December 2008)

$44.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep

Industries:

electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - production:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - consumption:

49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - exports:

5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

921 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

117,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - consumption:

214,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - exports:

115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - imports:

217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - proved reserves:

600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - production:

11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - consumption:

16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - imports:

5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - proved reserves:

63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Current account balance:

-$7.934 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -$7.139 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$51.91 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $40.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels, chemicals, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 18.76%, Italy 15.42%, France 8.2%, Turkey 4.99%, Hungary 4.33% (2009)

Imports:

$59.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $50.03 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.3%, Italy 11.78%, Hungary 8.36%, France 6.14%, China 4.91%, Austria 4.75% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$50.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $44.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$108.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $110 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$80.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $73.96 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $1.731 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lei (RON) per US dollar - 3.2 (2010), 3.0493 (2009), 2.5 (2008), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006)

Communications ::Romania

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25.377 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being expanded and modernized; domestic and international service improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services
domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 115 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest (2009)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of public and private TV stations; the public broadcaster operates multiple stations; roughly 100 private national, regional, and local stations operating; more than 75% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems that provide access to Romanian, European, and international stations; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 4 national networks and regional and local stations; more than 100 private radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Internet country code:

.ro

Internet hosts:

2.464 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Internet users:

7.787 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Transportation ::Romania

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 88

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,588 km; oil 2,424 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 10,788 km country comparison to the world: 21 broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 10,731 km 1.435-m gauge (3,965 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 198,817 km country comparison to the world: 25 paved: 60,043 km (includes 281 km of expressways)

unpaved: 138,774 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,731 km country comparison to the world: 48 note: includes 1,075 km on Danube River, 524 km on secondary branches, and 132 km on canals (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 15 country comparison to the world: 102 by type: cargo 10, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1
registered in other countries: 35 (Cambodia 1, Georgia 7, Liberia 3, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 2, Moldova 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 4, Syria 1, Togo 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Braila, Constanta, Galati (Galatz), Mancanului (Giurgiu), Midia,
Tulcea

Military ::Romania

Military branches:

Land Forces, Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force (Fortele Aeriene
Romane, FAR), Special Operations (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription officially ended October 2006; all military inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive contracts for 3-year terms until age 36 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,617,144
females age 16-49: 5,487,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,513,619
females age 16-49: 4,566,620 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 121,391
female: 115,258 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Transnational Issues ::Romania

Disputes - international:

the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to issue a rejoinder, in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania also opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American cocaine bound for Western Europe; although not a significant financial center, role as a narcotics conduit leaves it vulnerable to laundering, which occurs via the banking system, currency exchange houses, and casinos
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Russia (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Russia

Background:

Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

Geography ::Russia

Location:

Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part of
Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North
Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 17,098,242 sq km country comparison to the world: 1 land: 16,377,742 sq km
water: 720,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 20,241.5 km
border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 17.5 km, Latvia 292 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Coastline:

37,653 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Terrain:

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Natural resources:

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, reserves of rare earth elements, timber
note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources

Land use:

arable land: 7.17%
permanent crops: 0.11%
other: 92.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

46,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4,498 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 76.68 cu km/yr (19%/63%/18%)

per capita: 535 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russia
volcanism: Russia experiences significant volcanic activity on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (elev. 4,835 m, 15,863 ft), which erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano; Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely, Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky, Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak

People ::Russia

Population:

139,390,205 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011)

15-64 years: 71.5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.5 years
male: 35.3 years
female: 41.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.465% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Birth rate:

11.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Death rate:

16.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Net migration rate:

0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.44 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 150 male: 11.83 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.16 years country comparison to the world: 160 male: 59.54 years
female: 73.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

940,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

40,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Ethnic groups:

Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)

Religions:

Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)

note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule

Languages:

Russian (official), many minority languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 109

Government ::Russia

Country name:

conventional long form: Russian Federation
conventional short form: Russia
local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya
local short form: Rossiya
former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Government type:

federation

Capital:

name: Moscow
geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 35 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: Russia is divided into 9 time zones

Administrative divisions:

46 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respublik, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnykh okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (krayev, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')

oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod,
Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga,
Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk,
Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk,
Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin
(Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk
(Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk,
Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'

republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan
(Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya
(Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas),
Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista),
Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk),
Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola),
Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya]
(Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)

autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)

krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm', Primorskiy [Maritime] (Vladivostok), Stavropol', Zabaykal'sk (Chita)

federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg]

autonomous oblast: Yevrey [Jewish] (Birobidzhan)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January 1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established)

National holiday:

Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Constitution:

adopted 12 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV (since 7 May 2008)

head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8 May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Gennadiyevich KHLOPONIN (since 19 January 2010), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24 September 2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Vyacheslav Viktorovich VOLODIN (since 21 October 2010), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004)

cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies, and ministers; all are appointed by the president, and the premier is also confirmed by the Duma (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); note - the term length was extended to six years in late 2008, to go into effect following the 2012 presidential election; there is no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election is held, which must be within three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma
election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of vote - Dmitriy MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists of an upper house, the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (166 seats; as of July 2000, members appointed by the top executive and legislative officials in each of the 83 federal administrative units - oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members to serve four-year terms) and a lower house, the State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; as of 2007, all members elected by proportional representation from party lists winning at least 7% of the vote; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: State Duma - last held on 2 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: State Duma - United Russia 64.3%, CPRF 11.5%, LDPR 8.1%, Just Russia 7.7%, other 8.4%; total seats by party - United Russia 315, CPRF 57, LDPR 40, Just Russia 38

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Arbitration Court; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Political parties and leaders:

A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV]; Communist Party of the Russian
Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal
Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir Volfovich
ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Patriots of Russia [Gennadiy SEMIGIN]; Right Cause
[Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN, Boris Yuriyevich TITOV, and Georgiy
Georgiyevich BOVT] (formed from merger of Civic Force, Democratic
Party of Russia, and Union of Right Forces); United Russia [Vladimir
Vladimirovich PUTIN]; Yabloko Party [Sergey Sergeyevich MITROKHIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Citizens with Initiative of Russia (TIGR);
Confederation of Labor of Russia (KTR); Federation of Independent
Labor Unions of Russia; Freedom of Choice Interregional Organization
of Automobilists; Glasnost Defense Foundation; Golos Association in
Defense of Voters' Rights; Greenpeace Russia; Human Rights Watch
(Russian chapter); Institute for Collective Action; Memorial (human
rights group); Movement Against Illegal Migration; Pamjat
(preservation of historical monuments and recording of history);
Russian Orthodox Church; Russian Federation of Car Owners;
Russian-Chechen Friendship Society; SOVA Analytical-Information
Center; Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers; World Wildlife
Fund (Russian chapter)

International organization participation:

APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BSEC,
CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, FAO,
FATF, G-20, G-8, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD (accession state), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Ivanovich KISLYAK
chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708

FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. BEYRLE
embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow
mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721
telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000

FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090
consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red
note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag; despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired other Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the Pan-Slav colors

National anthem:

name: "Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii" (National Anthem of the Russian Federation)

lyrics/music: Sergei Vladimirovich MIKHALKOV/Alexandr Vasilievich ALEXANDROV
note: in 2000, Russia adopted the tune of the anthem of the former Soviet Union (composed in 1939); the lyrics, also adopted in 2000, were written by the same person who authored the Soviet lyrics in 1943

Economy ::Russia

Economy - overview:

Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a globally-isolated, centrally-planned economy to a more market-based and globally-integrated economy. Economic reforms in the 1990s privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy and defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still weak and the private sector remains subject to heavy state interference. Russian industry is primarily split between globally-competitive commodity producers - in 2009 Russia was the world's largest exporter of natural gas, the second largest exporter of oil, and the third largest exporter of steel and primary aluminum - and other less competitive heavy industries that remain dependent on the Russian domestic market. This reliance on commodity exports makes Russia vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the highly volatile swings in global commodity prices. The government since 2007 has embarked on an ambitious program to reduce this dependency and build up the country's high technology sectors, but with few results so far. The economy had averaged 7% growth since the 1998 Russian financial crisis, resulting in a doubling of real disposable incomes and the emergence of a middle class. The Russian economy, however, was one of the hardest hit by the 2008-09 global economic crisis as oil prices plummeted and the foreign credits that Russian banks and firms relied on dried up. The Central Bank of Russia spent one-third of its $600 billion international reserves, the world's third largest, in late 2008 to slow the devaluation of the ruble. The government also devoted $200 billion in a rescue plan to increase liquidity in the banking sector and aid Russian firms unable to roll over large foreign debts coming due. The economic decline bottomed out in mid-2009 and the economy began to grow in the first quarter of 2010. However, a severe drought and fires in central Russia reduced agricultural output, prompting a ban on grain exports for part of the year, and slowed growth in other sectors such as manufacturing and retail trade. Russia's long-term challenges include a shrinking workforce, a high level of corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.229 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $2.147 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.331 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.477 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 -7.9% (2009)

5.2% (2008)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $15,300 (2009 est.)

$16,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 33.8%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

75.55 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%
industry: 31.9%
services: 58.1% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 8.4% (2009)

Population below poverty line:

13.1% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 30.4% (September 2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 53 39.9 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Public debt:

9.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 8.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 11.7% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

8.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 28 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.31% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 12.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$269.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 16 $203.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$650.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $645.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$549.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $420.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$861.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $1.322 trillion (31 December 2008)

$1.503 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef, milk

Industries:

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - production:

925.9 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - consumption:

857.6 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - exports:

17.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.066 billion kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

10.12 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - consumption:

2.74 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - exports:

5.43 million bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - imports:

42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - proved reserves:

74.2 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - production:

583.6 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - consumption:

439.6 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - exports:

179.1 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - imports:

35.1 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - proved reserves:

47.57 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Current account balance:

$68.85 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $48.97 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$376.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $303.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, metals, wood and wood products, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 10.62%, Italy 6.46%, Germany 6.24%, China 5.69%, Turkey 4.3%, Ukraine 4.01% (2009)

Imports:

$237.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $191.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and medical instruments, iron, steel

Imports - partners:

Germany 14.39%, China 13.98%, Ukraine 5.48%, Italy 4.84%, US 4.46% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$483.1 billion (30 November 2010) country comparison to the world: 2 $439.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$480.2 billion (30 November 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $467.2 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$306.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $256.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$260.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $224.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 30 (2010), 31.742 (2009), 24.853 (2008), 25.581 (2007), 27.191 (2006)

Communications ::Russia

Telephones - main lines in use:

44.802 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Telephones - mobile cellular:

230.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system is experiencing significant changes; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed to offer communication services; access to digital lines has improved, particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail services are improving; Russia has made progress toward building the telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy; the estimated number of mobile subscribers jumped from fewer than 1 million in 1998 to some 230 million in 2009; a large demand for fixed line service remains unsatisfied
domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are still outdated, inadequate, and low density
international: country code - 7; Russia is connected internationally by undersea fiber optic cables; digital switches in several cities provide more than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2008)

Broadcast media:

6 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in a third national channel; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while the sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations operating with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being phased out

Internet hosts:

10.382 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 12

Internet users:

40.853 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Transportation ::Russia

Airports:

1,213 (2010) country comparison to the world: 5

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 593
over 3,047 m: 51

2,438 to 3,047 m: 201

1,524 to 2,437 m: 126

914 to 1,523 m: 98
under 914 m: 117 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 620
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 68

914 to 1,523 m: 84
under 914 m: 452 (2010)

Heliports:

50 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 122 km; gas 159,552 km; liquid petroleum gas 127 km; oil 74,285 km; refined products 13,658 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 87,157 km country comparison to the world: 2 broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)

note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve industries (2006)

Roadways:

total: 982,000 km country comparison to the world: 8 paved: 776,000 km (includes 30,000 km of expressways)

unpaved: 206,000 km
note: includes public, local, and departmental roads (2009)

Waterways:

102,000 km (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth) country comparison to the world: 2 note: 72,000 km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,097 country comparison to the world: 11 by type: bulk carrier 22, cargo 634, carrier 2, chemical tanker 38, combination ore/oil 39, container 13, passenger 15, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated cargo 77, roll on/roll off 11, specialized tanker 4
foreign-owned: 145 (Belgium 4, Cyprus 11, Italy 9, South Korea 1, Switzerland 4, Turkey 104, Ukraine 12)

registered in other countries: 443 (Antigua and Barbuda 3, Belize 32, Bulgaria 2, Cambodia 60, Comoros 21, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 47, Dominica 6, Georgia 7, Hong Kong 1, Liberia 108, Malaysia 2, Malta 47, Marshall Islands 6, Moldova 5, Mongolia 4, Panama 39, Saint Kitts and Nevis 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15, Sierra Leone 6, Vanuatu 1, unknown 19) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint
Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Military ::Russia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground troops (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat zones after 6 months training); reserve obligation to age 50
note: over 60% of draft-age Russian males receive some type of deferment - generally health related - each draft cycle (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,850,217
females age 16-49: 35,693,977 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,746,777
females age 16-49: 27,174,148 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 712,838
female: 678,623 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 26

Transnational Issues ::Russia

Disputes - international:

China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column; Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the respective national assemblies; various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005, Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North Ossetia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes; it remains a significant source of women trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation; Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year, particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking; comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since 2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption; government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are key concerns; major consumer of opiates
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Rwanda (Africa)

Introduction ::Rwanda

Background:

In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2 million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009 staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there and Kigali and Kinshasa restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth in late 2009.

Geography ::Rwanda

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 26,338 sq km country comparison to the world: 148 land: 24,668 sq km
water: 1,670 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 893 km
border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m
highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 45.56%
permanent crops: 10.25%
other: 44.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo
volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m, 12,175 ft), located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural

People ::Rwanda

Population:

11,055,976 country comparison to the world: 74 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 2,309,323/female 2,277,269)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,932,686/female 2,961,300)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 106,740/female 158,993) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.818% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Birth rate:

37.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Death rate:

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Net migration rate:

1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 25 male: 69.21 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.46 years country comparison to the world: 193 male: 56.06 years
female: 58.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.99 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 70.4%
male: 76.3%
female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

People - note:

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Government ::Rwanda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda
conventional short form: Rwanda
local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda
local short form: Rwanda
former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Government type:

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Capital:

name: Kigali
geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 9 August 2010 (next to be held in 2017)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected to a second term as president; Paul KAGAME 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO 5.1%, Prosper HIGIRO 1.4%, Alvera MUKABAR 0.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of higher learning; members to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 15 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%, PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members indirectly elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial Courts;
District Courts; mediation committees

Political parties and leaders:

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA]; Democratic
Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA]; Democratic
Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially banned);
Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL
[Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal (officially banned);
Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME]; Social Democratic
Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]; Solidarity and Prosperity Party or
PSP [Pheobe KANYANGE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James KIMONYO
chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON
embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali
mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali
telephone: [250] 596-400

FAX: [250] 596-591

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width), yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end of the blue band; blue represents happiness and peace, yellow economic development and mineral wealth, green hope of prosperity and natural resources; the sun symbolizes unity, as well as enlightenment and transparency from ignorance

National anthem:

name: "Rwanda nziza" (Rwanda, Our Beautiful Country)

lyrics/music: Faustin MURIGO/Jean-Bosco HASHAKAIMANA
note: adopted 2001

Economy ::Rwanda

Economy - overview:

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture and some mineral and agro-processing. In 2008, minerals overtook coffee and tea as Rwanda's primary foreign exchange earner. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded and inflation has been curbed. Nonetheless, a majority still live below the poverty line of 250 Rwandan francs per day (about US$0.43). Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06. Rwanda also received a Millennium Challenge Account Compact in 2008. Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional trade. Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners. The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap growth. The global downturn hurt export demand and tourism, but economic growth is recovering, driven in large part by the services sector, and inflation has been contained. On the back of this growth, government is gradually ending its fiscal stimulus policy while protecting aid to the poor.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $11.17 billion (2009 est.)

$10.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.693 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 4.5% (2009 est.)

11.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42.1%
industry: 14.3%
services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.446 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 81

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%
industry and services: 10% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.8 (2000) country comparison to the world: 35 28.9 (1985)

Investment (gross fixed):

20% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 10.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

11.25% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 29 12.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 16.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$602.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 154 $537.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money:

$1.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $1.068 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $515.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Industries:

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - production:

120 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - consumption:

231.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - exports:

10 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - imports:

5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - proved reserves:

56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Current account balance:

-$489 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 -$379 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$226 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $193 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Exports - partners:

Kenya 33.88%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 13.56%, Thailand 6.22%, China 5.49%, US 5.47%, Swaziland 5.43%, Belgium 5.19% (2009)

Imports:

$1.047 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $961 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material

Imports - partners:

Kenya 16.53%, Uganda 14.92%, China 7.92%, UAE 6.89%, Belgium 5.54%,
Germany 5.19%, Tanzania 4.81%, Sweden 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$816 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $742.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 586.25 (2010), 568.176 (2009), 550 (2008), 585 (2007), 560 (2006)

Communications ::Rwanda

Telephones - main lines in use:

33,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.429 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Telephone system:

general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business, education, and government
domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density has increased to about 25 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Broadcast media:

government owns and operates the only TV station; government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9 private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.rw

Internet hosts:

815 (2010) country comparison to the world: 171

Internet users:

450,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Transportation ::Rwanda

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 160

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 14,008 km country comparison to the world: 125 paved: 2,662 km
unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Waterways:

Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Military ::Rwanda

Military branches:

Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), Rwandan Patriotic Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,573,834
females age 16-49: 2,553,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,641,563
females age 16-49: 1,696,514 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 98,164
female: 97,839 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Transnational Issues ::Rwanda

Disputes - international:

fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation, and efforts by local governments to create civil societies; nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in 2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of the border remains in place

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Saint Barthelemy (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Barthelemy

Background:

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Barthelemy

Location:

located approximately 125 miles northwest of Guadeloupe

Geographic coordinates:

17 90 N, 62 85 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

21 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Climate:

tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Terrain:

hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Natural resources:

has few natural resources, its beaches being the most important

Environment - current issues:

with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported via water tanker

People ::Saint Barthelemy

Population:

7,406 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years
male: 39.9 years
female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethnic groups:

white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Languages:

French (primary), English

Government ::Saint Barthelemy

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy
conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy
local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy
local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

name: Gustavia
geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy
Day, 24 August

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1
note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES]; Ensemble pour
Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth d'Abord! or SBA
[Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy [Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "L'Hymne a St. Barthelemy" (Hymn to St. Barthelemy)

lyrics/music: Isabelle Massart DERAVIN/Michael VALENTI
note: local anthem in use since 1999; as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Barthelemy

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host 70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism. The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor from Brazil and Portugal.

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Barthelemy

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access
domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

no local TV broadcasters; 3 FM radio channels (2 via repeater)

Internet country code:

.bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Barthelemy

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gustavia

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Barthelemy

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,543
females age 16-49: 1,303 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21
female: 21 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (Africa)

Introduction ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Background:

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint
Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da
Cunha.

Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.

Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.

Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island.

Geography ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Location:

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Geographic coordinates:

Saint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W

Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W

Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 308 sq km country comparison to the world: 208 land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km; Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Saint Helena: 60 km

Ascension Island: NA

Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds

Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid

Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Terrain:

the islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge

Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east

Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 818 m

Natural resources:

fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 12.9%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 87.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha
volcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (elev. 2,060 m, 6,758 ft) and Nightingale Island (elev. 365 m, 1,197 ft) experience volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale in 2004

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Saint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa

People ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Population:

7,670 country comparison to the world: 226 note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are inhabited (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.2 years
male: 38.2 years
female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.404% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Birth rate:

10.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 111

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.98 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 110 male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.6 years country comparison to the world: 45 male: 75.68 years
female: 81.67 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian
note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Ethnic groups:

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Religions:

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 20 and over can read and write
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 98% (1987 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Country name:

conventional long form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
conventional short form: none

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Jamestown
geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 administrative areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

The Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, effective 1 September 2009

Legal system:

English common law and statutes supplemented by local statutes

Suffrage:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (17 seats, including a speaker and deputy speaker, 12 elected, and three ex officio members; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
elections: last held on 4 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: private sector; unions

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left, offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying an English flag

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing, raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

2,486 country comparison to the world: 223 note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%
industry: 48%
services: 46% (1987 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Agriculture - products:

coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster; livestock

Industries:

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - consumption:

7.44 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - imports:

80 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Exports:

$19 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Exports - commodities:

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Imports:

$45 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Imports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Communications ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

general assessment: can communicate worldwide
domestic: automatic digital network
international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1)

Broadcast media:

St. Helena has no local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially; Ascension Island has no local TV station, but has 1 local radio station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 St. Helena radio station; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military; Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and radio broadcasts (2007)

Internet country code:

.sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac

Internet hosts:

6,873 (2010) country comparison to the world: 136

Internet users:

900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Communications - note:

South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

Transportation ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 225

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km) country comparison to the world: 208 paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Saint Helena: Jamestown

Ascension Island: Georgetown

Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh)

Transportation - note:

there is no air connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Military ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,575
females age 16-49: 1,591 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 48
female: 47 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Saint Kitts and Nevis (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Background:

Carib Indians occupied the islands for hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Geography ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Location:

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) country comparison to the world: 211 land: 261 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 19.44%
permanent crops: 2.78%
other: 77.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island

People ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population:

49,898 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.5 years
male: 31.5 years
female: 31.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.838% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Birth rate:

14.23 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Death rate:

7.11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Net migration rate:

1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 153 male: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.37 years country comparison to the world: 96 male: 72.03 years
female: 76.75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Ethnic groups:

predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 97.8%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

9.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 6

Government ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country name:

conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis
former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Basseterre
geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point,
Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James
Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary
Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter
Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island,
Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2010 (next to be held by 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SKNLP 6, CCM 2, PAM 2, NRP 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation
Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM
[Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr.
Denzil DOUGLAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS,
OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636

FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism

National anthem:

name: "Oh Land of Beauty!"

lyrics/music: Kenrick Anderson GEORGES
note: adopted 1983

Economy ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar, the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking. More than 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by one of the world's highest public debt burdens equivalent to roughly 185% of GDP, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$719.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $730.5 million (2009 est.)

$772.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$562 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202 -5.5% (2009 est.)

4.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $14,800 (2009 est.)

$15,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 25.8%
services: 70.7% (2001)

Labor force:

18,170 (June 1995) country comparison to the world: 209

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1997) country comparison to the world: 42

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

185% of GDP (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 65 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.75% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$94.45 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $93.23 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$823.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $787.8 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$790.8 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $782.4 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$648 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 $595.2 million (31 December 2008)

$439.7 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Industries:

tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

130 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Electricity - consumption:

120.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - imports:

1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Current account balance:

-$163 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exports:

$84 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 198

Exports - commodities:

machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 62.3%, Canada 7.93%, Azerbaijan 6.72% (2009)

Imports:

$383 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 189

Imports - commodities:

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 43.37%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.26%, Italy 11.83% (2009)

Debt - external:

$314 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 171

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephone system:

general assessment: good interisland and international connections
domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable; construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in November 2004
international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Broadcast media:

the government operates a national television network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services provide access to local and international channels; the government operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.kn

Internet hosts:

51 (2010) country comparison to the world: 210

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 197

Transportation ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 204

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 131 narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Roadways:

total: 383 km country comparison to the world: 199 paved: 163 km
unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 160 country comparison to the world: 40 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 92, chemical tanker 4, combination ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 94 (Bahrain 1, Belgium 1, China 1, Estonia 3, Italy 1, Japan 3, Kuwait 3, Latvia 2, Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 3, Russia 11, Singapore 5, Syria 5, Turkey 22, UAE 17, UK 2, Ukraine 10, US 1, Yemen 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Basseterre, Charlestown

Military ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Military branches:

Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard),
Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force; for national security,
Saint Kitts and Nevis relies on the Regional Security System,
headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,510
females age 16-49: 13,075 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,736
females age 16-49: 10,913 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 402
female: 430 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Saint Lucia (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Lucia

Background:

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Lucia

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 53 N, 60 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 616 sq km country comparison to the world: 192 land: 606 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Natural resources:

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential

Land use:

arable land: 6.45%
permanent crops: 22.58%
other: 70.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01
per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean

People ::Saint Lucia

Population:

160,922 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years
male: 29.3 years
female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.398% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Birth rate:

14.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Death rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Net migration rate:

-3.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.07 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 133 male: 12.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.65 years country comparison to the world: 67 male: 73.97 years
female: 79.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Ethnic groups:

black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 90.1%
male: 89.5%
female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Government ::Saint Lucia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Castries
geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since September 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9 September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September 2007
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP 50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High Court and a
Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of the Supreme
Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean Court of
Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia Freedom Party or
SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Kenneth
ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher HUNTE];
United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Flag description:

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border; the blue color represents the sky and sea, gold stands for sunshine and prosperity, and white and black the racial composition of the island (with the latter being dominant); the two major triangles invoke the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), cone-shaped volcanic plugs that are a symbol of the island

National anthem:

name: "Sons and Daughters of St. Lucia"

lyrics/music: Charles JESSE/Leton Felix THOMAS
note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Saint Lucia

Economy - overview:

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects. Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange, although tourism sector revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and European travel dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 77% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though unemployment needs to be reduced.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.789 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $1.769 billion (2009 est.)

$1.866 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -5.2% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $11,000 (2009 est.)

$11,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 15%
services: 80% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

79,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 183

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.7%
industry: 24.7%
services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 63 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.58% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 10.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$244.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 169 $245 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.094 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.061 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.378 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.217 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

325 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - consumption:

302.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - imports:

2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Current account balance:

-$199 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Exports:

$288 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports - commodities:

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

Spain 29.41%, UK 15.28%, South Korea 10.54%, US 9.75%, India 9.52% (2009)

Imports:

$791 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Imports - commodities:

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Imports - partners:

Brazil 83.44%, US 4.67%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.56% (2009)

Debt - external:

$257 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 172

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Lucia

Telephones - main lines in use:

41,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Telephones - mobile cellular:

176,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system
domestic: system is automatically switched
international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados

Broadcast media:

3 privately-owned television stations; 1 public television station operating on a cable network; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a mix of state-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater transmission stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lc

Internet hosts:

106 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201

Internet users:

142,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Transportation ::Saint Lucia

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,210 km (2002) country comparison to the world: 180

Ports and terminals:

Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Military ::Saint Lucia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 41,177 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 32,406
females age 16-49: 36,216 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,627
female: 1,521 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Lucia

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Saint Martin (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Martin

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. Friction between the two sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 57%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Martin

Location:

island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 05 N, 63 57 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 54.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 230 land: 54.4 sq km
water: NEGL

Area - comparative:

more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km
border countries: Sint Maarten 15 km

Coastline:

58.9 km (for entire island)

Climate:

temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; July-November is the hurricane season

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Natural resources:

salt

Natural hazards:

subject to hurricanes from July to November

Environment - current issues:

fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of sea water

Geography - note:

the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Saint Martin

Population:

30,235 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years
male: 29.7 years
female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethnic groups:

creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Languages:

French (official language), English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish,
Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Government ::Saint Martin

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin
conventional short form: Saint Martin
local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin
local short form: Saint-Martin

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

name: Marigot
geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight savings: +1 hour

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is Schoalcher Day
(Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10 April 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%, Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir Saint-Martin 1
note: Saint Martin elects one member to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING]; Rassemblement
Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON]; Reussir
Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land"

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS
note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" remains official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" remains official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Saint Martin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with 85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States. Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean.

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 15%
services: 84% (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Industries:

tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Martin

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access
domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

1 local TV station; receives television broadcasts from the Netherlands Antilles; access to about 20 radio stations, including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater (2008)

Internet country code:

.mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Martin

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 224

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Martin

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,391
females age 16-49: 6,947 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 172
female: 165 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Pierre and Miquelon (North America)

Introduction ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Background:

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Geography ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Location:

Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Geographic coordinates:

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 242 sq km country comparison to the world: 213 land: 242 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold and wet, with considerable mist and fog; spring and autumn are often windy

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 12.5%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 87.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Geography - note:

vegetation scanty

People ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Population:

5,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 789/female 755)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 2,378/female 2,313)

65 years and over: 11.7% (male 382/female 446) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42 years
male: 41.6 years
female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.909% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Birth rate:

8.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Death rate:

8.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Net migration rate:

-9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 163 male: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.74 years country comparison to the world: 30 male: 77.49 years
female: 82.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (1982 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Dependency status:

self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Saint-Pierre
geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Regis BORIUS (since 29 October 2009)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held on 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD 16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1
note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one member to the French Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held on, first round - 10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left Radical Party 1

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Archipelago Tomorrow or AD (affiliated with UDF/RPR list); Cap sur
l'Avenir (affiliated with PRG); Left Radical Party or PRG;
Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now UMP); Saint Pierre and
Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM; Socialist Party or PS;
Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white, wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the blue on the main portion of the flag symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the stylized ship represents the Grande Hermine in which Jacques Cartier "discovered" the islands in 1536
note: the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$48.3 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

3,450 (2005) country comparison to the world: 221

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%
industry: 41%
services: 41% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (1999) country comparison to the world: 113

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 190

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

53 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - consumption:

49.29 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - imports:

564 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exports:

$5.5 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Imports:

$68.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Imports - commodities:

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate
domestic: NA
international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French domestic satellite system

Broadcast media:

2 television stations with a third repeater station, all part of the French Overseas Network; has radio stations on St. Pierre and on Miquelon that are part of the French Overseas Network (2007)

Internet country code:

.pm

Internet hosts:

0 (2010) country comparison to the world: 232

Transportation ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 203

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 117 km country comparison to the world: 213 paved: 80 km
unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint-Pierre

Military ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,097
females age 16-49: 1,096 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 36
female: 34 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Background:

Resistance by native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) country comparison to the world: 202 land: 389 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, cropland

Land use:

arable land: 17.95%
permanent crops: 17.95%
other: 64.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01
per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

People ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population:

104,217 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701)

65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years
male: 29.6 years
female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.341% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Birth rate:

14.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Death rate:

6.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Net migration rate:

-11.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 127 male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.9 years country comparison to the world: 107 male: 72.04 years
female: 75.82 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Ethnic groups:

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, European 4%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 3%

Religions:

Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, other (includes
Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Protestant) 12%

Languages:

English, French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 96%
male: 96%
female: 96% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 22

Government ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Kingstown
geographic coordinates: 13 09 N, 61 14 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Independence:

27 October 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Constitution:

27 October 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; representatives elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 13 December 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - ULP 51.6%, NDP 47.8%; seats by party - ULP 8, NDP 7

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a High Court and
Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme
Court reside in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Political parties and leaders:

New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim EUSTACE]; Unity Labor Party or
ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent
Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador La Celia A. PRINCE
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern, which stands for Vincent; the diamonds recall the islands as the "Gems of the Antilles"; blue conveys the colors of a tropical sky and crystal waters, yellow signifies the golden Grenadine sands, and green represents lush vegetation

National anthem:

name: "St. Vincent! Land So Beautiful!"

lyrics/music: Phyllis Joyce MCCLEAN PUNNETT/Joel Bertram MIGUEL
note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Economy - overview:

Success of the economy hinges upon seasonal variations in agriculture, tourism, and construction activity as well as remittance inflows. Much of the workforce is employed in banana production and tourism, but persistent high unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands. This lower-middle-income country is vulnerable to natural disasters - tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002. In 2008, the islands had more than 200,000 tourist arrivals, mostly to the Grenadines, a drop of nearly 20% from 2007. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector and has moved to adopt international regulatory standards. The government's ability to invest in social programs and respond to external shocks is constrained by its high public debt burden, which was over 90% of GDP at the end of 2010. Following the global downturn, St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw an economic decline in 2009, after slowing since 2006, when GDP growth reached a 10-year high of nearly 7%. The GONSALVES administration is directing government resources to infrastructure projects, including a new international airport that is expected to be completed in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.107 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 $1.102 billion (2009 est.)

$1.112 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$583 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 -1% (2009 est.)

-0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $10,500 (2009 est.)

$10,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10%
industry: 26%
services: 64% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

57,520 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%
industry: 17%
services: 57% (1980 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 5.3% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 64 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.19% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 9.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$133 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 177 $138.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$444.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 173 $453.5 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$417.4 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $387.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch

Electricity - production:

133.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Electricity - consumption:

124.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - imports:

1,451 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Current account balance:

-$149 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Exports:

$193 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 181

Exports - commodities:

bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch; tennis racquets

Exports - partners:

Greece 40.04%, Poland 11.78%, France 9.05%, China 8.53%, India 4.71% (2009)

Imports:

$578 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Imports - partners:

Singapore 16.16%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.71%, US 13.41%, China 10.9%, Italy 8.89%, Turkey 6.6%, France 5.64%, Romania 4.44% (2009)

Debt - external:

$479 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $223 million (2004)

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Telephones - main lines in use:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Telephones - mobile cellular:

121,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system
domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-784; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables carry international calls; connectivity also provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados; SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Broadcast media:

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 television station and 5 repeater stations that give near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately-owned radio stations and repeater stations operate (2007)

Internet country code:

.vc

Internet hosts:

211 (2010) country comparison to the world: 192

Internet users:

76,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Transportation ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 171

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 829 km country comparison to the world: 185 paved: 580 km
unpaved: 249 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 444 country comparison to the world: 23 by type: bulk carrier 76, cargo 274, carrier 16, chemical tanker 4, container 21, liquefied gas 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 15, specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 382 (Austria 2, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 6, Bermuda 1,
Bulgaria 10, China 82, Croatia 8, Cyprus 2, Czech Republic 1,
Denmark 19, Dominica 1, Egypt 4, Estonia 10, France 2, Germany 2,
Greece 63, Guyana 2, Hong Kong 4, Israel 3, Italy 5, Japan 3, Kenya
2, Latvia 15, Lebanon 4, Lithuania 10, Monaco 3, Netherlands 2,
Nigeria 1, Norway 12, Oman 1, Pakistan 1, Poland 1, Romania 1,
Russia 15, Slovenia 2, Sweden 2, Switzerland 5, Syria 13, Turkey 18,
UAE 4, UK 7, Ukraine 12, US 19, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kingstown

Military ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard; for national defense, Saint Vincent relies on the Regional Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,940 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,932
females age 16-49: 22,134 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 990
female: 979 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis cultivation
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Samoa (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Samoa

Background:

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.

Geography ::Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 35 S, 172 20 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 2,831 sq km country comparison to the world: 177 land: 2,821 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

403 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)

Terrain:

two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

Natural resources:

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 21.13%
permanent crops: 24.3%
other: 54.57% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons; active volcanism
volcanism: Savai'I Island (elev. 1,858 m, 6,096 ft), which last erupted in 1911, is historically active

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

People ::Samoa

Population:

192,001 country comparison to the world: 184 note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993 number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.6% (male 42,117/female 40,603)

15-64 years: 56.7% (male 65,541/female 59,292)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,538/female 6,907) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years
male: 21.7 years
female: 21.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.605% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Birth rate:

22.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Death rate:

5.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Net migration rate:

-11.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Urbanization:

urban population: 23% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 89 male: 27.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.13 years country comparison to the world: 126 male: 69.28 years
female: 75.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Ethnic groups:

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) 7%, Europeans 0.4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%, Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

Samoan (Polynesian) (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 50

Government ::Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa
conventional short form: Samoa
local long form: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa
local short form: Samoa
former: Western Samoa

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Apia
geographic coordinates: 13 50 S, 171 44 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Independence:

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship; it is observed in June

Constitution:

1 January 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA (since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of state on the prime minister's advice (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief of state elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 15 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats, 47 members elected by voters affiliated with traditional village-based electoral districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly non-Samoan or part-Samoan, voters who cannot, (or choose not to) establish a village affiliation; only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Fono from the 47 village-based electorates; members serve five-year terms)

elections: election last held on 31 March 2006 (next election to be held not later than March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - HRPP 35, SDUP 10, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; District Court; Land and Titles Court

Political parties and leaders:

Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi
TUILA'EPA]; Samoa Christian Party or TCP [Tuala Tiresa MALIETOA];
Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP [LE MAMEA Ropati]; Samoa Party
or SP [Su'a Rimoni Ah CHONG]; Samoa Progressive Political Party or
SPPP [Toeolesulusulu SIUEVA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi ELISAIA
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196 through 6197

FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797
consulate(s) general: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa
embassy: Accident Corporation Building, 5th Floor, Matafele, Apia
mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Matafele, Apia
telephone: [685] 21436/21631/21452/22696

FAX: [685] 22030

Flag description:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation; red stands for courage, blue represents freedom, and white signifies purity

National anthem:

name: "O le Fu"a o le Sa"olotoga o Samoa" (The Banner of Freedom)

lyrics/music: Sauni Iiga KURESA
note: adopted 1962; the anthem is also known as "Samoa Tula'i" (Samoa Arise)

Economy ::Samoa

Economy - overview:

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90% of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. One factory in the Foreign Trade Zone employs 3,000 people to make automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia. Tourism is an expanding sector accounting for 25% of GDP; 122,000 tourists visited the islands in 2007. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting tsunami severely damaged Samoa, and nearby American Samoa, disrupting transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The Samoan Government has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same time protecting the environment. Observers point to the flexibility of the labor market as a basic strength for future economic advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively healthy state, the external debt is stable, and inflation is low.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.002 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 $1.022 billion (2009 est.)

$1.059 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$550 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 -3.5% (2009 est.)

-3.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $5,400 (2009 est.)

$5,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.6%
industry: 13.1%
services: 75.3% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

66,270 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 12.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$80.56 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 182 $60.13 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$283.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 178 $222.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$243 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 172 $208.9 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

Industries:

food processing, building materials, auto parts

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 115

Electricity - production:

109 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Electricity - consumption:

101.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - imports:

1,105 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Current account balance:

-$24 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Exports:

$131 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 186

Exports - commodities:

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts, garments, beer

Exports - partners:

American Samoa 41.12%, Australia 24.74%, Taiwan 6.24%, China 5.61%,
US 4.07% (2009)

Imports:

$324 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 193

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

NZ 24.13%, Fiji 17.34%, Singapore 12.54%, China 10.02%, Australia 9.85%, US 5.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$70.15 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 130

Debt - external:

$177 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 175

Exchange rates:

tala (SAT) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.7594 (2006), 2.7103 (2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003)

Communications ::Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Telephones - mobile cellular:

151,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons; coverage extended to roughly 95 percent of the country
international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television station privatized in 2008; 4 privately-owned television broadcast stations; about a half dozen privately-owned radio stations and one state-owned radio station; television and radio broadcasts of several stations from American Samoa are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.ws

Internet hosts:

17,044 (2010) country comparison to the world: 114

Internet users:

9,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Transportation ::Samoa

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,337 km country comparison to the world: 170 paved: 332 km
unpaved: 2,005 km (2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 143 by type: passenger/cargo 1, cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (NZ 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Apia

Military ::Samoa

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Samoa Police Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 47,423 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,674
females age 16-49: 37,492 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,219
female: 2,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces; informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

Transnational Issues ::Samoa

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@San Marino (Europe)

Introduction ::San Marino

Background:

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy; social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Geography ::San Marino

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 61 sq km country comparison to the world: 228 land: 61 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one third times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 39 km
border countries: Italy 39 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m
highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Natural resources:

building stone

Land use:

arable land: 16.67%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 83.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Geography - note:

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

People ::San Marino

Population:

31,477 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 2,635/female 2,452)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 9,538/female 10,429)

65 years and over: 16.9% (male 2,188/female 2,925) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.1 years
male: 41.3 years
female: 42.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Birth rate:

9.18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Death rate:

7.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Net migration rate:

9.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Urbanization:

urban population: 94% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 188 male: 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.95 years country comparison to the world: 3 male: 80.45 years
female: 85.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Ethnic groups:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: 97%
female: 95%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::San Marino

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of San Marino
conventional short form: San Marino
local long form: Repubblica di San Marino
local short form: San Marino

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: San Marino
geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle

Independence:

3 September 301

National holiday:

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (AD 301)

Constitution:

8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent Giovanni Francesco UGOLINI and Captain Regent Andrea ZAFFERANI (for the period 1 October 2010-1 April 2011)

head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)

cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term; election last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA
note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which has 10 other members, all are selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some prime ministerial roles

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by June 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 54.2%: PDCS 31.9%, AP 11.5%, Freedom List 6.3%, San Marino Union of Moderates 4.2%; Reforms and Freedom coalition 45.8%: Party of Socialists and Democrats 32%, United Left 8.6%, Democrats of the Center 4.9%; seats by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 35: PDCS 22, AP 7, the Freedom List 4, San Marino Union of Moderates 2; Reforms and Freedom coalition 25: Party of Socialists and Democrats 18, United Left 5, Democrats of the Center 2

Judicial branch:

Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrats or PDCS [Pasquale VALENTINI]; Communist
Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Democrats of the Center or DdC
[Giovanni LONGERNINI]; Freedom List (including NPS and We
Sammarinesi) or NS [Gabriele GATTEI]; New Socialist Party or NPS
[Augusto CASALI]; Party of Socialists and Democrats or PDS [Paride
ANDREOLI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Carlo FRANCIOSI]; Union of
Moderates (including National Alliance or ANS [Glcuco SANSOVINI] and
San Marino Populars or pop [Romeo MORRI and Angela VENTURINI];
United Left of SU [Alessandro ROSSI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paolo RONDELLI
chancery: 888 27th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: 202-337-2260

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the main colors derive from the shield of the coat of arms, which features three white towers on three peaks on a blue field; the towers represent three castles built on San Marino's highest feature Mount Titano: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale; the coat of arms is flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty); the white and blue colors are also said to stand for peace and liberty respectively

National anthem:

name: "Inno Nazionale della Repubblica" (National Anthem of the Republic)

lyrics/music: none/Federico CONSOLO
note: adopted 1894; the music for the lyric-less anthem is based on a 10th century chorale piece

Economy ::San Marino

Economy - overview:

San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food. San Marino boasts the world's longest life expectancy for men with 80 years. The economy benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. San Marino has recently faced increased international pressure to improve cooperation with foreign tax authorities and transparency within its own banking sector, which generates about one-fifth of the country's tax revenues. Italy's implementation in October 2009 of a tax amnesty to repatriate untaxed funds held abroad has resulted in financial outflows from San Marino to Italy worth more than $4.5 billion. Such outflows, combined with a money-laundering scandal at San Marino's largest financial institution and the recent global economic downturn, have contributed to a deep recession and growing budget deficit. However, San Marino has no national debt, and an unemployment rate half the size of Italy's. The San Marino government has adopted measures to counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses. San Marino also continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws with EU members and international standards. In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to fully implement global tax standards.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.662 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 191 $850 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.048 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$41,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 16

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 46.5%
services: 53.4% (2007)

Labor force:

22,660 (2008) country comparison to the world: 208

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 37.7%
services: 62.2% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 24

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-3.5% (2008) country comparison to the world: 1 -1.5% (2006)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.326 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$4.584 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.875 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 $7.511 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef, cheese, hides

Industries:

tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 101

Exports:

$4.628 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 110 $1.291 billion (2004)

Exports - commodities:

building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, ceramics

Imports:

$3.744 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 130 $2.035 billion (2004)

Imports - commodities:

wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::San Marino

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 150 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 378; connected to Italian international network

Broadcast media:

state-owned public broadcaster operates 1 TV station and 2 radio stations; receives radio and TV broadcasts from Italy (2008)

Internet country code:

.sm

Internet hosts:

8,895 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Transportation ::San Marino

Roadways:

total: 292 km country comparison to the world: 204 paved: 292 km (2006)

Military ::San Marino

Military branches:

no regular military forces; voluntary Military Force (Corpi Militari) performs ceremonial duties and limited police support functions (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-55 for voluntary service in Voluntary Military Force (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,893 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,564
females age 16-49: 6,068 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 176
female: 164 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy

Transnational Issues ::San Marino

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Sao Tome and Principe (Africa)

Introduction ::Sao Tome and Principe

Background:

Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the various political parties precipitated repeated changes in leadership and two failed coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased attention to the small island nation.

Geography ::Sao Tome and Principe

Location:

Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the
Equator, west of Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 964 sq km country comparison to the world: 184 land: 964 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

209 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 8.33%
permanent crops: 48.96%
other: 42.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the smallest country in Africa; the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are mountainous

People ::Sao Tome and Principe

Population:

175,808 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 50,475/female 49,188)

15-64 years: 49.7% (male 51,325/female 54,289)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 3,335/female 4,067) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years
male: 17 years
female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.112% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Birth rate:

39.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Death rate:

8.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Net migration rate:

-9.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.64 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 42 male: 56.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 52.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.73 years country comparison to the world: 176 male: 61.58 years
female: 63.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Ethnic groups:

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Religions:

Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.9%
male: 92.2%
female: 77.9% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Sao Tome and Principe

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe
local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe
local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Sao Tome
geographic coordinates: 0 12 N, 6 39 E
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome
note: Principe has had self government since 29 April 1995

Independence:

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Constitution:

approved March 1990, effective 10 September 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22 June 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held in July 2011); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president
election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ADI 26, MLSTP 21, PCD 7, MDFM 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Force for Change Democratic Movement or MDFM [Tome Soares da VERA
CRUZ]; Independent Democratic Action or ADI [Patrice TROVOADA];
Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe-Social
Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Rafael BRANCO]; New Way Movement or
NR; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Delfim NEVES];
Ue-Kedadji coalition; other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Sao Tome and Principe NGOs or FONG
other: the media

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU,
ITUC, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ovidio PEQUENO
chancery: 1211 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 775-2075, 2076

FAX: [1] (202) 775-2077

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; green stands for the country's rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and yellow represents cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural products; the two stars symbolize the two main islands
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Independencia total" (Total Independence)

lyrics/music: Alda Neves DA GRACA do Espirito Santo/Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e ALMEIDA
note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Sao Tome and Principe

Economy - overview:

This small, poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. Cocoa production has substantially declined in recent years because of drought and mismanagement. Sao Tome and Principe has to import all fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial amount of food. Over the years, it has had difficulty servicing its external debt and has relied heavily on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Sao Tome and Principe benefited from $200 million in debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which helped bring down the country's $300 million debt burden. In August 2005, the government signed on to a new 3-year IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program worth $4.3 million. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies. Potential exists for the development of petroleum resources in Sao Tome and Principe's territorial waters in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which are being jointly developed in a 60-40 split with Nigeria, but any actual production is at least several years off. The first production licenses were sold in 2004, though a dispute over licensing with Nigeria delayed the country's receipt of more than $20 million in signing bonuses for almost a year.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$316.9 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $299 million (2009 est.)

$287.5 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$187 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 4% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 $1,700 (2009 est.)

$1,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.7%
industry: 22.9%
services: 62.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

52,490 (2007) country comparison to the world: 188

Labor force - by occupation:

note: population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

54% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

41% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 16.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

16% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 4 28% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

32.4% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 32.4% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$17.18 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 187 $19.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$82.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 185 $64.79 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.14 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $16.57 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Industries:

light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - production:

19 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - consumption:

17.67 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - imports:

726 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Current account balance:

-$73 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 -$49 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$13 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $10 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Exports - partners:

UK 32.99%, Netherlands 26.93%, Belgium 21.04%, Portugal 4.31% (2009)

Imports:

$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $80 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 58.9%, Brazil 6.68%, US 4.71%, Japan 4.49% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$46 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $39 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$318 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 170

Exchange rates:

dobras (STD) per US dollar - 19,641 (2010), 16,000 (2009), 14,900 (2008), 13,700 (2007), 12,050 (2006)

Communications ::Sao Tome and Principe

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephone system:

general assessment: local telephone network of adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 35 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned TV station; 1 government-owned radio station; 3 independent local radio stations authorized in 2005 with 2 operating at the end of 2006; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.st

Internet hosts:

1,514 (2010) country comparison to the world: 158

Internet users:

26,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Transportation ::Sao Tome and Principe

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 202 paved: 218 km
unpaved: 102 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 137 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Greece 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Sao Tome

Military ::Sao Tome and Principe

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas Armadas de Sao Tome e
Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda
Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP), Presidential Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 38,211
females age 16-49: 38,929 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,530
females age 16-49: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,997
female: 1,922 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 147

Military - note:

Sao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny force with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly ineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is considered simple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment or replacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay, working conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have been problems in the past, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003 coups; these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance aimed at improving the army and its focus on realistic security concerns; command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff (2005)

Transnational Issues ::Sao Tome and Principe

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Saudi Arabia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Saudi Arabia

Background:

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown prince. To promote increased political participation, the government held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Geography ::Saudi Arabia

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of
Yemen

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 2,149,690 sq km country comparison to the world: 14 land: 2,149,690 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 4,431 km
border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Coastline:

2,640 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Terrain:

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Land use:

arable land: 1.67%
permanent crops: 0.09%
other: 98.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

16,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 17.32 cu km/yr (10%/1%/89%)

per capita: 705 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms
volcanism: Despite Saudi Arabia's many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Environment - current issues:

desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

People ::Saudi Arabia

Population:

25,731,776 country comparison to the world: 46 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38% (male 5,557,453/female 5,340,614)

15-64 years: 59.5% (male 9,608,032/female 7,473,543)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 363,241/female 343,750) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.9 years
male: 26 years
female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.548% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Birth rate:

19.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Death rate:

3.34 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Net migration rate:

-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.27 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.17 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.73 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 112 male: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.87 years country comparison to the world: 108 male: 71.93 years
female: 75.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.35 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 78.8%
male: 84.7%
female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 41

Government ::Saudi Arabia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
conventional short form: Saudi Arabia
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Riyadh
geographic coordinates: 24 38 N, 46 43 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash
Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah (Medina), Al
Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il,
Jizan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Independence:

23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

National holiday:

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Constitution:

governed according to Islamic law; the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was promulgated by royal decree in 1992

Legal system:

based on sharia law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; male

Executive branch:

chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four years and includes many royal family members (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after Crown Prince Sultan becomes king

Legislative branch:

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms); note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its intent to introduce elections for a third of the Majlis al-Shura incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such elections have been held or announced

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights)

other: gas companies; religious groups

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO, G-20, G-77,
GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR
chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. SMITH
embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693
telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800

FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360
consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Flag description:

green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left on both sides
note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

National anthem:

name: "Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King)

lyrics/music: Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB
note: music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

Economy ::Saudi Arabia

Economy - overview:

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and to employ more Saudi nationals. Diversification efforts are focusing on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemical sectors. Almost 6 million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors, while Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has substantially boosted spending on job training and education, most recently with the opening of the King Abdallah University of Science and Technology - Saudi Arabia's first co-educational university. As part of its effort to attract foreign investment, Saudi Arabia acceded to the WTO in December 2005 after many years of negotiations. The government has begun establishing six "economic cities" in different regions of the country to promote foreign investment and plans to spend $373 billion between 2010 and 2014 on social development and infrastructure projects to advance Saudi Arabia's economic development.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$622.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $599.7 billion (2009 est.)

$599.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$434.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 0.1% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$24,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $23,700 (2009 est.)

$24,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 61.9%
services: 35.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.337 million country comparison to the world: 62 note: about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6.7%
industry: 21.4%
services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 10.5% (2009 est.)

note: data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates range as high as 25%)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

24.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Public debt:

16.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 22.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 5.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.5% (31 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$166.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 20 $139.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$286.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $274.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$11.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.248 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$318.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 23 $246.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$515.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Electricity - production:

179.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Electricity - consumption:

165.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9.764 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - consumption:

2.43 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - exports:

8.728 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - imports:

79,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - proved reserves:

264.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - production:

77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - consumption:

77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.461 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Current account balance:

$52.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $22.77 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$235.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $192.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Exports - partners:

Japan 15.33%, South Korea 12.71%, US 12.2%, China 10.38%, India 7.12%, Taiwan 4.54%, Singapore 4.25% (2009)

Imports:

$99.17 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $87.1 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Imports - partners:

US 12.32%, China 12.06%, Germany 7.67%, Japan 6.15%, South Korea 5.32%, India 4.99%, UK 4.72%, France 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$456.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $410.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$82.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $72.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$204.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $167 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $11.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2010), 3.75 (2009), 3.75 (2008), 3.745 (2007), 3.745 (2006)

Communications ::Saudi Arabia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.171 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Telephones - mobile cellular:

44.864 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly
international: country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sa

Internet hosts:

488,598 (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Internet users:

9.774 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Transportation ::Saudi Arabia

Airports:

217 (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 81
over 3,047 m: 33

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 136

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 71

914 to 1,523 m: 41
under 914 m: 16 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 212 km; gas 1,880 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,183 km; oil 4,241 km; refined products 1,148 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,392 km country comparison to the world: 83 standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 221,372 km country comparison to the world: 23 paved: 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)

unpaved: 173,843 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 74 country comparison to the world: 58 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 22, container 4, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 8
foreign-owned: 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)

registered in other countries: 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 3, Liberia 24, Norway 3, Panama 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jiddah, Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Military ::Saudi Arabia

Military branches:

Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi Land Forces,
Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special
Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya
as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic
Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,752,167
females age 16-49: 6,680,315 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,560,216
females age 16-49: 5,773,033 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 280,041
female: 269,580 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Transnational Issues ::Saudi Arabia

Disputes - international:

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 240,015 (Palestinian Territories) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination country for workers from South and Southeast Asia who are subjected to conditions that constitute involuntary servitude including being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement, and withholding of passports as a restriction on their movement; domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because some are confined to the house in which they work unable to seek help; Saudi Arabia is also a destination country for Nigerian, Yemeni, Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Malian, and Sudanese children trafficked for forced begging and involuntary servitude as street vendors; some Nigerian women were reportedly trafficked into Saudi Arabia for commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government continues to lack adequate anti-trafficking laws and, despite evidence of widespread trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking crimes committed against foreign domestic workers (2008)

Illicit drugs:

death penalty for traffickers; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Senegal (Africa)

Introduction ::Senegal

Background:

The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) has led a low-level separatist insurgency in southern Senegal since the 1980s, and several peace deals have failed to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal was ruled by a Socialist Party for 40 years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. He was reelected in February 2007 and has amended Senegal's constitution over a dozen times to increase executive power and to weaken the opposition, part of the President's increasingly autocratic governing style. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation.

Geography ::Senegal

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Geographic coordinates:

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 196,722 sq km country comparison to the world: 87 land: 192,530 sq km
water: 4,192 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,640 km
border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind

Terrain:

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation southwest of Kedougou 581 m

Natural resources:

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 12.51%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 87.25% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

39.4 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.22 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)

per capita: 190 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal

People ::Senegal

Population:

12,323,252 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 2,911,324/female 2,877,804)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 3,728,664/female 3,786,000)

65 years and over: 3% (male 190,343/female 217,462) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years
male: 17.1 years
female: 18.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.579% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Birth rate:

37.27 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Death rate:

9.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Net migration rate:

-1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 36 male: 64.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59.38 years country comparison to the world: 189 male: 57.48 years
female: 61.34 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.86 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

67,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Ethnic groups:

Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%,
Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 39.3%
male: 51.1%
female: 29.2% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 64

Government ::Senegal

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Senegal
conventional short form: Senegal
local long form: Republique du Senegal
local short form: Senegal
former: Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dakar
geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 17 26 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Independence:

4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 7 January 2001

Legal system:

based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG 13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate, reinstituted in 2007, (100 seats; 35 members indirectly elected and 65 members appointed by the president) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by direct popular vote and 60 elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 19 August 2007 (next to be held - NA); National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005 voted to postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006; legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the 25 February 2007 presidential elections and later for 3 June 2007; the election was boycotted by 12 opposition parties, including the former ruling Socialist Party, which resulted in a record-low 35% voter turnout
election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDS 34, AJ/PADS 1, 65 appointed by the president; National Assembly results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SOPI Coalition 131, other 19

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or
Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

African Party of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance for the
Republic-Yakaar [Macky Sall]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP
[Moustapha NIASSE]; And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and
Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]; Democratic League-Labor Party
Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for Socialism and
Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE];
Gainde Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor
Party or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; Jef-Jel [Talla SYLLA]; National
Democratic Rally or RND [Madior DIOUF]; People's Labor Party or PTP
[El Hadji DIOUF]; Reform Party or PR [Abdourahim AGNE]; Rewmi Party
[Idrissa Seck]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];
Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition
[Abdoulaye WADE] (a coalition led by the PDS); Union for Democratic
Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: labor; students; Sufi brotherhoods, including the Mourides and Tidjanes; teachers

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fatou Danielle DIAGNE
chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marcia S. BERNICAT
embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar
mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar
telephone: [221] 33-829-2100

FAX: [221] 33-822-2991

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; green represents Islam, progress, and hope; yellow signifies natural wealth and progress; red symbolizes sacrifice and determination; the star denotes unity and hope
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Mali and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

National anthem:

name: "Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons" (Pluck Your Koras, Strike the Balafons)

lyrics/music: Leopold Sedar SENGHOR/Herbert PEPPER
note: adopted 1960; the lyrics were written by Leopold Sedar SENGHOR, Senegal"s first president; the anthem is sometimes played incorporating the Koras (harp-like stringed instruments) and Balafons (types of xylophones) mentioned in the title

Economy ::Senegal

Economy - overview:

Senegal relies heavily on donor assistance. The country's key export industries are phosphate mining, fertilizer production, and commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the international donor community. Government price controls and subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important turnaround, thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over 5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation had been pushed down to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP growth fell below 2%. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief program, Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program which was completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed in September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In 2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power cuts. The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity, more protests are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year, bakers protested government price controls on bread. Foreign investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by perceptions of corruption.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $22.96 billion (2009 est.)

$22.56 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.66 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 1.8% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 $1,900 (2009 est.)

$1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.9%
industry: 21.4%
services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.53 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 77.5%
industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

48% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Population below poverty line:

54% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 30.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.3 (2001) country comparison to the world: 55 41.3 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Public debt:

32.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 29.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 -1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 112 $2.903 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.603 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $4.745 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.516 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.412 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Industries:

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining; iron ore, zircon, and gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - production:

1.88 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - consumption:

1.384 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - consumption:

39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - exports:

5,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - imports:

42,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - consumption:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Current account balance:

-$1.046 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.112 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.902 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton

Exports - partners:

Mali 20.12%, India 9.84%, Gambia 5.58%, France 5.02%, Italy 4.23% (2009)

Imports:

$4.474 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $4.549 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

France 19.58%, UK 9.64%, China 8.08%, Netherlands 5.64%, Thailand 4.75%, US 3.97% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $2.123 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.885 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $3.462 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 470.9 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Senegal

Telephones - main lines in use:

278,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.902 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system with microwave radio relay, coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system
domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network; nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly
international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber optic cable provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS) operates 2 TV stations; a few private TV subscription channels rebroadcast foreign channels without providing any local news or programs; RTS operates a national radio network and a number of regional FM stations; a large number of community and private-broadcast radio stations are available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar (2007)

Internet country code:

.sn

Internet hosts:

241 (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Internet users:

1.818 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Transportation ::Senegal

Airports:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 135

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10
over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 43 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 906 km country comparison to the world: 94 narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000 meter gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 13,576 km country comparison to the world: 127 paved: 3,972 km (includes 7 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,604 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,000 km (primarily on Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 64

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 155 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dakar

Military ::Senegal

Military branches:

Senegalese Armed Forces: Army, Senegalese Navy (Marine Senegalaise),
Senegalese Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Senegal) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,211,279
females age 16-49: 3,250,128 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,109,080
females age 16-49: 2,287,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 157,468
female: 156,689 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Transnational Issues ::Senegal

Disputes - international:

The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their countries from Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict; 2,500 Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape armed confrontations along the border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)

IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in 2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes between government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North America; illicit cultivator of cannabis
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Serbia (Europe)

Introduction ::Serbia

Background:

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip "TITO" Broz (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992, but Serbia continued its - ultimately unsuccessful - campaign until signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC kept tight control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999, to the withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999, and to the stationing of a NATO-led force in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. MILOSEVIC was arrested in 2001 and sent to be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity; he died in March 2006 before the completion of his trial. In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics with a federal level parliament. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right to secede from the federation and - following a successful referendum - it declared itself an independent nation on 3 June 2006. Two days later, Serbia declared that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. A new Serbian constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, the UN-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

Geography ::Serbia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 77,474 sq km country comparison to the world: 116 land: 77,474 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 2,026 km
border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km, Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Terrain:

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m
highest point: Midzor 2,169 m

Natural resources:

oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Land use:

arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East

People ::Serbia

Population:

7,344,847 country comparison to the world: 97 note: does not include the population of Kosovo (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 586,806/female 549,900)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,503,194/female 2,502,807)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 508,606/female 728,026) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.1 years
male: 39.4 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.469% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Birth rate:

9.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Death rate:

13.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and above: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 172 male: 7.68 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.09 years country comparison to the world: 102 male: 71.26 years
female: 77.1 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,400 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Serb(s)

adjective: Serbian

Ethnic groups:

Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs 1.1%,
Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Religions:

Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim 3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%, Romany
(Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census)

note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.4%
male: 98.9%
female: 94.1% (2003 census)

note: includes Montenegro

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 91

Government ::Serbia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Serbia
conventional short form: Serbia
local long form: Republika Srbija
local short form: Srbija
former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Belgrade (Beograd)

geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 30 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

167 municipalities (opcstine, singular - opcstina)

Serbia Proper: Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka,
Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica,
Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun,
Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac,
Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari,
Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula,
Pantelej Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda,
Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo;
Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali
Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac,
Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina,
Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo,
Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela
Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia
Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina,
Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac,
Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska,
Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic,
Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija,
Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja,
Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova
Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice

Vojvodina Autonomous Province: South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka,
Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci,
Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar,
Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North
Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka,
Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja,
Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci,
Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin,
Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Independence:

5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

National holiday:

National Day, 15 February

Constitution:

adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; note - Serbia is working to reform its justice sector and harmonize its judicial systems with EU standards

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July 2008)

cabinet: Republican Ministries act as cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National Assembly
election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav NIKOLIC 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected according to party lists to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%, LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP 13, other 7

Judicial branch:

courts of general jurisdiction (municipal courts, district courts, Appellate Courts, the Supreme Court of Cassation); courts of special jurisdiction (commercial courts, the High Commercial Court, the High Magistrates Court, the Administrative Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh [Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI]; Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan DINKIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad CANAK]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; People's Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Sandzak Democratic Party or SDP [Resad HODZIC]; Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as acting leader]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS [Rajko DJURIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian nationalist movement)

International organization participation:

BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer),
OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC
chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary WARLICK
embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade
mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070
telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344

FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Flag description:

three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals; charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield; a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and is divided into four quarters by a white cross; a white Cyrillic "C" in each quarter stands for the phrase "Only Unity Saves the Serbs"; a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Boze pravde" (God of Justice)

lyrics/music: Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO
note: adopted 1904; the song was originally written as part of a play in 1872 and has been used as an anthem by the Serbian people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries

Economy ::Serbia

Economy - overview:

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU membership, signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia is grappling with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports to Western Europe and a decline in manufacturing output. Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia signed an augmented $4 billion Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia constrain the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Serbia's economy grew by 1.8% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in Western Europe began.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$80.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $79.22 billion (2009 est.)

$81.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$38.92 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 -3% (2009 est.)

5.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $10,700 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13%
industry: 22.6%
services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.25 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 23.9%
industry: 20.5%
services: 55.6% (October 2009)

Unemployment rate:

17.2% (2010 est.); 16.6% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Population below poverty line:

7.9% (2008 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2008) country comparison to the world: 129 30 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Public debt:

37.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 8.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.92% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 14 17.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.78% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 18.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.554 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 105 $3.821 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $17.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $19.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.52 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 64 $12.17 billion (31 December 2008)

$23.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries; beef, pork, milk

Industries:

base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery, chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - production:

36 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - consumption:

33.4 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - exports:

1.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

121 million kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

12,170 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - exports:

5,045 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - imports:

72,570 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - proved reserves:

77.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - production:

230 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - consumption:

2.61 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - imports:

2.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - proved reserves:

48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Current account balance:

-$1.046 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.372 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $8.368 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

iron and steel, clothes, wheat, fruit and vegetables, non-ferrous metals

Exports - partners:

Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.12%, Italy 10.96%, Germany 9.9%, Serbia and Montenegro 7%, Austria 5.4%, Slovenia 5.38%, Macedonia 5.26%, Russia 4.39%, Hungary 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$15.78 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $15.03 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - partners:

Germany 11.79%, Italy 9.36%, Hungary 6.71%, Slovenia 6.52%, Austria 4.79% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $15.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$32.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $32.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$23.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 79.979 (2010), 62.9 (2008), 54.5 (2007), 59.98 (2006)

Communications ::Serbia

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.106 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.912 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Telephone system:

general assessment: replacements of, and upgrades to, telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has resulted in a modern telecommunications system more than 95% digitalized in 2009
domestic: wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile network launched in 2007
international: country code - 381 (2009)

Internet country code:

.rs

Internet hosts:

528,253 (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Internet users:

4.107 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Transportation ::Serbia

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 116

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,921 km; oil 323 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,379 km country comparison to the world: 52 standard gauge: 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 1,254 km) (2006)

Roadways:

total: 36,884 km country comparison to the world: 92 paved: 31,938 km
unpaved: 4,946 km (2007)

Waterways:

587 km (primarily on Danube and Sava rivers) (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Military ::Serbia

Military branches:

Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; conscription to be abolished effective 2011; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2010)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,405,391
females age 16-49: 1,368,207 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 43,925
female: 41,342 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Serbia

Disputes - international:

Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Seychelles (Africa)

Introduction ::Seychelles

Background:

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.

Geography ::Seychelles

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 455 sq km country comparison to the world: 197 land: 455 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Terrain:

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Natural resources:

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Land use:

arable land: 2.17%
permanent crops: 13.04%
other: 84.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible

Environment - current issues:

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands

People ::Seychelles

Population:

88,340 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.8% (male 10,201/female 9,732)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 31,870/female 29,439)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 2,321/female 3,913) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32 years
male: 31.5 years
female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.966% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Birth rate:

15.53 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Death rate:

6.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Net migration rate:

1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.031 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 140 male: 15.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.28 years country comparison to the world: 115 male: 68.6 years
female: 78.09 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Ethnic groups:

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Religions:

Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.8%
male: 91.4%
female: 92.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 69

Government ::Seychelles

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
conventional short form: Seychelles
local long form: Republic of Seychelles
local short form: Seychelles

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Victoria
geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse
Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau
Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe),
Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont
Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint
Louis, Takamaka

Independence:

29 June 1976 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Constitution:

18 June 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President James Alix MICHEL (since 14 April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 28-30 July 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent of vote - James MICHEL 53.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.7%, Philippe BOULLE 0.6%; note - this was the first election in which President James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34 seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW]; People's Party
(Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James MICHEL] (the
governing party); Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel
RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church
other: trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles

Flag description:

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, green the land and natural environment

National anthem:

name: "Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite)

lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET
note: adopted 1996

Economy ::Seychelles

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the upper-middle income group of countries. Growth has been led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. GDP grew about 7-8% per year in 2006-07, driven by tourism and a boom in tourism-related construction. The Seychelles rupee was allowed to depreciate in 2006 after being overvalued for years and fell by 10% in the first 9 months of 2007. Despite these actions, the Seychelles economy has struggled to maintain its gains and in 2008 suffered from food and oil price shocks, a foreign exchange shortage, high inflation, large financing gaps, and the global recession. In July 2008 the government defaulted on a Euro amortizing note worth roughly US$80 million, leading to a downgrading of Seychelles credit rating, but in October 2010 the EU approved a $2.9 million grant as part of a larger four-year program for Seychelles. In response to Seychelles successful implementation of tighter monetary and fiscal policies, the IMF upgraded Seychelles to a three-year exteneded fund facility (EFF) of $31 million in December 2009. In 2008, GDP fell more than 1% due to declining tourism, but the economy recovered in 2009-10 with a notable increase in tourist numbers for 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.908 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $1.843 billion (2009 est.)

$1.83 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$919 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 0.7% (2009 est.)

-1.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $21,100 (2009 est.)

$21,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 30.8%
services: 66.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

39,560 (2006) country comparison to the world: 197

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3%
industry: 23%
services: 74% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

2% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

36.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Public debt:

58.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 58.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 31.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 84 5.13% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.35% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 11.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$274.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 168 $240.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$415 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $352 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$678.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $582.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), copra, bananas; poultry; tuna

Industries:

fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - imports:

7,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Current account balance:

-$351 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 -$284.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$464 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 $432.5 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (reexports)

Exports - partners:

UK 24.84%, France 18.53%, Italy 9.45%, Mauritius 9.03%, Japan 6.98%,
Spain 4.92% (2009)

Imports:

$831 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $759.1 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals, other manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.44%, India 8.33%, Spain 7.49%, South Africa 6.72%,
France 6.39%, Brazil 6.07%, Singapore 5.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$193 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $190.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.321 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 12.221 (2010), 13.6124 (2009), 8 (2008), 6.5 (2007), 5.5 (2006)

Communications ::Seychelles

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 188

Telephones - mobile cellular:

92,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 130 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago
international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the government operates the only terrestrial TV station, which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from international services; multi-channel cable and satellite TV are available via subscription; the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Victoria (2007)

Internet country code:

.sc

Internet hosts:

256 (2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Internet users:

32,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Transportation ::Seychelles

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 150

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 458 km country comparison to the world: 195 paved: 440 km
unpaved: 18 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 120 by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Victoria

Military ::Seychelles

Military branches:

Seychelles Defense Force: Army, Coast Guard (includes Naval Wing,
Air Wing), National Guard (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,040
females age 16-49: 23,961 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,989
females age 16-49: 19,882 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 704
female: 672 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Transnational Issues ::Seychelles

Disputes - international:

together with Mauritius, Seychelles claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Sierra Leone (Africa)

Introduction ::Sierra Leone

Background:

Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on the sideline during the 2007 presidential election, but still look to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.

Geography ::Sierra Leone

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 71,740 sq km country comparison to the world: 118 land: 71,620 sq km
water: 120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 958 km
border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use:

arable land: 7.95%
permanent crops: 1.05%
other: 91% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

160 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.38 cu km/yr (5%/3%/92%)

per capita: 69 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Environment - current issues:

rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleted natural resources; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western Africa

People ::Sierra Leone

Population:

5,245,695 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.7% (male 1,060,463/female 1,081,333)

15-64 years: 54.7% (male 1,344,650/female 1,461,203)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 83,595/female 100,894) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years
male: 18.6 years
female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.216% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Birth rate:

38.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Death rate:

11.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Net migration rate:

-4.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 198 note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly returning (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 38% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 80.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 13 male: 89.06 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 70.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 55.69 years country comparison to the world: 197 male: 53.27 years
female: 58.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups:

Temne 35%, Mende 31%, Limba 8%, Kono 5%, Kriole 2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)

Religions:

Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%

Languages:

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic
total population: 35.1%
male: 46.9%
female: 24.4% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years
male: 9 years
female: 6 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 114

Government ::Sierra Leone

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
conventional short form: Sierra Leone
local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
local short form: Sierra Leone

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Freetown
geographic coordinates: 8 30 N, 13 15 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*

Independence:

27 April 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Constitution:

1 October 1991; amended several times

Legal system:

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007)

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible to the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 August 2007 and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: second round results; percent of vote - Ernest Bai KOROMA 54.6%, Solomon BEREWA 45.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate elections; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 59, SLPP 43, PMDC 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Congress or APC [Ernest Bai KOROMA]; Peace and
Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington MORRISON]; People's Movement for
Democratic Change or PMDC [Charles MARGAI]; Sierra Leone People's
Party or SLPP [Solomon BEREWA]; numerous others

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: student unions; trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bockari Kortu STEVENS
chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263

FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Glenn FEDZER
embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [232] (22) 515 000 or (76) 515 000

FAX: [232] (22) 515 355

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and blue; green symbolizes agriculture, mountains, and natural resources, white represents unity and justice, and blue the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown

National anthem:

name: "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free"

lyrics/music: Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA
note: adopted 1961

Economy ::Sierra Leone

Economy - overview:

Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its physical and social infrastructure has yet to recover from the civil war, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining remains the major source of hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's exports. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility program that helped stabilize economic growth and reduce inflation and in 2010 approved a new program worth $45 million over three years. Political stability has led to a revival of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite and rutile mining, which are set to benefit from planned tax incentives. A number of offshore oil discoveries were announced in 2009 and 2010. The development on these reserves, which could be significant, is still several years away.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.812 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $4.574 billion (2009 est.)

$4.382 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.901 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 4.4% (2009 est.)

5.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 49%
industry: 31%
services: 21% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

2.207 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

70.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 33.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

62.9 (1989) country comparison to the world: 5

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 24.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$209.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 173 $219.1 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$437 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 174 $434.3 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$178.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 175 $140.9 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

diamond mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining, small commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

80 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - consumption:

74.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

29 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - exports:

502 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - imports:

8,316 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Current account balance:

-$63 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Exports:

$216 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Exports - partners:

Belgium 26.56%, US 11.87%, Netherlands 7.91%, UK 7.4%, India 6.67%,
Cote d'Ivoire 6.13%, Greece 4.05% (2009)

Imports:

$560 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 186

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants, chemicals

Imports - partners:

South Africa 14.61%, China 7.58%, US 5.87%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.65%, India 5.19%, Malaysia 5.19%, France 5.08%, UK 4.48%, Netherlands 4.06% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.61 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Exchange rates:

leones (SLL) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2,961.7 (2006), 2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003)

Communications ::Sierra Leone

Telephones - main lines in use:

32,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.16 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 143

Telephone system:

general assessment: marginal telephone service with poor infrastructure
domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects Freetown to Bo and Kenema; while mobile-cellular service is growing rapidly from a small base, service area coverage remains limited
international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned TV station; 1 private TV station began operating in 2005; a pay-per-view TV service began operations in late 2007; 1 government-owned national radio broadcast station; about two dozen private radio stations primarily clustered in major cities; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sl

Internet hosts:

281 (2010) country comparison to the world: 184

Internet users:

14,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Transportation ::Sierra Leone

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 159

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 11,300 km country comparison to the world: 132 paved: 904 km
unpaved: 10,396 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (600 km year round) (2007) country comparison to the world: 73

Merchant marine:

total: 189 country comparison to the world: 35 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 131, carrier 1, chemical tanker 12, container 3, liquefied gas 3, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 91 (Bangladesh 1, China 12, Cyprus 1, Egypt 2, Estonia 1, Hong Kong 4, Japan 3, Malaysia 1, North Korea 1, Romania 4, Russia 6, Singapore 5, Syria 20, Taiwan 1, Turkey 14, UAE 6, UK 1, Ukraine 5, US 1, Yemen 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Freetown, Pepel, Sherbro Islands

Military ::Sierra Leone

Military branches:

Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Army (includes
Maritime Wing and Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for male and female voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription; candidates must be HIV negative (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,156,724 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 713,190
females age 16-49: 813,830 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 53,349
female: 56,307 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 66

Transnational Issues ::Sierra Leone

Disputes - international:

as domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups, rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone gradually abates, the number of refugees in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; Sierra Leone considers excessive Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands including the hamlet of Yenga occupied since 1998

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Singapore (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Singapore

Background:

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Geography ::Singapore

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 697 sq km country comparison to the world: 191 land: 687 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Terrain:

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 1.47%
permanent crops: 1.47%
other: 97.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.6 cu km (1975)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

People ::Singapore

Population:

4,701,069 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)

15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415)

65 years and over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.6 years
male: 39.1 years
female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.863% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Birth rate:

8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Net migration rate:

4.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 222 male: 2.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.06 years country comparison to the world: 7 male: 79.45 years
female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.1 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Nationality:

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

Mandarin (official) 35%, English (official) 23%, Malay (official) 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil (official) 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.5%
male: 96.6%
female: 88.6% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Government ::Singapore

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
conventional short form: Singapore
local long form: Republic of Singapore
local short form: Singapore

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Singapore
geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National holiday:

National Day, 9 August (1965)

Constitution:

3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on pre-independence State of Singapore Constitution)

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)

note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 1 April 2009); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee Huan (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005)

cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN was appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to 9 nominated members; up to three losing opposition candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as "nonconstituency" members
elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by February 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%, SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Reform Party [NG
Teck Siong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong];
Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Workers' Party
or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]

note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FATF, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100

FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David I. ADELMAN
embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001
telephone: [65] 6476-9100

FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle; red denotes brotherhood and equality; white signifies purity and virtue; the waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy; the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality

National anthem:

name: "Majulah Singapura" (Onward Singapore)

lyrics/music: ZUBIR Said
note: adopted 1965; the anthem, which was first performed in 1958 at the Victoria Theatre, is sung only in Malay

Economy ::Singapore

Economy - overview:

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector. Real GDP growth averaged 6.9% between 2004 and 2008. The economy contracted 1.3% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded nearly 15% in 2010, on the strength of renewed exports. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity growth, which has sunk to 1% per year in the last decade. Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$292.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $255 billion (2009 est.)

$258.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$217.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

14.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 -1.3% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$62,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $54,700 (2009 est.)

$56,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%
industry: 27.2%
services: 72.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.09 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0%
industry: 23.8%
services: 76.2% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

2.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.4%
highest 10%: 23.2% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.1 (2008) country comparison to the world: 29

Investment (gross fixed):

27.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Public debt:

102.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 110% of GDP (2009 est.)

note: for Singapore, public debt consists largely of Singapore Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are non-tradeable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit expenditures since the 1980s

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 0.6% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 5.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$80.5 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 35 $64.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$295.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $166.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$474.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 21 $268.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$353.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Industries:

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Industrial production growth rate:

10.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - production:

41.72 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - consumption:

37.94 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9,667 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - consumption:

878,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - exports:

1.289 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - imports:

2.109 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - consumption:

8.27 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - imports:

8.27 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 26 note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Current account balance:

$40.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $32.63 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$358.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $273.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 11.6%, Malaysia 11.5%, US 11.2%, Indonesia 9.7%, China 9.7%, Japan 4.6%, Hong Kong 11.6% (2009)

Imports:

$315.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $243.2 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 14.7%, Malaysia 11.6%, China 10.5%, Japan 7.6%, Indonesia 5.8%,
South Korea 5.7%, Taiwan 5.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $187.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$21.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $20.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $260.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $167.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.3702 (2010), 1.4545 (2009), 1.415 (2008), 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006)

Communications ::Singapore

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.852 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.652 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service
domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is more than 180 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2008)

Broadcast media:

state controls broadcast media; 8 domestic TV stations operated by MediaCorp, wholly owned by a state investment company; broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available; satellite dishes banned; multi-channel cable TV service is accessible; a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting with MediaCorp operating more than a dozen and another 4 stations are closely linked to the ruling party or controlled by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association; large number of Malaysian and Indonesian radio stations are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.sg

Internet hosts:

992,786 (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Internet users:

3.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Transportation ::Singapore

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 164

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 106 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,356 km country comparison to the world: 163 paved: 3,356 km (includes 161 km of expressways) (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,422 country comparison to the world: 6 by type: bulk carrier 183, cargo 88, carrier 6, chemical tanker 233, container 321, liquefied gas 117, petroleum tanker 404, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 52
foreign-owned: 850 (Australia 11, Bangladesh 2, Bermuda 21, Chile 7, China 26, Cyprus 3, Denmark 125, France 3, Germany 30, Greece 19, Hong Kong 38, India 19, Indonesia 53, Italy 3, Japan 146, Malaysia 27, Netherlands 1, Norway 132, Slovenia 1, South Africa 3, South Korea 9, Sweden 9, Switzerland 4, Taiwan 79, Thailand 30, UAE 10, UK 6, US 33)

registered in other countries: 327 (Australia 2, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belize 7, Cambodia 4, Cyprus 1, Dominica 1, France 3, Gibraltar 1, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 13, Indonesia 42, Isle of Man 1, Kiribati 11, Liberia 27, Malaysia 19, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 28, Mongolia 1, North Korea 2, Panama 79, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Sierra Leone 5, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 25, US 17, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Singapore

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Singapore

Military branches:

Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,266,426 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,027,701
females age 16-49: 1,097,762 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,430
female: 25,918 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Transnational Issues ::Singapore

Disputes - international:

disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Illicit drugs:

drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Sint Maarten (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Sint Maarten

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. The establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically expanded slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s. In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography ::Sint Maarten

Location:

Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands

Geographic coordinates:

18 4 N, 63 4 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 34 sq km country comparison to the world: 235 land: 34 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin

Area - comparative:

one-fifth the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km
border countries: Saint Martin (France) 15 km

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 1500 mm/year; July-November is the hurricane season

Terrain:

low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Flagstaff 386 m

Natural resources:

fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 90%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

subject to hurricanes from July to November

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two enties make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

People ::Sint Maarten

Population:

37,429 (January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.4% (male 4,299/female 4,455)

15-64 years: 73% (male 13,053/female 14,259)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 608/female 755) (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

3 deaths/1,000 population (2009) country comparison to the world: 221

Net migration rate:

14.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008) country comparison to the world: 4

Sex ratio:

at birth: 0.98 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: 73.1 years
female: 78.2 years (2009)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Religions:

Roman Catholic 39%, Protestant 27%, Pentecostal 11.6%, none 6.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.2%, other 5.4%, Jewish 3.4%, not reported 0.7% (2001 census)

Languages:

English 67.5% (official), Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch 4.2% (official), Papiamento 2.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 census)

Government ::Sint Maarten

Country name:

Dutch long form: Land Sint Maarten

Dutch short form: Sint Maarten

English long form: Country of Sint Maarten

English short form: Sint Maarten
former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Philipsburg
geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter pending

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY (since 10 October 2010)

head of government: Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS (since 10 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister by the legislature

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament or Staten (15 seats; members elected by popular vote for four year term)

elections: last held 17 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Alliance 45.9%, UPP 36.1%, Democratic Party 17.1%; seats by party - National Alliance 7, UPP 6, Democratic Party 2

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS]; National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN]; United People's Party or UPP [Theodore HEYLIGER]; Concordia Political Alliance or CPA [Jeffery RICHARDSON]

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of an orange-bordered blue shield prominently displaying the white court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a Brown Pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are identical to those on the Dutch flag
note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines, but with the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes the wartime Philippine flag

National anthem:

name: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land"

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS
note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" is official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Sint Maarten

Economy - overview:

The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year - 1.3 million in 2008 - with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's numerous ports and harbors. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly comprised the Netherlands Antilles.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$794.7 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $748.9 million (2007 est.)

$703.2 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$794.7 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 4.5% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,400 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 18.3%
services: 81.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

23,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 15.2%
services: 83.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

10.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 4.6% (2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sugar

Industries:

tourism, light industry, and manufacturing

Electricity - production:

304.3 million kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 167

Exports - commodities:

sugar

Exports - partners:

China 23.49%, US 10.91%, Japan 5.92% (2009)

Imports - partners:

China 17.35%, Japan 14.79%, US 8.96%, Saudi Arabia 6.89% (2009)

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Communications ::Sint Maarten

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,153 (2001) country comparison to the world: 210

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate facilities
domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links
international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Transportation ::Sint Maarten

Airports:

1 country comparison to the world: 214

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 53 km country comparison to the world: 216

Ports and terminals:

Philipsburg

Military ::Sint Maarten

Military branches:

the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao and through a detachment on Sint Maarten; other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Maarten), and Police Force (KPSM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

no conscription (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Slovakia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovakia

Background:

The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I allowed the Slovaks to join the closely related Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1 January 2009.

Geography ::Slovakia

Location:

Central Europe, south of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 49,035 sq km country comparison to the world: 130 land: 48,105 sq km
water: 930 sq km

Area - comparative:

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 1,474 km
border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 197 km, Hungary 676 km, Poland 420 km, Ukraine 90 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m
highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Natural resources:

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Land use:

arable land: 29.23%
permanent crops: 2.67%
other: 68.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,830 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.04
per capita: 193 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys

People ::Slovakia

Population:

5,470,306 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 442,168/female 422,055)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 1,952,527/female 1,965,646)

65 years and over: 12.5% (male 254,510/female 426,140) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.3 years
male: 35.7 years
female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.129% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Birth rate:

10.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Death rate:

9.56 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Net migration rate:

0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Urbanization:

urban population: 56% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 170 male: 7.83 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.62 years country comparison to the world: 79 male: 71.7 years
female: 79.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Nationality:

noun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Ethnic groups:

Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%, Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 68.9%, Protestant 10.8%, Greek Catholic 4.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%, none 13% (2001 census)

Languages:

Slovak (official) 83.9%, Hungarian 10.7%, Roma 1.8%, Ukrainian 1%, other or unspecified 2.6% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.6% (2004)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 129

Government ::Slovakia

Country name:

conventional long form: Slovak Republic
conventional short form: Slovakia
local long form: Slovenska Republika
local short form: Slovensko

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Bratislava
geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky, Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky, Zilinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Constitution:

ratified 1 September 1992, effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998; amended February 2001
note: the change in September 1998 allowed direct election of the president; the amendment of February 2001 allowed Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Iveta RADICOVA (since 8 July 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Jan FIGEL, Ivan MIKLOS, Jozef MIHAL, Rudolf CHMEL (since 9 July 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 March and 4 April 2009 (next to be held no later than April 2014); following National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 55.5%, Iveta RADICOVA 44.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 June 2010 (next to be held in June 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Smer 34.8%, SDKU-DS 15%, SaS 12.1%, KDH 8.5%, Most-Hid 8.1%, SNS 5.1%, other 16.2%; seats by party - Smer 62, SDKU-DS 28, SaS 22, KDH 15, Most-Hid 14, SNS 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council); Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)

Political parties and leaders:

parties in the Parliament:: Bridge or Most-Hid [Bela BUGAR];
Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Jan FIGEL]; Direction-Social
Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO]; Freedom and Solidarity or SaS
[Richard SULIK]; Slovak Democratic and Christian Union-Democratic
Party or SDKU-DS [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak National Party or SNS
[Jan SLOTA]

selected parties outside the Parliament:: Alliance for a Europe of
Nations or AZEN [Milan URBANI]; Association of Slovak Workers or ZRS
[Jan LUPTAK]; Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Peter ZAJAC]; Green
Party or SZ [Peter PILINSKY]; Party of the Democratic Left or SDL
[Marek BLAHA]; Party of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Jozsef
BERENYI]; People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia or
LS-HZDS [Vladimir MECIAR]; People's Party - Our Slovakia or LSNS
[Marian KOTLEBA]; Slovak Communist Party or KSS [Jozef HRDLICKA];
Union - Party for Slovakia or Unia [Milan CELIK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Towns and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade
Unions or KOZ; Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia or ZPS;
Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic;
National Union of Employers or RUZ; Slovak Chamber of Commerce and
Industry or SOPK; Slovenska Pospolitost; The Business Alliance of
Slovakia or PAS

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF
(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter BURIAN
chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054

FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore SEDGWICK
embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava
mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava
telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338

FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red derive from the Pan-Slav colors; the Slovakian coat of arms (consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills) is centered over the bands but offset slightly to the hoist side
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Nad Tatrou sa blyska" (Storm Over the Tatras)

lyrics/music: Janko MATUSKA/traditional
note: adopted 1993, in use since 1844; the anthem"s music is based on the Slovak folk song "Kopala studienku"

Economy ::Slovakia

Economy - overview:

Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation, healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and to adopt the euro in January 2009. Major privatizations are nearly complete, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands, and the government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom with business friendly policies such as labor market liberalization and a 19% flat tax. Foreign investment in the automotive and electronic sectors has been strong. Slovakia's economic growth exceeded expectations in 2001-08 despite the general European slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 18% in 2003-04, dropped to 7.7% in 2008 but remains the economy's Achilles heel. FICO's cabinet was careful to keep a lid on spending in order to meet euro adoption criteria and has focused on regulating energy and food prices instead. To maintain a stable operating environment for investors, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development advised the Slovak government to refrain from intervening in important sectors of the economy. However, Bratislava's approach to mitigating the economic slowdown has included substantial government intervention and the option to nationalize strategic companies. Slovakia was admitted to the euro zone in January 2009. RADICOVA's government, in power since July 2010, has allowed the budget deficit to rise slightly, to 8.2% of GDP in 2010. GDP fell nearly 5% in 2009 before gaining back 4% in 2010, and unemployment rose above 12% in 2010, as the global recession impacted many segments of the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$121.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $116.7 billion (2009 est.)

$122.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$86.26 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 -4.7% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $21,400 (2009 est.)

$22,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 35.6%
services: 61.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.673 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 27%
services: 69.4% (December 2009)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 11.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

21% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 20.9% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 130 26.3 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Public debt:

41% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 35.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 1.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks from the euro area; as of 1 January 2009 Slovakia became a member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$34.37 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 52 $34.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Slovak koruny in circulation prior to Slovakia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$52.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $52.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$65.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $64.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.672 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 80 $5.079 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.971 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products

Industries:

metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - production:

25.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - consumption:

28.75 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - exports:

8.891 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

9.412 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,114 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - consumption:

79,930 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - exports:

75,110 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - imports:

144,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - proved reserves:

9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - production:

103 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - consumption:

6.493 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - exports:

15 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - imports:

6.974 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - proved reserves:

14.16 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Current account balance:

-$1.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 -$2.819 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $55.32 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment 35.9%, vehicles 21%, base metals 11.3%, chemicals and minerals 8.1%, plastics 4.9% (2009 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.1%, Czech Republic 12.9%, France 7.8%, Poland 7.2%,
Hungary 6.3%, Italy 6.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$62.43 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $53.67 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 31%, mineral products 13%, vehicles 12%, base metals 9%, chemicals 8%, plastics 6% (2009 est.)

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.8%, Czech Republic 12.3%, Russia 9%, South Korea 6.8%,
China 5.8%, Hungary 5.3%, Poland 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.16 billion (31 January 2010 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.33 billion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $52.53 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$52.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $50.26 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.643 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $2.743 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Slovak koruny (SKK) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009), 21.05 (2008), 24.919 (2007), 29.611 (2006)

Communications ::Slovakia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.022 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.498 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Telephone system:

general assessment: Slovakia has a modern telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent years with the growth in cellular services
domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services
international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services

Broadcast media:

state-owned public broadcaster, Slovak Television (STV), operates 3 national TV stations; roughly 35 privately-owned television broadcast stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; channels from the Czech Republic and Hungary are widely viewed; state-owned public radio operates multiple national and regional networks; more than 20 privately-owned radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.sk

Internet hosts:

1.133 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Internet users:

4.063 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Transportation ::Slovakia

Airports:

36 (2010) country comparison to the world: 107

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 20
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 6,769 km; oil 416 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,622 km country comparison to the world: 48 broad gauge: 99 km 1.520-m gauge
standard gauge: 3,473 km 1.435-m gauge (1,577 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 50 km (1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 43,761 km country comparison to the world: 85 paved: 38,085 km (includes 384 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,676 km (2008)

Waterways:

172 km (on Danube River) (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Merchant marine:

total: 23 country comparison to the world: 97 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, refrigerated cargo 3
foreign-owned: 21 (Germany 4, Greece 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2, Montenegro 1, Poland 2, Slovenia 1, Turkey 2, Ukraine 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bratislava, Komarno

Military ::Slovakia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces (Vzdusne Sily) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,413,079
females age 16-49: 1,377,754 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,162,282
females age 16-49: 1,147,526 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,915
female: 32,448 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.87% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Transnational Issues ::Slovakia

Disputes - international:

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continued in 2006 between Slovakia and Hungary over Hungary's completion of its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovakia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market; consumer of ecstasy
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Slovenia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovenia

Background:

The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the eurozone in 2007.

Geography ::Slovenia

Location:

Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between
Austria and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 20,273 sq km country comparison to the world: 154 land: 20,151 sq km
water: 122 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,086 km
border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km, Italy 199 km

Coastline:

46.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Terrain:

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Natural resources:

lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, forests

Land use:

arable land: 8.53%
permanent crops: 1.43%
other: 90.04% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

32.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.9
per capita: 457 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes

People ::Slovenia

Population:

2,003,136 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 139,880/female 131,826)

15-64 years: 69.9% (male 707,219/female 695,470)

65 years and over: 16.5% (male 129,662/female 201,635) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.1 years
male: 40.4 years
female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.142% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Birth rate:

8.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Death rate:

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Net migration rate:

0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 200 male: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.12 years country comparison to the world: 61 male: 73.45 years
female: 81.03 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

280 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Nationality:

noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Ethnic groups:

Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Religions:

Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Slovenian (official) 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4%, Italian (official) Only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside, Hungarian (official) Only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.6%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 57

Government ::Slovenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia
conventional short form: Slovenia
local long form: Republika Slovenija
local short form: Slovenija
former: People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Ljubljana
geographic coordinates: 46 03 N, 14 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

210 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) including 11 urban
municipalities* (mestne obcine, singular - mestna obcina)
Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled,
Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice,
Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,
Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj,
Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec,
Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,
Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje,
Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje,
Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,
Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice,
Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,
Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kosanjevica na Krki,
Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota,
Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno,
Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc
na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Maribor*, Markovci,
Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju,
Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce,
Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,
Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,
Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,
Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*,
Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica,
Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko,
Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec,
Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenj Gradec*,
Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce
ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih
Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Sveti Jurij
v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba,
Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja
Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob
Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sostanj, Store, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin,
Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*,
Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice,
Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc,
Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zrece, Zuzemberk

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 23 December 1991, amended 14 July 1997 and 25 July 2000

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Danilo TURK (since 22 December 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Borut PAHOR (since 7 November 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 October and 11 November 2007 (next to be held on 8 October 2012); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly elections to be held in 8 October 2012)

election results: Danilo TURK elected president; percent of vote - Danilo TURK 68.2%, Alojze PETERLE 31.8%; Borut PAHOR elected prime minister by National Assembly vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40 members directly elected and 50 are elected on a proportional basis; note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each election; the constitution mandates 1 seat each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held on 8 October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SD 30.5%, SDS 29.3%, ZARES 9.4%, DeSUS 7.5%, SNS 5.5%, SLS+SMS 5.2%, LDS 5.2%, other 7.4%; seats by party - SD 29, SDS 28, ZARES 9, DeSUS 7, SNS 5, SLS+SMS 5, LDS 5, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and nominated by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl ERJAVEC]; Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS [Katarina KRESAL]; New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK (acting)]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC]; Slovene People's Party or SLS [Radovan ZERJAV]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [Darko KRANJC]; Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA]; Social Democrats or SD [Borut PAHOR] (formerly ZLSD); ZARES [Gregor GOLOBIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]

other: Catholic Church

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roman KIRN
chancery: 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 386-6601

FAX: [1] (202) 386-6633
consulate(s) general: Cleveland, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Bradley FREDEN
embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana
mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140
telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500

FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, derive from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola; the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early 15th centuries) appears in the upper hoist side of the flag centered on the white and blue bands

National anthem:

name: "Zdravljica" (A Toast)

lyrics/music: France PRESEREN/Stanko PREMRL
note: adopted 1989; the anthem was originally written in 1848; the full poem, whose seventh verse is used as the anthem, speaks of pan-Slavic nationalism

Economy ::Slovenia

Economy - overview:

Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial production - by more than 8%, and unemployment to rise above 9%. Although growth resumed in 2010, the unemployment rate continued to rise, topping 10%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$56.81 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $56.24 billion (2009 est.)

$61.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$46.44 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 -8.1% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $28,000 (2009 est.)

$30,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 31%
services: 66.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

930,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 35%
services: 62.8% (2009)

Unemployment rate:

10.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 9.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.3% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 24.6% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.4 (2008) country comparison to the world: 120 23.8 (2004)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Public debt:

35.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 123 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 7.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$10.47 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 71 $10.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: the figure for 2006 represents the US dollar value of tolars in circulation prior to Slovenia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$24.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $25.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$52.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $50.46 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.77 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 59 $22.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$28.96 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks, automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Electricity - production:

13 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - consumption:

14.7 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - exports:

7.82 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - consumption:

60,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - imports:

57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - consumption:

1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - imports:

1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Current account balance:

-$598 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 -$732.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$24.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $22.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.36%, Italy 11.31%, Croatia 7.75%, Austria 7.42%, France 7.35% (2009)

Imports:

$25.96 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $23.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.46%, Italy 15.89%, Austria 11.81%, France 4.98%, Croatia 4.32% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.08 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$51.57 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 56 $54.61 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$15.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$9.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $7.901 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.77399 (2010), 0.72 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Communications ::Slovenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.034 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Telephone system:

general assessment: well-developed telecommunications infrastructure
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 386

Broadcast media:

public television broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV), operates a system of national and regional TV stations; 35 domestic commercial television stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 60% of households are connected to multi-channel cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 3 national and 4 regional stations; more than 75 regional and local commercial and non-commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.si

Internet hosts:

137,494 (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Internet users:

1.298 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Transportation ::Slovenia

Airports:

16 (2010) country comparison to the world: 143

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 840 km; oil 11 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,228 km country comparison to the world: 85 standard gauge: 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 38,873 km country comparison to the world: 90 paved: 38,873 km (includes 696 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

some transport on Drava River (2010)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 25 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas 1, Cyprus 4, Liberia 5, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Ports and terminals:

Koper

Military ::Slovenia

Military branches:

Slovenian Army (includes air and naval forces)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 483,488
females age 16-49: 470,325 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 397,440
females age 16-49: 385,505 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 9,979
female: 9,610 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Transnational Issues ::Slovenia

Disputes - international:

the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with Croatia

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Solomon Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Solomon Islands

Background:

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Geography ::Solomon Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua
New Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 159 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 28,896 sq km country comparison to the world: 143 land: 27,986 sq km
water: 910 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

5,313 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,310 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel

Land use:

arable land: 0.62%
permanent crops: 2.04%
other: 97.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

44.7 cu km (1987)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic activity; tsunamis
volcanism: Tinakula (elev. 851 m, 2,792 ft) has frequent eruption activity, while an eruption of Savo (elev. 485 m, 1,591 ft) could affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanal

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; on 2 April 2007 an undersea earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale occurred 345 km WNW of the capital Honiara; the resulting tsunami devastated coastal areas of Western and Choiseul provinces with dozens of deaths and thousands dislocated; the provincial capital of Gizo was especially hard hit

People ::Solomon Islands

Population:

559,198 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.5% (male 119,875/female 115,127)

15-64 years: 57.1% (male 171,792/female 168,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 9,849/female 10,947) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.6 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Birth rate:

28.6 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Death rate:

3.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Net migration rate:

-1.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 103 male: 20.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.94 years country comparison to the world: 106 male: 71.37 years
female: 76.63 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.67 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)

Religions:

Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South Seas
Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church 10.3%,
Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other 2.4%,
unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)

Languages:

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population); 120 indigenous languages

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 167

Government ::Solomon Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Solomon Islands
local long form: none
local short form: Solomon Islands
former: British Solomon Islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Honiara
geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona, Temotu, Western

Independence:

7 July 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Constitution:

7 July 1978

Legal system:

English common law, which is widely disregarded; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Frank KABUI (since 7 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Danny PHILIP (since 25 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of parliament for up to five years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Solomon Islands Democratic Party 13, Our Party 3, Reformed Democratic Party 3, Independent Democratic Party 2, PAP 2, SIPRA 2, Peoples Congress Party 1, Peoples Federation Party 1, Rural Development Party 1, Rural and Urban Political Party 1, Solomon Islands Liberal Party 1, Solomon Islands National Party 1, independents 19

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independent Members or AIM [Thomas CHAN]; Christian
Alliance Solomon Islands or CASI [Edward RONIA]; LAFARI Party [John
GARO]; National Party [Francis HILLY]; People's Alliance Party or
PAP [Sir Allan KEMAKEZA]; Social Credit Party or SOCRED [Manasseh
Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon First Party [David QUAN]; Solomon
Islands Democratic Party [Gabriel SURI]; Solomon Islands Labor Party
or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]; Solomon Islands Liberal Party [Bartholomew
ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement or SIPRA
[Job D. TAUSINGA]; United Party [Sir Peter KENILOREA]

note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid coalitions

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM); Malaita Eagle Force (MEF); note - these rival armed ethnic factions crippled the Solomon Islands in a wave of violence from 1999 to 2003

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Collin David BECK
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193

FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in the Solomon Islands; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green; blue represents the ocean; green the land; and yellow sunshine; the five stars stand for the five main island groups of the Solomon Islands

National anthem:

name: "God Save Our Solomon Islands"

lyrics/music: Panapasa BALEKANA and Matila BALEKANA/Panapasa BALEKANA
note: adopted 1978

Government - note:

by the end of 2007, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - originally made up of police and troops from Australia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga - had been scaled back to 303 police officers, 197 civilian technical advisers, and 72 military advisers from 15 countries across the region

Economy ::Solomon Islands

Economy - overview:

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of RAMSI, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as the economy rebuilds.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.559 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 $1.517 billion (2009 est.)

$1.553 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$674 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 -2.3% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $2,800 (2009 est.)

$2,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42%
industry: 11%
services: 47% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

202,500 (2007) country comparison to the world: 168

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%
industry: 5%
services: 20% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 14.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$139.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 176 $124.4 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$227.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 180 $195.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$221.9 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $183.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish (tuna), mining, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

71 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - consumption:

66.03 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - imports:

1,323 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Current account balance:

-$143 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Exports:

$237 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Exports - commodities:

timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Exports - partners:

China 54.07%, South Korea 6.19%, Philippines 6.04%, Spain 4.87% (2009)

Imports:

$256 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 197

Imports - commodities:

food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.69%, Australia 23.06%, NZ 5.2%, Fiji 4.47%, Papua New
Guinea 4.34%, Malaysia 3.98% (2009)

Debt - external:

$166 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 176

Exchange rates:

Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 7.3447 (2006), 7.5299 (2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003)

Communications ::Solomon Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone density is about 5 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 677; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is the sole TV broadcaster with 1 station; multi-channel pay-TV is available; SIBC, the public service broadcaster, operates 2 national radio stations and 2 provincial stations; 2 local commercial radio stations operating; Radio Australia is obtainable via satellite feed (2009)

Internet country code:

.sb

Internet hosts:

4,065 (2010) country comparison to the world: 141

Internet users:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Transportation ::Solomon Islands

Airports:

36 (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 34

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,360 km country comparison to the world: 177 paved: 33 km
unpaved: 1,327 km
note: includes 800 km of private plantation roads (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor, Tulaghi

Military ::Solomon Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Solomon Islands Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 150,987 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 125,928
females age 16-49: 126,999 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,256
female: 6,995 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Transnational Issues ::Solomon Islands

Disputes - international:

since 2003, RAMSI, consisting of police, military, and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, has assisted in reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while reinforcing regional stability and security

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 5,400 (displaced by tsunami on 2 April 2007) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Somalia (Africa)

Introduction ::Somalia

Background:

Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule characterized by the persecution, jailing and torture of political opponents and dissidents. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. In 2000, the Somalia National Peace Conference (SNPC) held in Djibouti resulted in the formation of an interim government, known as the Transitional National Government (TNG). When the TNG failed to establish adequate security or governing institutions, the Government of Kenya, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), led a subsequent peace process that concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of a second interim government, known as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic. The TFG included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Islamic Courts Union (ICU), withdrew from the country. The TFP was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 200 ARS and 75 civil society members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. SHARMARKE resigned in September 2010 and was replaced by Mohamed Abdullahi MOHAMED, aka Farmajo, a dual US-Somali citizen that lived in the United Stated from 1985 until his return to Somalia in October 2010. The creation of the TFG was based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFP amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011.

Geography ::Somalia

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 49 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 637,657 sq km country comparison to the world: 43 land: 627,337 sq km
water: 10,320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,340 km
border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline:

3,025 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

Natural resources:

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 98.32% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

15.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.29 cu km/yr (0%/0%/100%)

per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

People ::Somalia

Population:

10,112,453 country comparison to the world: 82 note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45% (male 2,215,331/female 2,204,503)

15-64 years: 52.6% (male 2,588,356/female 2,579,737)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 101,764/female 142,326) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.6 years
male: 17.4 years
female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.809% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Birth rate:

43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Death rate:

15.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 107.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 5 male: 116.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 98.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50 years country comparison to the world: 213 male: 48.12 years
female: 51.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Ethnic groups:

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 37.8%
male: 49.7%
female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Somalia

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Somalia
local long form: Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed
local short form: Soomaaliya
former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

Government type:

no permanent national government; transitional, parliamentary federal government

Capital:

name: Mogadishu
geographic coordinates: 2 04 N, 45 22 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,
Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe (Middle
Jubba), Jubbada Hoose (Lower Jubba), Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag,
Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabeelle), Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower
Shabeelle), Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

Independence:

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland that became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960 and Italian Somaliland that became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)

National holiday:

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in Somaliland

Constitution:

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979
note: the formation of transitional governing institutions, known as the Transitional Federal Government, is currently ongoing

Legal system:

no national system; a mixture of English common law, Italian law, Islamic sharia, and Somali customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Transitional Federal President Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed (since 31 January 2009); note - a transitional governing entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the TFIs relocated to Somalia in June 2004; in 2009, the TFI's were given a two-year extension to October 2011
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed FARMAJO (since 1 November 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Transitional Federal Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) election results: Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed elected president by the expanded Transitional Federal Assembly in Djibouti

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly
note: unicameral Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA) (550 seats; 475 members appointed according to the 4.5 clan formula, with the remaining 75 seats reserved for civil society and business persons)

Judicial branch:

following the breakdown of the central government, most regions have reverted to local forms of conflict resolution, either secular, traditional Somali customary law, or sharia (Islamic) law with a provision for appeal of all sentences

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in support and in opposition to the transitional government

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased operations on 8
May 1991); note - the Transitional Federal Government is represented
in the United States through its Permanent Mission to the United
Nations

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; mailing address: Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831; telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000; FAX [254] (20) 363-6157

Flag description:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; the blue field was originally influenced by the flag of the UN, but today is said to denote the sky and the neighboring Indian Ocean; the five points of the star represent the five regions in the horn of Africa that are inhabited by Somali people: the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northern Frontier District (Kenya)

National anthem:

name: "Soomaaliyeey toosoo" (Somalia Wake Up)

lyrics/music: Ali Mire AWALE and Yuusuf Xaaji Aadan Cilmi QABILLE
note: adopted 2000; written in 1947, the lyrics speak of creating unity and an end to fighting

Government - note:

although an interim government was created in 2004, other regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State of Puntland in northeastern Somalia

Economy ::Somalia

Economy - overview:

Despite the lack of effective national governance, Somalia has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and more than 50% of export earnings. Nomads and semi-pastoralists, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has largely been looted and the machinery sold as scrap metal. Somalia's service sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms provide wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money transfer/remittance services have sprouted throughout the country, handling up to $1.6 billion in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate and are supported with private-security militias. Due to armed attacks on and threats to humanitarian aid workers, the World Food Programme partially suspended its operations in southern Somalia in early January 2010 pending improvement in the security situation. Somalia's arrears to the IMF have continued to grow.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.896 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $5.75 billion (2009 est.)

$5.607 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.372 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 2.6% (2009 est.)

2.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225 $600 (2009 est.)

$600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 65%
industry: 10%
services: 25% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

3.447 million (few skilled laborers) (2007) country comparison to the world: 97

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 71%
industry and services: 29% (1975)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%
note: businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be easily determined

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Agriculture - products:

bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish

Industries:

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, wireless communication

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

280 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Electricity - consumption:

260.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

108 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - exports:

1,475 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - imports:

6,387 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Exports:

$300 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 173

Exports - commodities:

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

Exports - partners:

UAE 58.27%, Yemen 20.32%, Saudi Arabia 3.78% (2009)

Imports:

$798 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 178

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat

Imports - partners:

Djibouti 30.84%, Kenya 8.06%, India 7.86%, China 6.97%, Brazil 6.59%, Yemen 4.97%, Oman 4.72%, UAE 4.6% (2009)

Debt - external:

$3 billion (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Exchange rates:

Somali shillings (SOS) per US dollar - NA (2007-08), 1,438.3 (2006) official rate; the unofficial black market rate was about 23,000 shillings per dollar as of February 2007
note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own currency, the Somaliland shilling

Communications ::Somalia

Telephones - main lines in use:

100,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephones - mobile cellular:

641,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Telephone system:

general assessment: the public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war; private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging the lowest international rates on the continent
domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in Mogadishu and in several other population centers
international: country code - 252; international connections are available from Mogadishu by satellite

Broadcast media:

2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN; Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1 private TV station; Radio Mogadishu operated by the transitional government; 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast in Mogadishu; several radio stations operate in central and southern regions; Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station; Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.so

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Internet users:

106,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Transportation ::Somalia

Airports:

59 (2010) country comparison to the world: 80

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 52

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 23
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 22,100 km country comparison to the world: 106 paved: 2,608 km
unpaved: 19,492 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 154 by type: cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Berbera, Kismaayo

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Military ::Somalia

Military branches:

National Security Force (NSF): Somali Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

note: since 2005, the UN has listed the Transitional Federal Government and its allied militias as persistent violators in recruiting child soldiers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,261,704
females age 16-49: 2,217,584 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,328,567
females age 16-49: 1,386,971 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 99,919
female: 99,771 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Transnational Issues ::Somalia

Disputes - international:

Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to landlocked Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional states; "Puntland" and "Somaliland" "governments" seek international support in their secessionist aspirations and overlapping border claims; the undemarcated former British administrative line has little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading south across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1.1 million (civil war since 1988, clan-based competition for resources) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@South Africa (Africa)

Introduction ::South Africa

Background:

Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902); however, the British and the Afrikaners, as the Boers became known, ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa, which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races - which favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority. The African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an end to apartheid and ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa since then has struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in decent housing, education, and health care. ANC infighting, which has grown in recent years, came to a head in September 2008 when President Thabo MBEKI resigned, and Kgalema MOTLANTHE, the party's General-Secretary, succeeded him as interim president. Jacob ZUMA became president after the ANC won general elections in April 2009. In January 2011, South Africa assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::South Africa

Location:

Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,219,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 25 land: 1,214,470 sq km
water: 4,620 sq km
note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,862 km
border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

Coastline:

2,798 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights

Terrain:

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

Natural resources:

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 12.1%
permanent crops: 0.79%
other: 87.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,980 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.5 cu km/yr (31%/6%/63%)

per capita: 264 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts
volcanism: the volcano forming Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands, which last erupted in 2004, is South Africa's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland

People ::South Africa

Population:

49,109,107 country comparison to the world: 25 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.9% (male 7,093,328/female 7,061,579)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 16,275,424/female 15,984,181)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,075,117/female 1,562,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.7 years
male: 24.4 years
female: 25 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.051% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Birth rate:

19.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Death rate:

16.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Net migration rate:

-3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 185 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 61 male: 47.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 39.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.2 years country comparison to the world: 215 male: 50.08 years
female: 48.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

18.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Ethnic groups:

black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%, Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

IsiZulu (official) 23.8%, IsiXhosa (official) 17.6%, Afrikaans (official) 13.3%, Sepedi (offcial) 9.4%, English (official) 8.2%, Setswana (official) 8.2%, Sesotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga (official) 4.4%, other 7.2%, isiNdebele (official), Tshivenda (official), siSwati (official) (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.4%
male: 87%
female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Government ::South Africa

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of South Africa
conventional short form: South Africa
former: Union of South Africa
abbreviation: RSA

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Pretoria (administrative capital)

geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, Western Cape

Independence:

31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority rule)

National holiday:

Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Constitution:

10 December 1996; note - certified by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996; was signed by then President MANDELA on 10 December 1996; and entered into effect on 4 February 1997

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Jacob ZUMA elected president; National Assembly vote - Jacob ZUMA 277, Mvume DANDALA 47, other 76

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Council of Provinces (90 seats; 10 members elected by each of the nine provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special powers to protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) and the National Assembly (400 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces - last held on 22 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC 65.9%, DA 16.7%, COPE 7.4%, IFP 4.6%, other 5.4%; seats by party - ANC 264, DA 67, COPE 30, IFP 18, other 21

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High Courts;
Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth MESHOE]; African
National Congress or ANC [Jacob ZUMA]; Congress of the People or
COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA]; Democratic Alliance or DA [Helen ZILLE];
Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter MULDER]; Independent Democrats or
ID [Patricia DE LILLE]; Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Mangosuthu
BUTHELEZI]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC [Motsoko PHEKO]; United
Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Lucas MANGOPE]; United
Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU [Zwelinzima VAVI,
general secretary]; South African Communist Party or SACP [Blade
NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National Civics
Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]

note: note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM, NSG, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ebrahim RASOOL
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald H. GIPS
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria
mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000

FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

Flag description:

two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes; the flag colors do not have any official symbolism, but the Y stands for the "convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity"; black, yellow, and green are found on the flag of the African National Congress, while red, white, and blue are the colors in the flags of the Netherlands and the UK, whose settlers ruled South Africa during the colonial era
note: the South African flag is the only national flag to display six colors as part of its primary design

National anthem:

name: "National Anthem of South Africa"

lyrics/music: Enoch SONTONGA and Cornelius Jacob LANGENHOVEN/Enoch SONTONGA and Marthinus LOURENS de Villiers
note: adopted 1994; the anthem is a combination of "N'kosi Sikelel' iAfrica" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were respectively the anthems of the non-white and white communities under apartheid; the official lyrics contain a mixture of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English; the music incorporates the melody used in the Tanzanian and Zambian anthems

Economy ::South Africa

Economy - overview:

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock exchange that is the 18th largest in the world; and modern infrastructure supporting a relatively efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region. At the end of 2007, South Africa began to experience an electricity crisis. State power supplier Eskom encountered problems with aged plants, necessitating "load-shedding" cuts to residents and businesses in the major cities. Growth was robust from 2004 to 2007 as South Africa reaped the benefits of macroeconomic stability and a global commodities boom, but began to slow in the second half of 2007 due to the electricity crisis and the subsequent global financial crisis' impact on commodity prices and demand. GDP fell nearly 2% in 2009. Unemployment remains high and outdated infrastructure has constrained growth. Daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public transportation. South Africa's former economic policy was fiscally conservative, focusing on controlling inflation, and attaining a budget surplus. The current government largely follows the same prudent policies, but must contend with the impact of the global crisis and is facing growing pressure from special interest groups to use state-owned enterprises to deliver basic services to low-income areas and to increase job growth. More than one-quarter of South Africa's population currently receives social grants.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$527.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $512.2 billion (2009 est.)

$521.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$354.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 -1.8% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$10,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%
industry: 31.2%
services: 65.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17.32 million economically active (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 9%
industry: 26%
services: 65% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

23.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 24% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

65 (2005) country comparison to the world: 2 59.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Public debt:

33.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 7.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37 11.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.71% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 15.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$65.87 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 41 $52.04 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $199.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$328.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$704.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 $491.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$833.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Industries:

mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - production:

240.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - consumption:

215.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - exports:

14.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

191,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - consumption:

579,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - exports:

128,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - imports:

490,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - production:

3.25 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - consumption:

6.45 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - imports:

3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - proved reserves:

27.16 million cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Current account balance:

-$16.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -$11.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$76.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $66.54 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment

Exports - partners:

China 10.34%, US 9.19%, Japan 7.59%, Germany 7.01%, UK 5.54%,
Switzerland 4.72% (2009)

Imports:

$77.04 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $66.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 17.21%, Germany 11.24%, US 7.38%, Saudi Arabia 4.87%, Japan 4.67%, Iran 3.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $39.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$80.52 billion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $73.84 billion (30 June 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$83.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $73.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$53.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $51.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

rand (ZAR) per US dollar - 7.38 (2010), 8.4234 (2009), 7.9576 (2008), 7.05 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Communications ::South Africa

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.32 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephones - mobile cellular:

46.436 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Telephone system:

general assessment: the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 105 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria
international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber optic cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) operates 4 TV stations, 3 are free-to-air and 1 is pay TV; e.tv, a private station, is accessible to more than half the population; multiple subscription TV services provide a mix of local and international channels; well developed mix of public and private radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels; the SABC radio network, state-owned and controlled but nominally independent, operates 18 stations, one for each of the 11 official languages, 4 community stations, and 3 commercial stations; more than 100 community-based stations extend coverage to rural areas (2007)

Internet country code:

.za

Internet hosts:

3.751 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 24

Internet users:

4.42 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Transportation ::South Africa

Airports:

578 (2010) country comparison to the world: 11

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 147
over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 53

914 to 1,523 m: 67
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 431

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 261
under 914 m: 137 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 11 km; gas 908 km; oil 980 km; refined products 1,379 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 20,872 km country comparison to the world: 14 narrow gauge: 20,436 km 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified); 436 km 0.610-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 362,099 km country comparison to the world: 18 paved: 73,506 km (includes 239 km of expressways)

unpaved: 288,593 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 133 by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 3
foreign-owned: 1 (Denmark 1)

registered in other countries: 11 (Mexico 1, NZ 1, Seychelles 1, Singapore 3, UK 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay

Military ::South Africa

Military branches:

South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South African Army,
South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force (SAAF), Joint
Operations Command, Military Intelligence, South African Military
Health Services (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,508,255
females age 16-49: 12,541,371 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,676,331
females age 16-49: 6,521,338 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 492,743
female: 496,374 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 92

Military - note:

with the end of apartheid and the establishment of majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was considered complete

Transnational Issues ::South Africa

Disputes - international:

South Africa has placed military along the border to apprehend the thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing economic dysfunction and political persecution; as of January 2007, South Africa also supports large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (33,000), Somalia (20,000), Burundi (6,500), and other states in Africa (26,000); managed dispute with Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,772 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 7,818 (Somalia); 5,759 (Angola) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment center for heroin, hashish, and cocaine, as well as a major cultivator of marijuana in its own right; cocaine and heroin consumption on the rise; world's largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through various east African countries, but increasingly producing its own synthetic drugs for domestic consumption; attractive venue for money launderers given the increasing level of organized criminal and narcotics activity in the region and the size of the South African economy
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Southern Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Southern Ocean

Background:

A large body of recent oceanographic research has shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients, which promotes marine plant life, and which in turn allows for a greater abundance of animal life. In the spring of 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization decided to delimit the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary oceans by the US Government.

Geography ::Southern Ocean

Location:

body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 20.327 million sq km
note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of the US

Coastline:

17,968 km

Climate:

sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter

Terrain:

the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 m over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward; it is the world's largest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the South Sandwich Trench
highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals - none exploited; krill, fish

Natural hazards:

huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue

Environment - current issues:

increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish
note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Environment - international agreements:

the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing)

note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north

Geography - note:

the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds

Economy ::Southern Ocean

Economy - overview:

Fisheries in 2006-07 landed 126,976 metric tons, of which 82% (104,586 tons) was krill (Euphausia superba) and 9.5% (12,027 tons) Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides - also known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 127,910 tons in 2005-06 of which 83% (106,591 tons) was krill and 9.7% (12,396 tons) Patagonian toothfish (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area). International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. In the 2007-08 Antarctic summer, 45,213 tourists visited the Southern Ocean, compared to 35,552 in 2006-2007, and 29,799 in 2005-2006 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), and does not include passengers on overflights and those flying directly in and out of Antarctica).

Transportation ::Southern Ocean

Ports and terminals:

McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica
note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or private vessels

Transportation - note:

Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal

Transnational Issues ::Southern Ocean

Disputes - international:

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (South America)

Introduction ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Background:

The islands, which have large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Geography ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Geographic coordinates:

54 30 S, 37 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 3,903 sq km country comparison to the world: 176 land: 3,903 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist of 11 islands

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

NA

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Terrain:

most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage; reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia

People ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001 replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

Government ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
conventional short form: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
abbreviation: SGSSI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland Islands presides over the Magistrates Court

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion rampant, holding a torch; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left and a Macaroni penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the crest, and below the shield on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)); the lion with the torch represents the UK and discovery; the background of the shield, blue and white estoiles, are found in the coat of arms of James Cook, discoverer of the islands; all the outer supporting animals represented are native to the islands

Economy ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Economy - overview:

Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Communications ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Internet country code:

.gs

Internet hosts:

320 (2010) country comparison to the world: 183

Transportation ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Ports and terminals:

Grytviken

Military ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Disputes - international:

Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Spain (Europe)

Introduction ::Spain

Background:

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. The government continues to battle the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization, but its major focus for the immediate future will be on measures to reverse the severe economic recession that started in mid-2008.

Geography ::Spain

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea,
North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 505,370 sq km country comparison to the world: 51 land: 498,980 sq km
water: 6,390 sq km
note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 1,917.8 km
border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

4,964 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

Climate:

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain:

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.18%
permanent crops: 9.85%
other: 62.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

37,800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.22 cu km/yr (13%/19%/68%)

per capita: 864 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts, occasional flooding
volcanism: Spain experiences volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m, 12,188 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m, 7,959 ft), which last erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes; Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

People ::Spain

Population:

46,505,963 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 3,021,822/female 2,842,597)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 13,705,107/female 13,601,399)

65 years and over: 18.1% (male 3,071,394/female 4,282,683) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.1 years
male: 38.9 years
female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.493% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Birth rate:

10.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Death rate:

8.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Net migration rate:

2.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 214 male: 3.77 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.07 years country comparison to the world: 13 male: 78.06 years
female: 84.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Nationality:

noun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Ethnic groups:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.9%
male: 98.7%
female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 93

Government ::Spain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain
conventional short form: Spain
local long form: Reino de Espana
local short form: Espana

Government type:

parliamentary monarchy

Capital:

name: Madrid
geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary Islands

Administrative divisions:

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares (Balearic Islands), Ceuta*, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna (Catalonia), Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community), Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla*, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Independence:

1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

National holiday:

National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set foot in the Americas

Constitution:

approved by legislature 31 October 1978; passed by referendum 6 December 1978; signed by the king 27 December 1978

Legal system:

civil law system with regional applications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister equivalent) Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004); First Vice President (and Minister of the Interior) Alfredo Perez RUBALCABA (since 20 October 2010), Second Vice President (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Elena SALGADO Mendez (since 8 April 2009), and Third Vice President (and Minister of Regional Affairs) Manuel CHAVES Gonzalez (since 8 April 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 9 and 11 April 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president
election results: Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO reelected President of the Government; percent of National Assembly vote - 46.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (264 seats as of 2008; 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 56 - as of 2008 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term; the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2012); Congress of Deputies - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 101, PSOE 88, Entesa Catalona de Progress 12, CiU 4, PNV 2, CC 1, members appointed by regional legislatures 56; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PSOE 43.6%, PP 40.1%, CiU 3.1%, PNV 1.2%, ERC 1.2%, other 10.8%; seats by party - PSOE 169, PP 154, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 8; note - seats by party in the Congress of Deputies as of 15 December 2009 - PSOE 169, PP 153, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Political parties and leaders:

Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU Renteria];
Canarian Coalition or CC [Claudina MORALES Rodriquez] (a coalition
of five parties); Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS i Gavarro]
(a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia or CDC
[Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia or UDC
[Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]); Entesa Catalonia de Progress (a
Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV,
EUA); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Guillerme VAZQUEZ Vazquez];
Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan SAURA i Laporta];
Navarra Yes or NaBai [collective leadership] (a coalition of four
Navarran parties); Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey];
Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Joan PUIGCERCOS i Boixassa];
Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis Rodriguez
ZAPATERO]; Union of People of Navarra or UPN [Yolanda BARCINA
Angulo]; Union, Progress and Democracy or UPyD [Rosa DIEZ Gonzalez];
United Left or IU [Cayo LARA Moya] (a coalition of parties including
the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Basta Ya (Spanish for "Enough is Enough"); grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Nunca Mais (Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil Tanker Prestige oil spill); Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or USO; Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO.

other: business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE, CERN,
EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union
Latina, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge DEZCALLAR de Mazarredo
chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alan D. SOLOMONT
embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid
mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642
telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303
consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left, Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer dates to the 18th century
note: the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Espanol" (National Anthem of Spain)

lyrics/music: none/unknown
note: officially in use between 1770 and 1931, restored in 1939; the Spanish anthem has no lyrics; in the years prior to 1931 it became known as "Marcha Real" (The Royal March); it first appeared in a 1761 military bugle call book and was replaced by "Himno de Riego" in the years between 1931 and 1939; the long version of the anthem is used for the king, while the short version is used for the prince, prime minister, and occasions such as sporting events

Economy ::Spain

Economy - overview:

Spain's mixed capitalist economy is the 12th largest in the world, and its per capita income roughly matches that of Germany and France. However, after almost 15 years of above average GDP growth, the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.4% in 2010, making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global recession. The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflects a significant decline in the construction sector, an oversupply of housing, falling consumer spending, and slumping exports. Government efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, which rose from a low of about 8% in 2007 to 20% in 2010. The government budget deficit worsened from 3.8% of GDP in 2008 to about 9.7% of GDP in 2010, more than three times the euro-zone limit. Spain's large budget deficit and poor economic growth prospects have made it vulnerable to financial contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone members despite the government's efforts to cut spending, privatize industries, and boost competitiveness through labor market reforms. Spanish banks' high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government intervened in one regional savings bank in 2009, and investors remain concerned that Madrid may need to bail out more troubled banks. The Bank of Spain, however, is seeking to boost confidence in the financial sector by pressuring banks to come clean about their losses and consolidate into stronger groups.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.374 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.379 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.432 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.375 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 -3.7% (2009 est.)

0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$29,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $29,800 (2009 est.)

$31,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 25.5%
services: 71.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

22.96 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 24%
services: 71.7% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 18.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.8% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2005) country comparison to the world: 102 32.5 (1990)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Public debt:

63.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 53.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 122 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 11.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$849.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 9 $856.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$2.264 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.451 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.683 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $3.451 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.297 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 $946.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.8 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Industries:

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - production:

300.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - consumption:

276.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - exports:

16.92 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.88 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

27,230 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - consumption:

1.482 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - exports:

218,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - imports:

1.716 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - proved reserves:

150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - production:

13 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - consumption:

33.88 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - exports:

975 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - imports:

34.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.548 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Current account balance:

-$66.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 -$80.38 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$268.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $224 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods

Exports - partners:

France 19.27%, Germany 11.11%, Portugal 9.21%, Italy 8.24%, UK 6.18% (2009)

Imports:

$324.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $286.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Imports - partners:

Germany 15.02%, France 12.82%, Italy 7.17%, China 5.8%, Netherlands 5.22%, UK 4.7% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$28.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.166 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.317 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$668.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $664 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$641 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $634.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Spain

Telephones - main lines in use:

20.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50.991 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Telephone system:

general assessment: well developed, modern facilities; fixed-line teledensity is roughly 50 per 100 persons
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is nearly 175 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 34; submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Broadcast media:

a mixture of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of TV channels are available including national, regional, local, public, and international channels; satellite and cable TV systems are accessible; multiple national radio networks, a large number of regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.es

Internet hosts:

3.822 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 23

Internet users:

28.119 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Transportation ::Spain

Airports:

154 (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 97
over 3,047 m: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 24
under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7,738 km; oil 560 km; refined products 3,445 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 15,288 km country comparison to the world: 18 broad gauge: 11,919 km 1.668-m gauge (6,950 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,949 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km 0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 681,298 km country comparison to the world: 10 paved: 681,298 km (includes 15,152 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

1,000 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 65

Merchant marine:

total: 138 country comparison to the world: 44 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 17, chemical tanker 12, container 8, liquefied gas 13, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned: 26 (Canada 5, Denmark 2, Germany 5, Italy 1, Mexico 2, Norway 10, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries: 107 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas 9, Belize 1, Brazil 12, Cape Verde 1, Cyprus 7, France 1, Malta 10, Nigeria 1, Panama 40, Portugal 15, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona, Valencia
(Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Military ::Spain

Military branches:

Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy
(Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force
(Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,851,306
females age 16-49: 9,574,929 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,040,207
females age 16-49: 7,798,254 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 193,038
female: 181,703 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Transnational Issues ::Spain

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); Morocco serves as the primary launching site of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa; Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs:

despite rigorous law enforcement efforts, North African, Latin American, Galician, and other European traffickers take advantage of Spain's long coastline to land large shipments of cocaine and hashish for distribution to the European market; consumer for Latin American cocaine and North African hashish; destination and minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering site for Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations and organized crime
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Spratly Islands (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Spratly Islands

Background:

The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Brunei has established a fishing zone that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any formal claim.

Geography ::Spratly Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

8 38 N, 111 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: less than 5 sq km country comparison to the world: 247 land: less than 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South China Sea

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

926 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Natural resources:

fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs

People ::Spratly Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several claimant states

Government ::Spratly Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Economy ::Spratly Islands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely unexplored. There are no reliable estimates of potential reserves. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Transportation ::Spratly Islands

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 185

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Spratly Islands

Military - note:

Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Transnational Issues ::Spratly Islands

Disputes - international:

all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China (including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," which has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Sri Lanka (South Asia)

Introduction ::Sri Lanka

Background:

The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The coastal areas of the island were controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formalized a cease-fire in February 2002 with Norway brokering peace negotiations. Violence between the LTTE and government forces intensified in 2006 and the government regained control of the Eastern Province in 2007. In May 2009, the government announced that its military had finally defeated the remnants of the LTTE and that its leader, Velupillai PRABHAKARAN, had been killed.

Geography ::Sri Lanka

Location:

Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 81 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 65,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 121 land: 64,630 sq km
water: 980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,340 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Natural resources:

limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.96%
permanent crops: 15.24%
other: 70.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,430 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.61 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)

per capita: 608 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

People ::Sri Lanka

Population:

21,513,990 country comparison to the world: 55 note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have fled the island and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.9% (male 2,594,815/female 2,493,002)

15-64 years: 68% (male 7,089,307/female 7,418,123)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 803,172/female 926,372) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.3 years
male: 30.3 years
female: 32.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.863% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Birth rate:

15.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Death rate:

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Net migration rate:

-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Urbanization:

urban population: 15% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.044 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 105 male: 19.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.3 years country comparison to the world: 85 male: 73.22 years
female: 77.47 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and chikungunya
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Ethnic groups:

Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Religions:

Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Languages:

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%
note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.7%
male: 92.3%
female: 89.1% (2001 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Sri Lanka

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
conventional short form: Sri Lanka
local long form: Shri Lamka Prajatantrika Samajaya di Janarajaya/Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu
local short form: Shri Lamka/Ilankai
former: Serendib, Ceylon

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Colombo
geographic coordinates: 6 56 N, 79 51 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western

Independence:

4 February 1948 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978; amended 20 December 2001

Legal system:

a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Kandyan, and Jaffna Tamil law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19 November 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; Dissanayake Mudiyanselage JAYARATNE holds the largely ceremonial title of prime minister (since 21 April 2010)

head of government: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19 November 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (two-term limit); election last held on 26 January 2010 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Mahinda RAJAPAKSA reelected president for second term; percent of vote - Mahinda RAJAPAKSA 57.88%, Sarath FONSEKA 40.15%, other 1.97%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of an open-list, proportional representation system by electoral district to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 April 2010 with a repoll in two electorates held on 20 April 2010 (next to be held by April 2016)

election results: percent of vote by alliance or party - United People's Freedom Alliance 60.93%, United National Party 29.34%, Democratic National Alliance 5.49%, Tamil National Alliance 2.9%, other 1.94%; seats by alliance or party - United People's Freedom Alliance 144, United National Party 60, Tamil National Alliance 14, Democratic National Alliance 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Coalitions and leaders: Democratic National Alliance led by Janatha
Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP [Somawansa AMARASINGHE]; Tamil National
Alliance led by Illandai Tamil Arasu Kachchi [R. SAMPANTHAN]; United
National Front led by United National Party [Ranil WICKREMESINGHE];
United People's Freedom Alliance led by Sri Lanka Freedom Party
[Mahinda RAJAPAKSA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or LTTE [P. SIVAPARAN, Chief of International Secretariat; V. RUDRAKUMARAN, legal advisor]; note - this insurgent group suffered military defeat in May 2009; some cadres remain scattered throughout country;
other: Buddhist clergy; labor unions; radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups such as the National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO
(dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaliya Chitran WICKRAMASURIYA
chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 through 4028

FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3
mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500

FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345

Flag description:

yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a dark red rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels; the lion represents Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the sword demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation; the four bo leaves - symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country - stand for the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity; orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green the Sri Lankan Moors; dark red represents the European Burghers, but also refers to the rich colonial background of the country; yellow denotes other ethnic groups; also referred to as the Lion Flag

National anthem:

name: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka)

lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE
note: adopted 1951

Economy ::Sri Lanka

Economy - overview:

Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with the LTTE, including increasing electricity access and rebuilding its road and rail network. Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to reduce poverty by using a combination of state directed policies and private investment promotion to spur growth in disadvantaged areas, develop small and medium enterprises, and promote increased agriculture, High levels of government funding may be difficult, as the government already is faced with high debt interest payments, a bloated civil service, and historically high budget deficits. The 2008-09 global financial crisis and recession exposed Sri Lanka's economic vulnerabilities and nearly caused a balance of payments crisis, which was alleviated by a $2.6 billion IMF standby agreement in July 2009. The end of the civil war and the IMF loan, however, have largely restored investors' confidence, reflected in part by the Sri Lankan stock market's recognition as one of the best performing markets in the world. Sri Lankan growth rates averaged nearly 5% in during the war, but increased government spending on development and fighting the LTTE in the final years spurred GDP growth to around 6-7% per year in 2006-08. After experiencing 3.5% growth in 2009, Sri Lanka's economy is poised to achieve high growth rates in the postwar period.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$104.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $97.91 billion (2009 est.)

$94.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$48.24 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 3.5% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.6%
industry: 29.8%
services: 57.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

8.1 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 32.7%
industry: 26.3%
services: 41% (December 2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 5.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 39.7% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49 (2007) country comparison to the world: 27 46 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Public debt:

86.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 85.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.25% (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 55 7.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.37% (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 41 15.89% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 96 $3.628 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$19.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $16.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $16.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.5 billion (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 70 $8.133 billion (31 December 2009)

$4.326 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, vegetables, fruit, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef; fish

Industries:

processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; telecommunications, insurance, banking; tourism, shipping; clothing, textiles; cement, petroleum refining, information technology services, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - production:

9.882 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - consumption:

8.417 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - imports:

90,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Current account balance:

-$1.784 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 -$291 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.908 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $7.085 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and apparel, tea and spices; rubber manufactures; precious stones; coconut products, fish

Exports - partners:

US 20.59%, UK 12.87%, Italy 5.51%, Germany 5.29%, India 4.54%,
Belgium 4.43% (2009)

Imports:

$11.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $9.186 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, textiles, machinery and transportation equipment, building materials, mineral products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

India 20.73%, China 13.45%, Singapore 7.26%, Iran 6.7%, South Korea 5.23% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $5.358 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar - 113.36 (2010), 114.95 (2009), 108.33 (2008), 110.78 (2007), 103.99 (2006)

Communications ::Sri Lanka

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.523 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.868 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone services have improved significantly and are available in most parts of the country
domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area and fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership is increasing
international: country code - 94; the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government operates 2 television channels and a radio network; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are obtainable; 8 private TV stations and about a dozen private radio stations in operation (2008)

Internet country code:

.lk

Internet hosts:

8,865 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Internet users:

1.777 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Transportation ::Sri Lanka

Airports:

18 (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 14
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,449 km country comparison to the world: 82 broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 91,907 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 54

Waterways:

160 km (primarily on rivers in southwest) (2008) country comparison to the world: 101

Merchant marine:

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 99 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 3
foreign-owned: 5 (Germany 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Colombo

Military ::Sri Lanka

Military branches:

Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 5-year service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,493,050
females age 16-49: 5,622,632 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,518,582
females age 16-49: 4,701,942 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 172,081
female: 166,358 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 55

Transnational Issues ::Sri Lanka

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 460,000 (both Tamils and non-Tamils displaced due to long-term civil war between the government and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Sri Lanka is a source and destination country for men and women trafficked for the purposes of involuntary servitude and commercial sexual exploitation; Sri Lankan men and women migrate willingly to the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and East Asia to work as construction workers, domestic servants, or garment factory workers, where some find themselves in situations of involuntary servitude when faced with restrictions on movement, withholding of passports, threats, physical or sexual abuse, and debt bondage; children are trafficked internally for commercial sexual exploitation and, less frequently, for forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a fourth consecutive year, Sri Lanka is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of human trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement; the government failed to arrest, prosecute, or convict any person for trafficking offenses and continued to punish some victims of trafficking for crimes committed as a result of being trafficked; Sri Lanka has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Sudan (Africa)

Introduction ::Sudan

Background:

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956. Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in 1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than four million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than two million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with the signing of several accords. The final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years. After which, a referendum for independence is scheduled to be held. A separate conflict, which broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths. The UN took command of the Darfur peacekeeping operation from the African Union on 31 December 2007. As of early 2009, peacekeeping troops were struggling to stabilize the situation, which has become increasingly regional in scope and has brought instability to eastern Chad. Sudan also has faced large refugee influxes from neighboring countries primarily Ethiopia and Chad. Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of government support have chronically obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Geography ::Sudan

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,505,813 sq km country comparison to the world: 10 land: 2.376 million sq km
water: 129,813 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 7,687 km
border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605 km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region (April to November)

Terrain:

generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south, northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m
highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Natural resources:

petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 6.78%
permanent crops: 0.17%
other: 93.05% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,630 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

154 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.32 cu km/yr (3%/1%/97%)

per capita: 1,030 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification; periodic drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries

People ::Sudan

Population:

43,939,598 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.7% (male 8,535,551/female 8,173,616)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 11,745,683/female 11,603,906)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 532,968/female 496,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years
male: 18 years
female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.497% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Birth rate:

36.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Death rate:

11.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Net migration rate:

0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 72.39 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 19 male: 73.08 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.21 years country comparison to the world: 200 male: 53.04 years
female: 55.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

320,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Ethnic groups:

black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), Christian 5% (mostly in south and
Khartoum), indigenous beliefs 25%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages
note: program of "Arabization" in process

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 61.1%
male: 71.8%
female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 4 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

6% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 38

Government ::Sudan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan
conventional short form: Sudan
local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan
local short form: As-Sudan
former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Government type:

Government of National Unity (GNU) - the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a power-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in 1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulated national elections in 2009, but these were subsequently rescheduled for April 2010

Capital:

name: Khartoum
geographic coordinates: 15 36 N, 32 32 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

25 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil (Upper Nile),
Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrat (Lakes), Al Jazira (Gezira),
Al Khartoum (Khartoum), Al Qadarif (Gedaref), Al Wahda (Unity), An
Nil al Abyad (White Nile), An Nil al Azraq (Blue Nile), Ash
Shimaliyya (Northern), Bahr al Jabal (Central Equatoria), Gharb al
Istiwa'iyya (Western Equatoria), Gharb Bahr al Ghazal (Western Bahr
el Ghazal), Gharb Darfur (Western Darfur), Janub Darfur (Southern
Darfur), Janub Kurdufan (Southern Kordofan), Junqoley (Jonglei),
Kassala (Kassala), Nahr an Nil (River Nile), Shimal Bahr al Ghazal
(Northern Bahr el Ghazal), Shimal Darfur (Northern Darfur), Shimal
Kurdufan (Northern Kordofan), Sharq al Istiwa'iyya (Eastern
Equatoria), Sinnar (Sinnar), Warab (Warrap)

Independence:

1 January 1956 (from Egypt and the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Constitution:

Interim National Constitution ratified 5 July 2005
note: under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim National Constitution was ratified 5 July 2005; Constitution of Southern Sudan was signed December 2005

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of the northern states regardless of their religion; however, the CPA establishes some protections for non-Muslims in Khartoum; some separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; the southern legal system is still developing under the CPA following the civil war; Islamic law will not apply to the southern states

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: election on 11-15 April 2010; next to be held in 2015
election results: Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president; percent of vote - Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR 68.2%, Yasir ARMAN 21.7%, Abdullah Deng NHIAL 3.9%, others 6.2%
note: al-BASHIR assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister, and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed president by the RCC; he was elected president by popular vote for the first time in March 1996

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Legislature consists of a Council of States (50 seats; members indirectly elected by state legislatures to serve six-year terms) and a National Assembly (450 seats; 60% from geographic constituencies, 25% from a women's list, and 15% from party lists; members to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held on 11-15 April 2010 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Not available; prior to the 11-15 April 2010 election, members appointmented under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court of nine justices; National Supreme Court;
National Courts of Appeal; other national courts; National Judicial
Service Commission will undertake overall management of the National
Judiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Unionist Party or DUP [Hatim al-SIR]; National Congress Party or NCP [Umar Hassan al-BASHIR]; Popular Congress Party or PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Sudan People's Liberation Movement or SPLM [Salva KIIR]; elements of the National Democratic Alliance or NDA including factions of the Democratic Union Party [Muhammad Uthman al-MIRGHANI] and Umma Party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Umma Party [SADIQ Siddiq al-Mahdi]; Popular Congress Party or PCP
[Hassan al-TURABI]; Darfur rebel groups including the Justice and
Equality Movement or JEM [Khalil IBRAHIM] and the Sudan Liberation
Movement or SLM [various factional leaders]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Akec Khoc ACIEW Khoc
chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert E. WHITEHEAD
embassy: Sharia Ali Abdul Latif Street, Khartoum
mailing address: P.O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829
telephone: [249] (183) 774700 through 704

FAX: [249] (183) 774137

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; colors and design based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I, but the meanings of the colors are expressed as follows: red signifies the struggle for freedom, white is the color of peace, light, and love, black represents Sudan itself (in Arabic 'Sudan' means black), green is the color of Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Nahnu Djundulla Djundulwatan" (We Are the Army of God and of Our Land)

lyrics/music: Sayed Ahmad Muhammad SALIH/Ahmad MURJAN
note: adopted 1956; the song originally served as the anthem of the Sudanese military

Economy ::Sudan

Economy - overview:

Since 1997, Sudan has been working with the IMF to implement macroeconomic reforms including a managed float of the exchange rate and a large reserve of foreign exchange. A new currency, the Sudanese Pound, was introduced in January 2007 at an initial exchange rate of $1.00 equals 2 Sudanese Pounds. Sudan began exporting crude oil in the last quarter of 1999 and the economy boomed on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices, and significant inflows of foreign direct investment until the second half of 2008. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on subsistence agriculture ensure much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years to come despite rapid rises in average per capita income. Sudan's real GDP expanded by 5.2% during 2010, an improvement over 2009's 4.2% growth but significantly below the more that 10% per year growth experienced prior to the global financial crisis in 2006 and 2007. While the oil sector continues to drive growth, services and utilities play an increasingly important role in the economy with agriculture production remaining important as it employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP. In the lead up to the referendum on southern secession, scheduled in January 2011, Sudan saw its currency depreciate considerably on the black market with the Central Bank's official rate also losing value as the Sudanese people started to hoard foreign currency. The Central Bank of Sudan intervened heavily in the currency market to defend the value of the pound and the Sudanese government introduced a number of measures to restrain excess local demand for hard currency, but uncertainty ahead of the referendum has meant that foreign exchange remained in heavy demand as 2010 came to a close.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$98.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $93.91 billion (2009 est.)

$90.12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$65.93 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 4.2% (2009 est.)

6.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $2,200 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.1%
industry: 29%
services: 38.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.92 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry: 7%
services: 13% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18.7% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

20.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Public debt:

94.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 105.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 11.2% (2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.713 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 76 $7.003 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$13.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $9.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Industries:

oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - production:

4.341 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - consumption:

3.438 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

486,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - consumption:

84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - exports:

303,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - imports:

11,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - proved reserves:

6.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - proved reserves:

84.95 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Current account balance:

-$2.595 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 -$2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.777 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $7.56 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock, groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar

Exports - partners:

China 58.29%, Japan 14.7%, Indonesia 8.83%, India 4.86% (2009)

Imports:

$8.483 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $8.253 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Imports - partners:

China 21.87%, Saudi Arabia 7.22%, Egypt 6.1%, India 5.53%, UAE 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.063 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $897 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$37.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $35.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Sudanese pounds (SDG) per US dollar - 2.36 (2010), 2.32 (2009), 2.1 (2008), 2.06 (2007), 2.172 (2006)

Communications ::Sudan

Telephones - main lines in use:

370,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.34 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Telephone system:

general assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards and being upgraded; cellular communications started in 1996 and have expanded substantially with wide coverage of most major cities
domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic, radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: country code - 249; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2000)

Broadcast media:

in the north, the Sudanese Government directly controls TV and radio, requiring that both media reflect government policies; TV has a permanent military censor; a private radio station is in operation; in southern Sudan, TV is controlled by the regional government; several private FM stations are operational in southern Sudan; some foreign radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sd

Internet hosts:

70 (2010) country comparison to the world: 207

Internet users:

4.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 56

Transportation ::Sudan

Airports:

140 (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 121

1,524 to 2,437 m: 21

914 to 1,523 m: 62
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 156 km; oil 4,070 km; refined products 1,613 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,978 km country comparison to the world: 30 narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge for cotton plantations (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,900 km country comparison to the world: 131 paved: 4,320 km
unpaved: 7,580 km (2000)

Waterways:

4,068 km (1,723 km open year round on White and Blue Nile rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 25

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 142 by type: cargo 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Port Sudan

Military ::Sudan

Military branches:

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Land Forces, Navy (includes Marines),
Sudanese Air Force (Sikakh al-Jawwiya as-Sudaniya), Popular Defense
Forces; Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA): Popular Army, Air
Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory and voluntary military service; 12-24 month service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,264,087
females age 16-49: 9,894,457 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,094,209
females age 16-49: 6,213,984 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 506,742
female: 487,434 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Transnational Issues ::Sudan

Disputes - international:

the effects of Sudan's almost constant ethnic and rebel militia fighting since the mid-20th century have penetrated all of the neighboring states; as of 2006, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda provided shelter for over half a million Sudanese refugees, which includes 240,000 Darfur residents driven from their homes by Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military forces; Sudan, in turn, hosted about 116,000 Eritreans, 20,000 Chadians, and smaller numbers of Ethiopians, Ugandans, Central Africans, and Congolese as refugees; in February 2006, Sudan and DROC signed an agreement to repatriate 13,300 Sudanese and 6,800 Congolese; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia proceed slowly due to civil and ethnic fighting in eastern Sudan; the boundary that separates Kenya and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times; Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; periodic violent skirmishes with Sudanese residents over water and grazing rights persist among related pastoral populations along the border with the Central African Republic

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 157,220 (Eritrea); 25,023 (Chad); 11,009 (Ethiopia); 7,895 (Uganda); 5,023 (Central African Republic)

IDPs: 5.3 - 6.2 million (civil war 1983-2005; ongoing conflict in
Darfur region) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Sudan is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked internally for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; Sudan is also a transit and destination country for Ethiopian women trafficked abroad for domestic servitude; Sudanese women and girls are trafficked within the country as well as possibly to Middle Eastern countries for domestic servitude; the terrorist rebel organization, Lord's Resistance Army, continues to harbor small numbers of Sudanese and Ugandan children in the southern part of the country for use as cooks, porters, and combatants; some of these children are also trafficked across borders into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo; militia groups in Darfur, some of which are linked to the government, abduct women for short periods of forced labor and to perpetrate sexual violence; during the two decades-long north-south civil war, thousands of Dinka women and children were abducted and subsequently enslaved by members of the Missiriya and Rezeigat tribes; while there have been no known new abductions of Dinka by members of Baggara tribes in the last few years, inter-tribal abductions continue in southern Sudan
tier rating: Tier 3 - Sudan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; combating human trafficking through law enforcement or prevention measures was not a priority for the government in 2007 (2008)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Suriname (South America)

Introduction ::Suriname

Background:

First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and has continued to rule since.

Geography ::Suriname

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
French Guiana and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 163,820 sq km country comparison to the world: 91 land: 156,000 sq km
water: 7,820 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,703 km

border countries: Brazil 593 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m
highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.36%
permanent crops: 0.06%
other: 99.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

510 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

122 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.67 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)

per capita: 1,489 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

smallest independent country on South American continent; mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast

People ::Suriname

Population:

486,618 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 66,603/female 64,035)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 159,525/female 160,871)

65 years and over: 6.3% (male 13,004/female 17,229) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.3 years
male: 27.9 years
female: 28.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.108% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Birth rate:

16.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Death rate:

5.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Urbanization:

urban population: 75% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.068 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 104 male: 21.48 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.98 years country comparison to the world: 103 male: 71.24 years
female: 76.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever, Mayaro virus, and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Ethnic groups:

Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, "Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Religions:

Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), Roman
Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%

Languages:

Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of
Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca
among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.6%
male: 92%
female: 87.2% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 13 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Suriname

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Suriname
conventional short form: Suriname
local long form: Republiek Suriname
local short form: Suriname
former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Paramaribo
geographic coordinates: 5 50 N, 55 10 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Independence:

25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Constitution:

ratified 30 September 1987; effective 30 October 1987

Legal system:

based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal theory; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12 August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12 August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate receives a two-thirds constitutional majority in the National Assembly after two votes, by a simple majority in the larger United People's Assembly (893 representatives from the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms (no term limits); election last held on 19 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Desire Delano BOUTERSE elected president; percent of vote - Desire Delano BOUTERSE 70.6%, Chandrikapersad SATOKHI 25.5%, other 3.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - Mega Combination 45.1%, New Front 27.5%, A-Com 13.7%, People's Alliance 11.8%, DOE 1.9%; seats by party - Mega Combination 23, New Front 14, A-Com 7, People's Alliance 6, DOE 1

Judicial branch:

Cantonal Courts and a Court of Justice as an appellate court (justices are nominated for life); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

A-Combination (a coalition that includes the General Liberation and Development Party ABOP [Ronnie BRUNSWIJK], SEEKA [Paul ABENA], Union of Brotherhood and Unity in Politics BEP [Caprino ALENDY]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD [Dilip SARDJOE]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or PVF [Soedeschand JAIRAM]; Democratic Union Suriname or DUS [Japhet DIEKO]; Mega-Combination-Ruling Coalition (a coalition that joined with A-Combination and the PL to form a majority in Parliament in 2010 - includes the National Democratic Party or NDP [Desire BOUTERSE] (largest party in the coalition), Progressive Worker and Farmer's Union or PALU [Jim HOK], Party for National Unity and Solidarity of the Highest Order or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA], DNP-2000 [Jules WIJDENBOSCH], and New Suriname or NS [Nanan PANDAY]); National Union or NU [P. VAN LEEUWAARDE]; New Front for Democracy and Development or NF (a coalition made up of the National Party of Suriname or NPS [Runaldo VENETIAAN], United Reform Party or VHP [Ramdien SARDJOE], Democratic Alternative 1991 or DA-91 - an independent, business-oriented party [Winston JESSURUN], Surinamese Labor Party or SPA [Siegfried GILDS]); Party for Democracy and Development in Unity or DOE [Carl BREEVELD]; Party for the Permanent Prosperity Republic Suriname or PVRS [NA]; People's Alliance, Pertjaja Luhur's or PL [Paul SOMOHARDJO](includes D-21 [Soewarta MOESTADJA] and Pendawa Lima [Raymond SAPEON], which merged with PL in 2010)

note: BVD and PVF participated in the elections as a coalition (BVD/PVF) in the most recent elections, but separated after the election

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs [Ricardo PANE]; Association of Saramaccan Authorities or Maroon [Head Captain WASE]; Women's Parliament Forum or PVF [Iris GILLIAD]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDB,
IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW,
PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jacques Ruben Constantijn KROSS
chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488

FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878
consulate(s) general: Miami

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. NAY
embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
mailing address: US Department of State, PO Box 1821, Paramaribo
telephone: [597] 472-900

FAX: [597] 410-025

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); a large, yellow, five-pointed star is centered in the red band; red stands for progress and love; green symbolizes hope and fertility; white signifies peace, justice, and freedom; the star represents the unity of all ethnic groups; from its yellow light the nation draws strength to bear sacrifices patiently while working toward a golden future

National anthem:

name: "God zij met ons Suriname!" (God Be With Our Suriname)

lyrics/music: Cornelis Atses HOEKSTRA and Henry DE ZIEL/Johannes Corstianus DE PUY
note: adopted 1959; the anthem, originally adapted from a Sunday school song written in 1893, contains lyrics in both Dutch and Sranan Tongo

Economy ::Suriname

Economy - overview:

The economy is dominated by the mining industry, with exports of alumina, gold, and oil accounting for about 85% of exports and 25% of government revenues, making the economy highly vulnerable to mineral price volatility. In 2000, the government of Ronald VENETIAAN, returned to office and inherited an economy with inflation of over 100% and a growing fiscal deficit. He quickly implemented an austerity program, raised taxes, attempted to control spending, and tamed inflation. Economic growth reached about 6% in 2007 and 2008, owing to sizeable foreign investment in mining and oil. Suriname has received aid for projects in the bauxite and gold mining sectors from Netherlands, Belgium, and the European Development Fund. The economy contracted in 2009, however, as investment waned and the country earned less from its commodity exports when global prices for most commodities fell. Trade picked up, boosting Suriname's economic growth in 2010, but the government's budget remained strained, with increased social spending during last year's election. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on continued commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote competition.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.794 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $4.632 billion (2009 est.)

$4.541 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.297 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 2% (2009 est.)

7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $9,600 (2009 est.)

$9,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.8%
industry: 24.4%
services: 64.8% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

165,600 (2007) country comparison to the world: 176

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8%
industry: 14%
services: 78% (2004)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2004) country comparison to the world: 105

Population below poverty line:

70% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 12.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$608 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 153 $495.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.809 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.573 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$793.1 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $651 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; shrimp; forest products

Industries:

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production; oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (1994 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - production:

1.605 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - consumption:

1.467 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

15,190 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - exports:

4,308 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - imports:

6,296 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - proved reserves:

79.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Current account balance:

$24 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Exports:

$1.391 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Exports - commodities:

alumina, gold, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

Exports - partners:

Canada 35.47%, Belgium 14.92%, US 10.15%, UAE 9.87%, Norway 4.92%,
Netherlands 4.7%, France 4.47% (2009)

Imports:

$1.297 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 30.79%, Netherlands 19.17%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.04%, China 6.8%, Japan 5.85% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$263.3 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 125

Debt - external:

$504.3 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Exchange rates:

Surinamese dollars (SRD) per US dollar - 2.745 (2007), 2.745 (2006), 2.7317 (2005), 2.7336 (2004), 2.6013 (2003)

note: in January 2004, the government replaced the guilder with the Surinamese dollar, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket

Communications ::Suriname

Telephones - main lines in use:

83,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephones - mobile cellular:

763,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Telephone system:

general assessment: international facilities are good
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 175 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 597; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned TV stations; 1 state-owned radio station; multiple private radio and TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.sr

Internet hosts:

171 (2010) country comparison to the world: 199

Internet users:

163,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Transportation ::Suriname

Airports:

51 (2010) country comparison to the world: 91

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 46

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 41 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 50 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 4,304 km country comparison to the world: 154 paved: 1,130 km
unpaved: 3,174 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,200 km (most navigable by ships with drafts up to 7 m) (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 153 by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Paramaribo, Wageningen

Military ::Suriname

Military branches:

National Army (Nationaal Leger, NL; includes Marine Section and Air
Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); recruitment is voluntary, with personnel drawn almost exclusively from the Creole community (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 133,417
females age 16-49: 133,487 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 108,555
females age 16-49: 111,927 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,046
female: 4,056 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Transnational Issues ::Suriname

Disputes - international:

area claimed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) arbitration to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Illicit drugs:

growing transshipment point for South American drugs destined for Europe via the Netherlands and Brazil; transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Svalbard (Europe)

Introduction ::Svalbard

Background:

First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

Geography ::Svalbard

Location:

Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea,
Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Geographic coordinates:

78 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 62,045 sq km country comparison to the world: 124 land: 62,045 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,587 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but not recognized by Russia

Climate:

arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year

Terrain:

wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and north coasts

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (no trees; the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity Trust and the Norwegian Government

People ::Svalbard

Population:

2,067 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.023% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0% (2001) country comparison to the world: 170

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 156

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3% (1998)

Languages:

Norwegian, Russian

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Svalbard

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as Spitzbergen)

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920) sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Longyearbyen
geographic coordinates: 78 13 N, 15 33 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991)

head of government: Governor Odd Olsen INGERO (since September 2009); Assistant Governor Lars FAUSE (since September 2008)

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

none

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Norway, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" is official (see Norway)

Economy ::Svalbard

Economy - overview:

Coal mining, tourism, and international research are the major revenue sources on Svalbard. Coal mining is the dominant economic activity and a treaty of 9 February 1920 gave the 41 signatories equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging in this are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs many of the local services, and provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some hunting of seal, reindeer, and fox.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

Labor force:

1,234 in Norwegian settlements (2003) country comparison to the world: 225

Exports:

$197.6 million (2000)

Imports:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Svalbard

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: probably adequate
domestic: local telephone service
international: country code - 47-790; satellite earth station - 1 of unknown type (for communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Broadcast media:

the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) began direct television transmission to Svalbard via satellite in 1984; Longyearbyen households have access to 3 NRK radio and 2 television stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.sj

Transportation ::Svalbard

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 186

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Military ::Svalbard

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military - note:

Svalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard

Transnational Issues ::Svalbard

Disputes - international:

despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Swaziland (Africa)

Introduction ::Swaziland

Background:

Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Geography ::Swaziland

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 17,364 sq km country comparison to the world: 158 land: 17,204 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 535 km
border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Natural resources:

asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use:

arable land: 10.25%
permanent crops: 0.81%
other: 88.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.5 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.04 cu km/yr (2%/1%/97%)

per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

drought

Environment - current issues:

limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

People ::Swaziland

Population:

1,354,051 country comparison to the world: 152 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 260,840/female 254,781)

15-64 years: 57.9% (male 383,236/female 391,478)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 19,857/female 26,994) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.1 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 20.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Birth rate:

27.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Death rate:

14.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 107

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 23 male: 70.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 62.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.97 years country comparison to the world: 218 male: 48.14 years
female: 47.8 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

26.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

190,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Swazi(s)

adjective: Swazi

Ethnic groups:

African 97%, European 3%

Religions:

Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%

Languages:

English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 81.6%
male: 82.6%
female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

7.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 13

Government ::Swaziland

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
conventional short form: Swaziland
local long form: Umbuso weSwatini
local short form: eSwatini

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Mbabane
geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Independence:

6 September 1968 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Constitution:

signed by the King in July 2005; went into effect on 8 February 2006

Legal system:

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since 16 October 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 10 members appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; members to serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 10 members appointed by the monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a nonparty basis; candidates for election nominated by the local council of each constituency and for each constituency the three candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Judicial branch:

High Court; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

the status of political parties, previously banned, is unclear under the 2006 Constitution and currently being debated; the following are considered political associations; African United Democratic Party or AUDP [Stanley MAUNDZISA, president]; Imbokodvo National Movement or INM; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Swaziland Democracy Campaign; Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions;
Swaziland and Solidarity Network or SSN

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abednigo Mandla NTSHANGASE
chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002

FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Earl M. IRVING
embassy: 2350 Mbabane Place, Mbabane
mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane
telephone: [268] 404-2445

FAX: [268] 404-2059

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally; blue stands for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people living in peaceful coexistence

National anthem:

name: "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi)

lyrics/music: Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT
note: adopted 1968; the anthem uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles

Economy ::Swaziland

Economy - overview:

In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners. In 2007, the sugar industry increased efficiency and diversification efforts, in response to a 17% decline in EU sugar prices. Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives more than nine-tenths of its imports and to which it sends 60% of its exports. Swaziland's currency is pegged to the South African rand, subsuming Swaziland's monetary policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) account for two-thirds of Swaziland's government revenues, and worker remittances from South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income. Customs revenues plummeted during the global economic crisis and Swaziland has appealed to SACU for assistance. With an estimated 40% unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size of small and medium enterprises and attract foreign direct investment is acute. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2006-07 because of drought, and more than one-quarter of the adult population has been infected by HIV/AIDS.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.055 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $5.937 billion (2009 est.)

$5.913 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.165 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 0.4% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $4,400 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.6%
industry: 42%
services: 49.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

457,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 156

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

40% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Population below poverty line:

69% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 40.7% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.4 (2001) country comparison to the world: 22

Investment (gross fixed):

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 7.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 39 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 14.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$335.7 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 163 $273.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.266 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $920.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$258.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $274.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $203.1 million (31 December 2007)

$199.9 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Industries:

coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles and apparel

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - production:

441 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - consumption:

1.266 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

770 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - imports:

4,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Current account balance:

-$374 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 -$213 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.417 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $1.338 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Imports:

$1.643 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $1.585 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$708 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $959 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$497 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $411 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

emalangeni per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Communications ::Swaziland

Telephones - main lines in use:

44,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Telephones - mobile cellular:

656,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Telephone system:

general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system
domestic: single source for mobile-cellular service with a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscribership base; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity exceeded 60 telephones per 100 persons in 2009; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay
international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2007)

Internet country code:

.sz

Internet hosts:

2,335 (2010) country comparison to the world: 152

Internet users:

90,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Transportation ::Swaziland

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 146

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Railways:

total: 301 km country comparison to the world: 121 narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,594 km country comparison to the world: 160 paved: 1,078 km
unpaved: 2,516 km (2002)

Military ::Swaziland

Military branches:

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes Air
Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; only HIV-negative applicants accepted; compulsory HIV testing required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 336,436 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 196,633
females age 16-49: 172,602 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 16,024
female: 15,630 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 18

Transnational Issues ::Swaziland

Disputes - international:

in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Swaziland is a source, destination, and transit country for women and children trafficked internally and transnationally for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor in agriculture; Swazi girls, particularly orphans, are trafficked internally for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, as well as to South Africa and Mozambique; Swazi boys are trafficked for forced labor in commercial agriculture and market vending; some Swazi women are forced into prostitution in South Africa and Mozambique after voluntarily migrating to these countries in search of work
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the government of Swaziland does not comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government believes that trafficking probably does occur, but does not know the extent of the problem; the government does not judge trafficking to be an "important" problem and chooses to direct its limited resources towards other issues, a judgment which significantly limited the government's current efforts to eliminate human trafficking, or to plan anti-trafficking activities or initiatives for the future (2010)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Sweden (Europe)

Introduction ::Sweden

Background:

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.

Geography ::Sweden

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 450,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 55 land: 410,335 sq km
water: 39,960 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 2,233 km
border countries: Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

Coastline:

3,218 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas)

exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m
highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.93%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 94.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,150 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

179 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.68 cu km/yr (37%/54%/9%)

per capita: 296 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

People ::Sweden

Population:

9,074,055 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.7% (male 733,597/female 692,194)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 3,003,358/female 2,927,038)

65 years and over: 18.8% (male 753,293/female 950,171) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.7 years
male: 40.6 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Birth rate:

10.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Death rate:

10.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Net migration rate:

1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Urbanization:

urban population: 85% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 220 male: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.97 years country comparison to the world: 14 male: 78.69 years
female: 83.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.67 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Nationality:

noun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Ethnic groups:

indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Religions:

Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist,
Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Languages:

Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 28

Government ::Sweden

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden
conventional short form: Sweden
local long form: Konungariket Sverige
local short form: Sverige

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Stockholm
geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna,
Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg,
Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm,
Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra
Gotaland

Independence:

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

National holiday:

Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)

Constitution:

1 January 1975

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 30.7%,
Moderates 30.1%, Greens 7.3%, Liberal People's Party 7.1%, Center
Party 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats 5.6%, Left
Party 5.6%; seats by party - Social Democrats 112, Moderates 107,
Greens 25, Liberal People's Party 24, Center Party 23, Sweden
Democrats 20, Christian Democrats 19, Left Party 19

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by the prime minister and the cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party [Goran HAGGLUND]; Environment Party the Greens [no formal leader but party spokespersons are Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left Party or V (formerly Communist) [Lars OHLY]; Liberal People's Party [Jan BJORKLUND]; Moderate Party [Fredrik REINFELDT]; Social Democratic Party [Mona SAHLIN]; Sweden Democrats [Jimmie AKESSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Children's Rights in Society; Swedish Confederation of Professional
Employees or TCO; Swedish Federation of Trade Unions or LO

other: media

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jonas HAFSTROM
chancery: The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600

FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew W. BARZUN
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm
mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750
telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00

FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Flag description:

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

National anthem:

name: "Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)

lyrics/music: Richard DYBECK/traditional
note: in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

Economy ::Sweden

Economy - overview:

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This and robust finances offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth continued downward in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove the strong rebound in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$354 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $340.1 billion (2009 est.)

$358.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$444.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 -5.1% (2009 est.)

-0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$39,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $37,500 (2009 est.)

$39,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 26.1%
services: 72.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.93 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 28.2%
services: 70.7% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 8.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 22.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

23 (2005) country comparison to the world: 134 25 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 41.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 111 3.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$225 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 17 $205.2 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$293.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $260.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$640.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $583.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$432.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 22 $252.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$612.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Industries:

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - production:

144 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - consumption:

134.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - exports:

14.71 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.75 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,833 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - consumption:

328,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - exports:

248,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - imports:

589,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - consumption:

1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - imports:

1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Current account balance:

$21.68 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $30.23 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$162.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $133.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Norway 10.61%, Germany 10.2%, UK 7.45%, Denmark 7.35%, Finland 6.44%, US 6.36%, France 5.05%, Netherlands 4.67% (2009)

Imports:

$158.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $120.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.9%, Denmark 8.9%, Norway 8.7%, Netherlands 6.17%, UK 5.56%, Finland 5.14%, France 5.06%, China 4.79% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$47.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$853.3 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 16 $617.3 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$321.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $304.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$383.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $367.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 7.5077 (2010), 7.6529 (2009), 6.4074 (2008), 6.7629 (2007), 7.3731 (2006)

Communications ::Sweden

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.146 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.426 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration
domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels
international: country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway)

Broadcast media:

publicly-owned television broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately-owned television broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV systems; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; nearly a hundred privately-owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently (2008)

Internet country code:

.se

Internet hosts:

4.396 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 20

Internet users:

8.398 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Transportation ::Sweden

Airports:

249 (2010) country comparison to the world: 26

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 152
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 76

914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 36 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 97

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 92 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 786 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 11,633 km country comparison to the world: 20 standard gauge: 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,531 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 572,900 km (includes 1,855 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 12 note: (includes 98,400 km of state roads, 433,500 km of private roads, and 41,000 km of muncipal roads; 215,700 km of these are open to public traffic) (2009)

Waterways:

2,052 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Merchant marine:

total: 163 country comparison to the world: 39 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 20, carrier 1, chemical tanker 31, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 37, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 32, vehicle carrier 21
foreign-owned: 46 (Denmark 15, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)

registered in other countries: 194 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas 6, Barbados 6, Bermuda 17, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 16, Faroe Islands 5, France 6, Germany 1, Gibraltar 12, Isle of Man 1, Italy 1, Liberia 10, Malta 3, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 33, Panama 1, Portugal 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 9, UK 25, US 5, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo,
Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Military ::Sweden

Military branches:

Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish
Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,065,782
females age 16-49: 1,995,451 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,709,592
females age 16-49: 1,649,875 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 58,937
female: 56,225 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Transnational Issues ::Sweden

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Switzerland (Europe)

Introduction ::Switzerland

Background:

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Geography ::Switzerland

Location:

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,277 sq km country comparison to the world: 135 land: 39,997 sq km
water: 1,280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,852 km
border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m
highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Natural resources:

hydropower potential, timber, salt

Land use:

arable land: 9.91%
permanent crops: 0.58%
other: 89.51% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

53.3 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.52 cu km/yr (24%/74%/2%)

per capita: 348 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

avalanches, landslides; flash floods

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps

People ::Switzerland

Population:

7,623,438 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.6% (male 616,561/female 571,610)

15-64 years: 68.1% (male 2,609,673/female 2,567,245)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 514,761/female 724,617) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.3 years
male: 40.3 years
female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.223% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Birth rate:

9.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Death rate:

8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Net migration rate:

1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 203 male: 4.58 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.97 years country comparison to the world: 15 male: 78.14 years
female: 83.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Nationality:

noun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Ethnic groups:

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%, Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch (official) 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census)

note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national and official languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 53

Government ::Switzerland

Country name:

conventional long form: Swiss Confederation
conventional short form: Switzerland
local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German); Confederation Suisse (French); Confederazione Svizzera (Italian); Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)

local short form: Schweiz (German); Suisse (French); Svizzera (Italian); Svizra (Romansh)

Government type:

formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic

Capital:

name: Bern
geographic coordinates: 46 57 N, 7 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

26 cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; Kantone, singular - Kanton in German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich
note: 6 of the cantons - Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell-Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden, Obwalden - are styled half cantons because they elect only one member to the Council of States and, in popular referendums where a majority of popular votes and a majority of cantonal votes are required, these six cantons only have a half vote

Independence:

1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)

National holiday:

Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Constitution:

revision of Constitution of 1874 approved by the Federal Parliament 18 December 1998, adopted by referendum 18 April 1999, officially entered into force 1 January 2000

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government representing the Federal Council; the Federal Council is the formal chief of state and head of government whose council members, rotating in one-year terms as federal president, represent the Council
head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011)

cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) is elected by the Federal Assembly usually from among its members for a four-year term (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 8 December 2010 (next to be held in early December 2011)

election results: Micheline CALMY-REY elected president; number of Federal Assembly votes - 106 of 189; Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF elected vice president; current Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF is slated to become president on 1 January 2012

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in German), Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German), Conseil des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian) (46 seats; membership consists of 2 representatives from each canton and 1 from each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation serve four-year terms)

elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons in October 2007 (each canton determines when the next election will be held); National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CVP 15, FDP 12, SVP 7, SPS 9, other 3; National Council - percent of vote by party - SVP 29%, SPS 19.5%, FDP 15.6%, CVP 14.6%, Greens 9.6%, other 11.7%; seats by party - SVP 62, SPS 43, FDP 31, CVP 31, Green Party 20, other small parties 13

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms by the
Federal Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti Ecologiste
Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I Verdi, Partida
Ecologica Svizra or La Verda) [Ueli LEUENBERGER]; Christian
Democratic People's Party (Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei der
Schweiz or CVP, Parti Democrate-Chretien Suisse or PDC, Partito
Democratico-Cristiano Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida
Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra or PCD) [Christophe DARBELLAY];
Free Democratic Party or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen,
PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali) [Fulvio PELLI]; Social
Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SPS,
Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS,
Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS) [Christian LEVRAT];
Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union
Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or UDC,
Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC) [Toni BRUNNER]; and other minor
parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Manuel SAGER
chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900

FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco
consulate(s): Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald S. BEYER, Jr.

embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11

FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Flag description:

red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag; various medieval legends purport to describe the origin of the flag; a white cross used as identification for troops of the Swiss Confederation is first attested at the Battle of Laupen (1339)

National anthem:

name: "Schweizerpsalm" [German] "Cantique Suisse" [French] "Salmo svizzero," [Italian] "Psalm svizzer" [Romansch] (Swiss Psalm)

lyrics/music: Leonhard WIDMER [German], Charles CHATELANAT [French], Camillo VALSANGIACOMO [Italian], and Flurin CAMATHIAS [Romansch]/Alberik ZWYSSIG
note: unofficially adopted 1961, official adoption 1981; the anthem has been popular in a number of Swiss cantons since its composition (in German) in 1841; translated into the other three official languages of the country (French, Italian, and Romansch), it is official in each of those languages

Economy ::Switzerland

Economy - overview:

Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology, knowledge-based production. The Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's, in order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade protectionism remains, particularly for its small agricultural sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn put Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period effectively implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the economy and prevent appreciation of the franc. Switzerland's economy grew 2.8% in 2010, when Bern implemented a third fiscal stimulus program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced significant challenges. The country's largest banks suffered sizable losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government rescue deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU, the US, and international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws. Consequently, the government agreed to conform to OECD regulations on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion. The government has renegotiated its double taxation agreements with numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD standard, and it is working with Germany and the UK to resolve outsanding issues, particularly the possibility of imposing taxes on bank deposits held by foreigners. Parliament passed the first five double-taxation agreements, including that with the US, in March 2010, but the agreements are subject to public referendum. In 2009, Swiss financial regulators ordered the country's largest bank to reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history of bank secrecy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$326.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $318 billion (2009 est.)

$324.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$522.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 -1.9% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$42,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $41,800 (2009 est.)

$42,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.3%
industry: 27.5%
services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.13 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 23.9%
services: 72.3% (2009)

Unemployment rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

7.4% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 7.5%
highest 10%: 19% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 93 33.1 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Public debt:

39.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 40.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.05% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 0.05% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.75% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 3.34% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$384.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 11 $334.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$834.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $764.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$992.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $923.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.071 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 12 $862.7 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.275 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - production:

59.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - consumption:

62 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - exports:

49.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

46.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

3,488 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - exports:

12,230 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - imports:

269,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - consumption:

3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - imports:

3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Current account balance:

$49.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $54.01 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$235.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $208.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.98%, US 9.09%, France 8.62%, Italy 8.08%, Austria 5.38% (2009)

Imports:

$220.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $192.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural products, textiles

Imports - partners:

Germany 27.19%, Italy 10.42%, US 9.61%, France 7.69%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$135.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.19 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.305 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$514 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $496.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$814.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $806.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Communications ::Switzerland

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.65 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.255 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed telecommunications infrastructure with excellent domestic and international services
domestic: ranked among leading countries for fixed-line teledensity and infrastructure; mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 120 per 100 persons; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks
international: country code - 41; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned radio and television broadcaster, Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SSR), operates 7 national television networks, 3 broadcasting in German, 2 in Italian, and 2 in French; private commercial television stations broadcast regionally and locally; television broadcasts from stations in Germany, Italy, and France are widely accessed using multi-channel cable and satellite TV services; SRG/SSR operates 18 radio stations that, along with private broadcasters, provide national to local coverage (2008)

Internet country code:

.ch

Internet hosts:

4.816 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 17

Internet users:

6.152 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Transportation ::Switzerland

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 42
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,662 km; oil 94 km; refined products 7 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,888 km country comparison to the world: 36 standard gauge: 3,397 km 1.435-m gauge (3,142 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,481 km 1.000-m gauge (1,378 km electrified); 10 km 0.800-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 71,384 km country comparison to the world: 66 paved: 71,384 km (includes 1,793 of expressways) (2009)

Waterways:

65 km; (Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and Schaffhausen-Bodensee) (2008) country comparison to the world: 103

Merchant marine:

total: 35 country comparison to the world: 81 by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 9, chemical tanker 6, container 4, petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 109 (Antigua and Barbuda 7, Bahamas 2, Cayman Islands 1, France 5, Germany 1, Italy 6, Liberia 17, Luxembourg 1, Malta 14, Marshall Islands 12, NZ 2, Panama 22, Portugal 3, Russia 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 4, Spain 1, Tonga 1, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Basel

Military ::Switzerland

Military branches:

Swiss Armed Forces: Land Forces, Swiss Air Force (Schweizer
Luftwaffe) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19-26 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; every Swiss male has to serve at least 260 days in the armed forces; conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by seven 3-week intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,839,382
females age 16-49: 1,797,317 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,502,736
females age 16-49: 1,468,785 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 47,043
female: 43,033 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Transnational Issues ::Switzerland

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

a major international financial center vulnerable to the layering and integration stages of money laundering; despite significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct business through offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for and consumer of South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and limited ecstasy production
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Syria (Middle East)

Introduction ::Syria

Background:

Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability, however, and experienced a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-ASAD was elected to his second term as president.

Geography ::Syria

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and
Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 185,180 sq km country comparison to the world: 88 land: 183,630 sq km
water: 1,550 sq km
note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than North Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,253 km
border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm

Climate:

mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Terrain:

primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m
highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 24.8%
permanent crops: 4.47%
other: 70.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

13,330 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

46.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 19.95 cu km/yr (3%/2%/95%)

per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms
volcanism: Syria's two historically active volcanoes, Es Safa and an unnamed volcano near the Turkish border have not erupted in centuries

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes; inadequate potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

there are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.)

People ::Syria

Population:

22,198,110 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 note: approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.4% (male 4,063,367/female 3,864,099)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 6,628,644/female 6,406,864)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 372,172/female 427,832) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.5 years
male: 21.3 years
female: 21.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.954% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Birth rate:

24.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Death rate:

3.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Net migration rate:

-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 162

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 117 male: 18.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.46 years country comparison to the world: 95 male: 72.1 years
female: 76.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.02 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Nationality:

noun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%,
Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in
Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Languages:

Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 79.6%
male: 86%
female: 73.6% (2004 census)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 77

Government ::Syria

Country name:

conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic
conventional short form: Syria
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah
local short form: Suriyah
former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Government type:

republic under an authoritarian regime

Capital:

name: Damascus
geographic coordinates: 33 30 N, 36 18 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Friday in April; ends last Friday in October

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al
Ladhiqiyah (Latakia), Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a,
Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq
(Damascus), Tartus

Independence:

17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Constitution:

13 March 1973

Legal system:

based on a combination of French and Ottoman civil law; Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000); Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 11 February 2006) oversees foreign policy; Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006) oversees cultural policy
head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10 September 2003); Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdallah al-DARDARI (since 14 June 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers
election results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NPF 172, independents 78

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges; headed by the president); national level - Supreme Constitutional Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality of laws and decrees; justices appointed for four-year terms by the president); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts represent an intermediate level between the Court of Cassation and local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs Courts; specialized courts - Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes); Supreme State Security Court (hear cases related to national security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to marriage and divorce)

Political parties and leaders:

legal parties: National Progressive Front or NPF [President Bashar al-ASAD, Dr. Suleiman QADDAH] (includes Arab Socialist Renaissance (Ba'th) Party [President Bashar al-ASAD]; Socialist Unionist Democratic Party [Fadlallah Nasr Al-DIN]; Syrian Arab Socialist Union or ASU [Safwan al-QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party (two branches) [Wissal Farha BAKDASH, Yusuf Rashid FAYSAL]; Syrian Social Nationalist Party [As'ad HARDAN]; Unionist Socialist Party [Fayez ISMAIL])

opposition parties not legally recognized: Communist Action Party [Fateh al-JAMOUS]; National Democratic Rally [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM, spokesman] (includes five parties - Arab Democratic Socialist Union Party [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM], Arab Socialist Movement, Democratic Ba'th Party [Ibrahim MAKHOS], Democratic People's Party [Riad al TURK], Revolutionary Workers' Party [Abdul Hafez al HAFEZ])

Kurdish parties (considered illegal): Azadi Party [Kheirudin MURAD];
Future Party [Masha'l TAMMO]; Kurdish Democratic Alliance (includes
four parties); Kurdish Democratic Front (includes three parties);
Yekiti Party [Fu'ad ALEYKO]

other parties: Syrian Democratic Party [Mustafa QALAAJI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Arab Human Rights Organization in Syria or AHRO; Damascus Declaration Group (a broad alliance of secular, religious, and Kurdish opposition groups); National Salvation Front (alliance between former Vice President Abd al-Halim KHADDAM and other small opposition groups in exile; formerly included the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood); Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression [Mazin DARWISH]; Syrian Human Rights Organization [Muhanad al-HASANI]; Syrian Human Rights Society or HRAS [Fayez FAWAZ]; Syrian Muslim Brotherhood or SMB [Muhammad Riyad al-SHAQFAH] (operates in exile in London)

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Imad MOUSTAPHA
chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4585

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charles (Chuck) F. HUNTER
embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansour Street, No. 2, Damascus
mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus
telephone: [963] (11) 3391-4444

FAX: [963] (11) 3391-3999

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; two small, green, five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); identical to the former flag of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961) where the two stars represented the constituent states of Syria and Egypt; the current design dates to 1980
note: similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band, and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Humat ad-Diyar" (Guardians of the Homeland)

lyrics/music: Khalil Mardam BEY/Mohammad Salim FLAYFEL and Ahmad Salim FLAYFEL
note: adopted 1936, restored 1961; between 1958 and 1961, while Syria was a member of the United Arab Republic with Egypt, the country had a different anthem

Economy ::Syria

Economy - overview:

Syrian economic growth slowed to 1.8% in 2009 as the global economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$106.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $102.4 billion (2009 est.)

$97.48 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$59.63 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 5% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 26.8%
services: 55.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.527 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%
industry: 16%
services: 67% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 8.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

11.9% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

16.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Public debt:

29.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 28.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 88 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 10.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$21.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 62 $19.53 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$161 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 $147.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$27.14 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Industries:

petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining, cement, oil seeds crushing, car assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - production:

36.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - consumption:

27.35 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.4 billion kWh (2007)

Oil - production:

400,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - consumption:

252,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - exports:

155,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - imports:

58,710 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - proved reserves:

2.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - production:

6.04 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - consumption:

6.18 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - imports:

140 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - proved reserves:

240.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Current account balance:

$649 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $394 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $11.76 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, minerals, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat and live animals, wheat

Exports - partners:

Iraq 30.22%, Lebanon 12.21%, Germany 8.89%, Egypt 6.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.04%, Italy 4.55% (2009)

Imports:

$13.57 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $12.62 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery, food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical products, plastics, yarn, paper

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 10.1%, China 9.95%, Turkey 6.97%, Egypt 6.44%, UAE 4.97%, Italy 4.93%, Russia 4.92%, Germany 4.38%, Lebanon 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$17.96 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.682 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $7.359 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Syrian pounds (SYP) per US dollar - 46.456 (2010), 46.7082 (2009), 46.5281 (2008), 50.0085 (2007), 51.689 (2006)

Communications ::Syria

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.871 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.697 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system currently undergoing significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic technology and expansion of the network to rural areas
domestic: the number of fixed-line connections has increased markedly since 2000; mobile-cellular service growing with telephone subscribership reaching nearly 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 963; submarine cable connection to Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Broadcast media:

state-run television and radio broadcast networks; state operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel; roughly two-thirds of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV broadcasts; 3 state-run radio channels; first private radio station launched in 2005; private radio broadcasters prohibited from transmitting news or political content (2007)

Internet country code:

.sy

Internet hosts:

8,114 (2010) country comparison to the world: 133

Internet users:

4.469 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Transportation ::Syria

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 57

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 29
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 75

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 15
under 914 m: 59 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,101 km; oil 1,997 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,052 km country comparison to the world: 72 standard gauge: 1,801 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 251 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 97,401 km country comparison to the world: 45 paved: 19,490 km (includes 1,103 km of expressways)

unpaved: 77,911 km (2006)

Waterways:

900 km (navigable not economically significant) (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Merchant marine:

total: 41 country comparison to the world: 77 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 30, carrier 3, container 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Jordan 2, Lebanon 2, Romania 1)

registered in other countries: 199 (Barbados 1, Belize 2, Bolivia 4,
Cambodia 22, Comoros 6, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Georgia 35, Lebanon 3,
Liberia 1, Libya 2, Malta 5, Moldova 3, North Korea 6, Panama 42,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13, Sierra
Leone 20, Togo 5, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baniyas, Latakia, Tartus

Military ::Syria

Military branches:

Syrian Armed Forces: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab
Air and Air Defense Forces (includes Air Defense Command) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 21 months (18 months in the Syrian Arab Navy); women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,766,853
females age 16-49: 5,540,828 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,948,802
females age 16-49: 4,786,596 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 253,578
female: 241,777 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Transnational Issues ::Syria

Disputes - international:

Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied with the almost 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) patrolling a buffer zone since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and pending demarcation settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1-1.4 million (Iraq); 522,100 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA))

IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967
Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Syria is a destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or sexual abuse
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in addition, the government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations; Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for regional and Western markets; weak anti-money-laundering controls and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Taiwan (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Taiwan

Background:

In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan. Taiwan reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the 1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and incorporated the local population within the governing structure. In 2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this period, the island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic "Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of Taiwan's eventual status - as well as domestic political and economic reform.

Geography ::Taiwan

Location:

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Geographic coordinates:

23 30 N, 121 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 35,980 sq km country comparison to the world: 138 land: 32,260 sq km
water: 3,720 sq km
note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,566.3 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Terrain:

eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos

Land use:

arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 75% (2001)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

67 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; typhoons
volcanism: Kueishantao Island (elev. 401 m, 1,316 ft), east of Taiwan, is its only historically active volcano, although it has not erupted in centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait

People ::Taiwan

Population:

23,024,956 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.7% (male 1,996,905/female 1,844,611)

15-64 years: 72.6% (male 8,416,300/female 8,267,675)

65 years and over: 10.7% (male 1,183,382/female 1,265,474) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37 years
male: 36.4 years
female: 37.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Birth rate:

8.97 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Death rate:

6.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Net migration rate:

0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 184 male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.15 years country comparison to the world: 50 male: 75.34 years
female: 81.2 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.15 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Taiwan (singular and plural)

note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan
adjective: Taiwan

Ethnic groups:

Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, indigenous 2%

Religions:

mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Languages:

Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.1%
male: NA
female: NA (2003)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Taiwan

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Taiwan
local long form: none
local short form: Taiwan
former: Formosa

Government type:

multiparty democracy

Capital:

name: Taipei
geographic coordinates: 25 03 N, 121 30 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 18 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities (shih, singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih, singular and plural)

note: Taiwan uses a variety of romanization systems; while a modified Wade-Giles system still dominates, the city of Taipei has adopted a Pinyin romanization for street and place names within its boundaries; other local authorities use different romanization systems; names for administrative divisions that follow are taken from the Taiwan Yearbook 2007 published by the Government Information Office in Taipei.

counties: Changhua, Chiayi (county), Hsinchu (county), Hualien,
Kaohsiung (county), Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli, Nantou, Penghu,
Pingtung, Taichung (county), Tainan (county), Taipei (county),
Taitung, Taoyuan, Yilan, and Yunlin

municipalities: Chiayi (city), Hsinchu (city), Keelung, Taichung (city), Tainan (city)

special municipalities: Kaohsiung (city), Taipei (city)

National holiday:

Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911)

Constitution:

adopted on 25 December 1946; promulgated on 1 January 1947; effective 25 December 1947; amended numerous times

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008); Vice President Vincent SIEW (since 20 May 2008)

head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) WU Den-yih (since 10 September 2009); Vice Premier (Vice President of Executive Yuan) Sean CHEN (since 17 May 2010)

cabinet: Executive Yuan - (ministers appointed by president on recommendation of premier) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier
election results: MA Ying-jeou elected president; percent of vote - MA Ying-jeou 58.45%, Frank HSIEH 41.55%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations; members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote to qualify for at-large seats
elections: Legislative Yuan - last held on 12 January 2008 (next to be held in December 2011 or January 2012)

election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - KMT 53.5%, DPP 38.2%, NPSU 2.4%, PFP 0.3%, others 1.6%, independents 4%; seats by party - KMT 81, DPP 27, NPSU 3, PFP 1, independent 1; note - following the 2008 elections, several rounds of byelections were held to fill seats vacated as a result of corruption changes; seats by party as of December 2010 - KMT 74, DPP 33, NPSU 3, independent 2, vacant 1

Judicial branch:

Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [TSAI Ing-wen]; Kuomintang or
KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]; Non-Partisan Solidarity
Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]; People First Party or PFP [James SOONG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

environmental groups; independence movement; various business groups
note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; public opinion polls consistently show a substantial majority of Taiwan people supports maintaining Taiwan's status quo for the foreseeable future; advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify with mainland China; advocates of eventual unification predicate their goal on the democratic transformation of the mainland

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people in the United States are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts
representative: Jason C. YUAN
office: 4201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] 202 895-1800

Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (branch offices): Atlanta,
Boston, Chicago, Guam, Houston, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts
director: William A. STANTON
office: #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan
telephone: [1] [886] (02) 2162-2000

FAX: [1] [886] (07) 238-7744
other offices: Kaohsiung

Flag description:

red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays; the blue and white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates to 1895; it was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party; blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for fraternity, sacrifice, and nationaliam, white represents equality, frankness, and the people's livelihood; the 12 rays of the sun are those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each ray equals two hours)

note: somewhat resembles the flag of Burma

National anthem:

name: "Zhonghua Minguo guoge" (National Anthem of the Republic of China)

lyrics/music: HU Han-min, TAI Chi-t'ao, and LIAO Chung-k'ai/CHENG Mao-Yun
note: adopted 1930; the anthem is also the song of the Kuomintang Party; it is informally known as "San Min Cau I" (Three Principles of the People); because of political pressure from China, "Guo qi ee" (National Banner Song) is used at international events rather than the official anthem of Taiwan; the "National Banner Song" has gained popularity in Taiwan and is commonly used during flag raisings

Economy ::Taiwan

Economy - overview:

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. In keeping with this trend, some large, state-owned banks and industrial firms have been privatized. Exports, led by electronics and machinery, generate about 70% of Taiwan's GDP growth, and have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports makes the economy vulnerable to downturns in world demand. In 2009, Taiwan's GDP fell by 1.9%, due primarily to a 20% year-on-year decline in exports. GDP grew more than 8% in 2010, as exports returned to the level of previous years. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are major long-term challenges. Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, but so far Taiwan has been excluded from this greater economic integration, largely for reasons of diplomacy. Taiwan's birth rate of only 1.2 child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 10.8% of the island's total population as of the end of 2009. The island runs a large trade surplus, and its foreign reserves are the world's fourth largest, behind China, Japan, and Russia. Since President MA Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, cross-Strait economic ties have increased significantly. Since 2005 China has overtaken the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Taipei has focused much of its economic recovery effort on improving cross-Strait economic integration. Three financial memorandums of understanding, covering banking, securities, and insurance, took effect in mid-January 2010, opening the island to greater investments from the Mainland's financial firms and institutional investors, and providing new opportunities for Taiwan financial firms to operate in China. Taiwan and the mainland in June 2010 signed the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), an agreement similar to a free-trade agreement deal that will increase cross-Strait economic ties by lowering tariffs on a number of goods. Taiwan's goverment has said that the ECFA will serve as a stepping stone toward trade pacts with other regional partners and announced the beginning of negotiations on such an agreement with Singapore in August.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$807.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $745.4 billion (2009 est.)

$759.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$427 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 -1.9% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $32,400 (2009 est.)

$33,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 31.1%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.03 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.1%
industry: 36.8%
services: 58% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 5.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

1.08% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: 41.1% (2002)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Public debt:

31.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 33% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 3.5% (2008)

Central bank discount rate:

1.25% (February 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.56% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 153 4.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$331.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 14 $317.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$952.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $891.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$661.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $630.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$657.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 20 $354.7 billion (31 December 2008)

$654 billion (28 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef, milk; fish

Industries:

electronics, communications and information technology products, petroleum refining, armaments, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer products, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - production:

238.3 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - consumption:

229.8 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

276,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - consumption:

910,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - exports:

359,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - imports:

931,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - proved reserves:

2.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - production:

360 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - consumption:

12.44 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - imports:

12.08 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.229 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Current account balance:

$39 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $42.92 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$277.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $203.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles, plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and medical instruments

Exports - partners:

China 26.6%, Hong Kong 14.4%, US 11.6%, Japan 7.2%, Singapore 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$250.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $172.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronics, machinery, crude petroleum, precision instruments, organic chemicals, metals

Imports - partners:

Japan 20.7%, China 14%, US 10.3%, South Korea 6%, Saudi Arabia 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$382.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $353 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$91.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $75.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$65.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $107.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$122.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $145.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

New Taiwan dollars (TWD) per US dollar - 31.864 (2010), 33.061 (2009), 31.53 (2008), 32.84 (2007), 32.534 (2006)

Communications ::Taiwan

Telephones - main lines in use:

14.596 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Telephones - mobile cellular:

26.959 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephone system:

general assessment: provides telecommunications service for every business and private need
domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized
international: country code - 886; roughly 15 submarine fiber cables cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2

Broadcast media:

5 free-to-air nationwide television networks operating roughly 75 TV stations; about 85% of households utilize multi-channel cable TV; national and regional radio networks with about 170 radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Internet country code:

.tw

Internet hosts:

6.336 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 15

Internet users:

16.147 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Transportation ::Taiwan

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 104

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38
over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 405 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,582 km country comparison to the world: 81 standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,091 km 1.067-m gauge; 146 km .762-m gauge
note: the 146 km of .762 gauge track belongs primarily to Taiwan Sugar Corporation and Taiwan Forestry Bureau, some to other entities (2008)

Roadways:

total: 41,279 km country comparison to the world: 88 paved: 40,843 km (includes 976 km of expressways)

unpaved: 436 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 101 country comparison to the world: 50 by type: bulk carrier 28, cargo 19, chemical tanker 2, container 27, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 7, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 2 (France 1, Vietnam 1)

registered in other countries: 574 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 2, Hong
Kong 26, Indonesia 1, Italy 11, Kiribati 5, Liberia 88, Marshall
Islands 2, Panama 337, Philippines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 79,
Thailand 1, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chilung (Keelung), Kaohsiung, Hualian, Taichung

Military ::Taiwan

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard
Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service
Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command

Military service age and obligation:

19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; women may enlist; women in Air Force service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age 30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing a voluntary enlistment system over the period 2010-2015, although nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service or go through 4 months of military training (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,218,009
females age 16-49: 6,038,964 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,094,111
females age 16-49: 4,980,454 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 166,141
female: 155,070 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (in 2009, the Taiwanese president pledged to maintain defense spending at 3.0% or higher; projected 2.73% for 2011) (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Transnational Issues ::Taiwan

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands, and with China and the Philippines over Scarborough Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Paracel Islands are occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; in 2003, China and Taiwan became more vocal in rejecting both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea where all parties engage in hydrocarbon prospecting

Illicit drugs:

regional transit point for heroin, methamphetamine, and precursor chemicals; transshipment point for drugs to Japan; major problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin; rising problems with use of ketamine and club drugs
page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Tajikistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Tajikistan

Background:

The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Much of present-day Sughd province was transferred from the Uzbek SSR to the newly formed Tajik SSR in 1929. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial minority in Sughd province. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil war between regional factions from 1992-97. There have been no major security incidents in recent years, although the country remains the poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Attention by the international community since the beginning of the NATO intervention in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development and security assistance, which could create jobs and strengthen stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Geography ::Tajikistan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 71 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 143,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 95 land: 141,510 sq km
water: 2,590 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:

total: 3,651 km
border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Terrain:

Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m
highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni (Pik Imeni Ismail Samani) 7,495 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Land use:

arable land: 6.52%
permanent crops: 0.89%
other: 92.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

99.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.96 cu km/yr (4%/5%/92%)

per capita: 1,837 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; floods

Environment - current issues:

inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast; highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was the tallest mountain in the former USSR

People ::Tajikistan

Population:

7,487,489 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.3% (male 1,282,681/female 1,238,607)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 2,260,552/female 2,303,034)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 112,334/female 151,937) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years
male: 21.7 years
female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.852% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Birth rate:

26.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Death rate:

6.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Net migration rate:

-1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Urbanization:

urban population: 26% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 39.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 67 male: 44.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 34.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.68 years country comparison to the world: 164 male: 62.63 years
female: 68.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Ethnic groups:

Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%, other 2.6% (2000 census)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)

Languages:

Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.5%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 132

Government ::Tajikistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan
conventional short form: Tajikistan
local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston
local short form: Tojikiston
former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dushanbe
geographic coordinates: 38 35 N, 68 48 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1 autonomous province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa), Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon [Gorno-Badakhshan]* (Khorugh), Viloyati Sughd (Khujand)

note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Independence:

9 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Constitution:

6 November 1994

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emomali RAHMON (since 6 November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19 November 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Supreme Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2006 (next to be held in November 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Emomali RAHMON reelected president; percent of vote - Emomali RAHMON 79.3%, Olimjon BOBOEV 6.2%, other 14.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; 25 members selected by local deputies, 8 appointed by the president; 1 seat reserved for the former president; members serve five-year terms) and the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDPT 71%, Islamic Revival Party 8.2%, CPT 7%, APT 5.1%, PER 5.1%, other 3.6%; seats by party - PDPT 55, Islamic Revival Party 2, CPT 2, APT 2, PER 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party of Tajikistan or APT [Amir QARAQULOV]; Democratic
Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV (imprisoned October 2005);
Rahmatullo VALIYEV, deputy]; Islamic Revival Party [Muhiddin
KABIRI]; Party of Economic Reform or PER [Olimjon BOBOEV]; Party of
Economic Reforms [Mahmadsharif NOZIMOV]; People's Democratic Party
of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMON]; Social Democratic Party or
SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOYIROV]; Socialist Party or SPT [Mirhuseyn
NARZIEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi SHABDOLOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

splinter parties recognized by the government but not by the base of the party: Democratic Party or DPT [Masud SOBIROV] (splintered from ISKANDAROV's DPT); Socialist Party or SPT [Abduhalim GHAFFOROV] (splintered from NARZIEV's SPT)

unregistered political parties: Agrarian Party [Hikmatullo NASREDDINOV]; Progressive Party [Sulton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party [Hikmatullo SAIDOV]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77, GCTU, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM
(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdujabbor SHIRINOV
chancery: 1005 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090

FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth GROSS
embassy: 109-A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe 734019
mailing address: 7090 Dushanbe Place, Dulles, VA 20189
telephone: [992] (37) 229-20-00

FAX: [992] (37) 229-20-50

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold, five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe; red represents the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation, white stands for purity, cotton, and mountain snows, while green is the color of Islam and the bounty of nature; the crown symbolizes the Tajik people; the seven stars signify the Tajik magic word "seven" - a symbol of perfection and the embodiment of happiness

National anthem:

name: "Surudi milli" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Gulnazar KELDI/Suleiman YUDAKOV
note: adopted 1991; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan kept the music of the anthem from its time as a Soviet republic but adopted new lyrics

Economy ::Tajikistan

Economy - overview:

Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among the 15 former Soviet republics. Because of a lack of employment opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million. Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and obsolete infrastructure; moreover, government has encouraged a gradual transition away from cotton and towards food cultivation due to its concerns about feeding the population. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms, corruption, weak governance, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300 million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's tallest dam. The World Bank, in 2010, agreed to fund safety and feasibility studies for the Rogun Dam. Favorable reports from these studies could increase investor interest in the project, which has been stalled due to lack of funding. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While Tajikistan has experienced steady economic growth since 1997, more than half of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached 10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world recession.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.61 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $13.85 billion (2009 est.)

$13.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.578 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 3.4% (2009 est.)

7.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 $1,900 (2009 est.)

$1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.2%
industry: 22.6%
services: 58.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 49.8%
industry: 12.8%
services: 37.4% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 2.3% (2008 est.)

note: official rates; actual unemployment is higher

Population below poverty line:

60% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.6 (2006) country comparison to the world: 99 34.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 6.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 13.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

22.91% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 23.7% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$863 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 141 $712.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $851.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.209 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $939.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

aluminum, zinc, lead; chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezers

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - production:

16.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - consumption:

16.7 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - exports:

1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

667.8 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

221 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - exports:

349 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - imports:

10,100 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - proved reserves:

12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - production:

16.1 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - consumption:

266.1 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - imports:

250 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Current account balance:

-$330 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 -$179.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.318 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.039 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles

Exports - partners:

Russia 19.16%, China 18.38%, Turkey 12.09%, Iran 11.11%, Uzbekistan 7.92%, Norway 6.17%, Greece 4.32% (2009)

Imports:

$3.301 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.77 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide, machinery and equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Russia 23.92%, China 23.74%, Kazakhstan 8.92%, Turkey 4.96%,
Uzbekistan 4.73% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$303 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $227 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$100.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $93.05 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $16.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Tajikistani somoni (TJS) per US dollar - 4.3788 (2010), 4.1428 (2009), 3.4563 (2008), 3.4418 (2007), 3.3 (2006)

Communications ::Tajikistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

290,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Telephone system:

general assessment: foreign investment in the telephone system has resulted in major improvements; conversion of the existing fixed network from analogue to digital more than 90% complete by 2009
domestic: fixed line availability has not changed significantly since 1998 while mobile cellular subscribership, aided by competition among multiple operators, has expanded rapidly; coverage now extends to all major cities and towns
international: country code - 992; linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth stations - 3 (2 Intelsat and 1 Orbita) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run television broadcaster transmits nationally on 4 stations and regionally on 4 stations; about 10 independent TV stations broadcast locally and regionally; some households are able to receive Russian and other foreign stations via cable and satellite; state-run radio broadcaster operates Radio Tajikistan, Voice of Dushanbe, and several regional stations; a small number of independent radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.tj

Internet hosts:

1,504 (2010) country comparison to the world: 160

Internet users:

700,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Transportation ::Tajikistan

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 127

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 549 km; oil 38 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 680 km country comparison to the world: 107 broad gauge: 680 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 27,767 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 100

Waterways:

200 km (along Vakhsh River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Military ::Tajikistan

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Mobile Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,980,012
females age 16-49: 1,990,084 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,461,896
females age 16-49: 1,642,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 77,585
female: 75,201 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Transnational Issues ::Tajikistan

Disputes - international:

in 2006, China and Tajikistan pledged to commence demarcation of the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of 2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation with Kyrgyzstan

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Tajikistan is a source country for women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey, and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose of forced labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries; boys and girls are trafficked internally for various purposes, including forced labor and forced begging
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence of low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the government did not punish any public officials for trafficking complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination between government institutions remained key obstacles to effective anti-trafficking efforts (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central Asia and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw opium); significant consumer of opiates
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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@Tanzania (Africa)

Introduction ::Tanzania

Background:

Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Geography ::Tanzania

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and
Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 947,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 31 land: 885,800 sq km
water: 61,500 sq km
note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,861 km
border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Coastline:

1,424 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Terrain:

plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Land use:

arable land: 4.23%
permanent crops: 1.16%
other: 94.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,840 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

91 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 5.18 cu km/yr (10%/0%/89%)

per capita: 135 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season; drought
volcanism: Tanzania experiences limited volcanic activity; Ol Doinyo Lengai (elev. 2,962 m, 9,718 ft) has emitted lava in recent years; other historically active volcanoes include Kieyo and Meru

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

People ::Tanzania

Population:

41,892,895 country comparison to the world: 31 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43% (male 8,853,529/female 8,805,810)

15-64 years: 54.1% (male 10,956,133/female 11,255,868)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 513,959/female 663,233) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.3 years
male: 18 years
female: 18.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Birth rate:

33.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Death rate:

12.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Net migration rate:

-0.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 21 male: 75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.49 years country comparison to the world: 207 male: 50.99 years
female: 54.03 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.4 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

96,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Ethnic groups:

mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African

Religions:

mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Languages:

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili in
Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,
administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in
Zanzibar), many local languages

note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources including Arabic and English; it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most people is one of the local languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili), English, or Arabic
total population: 69.4%
male: 77.5%
female: 62.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 5 years (1999)

Education expenditures:

6.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 25

Government ::Tanzania

Country name:

conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania
conventional short form: Tanzania
local long form: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania
local short form: Tanzania
former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dar es Salaam
geographic coordinates: 6 48 S, 39 17 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital, and the National Assembly now meets there on a regular basis; the Executive Branch with all ministries and diplomatic representation remains located in Dar es Salaam

Administrative divisions:

26 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma,
Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza,
Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida,
Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar
Urban/West

Independence:

26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

National holiday:

Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Constitution:

25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December 2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December 2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001)

note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for matters internal to Zanzibar; Ali Mohamed SHEIN elected to that office on 31 October 2010, sworn in 3 November 2010
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Jakaya KIKWETE elected president; percent of vote - Jakaya KIKWETE 61.2%, Wilbrod SLAA 26.3%, Ibrahim LIPUMBA 8.1%, other 4.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats; 232 members elected by popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by the president, 5 to members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives; members serve five-year terms); note - in addition to enacting laws that apply to the entire United Republic of Tanzania, the Assembly enacts laws that apply only to the mainland; Zanzibar has its own House of Representatives to make laws especially for Zanzibar (the Zanzibar House of Representatives has 50 seats; members elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 December 2005 (next to be held on 31 October 2010)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CCM 206, CUF 19, CHADEMA 5, other 2, women appointed by the president 37, Zanzibar representatives 5 Zanzibar House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CCM 30, CUF 19; 1 seat was nullified with a rerun to take place soon

Judicial branch:

Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court (consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts; Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the higher courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and
Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM
(Revolutionary Party) [Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE]; Civic United Front or
CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party [Christopher MTIKLA]
(unregistered); Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine Lyatonga
MREME]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Economic and Social Research Foundation or ESRF; Free Zanzibar;
Tanzania Media Women's Association or TAMWA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, EAC, EADB, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mwandaidi Sinare MAAJAR
chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125

FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alfonso E. LENHARDT
embassy: 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam
mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam
telephone: [255] (22) 266-8001

FAX: [255] (22) 266-8238, 266-8373

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is blue; the banner combines colors found on the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; green represents the natural vegetation of the country, gold its rich mineral deposits, black the native Swahili people, and blue the country's many lakes and rivers, as well as the Indian Ocean

National anthem:

name: "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (God Bless Africa)

lyrics/music: collective/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA
note: adopted 1961; the anthem, which is also a popular song in Africa, shares the same melody with that of Zambia, but has different lyrics; the melody is also incorporated into South Africa's anthem

Economy ::Tanzania

Economy - overview:

Tanzania is one of the world's poorest economies in terms of per capita income, however, Tanzania average 7% GDP growth per year between 2000 and 2008 on strong gold production and tourism. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more than one-fourth of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs about 60% of the work force. The World Bank, the IMF, and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's aging economic infrastructure, including rail and port infrastructure that are important trade links for inland countries. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private-sector growth and investment, and the government has increased spending on agriculture to 7% of its budget. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies supported a positive growth rate, despite the world recession. In 2008, Tanzania received the world's largest Millennium Challenge Compact grant, worth $698 million. Dar es Salaam used fiscal stimulus and loosened monitary policy to ease the impact of the global recession. GDP growth in 2009-10 was a respectable 6% per year due to high gold prices and increased production.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$62.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $58.48 billion (2009 est.)

$55.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.43 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 6% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202 $1,400 (2009 est.)

$1,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 41.6%
industry: 18.1%
services: 38.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

21.86 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

36% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 26.9% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.6 (2000) country comparison to the world: 89 38.2 (1993)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Public debt:

23.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 21.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 12.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 17 15.99% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 14.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.394 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 107 $2.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $6.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.163 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $3.878 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 99 $1.293 billion (31 December 2008)

$541.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine); diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash; cement, oil refining, shoes, apparel, wood products, fertilizer

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - production:

3.786 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Electricity - consumption:

3.182 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - consumption:

34,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - imports:

28,070 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - production:

560.7 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - consumption:

560.7 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.513 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Current account balance:

-$1.523 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 -$1.746 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.809 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $3.365 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Exports - partners:

India 8.51%, China 7.55%, Japan 7.12%, Netherlands 6.21%, UAE 5.71%,
Germany 5.17% (2009)

Imports:

$6.334 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $5.834 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment, industrial raw materials, crude oil

Imports - partners:

India 13.97%, China 13.71%, South Africa 7.8%, Kenya 6.89%, UAE 4.65%, Japan 4.34% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.687 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $3.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: excludes gold

Debt - external:

$7.576 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $6.879 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per US dollar - 1,423.3 (2010), 1,320.3 (2009), 1,178.1 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,251.9 (2006)

Communications ::Tanzania

Telephones - main lines in use:

173,552 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.677 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications services are marginal; system operating below capacity and being modernized for better service; small aperture terminal (VSAT) system under construction
domestic: fixed-line telephone network inadequate with less than 1 connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service, aided by multiple providers, is increasing rapidly; trunk service provided by open-wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and fiber-optic cable; some links being made digital
international: country code - 255; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

a state-owned TV station and multiple privately-owned TV stations; state-owned national radio station supplemented by more than 40 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.tz

Internet hosts:

24,182 (2010) country comparison to the world: 103

Internet users:

678,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Transportation ::Tanzania

Airports:

124 (2010) country comparison to the world: 48

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9
over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 115

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 254 km; oil 888 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,689 km country comparison to the world: 46 narrow gauge: 969 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,720 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,892 km country comparison to the world: 61 paved: 4,741 km
unpaved: 74,151 km (2007)

Waterways:

Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; rivers are not navigable (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 72 country comparison to the world: 59 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 43, carrier 4, chemical tanker 2, container 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 15
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 3 (Honduras 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Tanzania

Military branches:

Tanzanian People's Defense Force (Jeshi la Wananchi la Tanzania, JWTZ): Army, Naval Wing (includes Coast Guard), Air Defense Command (includes Air Wing), National Service (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,683,768 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,667,987
females age 16-49: 5,690,331 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 498,815
female: 500,941 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Transnational Issues ::Tanzania

Disputes - international:

Tanzania still hosts more than a half-million refugees, more than any other African country, mainly from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the international community's efforts at repatriation; disputes with Malawi over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 352,640 (Burundi); 127,973 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

targeted by traffickers moving hashish, Afghan heroin, and South American cocaine transported down the East African coastline, through airports, or overland through Central Africa; Zanzibar likely used by traffickers for drug smuggling; traffickers in the past have recruited Tanzanian couriers to move drugs through Iran into East Asia.

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Thailand (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Thailand

Background:

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August and Bangkok's two international airports in November. The PAD ended their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition government and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. In October 2008 THAKSIN went into voluntary exile to avoid imprisonment for a corruption conviction, and has since agitated his followers from abroad. THAKSIN supporters re-organized into the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and rioted in April 2009, shutting down an ASEAN meeting in Phuket, and in early 2010 protested a court verdict confiscating most of THAKSIN's wealth. Between March and May 2010, the UDD staged large protests and occupied several blocks of downtown Bangkok. A government operation to disperse the protesters after nine weeks led to clashes that resulted in 89 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related property losses. These protests exposed major cleavages in the Thai body politic which continue to hamper the current government. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause.

Geography ::Thailand

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of
Thailand, southeast of Burma

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 513,120 sq km country comparison to the world: 50 land: 510,890 sq km
water: 2,230 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total: 4,863 km
border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km

Coastline:

3,219 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Terrain:

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Natural resources:

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.54%
permanent crops: 6.93%
other: 65.53% (2005)

Irrigated land:

49,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

409.9 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)

per capita: 1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

People ::Thailand

Population:

67,089,500 country comparison to the world: 20 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.8% (male 7,013,877/female 6,690,554)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 23,000,156/female 23,519,298)

65 years and over: 8.7% (male 2,612,269/female 3,162,282) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34 years
male: 33.2 years
female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.653% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Birth rate:

13.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Death rate:

6.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 106

Urbanization:

urban population: 33% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 113 male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.02 years country comparison to the world: 88 male: 72.94 years
female: 77.21 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

610,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

30,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Ethnic groups:

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Religions:

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 94.9%
female: 90.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 76

Government ::Thailand

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand
conventional short form: Thailand
local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai
local short form: Prathet Thai
former: Siam

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Bangkok
geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang
Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi,
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng
Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon
(Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha
Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,
Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,
Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,
Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi
Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut
Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence:

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National holiday:

Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)

Constitution:

24 August 2007

Legal system:

based on civil law system with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946)

head of government: Prime Minister ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva (since 17 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SANAN Kachornprasat, also spelled SANAN Kachornparsart (since 7 February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SUTHEP Thueaksuban, also spelled SUTHEP Thaugsuban (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister TRAIRONG Suwannakhiri (since 18 January 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Privy Council advising the king
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007 constitution, the prime minister elected from among members of House of Representatives; following national elections for House of Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by the king; the prime minister limited to two four-year terms

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (480 seats; 400 members elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 80 elected on proportional party-list basis of 10 per eight zones or groupings of provinces; members serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 23 December 2007 (next to be held by December 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPP 233, DP 164, TNP 34, Motherland 24, Middle Way 11, Unity 9, Royalist People's 5; following the PPP's dissolution in December 2008, most of the party's seats were assumed by its successor, the Phuea Thai Party
note: 74 senators were appointed on 19 February 2008 by a seven-member committee headed by the chief of the Constitutional Court; 76 senators were elected on 2 March 2008; elections to the Senate are non-partisan; registered political party members are disqualified from being senators

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and Supreme Administrative Court; all judges are appointed by the king; the king's appointments to the Constitutional Courtare made upon the advice of the Senate; the nine Constitutional Court judges are drawn from the Supreme Court of Justice and Supreme Administrative Court as well as from among substantive experts in law and social sciences outside the judiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Chat Thai Phattana Party or CP (Thai Nation Development Party)
[CHUMPON Silpa-archa]; Democrat Party or DP (Prachathipat Party)
[ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva]; Motherland
Party (Phuea Phaendin Party) [CHANCHAI Chairungrueng]; Phuea Thai
Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [YONGYUTH Wichaidit]; Phumjai
(Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [CHAWARAT Chanvirakun];
Royalist People's Party (Pracharaj) [SANOH Thienthong]; Ruam Jai
Thai Party (Thai Unity Party) [WANNARAT Channukun]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD; United Front for Democracy
Against Dictatorship or UDD

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS
(observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner),
PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG
chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY
embassy: 120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
mailing address: APO AP 96546
telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000

FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131
consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy
note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand)

lyrics/music: LUANG Saranuprapan/PHRA Jenduriyang
note: music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

Economy ::Thailand

Economy - overview:

With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2008 - averaging more than 4% per year - as it recovered from the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports - mostly machinery and electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry - continue to drive the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand's exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009, the economy contracted 2.2%. In 2010, Thailand's economy expanded 7.6%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded from their depressed 2009 level. Antigovernment protests during March-May and the country's polarized political situation had - at most - a temporary impact on business and consumer confidence. Although tourism was hit hard during the protests, its quick recovery helped boost consumer confidence to new highs. Moreover, business and investor sentiment remained buoyant as Thailand's stock market grew almost 5% during the three-month period. The economy probably will continue to experience high grow well into 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$580.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $539.3 billion (2009 est.)

$551.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$312.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 -2.2% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $8,100 (2009 est.)

$8,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.4%
industry: 45.6%
services: 44% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

38.7 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 42.4%
industry: 19.7%
services: 37.9% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 1.5% (2009)

Population below poverty line:

9.6% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 33.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43 (2006) country comparison to the world: 50 42 (2002)

Investment (gross fixed):

24.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Public debt:

42.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 44.9% of GDP (2009)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 134 1.25% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.1% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 139 5.96% (31 December 2009)

Stock of narrow money:

$38 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 48 $34.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$354.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $309.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$336 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $292.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$138.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 34 $102.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$196 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Industries:

tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Industrial production growth rate:

14.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - production:

148.2 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - consumption:

134.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - exports:

846 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

380,000 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - consumption:

356,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - exports:

269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - imports:

1.695 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - proved reserves:

430 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - production:

28.76 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - consumption:

37.31 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - imports:

8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - proved reserves:

342 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Current account balance:

$12.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $21.86 billion (2009)

Exports:

$191.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $151.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Exports - partners:

US 10.9%, China 10.6%, Japan 10.3%, Hong Kong 6.2%, Australia 5.6%,
Malaysia 5%, Singapore 4.97% (2009)

Imports:

$156.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $118 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

Japan 18.7%, China 12.7%, Malaysia 6.4%, US 6.3%, UAE 5%, Singapore 4.3%, South Korea 4.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$176.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $138.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$82.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $70.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$117.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $109.6 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $18.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

baht per US dollar - 31.663 (2010), 34.286 (2009), 33.37 (2008), 34.52 (2007), 37.882 (2006)

Communications ::Thailand

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.024 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Telephone system:

general assessment: high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok
domestic: fixed line system provided by both a government owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly
international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the networks are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and are all required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2008)

Internet country code:

.th

Internet hosts:

1.335 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Internet users:

17.483 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Transportation ::Thailand

Airports:

105 (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 64
over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 15
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,348 km; refined products 323 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,071 km country comparison to the world: 41 standard gauge: 29 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006) country comparison to the world: 27

Waterways:

4,000 km country comparison to the world: 27 note: 3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 382 country comparison to the world: 27 by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 116, chemical tanker 23, container 19, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 120, refrigerated cargo 27
foreign-owned: 15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)

registered in other countries: 41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore 30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

Military ::Thailand

Military branches:

Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap
Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air
Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; males are registered at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,650,648
females age 16-49: 17,762,077 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,247,646
females age 16-49: 14,166,227 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 535,884
female: 511,444 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Transnational Issues ::Thailand

Disputes - international:

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities, and as of 2006, over 116,000 Karen, Hmong, and other refugees and asylum seekers from Burma; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of historic boundary with missing boundary markers; Cambodia claims Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory and obstructing access to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in 2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through China, Burma, and Thailand

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 132,241 (Burma) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Timor-Leste (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Timor-Leste

Background:

The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives. On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400 Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into western Timor as refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999, the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In late April 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's security when a military strike led to violence and a near breakdown of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste in late May. In August, the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in April and June 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February 2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the attack and the majority of the rebels surrendered in April 2008. Since the unsuccessful attacks the government has enjoyed one of its longest periods of post-independence stability.

Geography ::Timor-Leste

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda
Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note -
Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the
Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of
Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Geographic coordinates:

8 50 S, 125 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 14,874 sq km country comparison to the world: 159 land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 228 km
border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Coastline:

706 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Terrain:

mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Natural resources:

gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Land use:

arable land: 8.2%
permanent crops: 4.57%
other: 87.23% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,065 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis; tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues:

widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to deforestation and soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Timor comes from the Malay word for "East"; the island of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands

People ::Timor-Leste

Population:

1,154,625 country comparison to the world: 156 note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 199,237/female 192,900)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 356,772/female 344,103)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 18,403/female 20,197) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years
male: 22.2 years
female: 22.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.999% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Birth rate:

25.93 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Death rate:

5.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 105

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 39.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 68 male: 45.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 33.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.61 years country comparison to the world: 154 male: 65.23 years
female: 70.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Timorese
adjective: Timorese

Ethnic groups:

Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%, Muslim 1%, Protestant 1% (2005)

Languages:

Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English
note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole, Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 58.6%
male: NA
female: NA (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

7.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 20

Government ::Timor-Leste

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay)

conventional short form: Timor-Leste
local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dili
geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro
(Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem (Los
Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno),
Viqueque

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

28 November 1975 (independence proclaimed from Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of international recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Constitution:

20 May 2002 (effective date)

Legal system:

On 29 March 2009 the president promulgated the Timor-Leste penal code; UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian law remains in place for civil codes but is to be replaced by civil codes based on Portuguese law; these have passed but have not been promulgated; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May 2007); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections
head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 8 August 2007), note - he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre GUSMAO; Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis GUTERRES (since 8 August 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 April 2007 with run-off on 8 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012); following elections, president appoints leader of majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
election results: Jose RAMOS-HORTA elected president; percent of vote - Jose RAMOS-HORTA 69.2%, Francisco GUTTERES 30.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary from 52 to 65; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 June 2007 (next elections due by June 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 29%, CNRT 24.1%, ASDT-PSD 15.8%, PD 11.3%, PUN 4.5%, KOTA-PPT (Democratic Alliance) 3.2%, UNDERTIM 3.2%, others 8.9%; seats by party - FRETILIN 21, CNRT 18, ASDT-PSD 11, PD 8, PUN 3, KOTA-PPT 2, UNDERTIM 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice - constitution calls for one judge to be
appointed by National Parliament and rest appointed by Superior
Council for Judiciary; note - until Supreme Court is established,
Court of Appeals is highest court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de ARAUJO]; National Congress for
Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT [Xanana GUSMAO]; National Democratic
Union of Timorese Resistance or UNDERTIM [Cornelio DA Conceicao
GAMA]; National Unity Party or PUN [Fernanda BORGES]; People's Party
of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER]; Revolutionary Front of Independent
Timor-Leste or FRETILIN [Mari ALKATIRI]; Social Democratic
Association of Timor or ASDT [Francisco Xavier do AMARAL]; Social
Democratic Party or PSD [Zacarias Albano da COSTA]; Sons of the
Mountain Warriors or KOTA [Manuel TILMAN] (also known as Association
of Timorese Heroes)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN (observer), CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Constancio da Conceicao PINTO
chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504,Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202

FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Judith FERGIN
embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Conqueiros, Dili
mailing address: US Department of State, 8250 Dili Place, Washington, DC 20521-8250
telephone: (670) 332-4684

FAX: (670) 331-3206

Flag description:

red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that extends to the center of the flag; a white star - pointing to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag - is in the center of the black triangle; yellow denotes the colonialism in Timor-Leste's past; black represents the obscurantism that needs to be overcome; red stands for the national liberation struggle; the white star symbolizes peace and serves as a guiding light

National anthem:

name: "Patria" (Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Fransisco Borja DA COSTA/Afonso DE ARAUJO
note: adopted 2002; the song was first used as an anthem when Timor-Leste declared its independence from Portugal in 1975; the lyricist, Fransisco Borja DA COSTA, was killed in an Indonesian invasion just days after independence was declared

Economy ::Timor-Leste

Economy - overview:

In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure of Timor-Leste was laid waste by Indonesian troops and anti-independence militias. Three hundred thousand people fled westward. Over the next three years a massive international program, manned by 5,000 peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police officers, led to substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural areas. By the end of 2005, refugees had returned or had settled in Indonesia. The country continues to face great challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the work force. The development of oil and gas resources in offshore waters has greatly supplemented government revenues. This technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create jobs for the unemployed because there are no production facilities in Timor. Gas is piped to Australia. In June 2005, the National Parliament unanimously approved the creation of a Petroleum Fund to serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The Fund held assets of US$5.3 billion as of October 2009. The economy has been little impacted by the global financial crisis and continues to recover strongly from the mid-2006 outbreak of violence and civil unrest, which disrupted both private and public sector economic activity. The government in 2008 resettled tens of thousands of an estimated 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs); most IDPs returned home by early 2009. The underlying economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth path and to reduce poverty.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.004 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $2.782 billion (2009 est.)

$2.588 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$616 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 7.5% (2009 est.)

12.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $2,500 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.2%
industry: 12.8%
services: 55% (2005)

Labor force:

414,200 (2007) country comparison to the world: 157

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 note: data are for rural areas, unemployment rises to more than 40% among urban youth

Population below poverty line:

42% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 31.3% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.17% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 13.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$102.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 180 $74.94 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$268.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 179 $192.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$127.1 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $118.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Industries:

printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - production:

NA kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

96,270 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - consumption:

2,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - exports:

100,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - proved reserves:

553.8 million bbl (1 January 2008) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - proved reserves:

200 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Current account balance:

$1.161 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Exports:

$10 million (2005 est.); note - excludes oil country comparison to the world: 212

Exports - commodities:

coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - potential for oil and vanilla exports

Imports:

$202 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Imports - commodities:

food, gasoline, kerosene, machinery

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Timor-Leste

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 222

Telephones - mobile cellular:

116,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary service limited to urban areas
domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence associated with independence; extremely limited fixed-line services; mobile-cellular services and coverage limited primarily to urban areas
international: country code - 670; international service is available in major urban centers

Broadcast media:

1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13 administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.tl

Internet hosts:

206 (2010) country comparison to the world: 193

Internet users:

2,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 210

Transportation ::Timor-Leste

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 172

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 6,040 km country comparison to the world: 149 paved: 2,600 km
unpaved: 3,440 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 152 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dili

Military ::Timor-Leste

Military branches:

Timor-Leste Defense Force (Forcas de Defesa de Timor-L'este,
Falintil (F-FDTL)): Army, Navy (Armada) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 299,008
females age 16-49: 286,465 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 236,996
females age 16-49: 245,033 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 12,795
female: 12,443 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Timor-Leste

Disputes - international:

Timor-Leste-Indonesia Boundary Committee has resolved all but some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave; maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; many refugees who left Timor-Leste in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse repatriation; in 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 100,000 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

NA
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Togo (Africa)

Introduction ::Togo

Background:

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has maintained power almost continually since 1967 and maintains a majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months later. Democratic gains since then allowed Togo to hold its first relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007. After years of political unrest and condemnation from international organizations for human rights abuses, Togo is finally being re-welcomed into the international community.

Geography ::Togo

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 1 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 56,785 sq km country comparison to the world: 125 land: 54,385 sq km
water: 2,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,647 km
border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Coastline:

56 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 30 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 44.2%
permanent crops: 2.11%
other: 53.69% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.17 cu km/yr (53%/2%/45%)

per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

People ::Togo

Population:

6,587,239 country comparison to the world: 100 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.4% (male 1,252,389/female 1,244,914)

15-64 years: 55.8% (male 1,645,885/female 1,719,810)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 66,192/female 102,618) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.2 years
male: 18.9 years
female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.773% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Birth rate:

35.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Death rate:

8.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 104

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 53.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 45 male: 60.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.25 years country comparison to the world: 178 male: 59.74 years
female: 64.83 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.74 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Ethnic groups:

African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and
Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Religions:

Christian 29%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 51%

Languages:

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 60.9%
male: 75.4%
female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 7 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Government ::Togo

Country name:

conventional long form: Togolese Republic
conventional short form: Togo
local long form: Republique togolaise
local short form: none
former: French Togoland

Government type:

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

name: Lome
geographic coordinates: 6 08 N, 1 13 E
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (regions, singular - region); Centrale, Kara, Maritime, Plateaux, Savanes

Independence:

27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Constitution:

adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Legal system:

French-based court system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005);
head of government: Prime Minister Gilbert HOUNGBO (since 7 September 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 March 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 60.9%, Jean-Pierre FABRE 33.9%, Yawovi AGBOYIBO 3%, other 2.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 October 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPT 39.4%, UFC 37.0%, CAR 8.2%, independents 2.5%, other 12.9%; seats by party - RPT 50, UFC 27, CAR 4

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Action Committee for Renewal or CAR [Yawovi AGBOYIBO]; Democratic
Convention of African Peoples or CDPA; Democratic Party for Renewal
or PDR; Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the Believers of Peace
and Equality or MOCEP; Pan-African Patriotic Convergence or CPP;
Rally for the Support for Development and Democracy or RSDD [Harry
OLYMPIO]; Rally of the Togolese People or RPT [Faure GNASSINGBE];
Socialist Pact for Renewal or PSR; Union for Democracy and Social
Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU]; Union of Forces for Change or UFC
[Gilchrist OLYMPIO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kadangha Limbiya BARIKI
chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia McMahon HAWKINS
embassy: 4332 Blvd. Gnassingbe Eyadema, Cite OUA, Lome
mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome; 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC 20512-2300
telephone: [228] 261-5470

FAX: [228] 261-5501

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; a white five-pointed star on a red square is in the upper hoist-side corner; the five horizontal stripes stand for the five different regions of the country; the red square is meant to express the loyalty and patriotism of the people; green symbolizes hope, fertility, and agriculture; yellow represents mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring prosperity; the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and Togo's independence
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Salut a toi, pays de nos aieux" (Hail to Thee, Land of Our Forefathers)

lyrics/music: Alex CASIMIR-DOSSEH
note: adopted 1960, restored 1992; this anthem was replaced by another during one-party rule between 1979 and 1992

Economy ::Togo

Economy - overview:

This small, sub-Saharan economy suffers from anemic economic growth and depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment for 65% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton generate about 40% of export earnings with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is the world's fourth-largest producer of phosphate. The government's decade-long effort, supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on follow through on privatization, increased openness in government financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued support from foreign donors. Togo is on track with its IMF Extended Credit Facility and reached a HIPC debt relief completion point in 2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Economic growth prospects remain marginal due to declining cotton production and underinvestment in phosphate mining.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.927 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $5.738 billion (2009 est.)

$5.565 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.074 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 3.1% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 47.4%
industry: 25.4%
services: 27.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

2.595 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 109

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 65%
industry: 5%
services: 30% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

32% (1989 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 27.1% (2006)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 94 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$754.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 146 $789.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.238 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $1.306 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$817.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $862.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Industries:

phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - production:

230 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Electricity - consumption:

640 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

514 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - exports:

1,547 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - imports:

15,270 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Current account balance:

-$339 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 -$236 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$859 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $818 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Exports - partners:

Germany 17.57%, Ghana 12.74%, Burkina Faso 11.02%, India 10.22%,
Belgium 7.1%, Benin 6.92%, Netherlands 5.94%, Mali 4.41% (2009)

Imports:

$1.337 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $1.261 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 36.58%, France 8.64%, Netherlands 6.76%, India 5.06%, US 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$686 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $703.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$1.573 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 482.71 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Togo

Telephones - main lines in use:

178,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.187 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile-cellular system
domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional system; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 40 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating
international: country code - 228; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned TV stations with multiple transmission sites; 5 private TV stations broadcast locally; cable TV service is available; state-owned radio network with multiple stations; several dozen private radio stations and a few community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.tg

Internet hosts:

860 (2010) country comparison to the world: 168

Internet users:

356,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Transportation ::Togo

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 532 km country comparison to the world: 113 narrow gauge: 532 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 7,520 km country comparison to the world: 145 paved: 2,376 km
unpaved: 5,144 km (2000)

Waterways:

50 km (seasonally on Mono River depending on rainfall) (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Merchant marine:

total: 53 country comparison to the world: 69 by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 40, chemical tanker 2, container 2, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 23 (China 2, Greece 1, Lebanon 6, Romania 1, Syria 5, Turkey 4, UAE 1, UK 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kpeme, Lome

Military ::Togo

Military branches:

Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Ground Forces,
Togolese Navy (Marine du Togo), Togolese Air Force (Force Aerienne
Togolaise, TAF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,462,206
females age 16-49: 1,463,189 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 983,283
females age 16-49: 1,004,887 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,081
female: 69,969 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Transnational Issues ::Togo

Disputes - international:

in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint commission continues to resurvey the boundary; in 2006, 14,000 Togolese refugees remain in Benin and Ghana out of the 40,000 who fled there in 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,000 (Ghana)

IDPs: 1,500 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money laundering not a significant problem
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Tokelau (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tokelau

Background:

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925. Referenda held in 2006 and 2007 to change the status of the islands from that of a New Zealand territory to one of free association with New Zealand did not meet the needed threshold for approval.

Geography ::Tokelau

Location:

Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 S, 172 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12 sq km country comparison to the world: 241 land: 12 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Terrain:

low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)

permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Environment - current issues:

limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand

Geography - note:

consists of three atolls (Atafu, Fakaofo, Nukunonu), each with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over 3 m above sea level

People ::Tokelau

Population:

1,400 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 234

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42%

15-64 years: 53%

65 years and over: 5% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.011% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2%
note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Languages:

Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 10 years
female: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Tokelau

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tokelau

Dependency status:

self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum on self governance in October 2007 did not produce the two-thirds majority vote necessary for changing the political status

Government type:

NA

Capital:

none; each atoll has its own administrative center
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Independence:

none (territory of New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948; amended in 1970

Legal system:

New Zealand and local statutes

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)

head of government: Foua TOLOA (since 21 February 2009); note - position rotates annually among the 3 Faipule (village leaders)

cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, consisting of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village mayors), functions as a cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head of government chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a one-year term

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Fono (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms based upon proportional representation from the three islands; Atafu has 7 seats, Fakaofo has 7 seats, Nukunonu has 6 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers limited legislative power to the General Fono
elections: last held on 17-19 January 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: independents 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal jurisdiction in Tokelau

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Flag description:

a yellow stylized Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails toward the manu - the Southern Cross constellation of four, white, five-pointed stars at the hoist side; the Southern Cross represents the role of Christianity in Tokelauan culture and symbolizes the country's navigating into the future, the color yellow indicates happiness and peace, and the blue field represents the ocean on which the community relies

National anthem:

name: "Te Atua" (For the Almighty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Falani KALOLO
note: adopted 2008; in preparation for eventual self governance, Tokelau held a national contest to choose an anthem; as a territory of New Zealand, "God Defend New Zealand" and "God Save the Queen" are official (see New Zealand)

Economy ::Tokelau

Economy - overview:

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid from New Zealand - about $10 million annually in 2008 and 2009 - to maintain public services. New Zealand's support amounts to 80% of Tokelau's recurrent government budget. An international trust fund, currently worth nearly US$32 million, was established in 2004 to provide Tokelau an independent source of revenue. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.5 million (1993 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (1993 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

440 (2001) country comparison to the world: 228

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats; fish

Industries:

small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 223

Exports - commodities:

stamps, copra, handicrafts

Imports:

$969,200 (2002) country comparison to the world: 222

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Tokelau

Telephones - main lines in use:

300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 228

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern satellite-based communications system
domestic: radiotelephone service between islands
international: country code - 690; radiotelephone service to Samoa; government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth stations - 3

Broadcast media:

no broadcast television stations; each atoll operates a radio service that provides shipping news and weather reports (2009)

Internet country code:

.tk

Internet hosts:

526 (2010) country comparison to the world: 178

Internet users:

800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 215

Transportation ::Tokelau

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Tokelau

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Tokelau

Disputes - international:

Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega) in its 2006 draft constitution
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Tonga (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tonga

Background:

Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Geography ::Tonga

Location:

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 175 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 747 sq km country comparison to the world: 189 land: 717 sq km
water: 30 sq km

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

419 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)

Terrain:

most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Kao Island 1,033 m

Natural resources:

fish, fertile soil

Land use:

arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 14.67%
other: 65.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou
volcanism: the Tonga Islands experience volcanic activity; Fonualei (elev. 180 m, 591 ft) has shown frequent activity in recent years, while Niuafo'ou (elev. 260 m, 853 ft), which last erupted in 1985, has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

People ::Tonga

Population:

122,580 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.8% (male 20,270/female 19,428)

15-64 years: 62.9% (male 37,837/female 38,166)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 2,163/female 3,034) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.7 years
male: 22.3 years
female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.282% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Birth rate:

17.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Death rate:

4.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 103

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 147 male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 137 male: 68.46 years
female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian, Europeans

Religions:

Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Languages:

Tongan (official), English (official)

Literacy:

definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English
total population: 98.9%
male: 98.8%
female: 99% (1999 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 84

Government ::Tonga

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga
conventional short form: Tonga
local long form: Pule'anga Tonga
local short form: Tonga
former: Friendly Islands

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Nuku'alofa
geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Independence:

4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

National holiday:

Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Constitution:

4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO (since 22 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Privy Council that advises the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament and appointed by the monarch
election results: Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO elected by parliament on 21 December 2010 with 14 of 26 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party 12, independents 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen and approved by Privy Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands [Samuela 'Akilisi POHIVA];
People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]; Sustainable
Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]; Tonga Democratic Labor Party
[NA]; Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev. Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE]

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi TAUMOEPEAU-TUPOU
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025

FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Flag description:

red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity in Tonga; red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice; white signifies purity

National anthem:

name: "Ko e fasi `o e tu"i `o e `Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the Tonga Islands)

lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT
note: in use since 1875; the anthem is more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song)

Economy ::Tonga

Economy - overview:

Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had 39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the government.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$767 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $770.9 million (2009 est.)

$774.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$301 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 -0.5% (2009 est.)

1.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $6,400 (2009 est.)

$6,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25%
industry: 17%
services: 57% (FY05/06 est.)

Labor force:

39,960 (2007) country comparison to the world: 195

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 31.8%
industry: 30.6%
services: 2,003% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13% (FY03/04 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Population below poverty line:

24% (FY03/04)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 12.46% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$44.64 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 184 $36.16 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$153.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 183 $136.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$149.2 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $163.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Industries:

tourism, construction, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - production:

43 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Electricity - consumption:

39.99 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - imports:

1,173 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Current account balance:

-$23 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Exports:

$22 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 205

Exports - commodities:

squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 25.42%, US 22.65%, Japan 12.21%, NZ 7.31%, Fiji 7.2%,
Samoa 6.06%, South Korea 4.48% (2009)

Imports:

$139 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 206

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Fiji 34.37%, NZ 25.03%, US 9.43%, Australia 7.53%, China 5.64% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$40.83 million (FY04/05) country comparison to the world: 132

Debt - external:

$80.7 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 182

Exchange rates:

pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96 (2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003)

Communications ::Tonga

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 179

Telephones - mobile cellular:

53,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Telephone system:

general assessment: competition between Tonga Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications Tonga (SCT) is accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT granted approval to introduce high-speed digital service for telephone, Internet, and television while TCC has exclusive rights to operate the mobile-phone network; international telecom services are provided by government-owned Tonga Telecommunications International (TTI)

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 70 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network
international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned television stations and 2 privately-owned stations; satellite and cable TV services are available; 2 state-owned and 3 privately-owned radio stations; Radio Australia broadcasts obtainable via a satellite feed (2009)

Internet country code:

.to

Internet hosts:

20,847 (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Internet users:

8,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Tonga

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 174

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 680 km country comparison to the world: 188 paved: 184 km
unpaved: 496 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 115 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 6, carrier 1, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Military ::Tonga

Military branches:

Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard), Maritime
Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental approval); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,254
females age 16-49: 32,974 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,404
females age 16-49: 28,509 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,448
female: 1,392 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Transnational Issues ::Tonga

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Trinidad and Tobago (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Trinidad and Tobago

Background:

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Geography ::Trinidad and Tobago

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 61 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5,128 sq km country comparison to the world: 173 land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Terrain:

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Land use:

arable land: 14.62%
permanent crops: 9.16%
other: 76.22% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3.8 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.31 cu km/yr (68%/26%/6%)

per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

People ::Trinidad and Tobago

Population:

1,228,691 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.6% (male 123,214/female 117,584)

15-64 years: 72.6% (male 457,868/female 434,486)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 41,467/female 55,334) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.6 years
male: 32.1 years
female: 33.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.094% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Birth rate:

14.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Net migration rate:

-7.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Urbanization:

urban population: 13% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.028 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 75 male: 30.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 27.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 134 male: 68.23 years
female: 74.02 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.72 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Nationality:

noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Ethnic groups:

Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed 20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5%, Anglican 7.8%, Baptist 7.2%,
Pentecostal 6.8%, Muslim 5.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 4%, other
Christian 5.8%, other 10.8%, unspecified 1.4%, none 1.9% (2000
census)

Languages:

English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi),
French, Spanish, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.6%
male: 99.1%
female: 98% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 102

People - note:

in 2007, the government of Trinidad and Tobago estimated the population to be 1.3 million

Government ::Trinidad and Tobago

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Port-of-Spain
geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regional corporations, 2 city corporations, 3 borough corporations, 1 ward
regional corporations: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco
city corporations: Port-of-Spain, San Fernando
borough corporations: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin
ward: Tobago

Independence:

31 August 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Constitution:

1 August 1976

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George Maxwell RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 February 2008 (next to be held by February 2013); the president usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives
election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS reelected president; percent of electoral college vote - NA

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the President, 6 by the opposition party to serve a maximum term of five years) and the House of Representatives (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA; seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2
note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly with 12 members serving four-year terms; last election held in January 2005; seats by party - PNM 11, DAC 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission); the highest court of appeal is the Privy Council in London; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Congress of the People or COP [Winston DOOKERAN]; Democratic Action
Congress or DAC [Hochoy CHARLES] (only active in Tobago); Democratic
National Alliance or DNA [Gerald YETMING] (coalition of NAR, DDPT,
MND); Movement for National Development or MND [Garvin NICHOLAS];
National Alliance for Reconstruction or NAR [Dr. Carson CHARLES];
People's National Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Tobago
Organization of the People or TOP [Ashworth JACK]; United National
Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin ABU BAKR]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador vacant; Charge d'Affaires Donna HENRY
chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490

FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Beatrice W. WELTERS
embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain
mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain
telephone: [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376

FAX: [1] (868) 822-5905

Flag description:

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people

National anthem:

name: "Forged From the Love of Liberty"

lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE
note: adopted 1962; the song was originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; it was adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962

Economy ::Trinidad and Tobago

Economy - overview:

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses and has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly over 8%, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then and contracted about 3.5% in 2009, before rising more than 2% in 2010. Growth has been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG), petrochemicals, and steel. Additional petrochemical, aluminum, and plastics projects are in various stages of planning. Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources but it also supplies manufactured goods, notably food products and beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region. Oil and gas account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of employment. The country is also a regional financial center, and tourism is a growing sector, although it is not as important domestically as it is to many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits from a growing trade surplus. The previous MANNING administration benefited from fiscal surpluses fueled by the dynamic export sector; however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced government revenues which will challenge the new government's commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$27.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $26.54 billion (2009 est.)

$27.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 -3.2% (2009 est.)

3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $21,600 (2009 est.)

$22,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 59.4%
services: 40.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

631,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%
manufacturing, mining, and quarrying: 12.8%
construction and utilities: 20.4%
services: 62.9% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 5.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

11.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Public debt:

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 29% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 41 10.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.94% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 12.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.734 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 102 $3.407 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $11.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.924 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $2.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.15 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 65 $12.16 billion (31 December 2008)

$15.61 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry

Industries:

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - production:

7.202 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Electricity - consumption:

7.034 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

151,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - consumption:

43,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - exports:

248,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - imports:

92,480 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - proved reserves:

728.3 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - production:

39.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - consumption:

21.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - exports:

17.36 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - proved reserves:

436.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Current account balance:

$3.363 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $1.702 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.06 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $9.312 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, cereal and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus fruit, vegetables, flowers

Exports - partners:

US 38.53%, Jamaica 8.86%, Spain 6.88%, Mexico 6.23% (2009)

Imports:

$8.234 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $7.161 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral fuels, lubricants, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, live animals

Imports - partners:

US 30.87%, Colombia 7.1%, Venezuela 7.01%, Russia 6.64%, Brazil 5.53%, China 4.19% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.659 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $9.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $3.895 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$102 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $12.44 billion (2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$3.829 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 62

Exchange rates:

Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar - 6.3337 (2010), 6.3099 (2009), 6.2896 (2008), 6.3275 (2007), 6.3107 (2006)

Communications ::Trinidad and Tobago

Telephones - main lines in use:

314,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.97 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent international service; good local service
domestic: mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 185 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Broadcast media:

5 TV networks each broadcasting on multiple stations; one of the networks is state-owned; multiple cable TV subscription service providers; multiple radio networks, one state-owned, broadcast over about 35 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.tt

Internet hosts:

168,876 (2010) country comparison to the world: 68

Internet users:

593,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Transportation ::Trinidad and Tobago

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 176

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 659 km; oil 336 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 8,320 km country comparison to the world: 140 paved: 4,252 km
unpaved: 4,068 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 country comparison to the world: 127 by type: passenger 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 2 (Bahamas 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain, Scarborough

Military ::Trinidad and Tobago

Military branches:

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Trinidad and Tobago Army,
Coast Guard, Air Guard, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 347,044
females age 16-49: 323,847 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 273,361
females age 16-49: 266,535 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,572
female: 7,966 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 170

Transnational Issues ::Trinidad and Tobago

Disputes - international:

in April 2006, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a decision that delimited a maritime boundary with Trinidad and Tobago and compelled Barbados to enter a fishing agreement that limited Barbadian fishermen's catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; in 2005, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international arbitration under UNCLOS challenging whether the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into Barbadian waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to include itself in the arbitration as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary may extend into its waters as well

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Tunisia (Africa)

Introduction ::Tunisia

Background:

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in getting the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup. BEN ALI is currently serving his fifth consecutive five-year term as president. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

Geography ::Tunisia

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 163,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 92 land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,424 km
border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Coastline:

1,148 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south

Terrain:

mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Land use:

arable land: 17.05%
permanent crops: 13.08%
other: 69.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,940 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.6 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.64 cu km/yr (14%/4%/82%)

per capita: 261 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People ::Tunisia

Population:

10,589,025 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 1,227,238/female 1,149,796)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 3,701,661/female 3,652,322)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 352,003/female 403,319) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.7 years
male: 29.1 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.969% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Birth rate:

15.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Death rate:

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Net migration rate:

-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.073 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 94 male: 23.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.99 years country comparison to the world: 73 male: 74.17 years
female: 77.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Nationality:

noun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74.3%
male: 83.4%
female: 65.3% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 18

Government ::Tunisia

Country name:

conventional long form: Tunisian Republic
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tunis
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin
'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba
(Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili
(Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah),
Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax
(Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse
(Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan
(Zaghwan)

Independence:

20 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 March (1956); also the anniversary of BEN ALI's assumption of the presidency, 7 November (1987)

Constitution:

1 June 1959; amended 1988, 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal except for active government security forces (including the police and the military), people with mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended sentence of more than six months

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17 November 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a fifth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 89.6%, Mohamed BOUCHIHA 5%, Ahmed INOUBLI 3.8%, Ahmed BRAHIM 1.6%; voter turnout 89.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Advisors (126 seats; 85 members elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors, and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are presidential appointees; members serve six-year terms); and the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (214 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Advisors - last held on 3 July 2005 (next to be held in July 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014);
election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - RCD 84.6%, MDS 4.6%, PUP 3.4%, UDU 2.6%, PSL 2.2%, PVP 1.7%, Al-Tajdid 0.5%; seats by party - RCD 161, MDS 16, PUP 12, UDU 9, PSL 8, PVP 6, Al-Tajdid 2; voter turnout 89.4%

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Tajdid Movement [Ahmed IBRAHIM]; Constitutional Democratic Rally
Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique) or RCD;
Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties or FDTL [Mustapha Ben
JAFAAR]; Green Party for Progress or PVP [Mongi KHAMASSI]; Liberal
Social Party or PSL [Mondher THABET]; Movement of Socialist
Democrats or MDS [Ismail BOULAHYA]; Popular Unity Party or PUP
[Mohamed BOUCHIHA]; Progressive Democratic Party [Maya JERIBI];
Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Ahmed INOUBLI]; note - the
Islamist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is outlawed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

18 October Group [collective leadership]; Tunisian League for Human Rights or LTDH [Mokhtar TRIFI]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), FAO, G-11, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Salah TEKAYA
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850

FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon GRAY
embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [216] 71 107-000

FAX: [216] 71 963-263

Flag description:

red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star) and recalls Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire; red represents the blood shed by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, white stands for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state to the Ottoman Empire

National anthem:

name: "Humat Al Hima" (Defenders of the Homeland)

lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
note: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates

Economy ::Tunisia

Economy - overview:

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over the past decade, declined to 4.6% in 2008 and to 3-4% in 2009-10 because of economic contraction and slowing of import demand in Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of non-textile manufacturing, a recovery in agricultural production, and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the economic effect of slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities for an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing population of university graduates. The challenges ahead include: privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase foreign investment, improving government efficiency, reducing the trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the impoverished south and west.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$100.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $97.03 billion (2009 est.)

$94.22 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$43.86 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 3% (2009 est.)

4.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $9,300 (2009 est.)

$9,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.6%
industry: 34.6%
services: 54.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.83 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18.3%
industry: 31.9%
services: 49.8% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 13.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

3.8% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 31.5% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 41.7 (1995 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Public debt:

49.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 47.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$11.49 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 70 $11.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$29.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $26.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$31.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $28.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$9.12 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 76 $6.374 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.355 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products

Industries:

petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - production:

11.08 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - consumption:

11.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - exports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

145 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

91,380 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - consumption:

89,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - exports:

77,130 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - imports:

87,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - proved reserves:

425 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - production:

2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - consumption:

4.22 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - imports:

1.25 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - proved reserves:

65.13 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Current account balance:

-$1.389 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 -$1.234 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$16.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $14.42 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, semi-finished goods and textiles, agricultural products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons, electrical equipment

Exports - partners:

France 29.6%, Italy 21%, Germany 8.8%, Libya 5.8%, Spain 5%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$20.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $18.12 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 20.1%, Italy 16.4%, Germany 8.8%, China 5%, Spain 4.5%, US 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$11.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $11.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$18.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $19.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$33.56 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $31.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$251 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $233 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar - 1.4367 (2010), 1.3503 (2009), 1.211 (2008), 1.2776 (2007), 1.331 (2006)

Communications ::Tunisia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.279 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.754 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Telephone system:

general assessment: above the African average and continuing to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available throughout the country
domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line network, the government has awarded a concession to build and operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and will begin offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 216; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches

Broadcast media:

broadcast media is mainly government-controlled; the state-run Tunisian Radio and Television Establishment (ERTT) operates 2 national television networks, several national radio networks, and a number of regional radio stations; 1 TV and 3 radio stations are privately-owned and report domestic news stories directly from the official Tunisian news agency; the state retains control of broadcast facilities and transmitters through L'Office National de la Telediffusion; Tunisians also have access to Egyptian, pan-Arab, and European satellite TV channels (2007)

Internet country code:

.tn

Internet hosts:

490 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Internet users:

3.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Transportation ::Tunisia

Airports:

32 (2010) country comparison to the world: 113

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,179 km; oil 1,285 km; refined products 372 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,167 km country comparison to the world: 70 standard gauge: 471 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,688 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)

dual gauge: 8 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 19,232 km country comparison to the world: 111 paved: 12,655 km (includes 262 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,577 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 11 country comparison to the world: 111 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bizerte, Gabes, Rades, Sfax, Skhira

Military ::Tunisia

Military branches:

Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Army, Navy,
Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah
At'tunisia) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for compulsory military service, 18 years of age for voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service obligation (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,065,431
females age 16-49: 2,974,060 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,594,602
females age 16-49: 2,510,159 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 96,697
female: 90,599 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 109

Transnational Issues ::Tunisia

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Turkey (Middle East)

Introduction ::Turkey

Background:

Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950 election victory of the opposition Democratic Party and the peaceful transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of instability and intermittent military coups (1960, 1971, 1980), which in each case eventually resulted in a return of political power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then Islamic-oriented government. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - now known as the People's Congress of Kurdistan or Kongra-Gel (KGK) - has dominated the Turkish military's attention and claimed more than 30,000 lives. After the capture of the group's leader in 1999, the insurgents largely withdrew from Turkey mainly to northern Iraq. In 2004, KGK announced an end to its ceasefire and attacks attributed to the KGK increased. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. In 1964, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community. Over the past decade, it has undertaken many reforms to strengthen its democracy and economy; it began accession membership talks with the European Union in 2005.

Geography ::Turkey

Location:

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 35 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 783,562 sq km country comparison to the world: 37 land: 769,632 sq km
water: 13,930 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,648 km
border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Coastline:

7,200 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea; 12 nm in Black Sea and in Mediterranean Sea
exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime boundary agreed upon with the former USSR

Climate:

temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Terrain:

high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain; several mountain ranges

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold, barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone, magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 29.81%
permanent crops: 3.39%
other: 66.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

52,150 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

234 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 39.78 cu km/yr (15%/11%/74%)

per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van
volcanism: Turkey experiences little volcanic activity; its three historically active volcanoes; Ararat, Nemrut Dagi, and Tendurek Dagi have not erupted since the 19th century or earlier

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's ark, is in the far eastern portion of the country

People ::Turkey

Population:

77,804,122 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.2% (male 10,701,631/female 10,223,260)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 25,896,326/female 25,327,403)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 2,130,360/female 2,526,544) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.1 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.272% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Birth rate:

18.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Death rate:

6.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Net migration rate:

0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 85 male: 25.89 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.23 years country comparison to the world: 125 male: 70.37 years
female: 74.19 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Ethnic groups:

Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 18%, other minorities 7-12% (2008 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)

Languages:

Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87.4%
male: 95.3%
female: 79.6% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 155

Government ::Turkey

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Turkey
conventional short form: Turkey
local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti
local short form: Turkiye

Government type:

republican parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Ankara
geographic coordinates: 39 56 N, 32 52 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

81 provinces (iller, singular - ili); Adana, Adiyaman,
Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan,
Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol,
Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli,
Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir,
Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta,
Istanbul, Izmir (Smyrna), Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars,
Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli,
Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus,
Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa,
Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon (Trebizond),
Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak

Independence:

29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 29 October (1923)

Constitution:

7 November 1982; amended 17 May 1987, 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2010; note - amendment passed by referendum concerning presidential elections on 21 October 2007

Legal system:

civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems; note - member of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), although Turkey claims limited derogations on the ratified European Convention on Human Rights; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdullah GUL (since 28 August 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (since 14 March)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the nomination of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected directly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president from among members of parliament
election results: on 28 August 2007 the National Assembly elected Abdullah GUL president on the third ballot; National Assembly vote - 339
note: in October 2007 Turkish voters approved a referendum package of constitutional amendments including a provision for direct presidential elections

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 46.7%, CHP 20.8%, MHP 14.3%, independents 5.2%, other 13.0%; seats by party - AKP 341, CHP 112, MHP 71, independents 26; note - seats by party as of 15 November 2010 - AKP 335, CHP 101, MHP 70, BDP 20, DSP 6, DP 1, TP 1, independents 7, vacant 9 (BDP entered parliament as independents; DSP entered parliament on CHP's party list; DP and TP switched to their respective parties after having been elected to parliament as an independent or on the list of another party); only parties surpassing the 10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; High Court of Appeals (Yargitay); Council of State (Danistay); Court of Accounts (Sayistay); Military High Court of Appeals; Military High Administrative Court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Left Party or DSP [Masum TURKER]; Democratic Party or DP
[Husamettin CINDORUK]; Equality and Democracy Party or EDP [Ziva
HALIS]; Felicity Party or SP [Necmettin ERBAKAN] (sometimes
translated as Contentment Party); Freedom and Solidarity Party or
ODP [Alper TAS]; Grand Unity Party or BBP [Yalcin TOPCU]; Justice
and Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN]; Nationalist
Movement Party or MHP [Devlet BAHCELI]; Peace and Democracy Party or
BDP [Selahattin DEMIRTAS]; People's Rise Party or HSP [Numan
KURTULMUS]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Kemal KILICDAROGLU];
Turkey Party [Abdullatif SENER]

note: the parties listed above are some of the more significant of the 61 parties that Turkey had according to the Ministry of Interior statistics current as of May 2009

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey or TUSKON
[Rizanur MERAL}; Confederation of Public Sector Unions or KESK [Sami
EVREN]; Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or DISK
[Suleyman CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's
Association or MUSIAD [Omer Cihad VARDAN]; Moral Rights Workers
Union or Hak-Is [Salim USLU]; Turkish Confederation of Employers'
Unions or TISK [Tugrul KUDATGOBILIK]; Turkish Confederation of Labor
or Turk-Is [Mustafa KUMLU]; Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and
Craftsmen or TESK [Bendevi PALANDOKEN]; Turkish Industrialists' and
Businessmen's Association or TUSIAD [Umit BOYNER]; Turkish Union of
Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat
HISARCIKLIOGLU]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN
(observer), CICA, D-8, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EU (applicant), FAO, FATF,
G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Namik TAN
chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Douglas A. SILLIMAN
embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara
mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823
telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555

FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019
consulate(s) general: Istanbul
consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Flag description:

red with a vertical white crescent moon (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening; the flag colors and designs closely resemble those on the banner of Ottoman Empire, which preceded modern-day Turkey; the crescent moon and star serve as insignia for the Turks, as well as being traditional symbols of Islam; according to legend, the flag represents the reflection of the moon and a star in a pool of blood of Turkish warriors

National anthem:

name: "Istiklal Marsi" (Independence March)

lyrics/music: Mehmet Akif ERSOY/Zeki UNGOR
note: lyrics adopted 1921, music adopted 1932; the anthem's original music was adopted in 1924; a new composition was agreed upon in 1932

Economy ::Turkey

Economy - overview:

Turkey's economy is increasingly driven by its industry and service sectors, although its traditional agriculture sector still accounts for about 30% of employment. An aggressive privatization program has reduced state involvement in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication, and an emerging cadre of middle-class entrepreneurs is adding a dynamism to the economy. Turkey's traditional textiles and clothing clothing sectors still account for one-third of industrial employment, despite stiff competition in international markets that resulted from the end of the global quota system. Other sectors, notably the automotive, construction, and electronics industries, are rising in importance and have surpassed textiles within Turkey's export mix. Oil began to flow through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in May 2006, marking a major milestone that will bring up to 1 million barrels per day from the Caspian to market. Several gas pipelines also are being planned to help move Central Asian gas to Europe via Turkey, which will help address Turkey's dependence on energy imports over the long term. After Turkey experienced a severe financial crisis in 2001, Ankara adopted financial and fiscal reforms as part of an IMF program. The reforms strengthened the country's economic fundamentals and ushered in an era of strong growth - averaging more than 6% annually until 2009, when global economic conditions and tighter fiscal policy slowed growth to 4.7%, reduced inflation to 6.5% - a 34-year low - and cut the public sector debt-to-GPD ratio below 50%. Turkey's well-regulated financial markets and banking system weathered the global financial crisis and GDP rebounded strongly to 7.3% in 2010, as exports returned to normal levels following the recession. The economy, however, continues to be burdened by a high current account deficit and remains dependent on often volatile, short-term investment to finance its trade deficit. The stock value of FDI stood at $174 billion at year-end 2010, but inflows have slowed considerably in light of continuing economic turmoil in Europe, the source of much of Turkey's FDI. Further economic and judicial reforms and prospective EU membership are expected to boost Turkey's attractiveness to foreign investors. However, Turkey's relatively high current account deficit, uncertainty related to policy-making, and fiscal imbalances leave the economy vulnerable to destabilizing shifts in investor confidence.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$958.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $893.1 billion (2009 est.)

$937.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$729.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 -4.7% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $11,600 (2009 est.)

$12,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.8%
industry: 25.7%
services: 65.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

24.73 million country comparison to the world: 24 note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29.5%
industry: 24.7%
services: 45.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

12.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 14.1% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment amounted to 4% in 2008

Population below poverty line:

17.11% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 33.2% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41 (2007) country comparison to the world: 56 43.6 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Public debt:

48.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 6.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15% (22 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$57.02 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 44 $44.94 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $202.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$401.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $373.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$225.7 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 32 $117.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$286.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, hazelnuts, pulse, citrus; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining (coal, chromate, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - production:

198.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - consumption:

198.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - exports:

1.12 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

790 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

52,980 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - consumption:

579,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - exports:

133,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - imports:

734,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - proved reserves:

262.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - production:

1.014 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - consumption:

35.07 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - exports:

708 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - imports:

35.77 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.088 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Current account balance:

-$38.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 -$13.94 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$117.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $109.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Germany 9.6%, France 6.1%, UK 5.8%, Italy 5.8%, Iraq 5% (2009)

Imports:

$166.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $134.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%, France 5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$78 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$270.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $268.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$84.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $174 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$16.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $15.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Turkish liras (TRY) per US dollar - 1.5181 (2010), 1.55 (2009), 1.3179 (2008), 1.319 (2007), 1.4286 (2006)

Communications ::Turkey

Telephones - main lines in use:

16.534 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Telephones - mobile cellular:

62.78 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Telephone system:

general assessment: comprehensive telecommunications network undergoing rapid modernization and expansion especially in mobile-cellular services
domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay, is facilitating communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to mobile-cellular telephone service is growing rapidly
international: country code - 90; international service is provided by the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable and by submarine fiber-optic cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas that link Turkey with Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia; satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat; mobile satellite terminals - 328 in the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Broadcast media:

national public broadcaster Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) operates multiple TV and radio networks and stations; multiple privately-owned national television stations and up to 300 private regional and local television stations; multi-channel cable TV subcriptions are obtainable; more than 1,000 private radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.tr

Internet hosts:

3.433 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 26

Internet users:

27.233 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Transportation ::Turkey

Airports:

99 (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 88
over 3,047 m: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 33

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

20 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 10,630 km; oil 3,636 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,697 km country comparison to the world: 23 standard gauge: 8,697 km 1.435-m gauge (1,920 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 352,046 km country comparison to the world: 19 paved: 313,151 km (includes 2,010 km of expressways)

unpaved: 38,895 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,200 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 61

Merchant marine:

total: 645 country comparison to the world: 18 by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 290, chemical tanker 85, combination ore/oil 1, container 40, liquefied gas 6, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 59, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Italy 2)

registered in other countries: 686 (Albania 1, Antigua and Barbuda
7, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 3, Barbados 1, Belize 18, Cambodia 26,
Comoros 16, Cook Islands 4, Dominica 1, Georgia 22, Italy 3,
Kiribati 3, Liberia 15, Malta 211, Marshall Islands 72, Moldova 18,
Mongolia 1, former Netherlands Antilles 8, Panama 79, Russia 104,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 22, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,
Sierra Leone 14, Slovakia 2, Tanzania 7, Togo 4, Turkmenistan 1,
Tuvalu 1, UK 1, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aliaga, Diliskelesi, Eregli, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Mercin Limani,
Yarimca

Military ::Turkey

Military branches:

Turkish Armed Forces (TSK): Turkish Land Forces (Turk Kara
Kuvvetleri), Turkish Naval Forces (Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri; includes
naval air and naval infantry), Turkish Air Force (Turk Hava
Kuvvetleri) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,832,658
females age 16-49: 20,337,037 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,447,579
females age 16-49: 17,173,063 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 695,326
female: 666,026 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Military - note:

a "National Security Policy Document" adopted in October 2005 increases the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) role in internal security, augmenting the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie General Command (Jandarma); the TSK leadership continues to play a key role in politics and considers itself guardian of Turkey's secular state; in April 2007, it warned the ruling party about any pro-Islamic appointments; despite on-going negotiations on EU accession since October 2005, progress has been limited in establishing required civilian supremacy over the military; primary domestic threats are listed as fundamentalism (with the definition in some dispute with the civilian government), separatism (the Kurdish problem), and the extreme left wing; Ankara strongly opposed establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region; an overhaul of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) taking place under the "Force 2014" program is to produce 20-30% smaller, more highly trained forces characterized by greater mobility and firepower and capable of joint and combined operations; the TLFC has taken on increasing international peacekeeping responsibilities, and took charge of a NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) command in Afghanistan in April 2007; the Turkish Navy is a regional naval power that wants to develop the capability to project power beyond Turkey's coastal waters; the Navy is heavily involved in NATO, multinational, and UN operations; its roles include control of territorial waters and security for sea lines of communications; the Turkish Air Force adopted an "Aerospace and Missile Defense Concept" in 2002 and has initiated project work on an integrated missile defense system; Air Force priorities include attaining a modern deployable, survivable, and sustainable force structure, and establishing a sustainable command and control system (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Turkey

Disputes - international:

complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece in the Aegean Sea; status of north Cyprus question remains; Syria and Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper Euphrates waters; Turkey has expressed concern over the status of Kurds in Iraq; border with Armenia remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1-1.2 million (fighting 1984-99 between Kurdish PKK and
Turkish military; most IDPs in southeastern provinces) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe and, to a lesser extent, the US - via air, land, and sea routes; major Turkish and other international trafficking organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert imported morphine base into heroin exist in remote regions of Turkey and near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and over output of poppy straw concentrate; lax enforcement of money-laundering controls
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Turkmenistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Turkmenistan

Background:

Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country once extraction and delivery projects are expanded. The Turkmen Government is actively working to diversify its gas export routes beyond the still dominant Russian pipeline network. In 2010, new gas export pipelines that carry Turkmen gas to China and to northern Iran began operating, effectively ending the Russian monopoly on Turkmen gas exports. President for Life Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy cabinet chairman under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president.

Geography ::Turkmenistan

Location:

Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 60 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 488,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 52 land: 469,930 sq km
water: 18,170 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,736 km
border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379 km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea (1,768 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical desert

Terrain:

flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran; borders Caspian Sea in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m
note: Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m)

highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt

Land use:

arable land: 4.51%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 95.35% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

60.9 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 24.65 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

per capita: 5,104 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals, pesticides; salination, water logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the western and central low-lying desolate portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert, which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

People ::Turkmenistan

Population:

4,940,916 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.9% (male 713,698/female 697,222)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,618,678/female 1,646,992)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 90,352/female 117,945) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.8 years
male: 24.4 years
female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.14% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Birth rate:

19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Death rate:

6.27 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Net migration rate:

-1.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 60 male: 52.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 35.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.2 years country comparison to the world: 151 male: 65.25 years
female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Nationality:

noun: Turkmen(s)

adjective: Turkmen

Ethnic groups:

Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003)

Religions:

Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Languages:

Turkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.8%
male: 99.3%
female: 98.3% (1999 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 110

Government ::Turkmenistan

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turkmenistan
local long form: none
local short form: Turkmenistan
former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

defines itself as a secular democracy and a presidential republic; in actuality displays authoritarian presidential rule, with power concentrated within the presidential administration

Capital:

name: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)

geographic coordinates: 37 57 N, 58 23 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat) and 1 independent city*: Ahal Welayaty (Anew), Ashgabat*, Balkan Welayaty (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary Welayaty
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 26 September 2008

Legal system:

transitioning to civil law system and influenced by Islamic law tradition; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14 February 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14 February 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 11 February 2007 (next to be held in February 2012)

election results: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW elected president; percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 89.2%, Amanyaz ATAJYKOW 3.2%, other candidates 7.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament known as the National Assembly (Mejlis) (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 December 2008 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: 100% of elected officials are members of either the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or its pseudo-civil society parent organization, the Revival Movement, and are preapproved by the president
note: in 26 September 2008, a new constitution of Turkmenistan abolished a second, 2,507-member legislative body known as the People's Council and expanded the number of deputies in the National Assembly from 65 to 125; the powers formerly held by the People's Council were divided up between the president and the National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW is chairman; Kasymguly BABAYEW is DPT Political Council First Secretary]

note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small opposition movements exist abroad; the three most prominent opposition groups-in-exile are the National Democratic Movement of Turkmenistan (NDMT), the Republican Party of Turkmenistan, and the Watan (Fatherland) Party; the NDMT was led by former Foreign Minister Boris SHIKHMURADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the wake of the 25 November 2002 attack on President NYYAZOW's motorcade

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ADB, CIS (associate member, has not ratified the 1993 CIS charter
although it participates in meetings), EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meret Bairamovich ORAZOW
chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY
embassy: No. 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000
mailing address: 7070 Ashgabat Place, Washington, DC 20521-7070
telephone: [993] (12) 35-00-45

FAX: [993] (12) 39-26-14

Flag description:

green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist side, containing five tribal guls (designs used in producing carpets) stacked above two crossed olive branches; five white stars and a white crescent moon appear in the upper corner of the field just to the fly side of the red stripe; the green color and crescent moon represent Islam; the five stars symbolize the regions or welayats of Turkmenistan; the guls reflect the national identity of Turkmenistan where carpet-making has long been a part of traditional nomadic life
note: the flag of Turkmenistan is the most intricate of all national flags

National anthem:

name: "Garassyz, Bitarap Turkmenistanyn" (Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem)

lyrics/music: collective/Veli MUKHATOV
note: adopted 1997, lyrics revised 2008; following the death of the President Saparmurat NYYAZOW, the lyrics were altered to eliminate references to the former president

Economy ::Turkmenistan

Economy - overview:

Turkmenistan is largely a desert country with intensive agriculture in irrigated oases and sizeable gas and oil resources. The two largest crops are cotton, most of which is produced for export, and wheat, which is domestically consumed. Although agriculture accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, it continues to employ nearly half of the country's workforce. With an authoritarian ex-Communist regime in power and a tribally based social structure, Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas and cotton export revenues to sustain its inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain limited. From 1998-2005, Turkmenistan suffered from the continued lack of adequate export routes for natural gas and from obligations on extensive short-term external debt. At the same time, however, total exports rose by an average of roughly 15% per year from 2003-08, largely because of higher international oil and gas prices. New pipelines to China and Iran, that began operation in late 2009 and early 2010, have given Turkmenistan additional export routes for its gas, although these new routes have not offset the sharp drop in export revenue since early 2009 from decreased gas exports to Russia. Overall prospects in the near future are discouraging because of widespread internal poverty, endemic corruption, a poor educational system, government misuse of oil and gas revenues, and Ashgabat's reluctance to adopt market-oriented reforms. In the past, Turkmenistan's economic statistics were state secrets. The new government has established a State Agency for Statistics, but GDP numbers and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In particular, the rate of GDP growth is uncertain. Since his election, President BERDIMUHAMEDOW unified the country's dual currency exchange rate, ordered the redenomination of the manat, reduced state subsidies for gasoline, and initiated development of a special tourism zone on the Caspian Sea. Although foreign investment is encouraged, numerous bureaucratic obstacles impede international business activity.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$36.64 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $33.01 billion (2009 est.)

$31.11 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.96 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

11% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 6.1% (2009 est.)

10.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $6,800 (2009 est.)

$6,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 30%
services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.3 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 48.2%
industry: 14%
services: 37.8% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

60% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Population below poverty line:

30% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (1998) country comparison to the world: 60

Investment (gross fixed):

12.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 10% (2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$573 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 157 $469.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.053 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $912.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.089 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $1.811 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain; livestock

Industries:

natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - production:

15.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - consumption:

13 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - exports:

2.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

197,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - consumption:

120,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - exports:

38,360 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - proved reserves:

600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - production:

34 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - consumption:

20 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - exports:

14 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.504 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Current account balance:

$3.081 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $1.065 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.672 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $6.737 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gas, crude oil, petrochemicals, textiles, cotton fiber

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 22.3%, Turkey 10.27%, Hungary 6.75%, UAE 6.25%, Poland 6.16%, Afghanistan 5.79%, Iran 5.17% (2009)

Imports:

$4.888 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $4.109 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 18.03%, Turkey 16.49%, Russia 16.45%, Germany 5.91%, UAE 5.81%, Ukraine 5.67%, US 5.41%, France 4.32% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $9.551 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $1.4 billion (2004 est.)

Exchange rates:

Turkmen manat (TMM) per US dollar - 2.85 (2010), 2.85 (2009), 14,250 (2008)

Communications ::Turkmenistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

478,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications network remains underdeveloped and progress toward improvement is slow; strict government control and censorship inhibits liberalization and modernization
domestic: Turkmentelekom, in cooperation with foreign partners, has installed high speed fiber-optic lines and has upgraded most of the country's telephone exchanges and switching centers with new digital technology; mobile telephone usage is expanding with Russia's Mobile Telesystems (MTS) the primary service provider; combined fixed-line and mobile teledensity is about 40 per 100 persons
international: country code - 993; linked by fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; an exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey via Intelsat; satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media is government controlled and censored; 4 state-owned TV and 4 state-owned radio networks; satellite dishes and programming provide an alternative to the state-run media; officials sometimes limit access to satellite TV by seizing satellite dishes (2007)

Internet country code:

.tm

Internet hosts:

794 (2010) country comparison to the world: 172

Internet users:

80,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Transportation ::Turkmenistan

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 122

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 6,417 km; oil 1,457 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,980 km country comparison to the world: 56 broad gauge: 2,980 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 58,592 km country comparison to the world: 77 paved: 47,577 km
unpaved: 11,015 km (2002)

Waterways:

1,300 km (Amu Darya and Kara Kum canal are important inland waterways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 56

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 119 by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Turkmenbasy

Military ::Turkmenistan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,360,898
females age 16-49: 1,368,265 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,046,907
females age 16-49: 1,168,960 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,805
female: 54,908 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Transnational Issues ::Turkmenistan

Disputes - international:

cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005, but Caspian seabed delimitation remains stalled with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Kazakhstan due to Turkmenistan's indecision over how to allocate the sea's waters and seabed

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 11,173 (Tajikistan); less than 1,000 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and Western European markets; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan
page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Turks and Caicos Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Background:

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory.

Geography ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

21 45 N, 71 35 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 948 sq km country comparison to the world: 185 land: 948 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

389 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Terrain:

low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Flamingo Hill 48 m

Natural resources:

spiny lobster, conch

Land use:

arable land: 2.33%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater

Geography - note:

about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

People ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Population:

23,528 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 3,528/female 3,401)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 7,875/female 7,164)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 475/female 499) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.491% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Birth rate:

20.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Death rate:

4.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Net migration rate:

8.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 130 male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.64 years country comparison to the world: 78 male: 73.32 years
female: 78.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: none
adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

black 90%, mixed, European, or North American 10%

Religions:

Baptist 40%, Anglican 18%, Methodist 16%, Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 98%
male: 99%
female: 98% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

People - note:

destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, and the US

Government ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands
abbreviation: TCI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)

geographic coordinates: 21 28 N, 71 08 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Constitution:

Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2009, S.I. 2009/701 - effective 14 August 2009 - suspended Ministerial government, the House of Assembly, and the constitutional right to trial by jury, and imposed direct British rule

Legal system:

based on laws of England and Wales with a few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 5 August 2008)

head of government: Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 14 August 2009); note - the office of premier is suspended by the Order in Council, effective 14 August 2009
cabinet: under provisions of the Order in Council, the cabinet is suspended effective 14 August 2009 and replaced by an Advisory Council appointed by the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch
note: following an investigation into allegations of widespread corruption and misconduct within the Turks and Caicos Government, the UK foreign minister directed the governor to bring into effect on 14 August 2009 an Order in Council suspending Ministerial government and the House of Assembly, and imposing direct rule for a period of up to two years

Legislative branch:

under provisions of the Order in Council, the unicameral House of Assembly is dissolved and all seats vacated for a period of up to two years; in the interim, a Consultative Forum, appointed by the governor, will be established
elections: last held on 9 February 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)

election results: under provisions of the Order in Council, all seats in the House of Assembly are vacated

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Floyd SEYMOUR]; Progressive
National Party or PNP [Michael Eugene MISICK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turks Head cactus - three common elements of the islands' biota

National anthem:

name: "This Land of Ours"

lyrics/music: Conrad HOWELL
note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is the official anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Economy - overview:

The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of tourists, accounting for more than three-quarters of the 175,000 visitors that arrived in 2004. Major sources of government revenue also include fees from offshore financial activities and customs receipts.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$216 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,500 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

4,848 (1990 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Labor force - by occupation:

note: about 33% in government and 20% in agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial, and other services

Unemployment rate:

10% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1995) country comparison to the world: 115

Agriculture - products:

corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Industries:

tourism, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

12 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Electricity - consumption:

11.16 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - imports:

80 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Exports:

$169.2 million (2000) country comparison to the world: 183

Exports - commodities:

lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Imports:

$175.6 million (2000) country comparison to the world: 202

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 217

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25,100 (2004) country comparison to the world: 205

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully digital system with international direct dialing
domestic: full range of services available; GSM wireless service available
international: country code - 1-649; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic telecommunications submarine cable provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

while there are no local terrestrial TV stations, broadcasts from the Bahamas can be received; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; government-run radio network operates alongside private broadcasters with a total of about 15 stations broadcasting (2007)

Internet country code:

.tc

Internet hosts:

8,969 (2010) country comparison to the world: 127

Transportation ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 121 km country comparison to the world: 211 paved: 24 km
unpaved: 97 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008) country comparison to the world: 151

Ports and terminals:

Cockburn Harbour, Grand Turk, Providenciales

Military ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,062
females age 16-49: 4,772 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 229
female: 223 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Disputes - international:

have received Haitians fleeing economic and civil disorder

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe
page last updated on December 28, 2010

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

@Tuvalu (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tuvalu

Background:

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period.

Geography ::Tuvalu

Location:

Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South
Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 178 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 26 sq km country comparison to the world: 237 land: 26 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Terrain:

low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 66.67%
other: 33.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

severe tropical storms are usually rare, but in 1997 there were three cyclones; low level of islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make evacuation necessary

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

People ::Tuvalu

Population:

10,472 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.2% (male 1,841/female 1,770)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,973/female 4,141)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 240/female 408) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years
male: 22.4 years
female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.659% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Birth rate:

23.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Death rate:

9.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Net migration rate:

-7.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 207

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 35.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 71 male: 38.66 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 32.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.39 years country comparison to the world: 168 male: 62.36 years
female: 66.51 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.14 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Religions:

Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Languages:

Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Tuvalu

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tuvalu
local long form: none
local short form: Tuvalu
former: Ellice Islands
note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight" referring to the country's eight traditionally inhabited islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Funafuti
geographic coordinates: 8 30 S, 179 12 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

1 October 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Constitution:

1 October 1978

Legal system:

English common law supplemented by local customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Iakoba TAEIA Italeli (since May 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Willie TELAVI (since 24 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament following parliamentary elections
election results: Willie TELAVI elected prime minister in a parliamentary election on 24 December 2010 following a no-confidence vote on 21 December 2010 that ousted Maatia TOAFA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of Assembly (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 15; 10 members reelected

Judicial branch:

High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside over its sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of Appeal in Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

there are no political parties but members of parliament usually align themselves in informal groupings

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO,
IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017, telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534, fax: [1] (212) 937-0692

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow, five-pointed stars on a blue field symbolizing the nine atolls in the ocean

National anthem:

name: "Tuvalu mo te Atua" (Tuvalu for the Almighty)

lyrics/music: Afaese MANOA
note: adopted 1978; the anthem's name is also the nation's motto

Economy ::Tuvalu

Economy - overview:

Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral resources and few exports and is almost entirely dependent upon imported food and fuel. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average, visit Tuvalu annually. Job opportunities are scarce and public sector workers make up most of those employed. About 15% of the adult male population work as seamen on merchant ships abroad, and remittances are a vital source of income contributing around $2 million in 2007. Substantial income is received annually from the Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea. Thanks to wise investments and conservative withdrawals, this fund grew from an initial $17 million to an estimated value of $77 million in 2006. The TTF contributed nearly $9 million towards the government budget in 2006 and is an important cushion for meeting shortfalls in the government's budget. The US Government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu because of payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to ensure financial stability and sustainability, the government is pursuing public sector reforms, including privatization of some government functions and personnel cuts. Tuvalu also derives royalties from the lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name with revenue of more than $2 million in 2006. A minor source of government revenue comes from the sale of stamps and coins. With merchandise exports only a fraction of merchandise imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing and telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas workers, official transfers, and income from overseas investments. Growing income disparities and the vulnerability of the country to climatic change are among leading concerns for the nation.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.94 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.94 million (2002)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.6%
industry: 27.2%
services: 56.2% (2002)

Labor force:

3,615 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Labor force - by occupation:

note: people make a living mainly through exploitation of the sea, reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad (mostly workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Agriculture - products:

coconuts; fish

Industries:

fishing, tourism, copra

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Current account balance:

-$11.68 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 62

Exports:

$1 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Exports - commodities:

copra, fish

Imports:

$12.91 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 220

Imports - commodities:

food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Tuvalu

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 226

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 215

Telephone system:

general assessment: serves particular needs for internal communications
domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands
international: country code - 688; international calls can be made by satellite

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; many households use satellite dishes to watch foreign TV stations; 1 government-owned radio station, Radio Tuvalu, includes relays of programming from international broadcasters (2009)

Internet country code:

.tv

Internet hosts:

109,478 (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Internet users:

4,200 (2008) country comparison to the world: 205

Transportation ::Tuvalu

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 213

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 8 km country comparison to the world: 221 paved: 8 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 66 country comparison to the world: 64 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 20, chemical tanker 16, container 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 49 (Thailand 1, Vietnam 6, Turkey 1, Switzerland 1, South Korea 1, Singapore 25, Maldives 1, Malaysia 1, Kenya 1, Hong Kong 1, China 9, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Funafuti

Military ::Tuvalu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Tuvalu Police Force (2009)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,981
females age 16-49: 2,005 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 120
female: 110 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Tuvalu

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Uganda (Africa)

Introduction ::Uganda

Background:

The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and legislative elections.

Geography ::Uganda

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 241,038 sq km country comparison to the world: 80 land: 197,100 sq km
water: 43,938 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,698 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Terrain:

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m
highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, gold

Land use:

arable land: 21.57%
permanent crops: 8.92%
other: 69.51% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

66 cu km (1970)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (43%/17%/40%)

per capita: 10 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers

People ::Uganda

Population:

33,398,682 country comparison to the world: 37 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 50% (male 8,152,830/female 8,034,366)

15-64 years: 47.9% (male 7,789,209/female 7,703,143)

65 years and over: 2.1% (male 286,693/female 403,317) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 15 years
male: 14.9 years
female: 15.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Birth rate:

47.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Death rate:

11.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Net migration rate:

-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Urbanization:

urban population: 13% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 28 male: 67.31 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.98 years country comparison to the world: 205 male: 51.92 years
female: 54.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

940,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

77,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Ethnic groups:

Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%, Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%, other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)

Languages:

English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 66.8%
male: 76.8%
female: 57.7% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Government ::Uganda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uganda
conventional short form: Uganda

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kampala
geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 25 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

80 districts; Abim, Adjumani, Amolatar, Amuria, Amuru, Apac, Arua,
Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwa, Bulisa, Bundibugyo,
Bushenyi, Busia, Butaleja, Dokolo, Gulu, Hoima, Ibanda, Iganga,
Isingiro, Jinja, Kaabong, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kalangala,
Kaliro, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kasese,
Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kiruhara, Kisoro, Kitgum, Koboko,
Kotido, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Lyantonde, Manafwa, Maracha,
Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara, Mityana, Moroto, Moyo,
Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nakaseke, Nakasongola,
Namutumba, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Oyam, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri,
Sembabule, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Independence:

9 October 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Constitution:

8 October 1995; amended in 2005
note: the amendments in 2005 removed presidential term limits and legalized a multiparty political system

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since seizing power on 26 January 1986); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since seizing power on 26 January 1986); Prime Minister Apolo NSIBAMBI (since 5 April 1999); note - the prime minister assists the president in the supervision of the cabinet
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected legislators (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18 February 2011)

election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 59.3%, Kizza BESIGYE 37.4%, other 3.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (332 seats; 215 members elected by popular vote, 104 nominated by legally established special interest groups [women 79, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 13 ex-officio members; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18 February 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NRM 205, FDC 37, UPC 9, DP 8, CP 1, JEEMA 1, independents 37, other 34

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Democratic Party or DP [Kizito SSEBAANA]; Forum for Democratic Change or FDC [Kizza BESIGYE]; Inter-Party Co-operation or IPC (a coalition of opposition groups); Justice Forum or JEEMA [Muhammad Kibirige MAYANJA]; National Resistance Movement or NRM [Yoweri MUSEVENI]; Peoples Progressive Party or PPP [Bidandi SSALI]; Ugandan People's Congress or UPC [Miria OBOTE]

note: a national referendum in July 2005 opened the way for Uganda's transition to a multi-party political system

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Lord's Resistance Army or LRA [Joseph KONY]; Young Parliamentary
Association [Henry BANYENZAKI]; Parliamentary Advocacy Forum or
PAFO; National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda or NAWOU
[Florence NEKYON]; The Ugandan Coalition for Political
Accountability to Women or COPAW

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Perezi Karukubiro KAMUNANWIRE
chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jerry P. LANIER
embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala
telephone: [256] (414) 259 791 through 93, 95

FAX: [256] (414) 258-794

Flag description:

six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge of Ugandan soldiers under the UK

National anthem:

name: "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty!"

lyrics/music: George Wilberforce KAKOMOA
note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Uganda

Economy - overview:

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, small deposits of copper, gold, and other minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986, the government - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued investment in infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Uganda has received about $2 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief. In 2007 Uganda received $10 million for a Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports; however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due to past reforms and sound management of the downturn. Oil revenues and taxes will become a larger source of government funding as oil comes on line in the next few years. Instability in southern Sudan is the biggest risk for the Ugandan economy in 2011 because Uganda's main export partner is Sudan and Uganda is a key destination for Sudanese refugees.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$41.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $39.41 billion (2009 est.)

$36.76 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$17.12 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 7.2% (2009 est.)

8.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.6%
industry: 24.5%
services: 51.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

15.51 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 82%
industry: 5%
services: 13% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

35% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 34.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.7 (2002) country comparison to the world: 39 37.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Public debt:

20.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 20.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 14.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.65% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 19.42% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.96% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 20.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 119 $1.603 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.905 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $3.322 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.882 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.716 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$116.3 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, pulses, cut flowers; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry

Industries:

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles; cement, steel production

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - production:

2.256 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - consumption:

2.068 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - exports:

30 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - imports:

13,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Current account balance:

-$784 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 -$451 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.941 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $2.7 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, fish and fish products, tea, cotton, flowers, horticultural products; gold

Exports - partners:

Sudan 13.47%, Kenya 8.98%, UAE 7.52%, Rwanda 7.5%, Switzerland 7.42%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.85%, Netherlands 5.67%, Belgium 5.66%, Germany 5.18%, Italy 4.33% (2009)

Imports:

$4.474 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $3.844 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies; cereals

Imports - partners:

Kenya 13.9%, India 12.79%, UAE 11.16%, China 8.91%, South Africa 5.08%, France 4.6%, Japan 4.37%, US 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.743 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: excludes gold

Debt - external:

$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.554 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Ugandan shillings (UGX) per US dollar - 2,166 (2010), 2,038.9 (2009), 1,658.1 (2008), 1,685.8 (2007), 1,834.9 (2006)

Communications ::Uganda

Telephones - main lines in use:

233,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.384 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Telephone system:

general assessment: mobile cellular service is increasing rapidly, but the number of main lines is still deficient; work underway on a national backbone information and communications technology infrastructure; international phone networks and Internet connectivity provided through satellite and VSAT applications
domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile-cellular systems for short-range traffic; mobile-cellular teledensity about 30 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and Tanzania

Broadcast media:

public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), operates radio and television networks; Uganda first began licensing privately-owned stations in the 1990s; by 2007 there were nearly 150 radio and 35 TV stations, mostly based in and around Kampala; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available in Kampala (2007)

Internet country code:

.ug

Internet hosts:

19,927 (2010) country comparison to the world: 111

Internet users:

3.2 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Transportation ::Uganda

Airports:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5
over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,244 km country comparison to the world: 84 narrow gauge: 1,244 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 70,746 km country comparison to the world: 68 paved: 16,272 km
unpaved: 54,474 km (2003)

Waterways:

there are no long navigable stretches of river in Uganda; parts of the Albert Nile that flow out of Lake Albert in the northwestern part of the country are navigable; several lakes including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga have substantial traffic; Lake Albert is navigable along a 200 km stretch from its northern tip to its southern shores (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Military ::Uganda

Military branches:

Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF): Army (includes Marine Unit),
Uganda Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-26 years of age for voluntary military duty; 18-30 years of age for professionals; no conscription; 9-year service obligation; the government has stated that recruitment below 18 years of age could occur with proper consent and that "no person under the apparent age of 13 years shall be enrolled in the armed forces"; Ugandan citizenship and secondary education required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,972,134
females age 16-49: 6,752,005 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,138,180
females age 16-49: 4,028,125 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 412,640
female: 408,521 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 67

Transnational Issues ::Uganda

Disputes - international:

Uganda is subject to armed fighting among hostile ethnic groups, rebels, armed gangs, militias, and various government forces that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese, 27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while Ugandan refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek shelter in southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages across the border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 215,700 (Sudan); 28,880 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 24,900 (Rwanda)

IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Ukraine (Europe)

Introduction ::Ukraine

Background:

Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to achieve a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and forced to endure a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million more deaths. Although final independence for Ukraine was achieved in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties. A peaceful mass protest "Orange Revolution" in the closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in parliamentary elections and become prime minister in August of 2006. An early legislative election, brought on by a political crisis in the spring of 2007, saw Yuliya TYMOSHENKO, as head of an "Orange" coalition, installed as a new prime minister in December 2007. Viktor YANUKOVUYCH was elected president in a February 2010 run-off election that observers assessed as meeting most international standards. The following month, the Rada approved a vote of no-confidence prompting Yuliya TYMOSHENKO to resign from her post as prime minister.

Geography ::Ukraine

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east

Geographic coordinates:

49 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 603,550 sq km country comparison to the world: 45 land: 579,330 sq km
water: 24,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,566 km
border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 940 km, Poland 428 km, Romania (south) 176 km, Romania (southwest) 362 km, Russia 1,576 km, Slovakia 90 km

Coastline:

2,782 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm across the greater part of the country, hot in the south

Terrain:

most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaus, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 53.8%
permanent crops: 1.5%
other: 44.7% (2005)

Irrigated land:

22,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

139.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.53 cu km/yr (12%/35%/52%)

per capita: 807 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Geography - note:

strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe

People ::Ukraine

Population:

45,415,596 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.8% (male 3,238,280/female 3,066,594)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 15,399,488/female 16,742,612)

65 years and over: 15.9% (male 2,422,311/female 4,831,110) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.619% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

Birth rate:

9.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Death rate:

15.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Net migration rate:

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 160 male: 10.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.46 years country comparison to the world: 149 male: 62.56 years
female: 74.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

440,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

19,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Nationality:

noun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

Ethnic groups:

Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%,
Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%,
Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ukrainian Orthodox - Kyiv Patriarchate 50.4%, Ukrainian Orthodox -
Moscow Patriarchate 26.1%, Ukrainian Greek Catholic 8%, Ukrainian
Autocephalous Orthodox 7.2%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Protestant 2.2%,
Jewish 0.6%, other 3.2% (2006 est.)

Languages:

Ukrainian (official) 67%, Russian 24%, other 9% (includes small
Romanian-, Polish-, and Hungarian-speaking minorities)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 54

Government ::Ukraine

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Ukraine
local long form: none
local short form: Ukrayina
former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kyiv (Kiev)

note: pronounced KAY-yiv
geographic coordinates: 50 26 N, 30 31 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtonomna respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista, singular - misto) with oblast status**; Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Crimea or Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'), Dnipropetrovs'k, Donets'k, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmel'nyts'kyy, Kirovohrad, Kyiv**, Kyiv, Luhans'k, L'viv, Mykolayiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sevastopol'**, Sumy, Ternopil', Vinnytsya, Volyn' (Luts'k), Zakarpattya (Uzhhorod), Zaporizhzhya, Zhytomyr
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918, the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet Russia) and the day the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1996

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 25 February 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 11 March 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy KLYUYEV (since 11 March 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Borys KOLESNIKOV, Serhiy TIHIPKO, Viktor TYKHONOV (all since 11 March 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the president and approved by the Rada (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on domestic and international matters and advising the president; a Presidential Administration helps draft presidential edicts and provides policy support to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 January 2010 with runoff on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Viktor YANUKOVYCH elected president; percent of vote - Viktor YANUKOVYCH 48.95%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO 45.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats; members allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain 3% or more of the national electoral vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 September 2007 (next must be held in 2012 or sooner if a ruling coalition cannot be formed in the Rada)

election results: percent of vote by party/bloc - Party of Regions 34.4%, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 30.7%, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 14.2%, CPU 5.4%, Lytvyn Bloc 4%, other parties 11.3%; seats by party/bloc - Party of Regions 175, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 156, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 72, CPU 27, Lytvyn Bloc 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko-Batkivshchyna (BYuT-Batkivshchyna)
[Yuliya TYMOSHENKO]; Communist Party of Ukraine or CPU [Petro
SYMONENKO]; European Party of Ukraine [Mykola KATERYNCHUK]; Forward
Ukraine! [Viktor MUSIYAKA]; Front of Change [Arseniy YATSENYUK];
Lytvyn Bloc (composed of People's Party and Labor Party of Ukraine)
[Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Our Ukraine [Viktor YUSHCHENKO]; Party of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs [Anatoliy KINAKH]; Party of Regions
[Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Party of the Defenders of the Fatherland [Yuriy
KARMAZIN]; People's Movement of Ukraine (Rukh) [Borys TARASYUK];
People's Party [Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Peoples' Self-Defense [Yuriy
LUTSENKO]; PORA! (It's Time!) party [Vladyslav KASKIV]; Progressive
Socialist Party [Natalya VITRENKO]; Reforms and Order Party [Viktor
PYNZENYK]; Sobor [Anatoliy MATVIYENKO]; Social Democratic Party
[Yevhen KORNICHUK]; Social Democratic Party (United) or SDPU(o)
[Yuriy ZAHORODNIY]; Socialist Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr
MOROZ]; Strong Ukraine [SERHIY TIHIPKO]; Ukrainian People's Party
[Yuriy KOSTENKO]; United Center [Viktor BALOHA]; Viche [Inna
BOHOSLOVSKA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee of Voters of Ukraine [Aleksandr CHERNENKO]; OPORA [Olha
AIVAZOVSKA]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, CICA (observer), CIS (participating member, has not signed the 1993 CIS charter although it participates in meetings), EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Oleksandr MOTSYK
chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 333-0606

FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT
embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynsky Street, 01901 Kyiv
mailing address: 5850 Kyiv Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850
telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000

FAX: [380] (44) 490-4085

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow represent grain fields under a blue sky

National anthem:

name: "Sche ne vmerla Ukraina" (Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished)

lyrics/music: Paul CHUBYNSKYI/Mikhail VERBYTSKYI
note: music adopted 1991, lyrics adopted 2003; the song was first performed in 1864 at the Ukraine Theatre in Lviv; the lyrics, originally written in 1862, were revised in 2003

Economy ::Ukraine

Economy - overview:

After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the former USSR. Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Ukraine's dependence on Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external shocks. Ukraine depends on imports to meet about three-fourths of its annual oil and natural gas requirements and 100% of its nuclear fuel needs. After a two-week dispute that saw gas supplies cutoff to Europe, Ukraine agreed to ten-year gas supply and transit contracts with Russia in January 2009 that brought gas prices to "world" levels. The strict terms of the contracts have further hobbled Ukraine's cash-strapped state gas company, Naftohaz. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy, but more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, and improving the legislative framework. Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president until mid-2008. Real GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2006-07, fueled by high global prices for steel - Ukraine's top export - and by strong domestic consumption, spurred by rising pensions and wages. Ukraine reached an agreement with the IMF for a $16.4 billion Stand-By Arrangement in November 2008 to deal with the economic crisis, but the Ukrainian Government's lack of progress in implementing reforms has twice delayed the release of IMF assistance funds. The drop in steel prices and Ukraine's exposure to the global financial crisis due to aggressive foreign borrowing lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world; growth resumed in 2010, buoyed by exports. External conditions are likely to hamper efforts for economic recovery in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$306.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $293.7 billion (2009 est.)

$345.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$136.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 -15.1% (2009 est.)

2.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $6,400 (2009 est.)

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.8%
industry: 32.3%
services: 57.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

22.06 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 15.8%
industry: 18.5%
services: 65.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

8.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 8.8% (2009 est.)

note: officially registered; large number of unregistered or underemployed workers

Population below poverty line:

35% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 25.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31 (2006) country comparison to the world: 105 29 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Public debt:

38.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 30% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 15.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 32 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.86% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 17.49% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$34.97 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 51 $30 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$73.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $62.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$110.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $103.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$16.79 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 56 $24.36 billion (31 December 2008)

$111.8 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

Industries:

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - production:

172.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - consumption:

134.6 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - exports:

4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

99,930 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - consumption:

348,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - exports:

154,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - imports:

147,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - proved reserves:

395 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - production:

21.2 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - consumption:

52 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - exports:

5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - imports:

26.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.104 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Current account balance:

$603 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 -$1.732 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$49.71 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $40.39 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

Exports - partners:

Russia 21.1%, Turkey 5.3%, China 3.8% (2009)

Imports:

$53.54 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $45.05 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Russia 28%, Germany 8.6%, China 6.1%, Kazakhstan 4.9%, Poland 4.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$32.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $26.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$97.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $94.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$52.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $46.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.327 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $2.067 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

hryvnia (UAH) per US dollar - 7.9111 (2010), 7.7912 (2009), 4.9523 (2008), 5.05 (2007), 5.05 (2006)

Communications ::Ukraine

Telephones - main lines in use:

13.026 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55.333 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Telephone system:

general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development plan emphasizes improving domestic trunk lines, international connections, and the mobile-cellular system
domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair; more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be satisfied; telephone density is rising and the domestic trunk system is being improved; about one-third of Ukraine's networks are digital and a majority of regional centers now have digital switching stations; improvements in local networks and local exchanges continue to lag; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market which has reached 120 mobile phones per 100 people
international: country code - 380; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a part of the fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and 3 Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic Trans-European Lines (TEL) project that connects 18 countries; additional international service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems

Broadcast media:

TV coverage is provided by Ukraine's state-controlled nationwide broadcast channel (UT1) and a number of privately-owned television broadcast networks; Russian television broadcasts have a small audience nationwide, but larger audiences in the eastern and southern regions; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; Ukraine's radio broadcast market, a mix of independent and state-owned networks, is comprised of some 300 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ua

Internet hosts:

1.098 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Internet users:

7.77 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Transportation ::Ukraine

Airports:

425 (2010) country comparison to the world: 19

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 189
over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 51

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 97 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 236

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 214 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 33,327 km; oil 4,514 km; refined products 4,211 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 21,658 km country comparison to the world: 13 broad gauge: 21,658 km 1.524-m gauge (9,729 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 169,495 km country comparison to the world: 30 paved: 165,820 km (includes 15 km of expressways)

unpaved: 3,675 km (2009)

Waterways:

2,150 km (most on Dnieper River) (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Merchant marine:

total: 160 country comparison to the world: 41 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 123, chemical tanker 1, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 11, specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Iran 1)

registered in other countries: 197 (Belize 6, Cambodia 37, Comoros 10, Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 15, Liberia 16, Malta 30, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 12, Mongolia 1, Panama 11, Russia 12, Saint Kitts and Nevis 10, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Sierra Leone 5, Slovakia 7, Tuvalu 1, Vanuatu 3, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Feodosiya (Theodosia), Illichivsk, Mariupol', Mykolayiv, Odesa,
Yuzhnyy

Military ::Ukraine

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces
(Viyskovo-Povitryani Syly, VPS) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army and Air Force, 18 months for Navy (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,149,646
females age 16-49: 11,437,891 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,970,035
females age 16-49: 9,015,224 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 256,196
female: 244,473 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Transnational Issues ::Ukraine

Disputes - international:

1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Belarus remains un-ratified due to unresolved financial claims, stalling demarcation and reducing border security; delimitation of land boundary with Russia is complete with preparations for demarcation underway; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and ongoing expert-level discussions; Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria Region, which remains under OSCE supervision; the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to rejoin, in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary; Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the West; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin America, and Turkey to Europe and Russia; Ukraine has improved anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in February 2004; Ukraine's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@United Arab Emirates (Middle East)

Introduction ::United Arab Emirates

Background:

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region. For more than three decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy, however, in 2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE especially hard.

Geography ::United Arab Emirates

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 54 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 83,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 114 land: 83,600 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 867 km
border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

Coastline:

1,318 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Terrain:

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.77%
permanent crops: 2.27%
other: 96.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

760 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.2 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.3 cu km/yr (23%/9%/68%)

per capita: 511 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

Environment - current issues:

lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::United Arab Emirates

Population:

4,975,593 country comparison to the world: 114 note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of non-citizens than previous estimates (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.4% (male 500,928/female 478,388)

15-64 years: 78.7% (male 2,768,030/female 1,008,404)

65 years and over: 0.9% (male 27,601/female 15,140)

note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.2 years
male: 32.1 years
female: 24.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Birth rate:

15.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Death rate:

2.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Net migration rate:

21.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.75 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.8 male(s)/female
total population: 2.2 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 136 male: 14.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.32 years country comparison to the world: 70 male: 73.75 years
female: 79.01 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

Ethnic groups:

Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Religions:

Muslim 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 77.9%
male: 76.1%
female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 184

Government ::United Arab Emirates

Country name:

conventional long form: United Arab Emirates
conventional short form: none
local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
local short form: none
former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States
abbreviation: UAE

Government type:

federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Capital:

name: Abu Dhabi
geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn (Quwain)

Independence:

2 December 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

Constitution:

2 December 1971; made permanent in 1996

Legal system:

based on a dual system of sharia and civil courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

none

Executive branch:

chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009) and MANSUR bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for five-year terms (no term limits) from among the seven FSC members; election last held 3 November 2009 upon the death of the UAE's Founding Father and first President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president
election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan elected president by a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum unanimously affirmed vice president after the 2006 death of his brother Sheikh Maktum bin Rashid Al-Maktum

Legislative branch:

unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: elections for one half of the FNC (the other half remains appointed) held on 18-20 December 2006; the new electoral college - a body of 6,689 Emiratis (including 1,189 women) appointed by the rulers of the seven emirates - were the only eligible voters and candidates; 456 candidates including 65 women ran for 20 contested FNC seats; one female from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi won a seat and 8 women were among the 20 appointed members
note: the FNC reviews legislation but cannot change or veto

Judicial branch:

Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

none; political parties are not allowed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mani bin Said al-UTAYBA
chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400

FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard G. OLSON, Jr.

embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi
mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200

FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603
consulate(s) general: Dubai

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side; the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources (black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated into all flags of the emirates before their unification

National anthem:

name: "Nashid al-watani al-imarati" (National Anthem of the UAE)

lyrics/music: AREF Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
note: music adopted 1971, lyrics adopted 1996; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of Tunisia

Economy ::United Arab Emirates

Economy - overview:

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US, however, those talks have not moved forward. The country's Free Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors. The global financial crisis, tight international credit, and deflated asset prices slowed GDP growth in 2010. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector. The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency. The UAE Central Bank and Abu Dhabi-based banks bought the largest shares. In December 2009 Dubai received an additional $10 billion loan from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The economy is expected to continue a slow rebound. Dependence on oil, a large expatriate workforce, and growing inflation pressures are significant long-term challenges. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$199.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $194.7 billion (2009 est.)

$200.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$239.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 -2.7% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $40,600 (2009 est.)

$43,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 51.5%
services: 47.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.908 million country comparison to the world: 88 note: expatriates account for about 85% of the work force (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%
industry: 15%
services: 78% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.4% (2001) country comparison to the world: 20

Population below poverty line:

19.5% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Public debt:

44.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 48.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 1.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$68.76 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 39 $60.85 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$228.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $201.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$290 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $263.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$109.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 36 $97.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$224.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish

Industries:

petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - production:

71.54 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - consumption:

65.98 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.798 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - consumption:

435,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - exports:

2.7 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - imports:

192,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - proved reserves:

97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - production:

50.24 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - consumption:

59.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - exports:

7.567 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - imports:

16.75 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.071 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Current account balance:

$3.409 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $7.871 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$195.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $192.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.27%, South Korea 10.49%, India 9.96%, Iran 6.82%, Thailand 5.11% (2009)

Imports:

$159 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $150 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Imports - partners:

China 15.03%, India 14.27%, US 8.44%, Germany 5.81%, Japan 4.52% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$39.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $36.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$122.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $122.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$76.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $70.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$54.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $51.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar - 3.673 (2010), 3.673 (2009), 3.6725 (2008), 3.6725 (2007), 3.6725 (2006)

Communications ::United Arab Emirates

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.561 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.672 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai
domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable
international: country code - 971; linked to the international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

Broadcast media:

except for the many organizations now operating in Dubai's Media Free Zone, most television and radio stations remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007)

Internet country code:

.ae

Internet hosts:

379,309 (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Internet users:

3.449 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Transportation ::United Arab Emirates

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 103

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 25
over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 458 km; gas 2,152 km; liquid petroleum gas 220 km; oil 1,310 km; refined products 212 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 4,080 km country comparison to the world: 156 paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 57 country comparison to the world: 68 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 9, chemical tanker 7, container 7, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 24, roll on/roll off 4
foreign-owned: 13 (Greece 3, Kuwait 10)

registered in other countries: 278 (Bahamas 27, Belize 5, Cambodia 2, Comoros 11, Cyprus 5, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 5, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 1, Jordan 7, Liberia 27, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 17, Mexico 1, Netherlands 4, North Korea 6, Panama 83, Papua New Guinea 6, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 17, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 6, Sierra Leone 6, Singapore 10, Tanzania 1, Togo 1, UK 9, Vanuatu 1, unknown 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khawr Fakkan (Khor Fakkan),
Mubarraz Island, Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina' Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah),

Military ::United Arab Emirates

Military branches:

United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast Guard Directorate (BCGD) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service; 18 years of age for officers and women; no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,589,714 (includes non-nationals)

females age 16-49: 950,460 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,157,211
females age 16-49: 816,363 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,256
female: 24,305 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Transnational Issues ::United Arab Emirates

Disputes - international:

boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

Illicit drugs:

the UAE is a drug transshipment point for traffickers given its proximity to Southwest Asian drug-producing countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering controls improving, but informal banking remains unregulated
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@United Kingdom (Europe)

Introduction ::United Kingdom

Background:

The United Kingdom has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars and the Irish republic withdraw from the union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. The UK is also an active member of the EU, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999. The latter was suspended until May 2007 due to wrangling over the peace process, but devolution was fully completed in March 2010.

Geography ::United Kingdom

Location:

Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

54 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 243,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 79 land: 241,930 sq km
water: 1,680 sq km
note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km
border countries: Ireland 360 km

Coastline:

12,429 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in accordance with agreed upon boundaries

Climate:

temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: The Fens -4 m
highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

Natural resources:

coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 23.23%
permanent crops: 0.2%
other: 76.57% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

160.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.75 cu km/yr (22%/75%/3%)

per capita: 197 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

winter windstorms; floods

Environment - current issues:

continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met Kyoto Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and intends to meet the legally binding target and move toward a domestic goal of a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the government reduced the amount of industrial and commercial waste disposed of in landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and recycled or composted at least 25% of household waste, increasing to 33% by 2015

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental
Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal waters

People ::United Kingdom

Population:

62,348,447 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.7% (male 5,233,756/female 4,986,131)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 20,774,192/female 20,246,519)

65 years and over: 16.2% (male 4,259,654/female 5,612,953) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years
male: 38.6 years
female: 40.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Birth rate:

12.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Death rate:

9.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Net migration rate:

2.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Urbanization:

urban population: 90% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 191 male: 5.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.92 years country comparison to the world: 28 male: 77.84 years
female: 82.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

77,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Nationality:

noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

Ethnic groups:

white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh 4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

English
note: the following are recognized regional languages: Scots (about 30% of the population of Scotland), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish (about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some 2,000 to 3,000 in Cornwall)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 43

Government ::United Kingdom

Country name:

conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; note - Great Britain includes England, Scotland, and Wales
conventional short form: United Kingdom
abbreviation: UK

Government type:

constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: London
geographic coordinates: 51 30 N, 0 10 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its overseas dependencies or territories

Administrative divisions:

England: 27 two-tier counties, 32 London boroughs and 1 City of London or Greater London, 36 metropolitan districts, 56 unitary authorities (including 4 single-tier counties*)

two-tier counties: Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cumbria,
Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire,
Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire,
Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire,
Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk,
Surrey, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Worcestershire

London boroughs and City of London or Greater London: Barking and
Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing,
Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey,
Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and
Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London,
Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton,
Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster

metropolitan districts: Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford,
Bury, Calderdale, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Gateshead, Kirklees,
Knowlsey, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, North
Tyneside, Oldham, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sefton,
Sheffield, Solihull, South Tyneside, St. Helens, Stockport,
Sunderland, Tameside, Trafford, Wakefield, Walsall, Wigan, Wirral,
Wolverhampton

unitary authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, Blackburn with
Darwen, Bedford, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bracknell Forest, Brighton
and Hove, City of Bristol, Central Bedfordshire, Cheshire East,
Cheshire West and Chester, Cornwall, Darlington, Derby, Durham
County*, East Riding of Yorkshire, Halton, Hartlepool,
Herefordshire*, Isle of Wight*, Isles of Scilly*, City of Kingston
upon Hull, Leicester, Luton, Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes,
North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset,
Northumberland*, Nottingham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole,
Portsmouth, Reading, Redcar and Cleveland, Rutland, Shropshire,
Slough, South Gloucestershire, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea,
Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin,
Thurrock, Torbay, Warrington, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Windsor and
Maidenhead, Wokingham, York

Northern Ireland: 26 district council areas
district council areas: Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney,
Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine,
Cookstown, Craigavon, Derry, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne,
Limavady, Lisburn, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,
Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane

Scotland: 32 council areas
council areas: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and Bute,
Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire,
East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, City of
Edinburgh, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,
Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,
Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, The
Scottish Borders, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian

Wales: 22 unitary authorities
unitary authorities: Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff;
Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire;
Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port
Talbot; Newport; Pembrokeshire; Powys; Rhondda, Cynon, Taff;
Swansea; The Vale of Glamorgan; Torfaen; Wrexham

Dependent areas:

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin
Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

Independence:

12 April 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act establishes current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); notable earlier dates: 927 (minor English kingdoms united); 3 March 1284 (enactment of the Statute of Rhuddlan uniting England and Wales); 1536 (Act of Union formally incorporates England and Wales); 1 May 1707 (Acts of Union formally unite England and Scotland as Great Britain); 1 January 1801 (Acts of Union formally unite Great Britain and Ireland as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland); 6 December 1921 (Anglo-Irish Treaty formalizes partition of Ireland; six counties remain part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland)

National holiday:

the UK does not celebrate one particular national holiday

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

based on common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences; has nonbinding judicial review of Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14 November 1948)

head of government: Prime Minister David CAMERON (since 11 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of House of Lords (741 seats; consisting of approximately 625 life peers, 91 hereditary peers, and 25 clergy - as of 15 December 2010) and House of Commons (650 seats since 2010 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier)

elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain there; elections are held only as vacancies in the hereditary peerage arise); House of Commons - last held on 6 May 2010 (next to be held by June 2015)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Conservative 36.1%, Labor 29%, Liberal Democrats 23%, other 11.9%; seats by party - Conservative 305, Labor 258, Liberal Democrat 57, other 30
note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Assembly (because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of 1999 and has been suspended four times, the latest occurring in October 2002 and lasting until 8 May 2007); in 1999, the UK held the first elections for a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly, the most recent of which were held in May 2007

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of the UK (established in October 2009 taking over appellate jurisdiction formerly vested in the House of Lords); Senior Courts of England and Wales (comprising the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Justice, and the Crown Courts); Court of Judicature (Northern Ireland); Scotland's Court of Session and High Court of the Justiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative [David CAMERON]; Democratic Unionist Party or DUP
(Northern Ireland) [Peter ROBINSON]; Labor Party [Ed MILIBAND];
Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) [Nick CLEGG]; Party of Wales (Plaid
Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn JONES]; Scottish National Party or SNP [Alex
SALMOND]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland) [Gerry ADAMS]; Social
Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern Ireland) [Margaret
RICHIE]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Tom ELLIOTT]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of British Industry;
National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BIS, C, CBSS (observer), CDB, CE, CERN,
EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UN
Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Nigel E. SHEINWALD
chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Orlando

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis B. SUSMAN
embassy: 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE
mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040
telephone: [44] (0) 20 7499-9000

FAX: [44] (0) 20 7629-9124
consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

Flag description:

blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or provinces, and British overseas territories

National anthem:

name: "God Save the Queen"

lyrics/music: unknown
note: in use since 1745; by tradition, the song serves as both the national and royal anthem of the United Kingdom; it is known as either "God Save the Queen" or "God Save the King," depending on the gender of the reigning monarch; it also serves as the royal anthem of many Commonwealth nations

Economy ::United Kingdom

Economy - overview:

The UK, a leading trading power and financial center, is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance. After emerging from recession in 1992, Britain's economy enjoyed the longest period of expansion on record during which time growth outpaced most of Western Europe. In 2008, however, the global financial crisis hit the economy particularly hard, due to the importance of its financial sector. Sharply declining home prices, high consumer debt, and the global economic slowdown compounded Britain's economic problems, pushing the economy into recession in the latter half of 2008 and prompting the then BROWN government to implement a number of measures to stimulate the economy and stabilize the financial markets; these include nationalizing parts of the banking system, cutting taxes, suspending public sector borrowing rules, and moving forward public spending on capital projects. Facing burgeoning public deficits and debt levels, the CAMERON government in 2010 initiiated a five-year austerity program, which aims to lower London's budget deficit from over 11% of GDP in 2010 to nearly 1% by 2015. The Bank of England periodically coordinates interest rate moves with the European Central Bank, but Britain remains outside the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.189 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.154 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.268 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.259 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -5% (2009 est.)

-0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $34,800 (2009 est.)

$36,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 22.1%
services: 77.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

31.45 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 18.2%
services: 80.4% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 28.5% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34 (2005) country comparison to the world: 92 36.8 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Public debt:

76.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 68.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 2.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 136 0.86% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

0.63% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 4.63% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$88.62 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 33 $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.344 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $3.199 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.151 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 $4.436 trillion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.796 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 5 $1.852 trillion (31 December 2008)

$3.859 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, poultry; fish

Industries:

machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, other consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - production:

368.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - consumption:

345.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - exports:

1.272 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.502 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - consumption:

1.669 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - exports:

1.393 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - imports:

1.491 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - proved reserves:

3.084 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - production:

58.56 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - consumption:

87.45 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - exports:

12.17 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - imports:

41.06 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - proved reserves:

292 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Current account balance:

-$40.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 -$23.65 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$405.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $356.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 14.71%, Germany 11.06%, France 8%, Netherlands 7.79%, Ireland 6.89%, Belgium 4.65%, Spain 4% (2009)

Imports:

$546.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $483.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 12.87%, US 9.74%, China 8.88%, Netherlands 6.94%, France 6.64%, Belgium 4.86%, Norway 4.84%, Ireland 4.01%, Italy 3.99% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$66.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$8.981 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 3 $9.041 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.125 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.705 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.652 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

British pounds (GBP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

Communications ::United Kingdom

Telephones - main lines in use:

32.117 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80.375 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Telephone system:

general assessment: technologically advanced domestic and international system
domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optic systems
international: country code - 44; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat; at least 8 large international switching centers

Broadcast media:

public service broadcaster BBC is the largest broadcasting corporation in the world; BBC operates multiple TV networks with regional and local TV service; a mixed system of public and commercial TV broadcasters along with satellite and cable systems provide access to hundreds of TV stations throughout the world; BBC operates multiple national, regional, and local radio networks with multiple transmission sites; a large number of commercial radio stations as well as satellite radio services are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.uk

Internet hosts:

7.03 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 14

Internet users:

51.444 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Transportation ::United Kingdom

Airports:

505 (2010) country comparison to the world: 14

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 306
over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 32

1,524 to 2,437 m: 124

914 to 1,523 m: 77
under 914 m: 64 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 199
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 173 (2010)

Heliports:

11 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 43 km; gas 7,992 km; liquid petroleum gas 59 km; oil 699 km; refined products 4,417 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 16,454 km country comparison to the world: 17 broad gauge: 303 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland)

standard gauge: 16,151 km 1.435-m gauge (5,248 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 394,428 km country comparison to the world: 16 paved: 394,428 km (includes 3,519 km of expressways) (2009)

Waterways:

3,200 km (620 km used for commerce) (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Merchant marine:

total: 527 country comparison to the world: 22 by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 70, carrier 3, chemical tanker 71, container 190, liquefied gas 10, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 67, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 29, vehicle carrier 24
foreign-owned: 292 (US 11)

registered in other countries: 275 (Algeria 12, Antigua and Barbuda 2, Argentina 2, Australia 5, Bahamas 24, Barbados 7, Belgium 2, Belize 4, Bermuda 11, Cambodia 3, Cape Verde 2, Cayman Islands 2, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 4, Greece 27, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 27, Italy 2, Liberia 44, Libya 1, Luxembourg 5, Malta 16, Marshall Islands 9, Moldova 6, Nigeria 2, Panama 44, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 6, Thailand 6, Togo 3, Tonga 1, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dover, Felixstowe, Immingham, Liverpool, London, Southampton,
Teesport (England); Forth Ports, Hound Point (Scotland); Milford
Haven (Wales)

Military ::United Kingdom

Military branches:

Army, Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines), Royal Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-33 years of age (officers 17-28) for voluntary military service (with parental consent under 18); women serve in military services, but are excluded from ground combat positions and some naval postings; as of October 2009, women comprised 12.1% of officers and 9% of enlisted personnel in the regular forces; must be citizen of the UK, Commonwealth, or Republic of Ireland; reservists serve a minimum of 3 years, to age 45 or 55; 16 years of age for voluntary military service by Nepalese citizens in the Brigade of Gurkhas; 16-34 years of age for voluntary military service by Papua New Guinean citizens (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,732,445
females age 16-49: 14,118,320 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,113,310
females age 16-49: 11,604,784 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 386,492
female: 369,185 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Transnational Issues ::United Kingdom

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement between the UK and Spain; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the two countries; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants since their eviction in 1965; most Chagossians reside in Mauritius, and in 2001 were granted UK citizenship, where some have since resettled; in May 2006, the High Court of London reversed the UK Government's 2004 orders of council that banned habitation on the islands; UK rejects sovereignty talks requested by Argentina, which still claims the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory) overlaps Argentine claim and partially overlaps Chilean claim; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Illicit drugs:

producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and synthetic drugs; money-laundering center
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@United States (North America)

Introduction ::United States

Background:

Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most powerful nation state. Over a span of more than five decades, the economy has achieved steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology.

Geography ::United States

Location:

North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

38 00 N, 97 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,826,675 sq km country comparison to the world: 3 land: 9,161,966 sq km
water: 664,709 sq km
note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

Area - comparative:

about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the size of the European Union

Land boundaries:

total: 12,034 km
border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska), Mexico 3,141 km
note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28 km

Coastline:

19,924 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

Terrain:

vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Death Valley -86 m
highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m
note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than Mount Everest, which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea level

Natural resources:

coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
note: the US has the world's largest coal reserves with 491 billion short tons accounting for 27% of the world's total

Land use:

arable land: 18.01%
permanent crops: 0.21%
other: 81.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

223,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3,069 cu km (1985)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 477 cu km/yr (13%/46%/41%)

per capita: 1,600 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska, a major impediment to development
volcanism: the United States experiences volcanic activity in the Hawaiian Islands, Western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and in the Northern Mariana Islands; both Mauna Loa (elev. 4,170 m, 13,678 ft) in Hawaii and Mount Rainier (elev. 4,392 m, 14,409 ft) in Washington have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pavlof (elev. 2,519 m, 8,264 ft) is the most active volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Arc and poses a significant threat to air travel since the area constitutes a major flight path between North America and East Asia; St. Helens (elev. 2,549 m, 8,363 ft), famous for the devastating 1980 eruption, remains active today; numerous other historically active volcanoes exist, mostly concentrated in the Aleutian arc and Hawaii; they include: in Alaska: Aniakchak, Augustine, Chiginagak, Fourpeaked, Iliamna, Katmai, Kupreanof, Martin, Novarupta, Redoubt, Spurr, Wrangell; in Hawaii: Trident, Ugashik-Peulik, Ukinrek Maars, Veniaminof; in the Northern Mariana Islands: Anatahan; and in the Pacific Northwest: Mount Baker, Mount Hood

Environment - current issues:

air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point on the continent

People ::United States

Population:

310,232,863 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2% (male 31,639,127/female 30,305,704)

15-64 years: 67% (male 102,665,043/female 103,129,321)

65 years and over: 12.8% (male 16,901,232/female 22,571,696) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years
male: 35.5 years
female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.97% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Birth rate:

13.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Death rate:

8.38 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Net migration rate:

4.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 177 male: 6.81 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.24 years country comparison to the world: 49 male: 75.78 years
female: 80.81 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.2 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

22,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Nationality:

noun: American(s)

adjective: American

Ethnic groups:

white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)

note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total US population is Hispanic

Religions:

Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)

Languages:

English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and
Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)

note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 46

Government ::United States

Country name:

conventional long form: United States of America
conventional short form: United States
abbreviation: US or USA

Government type:

Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition

Capital:

name: Washington, DC
geographic coordinates: 38 53 N, 77 02 W
time difference: UTC-5 (during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
note: the 50 United States cover six time zones

Administrative divisions:

50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*,
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia,
Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Dependent areas:

American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,
Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Wake Island

note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a political relationship with all four political units: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994)

Independence:

4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Constitution:

17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Legal system:

federal court system based on English common law; each state has its own unique legal system of which all but one (Louisiana, which is still influenced by the Napoleonic Code) is based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held on 6 November 2012)

election results: Barack H. OBAMA elected president; percent of popular vote - Barack H. OBAMA 52.4%, John MCCAIN 46.3%, other 1.3%;

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats, 2 members elected from each state by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the House of Representatives (435 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 51, Republican Party 47, independent 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 192, Republican Party 243

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the president and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United States District Courts; State and County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Timothy KAINE]; Green Party; Libertarian Party
[William (Bill) REDPATH]; Republican Party [Reince PRIEBUS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

environmentalists; business groups; labor unions; churches; ethnic groups; political action committees or PAC; health groups; education groups; civic groups; youth groups; transportation groups; agricultural groups; veterans groups; women's groups; reform lobbies

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), ANZUS, APEC,
Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS,
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CERN (observer), CICA
(observer), CP, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI (observer),
SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL,
UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Flag description:

13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the blue stands for loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and friendship; red symbolizes courage, zeal, and fervency, while white denotes purity and rectitude of conduct; commonly referred to by its nickname of Old Glory
note: the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

National anthem:

name: "The Star-Spangled Banner"

lyrics/music: Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH
note: adopted 1931; during the War of 1812, after witnessing the successful American defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore following British naval bombardment, Francis Scott KEY wrote the lyrics to what would become the national anthem; the lyrics were set to the tune of "The Anacreontic Song;" only the first verse is sung

Economy ::United States

Economy - overview:

The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $47,400. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The war in March-April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq, and the subsequent occupation of Iraq, required major shifts in national resources to the military. Soaring oil prices between 2005 and the first half of 2008 threatened inflation and unemployment, as higher gasoline prices ate into consumers' budgets. Imported oil accounts for about 60% of US consumption. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $840 billion in 2008 before shrinking to $506 billion in 2009, and ramping back up to $630 billion in 2010. The global economic downturn, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, investment bank failures, falling home prices, and tight credit pushed the United States into a recession by mid-2008. GDP contracted until the third quarter of 2009, making this the deepest and longest downturn since the Great Depression. To help stabilize financial markets, the US Congress established a $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in October 2008. The government used some of these funds to purchase equity in US banks and other industrial corporations, much of which had been returned to the government by early 2011. In January 2009 the US Congress passed and President Barack OBAMA signed a bill providing an additional $787 billion fiscal stimulus to be used over 10 years - two-thirds on additional spending and one-third on tax cuts - to create jobs and to help the economy recover. Approximately two-thirds of these funds were injected into the economy by the end of 2010. In March 2010, President OBAMA signed a health insurance reform bill into law that will extend coverage to an additional 32 million American citizens by 2016, through private health insurance for the general population and Medicaid for the impoverished. In July 2010, the president signed the DODD-FRANK Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a bill designed to promote financial stability by protecting consumers from financial abuses, ending taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, dealing with troubled banks that are "too big to fail," and improving accountability and transparency in the financial system - in particular, by requiring certain financial derivatives to be traded in markets that are subject to government regulation and oversight. In late 2010, the US Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) announced that it would purchase $600 billion worth of US Government bonds by June 2011, in an attempt to keep interest rates from rising and snuffing out the nascent recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.72 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $14.33 trillion (2009 est.)

$14.72 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.62 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 -2.6% (2009 est.)

0% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$47,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $46,700 (2009 est.)

$48,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 22.2%
services: 76.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

153.9 million country comparison to the world: 4 note: includes unemployed (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7%
manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3%
managerial, professional, and technical: 37.2%
sales and office: 24%
other services: 17.7%
note: figures exclude the unemployed (2009)

Unemployment rate:

9.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 9.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 30% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45 (2007) country comparison to the world: 42 40.8 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Public debt:

58.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 53.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

note: data cover only what the United States Treasury denotes as "Debt Held by the Public," which includes all debt instruments issued by the Treasury that are owned by non-US Government entities; the data include Treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by individual US states, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of Treasury borrowings from surpluses in the trusts for Federal Social Security, Federal Employees, Hospital Insurance (Medicare and Medicaid), Disability and Unemployment, and several other smaller trusts; if data for intra-government debt were added, "Gross Debt" would increase by about 30% of GDP

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 137 0.86% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 5.09% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.74 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 5 $1.722 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.39 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 $12.46 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$32.61 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $31.53 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$15.08 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 1 $11.74 trillion (31 December 2008)

$19.95 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products

Industries:

highly diversified, world leading, high-technology innovator, second largest industrial output in world; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - production:

4.11 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - consumption:

3.873 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - exports:

24.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

57.02 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9.056 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - consumption:

18.69 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - exports:

1.704 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - imports:

11.31 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - proved reserves:

19.12 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - production:

593.4 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - consumption:

646.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - exports:

30.35 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - imports:

106.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.928 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Current account balance:

-$561 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 -$378.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.27 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.069 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%, industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods (transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers, telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles, medicines) 15.0%

Exports - partners:

Canada 19.37%, Mexico 12.21%, China 6.58%, Japan 4.84%, UK 4.33%,
Germany 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$1.903 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $1.575 trillion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products 4.9%, industrial supplies 32.9% (crude oil 8.2%), capital goods 30.4% (computers, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power machinery), consumer goods 31.8% (automobiles, clothing, medicines, furniture, toys)

Imports - partners:

China 19.3%, Canada 14.24%, Mexico 11.12%, Japan 6.14%, Germany 4.53% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$130.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.98 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 1 $13.75 trillion (31 December 2008)

note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the world's reserve currency

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.581 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $2.41 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$3.597 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $3.367 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

British pounds per US dollar: 1 (2010), 0.6504 (2010), 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

Canadian dollars per US dollar: 1.0346 (2010), 1.1548 (2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Chinese yuan per US dollar: 6.7852 (2010), 6.8249 (2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

euros per US dollar: 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Japanese yen per US dollar: 88.67 (2010), 94.5 (2009), 103.58 (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Communications ::United States

Telephones - main lines in use:

141 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Telephones - mobile cellular:

286 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Telephone system:

general assessment: a large, technologically advanced, multipurpose communications system
domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile telephone traffic throughout the country
international: country code - 1; multiple ocean cable systems provide international connectivity; satellite earth stations - 61 Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and Atlantic Ocean regions) (2000)

Broadcast media:

4 major terrestrial television networks with affiliate stations throughout the country, plus cable and satellite networks, independent stations, and a limited public broadcasting sector that is largely supported by private grants; overall, thousands of TV stations broadcasting; multiple national radio networks with large numbers of affiliate stations; while most stations are commercial, National Public Radio (NPR) has a network of some 600 member stations; satellite radio available; overall, nearly 15,000 radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.us

Internet hosts:

439 million (2010); note - the US Internet total host count includes the following top level domain host addresses: .us, .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .net, and .org country comparison to the world: 1

Internet users:

245 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Transportation ::United States

Airports:

15,079 (2010) country comparison to the world: 1

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5,194
over 3,047 m: 189

2,438 to 3,047 m: 235

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,479

914 to 1,523 m: 2,316
under 914 m: 975 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9,885

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 155

914 to 1,523 m: 1,752
under 914 m: 7,971 (2010)

Heliports:

126 (2010)

Pipelines:

petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 226,427 km country comparison to the world: 1 standard gauge: 226,427 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 6,506,204 km country comparison to the world: 1 paved: 4,374,784 km (includes 75,238 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,131,420 km (2008)

Waterways:

41,009 km (19,312 km used for commerce) country comparison to the world: 4 note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with Canada (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 418 country comparison to the world: 26 by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 58, cargo 58, carrier 3, chemical tanker 30, container 87, passenger 18, passenger/cargo 56, petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 27, vehicle carrier 27
foreign-owned: 86 (Australia 1, Bermuda 5, Canada 1, Denmark 34, France 4, Germany 3, Malaysia 2, Norway 10, Singapore 17, Sweden 5, UK 4)

registered in other countries: 734 (Antigua and Barbuda 6, Australia 2, Bahamas 100, Belgium 2, Bermuda 25, Cambodia 4, Canada 9, Cayman Islands 54, Comoros 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 1, Greece 7, Hong Kong 31, Indonesia 2, Ireland 2, Isle of Man 2, Italy 21, Liberia 39, Luxembourg 3, Malta 35, Marshall Islands 168, Netherlands 15, Norway 9, Panama 102, Portugal 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 33, South Korea 8, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi, Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Plaquemines, Tampa, Texas City
container ports (TEUs): Los Angeles (7,849,985), Long Beach (6,350,125), New York/New Jersey (5,265,058), Savannah (2,616,126), Oakland (2,236,244), Hampton Roads (2,083,278) (2008)

cruise departure ports (passengers): Miami (2,032,000), Port Everglades (1,277,000), Port Canaveral (1,189,000), Seattle (430,000), Long Beach (415,000) (2009)

Military ::United States

Military branches:

United States Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy (includes Marine Corps), US Air Force, US Coast Guard; note - Coast Guard administered in peacetime by the Department of Homeland Security, but in wartime reports to the Department of the Navy (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; maximum enlistment age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 73,145,586
females age 16-49: 71,880,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 60,388,734
females age 16-49: 59,217,809 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,174,260
female: 2,065,595 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.06% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Transnational Issues ::United States

Disputes - international:

the U.S. has intensified domestic security measures and is collaborating closely with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico, to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities across the international borders; abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; 1990 Maritime Boundary Agreement in the Bering Sea still awaits Russian Duma ratification; managed maritime boundary disputes with Canada at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; The Bahamas and US have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary; US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other states; Marshall Islands claims Wake Island; Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island among the islands listed in its 2006 draft constitution

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): the US admitted 62,643 refugees during FY04/05 including; 10,586 (Somalia); 8,549 (Laos); 6,666 (Russia); 6,479 (Cuba); 3,100 (Haiti); 2,136 (Iran) (2006)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest consumer of cocaine (shipped from Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean), Colombian heroin, and Mexican heroin and marijuana; major consumer of ecstasy and Mexican methamphetamine; minor consumer of high-quality Southeast Asian heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering center
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Background:

All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere.

Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force.

Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a US NWR.

Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony.

Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated as a NWR in January 2001.

Geography ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Location:

Oceania

Baker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,830 nm (3,389 km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 1,815 nm (3,361 km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 1,305 nm (2,417 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Cook Islands

Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 nm (1,328 km) southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands

Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 930 nm (1,722 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,260 nm (2,334 km) northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo

Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 960 nm (1,778 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Geographic coordinates:

Baker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W

Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W

Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W

Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W

Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W

Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W

Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total - 6,959.41 sq km; emergent land - 22.41 sq km; submerged - 6,937 sq km country comparison to the world: 238 Baker Island: total - 129.1 sq km; emergent land - 2.1 sq km; submerged - 127 sq km

Howland Island: total - 138.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 136 sq km

Jarvis Island: total - 152 sq km; emergent land - 5 sq km; submerged - 147 sq km

Johnston Atoll: total - 276.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 274 sq km

Kingman Reef: total - 1,958.01 sq km; emergent land - 0.01 sq km; submerged - 1,958 sq km

Midway Islands: total - 2,355.2 sq km; emergent land - 6.2 sq km; submerged - 2,349 sq km

Palmyra Atoll: total - 1,949.9 sq km; emergent land - 3.9 sq km; submerged - 1,946 sq km

Area - comparative:

Baker Island: about two and a half times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Howland Island: about three times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Johnston Atoll: about four and a half times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Kingman Reef: a little more than one and a half times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC

Midway Islands: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

none

Coastline:

Baker Island: 4.8 km

Howland Island: 6.4 km

Jarvis Island: 8 km

Johnston Atoll: 34 km

Kingman Reef: 3 km

Midway Islands: 15 km

Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation

Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by prevailing easterly winds; most of the 1,067 mm (42 in) of annual rainfall occurs during the winter

Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between 4,000-5,000 mm (160-200 in) of rainfall each year

Terrain:

low and nearly level sandy coral islands with narrow fringing reefs that have developed at the top of submerged volcanic mountains, which in most cases rise steeply from the ocean floor

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Baker Island, unnamed location - 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location - 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location - 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island - 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location - less than 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location - 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location - 3 m

Natural resources:

terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2008)

Natural hazards:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard

Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NA

Environment - current issues:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Johnston Atoll: no natural fresh water resources

Kingman Reef: none

Midway Islands and Palmyra Atoll: NA

Geography - note:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; closed to the public

Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public

Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public

Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a NWR and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife observation and photography

Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach forest

People ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service

Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all US government personnel had left the island

Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the atoll

Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife staff, and researchers

Government ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Palmyra Atoll

Dependency status:

unincorporated territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system
note on Palmyra Atoll: incorporated Territory of the US; partly privately owned and partly federally owned; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm territorial sea or within the lagoon

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territories of the US)

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Airports:

Baker Island: one abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and unusable

Howland Island: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable

Johnston Atoll: one closed and not maintained

Kingman Reef: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938

Midway Islands: 3 - one operational (2,409 m paved); no fuel for sale except emergencies

Palmyra Atoll: 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef: none; offshore anchorage only

Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island

Midway Islands: Sand Island

Palmyra Atoll: West Lagoon

Military ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Uruguay (South America)

Introduction ::Uruguay

Background:

Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and Blanco parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.

Geography ::Uruguay

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Argentina and Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 176,215 sq km country comparison to the world: 90 land: 175,015 sq km
water: 1,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Land boundaries:

total: 1,648 km
border countries: Argentina 580 km, Brazil 1,068 km

Coastline:

660 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Climate:

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Terrain:

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Natural resources:

arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

Land use:

arable land: 7.77%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 91.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,100 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

139 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.15 cu km/yr (2%/1%/96%)

per capita: 910 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-smallest South American country (after Suriname); most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

People ::Uruguay

Population:

3,510,386 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.4% (male 397,942/female 385,253)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 1,115,963/female 1,129,478)

65 years and over: 13.3% (male 187,176/female 278,570) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.7 years
male: 32.3 years
female: 35.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.447% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Birth rate:

13.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Death rate:

9.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Net migration rate:

-0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.037 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 149 male: 12.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.55 years country comparison to the world: 69 male: 73.3 years
female: 79.92 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Nationality:

noun: Uruguayan(s)

adjective: Uruguayan

Ethnic groups:

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%, other 1.1% (2006)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 97.6%
female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 154

Government ::Uruguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
conventional short form: Uruguay
local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay
local short form: Uruguay
former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Montevideo
geographic coordinates: 34 53 S, 56 11 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in March

Administrative divisions:

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas,
Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,
Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,
Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Independence:

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Constitution:

27 November 1966; effective 15 February 1967; suspended 27 June 1973; revised 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with parliamentary approval (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Jose "Pepe" MUJICA elected president; percent of vote - Jose "Pepe" MUJICA 54.8%, Luis Alberto LACALLE 45.2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; vice president has one vote in the Senate) and Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 16, Blanco 9, Colorado Party 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 50, Blanco 30, Colorado Party 17, Independent Party 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Broad Front (Frente Amplio) - formerly known as the Progressive
Encounter/Broad Front Coalition or EP-FA [Jorge BROVETTO] (a broad
governing coalition that includes Movement of the Popular
Participation or MPP, New Space Party (Nuevo Espacio) [Rafael
MICHELINI], Progressive Alliance (Alianza Progresista) [Rodolfo NIN
NOVOA], Socialist Party [Eduardo FERNANDEZ and Reinaldo GARGANO],
Communist Party [Eduardo LORIER], Uruguayan Assembly (Asamblea
Uruguay) [Danilo ASTORI], and Vertiente Artiguista [Mariano ARANA]);
Colorado Party (Foro Batllista) [Pedro BORDABERRY and Julio Maria
SANGUINETTI]; National Party or Blanco [Luis Alberto LACALLE and
Jorge LARRANAGA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Architect's Society of Uruguay (professional organization); Chamber of Uruguayan Industries (manufacturer's association); Chemist and Pharmaceutical Association (professional organization); PIT/CNT (powerful federation of Uruguayan Unions - umbrella labor organization); Rural Association of Uruguay (rancher's association); Uruguayan Construction League; Uruguayan Network of Political Women
other: Catholic Church; students

International organization participation:

CAN (associate), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH,
MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois
chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316

FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
consulate(s): San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David NELSON
embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200
mailing address: APO AA 34035
telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777

FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May with 16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy; the stripes represent the nine original departments of Uruguay; the sun symbol evokes the legend of the sun breaking through the clouds on 25 May 1810 as independence was first declared from Spain (Uruguay subsequently won its independence from Brazil)

note: the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina and by the design of the US flag

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem of Uruguay)

lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Francisco Jose DEBALI
note: adopted 1848; the anthem is also known as "Orientales, la Patria o la tumba!" ("Uruguayans, the Fatherland or Death!"); it is the world's longest national anthem in terms of music (105 bars; almost five minutes); generally only the first verse and chorus are sung

Economy ::Uruguay

Economy - overview:

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn, stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. In 2001-02, Argentine citizens made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in Uruguayan banks after bank deposits in Argentina were frozen, which led to a plunge in the Uruguayan peso, a banking crisis, and a sharp economic contraction. Real GDP fell in four years by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year. The unemployment rate rose, inflation surged, and the burden of external debt doubled. Financial assistance from the IMF helped stem the damage. Uruguay restructured its external debt in 2003 without asking creditors to accept a reduction on the principal. Economic growth for Uruguay resumed, and averaged 8% annually during the period 2004-08. The 2008-09 global financial crisis put a brake on Uruguay's vigorous growth, which decelerated to 2.9% in 2009. Nevertheless, the country managed to avoid a recession and keep positive growth rates, mainly through higher public expenditure and investment, and GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$47.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $44.63 billion (2009 est.)

$43.38 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$40.71 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 2.9% (2009 est.)

8.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $12,800 (2009 est.)

$12,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.3%
industry: 22.8%
services: 67.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.637 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 9%
industry: 15%
services: 76% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

27.4% of households (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 34.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.2 (2006) country comparison to the world: 41 44.8 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Public debt:

52.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 60% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 7.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

20% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 20% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 12.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.706 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 103 $2.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$14.22 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 91 $11.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.888 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 111 $159 million (31 December 2007)

$125.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

rice, wheat, soybeans, barley; livestock, beef; fish; forestry

Industries:

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

16.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - production:

9.265 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - consumption:

7.14 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - exports:

996 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

789 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

997 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - consumption:

40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - exports:

7,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - imports:

52,730 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - consumption:

70 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - imports:

70 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Current account balance:

-$377 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $258.8 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.413 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $6.389 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

meat, rice, leather products, wool, fish, dairy products

Exports - partners:

Brazil 21.05%, China 9.45%, Argentina 7.36%, Germany 5.16%, Mexico 4.88%, Netherlands 4.13%, US 3.96% (2009)

Imports:

$8.519 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $6.664 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, chemicals, road vehicles, paper, plastics

Imports - partners:

Argentina 20.77%, Brazil 17.53%, China 10.23%, US 9.82%, Paraguay 6.87% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.407 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $8.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $13.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$4.19 billion (2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$156 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Exchange rates:

Uruguayan pesos (UYU) per US dollar - 20.276 (2010), 22.568 (2009), 20.936 (2008), 23.947 (2007), 24.048 (2006)

Communications ::Uruguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

953,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.802 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully digitalized
domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 135 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

mixture of privately-owned and state-run broadcast media; more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 television channels broadcasting; cable TV is available; large number of community radio and TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.uy

Internet hosts:

765,525 (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Internet users:

1.405 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Transportation ::Uruguay

Airports:

58 (2010) country comparison to the world: 82

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 49

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 20
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 226 km; oil 155 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,641 km (1,200 km operational) country comparison to the world: 79 standard gauge: 1,641 km 1.435-m gauge (2010)

Roadways:

total: 77,732 km country comparison to the world: 63 paved: 7,743 km
unpaved: 69,989 km (2010)

Waterways:

1,600 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Merchant marine:

total: 18 country comparison to the world: 101 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 9 (Argentina 2, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5)

registered in other countries: 1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Montevideo

Military ::Uruguay

Military branches:

Uruguayan Armed Forces: Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito Nacional
Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional del
Uruguay; includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de
Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime),
Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; up to 40 years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies; minimum 6-year education (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 849,358
females age 16-49: 832,774 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 713,223
females age 16-49: 697,197 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,631
female: 26,703 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 95

Transnational Issues ::Uruguay

Disputes - international:

in Jan 2007, ICJ provisionally ruled Uruguay may begin construction of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina, while the court examines further whether Argentina has the legal right to stop such construction with potential environmental implications to both countries; two uncontested boundary disputes with Brazil over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and, in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River region, over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River

Illicit drugs:

small-scale transit country for drugs mainly bound for Europe, often through sea-borne containers; law enforcement corruption; money laundering because of strict banking secrecy laws; weak border control along Brazilian frontier; increasing consumption of cocaine base and synthetic drugs
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Uzbekistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Uzbekistan

Background:

Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Boshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic established in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.

Geography ::Uzbekistan

Location:

Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 64 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 447,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 56 land: 425,400 sq km
water: 22,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,221 km
border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Maritime claims:

none (doubly landlocked)

Climate:

mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east

Terrain:

mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m
highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Land use:

arable land: 10.51%
permanent crops: 0.76%
other: 88.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

42,810 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

72.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 58.34 cu km/yr (5%/2%/93%)

per capita: 2,194 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural chemicals, including DDT

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world

People ::Uzbekistan

Population:

27,865,738 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 3,970,386/female 3,787,371)

15-64 years: 67% (male 9,191,439/female 9,309,791)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 576,191/female 770,829) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.2 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.938% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Birth rate:

17.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Death rate:

5.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Net migration rate:

-2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 91 male: 26.81 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.24 years country comparison to the world: 124 male: 69.22 years
female: 75.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Nationality:

noun: Uzbekistani
adjective: Uzbekistani

Ethnic groups:

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages:

Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.3%
male: 99.6%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

9.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 7

Government ::Uzbekistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan
conventional short form: Uzbekistan
local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi
local short form: Ozbekiston
former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch

Capital:

name: Tashkent (Toshkent)

geographic coordinates: 41 20 N, 69 18 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1 autonomous
republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon Viloyati,
Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan
Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),
Qoraqalpog'iston Respublikasi [Karakalpakstan Republic]* (Nukus),
Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo
Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri [Tashkent City]**, Toshkent
Viloyati [Tashkent province], Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 8 December 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March 1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet; elected president of independent Uzbekistan in 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 11 December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam AZIMOV (since 2 January 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the Supreme Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term, extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held on 23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister, ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president
election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote - Islom KARIMOV 88.1%, Asliddin RUSTAMOV 3.2%, Dilorom T0SHMUHAMEDOVA 2.9%, Akmal SAIDOV 2.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an upper house or Senate (100 seats; 84 members elected by regional governing councils and 16 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms) and a lower house or Legislative Chamber (150 seats; 135 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, while 15 spots reserved for the new Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan)

elections: last held on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDPU 53, NDP 32, National Rebirth Party 31, Adolat 19
note: all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President KARIMOV

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Ismoil SAIFNAZAROV];
Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan [Boriy ALIXONOV, chairman];
Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan or LDPU [Muhammadjon
AHMADJONOV]; National Rebirth Party (Milliy Tiklanish) [Ahtam
TURSUNOV]; People's Democratic Party or NDP (formerly Communist
Party) [Latif GULOMOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

there are no significant opposition political parties or pressure groups operating in Uzbekistan

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ilxamdjan NEMATOV
chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 887-5300

FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND
embassy: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent 100093
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450

FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon (closed side to the hoist) and 12 white stars shifted to the hoist on the top band; blue is the color of the Turkic peoples and of the sky, white signifies peace and the striving for purity in thoughts and deeds, while green represents nature and is the color of Islam; the red stripes are the vital force of all living organisms that links good and pure ideas with the eternal sky and with deeds on earth; the crescent represents Islam and the 12 stars the months and constellations of the Uzbek calendar

National anthem:

name: "O'zbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi" (National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan)

lyrics/music: Abdulla ARIPOV/Mutal BURHANOV
note: adopted 1992; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan kept the music of the anthem from its time as a Soviet Republic but adopted new lyrics

Economy ::Uzbekistan

Economy - overview:

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country; 11% of the land is intensely cultivated, in irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of the population lives in densely populated rural communities. Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum, provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it has come under increasing international criticism for the use of child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan enjoyed a bumper cotton crop in 2010 amidst record high prices. Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the IMF, providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. However, decreased demand for natural gas in Europe and Russia in the wake of the global financial crisis could reduce energy-related revenues in the near term. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps to rejoin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in 2008, both organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets, but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09. Instead, the Uzbek Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international corporations, offering attractive financing and tax advantages, and has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry. Although growth slowed in 2009-10, Uzbekistan has seen few other effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its relative isolation from the global financial markets.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$86.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $79.55 billion (2009 est.)

$73.59 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$37.72 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 8.1% (2009 est.)

9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$2,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 32.3%
services: 46.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

16 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 44%
industry: 20%
services: 36% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 1.1% (2009 est.)

note: officially measured by the Ministry of Labor, plus another 20% underemployed

Population below poverty line:

26% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (2003) country comparison to the world: 80 44.7 (1998)

Public debt:

9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 9.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220 14.1% (2009 est.)

note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer prices, inflation reached 38% in 2008

Stock of narrow money:

$4.895 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 90 $3.829 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.197 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $5.648 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$6.482 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $5.484 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$715.3 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - production:

44.8 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - consumption:

40.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - exports:

11.52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.44 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

70,910 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - consumption:

145,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - exports:

6,104 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - imports:

35,810 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - proved reserves:

594 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - production:

67.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - consumption:

52.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - exports:

15 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.841 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Current account balance:

$5.588 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$13.13 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $10.74 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

energy products, cotton, gold, mineral fertilizers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, textiles, food products, machinery, automobiles

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 29.91%, Russia 13.94%, Turkey 7.53%, Kazakhstan 7.26%,
Bangladesh 6.83%, China 5.69%, South Korea 4.19% (2009)

Imports:

$9.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $9.023 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 23.72%, China 20.36%, South Korea 13.03%, Germany 6.09%,
Ukraine 5.39%, Kazakhstan 4.68% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.236 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.053 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Uzbekistani soum (UZS) per US dollar - 1,588.1 (2010), 1,466.7 (2009), 1,317 (2008), 1,263.8 (2007), 1,219.8 (2006)

Communications ::Uzbekistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.857 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16.418 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital exchanges in large cities but still antiquated and inadequate in rural areas
domestic: the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbektelecom, owner of the fixed line telecommunications system, has used loans from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to upgrade fixed-line services including conversion to digital exchanges; mobile-cellular services are growing rapidly, with the subscriber base exceeding 16 million in 2009
international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; after the completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan plans to establish a fiber-optic connection to Afghanistan (2009)

Broadcast media:

government controls media; 8 state-owned broadcasters - 4 TV and 4 radio - provide service to virtually the entire country; about 20 privately-owned TV stations, overseen by local officials, broadcast to local markets; privately-owned TV stations are required to lease transmitters from the government-owned Republic TV and Radio Industry Corporation and are prohibited from broadcasting live; about 15 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming content includes news updates, music, call-in talk shows, and other entertainment in a half-Russian, half-Uzbek format mandated for private radio (2007)

Internet country code:

.uz

Internet hosts:

47,718 (2010) country comparison to the world: 89

Internet users:

4.689 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Transportation ::Uzbekistan

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 33
over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 9,706 km; oil 868 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,645 km country comparison to the world: 47 broad gauge: 3,645 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 86,496 km country comparison to the world: 56 paved: 75,511 km
unpaved: 10,985 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,100 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Ports and terminals:

Termiz (Amu Darya)

Military ::Uzbekistan

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year conscript service obligation; moving toward a professional military, but conscription will continue; the military cannot accommodate everyone who wishes to enlist, and competition for entrance into the military is similar to the competition for admission to universities (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,776,645
females age 16-49: 7,783,901 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,456,675
females age 16-49: 6,658,475 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 306,743
female: 299,264 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Transnational Issues ::Uzbekistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of border with Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan); 1,060 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages near Tajikistan border) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not amend its criminal code to increase penalties for convicted traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on minimum age of employment and on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the government also demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive anti-trafficking law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan
page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Vanuatu (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Vanuatu

Background:

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Geography ::Vanuatu

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12,189 sq km country comparison to the world: 163 land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,528 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Terrain:

mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Natural resources:

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 6.97%
other: 91.39% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m, 1,184 ft), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

Environment - current issues:

most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

People ::Vanuatu

Population:

221,552 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 34,263/female 32,833)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 72,670/female 69,970)

65 years and over: 4% (male 4,516/female 4,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.6 years
male: 24.5 years
female: 24.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.359% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Birth rate:

21.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 102

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 48.17 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 54 male: 50.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.33 years country comparison to the world: 169 male: 62.7 years
female: 66.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Ethnic groups:

Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Religions:

Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Languages:

local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French (official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74%
male: NA
female: NA (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

6.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 24

Government ::Vanuatu

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu
conventional short form: Vanuatu
local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
local short form: Vanuatu
former: New Hebrides

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Port-Vila (on Efate)

geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Independence:

30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Constitution:

30 July 1980

Legal system:

unified system being created from former dual French and British systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 2 December 2010); note - Edward NATAPEI loses office in a no confidence vote on 2 December 2010
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 22 September 2008 (next to be held following general elections in 2012)

election results: Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid
note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum Movement or
JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE];
Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or NA [Paul
TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]; People's Action
Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato
KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA]; Union of Moderate
Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP
[Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or VFFP [Eta RORI];
Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU]; Vanuatu National Party
or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican Farmers Party or VPRFP
[Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF,
OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have a
Permanent Mission to the UN

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern fronds represent peace

National anthem:

name: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)

lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV
note: adopted 1980, the anthem is written in Bislama, a Creole language that mixes Pidgin English and French

Economy ::Vanuatu

Economy - overview:

This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.216 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1.168 billion (2009 est.)

$1.126 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$721 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 3.8% (2009 est.)

6.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $5,300 (2009 est.)

$5,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26%
industry: 12%
services: 62% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

115,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 181

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 65%
industry: 5%
services: 30% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.7% (1999) country comparison to the world: 9

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 77 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 5.29% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$229.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 171 $177.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$614.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 169 $531.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$274 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $229.5 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish

Industries:

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Electricity - production:

42 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - consumption:

39.06 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - imports:

654 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Current account balance:

-$60 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Exports:

$40 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 200

Exports - commodities:

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Exports - partners:

Thailand 53.15%, Japan 12.22%, Poland 11.78% (2009)

Imports:

$156 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 203

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Imports - partners:

Japan 17.3%, Australia 13.46%, China 12.26%, Singapore 12%, NZ 6.88%, Poland 6.61%, France 5.86%, Fiji 5.52% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$40.54 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 133

Debt - external:

$81.2 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 181

Exchange rates:

vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 97.93 (2009), NA (2007), 111.93 (2006), NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003)

Communications ::Vanuatu

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephones - mobile cellular:

126,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned television station; multi-channel pay TV is available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple international broadcasters is accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.vu

Internet hosts:

1,347 (2010) country comparison to the world: 164

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Transportation ::Vanuatu

Airports:

31 (2010) country comparison to the world: 114

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,070 km country comparison to the world: 183 paved: 256 km
unpaved: 814 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

total: 72 country comparison to the world: 60 by type: bulk carrier 35, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 26, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan 44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Military ::Vanuatu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 61,178 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 42,450
females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,346
female: 2,249 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Vanuatu

Disputes - international:

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Venezuela (South America)

Introduction ::Venezuela

Background:

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Geography ::Venezuela

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 66 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 912,050 sq km country comparison to the world: 33 land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,993 km
border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Coastline:

2,800 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 15 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Pico Bolivar 5,007 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Land use:

arable land: 2.85%
permanent crops: 0.88%
other: 96.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,233.2 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.37 cu km/yr (6%/7%/47%)

per capita: 313 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed but not ratified:: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

on major sea and air routes linking North and South America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall

People ::Venezuela

Population:

27,223,228 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.5% (male 4,157,194/female 4,022,595)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 8,480,872/female 8,754,620)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 620,657/female 778,905) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years
male: 25.1 years
female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.515% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Birth rate:

20.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Death rate:

5.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.07 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 96 male: 24.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.77 years country comparison to the world: 109 male: 70.69 years
female: 77 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.45 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7%; note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (1999 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93%
male: 93.3%
female: 92.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 122

Government ::Venezuela

Country name:

conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
conventional short form: Venezuela
local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela
local short form: Venezuela

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Caracas
geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W
time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales (Federal Dependencies)**, Distrito Capital (Capital District)*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia
note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Independence:

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Constitution:

30 December 1999

Legal system:

open, adversarial court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for unlimited reelection); election last held on 3 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)

note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of this constitution; in 2009, a national referendum approved the elimination of term limits on all elected officials, including the presidency
election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 62.9%, Manuel ROSALES 36.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)

elections: last held on 26 September 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - pro-government 48.9%, opposition coalition 47.9%, other 3.2%; seats by party - pro-government 98, opposition 65, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (32 magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single 12-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

A New Time or UNT [Omar BARBOZA]; Brave People's Alliance or ABP
[Oscar PEREZ]; Christian Democrats or COPEI [Luis Ignacio PLANAS];
Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV [Oscar FIGUERA]; Democratic
Action or AD [Henry RAMOS Allup]; Fatherland for All or PPT [Jose
ALBORNOZ]; For Social Democracy or PODEMOS [Ramon MARTINEZ]; Justice
First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Felipe
MUJICA]; United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV [Hugo CHAVEZ];
Venezuela Project or PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS
(observer), Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
OPEC, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ Herrera
chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1080
mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037
telephone: [58] (212) 975-6411, 907-8400 (after hours)

FAX: [58] (212) 907-8199

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of eight white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band; the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; yellow is interpreted as standing for the riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for the blood shed in attaining independence; the seven stars on the original flag represented the seven provinces in Venezuela that united in the war of independence; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ ordered an eighth star added to the star arc - a decision that sparked much controversy

National anthem:

name: "Gloria al bravo pueblo" (Glory to the Brave Nation)

lyrics/music: Vicente SALIAS/Juan Jose LANDAETA
note: adopted 1881; the lyrics were written in 1810, the music some years later; both SALIAS and LANDAETA were executed in 1814 during Venezuela's struggle for independence

Economy ::Venezuela

Economy - overview:

Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 95% of export earnings, about 55% of the federal budget revenues, and around 30% of GDP. A nationwide strike between December 2002 and February 2003 had far-reaching economic consequences - real GDP declined by around 9% in 2002 and 8% in 2003 - but economic output since then has recovered strongly. Fueled by high oil prices, record government spending helped to boost GDP by about 10% in 2006, 8% in 2007, and nearly 5% in 2008, before a sharp drop in oil prices caused a contraction in 2009-10. This spending, combined with recent minimum wage hikes and improved access to domestic credit, has created a consumption boom but has come at the cost of higher inflation - roughly 32% in 2008, and slowing only slightly to 30% in 2010, despite the lengthy downturn. Imports also jumped significantly before the recession of 2009. President Hugo CHAVEZ's continued efforts to increase the government's control of the economy by nationalizing firms in the agribusiness, financial, construction, oil, and steel sectors have hurt the private investment environment, reduced productive capacity, and slowed non-petroleum exports. In the first half of 2010 Venezuela faced the prospect of lengthy nationwide blackouts when its main hydroelectric power plant - which provides more than 35% of the country's electricity - nearly shut down. In January, 2010, CHAVEZ announced a dual exchange rate system for the bolivar and closed the unofficial foreign exchange market - the "parallel" market - in an effort to stem inflation and slow the currency's depreciation. The foreign exchange system offers a 2.6 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of essentials, including food, medicine, and industrial machinery, and a 4.3 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of other products, including cars and telephones.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$344.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $354.1 billion (2009 est.)

$366.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$285.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 -3.3% (2009 est.)

4.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $13,200 (2009 est.)

$13,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.1%
industry: 34.9%
services: 61.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

13.3 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%
industry: 23%
services: 64% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

37.9% (yearend 2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 32.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41 (2009) country comparison to the world: 57 49.5 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Public debt:

25.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 18% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

29.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224 27.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

29.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 33.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.89% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 22.37% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$69.36 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 37 $93.19 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$78.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $107 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$54.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $75.87 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$8.251 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

petroleum, construction materials, food processing, textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - production:

113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - consumption:

83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - exports:

540 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2.472 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - consumption:

740,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - exports:

2.182 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - proved reserves:

97.77 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - production:

23.06 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - consumption:

24.86 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - imports:

1.8 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.983 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Current account balance:

$22.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $8.561 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.87 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $57.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, minerals, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 35.18%, Netherlands Antilles 8.56%
note: excludes oil exports; Venezuela last published petroleum figures by country in 2008 (2009)

Imports:

$31.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $38.44 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 23.66%, Colombia 14.43%, Brazil 9.13%, China 8.44%, Mexico 5.47% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$29.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$55.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $53.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$37.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $41.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $17.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 4.3039 (2010), 2.1522 (2009), 2.147 (2008), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006)

Communications ::Venezuela

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.867 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28.124 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and expanding
domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas; substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines; installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of digital multimedia services; combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 130 per 100 persons
international: country code - 58; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat; participating with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in the construction of an international fiber-optic network (2009)

Broadcast media:

government supervises a mixture of state-run and private broadcast media; 1 state-run television network, 4 privately-owned TV networks, and a government-backed pan-American channel; state-run radio network includes 15 stations; large number of private broadcast radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ve

Internet hosts:

238,665 (2010) country comparison to the world: 64

Internet users:

8.918 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Transportation ::Venezuela

Airports:

409 (2010) country comparison to the world: 20

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 129
over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 34

914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 280

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 91
under 914 m: 172 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 980 km; gas 5,258 km; oil 6,695 km; refined products 1,484 km; unknown 141 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 806 km country comparison to the world: 101 standard gauge: 806 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 96,155 km country comparison to the world: 47 paved: 32,308 km
unpaved: 63,847 km (2002)

Waterways:

7,100 km country comparison to the world: 21 note: Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by oceangoing vessels (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 59 country comparison to the world: 66 by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas 5, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 16
foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 4, Mexico 1, Norway 1, Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

La Guaira, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Punta Cardon

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Caribbean Sea as a significant risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Venezuela

Military branches:

National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional
Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB),
Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB); includes Naval Infantry,
Coast Guard, Naval Aviation), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion
Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia
Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana,
MB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; 30-month conscript service obligation; all citizens of military service age (18-60 years old) are obligated to register for military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,891,648
females age 16-49: 7,047,565 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,504,152
females age 16-49: 5,976,339 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 276,612
female: 273,819 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Transnational Issues ::Venezuela

Disputes - international:

claims all of the area west of the Essequibo River in Guyana, preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; dispute with Colombia over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary activities penetrate Venezuela's shared border region; in 2006, an estimated 139,000 Colombians sought protection in 150 communities along the border in Venezuela; US, France, and the Netherlands recognize Venezuela's granting full effect to Aves Island, thereby claiming a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest Venezuela's full effect claim

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and tourist areas; child prostitution in urban areas and child sex tourism in resort destinations appear to be growing; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to Western Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Venezuela is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List, up from Tier 3, as it showed greater resolve to address trafficking through law enforcement measures and prevention efforts in 2007, although stringent punishment of offenders and victim assistance remain lacking (2008)

Illicit drugs:

small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by Colombian insurgents on border
page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Vietnam (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Vietnam

Background:

The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The Communist leaders, however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political space and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests.

Geography ::Vietnam

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Geographic coordinates:

16 10 N, 107 50 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 331,210 sq km country comparison to the world: 65 land: 310,070 sq km
water: 21,140 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 4,639 km
border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Coastline:

3,444 km (excludes islands)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Terrain:

low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 20.14%
permanent crops: 6.93%
other: 72.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

891.2 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 71.39 cu km/yr (8%/24%/68%)

per capita: 847 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Environment - current issues:

logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point

People ::Vietnam

Population:

89,571,130 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.1% (male 12,069,408/female 11,033,738)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 30,149,986/female 30,392,043)

65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,892,505/female 3,039,078) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.4 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 28.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.096% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Birth rate:

17.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Death rate:

5.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Net migration rate:

-0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.115 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 95 male: 21.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.94 years country comparison to the world: 127 male: 69.48 years
female: 74.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

290,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and plague
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Ethnic groups:

Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome 1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

Languages:

Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.3%
male: 93.9%
female: 86.9% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 55

Government ::Vietnam

Country name:

conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
conventional short form: Vietnam
local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
local short form: Viet Nam
abbreviation: SRV

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)

geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)

provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba
Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh
Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Dac Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai,
Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang,
Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam
Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh
Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang
Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai
Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen
Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai

municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City

Independence:

2 September 1945 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Constitution:

15 April 1992

Legal system:

based on communist legal theory and French civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June 2006); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006); Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28 June 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien NHAN (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006), and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime minister and confirmed by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its members for five-year term; last election held 27 June 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); prime minister appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly
election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (493 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPV 450, non-party CPV-approved 42, self-nominated 1; note - 493 candidates were elected; CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected by the National
Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a five-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

8406 Bloc; Democratic Party of Vietnam or DPV; People's Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VN; Alliance for Democracy
note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the government

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Le Cong PHUNG
chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737

FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MICHALAK
embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000

FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010
consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Flag description:

red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism

National anthem:

name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)

lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO
note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem

Economy ::Vietnam

Economy - overview:

Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process. WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in 2000 to about 21% in 2009. Deep poverty has declined significantly and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one million people every year. The global recession has hurt Vietnam's export-oriented economy with GDP growing less than the 7% per annum average achieved during the last decade. In 2009 exports fell nearly 10% year-on-year, prompting the government to consider adjustments to tariffs to limit the trade deficit. The government has used stimulus spending, including a subsidized lending program, to help the economy through the global financial crisis. Vietnam's managed currency, the dong, faced downward pressure during the recession and the government devalued it by nearly 7% in December 2009. Foreign donors pledged $8 billion in new development assistance for 2010. Export growth resumed in 2010, driving GDP upward. However, Hanoi has struggled to control one of the region's highest inflation rates, which stands at 11.1% with interest hikes and multiple devaluations of the dong. Vietnam's economy faces higher lending rates, additional IMF scrutiny, domestic inflationary pressures, and an underperforming stock market.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$278.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $260.3 billion (2009 est.)

$247.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$102 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 5.3% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$2,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20.5%
industry: 40.2%
services: 39.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

47.49 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 51.8%
industry: 15.4%
services: 32.7% (April 2009)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.3% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 29.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (2004) country comparison to the world: 78 36.1 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

35.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Public debt:

53.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 52.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 10.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.78% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 81 11.18% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$33.76 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 53 $31.75 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$118.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $107.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$132.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $114.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$21.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $9.589 billion (31 December 2008)

$19.54 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood

Industries:

food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - production:

86.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - consumption:

74.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - exports:

535 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.85 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

338,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - consumption:

302,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - exports:

29,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - imports:

134,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - proved reserves:

4.7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - production:

7.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - consumption:

8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - imports:

380,000 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - proved reserves:

610 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Current account balance:

-$9.622 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 -$7.44 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$70.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $57.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes

Exports - partners:

US 21.43%, Japan 11.44%, China 7.27%, Australia 4.43%, Germany 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$81.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $65.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Imports - partners:

China 16.42%, Singapore 9.61%, Japan 8.96%, Taiwan 8.23%, South
Korea 7.72%, Thailand 6.41%, Hong Kong 4.45%, US 4.27% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $16.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$59.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $49.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $NA (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

dong (VND) per US dollar - 19,148.9 (2010), 17,799.6 (2009), 16,548.3 (2008), 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006)

Communications ::Vietnam

Telephones - main lines in use:

17.427 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Telephones - mobile cellular:

98.224 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Telephone system:

general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system
domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly
international: country code - 84; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, scheduled for completion by the end of 2008, will provide new access links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)

Broadcast media:

government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national television provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6 channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2008)

Internet country code:

.vn

Internet hosts:

129,318 (2010) country comparison to the world: 73

Internet users:

23.382 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Transportation ::Vietnam

Airports:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 98

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37
over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 42 km; gas 66 km; refined products 206 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,347 km country comparison to the world: 67 standard gauge: 178 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 2,169 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 171,392 km country comparison to the world: 29 paved: 125,789 km
unpaved: 45,603 km (2008)

Waterways:

17,702 km (5,000 km navigable by vessels up to 1.8 m draft) (2011) country comparison to the world: 7

Merchant marine:

total: 537 country comparison to the world: 21 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 103, cargo 330, chemical tanker 24, container 20, liquefied gas 7, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1
registered in other countries: 84 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 3, Mongolia 34, Panama 37, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My, Quy Nhon

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Vietnam

Military branches:

People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) (includes
People's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard), Air and
Air Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense Command),
People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force, Self-Defense Forces
(2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service; females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self Defense Forces (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,402,395
females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,153,269
females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 877,075
female: 816,076 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Transnational Issues ::Vietnam

Disputes - international:

southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Illicit drugs:

minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns
page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Virgin Islands

Background:

During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Geography ::Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 20 N, 64 50 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 1,910 sq km country comparison to the world: 181 land: 346 sq km
water: 1,564 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

188 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November

Terrain:

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Natural resources:

sun, sand, sea, surf

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 2.86%
other: 91.43% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

lack of natural freshwater resources

Geography - note:

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

People ::Virgin Islands

Population:

109,750 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)

65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years
male: 39.2 years
female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.072% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Birth rate:

11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Death rate:

6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Net migration rate:

-5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Urbanization:

urban population: 95% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 166 male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.19 years country comparison to the world: 38 male: 76.14 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)

Religions:

Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%

Languages:

English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French
Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90-95% est.

male: NA
female: NA (2005 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
conventional short form: Virgin Islands
former: Danish West Indies
abbreviation: USVI

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Charlotte Amalie
geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)

Constitution:

Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Legal system:

based on US laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3
note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010 (next to be held on November 2012)

Judicial branch:

US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

IOC, UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

National anthem:

name: "Virgin Islands March"

lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.

note: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.577 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)

Labor force:

49,820 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.2% (2004) country comparison to the world: 59

Population below poverty line:

28.9% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2003) country comparison to the world: 62

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

776.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - consumption:

722 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - consumption:

88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - exports:

388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - imports:

480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Exports:

$4.234 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 116

Exports - commodities:

refined petroleum products

Imports:

$4.609 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 120

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

75,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80,300 (2005) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: full range of services available
international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA

Broadcast media:

about a dozen television broadcast stations including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Internet country code:

.vi

Internet hosts:

8,933 (2010) country comparison to the world: 129

Internet users:

30,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Transportation ::Virgin Islands

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,260 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Ports and terminals:

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Military ::Virgin Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,675
females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 805
female: 849 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Virgin Islands

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Wake Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Wake Island

Background:

The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency landings. Although operations on the island were suspended and all personnel evacuated in August 2006 with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was comparatively minor. A US Air Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and facilities, which remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific region.

Geography ::Wake Island

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Geographic coordinates:

19 17 N, 166 39 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 243 land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

19.3 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights

People ::Wake Island

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities (2009)

Government ::Wake Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Wake Island

Dependency status:

unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::Wake Island

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Communications ::Wake Island

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite communications; 2 DSN circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808
domestic: NA
international: NA

Broadcast media:

American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/television broadcasts (2009)

Transportation ::Wake Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 212

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Transportation - note:

there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency landing is available

Military ::Wake Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Transnational Issues ::Wake Island

Disputes - international:

claimed by Marshall Islands
page last updated on December 28, 2010

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

@Wallis and Futuna (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Wallis and Futuna

Background:

The Futuna island group was discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory.

Geography ::Wallis and Futuna

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 18 S, 176 12 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 142 sq km country comparison to the world: 220 land: 142 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

129 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

Terrain:

volcanic origin; low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 7.14%
permanent crops: 35.71%
other: 57.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion; there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

both island groups have fringing reefs

People ::Wallis and Futuna

Population:

15,343 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,141/female 1,935)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,069/female 5,065)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 488/female 591) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.9 years
male: 26.8 years
female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.365% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Birth rate:

14.08 births/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 149

Death rate:

4.56 deaths/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 198

Net migration rate:

-5.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 204 note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 189 male: 4.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.83 years country comparison to the world: 40 male: 75.85 years
female: 81.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.84 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders
adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language), Futunian 30.1%,
French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 50%
male: 50%
female: 50% (1969 est.)

Government ::Wallis and Futuna

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands
conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna
local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna
local short form: Wallis et Futuna

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three kingdoms at the second order named Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by High Administrator Michel JEANJEAN (since 10 June 2010)

head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Victor BRIAL (since 11 December 2007)

cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of 3 kings and 3 members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by the members of the assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 13, other 7
note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate - elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held by September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP 1; French National Assembly - elections last held on 17 June 2007 (next to be held by 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - PS 1

Judicial branch:

justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia

Political parties and leaders:

Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche or MRG;
Rally for the Republic or RPR (UMP); Socialist Party or PS; Taumu'a
Lelei; Union Populaire Locale or UPL; Union Pour la Democratie
Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

unofficial, local flag has a red field with four white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three native kings of the islands and the French administrator; the apexes of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each other; the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the upper hoist quadrant
note: the design is derived from an original red banner with a white cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries; the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Wallis and Futuna

Economy - overview:

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:

3,104 (2003) country comparison to the world: 222

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%
industry: 4%
services: 16% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.2% (2003) country comparison to the world: 152

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

5.6% of GDP (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2005) country comparison to the world: 87

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats; fish

Industries:

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Exports:

$47,450 (2004) country comparison to the world: 222

Exports - commodities:

copra, chemicals, construction materials

Imports:

$61.17 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 215

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery, consumer goods

Debt - external:

$3.67 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 193

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

Communications ::Wallis and Futuna

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 681

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which broadcasts to France's overseas departments and territories, is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna television and radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.wf

Internet hosts:

1,734 (2010) country comparison to the world: 156

Internet users:

1,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 211

Transportation ::Wallis and Futuna

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 200

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 122 by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 6
foreign-owned: 8 (France 6, French Polynesia 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Leava, Mata-Utu

Military ::Wallis and Futuna

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,326
females age 16-49: 3,305 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 178
female: 153 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Wallis and Futuna

Disputes - international:

none
page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@West Bank (Middle East)

Introduction ::West Bank

Background:

The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September 1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late 2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip. In January 2006, the Islamic Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the international community so as to lift economic sanctions on Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA. However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007, HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge their differences. The status quo remains with HAMAS in control of the Gaza Strip and ABBAS and the Fatah-dominated PA governing the West Bank. FAYYAD and his PA government continue to implement a series of security and economic reforms to improve conditions in the West Bank. ABBAS has said he will not resume negotiations with current Prime Minister NETANYAHU until Israel halts all settlement activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Geography ::West Bank

Location:

Middle East, west of Jordan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 35 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 5,860 sq km country comparison to the world: 171 land: 5,640 sq km
water: 220 sq km
note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 404 km
border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Terrain:

mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 16.9%
permanent crops: 18.97%
other: 64.13% (2001)

Irrigated land:

150 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip (2003)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Geography - note:

landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank and 32 sites in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

People ::West Bank

Population:

2,514,845 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2009 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.3% (male 470,735/female 446,878)

15-64 years: 59.1% (male 744,822/female 708,695)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 37,471/female 52,666) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.9 years
male: 20.7 years
female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Birth rate:

24.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Death rate:

3.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 122 male: 17.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.78 years country comparison to the world: 91 male: 72.76 years
female: 76.92 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.12 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA
adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Religions:

Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian and other 8%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians),
English (widely understood)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.4%
male: 96.7%
female: 88% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::West Bank

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: West Bank

Economy ::West Bank

Economy - overview:

The West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the Palestinian territories - experienced a high single-digit economic growth rate in 2010 as a result of inflows of donor aid, the Palestinian Authority's (PA) implementation of economic and security reforms, and the easing of some movement and access restrictions by the Israeli Government. Nevertheless, overall standard-of-living measures remain near levels seen prior to the start of the second intifada in 2000. The almost decade-long downturn largely has been a result of Israeli closure policies - a steady increase in movement and access restrictions across the West Bank in response to Israeli security concerns which have disrupted labor and trade flows, industrial capacity, and basic commerce, both external and internal. Since 2008, the PA under President Mahmoud ABBAS and Prime Minister Salam FAYYAD has implemented a largely successful campaign of institutional reforms that has contributed to increased security and economic performance, supported by more than $3 billion in direct foreign donor assistance to the PA's budget since 2007. An easing of some Israeli restrictions on West Bank movement and access since 2008 also has contributed to an uptick in retail activity in larger cities. The biggest impediments to economic improvements in the West Bank remain Palestinians' lack of access to land and resources in Israeli-controlled areas, import and export restrictions, and a high-cost capital structure. Absent robust private sector growth, the PA will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary needs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$12.79 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $11.95 billion (2008)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.641 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,900 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%
industry: 14%
services: 81% (includes Gaza Strip) (2008 est.)

Labor force:

694,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12%
industry: 23%
services: 65% (June 2008)

Unemployment rate:

16.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 19% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

46% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 9.9% (2009 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.78% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.574 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$5.567 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $5.251 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $1.367 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 $2.123 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.475 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

olives, citrus fruit, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Industries:

small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs

Industrial production growth rate:

NA% (2005)

Electricity - production:

500 million kWh country comparison to the world: 160 note: most imported electricity is from Israel; Jerusalem District Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to Palestinians in east Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank; the Israel Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most Jewish residents and military facilities (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

3.265 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

2.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - exports:

511 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - imports:

22,150 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Exports:

$529 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 165 $339 million (2006)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Exports - commodities:

stone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Imports:

$3.772 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 129 $2.84 billion (2006)

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods, construction materials, petroleum, chemicals

Debt - external:

$1.04 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $1.3 billion (2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::West Bank

Telephones - main lines in use:

360,400 (includes Gaza Strip) (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.405 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Telephone system:

general assessment: continuing political and economic instability has impeded significant liberalization of the telecommunications industry
domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed line services; PALTEL plans to establish a fiber-optic connection to Jordan to route domestic mobile calls; the Palestinian JAWWAL company and WATANIYA PALESTINE provide cellular services
international: country code - 970; 1 international switch in Ramallah (2009) (2009)

Broadcast media:

the Palestinian Authority operates 1 television and 1 radio station; about 30 independent TV and 25 radio stations operating; Jordanian TV is available; satellite TV is accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.ps; note - same as Gaza Strip

Internet users:

1.379 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Transportation ::West Bank

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 199

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 5,147 km country comparison to the world: 153 paved: 5,147 km
note: includes Gaza Strip (2006)

Military ::West Bank

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 562,570
females age 16-49: 531,532 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,547
female: 29,062 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::West Bank

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew from four settlements in the northern West Bank in August 2005; since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), headquartered in Jerusalem, monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 722,000 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Western Sahara (Africa)

Introduction ::Western Sahara

Background:

Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds of Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976 and claimed the rest of the territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla war with the Polisario Front contesting Morocco's sovereignty ended in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on the territory's final status has been repeatedly postponed. The UN since 2007 has sponsored intermittent talks between representatives of the Government of Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate the status of Western Sahara. Morocco has put forward an autonomy proposal for the territory, which would allow for some local administration while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The Polisario, with Algeria's support, demands a popular referendum that includes the option of independence.

Geography ::Western Sahara

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Mauritania and Morocco

Geographic coordinates:

24 30 N, 13 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 266,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 77 land: 266,000 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,046 km
border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

Coastline:

1,110 km

Maritime claims:

contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

Climate:

hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dew

Terrain:

mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 805 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.02%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.98% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility

Environment - current issues:

sparse water and lack of arable land

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the waters off the coast are particularly rich fishing areas

People ::Western Sahara

Population:

491,519 country comparison to the world: 171 note: estimate is based on projections by age, sex, fertility, mortality, and migration; fertility and mortality are based on data from neighboring countries (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 92,428/female 89,570)

15-64 years: 52.8% (male 105,191/female 108,803)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 3,881/female 5,337) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.1 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 20.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.169% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Birth rate:

32.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Death rate:

9.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 33 male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.74 years country comparison to the world: 185 male: 58.57 years
female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)

adjective: Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Berber

Religions:

Muslim

Languages:

Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Western Sahara

Country name:

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Western Sahara
former: Rio de Oro, Saguia el Hamra, Spanish Sahara

Government type:

legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a government-in-exile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), near Tindouf, Algeria, led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976 when Spain withdrew, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government-in-exile was seated as an Organization of African Unity (OAU) member in 1984; Morocco between 1980 and 1987 built a fortified sand berm delineating the roughly 80 percent of Western Sahara west of the barrier that currently is controlled by Morocco; guerrilla activities continued sporadically until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented on 6 September 1991 (Security Council Resolution 690) by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

Capital:

none
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory west of the berm under de facto Moroccan control)

Suffrage:

none; (residents of Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara participate in Moroccan elections)

Executive branch:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

AU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none

Economy ::Western Sahara

Economy - overview:

Western Sahara has a small market-based economy whose main indutries are fishing, phosphate mining, and pastoral nomadism. The territory's arid desert climate makes sedentary agriculture difficult, and Wstern Sahara imports much of its food. The Moroccan Government administers Western Sahara's economy and is a source of employment, infrstructure development, and social spending in the territory. Western Sahara's unresolved legal status makes the exploitation of its natural resources a contentious issue between Morocco and the Polisario. Morocco and the EU in July 2006 signed a four-year agreement allowing European vessels to fish off the coast of Morocco, including the disputed waters off the coast of Western Sahara. Oil has never been found in Western Sahara in commercially significant quantities, but Morocco and the Polisario have quarreled over who has the right to authorize and benefit from oil exploration in the territory. Western Sahara's main long-term economic challenge is the development of a more diverse set of industries capable of providing greater employment and income to the territory.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: 40% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

144,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%
industry and services: 50% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases); camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads); fish

Industries:

phosphate mining, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

90 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Electricity - consumption:

83.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - imports:

1,702 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphates 62%

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Communications ::Western Sahara

Telephones - main lines in use:

about 2,000 (1999 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1999) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse and limited system
domestic: NA
international: country code - 212; tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to Rabat, Morocco

Broadcast media:

Morocco's state-owned broadcaster, Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM), operates a radio service from Laayoune and relays TV service; a Polisario-backed radio station also broadcasts (2008)

Internet country code:

.eh

Transportation ::Western Sahara

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 175

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ad Dakhla, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

Military ::Western Sahara

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 76,483
females age 16-49: 83,988 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 5,376
female: 5,280 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Western Sahara

Disputes - international:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, whose sovereignty remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has remained in effect since September 1991, administered by the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals; several states have extended diplomatic relations to the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" represented by the Polisario Front in exile in Algeria, while others recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; most of the approximately 102,000 Sahrawi refugees are sheltered in camps in Tindouf, Algeria
page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@World (World)

Introduction ::World

Background:

Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology, from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased concerns about the environment, including loss of forests, shortages of energy and water, the decline in biological diversity, and air pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2 billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1988, and 6 billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes (e.g., advances in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even more lethal weapons of war).

Geography ::World

Geographic overview:

The surface of the earth is approximately 70.9% water and 29.1% land. The former portion is divided into large water bodies termed oceans. The World Factbook recognizes and describes five oceans, which are in decreasing order of size: the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.

The land portion is generally divided into several, large, discrete landmasses termed continents. Depending on the convention used, the number of continents can vary from five to seven. The most common classification recognizes seven, which are (from largest to smallest): Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. Asia and Europe are sometimes lumped together into a Eurasian continent resulting in six continents. Alternatively, North and South America are sometimes grouped as simply the Americas, resulting in a continent total of six (or five, if the Eurasia designation is used).

North America is commonly understood to include the island of Greenland, the isles of the Caribbean, and to extend south all the way to the Isthmus of Panama. The easternmost extent of Europe is generally defined as being the Ural Mountains and the Ural River; on the southeast the Caspian Sea; and on the south the Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean. Portions of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey fall within both Europe and Asia, but in every instance the larger section is in Asia. These countries are considered part of both continents. Armenia and Cyprus, which lie completely in Western Asia, are geopolitically European countries.

Asia usually incorporates all the islands of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The islands of the Pacific are often lumped with Australia into a "land mass" termed Oceania or Australasia. Africa's northeast extremity is frequently delimited at the Isthmus of Suez, but for geopolitical purposes, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula is often included as part of Africa.

Although the above groupings are the most common, different continental dispositions are recognized or taught in certain parts of the world, with some arrangements more heavily based on cultural spheres rather than physical geographic considerations.

Map references:

Political Map of the World , Physical Map of the World , Standard
Time Zones of the World

Area:

total: 510.072 million sq km
land: 148.94 million sq km
water: 361.132 million sq km
note: 70.9% of the world's surface is water, 29.1% is land

Area - comparative:

land area about 16 times the size of the US
top fifteen World Factbook entities ranked by size: Pacific Ocean 155.557 million sq km; Atlantic Ocean 76.762 million sq km; Indian Ocean 68.556 million sq km; Southern Ocean 20.327 million sq km; Russia 17,098,242 sq km; Arctic Ocean 14.056 million sq km; Antarctica 14 million sq km; Canada 9,984,670 sq km; United States 9,826,675 sq km; China 9,596,961 sq km; Brazil 8,514,877 sq km; Australia 7,741,220 sq km; European Union 4,324,782 sq km; India 3,287,263 sq km; Argentina 2,780,400 sq km
top ten largest islands: Greenland 2,166,086 sq km; New Guinea (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea) 785,753 sq km; Borneo (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia) 751,929 sq km; Madagascar 587,713 sq km; Baffin Island (Canada) 507,451 sq km; Sumatra (Indonesia) 472,784 sq km; Honshu (Japan) 227,963 sq km; Victoria Island (Canada) 217,291 sq km; Great Britain (United Kingdom) 209,331 sq km; Ellesmere Island (Canada) 196,236 sq km

Land boundaries:

the land boundaries in the world total 251,060 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries
note: 45 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include:
Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan,
Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic,
Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,
Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal,
Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Swaziland,
Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West
Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan,
are doubly landlocked

Coastline:

356,000 km
note: 95 nations and other entities are islands that border no other
countries, they include: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and
Barbuda, Aruba, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Baker Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean
Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands,
Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
Comoros, Cook Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus,
Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji,
French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland,
Grenada, Guam, Guernsey, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Howland
Island, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Japan, Jarvis
Island, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Kiribati, Madagascar,
Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte,
Federated States of Micronesia, Midway Islands, Montserrat, Nauru,
Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Paracel Islands,
Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint
Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao
Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka,
Svalbard, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Wake Island, Wallis and
Futuna, Taiwan

Maritime claims:

a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries make the following claims measured from the mean low-tide baseline as described in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: territorial sea - 12 nm, contiguous zone - 24 nm, and exclusive economic zone - 200 nm; additional zones provide for exploitation of continental shelf resources and an exclusive fishing zone; boundary situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm

Climate:

a wide equatorial band of hot and humid tropical climates - bordered north and south by subtropical temperate zones - that separate two large areas of cold and dry polar climates

Terrain:

the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m
note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m
top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest (Nepal-China) 8,850 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga (Nepal-India) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (Nepal-China) 8,463 m; Cho Oyu (Nepal-China) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m; Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna (Nepal) 8,091 m

Natural resources:

the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality (especially in some countries of Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China) pose serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only beginning to address

Land use:

arable land: 10.57%
permanent crops: 1.04%
other: 88.39% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,770,980 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones); natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions)

volcanism: the world is home to more than 1,500 potentially active volcanoes, with over 500 of these having erupted in historical times; an estimated 500 million people live near these volcanoes; associated dangers include lava flows, lahars (mudflows), pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, ash fall, ballistic projectiles, gas emissions, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis; in the 1990s, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, created a list of 16 volcanoes worthy of special study because of their great potential for destruction: Avachinsky-Koryaksky (Russia), Colima (Mexico), Etna (Italy), Galeras (Colombia), Mauna Loa (United States), Merapi (Indonesia), Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rainier (United States), Sakurajima (Japan), Santa Maria (Guatemala), Santorini (Greece), Taal (Philippines), Teide (Spain), Ulawun (Papua New Guinea), Unzen (Japan), Vesuvius (Italy)

Environment - current issues:

large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion; global warming becoming a greater concern

Geography - note:

the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old, just about one-third of the 13.7-billion-year age estimated for the universe

People ::World

Population:

6,768,181,146 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 944,987,919/female 884,268,378)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,234,860,865/female 2,187,838,153)

65 years and over: 7.6% (male 227,164,176/female 289,048,221) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.4 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 29 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.133% (2009 est.)

Birth rate:

19.86 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Death rate:

8.37 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 50.5% of total population (2010)

rate of urbanization: 1.85% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

ten largest urban agglomerations: Tokyo (Japan) - 36,669,000; Delhi
(India) - 22,157,000; Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 20,262,000; Mumbai
(India) - 20,041,000; Mexico City (Mexico) - 19,460,000; New
York-Newark (US) - 19,425,000; Shanghai (China) - 16,575,000;
Kolkata (India) - 15,552,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 14,648,000;
Karachi (Pakistan) - 13,125,000 (2009)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 46.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 41.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.12 years
male: 64.29 years
female: 68.07 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.56 children born/woman (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

33 million (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2 million (2007 est.)

Religions:

Christians 33.32% (of which Roman Catholics 16.99%, Protestants 5.78%, Orthodox 3.53%, Anglicans 1.25%), Muslims 21.01%, Hindus 13.26%, Buddhists 5.84%, Sikhs 0.35%, Jews 0.23%, Baha'is 0.12%, other religions 11.78%, non-religious 11.77%, atheists 2.32% (2007 est.)

Languages:

Mandarin Chinese 12.65%, Spanish 4.93%, English 4.91%, Arabic 3.31%,
Hindi 2.73%, Bengali 2.71%, Portuguese 2.67%, Russian 2.16%,
Japanese 1.83%, Standard German 1.35%, Javanese 1.27% (2008 est.)

note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 82%
male: 87%
female: 77%
note: over two-thirds of the world's 785 million illiterate adults are found in only eight countries (Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan); of all the illiterate adults in the world, two-thirds are women; extremely low literacy rates are concentrated in three regions, the Arab states, South and West Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where around one-third of the men and half of all women are illiterate (2005 est.)

Government ::World

Administrative divisions:

266 countries, dependent areas, and other entities

Legal system:

all members of the UN are parties to the statute that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court

Economy ::World

Economy - overview:

In 2010, world output - and per capita income - began to recover from the 2008-09 recession, the first global downturn since 1946. Gross World Product (GWP) grew 4.6%, largely on the strength of rebounding exports, which rose about 20% from the level of 2009. Growth was not evenly distributed across countries, however. Lower income countries - those with per capita incomes below $30,000 per year - averaged 6.3% growth, while higher income countries - with per capita incomes above $30,000 - averaged just 2.8% growth. And countries with current account surpluses averaged 6.0% growth, while those with current account deficits averaged just 3.4% growth. Among large economies, China (+10.1%), Taiwan (+8.3%), India (+8.3%), Brazil (+7.5%), and South Korea (+6.1%) recorded the biggest GDP gains - China also became the world's largest exporter. Continuing uncertainties in mortgage and financial markets resulted in slower growth in Japan (+3.0%), the US (+2.8%), and the European Union (+1.7%). In 2010, global unemployment continued to creep upwards, reaching 8.8% - underemployment, especially in the developing world, remained much higher. Global gross fixed investment stabilized at about 23% of GWP, after a significant drop in 2009. World trade appears to be returning to pre-2009 patterns, with current account surpluses or deficits rising for a majority of countries. World external debt, however, dropped again in 2010 - about 5% from the 2009 level, as many countries reduced borrowing. Many, if not most, countries pursued expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. The global money supply, both narrowly and broadly defined, increased roughly 10%, as countries tried to keep interest rates low; the global budget deficit stablilized at roughly $3.5 trillion, as countries tried to rein in spending and slow the rise of public debt.

The international financial crisis of 2008-09 presents the world economy with a major new challenge, together with several long-standing ones. The fiscal stimulus packages put in place in 2009-10 required most countries to run budget deficits - government balances have deteriorated for 14 out of every 15 countries. Treasuries issued new public debt - totaling $5.5 trillion since 2008 - to pay for the additional expenditures. To keep interest rates low, many central banks monetized that debt, injecting large sums of money into the economies. As economic activity picks up, central banks will face the difficult task of containing inflation without raising interest rates so high they snuff out further growth. At the same time, governments will face the difficult task of spurring current growth and employment without saddling their economies with so much debt that they sacrifice long-term growth and financial stability.

Long-standing challenges the world faces are several. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of underemployment, pollution, waste-disposal, epidemics, water-shortages, famine, over-fishing of oceans, deforestation, desertification, and depletion of non-renewable resources. The nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, central governments often find their control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Iraq, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, central governments are losing decisionmaking powers to international bodies, most notably the EU. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because the participating nations are culturally and politically diverse and have varying levels and rates of growth of income, and hence, differing needs for monetary and fiscal policies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from an economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuated a growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan added new uncertainties to global economic prospects.

Despite these challenges, the world economy also shows great promise. Technology has made possible further advances in all fields, from agriculture, to medicine, alternative energy, metallurgy, and transportation. Improved global communications have greatly reduced the costs of international trade, helping the world gain from the international division of labor, raise living standards, and reduce income disparities among nations. Much of the resilience of the world economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis resulted from government leaders around the globe working in concert to stem the financial onslaught, knowing well the lessons of past economic failures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$74.43 trillion (2010 est.)

$71.17 trillion (2009 est.)

$71.67 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

GWP (gross world product): $62.22 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2010 est.)

-0.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2010 est.)

$10,800 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 30.8%
services: 63.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.232 billion (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 37.3%
industry: 21.7%
services: 41% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.8% (2010 est.)

8.2% (2009 est.)

note: 30% (2007 est.) combined unemployment and underemployment in many non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 4%-12% unemployment

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.3% (2005 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

23.1% of GDP (2009 est.) (2010 est.)

Public debt:

58.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

developed countries 2.5%
developing countries 5.6%
note: developed countries 0% to 4% typically; developing countries 5% to 10% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in individual cases; inflation rates have declined for most countries for the last several years, held in check by increasing international competition from several low wage countries, and by soft demand as a result of the world financial crisis (2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$22.4 trillion (31 December 2010 est)

$20.87 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$75.86 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$68.54 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$104.2 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$94.49 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$48.85 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

$36.41 trillion (31 December 2008)

$64.6 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Industries:

dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to these technological forces; the accelerated development of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating already grim environmental problems

Industrial production growth rate:

4.6% (2010 est.)

Electricity - production:

19.25 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

17.93 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - exports:

615.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

613.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

84.24 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

83.62 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

61.37 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - imports:

63.77 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.378 trillion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

3.127 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

3.073 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

949.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

947.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

187.8 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Exports:

$14.9 trillion (2010 est.)

$12.39 trillion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services
top ten - share of world trade: electrical machinery, including computers 14.8%; mineral fuels, including oil, coal, gas, and refined products 14.4%; nuclear reactors, boilers, and parts 14.2%; cars, trucks, and buses 8.9%; scientific and precision instruments 3.5%; plastics 3.4%; iron and steel 2.7%; organic chemicals 2.6%; pharmaceutical products 2.6%; diamonds, pearls, and precious stones 1.9%

Exports - partners:

US 12.7%, Germany 7.2%, China 6.4%, France 4.5%, Japan 4.3%, UK 4.2% (2008 est.)

Imports:

$14.68 trillion (2010)

$12.19 trillion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services
top ten - share of world trade: see listing for exports

Imports - partners:

China 10.3%, Germany 8.7%, US 8%, Japan 5% (2008 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.09 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$62.25 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt, both public and private

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$17.53 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$16.51 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18.19 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$17.28 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Communications ::World

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.268 billion (2008)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.3 billion (2010)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: NA

Internet users:

2.1 billion (2010)

Transportation ::World

Airports:

total airports - 44,010 (2010)

top ten by passengers: Atlanta (ATL) - 88,032,086; London (LHR) - 66,037,578; Beijing (PEK) - 65,372,012; Chicago (ORD) - 64,158,343; Tokyo (HND) - 61,903,656; Paris (CDG) - 57,906,866; Los Angeles (LAX) - 56,520,843; Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 56,030,457; Frankfurt (FRA) - 50,932,840; Denver (DEN) - 50,167,485 (2009)

top ten by cargo (metric tons): Memphis (MEM) - 3,697,054; Hong Kong (HKG) - 3,385,313; Shanghai (PVG) - 2,543,394; Inch'on (ICN) - 2,313,001; Paris (CDG) - 2,054,515; Anchorage (ANC) - 1,994,629; Louisville (SDF) - 1,949,528; Dubai (DXB) - 1,927,520; Frankfurt (FRA) - 1,887,686; Tokyo (NRT) - 1,851,972 (2009)

Heliports:

3,825 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,138,632 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 102,260,304 km (2008)

Waterways:

671,886 km (2004)

top ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,693 km; Amazon (South
America) 6,436 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,238 km;
Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,981 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,569 km; Yangtze
(Asia) 5,525 km; Yellow (Asia) 4,671 km; Amur (Asia) 4,352 km; Lena
(Asia) 4,345 km; Congo (Africa) 4,344 km

note: if measured by volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the world

Ports and terminals:

top ten container ports as measured by Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) throughput: Singapore - 25,866,400; Shanghai - 25,002,000; Hong Kong - 20,983,000; Shenzhen (China) - 18,250,100; Pusan (South Korea) - 11,954,861; Guangzhou (China) - 11,190,000; Dubai (UAE) - 11,124,082; Ningbo (China) - 10,502,800; Qingdao (China) - 10,260,000; - Rotterdam - 9,743,290 (2009)

Transportation - note:

as of September 2009, incidents of piracy around the world have more than doubled over the comparable time period in 2008; half of all attacks occur in the waters off Somalia, primarily in the Gulf of Aden; other high risk areas include the waters off Nigeria, the South China Sea, and waters off Malaysia

Military ::World

Military expenditures:

roughly 2% of GDP of gross world product (2005 est.)

Transnational Issues ::World

Disputes - international:

stretching over 250,000 km, the world's 322 international land boundaries separate 194 independent states and 71 dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and other miscellaneous entities; ethnicity, culture, race, religion, and language have divided states into separate political entities as much as history, physical terrain, political fiat, or conquest, resulting in sometimes arbitrary and imposed boundaries; most maritime states have claimed limits that include territorial seas and exclusive economic zones; overlapping limits due to adjacent or opposite coasts create the potential for 430 bilateral maritime boundaries of which 209 have agreements that include contiguous and non-contiguous segments; boundary, borderland/resource, and territorial disputes vary in intensity from managed or dormant to violent or militarized; undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries tend to encourage illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration, and confrontation; territorial disputes may evolve from historical and/or cultural claims, or they may be brought on by resource competition; ethnic and cultural clashes continue to be responsible for much of the territorial fragmentation and internal displacement of the estimated 6.6 million people and cross-border displacements of 8.6 million refugees around the world as of early 2006; just over one million refugees were repatriated in the same period; other sources of contention include access to water and mineral (especially hydrocarbon) resources, fisheries, and arable land; armed conflict prevails not so much between the uniformed armed forces of independent states as between stateless armed entities that detract from the sustenance and welfare of local populations, leaving the community of nations to cope with resultant refugees, hunger, disease, impoverishment, and environmental degradation

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that in December 2006 there was a global population of 8.8 million registered refugees and as many as 24.5 million IDPs in more than 50 countries; the actual global population of refugees is probably closer to 10 million given the estimated 1.5 million Iraqi refugees displaced throughout the Middle East (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: approximately 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked annually across national borders, not including millions trafficked within their own countries; at least 80% of the victims are female and up to 50% are minors; 75% of all victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation; almost two-thirds of the global victims are trafficked intra-regionally within East Asia and the Pacific (260,000 to 280,000 people) and Europe and Eurasia (170,000 to 210,000 people)

Tier 2 Watch List: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Federated
States of Micronesia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya,
Mali, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar,
Republic of the Congo, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen

Tier 3: Burma, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Zimbabwe (2009)

Illicit drugs:

cocaine: worldwide coca leaf cultivation in 2007 amounted to 232,500 hectares; Colombia produced slightly more than two-thirds of the worldwide crop, followed by Peru and Bolivia; potential pure cocaine production decreased 7% to 865 metric tons in 2007; Colombia conducts an aggressive coca eradication campaign, but both Peruvian and Bolivian Governments are hesitant to eradicate coca in key growing areas; 551 metric tons of export-quality cocaine (85% pure) is documented to have been seized or destroyed in 2005; US consumption of export quality cocaine is estimated to have been in excess of 380 metric tons
opiates: worldwide illicit opium poppy cultivation continued to increase in 2007, with a potential opium production of 8,400 metric tons, reaching the highest levels recorded since estimates began in mid-1980s; Afghanistan is world's primary opium producer, accounting for 95% of the global supply; Southeast Asia - responsible for 9% of global opium - saw marginal increases in production; Latin America produced 1% of global opium, but most was refined into heroin destined for the US market; if all potential opium was processed into pure heroin, the potential global production would be 1,000 metric tons of heroin in 2007
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Yemen (Middle East)

Introduction ::Yemen

Background:

North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918. The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became South Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a Marxist orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of hostility between the states. The two countries were formally unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist movement in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

Geography ::Yemen

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 48 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 527,968 sq km country comparison to the world: 49 land: 527,968 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total: 1,746 km
border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Coastline:

1,906 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble; small deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, and copper; fertile soil in west

Land use:

arable land: 2.91%
permanent crops: 0.25%
other: 96.84% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.63 cu km/yr (4%/1%/95%)

per capita: 316 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms and dust storms in summer
volcanism: Yemen experiences limited volcanic activity; Jebel at Tair (Jabal al-Tair, Jebel Teir, Jabal al-Tayr, Jazirat at-Tair) (elev. 244 m, 801 ft), which forms an island in the Red Sea, erupted in 2007 after awakening from dormancy; other historically active volcanoes include Harra of Arhab, Harras of Dhamar, Harra es-Sawad, and Jebel Zubair, although many of these have not erupted in over a century

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping lanes

People ::Yemen

Population:

23,495,361 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.9% (male 5,108,423/female 4,925,523)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 6,215,999/female 6,013,334)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 285,752/female 309,207) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years
male: 17.8 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.713% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Birth rate:

34.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Death rate:

7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 99

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.77 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 38 male: 61.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.36 years country comparison to the world: 173 male: 61.35 years
female: 65.47 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.81 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Yemeni(s)

adjective: Yemeni

Ethnic groups:

predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religions:

Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia), small numbers of
Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Languages:

Arabic (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 50.2%
male: 70.5%
female: 30% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 11 years
female: 7 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 60

Government ::Yemen

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Yemen
conventional short form: Yemen
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah
local short form: Al Yaman
former: Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Sanaa
geographic coordinates: 15 21 N, 44 12 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

21 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan, 'Adan
(Aden), Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al
Mahwit, Amanat al 'Asimah, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Ibb,
Lahij, Ma'rib, Raymah, Sa'dah, San'a' (Sanaa), Shabwah, Ta'izz

Independence:

22 May 1990 (Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]); note - previously North Yemen became independent in November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and became a republic with the overthrow of the theocratic Imamate in 1962; South Yemen became independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Constitution:

16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May 1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office upon the merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Ali Muhammad MUJAWWAR (since 31 March 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held on 20 September 2006 (next to be held in September 2013); vice president appointed by the president; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 77.2%, Faysal BIN SHAMLAN 21.8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111 seats; members appointed by the president) and House of Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 April 2003 (scheduled April 2009 election postponed for two years)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - GPC 238, Islah 47, YSP 6, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab Socialist Ba'th Party 2, independents 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

General People's Congress or GPC [Abdul-Kader BAJAMMAL]; Islamic
Reform Grouping or Islah [Muhammed Abdallah AL-YADUMI]; Nasserite
Unionist Party [Abd al-Malik al-MAKHLAFI]; National Arab Socialist
Ba'th Party [Dr. Qasim SALAM]; Yemeni Socialist Party or YSP [Yasin
Said NUMAN]; note - there are at least seven more active political
parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Muslim Brotherhood; Women National Committee
other: conservative tribal groups; Huthis, southern secessionist groups; al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

International organization participation:

AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahab Abdallah al-HAJRI
chancery: 2319 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760

FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald M. FEIERSTEIN
embassy: Sa'awan Street, Sanaa
mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa
telephone: [967] (1) 755-2000 ext. 2153 or 2266

FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)

note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the white band, and of Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "al-qumhuriyatu l-muttahida" (United Republic)

lyrics/music: Abdullah Abdulwahab NOA'MAN/Ayyoab Tarish ABSI
note: adopted 1990; the music first served as the anthem for South Yemen before unification with North Yemen in 1990

Economy ::Yemen

Economy - overview:

Yemen is a low income country that is highly dependent on declining oil resources for revenue. Petroleum accounts for roughly 25% of GDP and 70% of government revenue. Yemen has tried to counter the effects of its declining oil resources by diversifying its economy through an economic reform program initiated in 2006 that is designed to bolster non-oil sectors of the economy and foreign investment. In October 2009, Yemen exported its first liquefied natural gas as part of this diversification effort. In January 2010, the international community established the Friends of Yemen group that aims to support Yemen's efforts towards economic and political reform, and in August 2010 the IMF approved a three-year $370 million program to further this effort. Despite these ambitious endeavors, Yemen continues to face difficult long term challenges, including declining water resources and a high population growth rate.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$61.88 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $58.82 billion (2009 est.)

$56.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$30.02 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 3.8% (2009 est.)

3.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $2,600 (2009 est.)

$2,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.2%
industry: 38.8%
services: 53% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

6.832 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force

Unemployment rate:

35% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Population below poverty line:

45.2% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 30.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 76 33.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Public debt:

39.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 36.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 5.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 106 $3.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $9.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.297 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $5.098 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial ship repair; natural gas production

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - production:

5.665 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - consumption:

4.133 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

288,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - consumption:

155,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - exports:

274,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - imports:

65,860 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - proved reserves:

3.16 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - production:

454,700 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - exports:

454,700 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - proved reserves:

478.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Current account balance:

-$2.181 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.462 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $5.812 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas

Exports - partners:

China 36%, Thailand 17.63%, India 13.54%, South Africa 6.16%, Japan 5.49%, UAE 4.99% (2009)

Imports:

$8.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $7.518 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 13.98%, UAE 12.3%, India 8.63%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, US 4.52%,
Brazil 4.51%, Turkey 4.51%, Kuwait 4.33%, France 4.24% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.744 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $6.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.147 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $6.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Yemeni rials (YER) per US dollar - 220.05 (2010), 202.85 (2009), 199.76 (2008), 199.14 (2007), 197.18 (2006)

Communications ::Yemen

Telephones - main lines in use:

997,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 79

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Telephone system:

general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have been made to create a national telecommunications network
domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay, cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains low by regional standards
international: country code - 967; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Broadcast media:

state-run TV with 2 stations; state-run radio with 2 national radio stations and 5 local stations; stations from Oman and Saudi Arabia can be accessed (2007)

Internet country code:

.ye

Internet hosts:

255 (2010) country comparison to the world: 188

Internet users:

2.349 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Transportation ::Yemen

Airports:

55 (2010) country comparison to the world: 85

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17
over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 38
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 423 km; liquid petroleum gas 22 km; oil 1,367 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 71,300 km country comparison to the world: 67 paved: 6,200 km
unpaved: 65,100 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 country comparison to the world: 128 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1
registered in other countries: 14 (Moldova 1, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 2, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom

Military ::Yemen

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Marines), Yemen Air Force (Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Yemeniya; includes Air Defense Force), Republican Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

voluntary military service program authorized in 2001; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,458,642
females age 16-49: 5,205,387 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,902,186
females age 16-49: 3,952,370 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 279,283
female: 269,824 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 7

Military - note:

a Coast Guard was established in 2002

Transnational Issues ::Yemen

Disputes - international:

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 91,587 (Somalia) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Zambia (Africa)

Introduction ::Zambia

Background:

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the [British] South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996 saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched an anticorruption investigation in 2002 to probe high-level corruption during the previous administration. In 2006-07, this task force successfully prosecuted four cases, including a landmark civil case in the UK in which former President CHILUBA and numerous others were found liable for USD 41 million. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his abrupt death in August 2008, he was succeeded by his Vice President Rupiah BANDA, who subsequently won a special presidential election in October 2008.

Geography ::Zambia

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 752,618 sq km country comparison to the world: 39 land: 743,398 sq km
water: 9,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,664 km
border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania 338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 6.99%
permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 92.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

105.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.74 cu km/yr (17%/7%/76%)

per capita: 149 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zimbabwe

People ::Zambia

Population:

13,460,305 country comparison to the world: 69 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.1% (male 2,685,142/female 2,659,771)

15-64 years: 52.6% (male 3,122,305/female 3,116,846)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 114,477/female 164,199) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.5 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.118% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Birth rate:

44.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Death rate:

12.84 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Net migration rate:

-0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Urbanization:

urban population: 35% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 20 male: 73.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 63.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.03 years country comparison to the world: 209 male: 50.81 years
female: 53.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.1 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

56,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague are high risks in some locations
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99.5% (includes Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, Nsenga, Tumbuka, Ngoni, Lala, Kaonde, Lunda, and other African groups), other 0.5% (includes Europeans, Asians, and Americans) (2000 Census)

Religions:

Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

Bemba 30.1% (official), Nyanja 10.7% (official), Tonga 10.6% (official), Lozi 5.7% (official), Chewa 4.9%, Nsenga 3.4%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda 2.2% (official), Kaonde 2% (official), Lala 2%, Luvale 1.7% (official), English 1.7% (official), other 22.5% (2000 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
total population: 80.6%
male: 86.8%
female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 7 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 178

Government ::Zambia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zambia
conventional short form: Zambia
former: Northern Rhodesia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Lusaka
geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Independence:

24 October 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Constitution:

24 August 1991; amended in 1996 to establish presidential term limits

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008); note - President BANDA was acting president during the illness leading up to the death of President Levy MWANAWASA on 18 August 2008, he was then elected president on 30 October 2008 to serve out the remainder of MWANAWASA's term; the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 October 2008 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president; note - due to the death of former President Levy MWANAWASA, early elections were held to identify a replacement to serve out the remainder of his term
election results: Rupiah BANDA elected president; percent of vote - Rupiah BANDA 40.1%, Michael SATA 38.1%, Hakainde HICHILEMA 19.7%, Godfrey MIYANDA 0.8%, other 1.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (158 seats; 150 members are elected by popular vote, 8 members appointed by the president, to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 September 2006 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MMD 72, PF 44, UDA 27, ULP 2, NDF 1, independents 2; seats not determined 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are appointed by the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction to hear civil and criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD [Edith NAWAKWI]; Heritage
Party or HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Movement for Multiparty Democracy or
MMD [vacant]; Party of Unity for Democracy and Development or PUDD
[Dan PULE]; Patriotic Front or PF [Michael SATA]; Reform Party
[Nevers MUMBA]; United Democratic Alliance or UDA (a coalition of
RP, ZADECO, PUDD, and ZRP); United Liberal Party or ULP [Sakwiba
SIKOTA]; United National Independence Party or UNIP [Tilyenji
KAUNDA]; United Party for National Development or UPND [Hakainde
HICHILEMA]; Zambia Democratic Congress or ZADECO [Langton SICHONE];
Zambian Republican Party or ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA,
SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Shelia Z. SIWELA
chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael KOPLOVSKY
embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues, Lusaka
mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka
telephone: [260] (211) 250-955

FAX: [260] (211) 252-225

Flag description:

green field with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag; green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red symbolizes the struggle for freedom, black the people of Zambia, and orange the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems

National anthem:

name: "Lumbanyeni Zambia" (Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free)

lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA
note: adopted 1964; the melody, from the popular song "God Bless Africa," is the same as that of Tanzania but with different lyrics; the melody is also incorporated into South Africa's anthem

Economy ::Zambia

Economy - overview:

Zambia's economy has experienced strong growth in recent years, with real GDP growth in 2005-08 about 6% per year. Privatization of government-owned copper mines in the 1990s relieved the government from covering mammoth losses generated by the industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining to return to profitability and spur economic growth. Copper output has increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and foreign investment. In 2005, Zambia qualified for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative, consisting of approximately USD 6 billion in debt relief. Poverty remains a significant problem in Zambia, despite a stronger economy. Declining world commodity prices and demand slowed GDP growth in 2008, but a sharp rebound in copper prices and a bumper maize crop helped Zambia recover. Lack of economic diversity subjects Zambia to fluctuations in copper prices and in the weather.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $18.72 billion (2009 est.)

$17.61 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.69 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 6.3% (2009 est.)

5.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 $1,400 (2009 est.)

$1,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.7%
industry: 33.7%
services: 46.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.524 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%
industry: 6%
services: 9% (2004)

Unemployment rate:

50% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Population below poverty line:

86% (1993)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 38.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.8 (2004) country comparison to the world: 20 52.6 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Public debt:

24.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 25.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 13.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.39% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 23 14.49% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

22.06% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 19.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.234 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 132 $983.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.573 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $2.744 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $2.373 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.346 billion (31 December 2007)

$1.186 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables, flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), coffee; cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides

Industries:

copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Industrial production growth rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - production:

9.752 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - consumption:

8.838 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - exports:

268 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

222 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

160 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - exports:

275 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - imports:

14,730 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Current account balance:

-$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 -$174 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.463 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $4.203 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco, flowers, cotton

Exports - partners:

China 21.37%, Saudi Arabia 8.93%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 8.55%, South Korea 8.32%, Egypt 8.08%, South Africa 6.96%, India 5% (2009)

Imports:

$4.949 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.735 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

South Africa 51.78%, UAE 7.7%, China 5.85%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.287 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $1.892 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.495 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $3.091 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar - 4,823.6 (2010), 5,046.1 (2009), 3,512.9 (2008), 3,990.2 (2007), 3,601.5 (2006)

Communications ::Zambia

Telephones - main lines in use:

90,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.407 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 101

Telephone system:

general assessment: among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa
domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation and network coverage is improving; domestic satellite system being installed to improve telephone service in rural areas; Internet service is widely available; very small aperture terminal (VSAT) networks are operated by private firms
international: country code - 260; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 3 owned by Zamtel

Broadcast media:

state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) operates 1 TV station and is the principal local-content provider; several private TV stations are available; multi-channel subscription TV services are obtainable; ZNBC operates 3 radio networks; about 2 dozen private radio stations also broadcasting; relays of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Lusaka and Kitwe (2007)

Internet country code:

.zm

Internet hosts:

14,771 (2010) country comparison to the world: 118

Internet users:

816,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Transportation ::Zambia

Airports:

94 (2010) country comparison to the world: 64

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8
over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 771 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,157 km country comparison to the world: 71 narrow gauge: 2,157 km 1.067-m gauge
note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 91,440 km country comparison to the world: 55 paved: 20,117 km
unpaved: 71,323 km (2001)

Waterways:

2,250 km; (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula rivers) (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Ports and terminals:

Mpulungu

Military ::Zambia

Military branches:

Zambian National Defense Force (ZNDF): Zambian Army, Zambian Air
Force, National Service (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription; Zambian citizenship required; mandatory HIV testing upon enlistment; mandatory retirement for officers at age 65 (Army, Air Force) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,824,372
females age 16-49: 2,685,883 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,401,481
females age 16-49: 1,274,583 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 151,586
female: 150,839 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Transnational Issues ::Zambia

Disputes - international:

in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 42,565 (Angola); 60,874 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,100 (Rwanda) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone, small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for southern Africa and possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it an unattractive venue for money launderers; major consumer of cannabis
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Zimbabwe (Africa)

Introduction ::Zimbabwe

Background:

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign, which began in 2000, caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. The ruling ZANU-PF party used fraud and intimidation to win a two-thirds majority in the March 2005 parliamentary election, allowing it to amend the constitution at will and recreate the Senate, which had been abolished in the late 1980s. In April 2005, Harare embarked on Operation Restore Order, ostensibly an urban rationalization program, which resulted in the destruction of the homes or businesses of 700,000 mostly poor supporters of the opposition. President MUGABE in June 2007 instituted price controls on all basic commodities causing panic buying and leaving store shelves empty for months. General elections held in March 2008 contained irregularities but still amounted to a censure of the ZANU-PF-led government with the opposition winning a majority of seats in parliament. MDC opposition leader Morgan TSVANGIRAI won the most votes in the presidential polls, but not enough to win outright. In the lead up to a run-off election in late June 2008, considerable violence enacted against opposition party members led to the withdrawal of TSVANGIRAI from the ballot. Extensive evidence of vote tampering and ballot-box stuffing resulted in international condemnation of the process. Difficult negotiations over a power-sharing government, in which MUGABE remained president and TSVANGIRAI became prime minister, were finally settled in February 2009, although the leaders have yet failed to agree upon many key outstanding governmental issues.

Geography ::Zimbabwe

Location:

Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 390,757 sq km country comparison to the world: 60 land: 386,847 sq km
water: 3,910 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,066 km
border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km, Zambia 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m
highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

Natural resources:

coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

Land use:

arable land: 8.24%
permanent crops: 0.33%
other: 91.43% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,740 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

20 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.21 cu km/yr (14%/7%/79%)

per capita: 324 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

People ::Zimbabwe

Population:

11,651,858 country comparison to the world: 72 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.9% (male 2,523,119/female 2,473,928)

15-64 years: 52.2% (male 2,666,928/female 3,283,474)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 194,360/female 250,820) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.8 years
male: 16.7 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.954% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Birth rate:

31.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Death rate:

14.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Net migration rate:

12.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 6 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 30.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 72 male: 33.44 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 28.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.55 years country comparison to the world: 219 male: 47.98 years
female: 47.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean

Ethnic groups:

African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%, white less than 1%

Religions:

syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

Languages:

English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
total population: 90.7%
male: 94.2%
female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 87

Government ::Zimbabwe

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe
conventional short form: Zimbabwe
former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Harare
geographic coordinates: 17 50 S, 31 03 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status; Bulawayo*,
Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East,
Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South,
Midlands

Independence:

18 April 1980 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

Constitution:

21 December 1979

Legal system:

mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31 December 1987); Vice President John NKOMO (since December 2009) and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Morgan TSVANGIRAI (since 11 February 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Arthur MUTAMBARA
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and prime minister; responsible to the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each province) and elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); elections last held on 28 March 2008 followed by a run-off on 27 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013); co-vice presidents drawn from party leadership
election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 85.5%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 9.3%, other 5.2%; note - first round voting results - Morgan TSVANGIRAI 47.9%, Robert Gabriel MUGABE 43.2%, Simba MAKONI 8.3%, other 0.6%; first-round round polls were deemed to be flawed suppressing TSVANGIRAI's results; the 27 June 2008 run-off between MUGABE and TSVANGIRAI was severely flawed and internationally condemned

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate (93 seats - 60 members elected by popular vote for a five-year term, 10 provincial governors nominated by the president and the prime minister, 16 traditional chiefs elected by the Council of Chiefs, 2 seats held by the president and deputy president of the Council of Chiefs, and 5 members appointed by the president) and a House of Assembly (210 seats - members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 March 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.6%, ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.6%; seats by party - MDC 30, ZANU-PF 30; House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.3%, ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.9%; seats by party - MDC 109, ZANU-PF 97, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

African National Party or ANP [Egypt DZINEMUNHENZVA]; Movement for
Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI]; Movement for
Democratic Change - Mutambara or MDC-M [Arthur MUTAMBARA] (splinter
faction of the MDC); Peace Action is Freedom for All or PAFA; United
Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; United People's Party or UPP [Daniel
SHUMBA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or ZANU-Ndonga
[Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front or
ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE]; Zimbabwe African Peoples Union or
ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]; Zimbabwe Youth in Alliance or ZIYA

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition; National Constitutional Assembly or
NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU]; Women of Zimbabwe Arise or WOZA [Jenny
WILLIAMS]; Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions or ZCTU [Wellington
CHIBEBE]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Machivenyika MAPURANGA
chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100

FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. RAY
embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare
mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare
telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 through 250-594

FAX: [263] (4) 796-488, or 722-618

Flag description:

seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which symbolizes peace; green represents agriculture, yellow mineral wealth, red the blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands for the native people

National anthem:

name: "Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe" [Northern Ndebele language] "Simudzai Mureza WeZimbabwe" [Shona] (Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe)

lyrics/music: Solomon MUTSWAIRO/Fred Lecture CHANGUNDEGA
note: adopted 1994

Economy ::Zimbabwe

Economy - overview:

The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of difficult economic problems. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo drained hundreds of millions of dollars from the economy. The government's land reform program, characterized by chaos and violence, has badly damaged the commercial farming sector, the traditional source of exports and foreign exchange and the provider of 400,000 jobs, turning Zimbabwe into a net importer of food products. The EU and the US provide food aid on humanitarian grounds. Until early 2009, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe routinely printed money to fund the budget deficit, causing hyperinflation. The power-sharing government formed in February 2009 has led to some economic improvements, including the cessation of hyperinflation by eliminating the use of the Zimbabwe dollar and removing price controls. The economy is registering its first growth in a decade, but will be reliant on further political improvement for greater growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.395 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $4.223 billion (2009 est.)

$4.279 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.574 billion
note: in 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar was taken out of circulation, making Zimbabwe's GDP at the official exchange rate a highly inaccurate statistic (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 -1.3% (2009 est.)

-14.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227 $400 (2009 est.)

$400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.5%
industry: 24%
services: 56.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.848 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 66%
industry: 10%
services: 24% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

95% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 80% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:

68% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 40.4% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.1 (2006) country comparison to the world: 24 50.1 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

21% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Public debt:

241.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 282.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.03% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 5.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 1 975% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 578.96% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

$2.151 million (31 December 2008 est)

note: the money data for Zimbabwe for 2007 reflected the vastly overvalued official exchange rate of 30,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US dollar; at an unofficial rate of 800,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US dollar, the stock of Zimbabwe dollars, narrowly defined, would equal only about US$500 million and Zimbabwe's velocity of money (the number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be nine, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the region

Stock of broad money:

$3.057 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.186 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $60 (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 79 $5.333 billion (31 December 2007)

$26.56 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts; sheep, goats, pigs

Industries:

mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin, clay, numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel; wood products, cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - production:

8.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - consumption:

10.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - exports:

32 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.691 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - imports:

13,830 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Current account balance:

-$414.2 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 -$807.5 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.869 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.213 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles/clothing

Exports - partners:

Democratic Republic of the Congo 14.82%, South Africa 13.39%, Botswana 13.23%, China 7.82%, Zambia 7.3%, Netherlands 5.39%, UK 4.93% (2009)

Imports:

$2.871 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $2.413 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures, chemicals, fuels, food products

Imports - partners:

South Africa 62.24%, China 4.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$376 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $351 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.772 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $5.667 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Zimbabwean dollars (ZWD) per US dollar - 234.25 (2010), 234 (2008), 30,000 (2007), 162 (2006), 78 (2005)

Communications ::Zimbabwe

Telephones - main lines in use:

385,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.991 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Telephone system:

general assessment: system was once one of the best in Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance
domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines, radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop installations, and a substantial mobile-cellular network; Internet connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns and for some of the smaller ones
international: country code - 263; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat; 2 international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and Gweru)

Broadcast media:

government owns all local radio and television stations; foreign shortwave broadcasts and satellite television are available to those who can afford antennas and receivers; in rural areas, access to television broadcasts is extremely limited (2007)

Internet country code:

.zw

Internet hosts:

29,866 (2010) country comparison to the world: 98

Internet users:

1.423 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Transportation ::Zimbabwe

Airports:

216 (2010) country comparison to the world: 28

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19
over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 197

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 120
under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 270 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,077 km country comparison to the world: 55 narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 97,267 km country comparison to the world: 46 paved: 18,481 km
unpaved: 78,786 km (2002)

Waterways:

on Lake Kariba (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Binga, Kariba

Military ::Zimbabwe

Military branches:

Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF): Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Air
Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for compulsory military service; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,366,038
females age 16-49: 2,742,036 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,327,894
females age 16-49: 1,525,815 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 155,117
female: 152,875 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 29

Transnational Issues ::Zimbabwe

Disputes - international:

Botswana built electric fences and South Africa has placed military along the border to stem the flow of thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing to find work and escape political persecution; Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 2,500 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 569,685 (MUGABE-led political violence, human rights violations, land reform, and economic collapse) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; large scale migration of Zimbabweans to surrounding countries - as they flee a progressively more desperate situation at home - has increased; rural Zimbabwean men, women, and children are trafficked internally to farms for agricultural labor and domestic servitude and to cities for domestic labor and commercial sexual exploitation; NGOs believe internal trafficking increased during the year, largely due to the closure of schools, worsening political violence, and a faltering economy; young men and boys are trafficked to South Africa for farm work, often laboring for months in South Africa without pay before "employers" have them arrested and deported as illegal immigrants; young women and girls are lured abroad with false employment offers that result in involuntary domestic servitude or commercial sexual exploitation; men, women, and children from neighboring states are trafficked through Zimbabwe en route to South Africa
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Zimbabwe does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made minimal progress in combating trafficking in 2008, and members of its military and the former ruling party's youth militias perpetrated acts of trafficking on local populations; anti-trafficking efforts were further weakened as it failed to address Zimbabwe's economic and social problems during the reporting period, thus increasing the population's vulnerability to trafficking within and outside of the country (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transit point for cannabis and South Asian heroin, mandrax, and methamphetamines en route to South Africa
page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@2001

Field Listing :: GDP (purchasing power parity)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller. Country Comparison to the World Country

GDP (purchasing power parity)

Afghanistan
$29.81 billion (2010 est.)
$27.38 billion (2009 est.)
$22.34 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Albania
$23.95 billion (2010 est.)
$23.23 billion (2009 est.)
$22.49 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
Albania has an informal, and unreported, sector that may be as large
as 50% of official GDP

Algeria
$254.7 billion (2010 est.)
$244.6 billion (2009 est.)
$239.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

American Samoa
$575.3 million (2007 est.)
$510.1 million (2003 est.)

Andorra
$4.22 billion (2008)
$3.66 billion (2007)
$3.588 billion (2006)

Angola
$114.1 billion (2010 est.)
$107.8 billion (2009 est.)
$108.7 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Anguilla
$175.4 million (2009 est.)
$191.7 million (2008 est.)
$108.9 million (2004 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
$1.433 billion (2010 est.)
$1.494 billion (2009 est.)
$1.64 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Argentina
$596 billion (2010 est.)
$554.5 billion (2009 est.)
$571.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Armenia
$17.27 billion (2010 est.)
$16.5 billion (2009 est.)
$19.23 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Aruba
$2.258 billion (2005 est.)
$2.205 billion (2004 est.)

Australia
$889.6 billion (2010 est.)
$861.1 billion (2009 est.)
$850.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Austria
$332.9 billion (2010 est.)
$326.4 billion (2009 est.)
$339.3 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Azerbaijan
$90.15 billion (2010 est.)
$86.93 billion (2009 est.)
$79.54 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahamas, The
$8.878 billion (2010 est.)
$8.923 billion (2009 est.)
$9.285 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahrain
$29.82 billion (2010 est.)
$28.7 billion (2009 est.)
$27.83 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bangladesh
$259.3 billion (2010 est.)
$244.6 billion (2009 est.)
$231.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Barbados
$6.196 billion (2010 est.)
$6.24 billion (2009 est.)
$6.603 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belarus
$128.4 billion (2010 est.)
$122.5 billion (2009 est.)
$122.3 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belgium
$394.9 billion (2010 est.)
$388.7 billion (2009 est.)
$399.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belize
$2.652 billion (2010 est.)
$2.613 billion (2009 est.)
$2.613 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Benin
$14.2 billion (2010 est.)
$13.79 billion (2009 est.)
$13.42 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bermuda
$4.5 billion (2004 est.)

Bhutan
$3.526 billion (2010 est.)
$3.301 billion (2009 est.)
$3.123 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bolivia
$47.98 billion (2010 est.)
$46.22 billion (2009 est.)
$44.7 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$30.56 billion (2010 est.)
$30.23 billion (2009 est.)
$31.23 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Botswana
$26.56 billion (2010 est.)
$25.76 billion (2009 est.)
$27.23 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Brazil
$2.194 trillion (2010 est.)
$2.041 trillion (2009 est.)
$2.045 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

British Virgin Islands
$853.4 million (2004 est.)

Brunei
$19.88 billion (2010 est.)
$19.68 billion (2009 est.)
$20.04 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bulgaria
$91.83 billion (2010 est.)
$91.83 billion (2009 est.)
$96.67 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burkina Faso
$20.06 billion (2010 est.)
$19.07 billion (2009 est.)
$18.48 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burma
$60.07 billion (2010 est.)
$58.27 billion (2009 est.)
$57.24 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burundi
$3.418 billion (2010 est.)
$3.29 billion (2009 est.)
$3.178 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cambodia
$29.46 billion (2010 est.)
$28.3 billion (2009 est.)
$28.73 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cameroon
$44.65 billion (2010 est.)
$43.44 billion (2009 est.)
$43.05 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Canada
$1.335 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.297 trillion (2009 est.)
$1.33 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cape Verde
$1.861 billion (2010 est.)
$1.781 billion (2009 est.)
$1.749 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cayman Islands $2.25 billion (2008 est.) $2.23 billion (2003 est.)

Central African Republic
$3.468 billion (2010 est.)
$3.345 billion (2009 est.)
$3.289 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chad
$18.56 billion (2010 est.)
$18.2 billion (2009 est.)
$18.49 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chile
$260 billion (2010 est.)
$246.9 billion (2009 est.)
$250.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

China
$9.872 trillion (2010 est.)
$8.95 trillion (2009 est.)
$8.204 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Christmas Island
$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
$NA

Colombia
$431.9 billion (2010 est.)
$413.7 billion (2009 est.)
$410.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Comoros
$789.4 million (2010 est.)
$776.2 million (2009 est.)
$762.5 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$22.92 billion (2010 est.)
$22.25 billion (2009 est.)
$21.64 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Republic of the
$17.45 billion (2010 est.)
$15.79 billion (2009 est.)
$14.67 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cook Islands
$183.2 million (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
$51.3 billion (2010 est.)
$49.57 billion (2009 est.)
$49.91 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cote d'Ivoire
$37.8 billion (2010 est.)
$36.48 billion (2009 est.)
$35.01 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Croatia
$78.52 billion (2010 est.)
$79.64 billion (2009 est.)
$84.54 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cuba
$114.1 billion (2010 est.)
$112.4 billion (2009 est.)
$110.8 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Curacao
$2.838 billion (2008 est.)
$2.606 billion (2007 est.)
$2.452 billion (2006 est.)
note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Cyprus
$23.18 billion (2010 est.)
$23.04 billion (2009 est.)
$23.45 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Czech Republic
$261.5 billion (2010 est.)
$256.9 billion (2009 est.)
$267.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Denmark
$204.1 billion (2010 est.)
$200.5 billion (2009 est.)
$210.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Djibouti
$2.099 billion (2010 est.)
$2.003 billion (2009 est.)
$1.908 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominica
$765.4 million (2010 est.)
$754.8 million (2009 est.)
$757.1 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominican Republic
$84.94 billion (2010 est.)
$81.52 billion (2009 est.)
$78.76 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ecuador
$114.7 billion (2010 est.)
$112 billion (2009 est.)
$111.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Egypt
$500.9 billion (2010 est.)
$475.7 billion (2009 est.)
$454.8 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

El Salvador
$43.98 billion (2010 est.)
$43.46 billion (2009 est.)
$45.04 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Equatorial Guinea
$24.66 billion (2010 est.)
$24.18 billion (2009 est.)
$22.96 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Eritrea
$4.178 billion (2010 est.)
$4.017 billion (2009 est.)
$3.877 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Estonia
$24.53 billion (2010 est.)
$24.07 billion (2009 est.)
$27.96 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ethiopia
$84.02 billion (2010 est.)
$78.52 billion (2009 est.)
$72.24 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

European Union
$14.89 trillion (2010 est.)
$14.64 trillion (2009 est.)
$15.27 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$105.1 million (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
$1.642 billion (2008 est.)

Fiji
$3.792 billion (2010 est.)
$3.725 billion (2009 est.)
$3.821 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Finland
$185.4 billion (2010 est.)
$181.6 billion (2009 est.)
$197.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

France
$2.16 trillion (2010 est.)
$2.126 trillion (2009 est.)
$2.18 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

French Polynesia
$4.718 billion (2004 est.)
$4.58 billion (2003 est.)

Gabon
$22.54 billion (2010 est.)
$21.39 billion (2009 est.)
$21.69 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gambia, The
$3.406 billion (2010 est.)
$3.244 billion (2009 est.)
$3.073 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
$22.32 billion (2010 est.)
$21.16 billion (2009 est.)
$22.02 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Germany
$2.951 trillion (2010 est.)
$2.857 trillion (2009 est.)
$2.998 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ghana
$38.24 billion (2010 est.)
$36.53 billion (2009 est.)
$35.09 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gibraltar
$1.106 billion (2006 est.)
$1.066 billion (2005 est.)
$769 million (2000 est.)

Greece
$321.7 billion (2010 est.)
$337.9 billion (2009 est.)
$344.8 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Greenland
$2.03 billion (2008 est.)

Grenada
$1.127 billion (2010 est.)
$1.118 billion (2009 est.)
$1.211 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guam
$2.5 billion (2005 est.)

Guatemala
$70.31 billion (2010 est.)
$68.8 billion (2009 est.)
$68.39 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guernsey
$2.742 billion (2005)

Guinea
$10.6 billion (2010 est.)
$10.3 billion (2009 est.)
$10.67 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guinea-Bissau
$1.769 billion (2010 est.)
$1.738 billion (2009 est.)
$1.687 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guyana
$5.069 billion (2010 est.)
$4.946 billion (2009 est.)
$4.834 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Haiti
$11.18 billion (2010 est.)
$12.15 billion (2009 est.)
$11.81 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Holy See (Vatican City)
$NA

Honduras
$33.77 billion (2010 est.)
$32.94 billion (2009 est.)
$33.65 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hong Kong
$323.3 billion (2010 est.)
$305.9 billion (2009 est.)
$314.7 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hungary
$190 billion (2010 est.)
$188.5 billion (2009 est.)
$201.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iceland
$11.86 billion (2010 est.)
$12.28 billion (2009 est.)
$13.17 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

India
$4.046 trillion (2010 est.)
$3.736 trillion (2009 est.)
$3.478 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Indonesia
$1.033 trillion (2010 est.)
$974.6 billion (2009 est.)
$932.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iran
$863.5 billion (2010 est.)
$838.3 billion (2009 est.)
$825.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iraq
$117.7 billion (2010 est.)
$111.5 billion (2009 est.)
$106.7 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ireland
$174 billion (2010 est.)
$175.1 billion (2009 est.)
$189.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Isle of Man
$2.719 billion (2005 est.)

Israel
$217.1 billion (2010 est.)
$210 billion (2009 est.)
$209.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Italy
$1.782 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.763 trillion (2009 est.)
$1.857 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jamaica
$23.93 billion (2010 est.)
$24.12 billion (2009 est.)
$24.81 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Japan
$4.338 trillion (2010 est.)
$4.211 trillion (2009 est.)
$4.442 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jersey
$5.1 billion (2005 est.)

Jordan
$33.79 billion (2010 est.)
$32.74 billion (2009 est.)
$31.98 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kazakhstan
$193.8 billion (2010 est.)
$184.8 billion (2009 est.)
$182.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kenya
$65.95 billion (2010 est.)
$63.42 billion (2009 est.)
$61.78 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kiribati
$619.5 million (2010 est.)
$610.4 million (2009 est.)
$614.7 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, North
$40 billion (2009 est.)
$40 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars;
North Korea does not publish reliable National Income Accounts data;
the data shown here are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP)
GDP estimates for North Korea that were made by Angus MADDISON in a
study conducted for the OECD; his figure for 1999 was extrapolated
to 2009 using estimated real growth rates for North Korea's GDP and
an inflation factor based on the US GDP deflator; the results were
rounded to the nearest $10 billion.

Korea, South
$1.467 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.383 trillion (2009 est.)
$1.38 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kosovo
$5.3 billion (2008); $4.7 billion

Kuwait
$144.3 billion (2010 est.)
$139.8 billion (2009 est.)
$146.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kyrgyzstan
$11.85 billion (2010 est.)
$12.28 billion (2009 est.)
$12 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Laos
$15.42 billion (2010 est.)
$14.41 billion (2009 est.)
$13.53 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Latvia
$32.2 billion (2010 est.)
$32.79 billion (2009 est.)
$39.99 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lebanon
$58.65 billion (2010 est.)
$54.71 billion (2009 est.)
$51.18 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lesotho
$3.31 billion (2010 est.)
$3.198 billion (2009 est.)
$3.148 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liberia
$1.76 billion (2010 est.)
$1.66 billion (2009 est.)
$1.587 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Libya
$89.03 billion (2010 est.)
$86.19 billion (2009 est.)
$86.77 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liechtenstein
$4.16 billion (2007)
$4.035 billion (2006 est.)

Lithuania
$56.22 billion (2010 est.)
$55.99 billion (2009 est.)
$65.72 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Luxembourg
$40.81 billion (2010 est.)
$39.55 billion (2009 est.)
$41.07 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macau
$18.47 billion (2009 est.)
$18.14 billion (2008 est.)
$14.4 billion (2006)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macedonia
$19.46 billion (2010 est.)
$19.18 billion (2009 est.)
$19.31 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars; Macedonia has a large informal
sector

Madagascar
$20.73 billion (2010 est.)
$20.42 billion (2009 est.)
$20.63 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malawi
$13.51 billion (2010 est.)
$12.69 billion (2009 est.)
$11.79 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malaysia
$416.4 billion (2010 est.)
$388.8 billion (2009 est.)
$395.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Maldives
$1.767 billion (2010 est.)
$1.708 billion (2009 est.)
$1.763 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mali
$16.74 billion (2010 est.)
$15.91 billion (2009 est.)
$15.24 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malta
$10.21 billion (2010 est.)
$10.01 billion (2009 est.)
$10.13 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Marshall Islands
$133.5 million (2008 est.)
$115 million (2001 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritania
$6.8 billion (2010 est.)
$6.476 billion (2009 est.)
$6.542 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritius
$17.49 billion (2010 est.)
$16.88 billion (2009 est.)
$16.37 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mayotte
$953.6 million (2005 est.)

Mexico
$1.56 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.485 trillion (2009 est.)
$1.589 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Micronesia, Federated States of $238.1 million (2008 est.) $277 million (2002 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually

Moldova
$10.6 billion (2010 est.)
$10.28 billion (2009 est.)
$10.99 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Monaco
$976.3 million (2006 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mongolia
$10.16 billion (2010 est.)
$9.5 billion (2009 est.)
$9.654 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montenegro
$6.569 billion (2010 est.)
$6.689 billion (2009 est.)
$7.093 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montserrat
$29 million (2002 est.)

Morocco
$153.8 billion (2010 est.)
$147.6 billion (2009 est.)
$140.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mozambique
$22.19 billion (2010 est.)
$20.49 billion (2009 est.)
$19.28 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Namibia
$14.64 billion (2010 est.)
$14.06 billion (2009 est.)
$14.17 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nauru
$60 million (2005 est.)

Nepal
$35.31 billion (2010 est.)
$34.11 billion (2009 est.)
$32.58 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Netherlands
$680.4 billion (2010 est.)
$669 billion (2009 est.)
$696.1 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

New Caledonia
$3.158 billion (2003 est.)

New Zealand
$119.2 billion (2010 est.)
$116.8 billion (2009 est.)
$118.8 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nicaragua
$17.34 billion (2010 est.)
$16.87 billion (2009 est.)
$17.12 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niger
$10.58 billion (2010 est.)
$10.22 billion (2009 est.)
$10.35 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nigeria
$369.8 billion (2010 est.)
$346.2 billion (2009 est.)
$327.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niue
$10.01 million (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island
$NA

Northern Mariana Islands
$900 million (2000 est.)
note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

Norway
$276.4 billion (2010 est.)
$272.3 billion (2009 est.)
$276.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Oman
$76.53 billion (2010 est.)
$73.87 billion (2009 est.)
$72.42 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pakistan
$451.2 billion (2010 est.)
$439.4 billion (2009 est.)
$421.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Palau
$164 million (2008 est.)
$124.5 million (2004 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP estimate includes US subsidy

Panama
$43.48 billion (2010 est.)
$41.37 billion (2009 est.)
$40.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Papua New Guinea
$14.93 billion (2010 est.)
$14.06 billion (2009 est.)
$13.33 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Paraguay
$30.94 billion (2010 est.)
$29.06 billion (2009 est.)
$30.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Peru
$274.7 billion (2010 est.)
$254.8 billion (2009 est.)
$252.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Philippines
$351.2 billion (2010 est.)
$329.2 billion (2009 est.)
$325.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pitcairn Islands
$NA

Poland
$721.7 billion (2010 est.)
$698.6 billion (2009 est.)
$687 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Portugal
$247 billion (2010 est.)
$244.5 billion (2009 est.)
$251 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Puerto Rico
$64.84 billion (2010 est.)
$68.84 billion (2009 est.)
$71.51 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Qatar
$122.2 billion (2010 est.)
$102.3 billion (2009 est.)
$93.44 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Romania
$253.3 billion (2010 est.)
$258.2 billion (2009 est.)
$277.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Russia
$2.229 trillion (2010 est.)
$2.147 trillion (2009 est.)
$2.331 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Rwanda
$11.84 billion (2010 est.)
$11.17 billion (2009 est.)
$10.69 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$18 million (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$719.5 million (2010 est.)
$730.5 million (2009 est.)
$772.7 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Lucia
$1.789 billion (2010 est.)
$1.769 billion (2009 est.)
$1.866 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Pierre and Miquelon $48.3 million (2003 est.) note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$1.107 billion (2010 est.)
$1.102 billion (2009 est.)
$1.112 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Samoa
$1.002 billion (2010 est.)
$1.022 billion (2009 est.)
$1.059 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

San Marino $1.662 billion (2007) $850 million (2004 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
$316.9 million (2010 est.)
$299 million (2009 est.)
$287.5 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saudi Arabia
$622.5 billion (2010 est.)
$599.7 billion (2009 est.)
$599.1 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Senegal
$23.86 billion (2010 est.)
$22.96 billion (2009 est.)
$22.56 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Serbia
$80.65 billion (2010 est.)
$79.22 billion (2009 est.)
$81.67 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Seychelles
$1.908 billion (2010 est.)
$1.843 billion (2009 est.)
$1.83 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sierra Leone
$4.812 billion (2010 est.)
$4.574 billion (2009 est.)
$4.382 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Singapore
$292.2 billion (2010 est.)
$255 billion (2009 est.)
$258.3 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sint Maarten
$794.7 million (2008 est.)
$748.9 million (2007 est.)
$703.2 million (2006 est.)
note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Slovakia
$121.3 billion (2010 est.)
$116.7 billion (2009 est.)
$122.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Slovenia
$56.81 billion (2010 est.)
$56.24 billion (2009 est.)
$61.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Solomon Islands
$1.559 billion (2010 est.)
$1.517 billion (2009 est.)
$1.553 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Somalia
$5.896 billion (2010 est.)
$5.75 billion (2009 est.)
$5.607 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

South Africa
$527.5 billion (2010 est.)
$512.2 billion (2009 est.)
$521.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Spain
$1.374 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.379 trillion (2009 est.)
$1.432 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sri Lanka
$104.7 billion (2010 est.)
$97.91 billion (2009 est.)
$94.6 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sudan
$98.79 billion (2010 est.)
$93.91 billion (2009 est.)
$90.12 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Suriname
$4.794 billion (2010 est.)
$4.632 billion (2009 est.)
$4.541 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Svalbard
$NA

Swaziland
$6.055 billion (2010 est.)
$5.937 billion (2009 est.)
$5.913 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sweden
$354 billion (2010 est.)
$340.1 billion (2009 est.)
$358.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Switzerland
$326.9 billion (2010 est.)
$318 billion (2009 est.)
$324.1 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Syria
$106.4 billion (2010 est.)
$102.4 billion (2009 est.)
$97.48 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Taiwan
$807.2 billion (2010 est.)
$745.4 billion (2009 est.)
$759.8 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tajikistan
$14.61 billion (2010 est.)
$13.85 billion (2009 est.)
$13.4 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tanzania
$62.22 billion (2010 est.)
$58.48 billion (2009 est.)
$55.17 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Thailand
$580.3 billion (2010 est.)
$539.3 billion (2009 est.)
$551.5 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Timor-Leste
$3.004 billion (2010 est.)
$2.782 billion (2009 est.)
$2.588 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Togo
$5.927 billion (2010 est.)
$5.738 billion (2009 est.)
$5.565 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tokelau
$1.5 million (1993 est.)

Tonga
$767 million (2010 est.)
$770.9 million (2009 est.)
$774.7 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Trinidad and Tobago
$27.1 billion (2010 est.)
$26.54 billion (2009 est.)
$27.42 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tunisia
$100.3 billion (2010 est.)
$97.03 billion (2009 est.)
$94.22 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkey
$958.3 billion (2010 est.)
$893.1 billion (2009 est.)
$937.1 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkmenistan
$36.64 billion (2010 est.)
$33.01 billion (2009 est.)
$31.11 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turks and Caicos Islands
$216 million (2002 est.)

Tuvalu
$14.94 million (2002 est.)

Uganda
$41.7 billion (2010 est.)
$39.41 billion (2009 est.)
$36.76 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ukraine
$306.3 billion (2010 est.)
$293.7 billion (2009 est.)
$345.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Arab Emirates
$199.8 billion (2010 est.)
$194.7 billion (2009 est.)
$200.1 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Kingdom
$2.189 trillion (2010 est.)
$2.154 trillion (2009 est.)
$2.268 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United States
$14.72 trillion (2010 est.)
$14.33 trillion (2009 est.)
$14.72 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uruguay
$47.8 billion (2010 est.)
$44.63 billion (2009 est.)
$43.38 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uzbekistan
$86.07 billion (2010 est.)
$79.55 billion (2009 est.)
$73.59 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vanuatu
$1.216 billion (2010 est.)
$1.168 billion (2009 est.)
$1.126 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Venezuela
$344.2 billion (2010 est.)
$354.1 billion (2009 est.)
$366.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vietnam
$278.1 billion (2010 est.)
$260.3 billion (2009 est.)
$247.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Virgin Islands
$1.577 billion (2004 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
$60 million (2004 est.)

West Bank
$12.79 billion (2009 est.)
$11.95 billion (2008)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Western Sahara
$900 million (2007 est.)

World
$74.43 trillion (2010 est.)
$71.17 trillion (2009 est.)
$71.67 trillion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Yemen
$61.88 billion (2010 est.)
$58.82 billion (2009 est.)
$56.67 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zambia
$20.03 billion (2010 est.)
$18.72 billion (2009 est.)
$17.61 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zimbabwe
$4.395 billion (2010 est.)
$4.223 billion (2009 est.)
$4.279 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

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

@2002

Field Listing :: Population growth rate

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

Population growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
2.471% (2010 est.)

Albania
0.249% (2010 est.)

Algeria
1.177% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
1.212% (2010 est.)

Andorra
0.382% (2010 est.)

Angola
2.063% (2010 est.)

Anguilla
2.215% (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
1.3% (2010 est.)

Argentina
1.036% (2010 est.)

Armenia
0.016% (2010 est.)

Aruba
1.457% (2010 est.)

Australia
1.171% (2010 est.)

Austria
0.042% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
0.805% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
0.935% (2010 est.)

Bahrain
1.243% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
1.55% (2010 est.)

Barbados
0.374% (2010 est.)

Belarus
-0.368% (2010 est.)

Belgium
0.082% (2010 est.)

Belize
2.102% (2010 est.)

Benin
2.944% (2010 est.)

Bermuda
0.62% (2010 est.)

Bhutan
1.236% (2010 est.)

Bolivia
1.72% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0.016% (2010 est.)

Botswana
1.843% (2010 est.)

Brazil
1.166% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
1.784% (2010 est.)

Brunei
1.733% (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
-0.768% (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
3.095% (2010 est.)

Burma
1.096% (2010 est.)

Burundi
3.561% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
1.705% (2010 est.)

Cameroon
2.157% (2010 est.)

Canada
0.804% (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
1.459% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
2.338% (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
2.149% (2010 est.)

Chad
2.038% (2010 est.)

Chile
0.856% (2010 est.)

China
0.494% (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
0% (2010 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
0% (2010 est.)

Colombia
1.184% (2010 est.)

Comoros
2.731% (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
3.165% (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
2.807% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
-3.256% (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
1.347% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
2.105% (2010 est.)

Croatia
-0.061% (2010 est.)

Cuba
0.217% (2010 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
1.663% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
-0.106% (2010 est.)

Denmark
0.267% (2010 est.)

Djibouti
2.181% (2010 est.)

Dominica
0.213% (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
1.357% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
1.466% (2010 est.)

Egypt
1.997% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
0.332% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
2.674% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
2.522% (2010 est.)

Estonia
-0.635% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
3.202% (2010 est.)

European Union
0.098 % (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0.011% (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
0.424% (2010 est.)

Fiji
0.827% (2010 est.)

Finland
0.084% (2010 est.)

France
0.525% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
1.355% (2010 est.)

Gabon
2.025% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
2.528% (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
3.29% (2010 est.)

Georgia
-0.325% (2010 est.)

Germany
-0.061% (2010 est.)

Ghana
1.855% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
0.27% (2010 est.)

Greece
0.106% (2010 est.)

Greenland
0.064% (2010 est.)

Grenada
0.563% (2010 est.)

Guam
1.346% (2010 est.)

Guatemala
2.019% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
0.466% (2010 est.)

Guinea
2.649% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
2.004% (2010 est.)

Guyana
-0.547% (2010 est.)

Haiti
0.787%
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
0.004% (2010 est.)

Honduras
1.935% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
0.476% (2010 est.)

Hungary
-0.156% (2010 est.)

Iceland
0.699% (2010 est.)

India
1.376% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
1.097% (2010 est.)

Iran
1.253% (2010 est.)

Iraq
2.449% (2010 est.)

Ireland
1.007% (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
0.968% (2010 est.)

Israel
1.628% (2010 est.)

Italy
-0.075% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
0.747% (2010 est.)

Japan
-0.242% (2010 est.)

Jersey
0.86% (2010 est.)

Jordan
2.159% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
0.399% (2010 est.)

Kenya
2.588% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
1.271% (2010 est.)

Korea, North
0.389% (2010 est.)

Korea, South
0.258% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
3.501%
note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of
expatriates (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
1.414% (2010 est.)

Laos
1.712% (2010 est.)

Latvia
-0.602% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
0.621% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
0.277% (2010 est.)

Liberia
2.782% (2010 est.)

Libya
2.117% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
0.683% (2010 est.)

Lithuania
-0.276% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
1.158% (2010 est.)

Macau
0.89% (2010 est.)

Macedonia
0.257% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
2.993% (2010 est.)

Malawi
2.758% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
1.609% (2010 est.)

Maldives
-0.178% (2010 est.)

Mali
2.607% (2010 est.)

Malta
0.391% (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
2.023% (2010 est.)

Mauritania
2.373% (2010 est.)

Mauritius
0.751% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
3.171% (2010 est.)

Mexico
1.118% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
-0.284% (2010 est.)

Moldova
-0.072% (2010 est.)

Monaco
-0.183% (2010 est.)

Mongolia
1.495% (2010 est.)

Montenegro
-0.777% (2010 est.)

Montserrat
0.391% (2010 est.)

Morocco
1.077% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
1.797% (2010 est.)

Namibia
0.909% (2010 est.)

Nauru
0.594% (2010 est.)

Nepal
1.419% (2010 est.)

Netherlands
0.39% (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
1.561% (2010 est.)

New Zealand
0.901% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
1.74% (2010 est.)

Niger
3.66% (2010 est.)

Nigeria
1.966% (2010 est.)

Niue
-0.032% (2010 est.)

Norfolk Island
0.006% (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
-5.567% (2010 est.)

Norway
0.334% (2010 est.)

Oman
1.996% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
1.589% (2010 est.)

Palau
0.374% (2010 est.)

Panama
1.463% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
2.033% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
1.31% (2010 est.)

Peru
1.193% (2010 est.)

Philippines
1.931% (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
0% (2010 est.)

Poland
-0.053% (2010 est.)

Portugal
0.244% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
0.27% (2010 est.)

Qatar
0.869% (2010 est.)

Romania
-0.247% (2010 est.)

Russia
-0.465% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
2.818% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0.404% (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.838% (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
0.398% (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-0.909% (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-0.341% (2010 est.)

Samoa
0.605% (2010 est.)

San Marino
1.106% (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
2.112% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
1.548% (2010 est.)

Senegal
2.579% (2010 est.)

Serbia
-0.469% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
0.966% (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
2.216% (2010 est.)

Singapore
0.863% (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
0.129% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
-0.142% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
2.27% (2010 est.)

Somalia
2.809% (2010 est.)

South Africa
-0.051% (2010 est.)

Spain
0.493% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
0.863% (2010 est.)

Sudan
2.497% (2010 est.)

Suriname
1.108% (2010 est.)

Svalbard
-0.023% (2010 est.)

Swaziland
1.213% (2010 est.)

Sweden
0.16% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
0.223% (2010 est.)

Syria
1.954% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
0.213% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
1.852% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
2.032% (2010 est.)

Thailand
0.653% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
1.999% (2010 est.)

Togo
2.773% (2010 est.)

Tokelau
-0.011% (2010 est.)

Tonga
1.282% (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
-0.094% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
0.969% (2010 est.)

Turkey
1.272% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
1.14% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
2.491% (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
0.659% (2010 est.)

Uganda
3.563% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
-0.619% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
3.561% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
0.563% (2010 est.)

United States
0.97% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
0.447% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
0.938% (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
1.359% (2010 est.)

Venezuela
1.515% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
1.096% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
-0.072% (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
0.365% (2010 est.)

West Bank
2.13% (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
3.169% (2010 est.)

World
1.133% (2009 est.)

Yemen
2.713% (2010 est.)

Zambia
3.118% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
2.954% (2010 est.)

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

@2003

Field Listing :: GDP - real growth rate

This entry gives GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for
inflation and expressed as a percent.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

GDP - real growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
8.9% (2010 est.)
22.5% (2009 est.)
3.4% (2008 est.)

Albania
3.1% (2010 est.)
3.3% (2009 est.)
7.8% (2008 est.)

Algeria
4.1% (2010 est.)
2.2% (2009 est.)
2.8% (2008 est.)

American Samoa
3% (2003)

Andorra
2.6% (2008 est.)
2% (2007 est.)
3.5% (2005 est.)

Angola
5.9% (2010 est.)
-0.9% (2009 est.)
13.4% (2008 est.)

Anguilla
-8.5% (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
-4.1% (2010 est.)
-8.9% (2009 est.)
1.8% (2008 est.)

Argentina
7.5% (2010 est.)
-3% (2009 est.)
5% (2008 est.)

Armenia
4.7% (2010 est.)
-14.2% (2009 est.)
6.9% (2008 est.)

Aruba
2.4% (2005 est.)

Australia
3.3% (2010 est.)
1.2% (2009 est.)
2.2% (2008 est.)

Austria
2% (2010 est.)
-3.8% (2009 est.)
1.9% (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
3.7% (2010 est.)
9.3% (2009 est.)
10.8% (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
-0.5% (2010 est.)
-3.9% (2009 est.)
-1.7% (2008 est.)

Bahrain
3.9% (2010 est.)
3.1% (2009 est.)
6.3% (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
6% (2010 est.)
5.7% (2009 est.)
6% (2008 est.)

Barbados
-0.7% (2010 est.)
-5.5% (2009 est.)
-0.2% (2008 est.)

Belarus
4.8% (2010 est.)
0.2% (2009 est.)
10.2% (2008 est.)

Belgium
1.6% (2010 est.)
-2.7% (2009 est.)
0.8% (2008 est.)

Belize
1.5% (2010 est.)
0% (2009 est.)
3.6% (2008 est.)

Benin
3% (2010 est.)
2.7% (2009 est.)
5.1% (2008 est.)

Bermuda
4.6% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
6.8% (2010 est.)
5.7% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2008 est.)

Bolivia
3.8% (2010 est.)
3.4% (2009 est.)
6.1% (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.1% (2010 est.)
-3.2% (2009 est.)
5.7% (2008 est.)

Botswana
3.1% (2010 est.)
-5.4% (2009 est.)
2.9% (2008 est.)

Brazil
7.5% (2010 est.)
-0.2% (2009 est.)
5.1% (2008 est.)

British Virgin Islands
-0.6% (2008 est.)

Brunei
1% (2010 est.)
-1.8% (2009 est.)
-1.9% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
0% (2010 est.)
-5% (2009 est.)
6.2% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
5.2% (2010 est.)
3.2% (2009 est.)
5.2% (2008 est.)

Burma
3.1% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)
1.1% (2008 est.)

Burundi
3.9% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)
4.5% (2008 est.)

Cambodia
4.1% (2010 est.)
-1.5% (2009 est.)
5% (2008 est.)

Cameroon
2.8% (2010 est.)
0.9% (2009 est.)
3.9% (2008 est.)

Canada
3% (2010 est.)
-2.5% (2009 est.)
0.5% (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
4.5% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)
5.9% (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands 1.1% (2008 est.) 0.9% (2004 est.)

Central African Republic
3.7% (2010 est.)
1.7% (2009 est.)
2% (2008 est.)

Chad
2% (2010 est.)
-1.6% (2009 est.)
10.7% (2008 est.)

Chile
5.3% (2010 est.)
-1.5% (2009 est.)
3.7% (2008 est.)

China
10.3% (2010 est.)
9.1% (2009 est.)
9% (2008 est.)

Colombia
4.4% (2010 est.)
0.8% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2008 est.)

Comoros
1.7% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)
1% (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
3% (2010 est.)
2.8% (2009 est.)
6.2% (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
10.5% (2010 est.)
7.6% (2009 est.)
5.6% (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0.1% (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
3.5% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)
2.6% (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
3.6% (2010 est.)
4.2% (2009 est.)
2.3% (2008 est.)

Croatia
-1.4% (2010 est.)
-5.8% (2009 est.)
2.4% (2008 est.)

Cuba
1.5% (2010 est.)
1.4% (2009 est.)
4.1% (2008 est.)

Curacao
3.5% (2008)
2.2% (2007)

Cyprus
0.6% (2010 est.)
-1.8% (2009 est.)
3.6% (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
1.8% (2010 est.)
-4.1% (2009 est.)
2.5% (2008 est.)

Denmark
1.8% (2010 est.)
-4.7% (2009 est.)
-0.9% (2008 est.)

Djibouti
4.8% (2010 est.)
5% (2009 est.)
5.8% (2008 est.)

Dominica
1.4% (2010 est.)
-0.3% (2009 est.)
3.2% (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
4.2% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)
5.3% (2008 est.)

Ecuador
2.4% (2010 est.)
0.4% (2009 est.)
7.2% (2008 est.)

Egypt
5.3% (2010 est.)
4.6% (2009 est.)
7.2% (2008 est.)

El Salvador
1.2% (2010 est.)
-3.5% (2009 est.)
2.4% (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
2% (2010 est.)
5.3% (2009 est.)
11.3% (2008 est.)

Eritrea
4% (2010 est.)
3.6% (2009 est.)
2% (2008 est.)

Estonia
1.9% (2010 est.)
-13.9% (2009 est.)
-5.1% (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
7% (2010 est.)
8.7% (2009 est.)
11.6% (2008 est.)

European Union
1.7% (2010 est.)
-4% (2009 est.)
0.6% (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA%

Faroe Islands
0.5% (2008 est.)

Fiji
1.8% (2010 est.)
-2.5% (2009 est.)
-0.1% (2008 est.)

Finland
2.1% (2010 est.)
-8.1% (2009 est.)
1% (2008 est.)

France
1.6% (2010 est.)
-2.5% (2009 est.)
0.1% (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
2.7% (2005)
5.1% (2002)

Gabon
5.4% (2010 est.)
-1.4% (2009 est.)
2.3% (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
5% (2010 est.)
5.6% (2009 est.)
6.3% (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
5.5% (2010 est.)
-3.9% (2009 est.)
2.3% (2008 est.)

Germany
3.3% (2010 est.)
-4.7% (2009 est.)
1% (2008 est.)

Ghana
4.7% (2010 est.)
4.1% (2009 est.)
7.3% (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
3.7% (2006)
7% (2005 est.)

Greece
-4.8% (2010 est.)
-2% (2009 est.)
2% (2008 est.)

Greenland
1.5% (2008 est.)
4% (2007 est.)
2.6% (2006 est.)

Grenada
0.8% (2010 est.)
-7.7% (2009 est.)
2.2% (2008 est.)

Guam
NA%

Guatemala 2.2% (2010 est.) 0.6% (2009 est.) 3.3% (2008 est.)

Guernsey
3% (2005 est.)

Guinea
3% (2010 est.)
-3.5% (2009 est.)
4.7% (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
1.8% (2010 est.)
3% (2009 est.)
2.8% (2008 est.)

Guyana
2.5% (2010 est.)
2.3% (2009 est.)
3% (2008 est.)

Haiti
-8% (2010 est.)
2.9% (2009 est.)
0.8% (2008 est.)

Honduras
2.5% (2010 est.)
-2.1% (2009 est.)
4.2% (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
5.7% (2010 est.)
-2.8% (2009 est.)
2.2% (2008 est.)

Hungary
0.8% (2010 est.)
-6.3% (2009 est.)
0.6% (2008 est.)

Iceland
-3.4% (2010 est.)
-6.8% (2009 est.)
1% (2008 est.)

India
8.3% (2010 est.)
7.4% (2009 est.)
7.4% (2008 est.)

Indonesia
6% (2010 est.)
4.5% (2009 est.)
6% (2008 est.)

Iran
3% (2010 est.)
1.5% (2009 est.)
2.5% (2008 est.)

Iraq
5.5% (2010 est.)
4.5% (2009 est.)
7.8% (2008 est.)

Ireland
-0.6% (2010 est.)
-7.6% (2009 est.)
-3.5% (2008 est.)

Isle of Man
5.2% (2005)

Israel
3.4% (2010 est.)
0.2% (2009 est.)
4.4% (2008 est.)

Italy
1.1% (2010 est.)
-5.1% (2009 est.)
-1.3% (2008 est.)

Jamaica
-0.8% (2010 est.)
-2.8% (2009 est.)
-0.9% (2008 est.)

Japan
3% (2010 est.)
-5.2% (2009 est.)
-1.2% (2008 est.)

Jersey
NA%

Jordan
3.2% (2010 est.)
2.4% (2009 est.)
5.8% (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
4.9% (2010 est.)
1.2% (2009 est.)
3.3% (2008 est.)

Kenya
4% (2010 est.)
2.6% (2009 est.)
1.7% (2008 est.)

Kiribati
1.5% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)
-1.1% (2008 est.)

Korea, North -0.9% (2009 est.) 3.7% (2008 est.)

Korea, South 6.1% (2010 est.) 0.2% (2009 est.) 2.3% (2008 est.)

Kosovo

Kuwait
3.2% (2010 est.)
-4.6% (2009 est.)
8.5% (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
-3.5% (2010 est.)
2.3% (2009 est.)
8.4% (2008 est.)

Laos
7% (2010 est.)
6.5% (2009 est.)
7.2% (2008 est.)

Latvia
-1.8% (2010 est.)
-18% (2009 est.)
-4.2% (2008 est.)

Lebanon
7.2% (2010 est.)
6.9% (2009 est.)
9.3% (2008 est.)

Lesotho
3.5% (2010 est.)
1.6% (2009 est.)
3.9% (2008 est.)

Liberia
6% (2010 est.)
4.6% (2009 est.)
8.6% (2008 est.)

Libya
3.3% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2008 est.)

Liechtenstein
3.1% (2007 est.)

Lithuania
0.4% (2010 est.)
-14.8% (2009 est.)
2.8% (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
3.2% (2010 est.)
-3.7% (2009 est.)
1.4% (2008 est.)

Macau
1% (2009 est.)
12.9% (2008)
26% (2007)

Macedonia
1.5% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)
4.8% (2008 est.)

Madagascar
1.5% (2010 est.)
-1% (2009 est.)
7% (2008 est.)

Malawi
6.5% (2010 est.)
7.6% (2009 est.)
9.8% (2008 est.)

Malaysia
7.1% (2010 est.)
-1.7% (2009 est.)
4.7% (2008 est.)

Maldives
3.4% (2010 est.)
-3.1% (2009 est.)
6.2% (2008 est.)

Mali
5.2% (2010 est.)
4.4% (2009 est.)
5% (2008 est.)

Malta
2% (2010 est.)
-1.2% (2009 est.)
1.5% (2008 est.)

Marshall Islands -0.3% (2008 est.) 3.5% (2005 est.)

Mauritania
5% (2010 est.)
-1% (2009 est.)
3.5% (2008 est.)

Mauritius
3.6% (2010 est.)
3.1% (2009 est.)
5.1% (2008 est.)

Mayotte
NA%

Mexico
5% (2010 est.)
-6.5% (2009 est.)
1.5% (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA%
0.3% (2005 est.)

Moldova
3.1% (2010 est.)
-6.5% (2009 est.)
7.8% (2008 est.)

Monaco
NA% (2000 est.)

Mongolia
7% (2010 est.)
-1.6% (2009 est.)
8.9% (2008 est.)

Montenegro
-1.8% (2010 est.)
-5.7% (2009 est.)
6.9% (2008 est.)

Montserrat
-1% (2002 est.)

Morocco
4.2% (2010 est.)
4.9% (2009 est.)
5.6% (2008 est.)

Mozambique
8.3% (2010 est.)
6.3% (2009 est.)
6.8% (2008 est.)

Namibia
4.1% (2010 est.)
-0.8% (2009 est.)
4.3% (2008 est.)

Nauru
NA%

Nepal
3.5% (2010 est.)
4.7% (2009 est.)
5.3% (2008 est.)

Netherlands
1.7% (2010 est.)
-3.9% (2009 est.)
1.9% (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
NA%

New Zealand
2.1% (2010 est.)
-1.7% (2009 est.)
-0.2% (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
2.8% (2010 est.)
-1.5% (2009 est.)
2.8% (2008 est.)

Niger
3.5% (2010 est.)
-1.2% (2009 est.)
9.3% (2008 est.)

Nigeria
6.8% (2010 est.)
5.6% (2009 est.)
6% (2008 est.)

Niue
6.2% (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
NA%

Norway
1.5% (2010 est.)
-1.4% (2009 est.)
1.8% (2008 est.)

Oman
3.6% (2010 est.)
2% (2009 est.)
12.8% (2008 est.)

Pakistan
2.7% (2010 est.)
4.3% (2009 est.)
3.6% (2008 est.)

Palau
NA% (2009)
5.5% (2005 est.)

Panama
5.1% (2010 est.)
2.4% (2009 est.)
10.7% (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
6.2% (2010 est.)
5.5% (2009 est.)
6.7% (2008 est.)

Paraguay
6.5% (2010 est.)
-3.8% (2009 est.)
5.8% (2008 est.)

Peru
7.8% (2010 est.)
0.9% (2009 est.)
9.8% (2008 est.)

Philippines
6.7% (2010 est.)
1.1% (2009 est.)
3.7% (2008 est.)

Poland
3.3% (2010 est.)
1.7% (2009 est.)
5.1% (2008 est.)

Portugal
1% (2010 est.)
-2.6% (2009 est.)
0% (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
-5.8% (2010 est.)
-3.7% (2009 est.)
-2.8% (2008 est.)

Qatar
19.4% (2010 est.)
9.5% (2009 est.)
11.7% (2008 est.)

Romania
-1.9% (2010 est.)
-7.1% (2009 est.)
7.1% (2008 est.)

Russia
3.8% (2010 est.)
-7.9% (2009)
5.2% (2008)

Rwanda
6% (2010 est.)
4.5% (2009 est.)
11.2% (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
-1.5% (2010 est.)
-5.5% (2009 est.)
4.6% (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
1.1% (2010 est.)
-5.2% (2009 est.)
0.7% (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0.5% (2010 est.)
-1% (2009 est.)
-0.6% (2008 est.)

Samoa
-2% (2010 est.)
-3.5% (2009 est.)
-3.4% (2008 est.)

San Marino
4.3% (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
6% (2010 est.)
4% (2009 est.)
5.8% (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
3.8% (2010 est.)
0.1% (2009 est.)
4.3% (2008 est.)

Senegal
3.9% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)
3.3% (2008 est.)

Serbia
1.8% (2010 est.)
-3% (2009 est.)
5.5% (2008 est.)

Seychelles
3.5% (2010 est.)
0.7% (2009 est.)
-1.3% (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
5.2% (2010 est.)
4.4% (2009 est.)
5.5% (2008 est.)

Singapore
14.6% (2010 est.)
-1.3% (2009 est.)
1.8% (2008 est.)

Sint Maarten 1.6% (2008 est.) 4.5% (2007 est.)

Slovakia
4% (2010 est.)
-4.7% (2009 est.)
6.2% (2008 est.)

Slovenia
1% (2010 est.)
-8.1% (2009 est.)
3.7% (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
2.8% (2010 est.)
-2.3% (2009 est.)
7.4% (2008 est.)

Somalia
2.6% (2010 est.)
2.6% (2009 est.)
2.6% (2008 est.)

South Africa
3% (2010 est.)
-1.8% (2009 est.)
3.7% (2008 est.)

Spain
-0.4% (2010 est.)
-3.7% (2009 est.)
0.9% (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
6.9% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)
6% (2008 est.)

Sudan
5.2% (2010 est.)
4.2% (2009 est.)
6.6% (2008 est.)

Suriname
3.5% (2010 est.)
2% (2009 est.)
7% (2008 est.)

Svalbard
NA%

Swaziland
2% (2010 est.)
0.4% (2009 est.)
2.4% (2008 est.)

Sweden
4.1% (2010 est.)
-5.1% (2009 est.)
-0.6% (2008 est.)

Switzerland
2.8% (2010 est.)
-1.9% (2009 est.)
1.9% (2008 est.)

Syria
4% (2010 est.)
5% (2009 est.)
4.3% (2008 est.)

Taiwan
8.3% (2010 est.)
-1.9% (2009 est.)
0.7% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
5.5% (2010 est.)
3.4% (2009 est.)
7.9% (2008 est.)

Tanzania
6.4% (2010 est.)
6% (2009 est.)
7.4% (2008 est.)

Thailand
7.6% (2010 est.)
-2.2% (2009 est.)
2.5% (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
8% (2010 est.)
7.5% (2009 est.)
12.8% (2008 est.)

Togo
3.3% (2010 est.)
3.1% (2009 est.)
1.8% (2008 est.)

Tokelau
NA%

Tonga
-0.5% (2010 est.)
-0.5% (2009 est.)
1.2% (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
2.1% (2010 est.)
-3.2% (2009 est.)
3.5% (2008 est.)

Tunisia
3.4% (2010 est.)
3% (2009 est.)
4.6% (2008 est.)

Turkey
7.3% (2010 est.)
-4.7% (2009 est.)
0.7% (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
11% (2010 est.)
6.1% (2009 est.)
10.5% (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
4.9% (2000 est.)

Tuvalu
3% (2006 est.)

Uganda
5.8% (2010 est.)
7.2% (2009 est.)
8.7% (2008 est.)

Ukraine
4.3% (2010 est.)
-15.1% (2009 est.)
2.1% (2008 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.6% (2010 est.)
-2.7% (2009 est.)
7.4% (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
1.6% (2010 est.)
-5% (2009 est.)
-0.1% (2008 est.)

United States
2.8% (2010 est.)
-2.6% (2009 est.)
0% (2008 est.)

Uruguay
7.1% (2010 est.)
2.9% (2009 est.)
8.5% (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
8.2% (2010 est.)
8.1% (2009 est.)
9% (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
4.1% (2010 est.)
3.8% (2009 est.)
6.6% (2008 est.)

Venezuela
-2.8% (2010 est.)
-3.3% (2009 est.)
4.8% (2008 est.)

Vietnam
6.8% (2010 est.)
5.3% (2009 est.)
6.3% (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
2% (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
NA%

West Bank
7% (2009 est.)
2.3% (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
NA%

World
4.6% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2008 est.)

Yemen
5.2% (2010 est.)
3.8% (2009 est.)
3.2% (2008 est.)

Zambia
7% (2010 est.)
6.3% (2009 est.)
5.7% (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
4.1% (2010 est.)
-1.3% (2009 est.)
-14.4% (2008 est.)

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

@2004

Field Listing :: GDP - per capita (PPP)

This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by
population as of 1 July for the same year.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

GDP - per capita (PPP)

Afghanistan
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$1,000 (2009 est.)
$800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Albania
$8,000 (2010 est.)
$7,800 (2009 est.)
$7,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Algeria
$7,400 (2010 est.)
$7,200 (2009 est.)
$7,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

American Samoa $8,000 (2007 est.) $5,800 (2005 est.)

Andorra $44,900 (2008) $42,500 (2007) $38,800 (2005)

Angola
$8,700 (2010 est.)
$8,400 (2009 est.)
$8,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Anguilla
$12,200 (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
$16,500 (2010 est.)
$17,400 (2009 est.)
$19,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Argentina
$14,700 (2010 est.)
$13,700 (2009 est.)
$14,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Armenia
$5,800 (2010 est.)
$5,600 (2009 est.)
$6,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Aruba
$21,800 (2004 est.)

Australia
$41,300 (2010 est.)
$40,500 (2009 est.)
$40,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Austria
$40,300 (2010 est.)
$39,800 (2009 est.)
$41,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Azerbaijan
$11,000 (2010 est.)
$10,600 (2009 est.)
$9,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahamas, The
$28,600 (2010 est.)
$29,000 (2009 est.)
$30,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahrain
$40,400 (2010 est.)
$39,400 (2009 est.)
$38,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bangladesh
$1,700 (2010 est.)
$1,600 (2009 est.)
$1,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Barbados
$21,700 (2010 est.)
$21,900 (2009 est.)
$23,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belarus
$13,400 (2010 est.)
$12,700 (2009 est.)
$12,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belgium
$37,900 (2010 est.)
$37,300 (2009 est.)
$38,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belize
$8,400 (2010 est.)
$8,500 (2009 est.)
$8,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Benin
$1,600 (2010 est.)
$1,600 (2009 est.)
$1,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bermuda
$69,900 (2004 est.)

Bhutan
$5,000 (2010 est.)
$4,800 (2009 est.)
$4,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bolivia
$4,800 (2010 est.)
$4,700 (2009 est.)
$4,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$6,600 (2010 est.)
$6,600 (2009 est.)
$6,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Botswana
$13,100 (2010 est.)
$12,900 (2009 est.)
$13,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Brazil
$10,900 (2010 est.)
$10,300 (2009 est.)
$10,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

British Virgin Islands
$38,500 (2004 est.)

Brunei
$50,300 (2010 est.)
$50,700 (2009 est.)
$52,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bulgaria
$12,800 (2010 est.)
$12,700 (2009 est.)
$13,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burkina Faso
$1,200 (2010 est.)
$1,200 (2009 est.)
$1,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burma
$1,100 (2010 est.)
$1,100 (2009 est.)
$1,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burundi
$300 (2010 est.)
$300 (2009 est.)
$300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cambodia
$2,000 (2010 est.)
$2,000 (2009 est.)
$2,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cameroon
$2,300 (2010 est.)
$2,300 (2009 est.)
$2,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Canada
$39,600 (2010 est.)
$38,700 (2009 est.)
$40,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cape Verde
$3,700 (2010 est.)
$3,600 (2009 est.)
$3,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cayman Islands
$43,800 (2004 est.)

Central African Republic
$700 (2010 est.)
$700 (2009 est.)
$700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chad
$1,800 (2010 est.)
$1,800 (2009 est.)
$1,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chile
$15,500 (2010 est.)
$14,900 (2009 est.)
$15,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

China
$7,400 (2010 est.)
$6,800 (2009 est.)
$6,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Colombia
$9,800 (2010 est.)
$9,500 (2009 est.)
$9,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Comoros
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$1,000 (2009 est.)
$1,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$300 (2010 est.)
$300 (2009 est.)
$300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Republic of the
$4,200 (2010 est.)
$3,900 (2009 est.)
$3,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cook Islands
$9,100 (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
$11,400 (2010 est.)
$11,100 (2009 est.)
$11,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cote d'Ivoire
$1,800 (2010 est.)
$1,800 (2009 est.)
$1,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Croatia
$17,500 (2010 est.)
$17,700 (2009 est.)
$18,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cuba
$9,900 (2010 est.)
$9,800 (2009 est.)
$9,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Curacao
$14,970 (2004 est.)

Cyprus
$21,000 (2010 est.)
$21,300 (2009 est.)
$22,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Czech Republic
$25,600 (2010 est.)
$25,200 (2009 est.)
$26,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Denmark
$37,000 (2010 est.)
$36,400 (2009 est.)
$38,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Djibouti
$2,800 (2010 est.)
$2,800 (2009 est.)
$2,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominica
$10,500 (2010 est.)
$10,400 (2009 est.)
$10,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominican Republic
$8,600 (2010 est.)
$8,400 (2009 est.)
$8,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ecuador
$7,800 (2010 est.)
$7,700 (2009 est.)
$7,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Egypt
$6,200 (2010 est.)
$6,000 (2009 est.)
$5,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

El Salvador
$7,300 (2010 est.)
$7,200 (2009 est.)
$7,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Equatorial Guinea
$37,900 (2010 est.)
$38,200 (2009 est.)
$37,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Eritrea
$700 (2010 est.)
$700 (2009 est.)
$700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Estonia
$19,000 (2010 est.)
$18,500 (2009 est.)
$21,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ethiopia
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$900 (2009 est.)
$900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

European Union
$32,900 (2010 est.)
$32,400 (2009 est.)
$33,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$35,400 (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
$34,000 (2008 est.)

Fiji
$4,300 (2010 est.)
$4,300 (2009 est.)
$4,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Finland
$35,300 (2010 est.)
$34,600 (2009 est.)
$37,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

France
$33,300 (2010 est.)
$33,000 (2009 est.)
$34,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

French Polynesia
$18,000 (2004 est.)
$17,500 (2003 est.)

Gabon
$14,600 (2010 est.)
$14,100 (2009 est.)
$14,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gambia, The
$1,900 (2010 est.)
$1,800 (2009 est.)
$1,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
$4,800 (2010 est.)
$4,600 (2009 est.)
$4,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Germany
$35,900 (2010 est.)
$34,700 (2009 est.)
$36,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ghana
$1,600 (2010 est.)
$1,500 (2009 est.)
$1,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gibraltar
$38,400 (2006 est.)
$38,200 (2005 est.)
$27,900 (2000 est.)

Greece
$30,200 (2010 est.)
$31,500 (2009 est.)
$32,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Greenland
$35,900 (2007 est.)

Grenada
$10,500 (2010 est.)
$10,400 (2009 est.)
$11,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guam
$15,000 (2005 est.)

Guatemala $5,200 (2010 est.) $5,200 (2009 est.) $5,300 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guernsey
$44,600 (2005)

Guinea
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$1,000 (2009 est.)
$1,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guinea-Bissau
$1,100 (2010 est.)
$1,100 (2009 est.)
$1,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guyana
$6,800 (2010 est.)
$6,600 (2009 est.)
$6,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Haiti
$1,200 (2010 est.)
$1,200 (2009 est.)
$1,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Honduras
$4,200 (2010 est.)
$4,200 (2009 est.)
$4,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hong Kong
$45,600 (2010 est.)
$43,400 (2009 est.)
$44,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hungary
$19,000 (2010 est.)
$18,800 (2009 est.)
$20,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iceland
$38,400 (2010 est.)
$40,000 (2009 est.)
$43,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

India
$3,400 (2010 est.)
$3,200 (2009 est.)
$3,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Indonesia
$4,300 (2010 est.)
$4,100 (2009 est.)
$3,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iran
$11,200 (2010 est.)
$11,000 (2009 est.)
$11,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iraq
$3,600 (2010 est.)
$3,600 (2009 est.)
$3,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ireland
$37,600 (2010 est.)
$38,200 (2009 est.)
$41,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Isle of Man
$35,000 (2005 est.)

Israel
$29,500 (2010 est.)
$29,000 (2009 est.)
$29,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Italy
$30,700 (2010 est.)
$30,300 (2009 est.)
$31,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jamaica
$8,400 (2010 est.)
$8,500 (2009 est.)
$8,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Japan
$34,200 (2010 est.)
$33,100 (2009 est.)
$34,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jersey
$57,000 (2005 est.)

Jordan
$5,300 (2010 est.)
$5,200 (2009 est.)
$5,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kazakhstan
$12,500 (2010 est.)
$12,000 (2009 est.)
$11,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kenya
$1,600 (2010 est.)
$1,600 (2009 est.)
$1,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kiribati
$6,200 (2010 est.)
$6,200 (2009 est.)
$6,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, North $1,800 (2009 est.) $1,900 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, South $30,200 (2010 est.) $28,500 (2009 est.) $28,500 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kosovo
$2,500 (2007)

Kuwait
$51,700 (2010 est.)
$51,900 (2009 est.)
$56,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kyrgyzstan
$2,200 (2010 est.)
$2,300 (2009 est.)
$2,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Laos
$2,400 (2010 est.)
$2,300 (2009 est.)
$2,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Latvia
$14,500 (2010 est.)
$14,700 (2009 est.)
$17,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lebanon
$14,200 (2010 est.)
$13,300 (2009 est.)
$12,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lesotho
$1,700 (2010 est.)
$1,700 (2009 est.)
$1,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liberia
$500 (2010 est.)
$500 (2009 est.)
$500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Libya
$13,800 (2010 est.)
$13,600 (2009 est.)
$14,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liechtenstein
$122,100 (2007 est.)

Lithuania
$15,900 (2010 est.)
$15,700 (2009 est.)
$18,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Luxembourg
$81,800 (2010 est.)
$80,700 (2009 est.)
$84,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macau
$33,000 (2009)
$31,800 (2008)
$28,400 (2006)

Macedonia
$9,400 (2010 est.)
$9,300 (2009 est.)
$9,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Madagascar
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$1,000 (2009 est.)
$1,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malawi
$900 (2010 est.)
$800 (2009 est.)
$800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malaysia
$14,700 (2010 est.)
$14,000 (2009 est.)
$14,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Maldives
$4,500 (2010 est.)
$4,300 (2009 est.)
$4,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mali
$1,200 (2010 est.)
$1,200 (2009 est.)
$1,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malta
$25,100 (2010 est.)
$24,700 (2009 est.)
$25,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Marshall Islands $2,500 (2008 est.) $2,900 (2005 est.)

Mauritania
$2,100 (2010 est.)
$2,100 (2009 est.)
$2,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritius
$13,500 (2010 est.)
$13,100 (2009 est.)
$12,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mayotte
$4,900 (2005 est.)

Mexico
$13,800 (2010 est.)
$13,400 (2009 est.)
$14,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Micronesia, Federated States of
$2,200 (2008 est.)
$2,300 (2005 est.)
note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Moldova
$2,500 (2010 est.)
$2,400 (2009 est.)
$2,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Monaco
$30,000 (2006 est.)

Mongolia
$3,300 (2010 est.)
$3,100 (2009 est.)
$3,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montenegro
$9,900 (2010 est.)
$10,000 (2009 est.)
$10,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montserrat
$3,400 (2002 est.)

Morocco
$4,900 (2010 est.)
$4,700 (2009 est.)
$4,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mozambique
$1,000 (2010 est.)
$900 (2009 est.)
$900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Namibia
$6,900 (2010 est.)
$6,700 (2009 est.)
$6,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nauru
$5,000 (2005 est.)

Nepal
$1,200 (2010 est.)
$1,200 (2009 est.)
$1,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Netherlands
$40,500 (2010 est.)
$40,000 (2009 est.)
$41,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

New Caledonia
$15,000 (2003 est.)

New Zealand
$28,000 (2010 est.)
$27,700 (2009 est.)
$28,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nicaragua
$2,900 (2010 est.)
$2,900 (2009 est.)
$3,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niger
$700 (2010 est.)
$700 (2009 est.)
$700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nigeria
$2,400 (2010 est.)
$2,300 (2009 est.)
$2,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niue
$5,800 (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
$12,500 (2000 est.)

Norway
$59,100 (2010 est.)
$58,400 (2009 est.)
$59,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Oman
$25,800 (2010 est.)
$25,400 (2009 est.)
$25,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pakistan
$2,400 (2010 est.)
$2,400 (2009 est.)
$2,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Palau
$8,100 (2008 est.)
$7,600 (2005 est.)

Panama
$12,700 (2010 est.)
$12,300 (2009 est.)
$12,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Papua New Guinea
$2,500 (2010 est.)
$2,400 (2009 est.)
$2,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Paraguay
$4,900 (2010 est.)
$4,600 (2009 est.)
$4,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Peru
$9,200 (2010 est.)
$8,600 (2009 est.)
$8,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Philippines
$3,500 (2010 est.)
$3,400 (2009 est.)
$3,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Poland
$18,800 (2010 est.)
$18,200 (2009 est.)
$17,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Portugal
$23,000 (2010 est.)
$22,800 (2009 est.)
$23,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Puerto Rico
$16,300 (2010 est.)
$17,400 (2009 est.)
$18,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Qatar
$145,300 (2010 est.)
$122,800 (2009 est.)
$113,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Romania
$11,500 (2010 est.)
$11,700 (2009 est.)
$12,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Russia
$15,900 (2010 est.)
$15,300 (2009 est.)
$16,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Rwanda
$1,100 (2010 est.)
$1,000 (2009 est.)
$1,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$2,500 (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$14,400 (2010 est.)
$14,800 (2009 est.)
$15,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Lucia
$11,100 (2010 est.)
$11,000 (2009 est.)
$11,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$7,000 (2001 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$10,600 (2010 est.)
$10,500 (2009 est.)
$10,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Samoa
$5,200 (2010 est.)
$5,400 (2009 est.)
$5,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

San Marino
$41,900 (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
$1,800 (2010 est.)
$1,700 (2009 est.)
$1,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saudi Arabia
$24,200 (2010 est.)
$23,700 (2009 est.)
$24,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Senegal
$1,900 (2010 est.)
$1,900 (2009 est.)
$1,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Serbia
$11,000 (2010 est.)
$10,700 (2009 est.)
$11,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Seychelles
$21,600 (2010 est.)
$21,100 (2009 est.)
$21,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sierra Leone
$900 (2010 est.)
$900 (2009 est.)
$900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Singapore
$62,200 (2010 est.)
$54,700 (2009 est.)
$56,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sint Maarten
$15,400 (2008 est.)

Slovakia
$22,200 (2010 est.)
$21,400 (2009 est.)
$22,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Slovenia
$28,400 (2010 est.)
$28,000 (2009 est.)
$30,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Solomon Islands
$2,800 (2010 est.)
$2,800 (2009 est.)
$2,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Somalia
$600 (2010 est.)
$600 (2009 est.)
$600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

South Africa
$10,700 (2010 est.)
$10,400 (2009 est.)
$10,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Spain
$29,500 (2010 est.)
$29,800 (2009 est.)
$31,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sri Lanka
$4,900 (2010 est.)
$4,600 (2009 est.)
$4,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sudan
$2,200 (2010 est.)
$2,200 (2009 est.)
$2,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Suriname
$9,900 (2010 est.)
$9,600 (2009 est.)
$9,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Swaziland
$4,500 (2010 est.)
$4,400 (2009 est.)
$4,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sweden
$39,000 (2010 est.)
$37,500 (2009 est.)
$39,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Switzerland
$42,900 (2010 est.)
$41,800 (2009 est.)
$42,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Syria
$4,800 (2010 est.)
$4,700 (2009 est.)
$4,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Taiwan
$35,100 (2010 est.)
$32,400 (2009 est.)
$33,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tajikistan
$2,000 (2010 est.)
$1,900 (2009 est.)
$1,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tanzania
$1,500 (2010 est.)
$1,400 (2009 est.)
$1,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Thailand
$8,700 (2010 est.)
$8,100 (2009 est.)
$8,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Timor-Leste
$2,600 (2010 est.)
$2,500 (2009 est.)
$2,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Togo
$900 (2010 est.)
$900 (2009 est.)
$900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tokelau
$1,000 (1993 est.)

Tonga
$6,300 (2010 est.)
$6,400 (2009 est.)
$6,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Trinidad and Tobago
$22,100 (2010 est.)
$21,600 (2009 est.)
$22,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tunisia
$9,500 (2010 est.)
$9,300 (2009 est.)
$9,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkey
$12,300 (2010 est.)
$11,600 (2009 est.)
$12,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkmenistan
$7,400 (2010 est.)
$6,800 (2009 est.)
$6,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turks and Caicos Islands
$11,500 (2002 est.)

Tuvalu
$1,600 (2002 est.)

Uganda
$1,200 (2010 est.)
$1,200 (2009 est.)
$1,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ukraine
$6,700 (2010 est.)
$6,400 (2009 est.)
$7,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Arab Emirates
$40,200 (2010 est.)
$40,600 (2009 est.)
$43,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Kingdom
$35,100 (2010 est.)
$34,800 (2009 est.)
$36,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United States
$47,400 (2010 est.)
$46,700 (2009 est.)
$48,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uruguay
$13,600 (2010 est.)
$12,800 (2009 est.)
$12,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uzbekistan
$3,100 (2010 est.)
$2,900 (2009 est.)
$2,700 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vanuatu
$5,500 (2010 est.)
$5,300 (2009 est.)
$5,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Venezuela
$12,600 (2010 est.)
$13,200 (2009 est.)
$13,900 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vietnam
$3,100 (2010 est.)
$2,900 (2009 est.)
$2,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Virgin Islands
$14,500 (2004 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
$3,800 (2004 est.)

West Bank $2,900 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Western Sahara
$2,500 (2007 est.)

World
$11,100 (2010 est.)
$10,800 (2009 est.)
$11,000 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Yemen
$2,600 (2010 est.)
$2,600 (2009 est.)
$2,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zambia
$1,500 (2010 est.)
$1,400 (2009 est.)
$1,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zimbabwe
$400 (2010 est.)
$400 (2009 est.)
$400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

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

@2005

Field Listing :: Affiliation

Country

Affiliation

Akrotiri
(UK Sovereign Base Area)

American Samoa
(territory of the US)

Anguilla
(overseas territory of the UK)

Aruba
(part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
(territory of Australia)

Bermuda
(overseas territory of the UK)

Bouvet Island
(territory of Norway)

British Indian Ocean Territory
(overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
(overseas territory of the UK)

Cayman Islands
(overseas territory of the UK)

China
(also see separate Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan entries)

Christmas Island
(territory of Australia)

Clipperton Island
(possession of France)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
(territory of Australia)

Cook Islands
(self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
(territory of Australia)

Curacao
(part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Dhekelia
(UK sovereign base area)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
(part of the Kingdom of Denmark)

French Polynesia
(overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
(overseas territory of France)

Gibraltar
(overseas territory of the UK)

Greenland
(part of the Kingdom of Denmark)

Guam
(territory of the US)

Guernsey
(British crown dependency)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
(territory of Australia)

Hong Kong
(special administrative region of China)

Isle of Man
(British crown dependency)

Israel
(also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries)

Jan Mayen
(territory of Norway)

Jersey
(British crown dependency)

Macau
(special administrative region of China)

Mayotte
(overseas collectivity of France)

Montserrat
(overseas territory of the UK)

Navassa Island
(territory of the US)

New Caledonia
(self-governing territory of France)

Niue
(self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Norfolk Island
(territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
(commonwealth in political union with the
US)

Pitcairn Islands
(overseas territory of the UK)

Puerto Rico
(territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Saint Barthelemy
(overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Martin (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Sint Maarten (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Svalbard
(territory of Norway)

Tokelau
(territory of New Zealand)

Turks and Caicos Islands
(overseas territory of the UK)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
(territories of the US)

Virgin Islands
(territory of the US)

Wake Island
(territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
(overseas collectivity of France)

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

@2006

Field Listing :: Dependency status

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

Dependency status

Akrotiri
a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an
administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

American Samoa
unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US;
administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the
Interior

Anguilla
overseas territory of the UK

Aruba
constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full
autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from
the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense
and foreign affairs

Ashmore and Cartier Islands territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Bermuda
overseas territory of the UK

Bouvet Island
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar
Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police

British Indian Ocean Territory overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

British Virgin Islands overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Cayman Islands
overseas territory of the UK

Christmas Island
non-self governing territory of Australia;
administered from Canberra by the Australian Government
Attorney-General's Department

Clipperton Island
possession of France; administered directly by the
Minister of Overseas France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
non-self governing territory of Australia;
administered from Canberra by the Australian Government
Attorney-General's Department

Cook Islands
self-governing in free association with New Zealand;
Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand
retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in
consultation with the Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra
by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Curacao
constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government
responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Dhekelia
a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an
administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
overseas territory of the UK; also
claimed by Argentina

Faroe Islands
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

French Polynesia
overseas lands of France; overseas territory of
France from 1946-2004

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
overseas territory of France
since 1955

Gibraltar
overseas territory of the UK

Greenland
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas
administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Guam
organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy
relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the
Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Guernsey
British crown dependency

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Hong Kong
special administrative region of China

Isle of Man
British crown dependency

Jan Mayen
territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from
Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however,
authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian
Defense Communication Service

Jersey
British crown dependency

Macau
special administrative region of China

Mayotte
departmental collectivity of France

Montserrat
overseas territory of the UK

Navassa Island
unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US;
administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the
Interior from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in
Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996 the Coast Guard ceased
operations and maintenance of Navassa Island Light a 46-meter-tall
lighthouse on the southern side of the island; there has also been a
private claim advanced against the island

New Caledonia
territorial collectivity of France since 1998

Niue
self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974;
Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains
responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these
responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised
at the request of the Government of Niue

Norfolk Island
self governing territory of Australia; administered
from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's
Department

Northern Mariana Islands
commonwealth in political union with the
US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US
Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Pitcairn Islands
overseas territory of the UK

Puerto Rico
unincorporated, organized territory of the US with
commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US
conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President

Saint Barthelemy
overseas collectivity of France

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha overseas territory of the UK

Saint Martin overseas collectivity of France

Saint Pierre and Miquelon self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Sint Maarten
constituent country within the Kingdom of the
Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010;
Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
overseas territory of the
UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland
Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the
Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II

Svalbard
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department
of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing
in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920)
sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Tokelau
self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau
and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves
toward free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum
on self governance in October 2007 did not produce the two-thirds
majority vote necessary for changing the political status

Turks and Caicos Islands
overseas territory of the UK

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
unincorporated
territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish
and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of
the National Wildlife Refuge system
note on Palmyra Atoll: incorporated Territory of the US; partly
privately owned and partly federally owned; administered from
Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department
of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department
of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas
comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm
territorial sea or within the lagoon

Virgin Islands
organized, unincorporated territory of the US with
policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the
jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the
Interior

Wake Island
unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US;
administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior;
activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force

Wallis and Futuna
overseas territory of France

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

@2007

Field Listing :: Diplomatic representation from the US

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

Diplomatic representation from the US

Afghanistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Karl W. EIKENBERRY
embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul
mailing address: U.S. Embassy Kabul, APO, AE 09806
telephone: [93] 0700 108 001
FAX: [93] 0700 108 564

Akrotiri
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Albania
chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander ARVIZU
embassy: Rruga e Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana
mailing address: US Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles,
VA 20189-9510
telephone: [355] (4) 2247285
FAX: [355] (4) 2232222

Algeria
chief of mission: Ambassador David D. PEARCE
embassy: 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir, El-Ibrahimi, El-Biar 16000 Algiers
mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers
telephone: [213] 770-08-2000
FAX: [213] 21-60-7355

American Samoa
none (territory of the US)

Andorra
the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US
Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in
Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in
Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de
Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: [34] (93) 280-2227;
FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175

Angola
chief of mission: Ambassador Dan MOZENA
embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of
Luanda), Luanda
mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda;
pouch: US Embassy Luanda, US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place,
Washington, DC 20521-2550
telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000
FAX: [244] (222) 64-1232

Anguilla
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and
Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and
Barbuda

Argentina
chief of mission: Ambassador Vilma MARTINEZ
embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires
mailing address: international mail: use embassy street address; APO
address: US Embassy Buenos Aires, Unit 4334, APO AA 34034
telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533
FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Armenia
chief of mission: Ambassador Marie L. YOVANOVITCH
embassy: 1 American Ave., Yerevan 0082
mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, US Department of State,
7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020
telephone: [374](10) 464-700
FAX: [374](10) 464-742

Aruba
the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General
to Curacao is accredited to Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Australia
chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey L. BLEICH
embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital
Territory 2600
mailing address: APO AP 96549
telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600
FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970
consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Austria
chief of mission: Ambassador William C. EACHO III
embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0
FAX: [43] (1) 3100682

Azerbaijan
chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew BRYZA
embassy: 83 Azadlig Prospecti, Baku AZ1007
mailing address: American Embassy Baku, US Department of State, 7050
Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050
telephone: [994] (12) 4980-335 through 337
FAX: [994] (12) 4656-671

Bahamas, The
chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole A. AVANT
embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, New Providence
mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197,
Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC
20521-3370
telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)
FAX: [1] (242) 328-2206

Bahrain
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Adam ERELI
embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club),
Block 331, Zinj District, Manama
mailing address: PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international
mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama
telephone: [973] 1724-2700
FAX: [973] 1727-0547

Bangladesh
chief of mission: Ambassador James F. MORIARTY
embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212
mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000
telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500
FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744

Barbados
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d' Affaires
D. Brent HARDT
embassy: U.S. Embassy, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael BB
14006
mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown BB 11000; CMR 1014, APO
AA 34055
telephone: [1] (246) 227-4399
FAX: [1] (246) 431-0179

Belarus
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Michael SCANLAN
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347 through 7348
FAX: [375] (17) 334-7853

Belgium
chief of mission: Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN
embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Belize
chief of mission: Ambassador Vinai THUMMALAPALLY
embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Cayo District
mailing address: P.O. Box 497, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize
telephone: [501] 822-4011
FAX: [501] 822-4012

Benin
chief of mission: Ambassador James A. KNIGHT
embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou
mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou
telephone: [229] 21-30-06-50
FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84

Bermuda
chief of mission: Consul General Grace W. SHELTON
consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3
mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate
General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place,
Washington, DC 20520-5300
telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342
FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

Bhutan
the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations,
although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US
Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Bolivia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
John CREAMER
embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz
mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032
telephone: [591] (2) 216-8000
FAX: [591] (2) 216-8111
note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US
Ambassador to Bolivia, and the countries have yet to reinstate
ambassadors

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick S. MOON embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Botswana
chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen J. NOLAN
embassy: Embassy Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone
telephone: [267] 395-3982
FAX: [267] 395-6947

Brazil
chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. SHANNON
embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal
Cep 70403-900, Brasilia
mailing address: Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030
telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000
FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136
consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo
consulate(s): Recife

British Indian Ocean Territory
none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Alexander L. BARRASSO
embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan,
BS8811
mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507; P.O. Box 2991, Bandar
Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam
telephone: [673] 238-4616
FAX: [673] 238-4606

Bulgaria
chief of mission: Ambassador James B. WARLICK, Jr
embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407
mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, US Department of State,
5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320

Burkina Faso
chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas DOUGHERTY
embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4
mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - US
Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC
20521-2440
telephone: [226] 50-30-67-23
FAX: [226] 50-30-38-90

Burma
chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Larry M. DINGER - note:
The United States does not have an ambassador to Burma
embassy: 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon
mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546
telephone: [95] (1) 536-509, 535-756, 538-038
FAX: [95] (1) 650-306

Burundi
chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. H. SLUTZ
embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura
mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura
telephone: [257] 223454
FAX: [257] 222926

Cambodia
chief of mission: Ambassador Carol A. RODLEY
embassy: #1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546
telephone: [855] (23) 728-000
FAX: [855] (23) 728-600

Cameroon
chief of mission: Ambassador Janet E. GARVEY
embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaounde
mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US
Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
telephone: [237] 2220 15 00; Consular: [237] 2220 16 03
FAX: [237] 2220 16 00 Ext. 4531; Consular FAX: [237] 2220 17 52
branch office(s): Douala

Canada
chief of mission: Ambassador David C. JACOBSON
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430; P.O. Box
866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto,
Vancouver, Winnipeg

Cape Verde
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Dana BROWN
embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo n6, Praia
mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia
telephone: [238] 2-60-89-00
FAX: [238] 2-61-13-55

Cayman Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK); consular
services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Central African Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador Frederick B.
COOK
embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui
telephone: [236] 61 02 00
FAX: [236] 61 44 94
note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Chad
chief of mission: Ambassador Louis NIGRO
embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena
mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena
telephone: [235] 251-62-11, 251-70-09, 251-77-59
FAX: [235] 251-56-54

Chile
chief of mission: Ambassador Alejandro D. WOLFF
embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
mailing address: APO AA 34033
telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000
FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

China
chief of mission: Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.
embassy: 55 An Jia Lou Lu, 100600 Beijing
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone: [86] (10) 8531-3000
FAX: [86] (10) 8531-3300
consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan

Christmas Island
none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD
embassy: Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C.
mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C.
telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811
FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Comoros
the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador
to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros

Congo, Democratic Republic of the chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Samuel BROCK embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (81) 225-5872 FAX: [243] (81) 301-0561

Congo, Republic of the
chief of mission: Ambassador Allan EASTHAM
embassy: Boulevard de la Revolution, BDEAC Building, 4th Floor,
Brazzaville; note - a new embassy is expected to open in 2009
mailing address: B.P. 1015, Brazzaville
telephone: [242] 281-1481, 281-3368; note - until the new embassy in
Brazzaville becomes operational, some duties will still be handled
in the US embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cook Islands
none (self-governing in free association with New
Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica
chief of mission: Ambassador Anne Slaughter ANDREW
embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose
mailing address: APO AA 34020
telephone: [506] 2519-2000
FAX: [506] 2519-2305

Cote d'Ivoire
chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT
embassy: Cocody Riviera Golf 01, Abidjan
mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01
telephone: [225] 22 49 40 00
FAX: [225] 22 49 43 32

Croatia
chief of mission: Ambassador James B. FOLEY
embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb
mailing address: use street address
telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200
FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Cuba
none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss
Embassy, headed by Chief of Mission Jonathan D. FARRAR; address:
USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado,
Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator
assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-1653; protecting power in
Cuba is Switzerland

Curacao
chief of mission: Consul General Valerie BELON
consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao
mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao
telephone: [599] (9) 4613066
FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

Cyprus
chief of mission: Ambassador Frank C. URBANCIC, Jr.
embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi,
Nicosia
mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia
telephone: [357] (22) 393939
FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Czech Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
d'Affaires Joseph PENNINGTON
embassy: Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [420] 257 022 000
FAX: [420] 257 022 809

Denmark
chief of mission: Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen
mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716
telephone: [45] 33 41 71 00
FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Dhekelia
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Djibouti
chief of mission: Ambassador James C. SWAN
embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti
mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti
telephone: [253] 35 39 95
FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Dominica
the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US
Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

Dominican Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador Raul H. YZAGUIRRE
embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo
Navarro, Santo Domingo
mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500
telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171
FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

Ecuador
chief of mission: Ambassador Heather HODGES
embassy: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
mailing address: Avenida Guayacanes N52-205 y Avenida Avigiras
telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
FAX: [593] (2) 398-5100
consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Egypt
chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret SCOBEY
embassy: 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo
mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900; 5 Tawfik
Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo
telephone: [20] (2) 2797-3300
FAX: [20] (2) 2797-3200

El Salvador
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Robert BLAU
embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La
Libertad, San Salvador
mailing address: Unit 3450, APO AA 34023; 3450 San Salvador Place,
Washington, DC 20521-3450
telephone: [503] 2501-2999
FAX: [503] 2501-2150

Equatorial Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Alberto M. FERNANDEZ
embassy: K-3, Carreterade Aeropuerto, al lado de Restaurante El
Paraiso, Malabo; note - relocated embassy is opened for limited
functions; inquiries should continue to be directed to the US
Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon
mailing address: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon; US Embassy Yaounde, US
Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
telephone: [237] 2220-1500
FAX: [237] 2220-1572

Eritrea
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Joel REIFMAN
embassy: 179 Ala Street, Asmara
mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara
telephone: [291] (1) 120004
FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Estonia
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. POLT
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [372] 668-8100
FAX: [372] 668-8265

Ethiopia
chief of mission: Ambassador Donald E. BOOTH
embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa
mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa
telephone: [251] 11-517-40-00
FAX: [251] 11-517-40-01

European Union
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
d'Affaires Christopher MURRAY
embassy: 13 Zinnerstraat/Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: same as above
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
FAX: [32] (2) 508-2063

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none (overseas territory of the
UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
none (self-governing overseas administrative division
of Denmark)

Fiji
chief of mission: Ambassador C. Steven MCGANN
embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva
mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva
telephone: [679] 331-4466
FAX: [679] 330-0081

Finland
chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK
embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki
mailing address: APO AE 09723
telephone: [358] (9) 616250
FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

France
chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. RIVKIN
embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08
mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777
telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22
FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83
consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

French Polynesia
none (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
none (overseas territory of
France)

Gabon
chief of mission: Ambassador Eunice S. REDDICK
embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville
mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville; pouch:2270
Libreville Place, Washington, DC 20521-2270
telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 07380171
FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Gambia, The
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Cindy GREGG
embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul
telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170
FAX: [220] 439-2475

Georgia
chief of mission: Ambassador John BASS
embassy: 11 George Balanchine Street, T'bilisi 0131
mailing address: 7060 T'bilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060
telephone: [995] (32) 27-70-00
FAX: [995] (32) 53-23-10

Germany
chief of mission: Ambassador Philip D. MURPHY
embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 14191 Berlin; note - new embassy opened 4
July 2008
mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265, Clayallee 170,
14195 Berlin
telephone: [49] (030) 2385174
FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215
consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg,
Leipzig, Munich

Ghana
chief of mission: Ambassador Donald G. TEITELBAUM
embassy: 24 4th Circular Rd. Cantonments, Accra
mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra
telephone: [233] (21) 741-000
FAX: [233] (21) 741-389

Gibraltar
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Bennett SMITH
embassy: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108
telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282
consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Greenland
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of
Denmark)

Grenada
chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is
accredited to Grenada
embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's
mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's
telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1177
FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Guam
none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen G. MCFARLAND
embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City
mailing address: APO AA 34024
telephone: [502] 2326-4000
FAX: [502] 2326-4654

Guernsey
none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia Newton MOLLER
embassy: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle
mailing address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif
de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00
FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

Guinea-Bissau
the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in
the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President
VIEIRA and military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal is
accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Guyana
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Karen L. WILLIAMS
embassy: US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170
Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170
telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909
FAX: [592] 225-8497

Haiti
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth H. MERTEN
embassy: Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince
mailing address: use mailing address
telephone: [509] 229-8000
FAX: [509] 229-8028

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)
chief of mission: Ambassador Miguel Humberto
DIAZ
embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome
mailing address: PSC 833, Box 66, APO AE 09624
telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428
FAX: [39] (06) 575-3411

Honduras
chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo LLORENS
embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa
mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa
telephone: [504] 236-9320, 238-5114
FAX: [504] 238-4357

Hong Kong
chief of mission: Consul General Stephen M. YOUNG
consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006
telephone: [852] 2523-9011
FAX: [852] 2845-1598

Hungary
chief of mission: Ambassador Tsakopoulos KOUNALAKIS
embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest
Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270
telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400
FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Iceland
chief of mission: Ambassador Luis E. ARREAGA
embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik
mailing address: US Department of State, 5640 Reykjavik Place,
Washington, D.C. 20521-5640
telephone: [354] 562-9100
FAX: [354] 562-9118

India
chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy J. ROEMER
embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000
FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017
consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad; Kolkata
(Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Indonesia
chief of mission: Ambassador Scot A. MARCIEL
embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110
mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520
telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000
FAX: [62] (21) 3435-9922
consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Iran
none; note - the US Interests Section is located in the Embassy
of Switzerland No. 39 Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Ave.,
Tehran, Iran; telephone [98] 21 2254 2178/2256 5273; FAX [98] 21
2258 0432

Iraq
chief of mission: Ambassador James F. Jeffrey
embassy: Baghdad
mailing address: APO AE 09316
telephone: 1-240-553-0589 ext. 5340 or 5635; note - Consular Section
FAX: NA

Ireland
chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel ROONEY
embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777
FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Isle of Man
none (British crown dependency)

Israel
chief of mission: Ambassador James B. CUNNINGHAM
embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903
telephone: [972] (3) 519-7575
FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390
consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission,
established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign
government

Italy
chief of mission: Ambassador David THORNE
embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187-Rome
mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624
telephone: [39] (06) 46741
FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356
consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Jamaica
chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela BRIDGEWATER
embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
mailing address: P.O. Box 541, Kingston 5
telephone: [1] (876) 702-6000
FAX: [1] (876) 702-6001

Japan
chief of mission: Ambassador John V. ROOS
embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
mailing address: Unit 9800, Box 300, APO AP 96303-0300
telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000
FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862
consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo
consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Jersey
none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
chief of mission: Ambassador Robert S. BEECROFT
embassy: Abdoun, Amman
mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box
5, DPO AE 09892-0200
telephone: [962] (6) 590-6000
FAX: [962] (6) 592-0121

Kazakhstan
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND
embassy: Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, Building #3, Astana 010010
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
FAX: [7] (7172) 34-08-90

Kenya
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. RANNEBERGER
embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; P. O. Box 606
Village Market, Nairobi 00621
mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831
telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000
FAX: [254] (20) 363-410

Kiribati
the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US
ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Korea, North
none; note - Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents
the US as consular protecting power

Korea, South
chief of mission: Ambassador Kathleen STEPHENS
embassy: 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710
mailing address: US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550
telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114
FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Kosovo
chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL
embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, Pristina, Kosovo
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [381] 38 59 59 3000
FAX: [381] 38 549 890

Kuwait
chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah K. JONES
embassy: Bayan 36302, Block 13, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the
Bayan palace), Kuwait City
mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE
09880-9000
telephone: [965] 2259-1001
FAX: [965] 2538-0282

Kyrgyzstan
chief of mission: Ambassador Tatiana GFOELLER
embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217
FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Laos
chief of mission: Ambassador Karen B. STEWART
embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane
mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546
telephone: [856] 21-26-7000
FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Latvia
chief of mission: Ambassador Judith G. GARBER
embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510
mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE
09723
telephone: [371] 670-36200
FAX: [371] 678-20047

Lebanon
chief of mission: Ambassador Maura CONNELLY
embassy: Awkar, Lebanon (Awkar facing the Municipality)
mailing address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; from US: US
Embassy Beirut, 6070 Beirut Place, Washington, DC 20521-6070
telephone: [961] (4) 542600, 543600
FAX: [961] (4) 544136

Lesotho
chief of mission: Ambassador Robert NOLAN
embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)
mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho
telephone: [266] 22 312666
FAX: [266] 22 310116

Liberia
chief of mission: Ambassador Linda THOMAS-GREENFIELD
embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 98, Mamba Point, 1000
Monrovia, 10
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [231] 7-705-4826
FAX: [231] 7-701-0370

Libya
chief of mission: Ambassador Gene A. CRETZ
embassy: off Jaraba Street, behind the Libyan-Swiss clinic, Ben
Ashour
mailing address: US Embassy, 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC
20521-8850
telephone: [218] 91-220-3239

Liechtenstein
the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein; the
US Ambassador to Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein

Lithuania
chief of mission: Ambassador Anne E. DERSE
embassy: Akmenu gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106
mailing address: American Embassy, Akmenu Gatve 6, Vilnius LT-03106
telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500
FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Luxembourg
chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia STROUM
embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City
mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE
09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box
9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)
telephone: [352] 46 01 23
FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Macau
the US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong
Kong is accredited to Macau

Macedonia
chief of mission: Ambassador Philip T. REEKER
embassy: Str. Samolilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, US Department of State,
7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)
telephone: [389] 2 310-2000
FAX: [389] 2 310-2499

Madagascar
chief of mission: Ambassador R. Niels MARQUARDT
embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101
mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56
FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Malawi
chief of mission: Ambassador Peter W. BODDE
embassy: 16 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe 3
mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
telephone: [265] (1) 773 166
FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Malaysia
chief of mission: Ambassador Paul W. JONES
embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152
telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000
FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Maldives
the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US
Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS, is
accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits

Mali
chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian A. MILOVANOVIC
embassy: located just off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge just west of
the Bamako central district
mailing address: ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako
telephone: [223] 270-2300
FAX: [223] 270-2479

Malta
chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas W. KMIEC
embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,
FRN 9010
mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, VLT1000
telephone: [356] 2561 4000
FAX: [356] 2124 3229

Marshall Islands
chief of mission: Ambassador Martha L. CAMPBELL
embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro
mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall
Islands 96960-1379
telephone: [692] 247-4011
FAX: [692] 247-4012

Mauritania
chief of mission: Ambassador Mark M. BOULWARE
embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye, Rue 42-100 (between Presidency building
and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott
mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott
telephone: [222] 525-2660 through 2663
FAX: [222] 525-1592

Mauritius
chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Jo WILLS
embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US
mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, US Department of State,
Washington, DC 20521-2450
telephone: [230] 202-4400
FAX: [230] 208-9534

Mayotte
none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos PASCUAL
embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico,
Distrito Federal
mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-9000
telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000
FAX: [52] (55) 5511-9980
consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo,
Matamoros, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana
consulate(s): Merida, Nogales

Micronesia, Federated States of
chief of mission: Ambassador Peter
A. PRAHAR
embassy: 101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia
mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941
telephone: [691] 320-2187
FAX: [691] 320-2186

Moldova
chief of mission: Ambassador Asif J. CHAUDHRY
embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [373] (22) 40-8300
FAX: [373] (22) 23-3044

Monaco
the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador
to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in
Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to
France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning
Monaco

Mongolia
chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan ADDLETON
embassy: Big Ring Road, 11th Micro Region, Ulaanbaatar, 14171
Mongolia
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002; P.O. Box 1021,
Ulaanbaatar-13
telephone: [976] (11) 329-095
FAX: [976] (11) 320-776

Montenegro
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Benjamin LOWENTHAL
embassy: Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [382] 81 225 417
FAX: [382] 81 241 358

Montserrat
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
chief of mission: Ambassador Samuel L. KAPLAN
embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat
mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718
telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65
FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61
consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Mozambique
chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie V. ROWE
embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo
mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo
telephone: [258] (21) 492797
FAX: [258] (21) 490114

Namibia
chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise MATHIEU
embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek
mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek
telephone: [264] (61) 295-8500
FAX: [264] (61) 295-8603

Nauru
the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to
Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Navassa Island
none (territory of the US)

Nepal
chief of mission: Ambassador Scott H. DELISI
embassy: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [977] (1) 400-7200
FAX: [977] (1) 400-7272

Netherlands
chief of mission: Ambassador Fay HARTOG LEVIN
embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague
mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715
telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688
consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

New Caledonia
none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand
chief of mission: Ambassador David HUEBNER
embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP
96531-1034
telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000
FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490
consulate(s) general: Auckland

Nicaragua
chief of mission: Ambassador Robert J. CALLAHAN
embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: American Embassy Managua, APO AA 34021
telephone: [505] 252-7100, 252-7888; 252-7634 (after hours)
FAX: [505] 252-7304

Niger
chief of mission: Ambassador Bisa WILLIAMS
embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey
mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey
telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61 thru 64
FAX: [227] 20-73-31-67

Nigeria
chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS
embassy: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja
mailing address: P. O. Box 5760, Garki, Abuja
telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000
FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036

Niue
none (self-governing territory in free association with New
Zealand)

Norfolk Island
none (territory of Australia)

Norway
chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE
embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will
move to Huseby in the near future
mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707
telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50
FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

Oman
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. SCHMIERER
embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat
mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos,
Muscat
telephone: [968] 24-643-400
FAX: [968] 24-699771

Pakistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron MUNTER
embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad
mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200
telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000
FAX: [92] (51) 2276427
consulate(s) general: Karachi
consulate(s): Lahore, Peshawar

Palau
chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires James PANOS
embassy: Koror (no street address)
mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940
telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990
FAX: [680] 488-2911

Panama
chief of mission: Ambassador Phyllis M. POWERS
embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama,
Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City
mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002
telephone: [507] 207-7000
FAX: [507] 317-5568

Papua New Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR
embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.
mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State,
Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 321-1455
FAX: [675] 321-3423

Paraguay
Ambassador Liliana AYALDE
embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion
mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001
telephone: [595] (21) 213-715
FAX: [595] (21) 228-603

Peru
chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS
embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33
mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),
APO AA 34031-5000
telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000
FAX: [51] (1) 618-2397

Philippines
chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr.
embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila
mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000
FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Pitcairn Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
chief of mission: Ambassador Lee FEINSTEIN
embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw
mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State,
Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)
telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000
FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688
consulate(s) general: Krakow

Portugal
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Allan J. KATZ
embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon
mailing address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE
09726
telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300
FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109
consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Puerto Rico
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON
embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha
mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
telephone: [974] 488 4161
FAX: [974] 488 4150

Romania
chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN
embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of
State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442

Russia
chief of mission: Ambassador John R. BEYRLE
embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow
mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721
telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000
FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090
consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Rwanda
chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON
embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali
mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali
telephone: [250] 596-400
FAX: [250] 596-591

Saint Barthelemy
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
none (overseas
territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts
and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint
Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia
the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US
Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Saint Martin
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
none (territorial overseas collectivity of
France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
the US does not have an embassy in
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is
accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa
chief of mission: US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited
to Samoa
embassy: Accident Corporation Building, 5th Floor, Matafele, Apia
mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Matafele, Apia
telephone: [685] 21436/21631/21452/22696
FAX: [685] 22030

San Marino
the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the
ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe
the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome
and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and
Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the
islands

Saudi Arabia
chief of mission: Ambassador James B. SMITH
embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307;
International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693
telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800
FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360
consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Senegal
chief of mission: Ambassador Marcia S. BERNICAT
embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar
mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar
telephone: [221] 33-829-2100
FAX: [221] 33-822-2991

Serbia
chief of mission: Ambassador Mary WARLICK
embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade
mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070
telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344
FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Seychelles
the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the
ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles

Sierra Leone
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
d'Affaires Glenn FEDZER
embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [232] (22) 515 000 or (76) 515 000
FAX: [232] (22) 515 355

Singapore
chief of mission: Ambassador David I. ADELMAN
embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001
telephone: [65] 6476-9100
FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Sint Maarten
the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the
Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten

Slovakia
chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore SEDGWICK
embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava
mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava
telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338
FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861

Slovenia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Bradley FREDEN
embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana
mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State,
7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140
telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500
FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Solomon Islands
the US does not have an embassy in the Solomon
Islands; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the
Solomon Islands

Somalia
the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are
represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations
Avenue, Nairobi; mailing address: Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831;
telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000; FAX [254] (20) 363-6157

South Africa
chief of mission: Ambassador Donald H. GIPS
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria
mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
none (overseas territory of
the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain
chief of mission: Ambassador Alan D. SOLOMONT
embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid
mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642
telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200
FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303
consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Sri Lanka
chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3
mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345

Sudan
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Robert E. WHITEHEAD
embassy: Sharia Ali Abdul Latif Street, Khartoum
mailing address: P.O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829
telephone: [249] (183) 774700 through 704
FAX: [249] (183) 774137

Suriname
chief of mission: Ambassador John R. NAY
embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
mailing address: US Department of State, PO Box 1821, Paramaribo
telephone: [597] 472-900
FAX: [597] 410-025

Swaziland
chief of mission: Ambassador Earl M. IRVING
embassy: 2350 Mbabane Place, Mbabane
mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane
telephone: [268] 404-2445
FAX: [268] 404-2059

Sweden
chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew W. BARZUN
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm
mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State,
5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750
telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00
FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Switzerland
chief of mission: Ambassador Donald S. BEYER, Jr.
embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11
FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Syria
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Charles (Chuck) F. HUNTER
embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansour Street, No. 2, Damascus
mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus
telephone: [963] (11) 3391-4444
FAX: [963] (11) 3391-3999

Taiwan
none; commercial and cultural relations with the people on
Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the
American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation
that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at
diplomatic posts
director: William A. STANTON
office: #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan
telephone: [1] [886] (02) 2162-2000
FAX: [1] [886] (07) 238-7744
other offices: Kaohsiung

Tajikistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth GROSS
embassy: 109-A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe 734019
mailing address: 7090 Dushanbe Place, Dulles, VA 20189
telephone: [992] (37) 229-20-00
FAX: [992] (37) 229-20-50

Tanzania
chief of mission: Ambassador Alfonso E. LENHARDT
embassy: 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam
mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam
telephone: [255] (22) 266-8001
FAX: [255] (22) 266-8238, 266-8373

Thailand
chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY
embassy: 120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
mailing address: APO AP 96546
telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000
FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131
consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Timor-Leste
chief of mission: Ambassador Judith FERGIN
embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Conqueiros, Dili
mailing address: US Department of State, 8250 Dili Place,
Washington, DC 20521-8250
telephone: (670) 332-4684
FAX: (670) 331-3206

Togo
chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia McMahon HAWKINS
embassy: 4332 Blvd. Gnassingbe Eyadema, Cite OUA, Lome
mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome; 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC
20512-2300
telephone: [228] 261-5470
FAX: [228] 261-5501

Tokelau
none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US ambassador to
Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago
chief of mission: Ambassador Beatrice W. WELTERS
embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain
mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain
telephone: [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376
FAX: [1] (868) 822-5905

Tunisia
chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon GRAY
embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [216] 71 107-000
FAX: [216] 71 963-263

Turkey
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Douglas A. SILLIMAN
embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara
mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823
telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555
FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019
consulate(s) general: Istanbul
consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Turkmenistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY
embassy: No. 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street), Ashgabat,
Turkmenistan 744000
mailing address: 7070 Ashgabat Place, Washington, DC 20521-7070
telephone: [993] (12) 35-00-45
FAX: [993] (12) 39-26-14

Turks and Caicos Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador
to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Uganda
chief of mission: Ambassador Jerry P. LANIER
embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala
telephone: [256] (414) 259 791 through 93, 95
FAX: [256] (414) 258-794

Ukraine
chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT
embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynsky Street, 01901 Kyiv
mailing address: 5850 Kyiv Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850
telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000
FAX: [380] (44) 490-4085

United Arab Emirates
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard G. OLSON,
Jr.
embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4,
Abu Dhabi
mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200
FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603
consulate(s) general: Dubai

United Kingdom
chief of mission: Ambassador Louis B. SUSMAN
embassy: 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE
mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040
telephone: [44] (0) 20 7499-9000
FAX: [44] (0) 20 7629-9124
consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
none (territories of
the US)

Uruguay
chief of mission: Ambassador David NELSON
embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200
mailing address: APO AA 34035
telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777
FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Uzbekistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND
embassy: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent
100093
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450
FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Vanuatu
the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US
ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Venezuela
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle
Arriba, Caracas 1080
mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037
telephone: [58] (212) 975-6411, 907-8400 (after hours)
FAX: [58] (212) 907-8199

Vietnam
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MICHALAK
embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000
FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010
consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara
none

Yemen
chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald M. FEIERSTEIN
embassy: Sa'awan Street, Sanaa
mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa
telephone: [967] (1) 755-2000 ext. 2153 or 2266
FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Zambia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Michael KOPLOVSKY
embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues, Lusaka
mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka
telephone: [260] (211) 250-955
FAX: [260] (211) 252-225

Zimbabwe
chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. RAY
embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare
mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare
telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 through 250-594
FAX: [263] (4) 796-488, or 722-618

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

@2008

Field Listing :: Transportation - note

This entry includes miscellaneous transportation information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Transportation - note

Antarctica
US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E)
and Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit
(see Permit Office under "Legal System"); all ships at port are
subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic
Treaty; relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures
adopted by the states parties to the Antarctic Treaty regulating
access to the Antarctic Treaty area to all areas between 60 and 90
degrees of latitude south have to be complied with (see "Legal
System"); The Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA), a
commission of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), is
responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting matters
in Antarctic Treaty area; it coordinates and facilitates provision
of accurate and appropriate charts and other aids to navigation in
support of safety of navigation in region; membership of HCA is open
to any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the
Antarctic Treaty and which contributes resources or data to IHO
Chart coverage of the area

Arctic Ocean
sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes;
the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route
(Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Atlantic Ocean
Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two
important waterways; significant domestic commercial and
recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south
Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US; the International
Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states
and offshore Atlantic waters as high risk for piracy and armed
robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea off West
Africa, the east coast of Brazil, and the Caribbean Sea; numerous
commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes
stolen; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Bangladesh
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
waters of Bangladesh as high risk for armed robbery against ships;
numerous commercial vessels have been attacked both at anchor and
while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Brazil
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and
offshore waters in the Atlantic Ocean as a significant risk for
piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels
have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Djibouti
the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters
in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels,
including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
and cargo are held for ransom

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
aids to navigation -
lighthouses: Europa Island 18m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37m;
Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Georgia
large parts of transportation network are in poor condition
because of lack of maintenance and repair

Indian Ocean
the International Maritime Bureau reports the
territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters as high
risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the
Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa, the Bay of Bengal, and
the Strait of Malacca; numerous vessels, including commercial
shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at
anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and
cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom,
murdered, or cast adrift; the presence of several naval task forces
in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part
of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response
local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast
of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Indonesia
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as
high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous
commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo
diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast
adrift

Malaysia
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as
high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous
commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo
diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast
adrift; increased naval patrols in 2009 resulted in significantly
reduced numbers of incidents

Nigeria
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high
risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Pacific Ocean
the Inside Passage offers protected waters from
southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state); the
International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of
littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high
risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen;
crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast
adrift

Philippines
the International Maritime Bureau reports the
territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk
for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to
ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Saint Barthelemy
nearest airport for international flights is
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
there is no air
connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international
airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Saint Martin
nearest airport for international flights is Princess
Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Singapore
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy
and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have
been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in
East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Somalia
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are high
risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels,
including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
and cargo are held for ransom; the presence of several naval task
forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on
the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in
response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the
east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Southern Ocean
Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through
the Panama Canal

Tanzania
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and
armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been
attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have
been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Venezuela
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the Caribbean Sea as a significant risk for
piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including
commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and
hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed
and stores or cargoes stolen

Vietnam
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy
and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have
been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in
East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Wake Island
there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from
Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency
landing is available

World
as of September 2009, incidents of piracy around the world
have more than doubled over the comparable time period in 2008; half
of all attacks occur in the waters off Somalia, primarily in the
Gulf of Aden; other high risk areas include the waters off Nigeria,
the South China Sea, and waters off Malaysia

Yemen
the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in
the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels,
including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
and cargo are held for ransom

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

@2010

Field Listing :: Age structure

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

Age structure(%)

Afghanistan
0-14 years: 43.6% (male 6,343,611/female 6,036,673)
15-64 years: 54% (male 7,864,422/female 7,470,617)
65 years and over: 2.4% (male 326,873/female 353,520) (2010 est.)

Albania
0-14 years: 23.1% (male 440,528/female 400,816)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,251,001/female 1,190,841)
65 years and over: 9.8% (male 165,557/female 190,710) (2010 est.)

Algeria
0-14 years: 25.4% (male 4,436,591/female 4,259,729)
15-64 years: 69.5% (male 11,976,965/female 11,777,618)
65 years and over: 5.1% (male 798,576/female 928,709) (2010 est.)

American Samoa
0-14 years: 33.4% (male 11,159/female 10,768)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 20,848/female 20,271)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 1,211/female 1,371) (2010 est.)

Andorra
0-14 years: 15.5% (male 6,710/female 6,305)
15-64 years: 72.2% (male 31,604/female 28,925)
65 years and over: 12.3% (male 5,113/female 5,231) (2010 est.)

Angola
0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,812,359/female 2,759,047)
15-64 years: 53.7% (male 3,496,726/female 3,382,440)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 153,678/female 195,043) (2010 est.)

Anguilla
0-14 years: 24.5% (male 1,815/female 1,725)
15-64 years: 67.8% (male 4,665/female 5,125)
65 years and over: 7.7% (male 534/female 572) (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0-14 years: 26.8% (male 11,660/female 11,303)
15-64 years: 66.6% (male 26,597/female 30,414)
65 years and over: 6.6% (male 2,456/female 3,202) (2010 est.)

Argentina
0-14 years: 25.6% (male 5,369,477/female 5,122,260)
15-64 years: 63.5% (male 12,961,725/female 13,029,265)
65 years and over: 10.8% (male 1,819,057/female 2,611,800) (2010
est.)

Armenia
0-14 years: 18.2% (male 289,119/female 252,150)
15-64 years: 71.1% (male 986,764/female 1,123,708)
65 years and over: 10.6% (male 122,996/female 192,267) (2010 est.)

Aruba
0-14 years: 19.1% (male 9,921/female 9,758)
15-64 years: 70.3% (male 34,676/female 37,752)
65 years and over: 10.6% (male 4,351/female 6,607) (2010 est.)

Australia
0-14 years: 18.6% (male 2,026,975/female 1,923,828)
15-64 years: 67.9% (male 7,318,743/female 7,121,613)
65 years and over: 13.5% (male 1,306,329/female 1,565,153) (2010
est.)

Austria
0-14 years: 14.5% (male 609,748/female 581,144)
15-64 years: 67.5% (male 2,785,091/female 2,756,402)
65 years and over: 18% (male 612,613/female 865,283) (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
0-14 years: 23.9% (male 1,042,132/female 926,495)
15-64 years: 69.4% (male 2,807,717/female 2,908,221)
65 years and over: 6.7% (male 204,410/female 349,697) (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
0-14 years: 25.3% (male 39,493/female 38,355)
15-64 years: 68.7% (male 103,889/female 107,528)
65 years and over: 5.9% (male 6,998/female 11,289) (2010 est.)

Bahrain
0-14 years: 25.9% (male 95,258/female 93,256)
15-64 years: 70.1% (male 293,340/female 217,815)
65 years and over: 4% (male 15,274/female 13,766) (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
0-14 years: 34.6% (male 27,065,625/female 26,913,961)
15-64 years: 61.4% (male 45,222,182/female 50,537,052)
65 years and over: 4% (male 3,057,255/female 3,254,808) (2010 est.)

Barbados
0-14 years: 19.2% (male 27,383/female 27,352)
15-64 years: 71.3% (male 99,829/female 103,049)
65 years and over: 9.5% (male 10,464/female 16,512) (2010 est.)

Belarus
0-14 years: 14.3% (male 707,550/female 667,560)
15-64 years: 71.3% (male 3,337,253/female 3,540,916)
65 years and over: 14.5% (male 446,746/female 948,508) (2010 est.)

Belgium
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 857,373/female 822,303)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 3,480,072/female 3,419,721)
65 years and over: 17.6% (male 760,390/female 1,074,477) (2010 est.)

Belize
0-14 years: 37.9% (male 59,462/female 57,117)
15-64 years: 58.6% (male 91,298/female 89,170)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 5,185/female 5,667) (2010 est.)

Benin
0-14 years: 45.2% (male 2,028,493/female 1,948,353)
15-64 years: 52.1% (male 2,275,662/female 2,308,945)
65 years and over: 2.6% (male 94,569/female 135,810) (2010 est.)

Bermuda
0-14 years: 18.3% (male 6,271/female 6,163)
15-64 years: 67.5% (male 22,555/female 23,215)
65 years and over: 14.2% (male 3,979/female 5,654) (2010 est.)

Bhutan
0-14 years: 30.2% (male 106,410/female 102,164)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 235,988/female 208,484)
65 years and over: 5.5% (male 20,169/female 17,926) (2010 est.)

Bolivia
0-14 years: 35.5% (male 1,767,310/female 1,701,744)
15-64 years: 60% (male 2,877,605/female 2,992,043)
65 years and over: 4.5% (male 193,196/female 243,348) (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0-14 years: 14.5% (male 344,760/female
323,303)
15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,645,274/female 1,617,136)
65 years and over: 14.8% (male 279,781/female 403,160) (2010 est.)

Botswana
0-14 years: 34.8% (male 352,399/female 340,058)
15-64 years: 61.4% (male 613,714/female 608,003)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 31,155/female 45,547) (2010 est.)

Brazil
0-14 years: 26.7% (male 27,092,880/female 26,062,244)
15-64 years: 66.8% (male 65,804,108/female 67,047,725)
65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,374,230/female 7,358,082) (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0-14 years: 19.8% (male 2,454/female 2,387)
15-64 years: 74.4% (male 9,346/female 8,881)
65 years and over: 5.8% (male 734/female 689) (2010 est.)

Brunei
0-14 years: 26.6% (male 53,282/female 50,141)
15-64 years: 70.1% (male 135,640/female 136,292)
65 years and over: 3.3% (male 6,199/female 6,636) (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 509,544/female 484,816)
15-64 years: 68.5% (male 2,426,060/female 2,508,772)
65 years and over: 17.7% (male 518,711/female 756,784) (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
0-14 years: 46.2% (male 3,646,661/female 3,621,648)
15-64 years: 51.3% (male 4,025,917/female 4,054,865)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 156,895/female 240,246) (2010 est.)

Burma
0-14 years: 25.3% (male 6,193,263/female 5,990,658)
15-64 years: 69.3% (male 16,510,648/female 16,828,462)
65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,121,412/female 1,493,298) (2010 est.)

Burundi
0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,213,667/female 2,189,197)
15-64 years: 51.2% (male 2,399,466/female 2,470,743)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 95,324/female 142,933) (2010 est.)

Cambodia
0-14 years: 32.6% (male 2,388,922/female 2,336,439)
15-64 years: 63.8% (male 4,498,568/female 4,743,677)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 197,649/female 329,038) (2010 est.)

Cameroon
0-14 years: 40.9% (male 3,891,762/female 3,822,870)
15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,298,143/female 5,250,493)
65 years and over: 3.3% (male 283,289/female 332,744) (2010 est.)

Canada
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 2,761,711/female 2,626,836)
15-64 years: 68.7% (male 11,633,950/female 11,381,735)
65 years and over: 15.2% (male 2,220,189/female 2,862,787) (2010
est.)

Cape Verde
0-14 years: 35.2% (male 76,012/female 74,993)
15-64 years: 58.5% (male 123,376/female 127,653)
65 years and over: 6.4% (male 10,040/female 17,400) (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
0-14 years: 19.6% (male 4,824/female 4,783)
15-64 years: 71.1% (male 16,994/female 17,884)
65 years and over: 9.3% (male 2,139/female 2,411) (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
0-14 years: 40.9% (male 928,277/female
917,739)
15-64 years: 55% (male 1,235,940/female 1,244,958)
65 years and over: 4.1% (male 71,439/female 113,135) (2010 est.)

Chad
0-14 years: 46.7% (male 2,445,841/female 2,381,319)
15-64 years: 50.4% (male 2,386,428/female 2,816,050)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 126,351/female 173,219) (2010 est.)

Chile
0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,966,017/female 1,877,963)
15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,625,963/female 5,628,146)
65 years and over: 9.1% (male 627,746/female 875,872) (2010 est.)

China
0-14 years: 19.8% (male 140,877,745/female 124,290,090)
15-64 years: 72.1% (male 495,724,889/female 469,182,087)
65 years and over: 8.1% (male 51,774,115/female 56,764,042) (2010
est.)

Christmas Island
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Colombia
0-14 years: 27.7% (male 6,192,707/female 5,919,959)
15-64 years: 66.4% (male 14,292,342/female 14,717,249)
65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,093,432/female 1,461,683) (2010 est.)

Comoros
0-14 years: 42.2% (male 159,282/female 158,073)
15-64 years: 54.8% (male 203,533/female 208,591)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 10,474/female 12,485) (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0-14 years: 46.9% (male
16,161,301/female 16,038,024)
15-64 years: 50.6% (male 17,289,453/female 17,483,027)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 699,667/female 1,021,070) (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
0-14 years: 45.9% (male 927,599/female
915,540)
15-64 years: 51.2% (male 1,021,975/female 1,034,119)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 46,687/female 66,889) (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
0-14 years: 27.1% (male 1,704/female 1,508)
15-64 years: 63.7% (male 3,898/female 3,664)
65 years and over: 9.2% (male 540/female 556) (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
0-14 years: 26.7% (male 581,916/female 555,216)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,443,606/female 1,411,168)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 120,969/female 141,002) (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
0-14 years: 40.6% (male 4,215,912/female 4,146,077)
15-64 years: 56.6% (male 5,942,642/female 5,720,108)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 296,074/female 296,255) (2010 est.)

Croatia
0-14 years: 15.6% (male 358,360/female 340,098)
15-64 years: 67.5% (male 1,506,364/female 1,522,789)
65 years and over: 17% (male 295,960/female 465,838) (2010 est.)

Cuba
0-14 years: 18.3% (male 1,077,745/female 1,020,393)
15-64 years: 70.4% (male 4,035,691/female 4,030,103)
65 years and over: 11.2% (male 584,478/female 703,242) (2010 est.)

Curacao
0-14 years: 21.1% (males 15,337/females 14,589)
15-64 years: 66.7% (males 42,896/females 51,998)
65 years and over: 12.2% (males 6,972/females 10,388) (2010)

Cyprus
0-14 years: 17% (male 94,655/female 89,337)
15-64 years: 73.1% (male 411,952/female 381,074)
65 years and over: 9.9% (male 46,610/female 61,120) (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
0-14 years: 13.6% (male 712,045/female 673,657)
15-64 years: 71% (male 3,641,887/female 3,604,044)
65 years and over: 15.5% (male 623,882/female 956,389) (2010 est.)

Denmark
0-14 years: 18.1% (male 511,882/female 485,782)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,817,800/female 1,798,964)
65 years and over: 16.1% (male 387,142/female 498,940) (2010 est.)

Djibouti
0-14 years: 36.3% (male 131,878/female 131,449)
15-64 years: 60.4% (male 194,503/female 243,495)
65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,462/female 12,835) (2010 est.)

Dominica
0-14 years: 24% (male 8,910/female 8,518)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 24,532/female 23,301)
65 years and over: 10.2% (male 3,187/female 4,212) (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
0-14 years: 31.4% (male 1,543,141/female
1,488,016)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 3,087,351/female 2,960,319)
65 years and over: 5.9% (male 264,476/female 306,751) (2010 est.)

Ecuador
0-14 years: 31.1% (male 2,312,610/female 2,220,378)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 4,506,908/female 4,636,703)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 432,144/female 464,358) (2010 est.)

Egypt
0-14 years: 33% (male 13,308,407/female 12,711,900)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 25,138,546/female 24,342,230)
65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,546,774/female 1,818,778) (2010 est.)

El Salvador
0-14 years: 35.4% (male 1,299,608/female 1,245,617)
15-64 years: 59.3% (male 2,033,423/female 2,225,810)
65 years and over: 5.3% (male 166,224/female 214,536) (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
0-14 years: 41.9% (male 134,823/female 130,308)
15-64 years: 54% (male 167,820/female 174,238)
65 years and over: 4.1% (male 11,574/female 14,678) (2010 est.)

Eritrea
0-14 years: 42.8% (male 1,212,848/female 1,202,240)
15-64 years: 53.7% (male 1,483,169/female 1,547,078)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 92,009/female 109,824) (2010 est.)

Estonia
0-14 years: 14.9% (male 99,748/female 94,051)
15-64 years: 67.5% (male 417,816/female 459,246)
65 years and over: 17.6% (male 75,486/female 153,024) (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
0-14 years: 46.1% (male 19,596,784/female 19,688,887)
15-64 years: 51.2% (male 21,376,495/female 22,304,812)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 975,923/female 1,294,437) (2010 est.)

European Union
0-14 years: 15.44% (male 38,992,677/female 36,940,450)
15-64 years: 67.23% (male 166,412,403/female 164,295,636)
65 years and over: 17.33% (male 35,376,333/female 49,853,361) (2009
est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Faroe Islands
0-14 years: 21.6% (male 5,451/female 5,108)
15-64 years: 64% (male 16,708/female 14,544)
65 years and over: 14.4% (male 3,324/female 3,721) (2010 est.)

Fiji
0-14 years: 30.3% (male 146,327/female 140,327)
15-64 years: 64.9% (male 307,077/female 305,886)
65 years and over: 4.8% (male 20,300/female 24,803) (2010 est.)

Finland
0-14 years: 16.4% (male 438,425/female 422,777)
15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,773,495/female 1,732,792)
65 years and over: 16.8% (male 357,811/female 524,975) (2010 est.)

France
0-14 years: 18.6% (male 6,129,729/female 5,838,925)
15-64 years: 65% (male 20,963,124/female 20,929,280)
65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,403,248/female 6,155,767) (2010
est.)

French Polynesia
0-14 years: 24.3% (male 35,631/female 34,097)
15-64 years: 68.9% (male 102,537/female 95,317)
65 years and over: 6.8% (male 9,821/female 9,629) (2010 est.)

Gabon
0-14 years: 42.1% (male 320,414/female 318,027)
15-64 years: 53.9% (male 407,461/female 409,633)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 24,799/female 34,659) (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
0-14 years: 43.6% (male 389,877/female 386,218)
15-64 years: 53.5% (male 472,216/female 479,595)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 24,985/female 25,190) (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
0-14 years: 44.4% (male 353,489/female 334,770)
15-64 years: 53% (male 420,618/female 402,297)
65 years and over: 2.6% (male 16,483/female 24,202) (2010 est.)

Georgia
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 395,929/female 345,071)
15-64 years: 67.6% (male 1,503,360/female 1,616,234)
65 years and over: 16.4% (male 302,103/female 453,110) (2010 est.)

Germany
0-14 years: 13.7% (male 5,768,366/female 5,470,516)
15-64 years: 66.1% (male 27,707,761/female 26,676,759)
65 years and over: 20.3% (male 7,004,805/female 9,701,551) (2010
est.)

Ghana
0-14 years: 37.2% (male 4,494,633/female 4,394,074)
15-64 years: 59.2% (male 7,065,273/female 7,086,023)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 389,886/female 457,923) (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
0-14 years: 20.9% (male 3,088/female 2,922)
15-64 years: 66.4% (male 9,667/female 9,467)
65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,754/female 1,898) (2010 est.)

Greece
0-14 years: 14.3% (male 788,722/female 742,270)
15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,568,660/female 3,578,344)
65 years and over: 19.2% (male 902,617/female 1,156,815) (2010 est.)

Greenland
0-14 years: 23% (male 6,727/female 6,533)
15-64 years: 70.1% (male 21,696/female 18,669)
65 years and over: 6.9% (male 2,000/female 1,975) (2010 est.)

Grenada
0-14 years: 32% (male 14,608/female 14,410)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 31,278/female 27,873)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,268/female 1,302) (2010 est.)

Guam
0-14 years: 27.8% (male 25,651/female 23,904)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 59,304/female 56,995)
65 years and over: 7% (male 5,786/female 6,790) (2010 est.)

Guatemala
0-14 years: 39.4% (male 2,664,058/female 2,573,006)
15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,655,184/female 3,884,331)
65 years and over: 3.8% (male 231,652/female 268,286) (2010 est.)

Guernsey
0-14 years: 14.5% (male 4,799/female 4,673)
15-64 years: 67.9% (male 22,056/female 22,410)
65 years and over: 17.6% (male 5,009/female 6,537) (2010 est.)

Guinea
0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,175,852/female 2,128,518)
15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,701,184/female 2,704,161)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 153,053/female 195,207) (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0-14 years: 40.8% (male 312,253/female 313,609)
15-64 years: 56.1% (male 414,924/female 445,639)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 19,191/female 28,348) (2010 est.)

Guyana
0-14 years: 33.3% (male 127,818/female 123,261)
15-64 years: 62.1% (male 233,270/female 234,025)
65 years and over: 4.6% (male 14,481/female 20,085) (2010 est.)

Haiti
0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,735,917/female 1,704,383)
15-64 years: 58.5% (male 2,621,059/female 2,665,447)
65 years and over: 3.4% (male 120,040/female 188,690) (2010 est.)

Honduras
0-14 years: 38% (male 1,521,006/female 1,457,790)
15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,290,300/female 2,280,848)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 127,187/female 156,565) (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
0-14 years: 12.2% (male 450,833/female 411,997)
15-64 years: 74.6% (male 2,551,256/female 2,713,532)
65 years and over: 13.1% (male 434,090/female 493,363) (2010 est.)

Hungary
0-14 years: 15% (male 763,553/female 720,112)
15-64 years: 69.3% (male 3,384,961/female 3,475,135)
65 years and over: 15.8% (male 566,067/female 995,768) (2010 est.)

Iceland
0-14 years: 20.7% (male 32,268/female 31,308)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 104,158/female 101,584)
65 years and over: 12.2% (male 16,952/female 20,424) (2010 est.)

India
0-14 years: 30.5% (male 187,197,389/female 165,285,592)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 384,131,994/female 359,795,835)
65 years and over: 5.2% (male 28,816,115/female 31,670,841) (2010
est.)

Indonesia
0-14 years: 28.1% (male 34,337,341/female 33,162,207)
15-64 years: 66% (male 79,549,569/female 78,918,321)
65 years and over: 6% (male 6,335,208/female 7,968,876) (2010 est.)

Iran
0-14 years: 21.7% (male 7,394,841/female 7,022,076)
15-64 years: 72.9% (male 24,501,544/female 23,914,172)
65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,725,828/female 1,870,823) (2010 est.)

Iraq
0-14 years: 38.8% (male 5,711,187/female 5,514,794)
15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,535,550/female 8,303,942)
65 years and over: 3% (male 410,395/female 469,701) (2010 est.)

Ireland
0-14 years: 20.9% (male 454,571/female 424,022)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,411,336/female 1,409,760)
65 years and over: 12% (male 224,850/female 278,661) (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
0-14 years: 16.9% (male 6,612/female 6,300)
15-64 years: 66% (male 25,433/female 25,083)
65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,408/female 7,676) (2010 est.)

Israel
0-14 years: 27.9% (male 1,031,629/female 984,230)
15-64 years: 62.3% (male 2,283,034/female 2,221,301)
65 years and over: 9.9% (male 311,218/female 402,289) (2010 est.)

Italy
0-14 years: 13.5% (male 4,056,156/female 3,814,070)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 19,530,696/female 18,981,084)
65 years and over: 20.2% (male 4,903,762/female 6,840,444) (2010
est.)

Jamaica
0-14 years: 31.4% (male 451,310/female 436,466)
15-64 years: 61.1% (male 851,372/female 875,132)
65 years and over: 7.5% (male 94,833/female 116,815) (2010 est.)

Japan
0-14 years: 13.5% (male 8,804,465/female 8,344,800)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 41,187,425/female 40,533,876)
65 years and over: 22.2% (male 11,964,694/female 16,243,419) (2010
est.)

Jersey
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 7,623/female 7,087)
15-64 years: 67.7% (male 30,914/female 31,081)
65 years and over: 16.3% (male 6,614/female 8,307) (2010 est.)

Jordan
0-14 years: 36% (male 1,161,484/female 1,096,441)
15-64 years: 59.4% (male 1,892,472/female 1,829,112)
65 years and over: 4.6% (male 143,058/female 146,718) (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 1,717,469/female 1,643,920)
15-64 years: 70.2% (male 5,279,292/female 5,534,607)
65 years and over: 7.9% (male 426,494/female 797,655) (2010 est.)

Kenya
0-14 years: 42.3% (male 8,300,393/female 8,181,898)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 10,784,119/female 10,702,999)
65 years and over: 2.6% (male 470,218/female 563,145) (2010 est.)

Kiribati
0-14 years: 37.6% (male 21,488/female 20,899)
15-64 years: 59% (male 32,871/female 33,690)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 1,656/female 2,246) (2010 est.)

Korea, North
0-14 years: 21.3% (male 2,440,439/female 2,376,557)
15-64 years: 69.4% (male 7,776,889/female 7,945,399)
65 years and over: 9.4% (male 820,504/female 1,305,557) (2010 est.)

Korea, South
0-14 years: 16.8% (male 4,278,581/female 3,887,516)
15-64 years: 72.3% (male 17,897,053/female 17,196,840)
65 years and over: 10.8% (male 2,104,589/female 3,144,393) (2010
est.)

Kosovo
0-14 years: 27.7% (male 260,678/female 239,779)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 617,890/female 567,939)
65 years and over: 6.6% (male 50,463/female 68,089) (2010 est.)

Kuwait
0-14 years: 26.4% (male 361,274/female 348,351)
15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,219,674/female 683,494)
65 years and over: 3% (male 49,807/female 29,926) (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
0-14 years: 29.7% (male 822,128/female 789,425)
15-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,717,497/female 1,787,551)
65 years and over: 5.8% (male 123,045/female 192,101) (2010 est.)

Laos
0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,399,674/female 1,386,526)
15-64 years: 56.2% (male 1,900,638/female 1,938,165)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 90,144/female 119,198) (2010 est.)

Latvia
0-14 years: 13.3% (male 152,472/female 145,161)
15-64 years: 69.6% (male 756,469/female 797,505)
65 years and over: 17% (male 124,432/female 255,464) (2010 est.)

Lebanon
0-14 years: 25.8% (male 528,047/female 506,838)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,294,485/female 1,399,047)
65 years and over: 7.2% (male 130,148/female 158,530) (2010 est.)

Lesotho
0-14 years: 34.8% (male 373,159/female 368,271)
15-64 years: 60.2% (male 629,346/female 654,054)
65 years and over: 5% (male 42,074/female 63,915) (2010 est.)

Liberia
0-14 years: 44.1% (male 760,989/female 758,554)
15-64 years: 53% (male 904,770/female 920,704)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 47,013/female 49,760) (2010 est.)

Libya
0-14 years: 33% (male 1,065,606/female 1,020,102)
15-64 years: 62.6% (male 2,036,780/female 1,923,566)
65 years and over: 4.4% (male 136,224/female 142,079) (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
0-14 years: 16.6% (male 2,877/female 2,901)
15-64 years: 69.4% (male 11,917/female 12,220)
65 years and over: 13.9% (male 2,085/female 2,761) (2010 est.)

Lithuania
0-14 years: 14.2% (male 258,423/female 245,115)
15-64 years: 69.6% (male 1,214,743/female 1,261,413)
65 years and over: 16.2% (male 198,714/female 376,771) (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
0-14 years: 18.5% (male 46,918/female 44,052)
15-64 years: 66.7% (male 165,342/female 162,681)
65 years and over: 14.8% (male 29,839/female 42,943) (2010 est.)

Macau
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 47,853/female 42,019)
15-64 years: 76.2% (male 199,593/female 227,010)
65 years and over: 7.7% (male 20,245/female 23,126) (2010 est.)

Macedonia
0-14 years: 19.2% (male 206,054/female 191,354)
15-64 years: 69.4% (male 722,823/female 710,830)
65 years and over: 11.4% (male 102,231/female 133,426) (2010 est.)

Madagascar
0-14 years: 43.5% (male 4,523,033/female 4,460,473)
15-64 years: 53.5% (male 5,483,684/female 5,557,098)
65 years and over: 3% (male 280,677/female 348,591) (2010 est.)

Malawi
0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,419,711/female 3,404,726)
15-64 years: 51.9% (male 3,889,065/female 3,915,309)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 172,679/female 227,267) (2010 est.)

Malaysia
0-14 years: 31.4% (male 4,153,621/female 3,914,962)
15-64 years: 63.6% (male 8,210,373/female 8,143,043)
65 years and over: 5% (male 569,245/female 724,575) (2010 est.)

Maldives
0-14 years: 22.3% (male 45,038/female 43,291)
15-64 years: 73.8% (male 180,874/female 111,703)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 7,711/female 7,717) (2010 est.)

Mali
0-14 years: 47.6% (male 3,220,491/female 3,177,823)
15-64 years: 49.5% (male 3,241,250/female 3,406,757)
65 years and over: 3% (male 189,886/female 207,018) (2010 est.)

Malta
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 33,526/female 31,780)
15-64 years: 69.4% (male 142,491/female 138,769)
65 years and over: 14.5% (male 25,406/female 33,193) (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
0-14 years: 38.6% (male 12,683/female 12,217)
15-64 years: 58.5% (male 19,302/female 18,459)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 902/female 959) (2010 est.)

Mauritania
0-14 years: 41% (male 643,436/female 638,793)
15-64 years: 55.7% (male 818,778/female 923,046)
65 years and over: 3.4% (male 44,836/female 60,597) (2010 est.)

Mauritius
0-14 years: 22.5% (male 147,136/female 142,121)
15-64 years: 70.4% (male 449,176/female 455,057)
65 years and over: 7.1% (male 36,309/female 54,465) (2010 est.)

Mayotte
0-14 years: 45.3% (male 50,985/female 50,413)
15-64 years: 52.9% (male 63,395/female 54,882)
65 years and over: 1.8% (male 2,085/female 2,005) (2010 est.)

Mexico
0-14 years: 29.1% (male 16,544,223/female 15,861,141)
15-64 years: 64.6% (male 34,734,571/female 37,129,793)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 3,130,518/female 3,811,543) (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 0-14 years: 34.8% (male 19,010/female 18,411) 15-64 years: 62.3% (male 33,286/female 33,629) 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 1,317/female 1,781) (2010 est.)

Moldova
0-14 years: 15.9% (male 353,495/female 334,592)
15-64 years: 73.3% (male 1,536,263/female 1,629,882)
65 years and over: 10.8% (male 172,070/female 294,446) (2010 est.)

Monaco
0-14 years: 14.6% (male 2,466/female 2,349)
15-64 years: 62.4% (male 10,184/female 10,395)
65 years and over: 23% (male 3,068/female 4,503) (2010 est.)

Mongolia
0-14 years: 28.1% (male 436,391/female 418,923)
15-64 years: 67.9% (male 1,031,819/female 1,033,806)
65 years and over: 4% (male 52,430/female 67,773) (2010 est.)

Montenegro
0-14 years: 16% (male 52,645/female 54,846)
15-64 years: 70.3% (male 244,949/female 227,794)
65 years and over: 13.7% (male 37,217/female 54,729) (2010 est.)

Montserrat
0-14 years: 27.6% (male 731/female 678)
15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,599/female 1,738)
65 years and over: 6.9% (male 232/female 119) (2010 est.)

Morocco
0-14 years: 28.7% (male 4,548,808/female 4,418,768)
15-64 years: 65.4% (male 10,009,928/female 10,437,103)
65 years and over: 6% (male 851,190/female 1,019,377) (2010 est.)

Mozambique
0-14 years: 44.3% (male 4,829,272/female 4,773,209)
15-64 years: 52.8% (male 5,605,227/female 5,842,679)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 257,119/female 361,772) (2010 est.)

Namibia
0-14 years: 35.9% (male 381,904/female 375,059)
15-64 years: 60.2% (male 641,995/female 627,146)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 36,894/female 45,667) (2010 est.)

Nauru
0-14 years: 34.7% (male 2,482/female 2,384)
15-64 years: 63.2% (male 4,362/female 4,495)
65 years and over: 2.1% (male 151/female 145) (2010 est.)

Nepal
0-14 years: 36.6% (male 5,327,484/female 5,127,178)
15-64 years: 59.2% (male 8,094,494/female 8,812,675)
65 years and over: 4.2% (male 566,666/female 634,880) (2010 est.)

Netherlands
0-14 years: 17.4% (male 1,485,873/female 1,416,999)
15-64 years: 67.7% (male 5,720,387/female 5,604,014)
65 years and over: 14.9% (male 1,070,496/female 1,418,230) (2010
est.)

New Caledonia
0-14 years: 26.8% (male 31,191/female 29,870)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 75,189/female 74,552)
65 years and over: 7.3% (male 7,681/female 8,953) (2010 est.)

New Zealand
0-14 years: 20.7% (male 447,174/female 424,522)
15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,404,143/female 1,399,530)
65 years and over: 12.8% (male 244,986/female 293,063) (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
0-14 years: 33.8% (male 1,013,866/female 976,430)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,847,756/female 1,857,264)
65 years and over: 3.3% (male 85,782/female 110,101) (2010 est.)

Niger
0-14 years: 49.6% (male 3,840,379/female 3,758,674)
15-64 years: 48% (male 3,658,361/female 3,690,373)
65 years and over: 2.3% (male 159,984/female 198,481) (2010 est.)

Nigeria
0-14 years: 41.5% (male 31,624,050/female 30,242,637)
15-64 years: 55.5% (male 42,240,641/female 40,566,672)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 2,211,840/female 2,343,250) (2010 est.)

Niue
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Norfolk Island
0-14 years: 20.2%
15-64 years: 63.9%
65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)
15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Norway
0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)
15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)
65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Oman
0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)
15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2010 est.)

Pakistan
0-14 years: 36.7% (male 33,037,943/female 31,092,572)
15-64 years: 59.1% (male 53,658,173/female 49,500,786)
65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,495,350/female 3,793,734) (2010 est.)

Palau
0-14 years: 22.9% (male 2,458/female 2,314)
15-64 years: 70.8% (male 8,207/female 6,521)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 401/female 895) (2010 est.)

Panama
0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)
15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)
65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0-14 years: 37.3% (male 1,126,214/female 1,088,211)
15-64 years: 59.3% (male 1,815,731/female 1,704,430)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 113,285/female 92,904) (2010 est.)

Paraguay
0-14 years: 36.7% (male 1,304,115/female 1,260,560)
15-64 years: 58.1% (male 2,043,509/female 2,023,317)
65 years and over: 5.2% (male 168,554/female 195,600) (2010 est.)

Peru
0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018)
65 years and over: 5.7% (male 796,631/female 893,757) (2010 est.)

Philippines
0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)
15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)
65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Poland
0-14 years: 15% (male 2,964,995/female 2,802,278)
15-64 years: 71.6% (male 13,713,078/female 13,845,251)
65 years and over: 13.4% (male 1,966,406/female 3,190,911) (2010
est.)

Portugal
0-14 years: 16.3% (male 912,147/female 834,941)
15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,525,717/female 3,554,513)
65 years and over: 17.6% (male 772,413/female 1,108,193) (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
0-14 years: 19.8% (male 402,473/female 384,655)
15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,260,191/female 1,361,359)
65 years and over: 14.1% (male 239,957/female 317,578) (2010 est.)

Qatar
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)
15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)
65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2010 est.)

Romania
0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)
15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)
65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2010
est.)

Russia
0-14 years: 14.8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011)
15-64 years: 71.5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313)
65 years and over: 13.7% (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2010
est.)

Rwanda
0-14 years: 42.7% (male 2,309,323/female 2,277,269)
15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,932,686/female 2,961,300)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 106,740/female 158,993) (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)
15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)
65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685) 15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629) 65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)
65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)
15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)
65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)
15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)
65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0-14 years: 21.9% (male 789/female 755)
15-64 years: 66.4% (male 2,378/female 2,313)
65 years and over: 11.7% (male 382/female 446) (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425) 15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701) 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2010 est.)

Samoa
0-14 years: 37.6% (male 42,117/female 40,603)
15-64 years: 56.7% (male 65,541/female 59,292)
65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,538/female 6,907) (2010 est.)

San Marino
0-14 years: 16.9% (male 2,635/female 2,452)
15-64 years: 66.2% (male 9,538/female 10,429)
65 years and over: 16.9% (male 2,188/female 2,925) (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0-14 years: 46.9% (male 50,475/female 49,188)
15-64 years: 49.7% (male 51,325/female 54,289)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 3,335/female 4,067) (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
0-14 years: 38% (male 5,557,453/female 5,340,614)
15-64 years: 59.5% (male 9,608,032/female 7,473,543)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 363,241/female 343,750) (2010 est.)

Senegal
0-14 years: 42.2% (male 2,911,324/female 2,877,804)
15-64 years: 54.8% (male 3,728,664/female 3,786,000)
65 years and over: 3% (male 190,343/female 217,462) (2010 est.)

Serbia
0-14 years: 15.4% (male 586,806/female 549,900)
15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,503,194/female 2,502,807)
65 years and over: 16.8% (male 508,606/female 728,026) (2010 est.)

Seychelles
0-14 years: 22.8% (male 10,201/female 9,732)
15-64 years: 70.1% (male 31,870/female 29,439)
65 years and over: 7.1% (male 2,321/female 3,913) (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
0-14 years: 41.7% (male 1,060,463/female 1,081,333)
15-64 years: 54.7% (male 1,344,650/female 1,461,203)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 83,595/female 100,894) (2010 est.)

Singapore
0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)
15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415)
65 years and over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
0-14 years: 23.4% (male 4,299/female 4,455)
15-64 years: 73% (male 13,053/female 14,259)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 608/female 755) (2010 est.)

Slovakia
0-14 years: 15.8% (male 442,168/female 422,055)
15-64 years: 71.7% (male 1,952,527/female 1,965,646)
65 years and over: 12.5% (male 254,510/female 426,140) (2010 est.)

Slovenia
0-14 years: 13.5% (male 139,880/female 131,826)
15-64 years: 69.9% (male 707,219/female 695,470)
65 years and over: 16.5% (male 129,662/female 201,635) (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
0-14 years: 39.5% (male 119,875/female 115,127)
15-64 years: 57.1% (male 171,792/female 168,023)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 9,849/female 10,947) (2010 est.)

Somalia
0-14 years: 45% (male 2,215,331/female 2,204,503)
15-64 years: 52.6% (male 2,588,356/female 2,579,737)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 101,764/female 142,326) (2010 est.)

South Africa
0-14 years: 28.9% (male 7,093,328/female 7,061,579)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 16,275,424/female 15,984,181)
65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,075,117/female 1,562,860) (2010 est.)

Spain
0-14 years: 14.5% (male 3,021,822/female 2,842,597)
15-64 years: 67.4% (male 13,705,107/female 13,601,399)
65 years and over: 18.1% (male 3,071,394/female 4,282,683) (2010
est.)

Sri Lanka
0-14 years: 23.9% (male 2,594,815/female 2,493,002)
15-64 years: 68% (male 7,089,307/female 7,418,123)
65 years and over: 8.1% (male 803,172/female 926,372) (2010 est.)

Sudan
0-14 years: 40.7% (male 8,535,551/female 8,173,616)
15-64 years: 56.8% (male 11,745,683/female 11,603,906)
65 years and over: 2.5% (male 532,968/female 496,101) (2010 est.)

Suriname
0-14 years: 27.1% (male 66,603/female 64,035)
15-64 years: 66.6% (male 159,525/female 160,871)
65 years and over: 6.3% (male 13,004/female 17,229) (2010 est.)

Svalbard
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Swaziland
0-14 years: 38.6% (male 260,840/female 254,781)
15-64 years: 57.9% (male 383,236/female 391,478)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 19,857/female 26,994) (2010 est.)

Sweden
0-14 years: 15.7% (male 733,597/female 692,194)
15-64 years: 65.5% (male 3,003,358/female 2,927,038)
65 years and over: 18.8% (male 753,293/female 950,171) (2010 est.)

Switzerland
0-14 years: 15.6% (male 616,561/female 571,610)
15-64 years: 68.1% (male 2,609,673/female 2,567,245)
65 years and over: 16.3% (male 514,761/female 724,617) (2010 est.)

Syria
0-14 years: 36.4% (male 4,063,367/female 3,864,099)
15-64 years: 59.9% (male 6,628,644/female 6,406,864)
65 years and over: 3.7% (male 372,172/female 427,832) (2010 est.)

Taiwan
0-14 years: 16.7% (male 1,996,905/female 1,844,611)
15-64 years: 72.6% (male 8,416,300/female 8,267,675)
65 years and over: 10.7% (male 1,183,382/female 1,265,474) (2010
est.)

Tajikistan
0-14 years: 34.3% (male 1,282,681/female 1,238,607)
15-64 years: 62.1% (male 2,260,552/female 2,303,034)
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 112,334/female 151,937) (2010 est.)

Tanzania
0-14 years: 43% (male 8,853,529/female 8,805,810)
15-64 years: 54.1% (male 10,956,133/female 11,255,868)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 513,959/female 663,233) (2010 est.)

Thailand
0-14 years: 20.8% (male 7,013,877/female 6,690,554)
15-64 years: 70.5% (male 23,000,156/female 23,519,298)
65 years and over: 8.7% (male 2,612,269/female 3,162,282) (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
0-14 years: 34.7% (male 199,237/female 192,900)
15-64 years: 61.9% (male 356,772/female 344,103)
65 years and over: 3.4% (male 18,403/female 20,197) (2010 est.)

Togo
0-14 years: 41.4% (male 1,252,389/female 1,244,914)
15-64 years: 55.8% (male 1,645,885/female 1,719,810)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 66,192/female 102,618) (2010 est.)

Tokelau
0-14 years: 42%
15-64 years: 53%
65 years and over: 5% (2009 est.)

Tonga
0-14 years: 32.8% (male 20,270/female 19,428)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 37,837/female 38,166)
65 years and over: 4.3% (male 2,163/female 3,034) (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
0-14 years: 19.6% (male 123,214/female 117,584)
15-64 years: 72.6% (male 457,868/female 434,486)
65 years and over: 7.9% (male 41,467/female 55,334) (2010 est.)

Tunisia
0-14 years: 22.7% (male 1,227,238/female 1,149,796)
15-64 years: 70.1% (male 3,701,661/female 3,652,322)
65 years and over: 7.2% (male 352,003/female 403,319) (2010 est.)

Turkey
0-14 years: 27.2% (male 10,701,631/female 10,223,260)
15-64 years: 66.7% (male 25,896,326/female 25,327,403)
65 years and over: 6.1% (male 2,130,360/female 2,526,544) (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
0-14 years: 28.9% (male 713,698/female 697,222)
15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,618,678/female 1,646,992)
65 years and over: 4.3% (male 90,352/female 117,945) (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0-14 years: 30.2% (male 3,528/female 3,401)
15-64 years: 65.6% (male 7,875/female 7,164)
65 years and over: 4.2% (male 475/female 499) (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
0-14 years: 29.2% (male 1,841/female 1,770)
15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,973/female 4,141)
65 years and over: 5.2% (male 240/female 408) (2010 est.)

Uganda
0-14 years: 50% (male 8,152,830/female 8,034,366)
15-64 years: 47.9% (male 7,789,209/female 7,703,143)
65 years and over: 2.1% (male 286,693/female 403,317) (2010 est.)

Ukraine
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 3,238,280/female 3,066,594)
15-64 years: 70.3% (male 15,399,488/female 16,742,612)
65 years and over: 15.9% (male 2,422,311/female 4,831,110) (2010
est.)

United Arab Emirates
0-14 years: 20.4% (male 500,928/female 478,388)
15-64 years: 78.7% (male 2,768,030/female 1,008,404)
65 years and over: 0.9% (male 27,601/female 15,140)
note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national
(2010 est.)

United Kingdom
0-14 years: 16.7% (male 5,233,756/female 4,986,131)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 20,774,192/female 20,246,519)
65 years and over: 16.2% (male 4,259,654/female 5,612,953) (2010
est.)

United States
0-14 years: 20.2% (male 31,639,127/female 30,305,704)
15-64 years: 67% (male 102,665,043/female 103,129,321)
65 years and over: 12.8% (male 16,901,232/female 22,571,696) (2010
est.)

Uruguay
0-14 years: 22.4% (male 397,942/female 385,253)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 1,115,963/female 1,129,478)
65 years and over: 13.3% (male 187,176/female 278,570) (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
0-14 years: 28.1% (male 3,970,386/female 3,787,371)
15-64 years: 67% (male 9,191,439/female 9,309,791)
65 years and over: 4.9% (male 576,191/female 770,829) (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
0-14 years: 30.7% (male 34,263/female 32,833)
15-64 years: 65.3% (male 72,670/female 69,970)
65 years and over: 4% (male 4,516/female 4,267) (2010 est.)

Venezuela
0-14 years: 30.5% (male 4,157,194/female 4,022,595)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 8,480,872/female 8,754,620)
65 years and over: 5.2% (male 620,657/female 778,905) (2010 est.)

Vietnam
0-14 years: 26.1% (male 12,069,408/female 11,033,738)
15-64 years: 68.3% (male 30,149,986/female 30,392,043)
65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,892,505/female 3,039,078) (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)
65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,141/female 1,935)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,069/female 5,065)
65 years and over: 7.1% (male 488/female 591) (2010 est.)

West Bank
0-14 years: 37.3% (male 470,735/female 446,878)
15-64 years: 59.1% (male 744,822/female 708,695)
65 years and over: 3.7% (male 37,471/female 52,666) (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
0-14 years: 44.9% (male 92,428/female 89,570)
15-64 years: 52.8% (male 105,191/female 108,803)
65 years and over: 2.3% (male 3,881/female 5,337) (2010 est.)

World
0-14 years: 27% (male 944,987,919/female 884,268,378)
15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,234,860,865/female 2,187,838,153)
65 years and over: 7.6% (male 227,164,176/female 289,048,221) (2010
est.)

Yemen
0-14 years: 43.9% (male 5,108,423/female 4,925,523)
15-64 years: 53.5% (male 6,215,999/female 6,013,334)
65 years and over: 2.6% (male 285,752/female 309,207) (2010 est.)

Zambia
0-14 years: 45.1% (male 2,685,142/female 2,659,771)
15-64 years: 52.6% (male 3,122,305/female 3,116,846)
65 years and over: 2.3% (male 114,477/female 164,199) (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
0-14 years: 43.9% (male 2,523,119/female 2,473,928)
15-64 years: 52.2% (male 2,666,928/female 3,283,474)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 194,360/female 250,820) (2010 est.)

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

@2011

Field Listing :: Geographic coordinates

This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names. Country

Geographic coordinates

Afghanistan
33 00 N, 65 00 E

Akrotiri
34 37 N, 32 58 E

Albania
41 00 N, 20 00 E

Algeria
28 00 N, 3 00 E

American Samoa
14 20 S, 170 00 W

Andorra
42 30 N, 1 30 E

Angola
12 30 S, 18 30 E

Anguilla
18 15 N, 63 10 W

Antarctica
90 00 S, 0 00 E

Antigua and Barbuda
17 03 N, 61 48 W

Arctic Ocean
90 00 N, 0 00 E

Argentina
34 00 S, 64 00 W

Armenia
40 00 N, 45 00 E

Aruba
12 30 N, 69 58 W

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
12 14 S, 123 05 E

Atlantic Ocean
0 00 N, 25 00 W

Australia
27 00 S, 133 00 E

Austria
47 20 N, 13 20 E

Azerbaijan
40 30 N, 47 30 E

Bahamas, The
24 15 N, 76 00 W

Bahrain
26 00 N, 50 33 E

Bangladesh
24 00 N, 90 00 E

Barbados
13 10 N, 59 32 W

Belarus
53 00 N, 28 00 E

Belgium
50 50 N, 4 00 E

Belize
17 15 N, 88 45 W

Benin
9 30 N, 2 15 E

Bermuda
32 20 N, 64 45 W

Bhutan
27 30 N, 90 30 E

Bolivia
17 00 S, 65 00 W

Bosnia and Herzegovina
44 00 N, 18 00 E

Botswana
22 00 S, 24 00 E

Bouvet Island
54 26 S, 3 24 E

Brazil
10 00 S, 55 00 W

British Indian Ocean Territory 6 00 S, 71 30 E; note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E

British Virgin Islands
18 30 N, 64 30 W

Brunei
4 30 N, 114 40 E

Bulgaria
43 00 N, 25 00 E

Burkina Faso
13 00 N, 2 00 W

Burma
22 00 N, 98 00 E

Burundi
3 30 S, 30 00 E

Cambodia
13 00 N, 105 00 E

Cameroon
6 00 N, 12 00 E

Canada
60 00 N, 95 00 W

Cape Verde
16 00 N, 24 00 W

Cayman Islands
19 30 N, 80 30 W

Central African Republic
7 00 N, 21 00 E

Chad
15 00 N, 19 00 E

Chile
30 00 S, 71 00 W

China
35 00 N, 105 00 E

Christmas Island
10 30 S, 105 40 E

Clipperton Island
10 17 N, 109 13 W

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
12 30 S, 96 50 E

Colombia
4 00 N, 72 00 W

Comoros
12 10 S, 44 15 E

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0 00 N, 25 00 E

Congo, Republic of the
1 00 S, 15 00 E

Cook Islands
21 14 S, 159 46 W

Coral Sea Islands
18 00 S, 152 00 E

Costa Rica
10 00 N, 84 00 W

Cote d'Ivoire
8 00 N, 5 00 W

Croatia
45 10 N, 15 30 E

Cuba
21 30 N, 80 00 W

Curacao
12 10 N, 69 00 W

Cyprus
35 00 N, 33 00 E

Czech Republic
49 45 N, 15 30 E

Denmark
56 00 N, 10 00 E

Dhekelia
34 59 N, 33 45 E

Djibouti
11 30 N, 43 00 E

Dominica
15 25 N, 61 20 W

Dominican Republic
19 00 N, 70 40 W

Ecuador
2 00 S, 77 30 W

Egypt
27 00 N, 30 00 E

El Salvador
13 50 N, 88 55 W

Equatorial Guinea
2 00 N, 10 00 E

Eritrea
15 00 N, 39 00 E

Estonia
59 00 N, 26 00 E

Ethiopia
8 00 N, 38 00 E

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
51 45 S, 59 00 W

Faroe Islands
62 00 N, 7 00 W

Fiji
18 00 S, 175 00 E

Finland
64 00 N, 26 00 E

France
metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E
French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W
Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W
Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

French Polynesia
15 00 S, 140 00 W

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E
Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E
Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E
Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E
Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E
Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Gabon
1 00 S, 11 45 E

Gambia, The
13 28 N, 16 34 W

Gaza Strip
31 25 N, 34 20 E

Georgia
42 00 N, 43 30 E

Germany
51 00 N, 9 00 E

Ghana
8 00 N, 2 00 W

Gibraltar
36 08 N, 5 21 W

Greece
39 00 N, 22 00 E

Greenland
72 00 N, 40 00 W

Grenada
12 07 N, 61 40 W

Guam
13 28 N, 144 47 E

Guatemala
15 30 N, 90 15 W

Guernsey
49 28 N, 2 35 W

Guinea
11 00 N, 10 00 W

Guinea-Bissau
12 00 N, 15 00 W

Guyana
5 00 N, 59 00 W

Haiti
19 00 N, 72 25 W

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
53 06 S, 72 31 E

Holy See (Vatican City)
41 54 N, 12 27 E

Honduras
15 00 N, 86 30 W

Hong Kong
22 15 N, 114 10 E

Hungary
47 00 N, 20 00 E

Iceland
65 00 N, 18 00 W

India
20 00 N, 77 00 E

Indian Ocean
20 00 S, 80 00 E

Indonesia
5 00 S, 120 00 E

Iran
32 00 N, 53 00 E

Iraq
33 00 N, 44 00 E

Ireland
53 00 N, 8 00 W

Isle of Man
54 15 N, 4 30 W

Israel
31 30 N, 34 45 E

Italy
42 50 N, 12 50 E

Jamaica
18 15 N, 77 30 W

Jan Mayen
71 00 N, 8 00 W

Japan
36 00 N, 138 00 E

Jersey
49 15 N, 2 10 W

Jordan
31 00 N, 36 00 E

Kazakhstan
48 00 N, 68 00 E

Kenya
1 00 N, 38 00 E

Kiribati
1 25 N, 173 00 E

Korea, North
40 00 N, 127 00 E

Korea, South
37 00 N, 127 30 E

Kosovo
42 35 N, 21 00 E

Kuwait
29 30 N, 45 45 E

Kyrgyzstan
41 00 N, 75 00 E

Laos
18 00 N, 105 00 E

Latvia
57 00 N, 25 00 E

Lebanon
33 50 N, 35 50 E

Lesotho
29 30 S, 28 30 E

Liberia
6 30 N, 9 30 W

Libya
25 00 N, 17 00 E

Liechtenstein
47 16 N, 9 32 E

Lithuania
56 00 N, 24 00 E

Luxembourg
49 45 N, 6 10 E

Macau
22 10 N, 113 33 E

Macedonia
41 50 N, 22 00 E

Madagascar
20 00 S, 47 00 E

Malawi
13 30 S, 34 00 E

Malaysia
2 30 N, 112 30 E

Maldives
3 15 N, 73 00 E

Mali
17 00 N, 4 00 W

Malta
35 50 N, 14 35 E

Marshall Islands
9 00 N, 168 00 E

Mauritania
20 00 N, 12 00 W

Mauritius
20 17 S, 57 33 E

Mayotte
12 50 S, 45 10 E

Mexico
23 00 N, 102 00 W

Micronesia, Federated States of
6 55 N, 158 15 E

Moldova
47 00 N, 29 00 E

Monaco
43 44 N, 7 24 E

Mongolia
46 00 N, 105 00 E

Montenegro
42 30 N, 19 18 E

Montserrat
16 45 N, 62 12 W

Morocco
32 00 N, 5 00 W

Mozambique
18 15 S, 35 00 E

Namibia
22 00 S, 17 00 E

Nauru
0 32 S, 166 55 E

Navassa Island
18 25 N, 75 02 W

Nepal
28 00 N, 84 00 E

Netherlands
52 30 N, 5 45 E

New Caledonia
21 30 S, 165 30 E

New Zealand
41 00 S, 174 00 E

Nicaragua
13 00 N, 85 00 W

Niger
16 00 N, 8 00 E

Nigeria
10 00 N, 8 00 E

Niue
19 02 S, 169 52 W

Norfolk Island
29 02 S, 167 57 E

Northern Mariana Islands
15 12 N, 145 45 E

Norway
62 00 N, 10 00 E

Oman
21 00 N, 57 00 E

Pacific Ocean
0 00 N, 160 00 W

Pakistan
30 00 N, 70 00 E

Palau
7 30 N, 134 30 E

Panama
9 00 N, 80 00 W

Papua New Guinea
6 00 S, 147 00 E

Paracel Islands
16 30 N, 112 00 E

Paraguay
23 00 S, 58 00 W

Peru
10 00 S, 76 00 W

Philippines
13 00 N, 122 00 E

Pitcairn Islands
25 04 S, 130 06 W

Poland
52 00 N, 20 00 E

Portugal
39 30 N, 8 00 W

Puerto Rico
18 15 N, 66 30 W

Qatar
25 30 N, 51 15 E

Romania
46 00 N, 25 00 E

Russia
60 00 N, 100 00 E

Rwanda
2 00 S, 30 00 E

Saint Barthelemy
17 90 N, 62 85 W

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena: 15 57 S,
5 42 W
Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W
Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Saint Kitts and Nevis
17 20 N, 62 45 W

Saint Lucia
13 53 N, 60 58 W

Saint Martin
18 05 N, 63 57 W

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
46 50 N, 56 20 W

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
13 15 N, 61 12 W

Samoa
13 35 S, 172 20 W

San Marino
43 46 N, 12 25 E

Sao Tome and Principe
1 00 N, 7 00 E

Saudi Arabia
25 00 N, 45 00 E

Senegal
14 00 N, 14 00 W

Serbia
44 00 N, 21 00 E

Seychelles
4 35 S, 55 40 E

Sierra Leone
8 30 N, 11 30 W

Singapore
1 22 N, 103 48 E

Sint Maarten
18 4 N, 63 4 W

Slovakia
48 40 N, 19 30 E

Slovenia
46 07 N, 14 49 E

Solomon Islands
8 00 S, 159 00 E

Somalia
10 00 N, 49 00 E

South Africa
29 00 S, 24 00 E

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
54 30 S, 37 00 W

Southern Ocean
60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean
has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of
water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of
water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of
Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Spain
40 00 N, 4 00 W

Spratly Islands
8 38 N, 111 55 E

Sri Lanka
7 00 N, 81 00 E

Sudan
15 00 N, 30 00 E

Suriname
4 00 N, 56 00 W

Svalbard
78 00 N, 20 00 E

Swaziland
26 30 S, 31 30 E

Sweden
62 00 N, 15 00 E

Switzerland
47 00 N, 8 00 E

Syria
35 00 N, 38 00 E

Taiwan
23 30 N, 121 00 E

Tajikistan
39 00 N, 71 00 E

Tanzania
6 00 S, 35 00 E

Thailand
15 00 N, 100 00 E

Timor-Leste
8 50 S, 125 55 E

Togo
8 00 N, 1 10 E

Tokelau
9 00 S, 172 00 W

Tonga
20 00 S, 175 00 W

Trinidad and Tobago
11 00 N, 61 00 W

Tunisia
34 00 N, 9 00 E

Turkey
39 00 N, 35 00 E

Turkmenistan
40 00 N, 60 00 E

Turks and Caicos Islands
21 45 N, 71 35 W

Tuvalu
8 00 S, 178 00 E

Uganda
1 00 N, 32 00 E

Ukraine
49 00 N, 32 00 E

United Arab Emirates
24 00 N, 54 00 E

United Kingdom
54 00 N, 2 00 W

United States
38 00 N, 97 00 W

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker Island: 0 13 N,
176 28 W
Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W
Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W
Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W
Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W
Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W
Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W

Uruguay
33 00 S, 56 00 W

Uzbekistan
41 00 N, 64 00 E

Vanuatu
16 00 S, 167 00 E

Venezuela
8 00 N, 66 00 W

Vietnam
16 10 N, 107 50 E

Virgin Islands
18 20 N, 64 50 W

Wake Island
19 17 N, 166 39 E

Wallis and Futuna
13 18 S, 176 12 W

West Bank
32 00 N, 35 15 E

Western Sahara
24 30 N, 13 00 W

Yemen
15 00 N, 48 00 E

Zambia
15 00 S, 30 00 E

Zimbabwe
20 00 S, 30 00 E

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

@2012

Field Listing :: GDP - composition by sector

This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete. Country

GDP - composition by sector(%)

Afghanistan agriculture: 31% industry: 26% services: 43% note: data exclude opium production (2008 est.)

Albania
agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 19.5%
services: 59.3% (2010 est.)

Algeria
agriculture: 8.3%
industry: 61.5%
services: 30.2% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Andorra
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Angola
agriculture: 9.6%
industry: 65.8%
services: 24.6% (2008 est.)

Anguilla
agriculture: 4%
industry: 18%
services: 78% (2002 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 22%
services: 74.3% (2002 est.)

Argentina
agriculture: 8.5%
industry: 31.6%
services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Armenia
agriculture: 22%
industry: 46.6%
services: 31.4% (2010 est.)

Aruba
agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 33.3%
services: 66.3% (2002 est.)

Australia
agriculture: 4%
industry: 24.8%
services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Austria
agriculture: 1.5%
industry: 29.4%
services: 69.1% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 61.4%
services: 33.1% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 14.7%
services: 84.1% (2001 est.)

Bahrain
agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 56.6%
services: 42.9% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
agriculture: 18.4%
industry: 28.7%
services: 52.9% (2010 est.)

Barbados
agriculture: 6%
industry: 16%
services: 78% (2000 est.)

Belarus
agriculture: 9%
industry: 42.9%
services: 48.1% (2010 est.)

Belgium
agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 22.1%
services: 77.2% (2010 est.)

Belize
agriculture: 29%
industry: 16.9%
services: 54.1% (2008 est.)

Benin
agriculture: 33.2%
industry: 14.5%
services: 52.3% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
agriculture: 1%
industry: 10%
services: 89% (2002 est.)

Bhutan
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 45%
services: 37.4% (2006)

Bolivia
agriculture: 11%
industry: 38%
services: 51% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
agriculture: 9.8%
industry: 25.9%
services: 64.3% (2010 est.)

Botswana
agriculture: 2.3%
industry: 45.8%
services: 51.9% (2009 est.)

Brazil
agriculture: 6.1%
industry: 26.4%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 10.7%
services: 88.3% (1996 est.)

Brunei
agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 74.1%
services: 25.3% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
agriculture: 7.5%
industry: 27.6%
services: 64.9% (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
agriculture: 30.1%
industry: 20.7%
services: 49.2% (2009 est.)

Burma
agriculture: 43.2%
industry: 20%
services: 36.8% (2010 est.)

Burundi
agriculture: 31.6%
industry: 21.4%
services: 47% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
agriculture: 29%
industry: 30%
services: 41% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
agriculture: 20%
industry: 30.9%
services: 49.1% (2010 est.)

Canada
agriculture: 2.3%
industry: 26.4%
services: 71.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
agriculture: 9%
industry: 16.2%
services: 74.8% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 3.2%
services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Central African Republic
agriculture: 55%
industry: 20%
services: 25% (2001 est.)

Chad
agriculture: 50.5%
industry: 7%
services: 42.5% (2010 est.)

Chile
agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 40.5%
services: 53.9% (2009 est.)

China
agriculture: 9.6%
industry: 46.8%
services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Colombia
agriculture: 9.3%
industry: 38%
services: 52.7% (2010 est.)

Comoros
agriculture: 40%
industry: 4%
services: 56% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
agriculture: 37.4%
industry: 26%
services: 36.6% (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
agriculture: 4.4%
industry: 63.7%
services: 32% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
agriculture: 15.1%
industry: 9.6%
services: 75.3% (2004)

Costa Rica
agriculture: 6.3%
industry: 22.9%
services: 70.8% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
agriculture: 28.2%
industry: 21.3%
services: 50.6% (2010 est.)

Croatia
agriculture: 6.8%
industry: 27.2%
services: 66% (2010 est.)

Cuba
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 22.7%
services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Curacao
agriculture: 1%
industry: 15%
services: 84% (2000 est.)

Cyprus
agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 18.6%
services: 79.3% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 38.3%
services: 59.5% (2010 est.)

Denmark
agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 22.8%
services: 76.1% (2010 est.)

Djibouti
agriculture: 3.2%
industry: 14.9%
services: 81.9% (2006)

Dominica
agriculture: 17.7%
industry: 32.8%
services: 49.5% (2004 est.)

Dominican Republic
agriculture: 11.5%
industry: 21%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
agriculture: 6.8%
industry: 32.9%
services: 60.3% (2010 est.)

Egypt
agriculture: 13.5%
industry: 37.9%
services: 48.6% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
agriculture: 11%
industry: 29.1%
services: 59.9% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 93.9%
services: 3.8% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
agriculture: 11.8%
industry: 20.4%
services: 67.7% (2010 est.)

Estonia
agriculture: 2.5%
industry: 28.7%
services: 68.8% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
agriculture: 42.9%
industry: 13.7%
services: 43.4% (2010 est.)

European Union
agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 25.2%
services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
agriculture: 95%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (1996)

Faroe Islands
agriculture: 16%
industry: 29%
services: 55% (2007 est.)

Fiji
agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 13.5%
services: 77.6% (2004 est.)

Finland
agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 29.1%
services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

France
agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 19.2%
services: 79% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 20.4%
services: 76.1% (2005)

Gabon
agriculture: 4.5%
industry: 62.7%
services: 32.8% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
agriculture: 30.1%
industry: 16.3%
services: 53.6% (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
agriculture: 11%
industry: 27.1%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Germany
agriculture: 0.8%
industry: 27.9%
services: 71.3% (2010 est.)

Ghana
agriculture: 33.7%
industry: 24.7%
services: 41.6% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
agriculture: 0%
industry: 0%
services: 100% (2008)

Greece
agriculture: 4%
industry: 17.6%
services: 78.5% (2010 est.)

Greenland
agriculture: 4.9%
industry: 31.9%
services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
agriculture: 5.4%
industry: 18%
services: 76.6% (2003)

Guam
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Guatemala
agriculture: 13.3%
industry: 24.4%
services: 62.3% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
agriculture: 3%
industry: 10%
services: 87% (2000)

Guinea
agriculture: 25.8%
industry: 45.7%
services: 28.5% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
agriculture: 62%
industry: 12%
services: 26% (1999 est.)

Guyana
agriculture: 24.3%
industry: 24.7%
services: 51% (2010 est.)

Haiti
agriculture: 23%
industry: 20%
services: 57% (2009 est.)

Honduras
agriculture: 12.4%
industry: 26.9%
services: 60.8% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 7.6%
services: 92.3% (2010 est.)

Hungary
agriculture: 2.8%
industry: 35.7%
services: 61.5% (2010 est.)

Iceland
agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 24.7%
services: 69.9% (2010 est.)

India
agriculture: 16.1%
industry: 28.6%
services: 55.3% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
agriculture: 14.9%
industry: 46.8%
services: 38.3% (2010 est.)

Iran
agriculture: 11%
industry: 45.9%
services: 43.1% (2010 est.)

Iraq
agriculture: 9.7%
industry: 63%
services: 27.3% (2010 est.)

Ireland
agriculture: 5%
industry: 46%
services: 49% (2002 est.)

Isle of Man
agriculture: 1%
industry: 13%
services: 86% (2000 est.)

Israel
agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 32.6%
services: 65% (2010 est.)

Italy
agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 24.9%
services: 73.3% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
agriculture: 5.7%
industry: 29.7%
services: 64.6% (2010 est.)

Japan
agriculture: 1.5%
industry: 22.8%
services: 75.7% (2010 est.)

Jersey
agriculture: 1%
industry: 2%
services: 97% (2005)

Jordan
agriculture: 3.4%
industry: 30.3%
services: 66.2% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
agriculture: 6%
industry: 42.8%
services: 51.2% (2009 est.)

Kenya
agriculture: 22%
industry: 16%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 24.2%
services: 66.8% (2004)

Korea, North
agriculture: 20.9%
industry: 46.9%
services: 32.1% (2002 est.)

Korea, South
agriculture: 3%
industry: 39.4%
services: 57.6% (2008 est.)

Kosovo
agriculture: 12.9%
industry: 22.6%
services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
agriculture: 0.3%
industry: 48.1%
services: 51.6% (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
agriculture: 24.6%
industry: 25%
services: 50.4% (2010 est.)

Laos
agriculture: 29.8%
industry: 31.7%
services: 38.5% (2010 est.)

Latvia
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 20.6%
services: 75.2% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
agriculture: 5.1%
industry: 15.9%
services: 79% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
agriculture: 7.1%
industry: 34.6%
services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Liberia
agriculture: 76.9%
industry: 5.4%
services: 17.7% (2002 est.)

Libya
agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 63.8%
services: 33.6% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
agriculture: 8%
industry: 39%
services: 54% (2007)

Lithuania
agriculture: 4.3%
industry: 27.6%
services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 13.6%
services: 86% (2007 est.)

Macau
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 2.8%
services: 97.1% (2009 est.)

Macedonia
agriculture: 12.1%
industry: 29.6%
services: 58.3% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
agriculture: 26.5%
industry: 16.7%
services: 56.8% (2010 est.)

Malawi
agriculture: 33.4%
industry: 21.7%
services: 44.9% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
agriculture: 9.1%
industry: 41.6%
services: 49.3% (2010 est.)

Maldives
agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 16.9%
services: 77.5% (2009 est.)

Mali
agriculture: 45%
industry: 17%
services: 38% (2001 est.)

Malta
agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 17.4%
services: 80.9% (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
agriculture: 31.7%
industry: 14.9%
services: 53.4% (2004 est.)

Mauritania
agriculture: 12.5%
industry: 46.7%
services: 40.7% (2008 est.)

Mauritius
agriculture: 4.8%
industry: 24.6%
services: 70.5% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Mexico
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 33.3%
services: 62.5% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
agriculture: 28.9%
industry: 15.2%
services: 55.9% (2004 est.)

Moldova
agriculture: 16.3%
industry: 20.1%
services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Monaco
agriculture: 0%
industry: 4.9%
services: 95.1% (2005)

Mongolia
agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 29.5%
services: 49.3% (2009 est.)

Montenegro
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Montserrat
agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 23.1%
services: 75.7% (1999 est.)

Morocco
agriculture: 17.1%
industry: 31.6%
services: 51.4% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
agriculture: 28.8%
industry: 26%
services: 45.2% (2010 est.)

Namibia
agriculture: 9%
industry: 32.7%
services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Nauru
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Nepal
agriculture: 33%
industry: 15%
services: 52% (FY09 est.)

Netherlands
agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 24.9%
services: 72.4% (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
agriculture: 15%
industry: 8.8%
services: 76.2% (2003)

New Zealand
agriculture: 4.6%
industry: 24%
services: 71.4% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 26.5%
services: 56% (2010 est.)

Niger
agriculture: 39%
industry: 17%
services: 44% (2001)

Nigeria
agriculture: 31.9%
industry: 32.9%
services: 35.2% (2010 est.)

Niue
agriculture: 23.5%
industry: 26.9%
services: 49.5% (2003)

Northern Mariana Islands
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Norway
agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 40.1%
services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Oman
agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 48.2%
services: 50.3% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
agriculture: 21.8%
industry: 23.6%
services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Palau
agriculture: 6.2%
industry: 12%
services: 81.8% (2003)

Panama
agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 16.6%
services: 77.6% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
agriculture: 32.2%
industry: 35.7%
services: 32.1% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
agriculture: 21.8%
industry: 18.2%
services: 60.1% (2010 est.)

Peru
agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 33%
services: 52.6% (2010 est.)

Philippines
agriculture: 13.7%
industry: 31.7%
services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Poland
agriculture: 3.9%
industry: 31.8%
services: 63% (2010 est.)

Portugal
agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 23%
services: 74.5% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
agriculture: 1%
industry: 45%
services: 54% (2005 est.)

Qatar
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 78.8%
services: 21.1% (2010 est.)

Romania
agriculture: 12.8%
industry: 36%
services: 51.2% (2010 est.)

Russia
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 33.8%
services: 62% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
agriculture: 42.1%
industry: 14.3%
services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 25.8%
services: 70.7% (2001)

Saint Lucia
agriculture: 5%
industry: 15%
services: 80% (2005 est.)

Saint Martin
agriculture: 1%
industry: 15%
services: 84% (2000)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
agriculture: 10%
industry: 26%
services: 64% (2001 est.)

Samoa
agriculture: 11.6%
industry: 13.1%
services: 75.3% (2004 est.)

San Marino
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 46.5%
services: 53.4% (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
agriculture: 14.7%
industry: 22.9%
services: 62.4% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 61.9%
services: 35.4% (2010 est.)

Senegal
agriculture: 14.9%
industry: 21.4%
services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Serbia
agriculture: 13%
industry: 22.6%
services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 30.8%
services: 66.2% (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
agriculture: 49%
industry: 31%
services: 21% (2005 est.)

Singapore
agriculture: 0%
industry: 27.2%
services: 72.8% (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 18.3%
services: 81.3% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 35.6%
services: 61.8% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 31%
services: 66.6% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
agriculture: 42%
industry: 11%
services: 47% (2005 est.)

Somalia
agriculture: 65%
industry: 10%
services: 25% (2005 est.)

South Africa
agriculture: 3%
industry: 31.2%
services: 65.8% (2010 est.)

Spain
agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 25.5%
services: 71.6% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
agriculture: 12.6%
industry: 29.8%
services: 57.6% (2010 est.)

Sudan
agriculture: 32.1%
industry: 29%
services: 38.9% (2010 est.)

Suriname
agriculture: 10.8%
industry: 24.4%
services: 64.8% (2005 est.)

Swaziland
agriculture: 8.6%
industry: 42%
services: 49.4% (2010 est.)

Sweden
agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 26.1%
services: 72.2% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
agriculture: 1.3%
industry: 27.5%
services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Syria
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 26.8%
services: 55.6% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 31.1%
services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
agriculture: 19.2%
industry: 22.6%
services: 58.1% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
agriculture: 41.6%
industry: 18.1%
services: 38.4% (2010 est.)

Thailand
agriculture: 10.4%
industry: 45.6%
services: 44% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
agriculture: 32.2%
industry: 12.8%
services: 55% (2005)

Togo
agriculture: 47.4%
industry: 25.4%
services: 27.2% (2009 est.)

Tokelau
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Tonga
agriculture: 25%
industry: 17%
services: 57% (FY05/06 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 59.4%
services: 40.1% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
agriculture: 10.6%
industry: 34.6%
services: 54.8% (2010 est.)

Turkey
agriculture: 8.8%
industry: 25.7%
services: 65.5% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 30%
services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Tuvalu
agriculture: 16.6%
industry: 27.2%
services: 56.2% (2002)

Uganda
agriculture: 23.6%
industry: 24.5%
services: 51.9% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
agriculture: 9.8%
industry: 32.3%
services: 57.9% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 51.5%
services: 47.6% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 22.1%
services: 77.1% (2010 est.)

United States
agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 22.2%
services: 76.7% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
agriculture: 9.3%
industry: 22.8%
services: 67.9% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 32.3%
services: 46.4% (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
agriculture: 26%
industry: 12%
services: 62% (2000 est.)

Venezuela
agriculture: 4.1%
industry: 34.9%
services: 61.1% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
agriculture: 20.5%
industry: 40.2%
services: 39.2% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

West Bank
agriculture: 5%
industry: 14%
services: 81% (includes Gaza Strip) (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: 40% (2007 est.)

World
agriculture: 5.8%
industry: 30.8%
services: 63.4% (2010 est.)

Yemen
agriculture: 8.2%
industry: 38.8%
services: 53% (2010 est.)

Zambia
agriculture: 19.7%
industry: 33.7%
services: 46.6% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
agriculture: 19.5%
industry: 24%
services: 56.5% (2010 est.)

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@2013

Field Listing :: Radio broadcast stations

Country

Radio broadcast stations

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@2014

Field Listing ::

Country

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@2015

Field Listing :: Television broadcast stations

Country

Television broadcast stations

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@2016

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Country

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@2018

Field Listing :: Sex ratio

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

Sex ratio(male(s)/female)

Afghanistan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Albania
at birth: 1.123 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Algeria
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

American Samoa
at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Andorra
at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Angola
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Anguilla
at birth: 1.032 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Argentina
at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Armenia
at birth: 1.133 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Aruba
at birth: 1.021 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Australia
at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Austria
at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
at birth: 1.124 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bahrain
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.33 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female
total population: 1.24 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Barbados
at birth: 1.012 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belarus
at birth: 1.062 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.47 male(s)/female
total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belgium
at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belize
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Benin
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bermuda
at birth: 1.018 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bhutan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female
total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bolivia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Botswana
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Brazil
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.07 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Brunei
at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burma
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burundi
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cambodia
at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cameroon
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Canada
at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
at birth: 1.016 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Chad
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Chile
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

China
at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.17 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA (2009 est.)

Colombia
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Comoros
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Croatia
at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cuba
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Curacao
at birth: 1.15 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010)

Cyprus
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Denmark
at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Djibouti
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.8 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Dominica
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ecuador
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Egypt
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

El Salvador
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Eritrea
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Estonia
at birth: 1.063 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
total population: 0.84 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

European Union
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Fiji
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Finland
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

France
at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gabon
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Georgia
at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Germany
at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ghana
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
at birth: 1.071 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Greece
at birth: 1.064 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Greenland
at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Grenada
at birth: 1.097 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guam
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guatemala
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guernsey
at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guinea
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guyana
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Haiti
at birth: 1.011 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Honduras
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
at birth: 1.076 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Hungary
at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iceland
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

India
at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Indonesia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iran
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iraq
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ireland
at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Israel
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Italy
at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jamaica
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Japan
at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jersey
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jordan
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kenya
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kiribati
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Korea, North
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Korea, South
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kosovo
at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kuwait
at birth: 1.041 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.79 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.65 male(s)/female
total population: 1.54 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Laos
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Latvia
at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lebanon
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lesotho
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Liberia
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Libya
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
at birth: 1.006 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lithuania
at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Macau
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Macedonia
at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Madagascar
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malawi
at birth: 1.015 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malaysia
at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Maldives
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.57 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.4 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mali
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malta
at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mauritania
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mauritius
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mayotte
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mexico
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Moldova
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Monaco
at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mongolia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Montenegro
at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Montserrat
at birth: 1.033 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 2.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Morocco
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mozambique
at birth: 1.017 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Namibia
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nauru
at birth: 0.838 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nepal
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Netherlands
at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

New Zealand
at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Niger
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nigeria
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Norway
at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Oman
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female
total population: 1.23 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Pakistan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Palau
at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.43 male(s)/female
total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Panama
at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Paraguay
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Peru
at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Philippines
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Portugal
at birth: 1.067 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Qatar
at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 2.44 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.36 male(s)/female
total population: 1.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Romania
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Russia
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.44 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Rwanda
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Samoa
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

San Marino
at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.27 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.17 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Senegal
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Serbia
at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and above: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Seychelles
at birth: 1.031 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Singapore
at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
at birth: 0.98 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010)

Slovakia
at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Slovenia
at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Somalia
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

South Africa
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Spain
at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
at birth: 1.044 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sudan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Suriname
at birth: 1.068 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sweden
at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Switzerland
at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Syria
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Taiwan
at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tanzania
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Thailand
at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Togo
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
at birth: 1.028 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tunisia
at birth: 1.073 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turkey
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uganda
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ukraine
at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 2.75 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.8 male(s)/female
total population: 2.2 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United States
at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uruguay
at birth: 1.037 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Venezuela
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Vietnam
at birth: 1.115 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

West Bank
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

World
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Yemen
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Zambia
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

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

@2019

Field Listing :: Heliports

This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs. Country

Heliports

Afghanistan
11 (2010)

Albania
1 (2010)

Algeria
2 (2010)

Antarctica
53
note: all year-round and seasonal stations operated by National
Antarctic Programs stations have some kind of helicopter landing
facilities, prepared (helipads) or unprepared (2010)

Argentina
2 (2010)

Australia
1 (2010)

Austria
1 (2010)

Azerbaijan
1 (2010)

Bahamas, The
1 (2010)

Bahrain
1 (2010)

Belarus
1 (2010)

Belgium
1 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
5 (2010)

Brazil
13 (2010)

Brunei
3 (2010)

Bulgaria
3 (2010)

Burma
6 (2010)

Burundi
1 (2010)

Cambodia
1 (2010)

Canada
12 (2010)

China
48 (2010)

Colombia
2 (2010)

Croatia
1 (2010)

Cyprus
9 (2010)

Czech Republic
1 (2010)

Ecuador
2 (2010)

Egypt
6 (2010)

El Salvador
1 (2010)

Eritrea
1 (2010)

Estonia
1 (2010)

European Union
99 (2010)

France
1 (2010)

French Polynesia
1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
1 (2010)

Georgia
3 (2010)

Germany
25 (2010)

Greece
9 (2010)

Hong Kong
9 (2010)

Hungary
5 (2010)

India
40 (2010)

Indonesia
64 (2010)

Iran
19 (2010)

Iraq
21 (2010)

Israel
3 (2010)

Italy
6 (2010)

Japan
15 (2010)

Jordan
1 (2010)

Kazakhstan
3 (2010)

Korea, North
22 (2010)

Korea, South
510 (2010)

Kosovo
2 (2010)

Kuwait
4 (2010)

Libya
2 (2010)

Luxembourg
1 (2010)

Macau
2 (2010)

Malaysia
3 (2010)

Mexico
1 (2010)

Monaco
1 (2010)

Mongolia
1 (2010)

Montenegro
1 (2010)

Morocco
1 (2010)

Netherlands
1 (2010)

New Caledonia
8 (2010)

Nigeria
4 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
1 (2010)

Norway
1 (2010)

Oman
3 (2010)

Pakistan
20 (2010)

Panama
3 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
2 (2010)

Peru
1 (2010)

Philippines
2 (2010)

Poland
7 (2010)

Qatar
1 (2010)

Romania
3 (2010)

Russia
50 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
9 (2010)

Serbia
2 (2010)

Sierra Leone
2 (2010)

Slovakia
1 (2010)

Solomon Islands
3 (2010)

South Africa
1 (2010)

Spain
9 (2010)

Spratly Islands
3 (2010)

Sudan
5 (2010)

Svalbard
1 (2010)

Sweden
2 (2010)

Switzerland
1 (2010)

Syria
7 (2010)

Taiwan
4 (2010)

Thailand
4 (2010)

Timor-Leste
8 (2010)

Turkey
20 (2010)

Turkmenistan
1 (2010)

Ukraine
7 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
5 (2010)

United Kingdom
11 (2010)

United States
126 (2010)

Venezuela
4 (2010)

Vietnam
1 (2010)

World
3,825 (2010)

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

@2020

Field Listing :: Elevation extremes

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

Elevation extremes(m)

Afghanistan
lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m
highest point: Noshak 7,485 m

Albania
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Algeria
lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m
highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

American Samoa
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

Andorra
lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m
highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Angola
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Anguilla
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Antarctica
lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m
highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m
note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the
Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet
discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Antigua and Barbuda
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Arctic Ocean
lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Argentina
lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between
Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province
of Santa Cruz)
highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern
corner of the province of Mendoza)

Armenia
lowest point: Debed River 400 m
highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Aruba
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Atlantic Ocean
lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico
Trench -8,605 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Australia
lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m
highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Austria
lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m
highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Azerbaijan
lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Bahamas, The
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Alvernia on Cat Island 63 m

Bahrain
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Bangladesh
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Barbados
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Belarus
lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m
highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Belgium
lowest point: North Sea 0 m
highest point: Botrange 694 m

Belize
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,160 m

Benin
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Bermuda
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Bhutan
lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m
highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

Bolivia
lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Bosnia and Herzegovina
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Botswana
lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513
m
highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Bouvet Island
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Brazil
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

British Indian Ocean Territory
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

British Virgin Islands
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Brunei
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Bulgaria
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Burkina Faso
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Burma
lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m
highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Burundi
lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m
highest point: Heha 2,670 m

Cambodia
lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Cameroon
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Fako 4,095 m (on Mt. Cameroon)

Canada
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Cape Verde
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Cayman Islands
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Central African Republic
lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Chad
lowest point: Djourab 160 m
highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Chile
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

China
lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Christmas Island
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Clipperton Island
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Colombia
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m
note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Comoros
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Karthala 2,360 m

Congo, Democratic Republic of the lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Congo, Republic of the
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Cook Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Coral Sea Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Costa Rica
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Cote d'Ivoire
lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

Croatia
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Dinara 1,831 m

Cuba
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Curacao
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mt. Christoffel, 372m

Cyprus
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

Czech Republic
lowest point: Elbe River 115 m
highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Denmark
lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
highest point: Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

Djibouti
lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m
highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Dominica
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

Dominican Republic
lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m
highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Ecuador
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m
note: due to the fact that the earth is not a perfect sphere and has
an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet furthest from
its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely
the highest peak above sea-level

Egypt
lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

El Salvador
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Equatorial Guinea
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Eritrea
lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m
highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Estonia
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Ethiopia
lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m
highest point: Ras Dejen 4,533 m

European Union
lowest point: Lammefjord, Denmark -7 m;
Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m
highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m; note - situated on the border
between France and Italy

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Faroe Islands
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Fiji
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Finland
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

France
lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m
highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
note: in order to assess the possible effects of climate change on
the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been
extensively and periodically measured in recent years; these new
peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m
and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit
is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

French Polynesia lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

French Southern and Antarctic Lands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Gabon
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Gambia, The
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 53 m

Gaza Strip
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

Georgia
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Germany
lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m
highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Ghana
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

Gibraltar
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Greece
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Greenland
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m

Grenada
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Guam
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Guatemala
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Guernsey
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Sark 114 m

Guinea
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Guinea-Bissau
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country
300 m

Guyana
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Haiti
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

Holy See (Vatican City)
lowest point: unnamed location 19 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 75 m

Honduras
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Hong Kong
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Hungary
lowest point: Tisza River 78 m
highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Iceland
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,110 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

India
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Indian Ocean
lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Indonesia
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Iran
lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Iraq
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: unnamed peak; 3,611 m; note - this peak is neither
Gundah Zhur 3,607 m nor Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Ireland
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Isle of Man
lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m
highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Israel
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Italy
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a
secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Jamaica
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Jan Mayen
lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
highest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 m
note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on
the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first
king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Japan
lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m
highest point: Fujiyama 3,776 m

Jersey
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 143 m

Jordan
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

Kazakhstan
lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m
highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Kenya
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Kiribati
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m

Korea, North
lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Korea, South
lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Kosovo
lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim 297 m (located on the
border with Albania)
highest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

Kuwait
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 306 m

Kyrgyzstan
lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m
highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Laos
lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

Latvia
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

Lebanon
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

Lesotho
lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers
1,400 m
highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Liberia
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Libya
lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m
highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Liechtenstein
lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m
highest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

Lithuania
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Aukstojas 294 m

Luxembourg
lowest point: Moselle River 133 m
highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Macau
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Coloane Alto 172 m

Macedonia
lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Madagascar
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Malawi
lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international
boundary with Mozambique 37 m
highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Malaysia
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Maldives
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Viligili in the Addu Atholhu 2.4 m

Mali
lowest point: Senegal River 23 m
highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Malta
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Marshall Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Mauritania
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

Mauritius
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Mayotte
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mlima Benara 660 m

Mexico
lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m
highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Micronesia, Federated States of
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Moldova
lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m
highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Monaco
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Mongolia
lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m
highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Montenegro
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m

Montserrat
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills
volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

Morocco
lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m
highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Mozambique
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Namibia
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Nauru
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation along plateau rim 61 m

Navassa Island
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on southwest side 77 m

Nepal
lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Netherlands
lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m
highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m (on the island of Saba in the
Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands
following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles)
note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at
322 m

New Caledonia
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

New Zealand
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Nicaragua
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Niger
lowest point: Niger River 200 m
highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

Nigeria
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Niue
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Norfolk Island
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Northern Mariana Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Norway
lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Oman
lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Pacific Ocean
lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench
-10,924 m
highest point: sea level 0 m

Pakistan
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Palau
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Panama
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

Papua New Guinea
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Paracel Islands
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Paraguay
lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m
highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

Peru
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Philippines
lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Pitcairn Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Big Ridge 347 m

Poland
lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m
highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Portugal
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in
the Azores 2,351 m

Puerto Rico
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Qatar
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

Romania
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Russia
lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Rwanda
lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m
highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Saint Barthelemy
lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
lowest point: Atlantic
Ocean 0 m
highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m; Green
Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena
Island 818 m

Saint Kitts and Nevis
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Saint Lucia
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Saint Martin
lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Samoa
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

San Marino
lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m
highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Sao Tome and Principe
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Saudi Arabia
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Senegal
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation southwest of Kedougou 581 m

Serbia
lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m
highest point: Midzor 2,169 m

Seychelles
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Sierra Leone
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Singapore
lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Sint Maarten
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Flagstaff 386 m

Slovakia
lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m
highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Slovenia
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Solomon Islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,310 m

Somalia
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

South Africa
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
lowest point: Atlantic
Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Southern Ocean
lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the
South Sandwich Trench
highest point: sea level 0 m

Spain
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Spratly Islands
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Sri Lanka
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Sudan
lowest point: Red Sea 0 m
highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Suriname
lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m
highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Svalbard
lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Swaziland
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Sweden
lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near
Kristianstad -2.4 m
highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Switzerland
lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m
highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Syria
lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m
highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Taiwan
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Tajikistan
lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m
highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni (Pik Imeni Ismail Samani) 7,495
m

Tanzania
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Thailand
lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Timor-Leste
lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Togo
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Tokelau
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Tonga
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Kao Island 1,033 m

Trinidad and Tobago
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Tunisia
lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Turkey
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Turkmenistan
lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m
note: Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a
water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina
Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m)
highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Turks and Caicos Islands
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Flamingo Hill 48 m

Tuvalu
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Uganda
lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m
highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Ukraine
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

United Arab Emirates
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

United Kingdom
lowest point: The Fens -4 m
highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

United States
lowest point: Death Valley -86 m
highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m
note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island
of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by
this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than
Mount Everest, which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea
level

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
lowest point: Pacific
Ocean 0 m
highest point: Baker Island, unnamed location - 8 m; Howland Island,
unnamed location - 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location - 7 m;
Johnston Atoll, Sand Island - 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location -
less than 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location - 13 m; Palmyra
Atoll, unnamed location - 3 m

Uruguay
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Uzbekistan
lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m
highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Vanuatu
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Venezuela
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Pico Bolivar 5,007 m

Vietnam
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Virgin Islands
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Wake Island
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Wallis and Futuna
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

West Bank
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Western Sahara
lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 805 m

World
lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m
note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is
the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific
Ocean
highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m
top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest
(Nepal-China) 8,850 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga
(Nepal-India) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (Nepal-China)
8,463 m; Cho Oyu (Nepal-China) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m;
Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna
(Nepal) 8,091 m

Yemen
lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Zambia
lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Zimbabwe
lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m
highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

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

@2021

Field Listing :: Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters. For countries where volcanic activity is common, a volcanism subfield highlights historically active volcanoes. Country

Natural hazards

Afghanistan
damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains;
flooding; droughts

Albania
destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern
coast; floods; drought

Algeria
mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides
and floods in rainy season

American Samoa
typhoons common from December to March
volcanism: American Samoa experiences limited volcanic activity on
the Ofu and Olosega Islands, neither has erupted since the 19th
century

Andorra
avalanches

Angola
locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Anguilla
frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to
October)

Antarctica
katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the
high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau;
cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the
coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West
Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may
calve from ice shelf

Antigua and Barbuda
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to
October); periodic droughts

Arctic Ocean
ice islands occasionally break away from northern
Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland
and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually
ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure
icing from October to May

Argentina
San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes
subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can
strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding in some areas
volcanism: Argentina experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
Mountains along the Chilean border; Copahue (elev. 2,997 m, 9,833
ft) last erupted in 2000; other historically active volcanoes
include Llullaillaco, Maipo, Planchon-Peteroa, San Jose, Tromen,
Tupungatito, and Viedma

Armenia
occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Aruba
hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is
rarely threatened

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can
pose maritime hazards

Atlantic Ocean
icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and
the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have
been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships
subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from
October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to
September; hurricanes (May to December)

Australia
cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires
volcanism: volcanic activity occurs on the Heard and McDonald Islands

Austria
landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Azerbaijan
droughts

Bahamas, The
hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive
flood and wind damage

Bahrain
periodic droughts; dust storms

Bangladesh
droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely
inundated during the summer monsoon season

Barbados
infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Belarus
NA

Belgium
flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed
coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Belize
frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and
coastal flooding (especially in south)

Benin
hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December
to March

Bermuda
hurricanes (June to November)

Bhutan
violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the
country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon;
frequent landslides during the rainy season

Bolivia
flooding in the northeast (March-April)
volcanism: Bolivia experiences volcanic activity in Andes Mountains
on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this
region are Irruputuncu (elev. 5,163 m, 16,939 ft), which last
erupted in 1995 and Olca-Paruma

Bosnia and Herzegovina
destructive earthquakes

Botswana
periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the
west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure
visibility

Bouvet Island
NA

Brazil
recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost
in south

British Indian Ocean Territory
NA

British Virgin Islands
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to
October)

Brunei
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Bulgaria
earthquakes; landslides

Burkina Faso
recurring droughts

Burma
destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides
common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Burundi
flooding; landslides; drought

Cambodia
monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional
droughts

Cameroon
volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases
from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes
volcanism: Mt. Cameroon (elev. 4,095 m, 13,435 ft), which last
erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West
Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of
gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986

Canada
continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to
development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a
result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and
North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and
snow east of the mountains
volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast
Mountains remain dormant

Cape Verde
prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces
obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active
volcanism: Fogo (elev. 2,829 m, 9,281 ft), which last erupted in
1995, is Cape Verde's only active volcano

Cayman Islands
hurricanes (July to November)

Central African Republic
hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect
northern areas; floods are common

Chad
hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic
droughts; locust plagues

Chile
severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
volcanism: Chile experiences significant volcanic activity due to
the more than three-dozen active volcanoes situated within the Andes
Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m, 18,346 ft), which last erupted in
2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes;
Llaima (elev. 3,125 m, 10,253 ft) in central Chile, which last
erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's
2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically
active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri,
Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, San Pedro, and Villarrica

China
frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and
eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts;
land subsidence
volcanism: China contains some historically active volcanoes
including Changbaishan (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu, or
P'aektu-san), Hainan Dao, and Kunlun although most have been
relatively inactive in recent centuries

Christmas Island
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can
be a maritime hazard

Clipperton Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
cyclone season is October to April

Colombia
highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional
earthquakes; periodic droughts
volcanism: Galeras (elev. 4,276 m, 14,029 ft) is one of Colombia's
most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major
evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321
m, 17,453 ft), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985
producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted
in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila
reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since
then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona
Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

Comoros
cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April);
volcanic activity on Grand Comore
volcanism: Karthala (elev. 2,361 m, 7,746 ft) on Grand Comore Island
last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to
be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
periodic droughts in south; Congo
River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley,
there are active volcanoes
volcanism: Nyiragongo (elev. 3,470 m, 11,384 ft), which erupted in
2002 and is experiencing ongoing activity, poses a major threat to
the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; the volcano
produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km
(60 mi)/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; its neighbor, Nyamuragira,
which erupted in 2010, is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is
the only other historically active volcano

Congo, Republic of the
seasonal flooding

Cook Islands
typhoons (November to March)

Coral Sea Islands
occasional tropical cyclones

Costa Rica
occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;
frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and
landslides; active volcanoes
volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m, 5,479 ft), which erupted in 2010,
is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed
the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m, 11,260 ft), situated just
east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital
city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active
volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba

Cote d'Ivoire
coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during
the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Croatia
destructive earthquakes

Cuba
the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November
(in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other
year); droughts are common

Curacao
Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is
rarely threatened

Cyprus
moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Czech Republic
flooding

Denmark
flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g.,
parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland)
that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Djibouti
earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances
from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods
volcanism: Djibouti experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba
(elev. 298 m, 978 ft) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located
along the Ethiopian border, is also historically active

Dominica
flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes
can be expected during the late summer months

Dominican Republic
lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and
subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding;
periodic droughts

Ecuador
frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods;
periodic droughts
volcanism: Ecuador experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
Mountains; Sangay (elev. 5,230 m, 17,159 ft), which erupted in 2010,
is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active
volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi,
Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina
(elev. 1,476 m, 4,842 ft), a shield volcano that last erupted in
2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other
historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra,
Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago

Egypt
periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes; flash floods;
landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring;
dust storms; sandstorms

El Salvador
known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes
destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible
to hurricanes
volcanism: El Salvador experiences significant volcanic activity;
San Salvador (elev. 1,893 m, 6,211 ft), which last erupted in 1917,
has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital,
which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (elev. 2,130
m, 6,988 ft), which last erupted in 2002, is one of the most active
volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes
include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana

Equatorial Guinea
violent windstorms; flash floods
volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last
erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano;
Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island
in the Gulf of Guinea

Eritrea
frequent droughts; locust swarms
volcanism: Dubbi (elev. 1,625 m, 5,331 ft), which last erupted in
1861, is the country's only historically active volcano

Estonia
sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Ethiopia
geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
volcanism: Ethiopia experiences volcanic activity in the Great Rift
Valley; Erta Ale (elev. 613 m, 2,011 ft), which has caused frequent
lava flows in recent years, is the country's most active volcano;
Dabbahu became active in 2005, causing evacuations; other
historically active volcanoes include Alayta, Dalaffilla, Dallol,
Dama Ali, Fentale, Kone, Manda Hararo, and Manda-Inakir

European Union
flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous
area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy;
periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
strong winds persist throughout
the year

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Finland
NA

France
metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter
windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean
overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic
activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

French Polynesia
occasional cyclonic storms in January

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul
are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones;
Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a
period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and
surrounded by reefs
volcanism: Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m,
8,635 ft), which has erupted many times in recent years, including
2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare,
eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Gabon
NA

Gambia, The
drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30
years)

Gaza Strip
droughts

Georgia
earthquakes

Germany
flooding

Ghana
dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to
March; droughts

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
severe earthquakes
volcanism: Santorini (elev. 367 m, 1,204 ft) has been deemed a
"Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
explosive history and close proximity to human populations; although
there have been very few eruptions in recent centuries, Methana and
Nisyros in the Aegean are classified as historically active

Greenland
continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the
island

Grenada
lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from
June to November

Guam
frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but
potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Guatemala
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent
earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and
other tropical storms
volcanism: Guatemala experiences significant volcanic activity in
the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (elev. 3,772 m, 12,375 ft) has
been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of
Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study
due to its explosive history and close proximity to human
populations; Pacaya (elev. 2,552 m, 8,373 ft), which erupted in May
2010 causing an ashfall on Guatemala City and prompting evacuations,
is one of the country's most active volcanoes; the volcano has
frequently been in eruption since 1965; other historically active
volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during
dry season

Guinea-Bissau
hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility
during dry season; brush fires

Guyana
flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Haiti
lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe
storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes;
periodic droughts

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is
on Heard Island

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely
susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean
coast

Hong Kong
occasional typhoons

Iceland
earthquakes and volcanic activity
volcanism: Iceland, situated on top of a hotspot, experiences severe
volcanic activity; Eyjafjallajokull (elev. 1,666 m, 5,466 ft)
erupted in 2010, sending ash high into the atmosphere and seriously
disrupting European air traffic; scientists continue to monitor
nearby Katla (elev. 1,512 m, 4,961 ft), which has a high probability
of eruption in the very near future, potentially disrupting air
traffic; Grimsvotn and Hekla are Iceland's most frequently active
volcanoes; other historically active volcanoes include Askja,
Bardarbunga, Brennisteinsfjoll, Esjufjoll, Hengill, Krafla,
Krisuvik, Kverkfjoll, Oraefajokull, Reykjanes, Torfajokull, and
Vestmannaeyjar

India
droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive
flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes
volcanism: Barren Island (elev. 354 m, 1,161 ft) in the Andaman Sea
has been active in recent years

Indian Ocean
occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in
southern reaches

Indonesia
occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes;
volcanoes; forest fires
volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in
the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic
activity occurs on Java, western Sumatra, the Sunda Islands,
Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda
Sea; Merapi (elev. 2,968 m, 9,737 ft), Indonesia's most active
volcano and in eruption since 2010, has been deemed a "Decade
Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other
notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu,
Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, and Tambora

Iran
periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

Iraq
dust storms; sandstorms; floods

Ireland
NA

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts;
periodic earthquakes

Italy
regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice
volcanism: Italy experiences significant volcanic activity; Etna
(elev. 3,330 m, 10,925 ft), which is in eruption as of 2010, is
Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to
nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius,
which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the
Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake
island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic
activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei,
Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsini

Jamaica
hurricanes (especially July to November)

Jan Mayen
dominated by the volcano Beerenberg
volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) is Norway's only
active volcano; volcanic activity resumed in 1970; the most recent
eruption occurred in 1985

Japan
many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic
occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons
volcanism: both Unzen (elev. 1,500 m, 4,621 ft) and Sakura-jima
(elev. 1,117 m, 3,665 ft), which lies near the densely populated
city of Kagoshima, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; other notable historically
active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano,
Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima,
Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu

Jersey
NA

Jordan
droughts; periodic earthquakes

Kazakhstan
earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty

Kenya
recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons
volcanism: Kenya experiences limited volcanic activity; the Barrier
(elev. 1,032 m, 3,385 ft) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the
only other historically active volcano

Kiribati
typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March;
occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them
sensitive to changes in sea level

Korea, North
late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding;
occasional typhoons during the early fall
volcanism: Changbaishan (elev. 2,744 m, 9,003 ft) (also known as
Baitoushan, Baegdu or P'aektu-san), on the Chinese border, is
considered historically active

Korea, South
occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods;
low-level seismic activity common in southwest
volcanism: Halla (elev. 1,950 m, 6,398 ft) is considered
historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Kuwait
sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring
heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust
storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March
and August

Kyrgyzstan
NA

Laos
floods, droughts

Latvia
NA

Lebanon
dust storms, sandstorms

Lesotho
periodic droughts

Liberia
dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to
March)

Libya
hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to
four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
NA

Luxembourg
NA

Macau
typhoons

Macedonia
high seismic risks

Madagascar
periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation
volcanism: Madagascar's volcanoes have not erupted in historical
times

Malawi
NA

Malaysia
flooding; landslides; forest fires

Maldives
tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to
sea level rise

Mali
hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons;
recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Malta
NA

Marshall Islands
infrequent typhoons

Mauritania
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in
March and April; periodic droughts

Mauritius
cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded
by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Mayotte
cyclones during rainy season

Mexico
tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive
earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific,
Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts
volcanism: Mexico experiences volcanic activity in the
central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja
California are mostly dormant; Colima (elev. 3,850 m, 12,631 ft),
which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is
responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it
has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association
of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of
study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human
populations; Popocatepetl (elev. 5,426 m, 17,802 ft) poses a threat
to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena,
Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San
Martin, Socorro, and Tacana

Micronesia, Federated States of
typhoons (June to December)

Moldova
landslides

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
dust storms; grassland and forest fires; drought; "zud,"
which is harsh winter conditions

Montenegro
destructive earthquakes

Montserrat
severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions
(Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Morocco
northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to
earthquakes; periodic droughts

Mozambique
severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in
central and southern provinces

Namibia
prolonged periods of drought

Nauru
periodic droughts

Navassa Island
hurricanes

Nepal
severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine
depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer
monsoons

Netherlands
flooding

New Caledonia
cyclones, most frequent from November to March
volcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically active

New Zealand
earthquakes are common, though usually not severe;
volcanic activity
volcanism: New Zealand experiences significant volcanism on North
Island; Ruapehu (elev. 2,797 m, 9,177 ft), which last erupted in
2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki
has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other
historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island,
Tongariro, and White Island

Nicaragua
destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely
susceptible to hurricanes
volcanism: Nicaragua experiences significant volcanic activity;
Cerro Negro (elev. 728 m, 2,388 ft), which last erupted in 1999, is
one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash
have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and
buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion,
Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica

Niger
recurring droughts

Nigeria
periodic droughts; flooding

Niue
typhoons

Norfolk Island
typhoons (especially May to July)

Northern Mariana Islands
active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan;
typhoons (especially August to November)

Norway
rockslides, avalanches
volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island
in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Oman
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in
interior; periodic droughts

Pacific Ocean
surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and
earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of
Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east
Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October);
tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike
Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in
August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in
the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western
Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure
icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the
northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Pakistan
frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in
north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and
August)

Palau
typhoons (June to December)

Panama
occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Papua New Guinea
active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring
of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe
earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis
volcanism: Papua New Guinea experiences severe volcanic activity;
Ulawun (elev. 2,334 m, 7,657 ft), one of Papua New Guinea's
potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a "Decade
Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul
(elev. 688 m, 2,257 ft) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and
1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004
eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active
volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau,
Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa

Paracel Islands
typhoons

Paraguay
local flooding in southeast (early September to June);
poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Peru
earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic
activity
volcanism: Peru experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
Mountains; Ubinas (elev. 5,672 m, 18,609 ft), which last erupted in
2009, is the country's most active volcano; other historically
active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and
Yucamane

Philippines
astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck
by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active
volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: the Philippines experience significant volcanic activity;
Taal (elev. 311 m, 1,020 ft), which has shown recent unrest and may
erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m, 8,077
ft), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over
33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include
Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes,
Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo
and Ragang

Pitcairn Islands
typhoons (especially November to March)

Poland
flooding

Portugal
Azores subject to severe earthquakes
volcanism: Portugal experiences limited volcanic activity in the
Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (elev. 1,043 m, 3,422 ft) last
erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries;
historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico,
Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira

Puerto Rico
periodic droughts; hurricanes

Qatar
haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Romania
earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic
structure and climate promote landslides

Russia
permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to
development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and
earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and
summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European
Russia
volcanism: Russia experiences significant volcanic activity on the
Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home
to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the
Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (elev. 4,835 m, 15,863 ft), which
erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano;
Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city
of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by
the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
close proximity to human populations; other notable historically
active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely,
Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky,
Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky

Rwanda
periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the
northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo
volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m, 12,175 ft), located on the border
with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only
historically active volcano

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
active volcanism on
Tristan da Cunha
volcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (elev. 2,060 m,
6,758 ft) and Nightingale Island (elev. 365 m, 1,197 ft) experience
volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale
in 2004

Saint Kitts and Nevis
hurricanes (July to October)

Saint Lucia
hurricanes; volcanic activity

Saint Martin
subject to hurricanes from July to November

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
persistent fog throughout the year can be
a maritime hazard

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on
the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Samoa
occasional typhoons; active volcanism
volcanism: Savai'I Island (elev. 1,858 m, 6,096 ft), which last
erupted in 1911, is historically active

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
NA

Saudi Arabia
frequent sand and dust storms
volcanism: Despite Saudi Arabia's many volcanic formations, there
has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes
include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Senegal
lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Serbia
destructive earthquakes

Seychelles
lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare;
short droughts possible

Sierra Leone
dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara
(December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Singapore
NA

Sint Maarten
subject to hurricanes from July to November

Slovakia
NA

Slovenia
flooding; earthquakes

Solomon Islands
typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically
active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic
activity; tsunamis
volcanism: Tinakula (elev. 851 m, 2,792 ft) has frequent eruption
activity, while an eruption of Savo (elev. 485 m, 1,591 ft) could
affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanal

Somalia
recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains
in summer; floods during rainy season

South Africa
prolonged droughts
volcanism: the volcano forming Marion Island in the Prince Edward
Islands, which last erupted in 2004, is South Africa's only active
volcano

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
the South Sandwich Islands
have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them
difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active
volcanism

Southern Ocean
huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred
meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5
to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with
large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf
floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances;
high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially
May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and
rescue

Spain
periodic droughts, occasional flooding
volcanism: Spain experiences volcanic activity in the Canary
Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m,
12,188 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International
Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior,
worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to
human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m, 7,959 ft), which last
erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes;
Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Spratly Islands
typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious
maritime hazard

Sri Lanka
occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Sudan
dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Suriname
NA

Svalbard
ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit
point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts
of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Swaziland
drought

Sweden
ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf
of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Switzerland
avalanches, landslides; flash floods

Syria
dust storms, sandstorms
volcanism: Syria's two historically active volcanoes, Es Safa and an
unnamed volcano near the Turkish border have not erupted in centuries

Taiwan
earthquakes; typhoons
volcanism: Kueishantao Island (elev. 401 m, 1,316 ft), east of
Taiwan, is its only historically active volcano, although it has not
erupted in centuries

Tajikistan
earthquakes; floods

Tanzania
flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season;
drought
volcanism: Tanzania experiences limited volcanic activity; Ol Doinyo
Lengai (elev. 2,962 m, 9,718 ft) has emitted lava in recent years;
other historically active volcanoes include Kieyo and Meru

Thailand
land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the
depletion of the water table; droughts

Timor-Leste
floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis;
tropical cyclones

Togo
hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during
winter; periodic droughts

Tokelau
lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Tonga
cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity
on Fonuafo'ou
volcanism: the Tonga Islands experience volcanic activity; Fonualei
(elev. 180 m, 591 ft) has shown frequent activity in recent years,
while Niuafo'ou (elev. 260 m, 853 ft), which last erupted in 1985,
has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include
Late and Tofua

Trinidad and Tobago
outside usual path of hurricanes and other
tropical storms

Tunisia
NA

Turkey
severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an
arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van
volcanism: Turkey experiences little volcanic activity; its three
historically active volcanoes; Ararat, Nemrut Dagi, and Tendurek
Dagi have not erupted since the 19th century or earlier

Turkmenistan
NA

Turks and Caicos Islands
frequent hurricanes

Tuvalu
severe tropical storms are usually rare, but in 1997 there
were three cyclones; low level of islands make them sensitive to
changes in sea level

Uganda
NA

Ukraine
NA

United Arab Emirates
frequent sand and dust storms

United Kingdom
winter windstorms; floods

United States
tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around
Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; mud slides in
California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in
northern Alaska, a major impediment to development
volcanism: the United States experiences volcanic activity in the
Hawaiian Islands, Western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and in the
Northern Mariana Islands; both Mauna Loa (elev. 4,170 m, 13,678 ft)
in Hawaii and Mount Rainier (elev. 4,392 m, 14,409 ft) in Washington
have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association
of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of
study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human
populations; Pavlof (elev. 2,519 m, 8,264 ft) is the most active
volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Arc and poses a significant threat to
air travel since the area constitutes a major flight path between
North America and East Asia; St. Helens (elev. 2,549 m, 8,363 ft),
famous for the devastating 1980 eruption, remains active today;
numerous other historically active volcanoes exist, mostly
concentrated in the Aleutian arc and Hawaii; they include: in
Alaska: Aniakchak, Augustine, Chiginagak, Fourpeaked, Iliamna,
Katmai, Kupreanof, Martin, Novarupta, Redoubt, Spurr, Wrangell; in
Hawaii: Trident, Ugashik-Peulik, Ukinrek Maars, Veniaminof; in the
Northern Mariana Islands: Anatahan; and in the Pacific Northwest:
Mount Baker, Mount Hood

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker, Howland, and
Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can
be a maritime hazard
Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of
less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard
Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NA

Uruguay
seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and
occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas),
droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as
weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid
changes from weather fronts

Uzbekistan
NA

Vanuatu
tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic
eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism
also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with
many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m, 1,184
ft), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced
continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active
volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi,
Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

Venezuela
subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Vietnam
occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive
flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Virgin Islands
several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and
severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Wake Island
occasional typhoons

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
droughts

Western Sahara
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur
during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of
time, often severely restricting visibility

World
large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones);
natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic
eruptions)
volcanism: the world is home to more than 1,500 potentially active
volcanoes, with over 500 of these having erupted in historical
times; an estimated 500 million people live near these volcanoes;
associated dangers include lava flows, lahars (mudflows),
pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, ash fall, ballistic projectiles, gas
emissions, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis; in the 1990s, the
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
Earth's Interior, created a list of 16 volcanoes worthy of special
study because of their great potential for destruction:
Avachinsky-Koryaksky (Russia), Colima (Mexico), Etna (Italy),
Galeras (Colombia), Mauna Loa (United States), Merapi (Indonesia),
Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rainier (United
States), Sakurajima (Japan), Santa Maria (Guatemala), Santorini
(Greece), Taal (Philippines), Teide (Spain), Ulawun (Papua New
Guinea), Unzen (Japan), Vesuvius (Italy)

Yemen
sandstorms and dust storms in summer
volcanism: Yemen experiences limited volcanic activity; Jebel at
Tair (Jabal al-Tair, Jebel Teir, Jabal al-Tayr, Jazirat at-Tair)
(elev. 244 m, 801 ft), which forms an island in the Red Sea, erupted
in 2007 after awakening from dormancy; other historically active
volcanoes include Harra of Arhab, Harras of Dhamar, Harra es-Sawad,
and Jebel Zubair, although many of these have not erupted in over a
century

Zambia
periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)

Zimbabwe
recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

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

@2022

Field Listing :: People - note

This entry includes miscellaneous demographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

People - note

Cook Islands
2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Cuba
illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to
depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien
smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use
non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to
Miami and over-land via the southwest border

Germany
second most populous country in Europe after Russia

Papua New Guinea
the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is
one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand
separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided
by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have
engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for
millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into
urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness

Rwanda
Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Trinidad and Tobago
in 2007, the government of Trinidad and Tobago
estimated the population to be 1.3 million

Turks and Caicos Islands
destination and transit point for illegal
Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, The
Bahamas, and the US

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

@2023

Field Listing :: Area - comparative

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

Area - comparative(sq km)

Afghanistan
slightly smaller than Texas

Akrotiri
about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Albania
slightly smaller than Maryland

Algeria
slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

American Samoa
slightly larger than Washington, DC

Andorra
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Angola
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Anguilla
about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Antarctica
slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Antigua and Barbuda
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Arctic Ocean
slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Argentina
slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Armenia
slightly smaller than Maryland

Aruba
slightly larger than Washington, DC

Ashmore and Cartier Islands about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Atlantic Ocean
slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Australia
slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Austria
slightly smaller than Maine

Azerbaijan
slightly smaller than Maine

Bahamas, The
slightly smaller than Connecticut

Bahrain
3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Bangladesh
slightly smaller than Iowa

Barbados
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Belarus
slightly smaller than Kansas

Belgium
about the size of Maryland

Belize
slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Benin
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Bermuda
about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Bhutan
about one-half the size of Indiana

Bolivia
slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Bosnia and Herzegovina
slightly smaller than West Virginia

Botswana
slightly smaller than Texas

Bouvet Island
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Brazil
slightly smaller than the US

British Indian Ocean Territory land area is about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

British Virgin Islands
about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Brunei
slightly smaller than Delaware

Bulgaria
slightly larger than Tennessee

Burkina Faso
slightly larger than Colorado

Burma
slightly smaller than Texas

Burundi
slightly smaller than Maryland

Cambodia
slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Cameroon
slightly larger than California

Canada
slightly larger than the US

Cape Verde
slightly larger than Rhode Island

Cayman Islands
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Central African Republic
slightly smaller than Texas

Chad
slightly more than three times the size of California

Chile
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

China
slightly smaller than the US

Christmas Island
about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Clipperton Island
about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
about 24 times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Colombia
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Comoros
slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Congo, Democratic Republic of the slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Congo, Republic of the
slightly smaller than Montana

Cook Islands
1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Coral Sea Islands
NA

Costa Rica
slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cote d'Ivoire
slightly larger than New Mexico

Croatia
slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cuba
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Curacao
more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Cyprus
about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Czech Republic
slightly smaller than South Carolina

Denmark
slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Dhekelia
about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Djibouti
slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Dominica
slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Dominican Republic
slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Ecuador
slightly smaller than Nevada

Egypt
slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

El Salvador
slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Equatorial Guinea
slightly smaller than Maryland

Eritrea
slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Estonia
slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Ethiopia
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

European Union
less than one-half the size of the US

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
slightly smaller than Connecticut

Faroe Islands
eight times the size of Washington, DC

Fiji
slightly smaller than New Jersey

Finland
slightly smaller than Montana

France
slightly less than the size of Texas

French Polynesia
slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul): less than one-half the size of Washington, DC
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times
the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC
Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size
of The Mall in Washington, DC
Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of
Washington, DC
Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of The
Mall in Washington, DC
Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of The Mall
in Washington, DC

Gabon
slightly smaller than Colorado

Gambia, The
slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Gaza Strip
slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Georgia
slightly smaller than South Carolina

Germany
slightly smaller than Montana

Ghana
slightly smaller than Oregon

Gibraltar
more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in
Washington, D.C.

Greece
slightly smaller than Alabama

Greenland
slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Grenada
twice the size of Washington, DC

Guam
three times the size of Washington, DC

Guatemala
slightly smaller than Tennessee

Guernsey
about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Guinea
slightly smaller than Oregon

Guinea-Bissau
slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Guyana
slightly smaller than Idaho

Haiti
slightly smaller than Maryland

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
slightly more than two times the
size of Washington, DC

Holy See (Vatican City)
about 0.7 times the size of The National
Mall in Washington, DC

Honduras
slightly larger than Tennessee

Hong Kong
six times the size of Washington, DC

Hungary
slightly smaller than Indiana

Iceland
slightly smaller than Kentucky

India
slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Indian Ocean
about 5.5 times the size of the US

Indonesia
slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Iran
slightly smaller than Alaska

Iraq
slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Ireland
slightly larger than West Virginia

Isle of Man
slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Israel
slightly smaller than New Jersey

Italy
slightly larger than Arizona

Jamaica
slightly smaller than Connecticut

Jan Mayen
slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Japan
slightly smaller than California

Jersey
about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC

Jordan
slightly smaller than Indiana

Kazakhstan
slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Kenya
slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Kiribati
four times the size of Washington, DC

Korea, North
slightly smaller than Mississippi

Korea, South
slightly larger than Indiana

Kosovo
slightly larger than Delaware

Kuwait
slightly smaller than New Jersey

Kyrgyzstan
slightly smaller than South Dakota

Laos
slightly larger than Utah

Latvia
slightly larger than West Virginia

Lebanon
about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Lesotho
slightly smaller than Maryland

Liberia
slightly larger than Tennessee

Libya
slightly larger than Alaska

Liechtenstein
about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Lithuania
slightly larger than West Virginia

Luxembourg
slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Macau
less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Macedonia
slightly larger than Vermont

Madagascar
slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Malawi
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Malaysia
slightly larger than New Mexico

Maldives
about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Mali
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Malta
slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Marshall Islands
about the size of Washington, DC

Mauritania
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Mauritius
almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Mayotte
slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Mexico
slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Micronesia, Federated States of
four times the size of Washington,
DC (land area only)

Moldova
slightly larger than Maryland

Monaco
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Mongolia
slightly smaller than Alaska

Montenegro
slightly smaller than Connecticut

Montserrat
about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Morocco
slightly larger than California

Mozambique
slightly less than twice the size of California

Namibia
slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Nauru
about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Navassa Island
about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Nepal
slightly larger than Arkansas

Netherlands
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

New Caledonia
slightly smaller than New Jersey

New Zealand
about the size of Colorado

Nicaragua
slightly smaller than New York state

Niger
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Nigeria
slightly more than twice the size of California

Niue
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norfolk Island
about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Northern Mariana Islands
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norway
slightly larger than New Mexico

Oman
slightly smaller than Kansas

Pacific Ocean
about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of
the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world

Pakistan
slightly less than twice the size of California

Palau
slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Panama
slightly smaller than South Carolina

Papua New Guinea
slightly larger than California

Paracel Islands
NA

Paraguay
slightly smaller than California

Peru
slightly smaller than Alaska

Philippines
slightly larger than Arizona

Pitcairn Islands
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Poland
slightly smaller than New Mexico

Portugal
slightly smaller than Indiana

Puerto Rico
slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Qatar
slightly smaller than Connecticut

Romania
slightly smaller than Oregon

Russia
approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Rwanda
slightly smaller than Maryland

Saint Barthelemy
less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Saint Kitts and Nevis
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Lucia
3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Martin
more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
twice the size of Washington, DC

Samoa
slightly smaller than Rhode Island

San Marino
about one third times the size of Washington, DC

Sao Tome and Principe
more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Saudi Arabia
slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Senegal
slightly smaller than South Dakota

Serbia
slightly smaller than South Carolina

Seychelles
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sierra Leone
slightly smaller than South Carolina

Singapore
slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sint Maarten
one-fifth the size of Washington, DC

Slovakia
about twice the size of New Hampshire

Slovenia
slightly smaller than New Jersey

Solomon Islands
slightly smaller than Maryland

Somalia
slightly smaller than Texas

South Africa
slightly less than twice the size of Texas

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
slightly larger than Rhode
Island

Southern Ocean
slightly more than twice the size of the US

Spain
slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Spratly Islands
NA

Sri Lanka
slightly larger than West Virginia

Sudan
slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Suriname
slightly larger than Georgia

Svalbard
slightly smaller than West Virginia

Swaziland
slightly smaller than New Jersey

Sweden
slightly larger than California

Switzerland
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Syria
slightly larger than North Dakota

Taiwan
slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Tajikistan
slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Tanzania
slightly larger than twice the size of California

Thailand
slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Timor-Leste
slightly larger than Connecticut

Togo
slightly smaller than West Virginia

Tokelau
about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tonga
four times the size of Washington, DC

Trinidad and Tobago
slightly smaller than Delaware

Tunisia
slightly larger than Georgia

Turkey
slightly larger than Texas

Turkmenistan
slightly larger than California

Turks and Caicos Islands
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Tuvalu
0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Uganda
slightly smaller than Oregon

Ukraine
slightly smaller than Texas

United Arab Emirates
slightly smaller than Maine

United Kingdom
slightly smaller than Oregon

United States
about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the
size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly
larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the
size of the European Union

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker Island: about
two and a half times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Howland Island: about three times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC
Johnston Atoll: about four and a half times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
Kingman Reef: a little more than one and a half times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC
Midway Islands: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC
Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Uruguay
slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Uzbekistan
slightly larger than California

Vanuatu
slightly larger than Connecticut

Venezuela
slightly more than twice the size of California

Vietnam
slightly larger than New Mexico

Virgin Islands
twice the size of Washington, DC

Wake Island
about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Wallis and Futuna
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

West Bank
slightly smaller than Delaware

Western Sahara
about the size of Colorado

World
land area about 16 times the size of the US
top fifteen World Factbook entities ranked by size: Pacific Ocean
155.557 million sq km; Atlantic Ocean 76.762 million sq km; Indian
Ocean 68.556 million sq km; Southern Ocean 20.327 million sq km;
Russia 17,098,242 sq km; Arctic Ocean 14.056 million sq km;
Antarctica 14 million sq km; Canada 9,984,670 sq km; United States
9,826,675 sq km; China 9,596,961 sq km; Brazil 8,514,877 sq km;
Australia 7,741,220 sq km; European Union 4,324,782 sq km; India
3,287,263 sq km; Argentina 2,780,400 sq km
top ten largest islands: Greenland 2,166,086 sq km; New Guinea
(Indonesia, Papua New Guinea) 785,753 sq km; Borneo (Brunei,
Indonesia, Malaysia) 751,929 sq km; Madagascar 587,713 sq km; Baffin
Island (Canada) 507,451 sq km; Sumatra (Indonesia) 472,784 sq km;
Honshu (Japan) 227,963 sq km; Victoria Island (Canada) 217,291 sq
km; Great Britain (United Kingdom) 209,331 sq km; Ellesmere Island
(Canada) 196,236 sq km

Yemen
slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Zambia
slightly larger than Texas

Zimbabwe
slightly larger than Montana

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

@2024

Field Listing :: Military service age and obligation

This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation. Country

Military service age and obligation(years of age)

Afghanistan
22 years of age; inductees are contracted into service
for a 4-year term (2005)

Albania
19 years of age (2004)

Algeria
19-30 years of age for compulsory military service;
conscript service obligation - 18 months (6 months basic training,
12 months civil projects) (2006)

Angola
20-45 years of age for compulsory and 18-45 years for
voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years;
Angolan citizenship required; minimum age for women volunteers is
20; the MGA is entirely staffed with volunteers (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
18 years of age for voluntary military service;
no conscription (2010)

Argentina
18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (18-21
requires parental permission); no conscription (2001)

Armenia
18-27 years of age for voluntary or compulsory military
service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Australia
17 years of age for voluntary military service (with
parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in Army
combat units in non-combat support roles (2010)

Austria
18-35 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years
of age for male or female voluntary service; service obligation 6
months of training, followed by an 8-year reserve obligation;
conscripts cannot be deployed in military operations outside Austria
(2009)

Azerbaijan
men between 18 and 35 are liable for military service; 18
years of age for voluntary military service; length of military
service is 18 months and 12 months for university graduates (2006)

Bahamas, The
18 years of age; no conscription (2010)

Bahrain
17 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of
age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2010)

Bangladesh
16 years of age for voluntary enlisted military service
(Air Force); 17 years of age (Army and Navy); conscription is by law
possible in times of emergency, but has never been implemented (2010)

Barbados
18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger
volunteers require parental consent); no conscription (2009)

Belarus
18-27 years of age for compulsory military service;
conscript service obligation - 12-18 months, depending on academic
qualifications (2010)

Belgium
18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription
suspended (2010)

Belize
18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow
for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription
has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available
positions by 3:1 (2008)

Benin
21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service;
in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes
are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18
months (2006)

Bermuda
18-30 years of age for voluntary or compulsory enlistment in
the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18; term of service
is 38 months (2009)

Bhutan
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Bolivia
18-49 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service;
when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory
recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as
14; 15-19 years of age for voluntary premilitary service, provides
exemption from further military service (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
18 years of age for voluntary military
service; conscription abolished in January 2006; 4-month service
obligation; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of
service (2010)

Botswana
18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service;
official minimum age is unknown (2001)

Brazil
21-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript
service obligation - 9 to 12 months; 17-45 years of age for
voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are
"long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve
in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s when the Brazilian Army
became the first army in South America to accept women into career
ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve
Corps (2001)

Brunei
18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service;
non-Malays are ineligible to serve (2007)

Bulgaria
18-27 years of age for voluntary military service;
conscription ended in January 2008; service obligation 6-9 months
(2010)

Burkina Faso
18 years of age for voluntary military service; women
may serve in supporting roles (2009)

Burma
18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for
compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; male (ages
18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors,
engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be
streched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency; forced
conscription of children, although officially prohibited, reportedly
continues (2011)

Burundi
military service is voluntary; the armed forces law of 31
December 2004 did not specify a minimum age for enlistment, but the
government had previously said each recruit must have a primary
school-leaving certificate; mandatory retirement age 45 (enlisted),
50 (NCOs), and 55 (officers) (2010)

Cambodia
conscription law of October 2006 requires all males between
18-30 to register for military service; 18-month service obligation
(2006)

Cameroon
18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service
obligation 4 years; the government makes periodic calls for
volunteers (2010)

Canada
17 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for reserve and
military college applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent
residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service
obligation 3-9 years (2008)

Cape Verde
18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military
service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Central African Republic
18 years of age for selective military
service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Chad
20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation;
18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for
volunteers with consent from a guardian; women are subject to 1 year
of compulsory military or civic service at age of 21 (2004)

Chile
18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military
service, although the right to compulsory recruitment is retained;
service obligation - 12 months for Army, 22 months for Navy and Air
Force (2008)

China
18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service,
with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary
service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women
high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military
jobs; in 2010, a decision was made to allow women in combat roles
(2010)

Colombia
18-24 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Comoros
18 years of age for 2-year voluntary military service; no
conscription; women first inducted into the Army in 2004 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
18-45 years of age for voluntary
military service (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
18 years of age for voluntary military
service; women allowed to serve (2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male
and female military service; voluntary recruitment of former rebels
into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2010)

Croatia
18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years
of age with consent for voluntary service; 6-month conscript service
obligation; full conversion to voluntary military service by 2010
(2006)

Cuba
17-28 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year
service obligation; both sexes subject to military service (2006)

Curacao
no conscription (2010)

Cyprus
Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG): 18-50 years of age for
compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of
age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term;
length of normal service is 25 months (2009)

Czech Republic
18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary
military service; no conscription (2010)

Denmark
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies
from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are
assigned to mobilization units following completion of their
conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service
(2004)

Djibouti
18 years of age for voluntary military service; 16-25 years
of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2008)

Dominican Republic
16-21 years of age for compulsory military
service; recruits must be Dominican Republic citizens; women may
volunteer (2010)

Ecuador
20 years of age for selective conscript military service;
12-month service obligation (2008)

Egypt
18-30 years of age for male conscript military service;
service obligation 12-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve
obligation (2008)

El Salvador
18 years of age for selective compulsory military
service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service;
service obligation - 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs
(2009)

Equatorial Guinea
18 years of age for selective compulsory military
service; service obligation 2 years; women hold only administrative
positions in the Coast Guard (2011)

Eritrea
18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and
compulsory military service; 16-month conscript service obligation
(2006)

Estonia
obligation for compulsory service ages 16-60, with
conscription "likely" ages 18-27; service requirement 8-11 months
(2009)

Ethiopia
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
compulsory military service, but the military can conduct call-ups
when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2009)

Fiji
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Finland
18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and
female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service;
service obligation 6-12 months; mandatory retirement at age 60 (2010)

France
17-40 years of age for male or female voluntary military
service (with parental consent); no conscription; 12-month service
obligation; women serve in noncombat military posts (2010)

Gabon
20 years of age for voluntary military service; there is no
conscription (2009)

Gambia, The
18 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; no conscription (2010)

Georgia
18 to 34 years of age for compulsory and voluntary active
duty military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months
(2005)

Germany
18 years of age (conscripts serve a 9-month tour of
compulsory military service) (2004)

Ghana
18 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic
education certificate; no conscription (2010)

Greece
19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; during
wartime the law allows for recruitment beginning January of the year
of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years
of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 1 year for all
services; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2008)

Guatemala
all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable
for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to
24 months; women can serve as officers (2009)

Guinea
18-25 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military
service; 18-month conscript service obligation (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military
service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger
with parental consent, for voluntary service (2010)

Guyana
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2008)

Honduras
18 years of age for voluntary 2 to 3-year military service
(2004)

Hungary
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription; 6-month service obligation (2010)

India
17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription; women may join as officers, but for noncombat roles
only (2010)

Indonesia
18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary
military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, with reserve
obligation to age 45 (officers); Indonesian citizens only (2008)

Iran
19 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of
age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15
years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript
military service obligation - 18 months; women exempt from military
service (2008)

Iraq
18-40 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Ireland
17-25 years of age for male or female voluntary military
service (17-27 years of age for the Naval Service); enlistees 16
years of age can be recruited for apprentice specialist positions;
17-35 years of age for the Reserve Defense Forces (RDF); maximum
obligation 12 years (5 years IDF, 7 years RDF); EU citizenship or
5-year residence in Ireland required (2010)

Israel
18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary
(Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are
obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36
months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for
officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to
age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2010)

Italy
18-27 year of age for voluntary military service; conscription
abolished January 2005; women may serve in any military branch;
10-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 45
(Army and Air Force) or 39 (Navy) (2006)

Jamaica
18 years of age for voluntary military service; younger
recruits may be conscripted with parental consent (2001)

Japan
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Jordan
17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription
at age 18 was suspended in 1999, although all males under age 37 are
required to register; women not subject to conscription, but can
volunteer to serve in non-combat military positions in the Royal
Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps; conscription for males only
resurrected in July 2007 in order to provide youth training
necessary for job market needs (2010)

Kazakhstan
18 years of age for compulsory military service;
conscript service obligation - 2 years; minimum age for volunteers
NA (2004)

Kenya
18-26 years of age for voluntary service (less than 18 with
parental consent), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan
Navy); applicants must be Kenyan citizens and provide a national
identity card (obtained at age 18) and a school-leaving certificate
(2010)

Korea, North
17 years of age (2004)

Korea, South
20-30 years of age for compulsory military service,
with middle school education required; conscript service obligation
- 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air
Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in
service since 1950, admitted to 7 service branches, including
infantry, but excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and
chaplaincy corps; some 4,000 women serve as commissioned and
noncommissioned officers, approx. 2.3% of all officers; HIV-positive
individuals are exempt from military service (2010)

Kuwait
18-30 years of age for compulsory and 18-25 years of age for
voluntary military service; women age 18-30 may be subject to
compulsory military service; conscription suspended in 2001 (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
18 years of age for compulsory male military service in
the armed forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation 1 year;
women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military
cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2010)

Laos
18 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum
18-month conscript service obligation (2010)

Latvia
18 years of age for voluntary male and female military
service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law,
every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life
(2009)

Lebanon
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2007)

Lesotho
18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription; women serve as commissioned officers (2009)

Liberia
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Libya
17 years of age (2004)

Lithuania
19-26 years of age for compulsory military service; 18
years of age for volunteers; 12-month conscript service obligation;
male registration required at age 16 (2009)

Luxembourg
17-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; soldiers under 18 are not deployed into combat or with
peacekeeping missions; no conscription; Luxembourg citizen or EU
citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2010)

Macedonia
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Madagascar
18-25 years of age for male-only voluntary military
service; no conscription; service obligation - 18 months (either
military or equivalent civil service); 20-30 years of age for
National Gendarmerie recruits (35 years of age for those with
military experience) (2010)

Malawi
18 years of age for voluntary military service; standard
obligation is 2 years of active duty and 5 years of reserve service
(2007)

Malaysia
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2005)

Maldives
18-28 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Mali
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service;
conscript service obligation - 2 years (2010)

Malta
17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Mauritania
18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 2
years; majority of servicemen believed to be volunteers; service in
Air Force and Navy is voluntary (2006)

Mexico
18 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript
service obligation - 12 months; 16 years of age with consent for
voluntary enlistment; conscripts serve only in the Army; Navy and
Air Force service is all voluntary; women are eligible for voluntary
military service (2007)

Moldova
18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of
age for voluntary service; male registration required at age 16;
12-month service obligation (2009)

Mongolia
18-25 years of age for compulsory military service;
conscript service obligation - 12 months in land or air defense
forces or police; a small portion of Mongolian land forces (2.5
percent) is comprised of contract soldiers; women cannot be deployed
overseas for military operations (2006)

Montenegro
compulsory national military service abolished August 2006

Morocco
18 years of age for voluntary military service; service
obligation - 18 months (2010)

Mozambique
registration for military service is mandatory for all
males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for
selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary
service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or
enlisted (2010)

Namibia
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Nepal
18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of
age for military training; no conscription (2010)

Netherlands
20 years of age for an all-volunteer force (2004)

New Zealand
17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers
cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2010)

Nicaragua
17 years of age for voluntary military service; tour of
duty 18-36 months (2008)

Niger
17-21 years of age for selective compulsory or voluntary
military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried;
2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2009)

Nigeria
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Norway
18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16
years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18
years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice
shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18
and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to
duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age
for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Oman
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Pakistan
17-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers
cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; the Pakistani Air Force
and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and
sailors (2009)

Papua New Guinea
16 years of age for voluntary military service
(with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Paraguay
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24
months for Navy; volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than
22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2010)

Peru
18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military
service; no conscription (2008)

Philippines
18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and
voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female
Philippine citizens (2010)

Poland
18-28 years of age for male voluntary or compulsory military
service; service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005;
conscription is to end in 2012; only soldiers who have completed
their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional
service; as of April 2004, women are only allowed to serve as
officers and noncommissioned officers; reserve obligation to age 50
(2009)

Portugal
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
compulsory military service; women serve in the armed forces, on
naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some
combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2010)

Qatar
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Romania
18-35 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; conscription officially ended October 2006; all military
inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of
service, with subsequent successive contracts for 3-year terms until
age 36 (2009)

Russia
18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military
service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age;
service obligation - 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat
zones after 6 months training); reserve obligation to age 50
note: over 60% of draft-age Russian males receive some type of
deferment - generally health related - each draft cycle (2009)

Rwanda
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
18 years of age for voluntary military
service; no conscription (2010)

San Marino
16-55 for voluntary service in Voluntary Military Force
(2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Saudi Arabia
18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Senegal
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Serbia
17 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18
years of age for voluntary service; conscription to be abolished
effective 2011; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve
obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2010)

Seychelles
18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger
with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Sierra Leone
17 years 6 months of age for male and female voluntary
military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription;
candidates must be HIV negative (2009)

Singapore
18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service;
16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation,
with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers)
(2008)

Sint Maarten
no conscription (2010)

Slovakia
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service;
conscription abolished in 2006; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Slovenia
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service;
conscription abolished in 2003 (2010)

Somalia
note: since 2005, the UN has listed the Transitional Federal
Government and its allied militias as persistent violators in
recruiting child soldiers (2010)

South Africa
18 years of age for voluntary military service; women
are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation
(2007)

Spain
20 years of age (2004)

Sri Lanka
18 years of age for voluntary military service; 5-year
service obligation (2010)

Sudan
18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory and
voluntary military service; 12-24 month service obligation (2009)

Suriname
18 years of age (est.); recruitment is voluntary, with
personnel drawn almost exclusively from the Creole community (2007)

Swaziland
18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; no conscription; only HIV-negative applicants accepted;
compulsory HIV testing required (2010)

Sweden
18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy),
8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished
compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment
as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies;
after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment
until age 47 (2010)

Switzerland
19-26 years of age for male compulsory military service;
18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service;
every Swiss male has to serve at least 260 days in the armed forces;
conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by seven
3-week intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years
(2010)

Syria
18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript
service obligation - 21 months (18 months in the Syrian Arab Navy);
women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010)

Taiwan
19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service;
service obligation 2 years; women may enlist; women in Air Force
service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age
30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing
a voluntary enlistment system over the period 2010-2015, although
nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service
or go through 4 months of military training (2010)

Tajikistan
18 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year
conscript service obligation (2009)

Tanzania
18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Thailand
21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years
of age for voluntary military service; males are registered at 18
years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Timor-Leste
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
conscription (2008)

Togo
18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military
service; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Tonga
16 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental
approval); no conscription (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
18 years of age for voluntary military service
(16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Tunisia
20 years of age for compulsory military service, 18 years of
age for voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service
obligation (2007)

Turkey
20 years of age (2004)

Turkmenistan
18-30 years of age for compulsory military service;
2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Uganda
18-26 years of age for voluntary military duty; 18-30 years
of age for professionals; no conscription; 9-year service
obligation; the government has stated that recruitment below 18
years of age could occur with proper consent and that "no person
under the apparent age of 13 years shall be enrolled in the armed
forces"; Ugandan citizenship and secondary education required (2010)

Ukraine
18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army and Air
Force, 18 months for Navy (2010)

United Arab Emirates
18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military
service; 18 years of age for officers and women; no conscription
(2009)

United Kingdom
16-33 years of age (officers 17-28) for voluntary
military service (with parental consent under 18); women serve in
military services, but are excluded from ground combat positions and
some naval postings; as of October 2009, women comprised 12.1% of
officers and 9% of enlisted personnel in the regular forces; must be
citizen of the UK, Commonwealth, or Republic of Ireland; reservists
serve a minimum of 3 years, to age 45 or 55; 16 years of age for
voluntary military service by Nepalese citizens in the Brigade of
Gurkhas; 16-34 years of age for voluntary military service by Papua
New Guinean citizens (2009)

United States
18 years of age (17 years of age with parental
consent) for male and female voluntary service; maximum enlistment
age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service
obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years
active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines) (2010)

Uruguay
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; up to 40
years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime,
but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies;
minimum 6-year education (2009)

Uzbekistan
18 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year
conscript service obligation; moving toward a professional military,
but conscription will continue; the military cannot accommodate
everyone who wishes to enlist, and competition for entrance into the
military is similar to the competition for admission to universities
(2009)

Venezuela
18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
service; 30-month conscript service obligation; all citizens of
military service age (18-60 years old) are obligated to register for
military service (2010)

Vietnam
18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service;
females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscript
service obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years
of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or
Self Defense Forces (2006)

Yemen
voluntary military service program authorized in 2001; 2-year
service obligation (2006)

Zambia
18-27 years of age for male and female voluntary military
service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription;
Zambian citizenship required; mandatory HIV testing upon enlistment;
mandatory retirement for officers at age 65 (Army, Air Force) (2010)

Zimbabwe
18-24 years of age for compulsory military service; women
are eligible to serve (2010)

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

@2025

Field Listing :: Manpower fit for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Country

Manpower fit for military service

Afghanistan
males age 16-49: 3,888,358
females age 16-49: 3,641,998 (2010 est.)

Albania
males age 16-49: 802,097
females age 16-49: 768,953 (2010 est.)

Algeria
males age 16-49: 8,481,036
females age 16-49: 8,508,245 (2010 est.)

American Samoa
males age 16-49: 14,230
females age 16-49: 13,842 (2010 est.)

Andorra
males age 16-49: 18,338
females age 16-49: 17,395 (2010 est.)

Angola
males age 16-49: 1,506,489
females age 16-49: 1,451,427 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
males age 16-49: 2,987
females age 16-49: 3,354 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
males age 16-49: 17,475
females age 16-49: 19,764 (2010 est.)

Argentina
males age 16-49: 8,366,206
females age 16-49: 8,344,321 (2010 est.)

Armenia
males age 16-49: 644,195
females age 16-49: 724,085 (2010 est.)

Aruba
males age 16-49: 20,398
females age 16-49: 21,371 (2010 est.)

Australia
males age 16-49: 4,377,411
females age 16-49: 4,210,442 (2010 est.)

Austria
males age 16-49: 1,595,379
females age 16-49: 1,566,884 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
males age 16-49: 1,753,878
females age 16-49: 1,958,408 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
males age 16-49: 62,779
females age 16-49: 63,954 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
males age 16-49: 170,633
females age 16-49: 146,243 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
males age 16-49: 25,310,750
females age 16-49: 32,154,153 (2010 est.)

Barbados
males age 16-49: 58,532
females age 16-49: 58,542 (2010 est.)

Belarus
males age 16-49: 1,708,634
females age 16-49: 2,043,083 (2010 est.)

Belgium
males age 16-49: 1,949,361
females age 16-49: 1,891,966 (2010 est.)

Belize
males age 16-49: 57,759
females age 16-49: 55,903 (2010 est.)

Benin
males age 16-49: 1,331,242
females age 16-49: 1,345,145 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
males age 16-49: 12,405
females age 16-49: 12,327 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
males age 16-49: 153,985
females age 16-49: 140,437 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
males age 16-49: 1,714,438
females age 16-49: 1,959,763 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
males age 16-49: 980,425
females age 16-49: 948,791 (2010 est.)

Botswana
males age 16-49: 347,070
females age 16-49: 315,743 (2010 est.)

Brazil
males age 16-49: 38,518,822
females age 16-49: 44,560,717 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
males age 16-49: 6,028
females age 16-49: 5,778 (2010 est.)

Brunei
males age 16-49: 93,809
females age 16-49: 97,345 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
males age 16-49: 1,337,201
females age 16-49: 1,360,039 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
males age 16-49: 2,280,776
females age 16-49: 2,278,474 (2010 est.)

Burma
males age 16-49: 10,281,131
females age 16-49: 10,988,695 (2010 est.)

Burundi
males age 16-49: 1,337,935
females age 16-49: 1,414,035 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
males age 16-49: 2,751,618
females age 16-49: 2,835,807 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
males age 16-49: 2,721,307
females age 16-49: 2,647,640 (2010 est.)

Canada
males age 16-49: 6,642,190
females age 16-49: 6,402,896 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
males age 16-49: 103,894
females age 16-49: 114,721 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
males age 16-49: 9,860
females age 16-49: 10,287 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
males age 16-49: 637,474
females age 16-49: 643,188 (2010 est.)

Chad
males age 16-49: 1,141,776
females age 16-49: 1,354,111 (2010 est.)

Chile
males age 16-49: 3,599,328
females age 16-49: 3,544,156 (2010 est.)

China
males age 16-49: 314,668,817
females age 16-49: 298,745,786 (2010 est.)

Colombia
males age 16-49: 8,957,960
females age 16-49: 9,763,655 (2010 est.)

Comoros
males age 16-49: 130,064
females age 16-49: 140,600 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
males age 16-49: 9,301,818
females age 16-49: 9,440,111 (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
males age 16-49: 557,764
females age 16-49: 546,755 (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
males age 16-49: 2,272
females age 16-49: 2,222 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
males age 16-49: 1,044,923
females age 16-49: 1,026,432 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
males age 16-49: 3,242,965
females age 16-49: 3,069,569 (2010 est.)

Croatia
males age 16-49: 770,574
females age 16-49: 844,594 (2010 est.)

Cuba
males age 16-49: 2,516,543
females age 16-49: 2,450,902 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):
males age 16-49: 271,692
females age 16-49: 236,908 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
males age 16-49: 2,086,662
females age 16-49: 2,003,055 (2010 est.)

Denmark
males age 16-49: 1,013,814
females age 16-49: 1,001,411 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
males age 16-49: 110,441
females age 16-49: 147,939 (2010 est.)

Dominica
males age 16-49: 15,963
females age 16-49: 15,426 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
males age 16-49: 2,090,785
females age 16-49: 1,957,233 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
males age 16-49: 2,770,465
females age 16-49: 3,217,235 (2010 est.)

Egypt
males age 16-49: 17,733,851
females age 16-49: 16,942,010 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
males age 16-49: 1,056,532
females age 16-49: 1,356,824 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
males age 16-49: 109,311
females age 16-49: 111,543 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
males age 16-49: 864,608
females age 16-49: 920,104 (2010 est.)

Estonia
males age 16-49: 213,740
females age 16-49: 255,926 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
males age 16-49: 11,466,713
females age 16-49: 12,444,706 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
males age 16-49: 9,792
females age 16-49: 8,354 (2010 est.)

Fiji
males age 16-49: 195,414
females age 16-49: 206,386 (2010 est.)

Finland
males age 16-49: 958,949
females age 16-49: 916,818 (2010 est.)

France
males age 16-49: 12,053,912
females age 16-49: 11,763,951 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
males age 16-49: 66,451
females age 16-49: 65,306 (2010 est.)

Gabon
males age 16-49: 198,970
females age 16-49: 192,807 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
males age 16-49: 238,006
females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
males age 16-49: 324,203
females age 16-49: 308,835 (2010 est.)

Georgia
males age 16-49: 901,307
females age 16-49: 946,357 (2010 est.)

Germany
males age 16-49: 15,564,748
females age 16-49: 14,723,200 (2010 est.)

Ghana
males age 16-49: 4,022,056
females age 16-49: 4,101,964 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
males age 16-49: 5,955
females age 16-49: 5,687 (2010 est.)

Greece
males age 16-49: 2,050,018
females age 16-49: 2,033,450 (2010 est.)

Greenland
males age 16-49: 10,833
females age 16-49: 11,439 (2010 est.)

Grenada
males age 16-49: 22,487
females age 16-49: 22,535 (2010 est.)

Guam
males age 16-49: 37,983
females age 16-49: 36,469 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
males age 16-49: 2,494,903
females age 16-49: 2,827,208 (2010 est.)

Guernsey
males age 16-49: 12,404
females age 16-49: 12,510 (2010 est.)

Guinea
males age 16-49: 1,443,655
females age 16-49: 1,483,676 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
males age 16-49: 199,771
females age 16-49: 206,240 (2010 est.)

Guyana
males age 16-49: 132,188
females age 16-49: 147,296 (2010 est.)

Haiti
males age 16-49: 1,573,371
females age 16-49: 1,591,942 (2010 est.)

Honduras
males age 16-49: 1,483,292
females age 16-49: 1,502,788 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
males age 16-49: 1,405,324
females age 16-49: 1,526,196 (2010 est.)

Hungary
males age 16-49: 1,884,232
females age 16-49: 1,923,902 (2010 est.)

Iceland
males age 16-49: 62,705
females age 16-49: 61,392 (2010 est.)

India
males age 16-49: 244,727,406
females age 16-49: 235,662,750 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
males age 16-49: 53,624,156
females age 16-49: 52,879,309 (2010 est.)

Iran
males age 16-49: 17,844,536
females age 16-49: 17,312,808 (2010 est.)

Iraq
males age 16-49: 6,402,171
females age 16-49: 6,232,674 (2010 est.)

Ireland
males age 16-49: 858,317
females age 16-49: 855,125 (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
males age 16-49: 14,748
females age 16-49: 14,392 (2010 est.)

Israel
males age 16-49: 1,496,542
females age 16-49: 1,425,537 (2010 est.)

Italy
males age 16-49: 11,092,984
females age 16-49: 10,452,910 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
males age 16-49: 581,033
females age 16-49: 590,437 (2010 est.)

Japan
males age 16-49: 22,564,075
females age 16-49: 21,720,375 (2010 est.)

Jersey
males age 16-49: 16,853
females age 16-49: 16,737 (2010 est.)

Jordan
males age 16-49: 1,416,681
females age 16-49: 1,358,608 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
males age 16-49: 2,902,859
females age 16-49: 3,543,467 (2010 est.)

Kenya
males age 16-49: 6,162,904
females age 16-49: 5,904,173 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
males age 16-49: 17,941
females age 16-49: 19,758 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
males age 16-49: 4,127,999
females age 16-49: 4,522,707 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
males age 16-49: 10,929,625
females age 16-49: 10,264,608 (2010 est.)

Kosovo
males age 16-49: 429,645
females age 16-49: 389,071 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
males age 16-49: 979,832
females age 16-49: 539,574 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
males age 16-49: 1,101,709
females age 16-49: 1,243,904 (2010 est.)

Laos
males age 16-49: 1,056,050
females age 16-49: 1,121,640 (2010 est.)

Latvia
males age 16-49: 406,592
females age 16-49: 456,071 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
males age 16-49: 917,404
females age 16-49: 940,238 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
males age 16-49: 267,825
females age 16-49: 273,348 (2010 est.)

Liberia
males age 16-49: 510,337
females age 16-49: 527,737 (2010 est.)

Libya
males age 16-49: 1,490,011
females age 16-49: 1,436,613 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
males age 16-49: 6,559
females age 16-49: 6,782 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
males age 16-49: 674,265
females age 16-49: 734,806 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
males age 16-49: 96,585
females age 16-49: 95,519 (2010 est.)

Macau
males age 16-49: 124,074
females age 16-49: 149,799 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
males age 16-49: 442,953
females age 16-49: 425,981 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
males age 16-49: 3,268,291
females age 16-49: 3,541,256 (2010 est.)

Malawi
males age 16-49: 2,048,900
females age 16-49: 1,960,258 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
males age 16-49: 5,612,642
females age 16-49: 5,501,129 (2010 est.)

Maldives
males age 16-49: 137,181
females age 16-49: 83,837 (2010 est.)

Mali
males age 16-49: 1,760,901
females age 16-49: 1,900,025 (2010 est.)

Malta
males age 16-49: 79,961
females age 16-49: 76,067 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
males age 16-49: 13,277
females age 16-49: 13,374 (2010 est.)

Mauritania
males age 16-49: 464,959
females age 16-49: 562,765 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
males age 16-49: 279,405
females age 16-49: 283,023 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
males age 16-49: 37,001
females age 16-49: 36,018 (2010 est.)

Mexico
males age 16-49: 22,893,649
females age 16-49: 25,401,642 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
males age 16-49: 21,909
females age 16-49: 23,410 (2010 est.)

Moldova
males age 16-49: 877,031
females age 16-49: 979,128 (2010 est.)

Monaco
males age 16-49: 4,680
females age 16-49: 4,691 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
males age 16-49: 715,585
females age 16-49: 748,083 (2010 est.)

Montenegro
males age 16-49: 151,798
females age 16-49: 134,267 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
males age 16-49: 1,127
females age 16-49: 1,217 (2010 est.)

Morocco
males age 16-49: 6,960,026
females age 16-49: 7,307,491 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
males age 16-49: 2,448,161
females age 16-49: 2,269,562 (2010 est.)

Namibia
males age 16-49: 341,783
females age 16-49: 304,496 (2010 est.)

Nauru
males age 16-49: 2,683
females age 16-49: 3,059 (2010 est.)

Nepal
males age 16-49: 5,053,600
females age 16-49: 5,730,116 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
males age 16-49: 3,213,954
females age 16-49: 3,133,972 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
males age 16-49: 49,173
females age 16-49: 49,619 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
males age 16-49: 840,977
females age 16-49: 828,081 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
males age 16-49: 1,318,762
females age 16-49: 1,374,652 (2010 est.)

Niger
males age 16-49: 2,104,378
females age 16-49: 2,129,985 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
males age 16-49: 20,298,351
females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
males age 16-49: 9,359
females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Norway
males age 16-49: 888,310
females age 16-49: 864,344 (2010 est.)

Oman
males age 16-49: 816,579
females age 16-49: 622,927 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
males age 16-49: 35,774,936
females age 16-49: 34,572,451 (2010 est.)

Palau
males age 16-49: 5,223
females age 16-49: 3,949 (2010 est.)

Panama
males age 16-49: 719,761
females age 16-49: 719,444 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
males age 16-49: 1,103,479
females age 16-49: 1,107,479 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
males age 16-49: 1,375,610
females age 16-49: 1,400,597 (2010 est.)

Peru
males age 16-49: 6,045,256
females age 16-49: 6,501,224 (2010 est.)

Philippines
males age 16-49: 19,650,825
females age 16-49: 21,029,243 (2010 est.)

Poland
males age 16-49: 7,860,841
females age 16-49: 7,828,221 (2010 est.)

Portugal
males age 16-49: 2,104,945
females age 16-49: 2,034,912 (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
males age 16-49: 704,833
females age 16-49: 788,234 (2010 est.)

Qatar
males age 16-49: 320,277
females age 16-49: 138,558 (2010 est.)

Romania
males age 16-49: 4,513,619
females age 16-49: 4,566,620 (2010 est.)

Russia
males age 16-49: 20,746,777
females age 16-49: 27,174,148 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
males age 16-49: 1,641,563
females age 16-49: 1,696,514 (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
males age 16-49: 1,543
females age 16-49: 1,303 (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
males age 16-49: 1,575
females age 16-49: 1,591 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
males age 16-49: 10,736
females age 16-49: 10,913 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
males age 16-49: 32,406
females age 16-49: 36,216 (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
males age 16-49: 6,391
females age 16-49: 6,947 (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
males age 16-49: 1,097
females age 16-49: 1,096 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
males age 16-49: 22,932
females age 16-49: 22,134 (2010 est.)

Samoa
males age 16-49: 37,674
females age 16-49: 37,492 (2010 est.)

San Marino
males age 16-49: 5,564
females age 16-49: 6,068 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
males age 16-49: 26,530
females age 16-49: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
males age 16-49: 7,560,216
females age 16-49: 5,773,033 (2010 est.)

Senegal
males age 16-49: 2,109,080
females age 16-49: 2,287,510 (2010 est.)

Serbia
males age 16-49: 1,405,391
females age 16-49: 1,368,207 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
males age 16-49: 19,989
females age 16-49: 19,882 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
males age 16-49: 713,190
females age 16-49: 813,830 (2010 est.)

Singapore
males age 16-49: 1,027,701
females age 16-49: 1,097,762 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
males age 16-49: 1,162,282
females age 16-49: 1,147,526 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
males age 16-49: 397,440
females age 16-49: 385,505 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
males age 16-49: 125,928
females age 16-49: 126,999 (2010 est.)

Somalia
males age 16-49: 1,328,567
females age 16-49: 1,386,971 (2010 est.)

South Africa
males age 16-49: 7,676,331
females age 16-49: 6,521,338 (2010 est.)

Spain
males age 16-49: 8,040,207
females age 16-49: 7,798,254 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
males age 16-49: 4,518,582
females age 16-49: 4,701,942 (2010 est.)

Sudan
males age 16-49: 6,094,209
females age 16-49: 6,213,984 (2010 est.)

Suriname
males age 16-49: 108,555
females age 16-49: 111,927 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
males age 16-49: 196,633
females age 16-49: 172,602 (2010 est.)

Sweden
males age 16-49: 1,709,592
females age 16-49: 1,649,875 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
males age 16-49: 1,502,736
females age 16-49: 1,468,785 (2010 est.)

Syria
males age 16-49: 4,948,802
females age 16-49: 4,786,596 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
males age 16-49: 5,094,111
females age 16-49: 4,980,454 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
males age 16-49: 1,461,896
females age 16-49: 1,642,240 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
males age 16-49: 5,667,987
females age 16-49: 5,690,331 (2010 est.)

Thailand
males age 16-49: 13,247,646
females age 16-49: 14,166,227 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
males age 16-49: 236,996
females age 16-49: 245,033 (2010 est.)

Togo
males age 16-49: 983,283
females age 16-49: 1,004,887 (2010 est.)

Tonga
males age 16-49: 27,404
females age 16-49: 28,509 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
males age 16-49: 273,361
females age 16-49: 266,535 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
males age 16-49: 2,594,602
females age 16-49: 2,510,159 (2010 est.)

Turkey
males age 16-49: 17,447,579
females age 16-49: 17,173,063 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
males age 16-49: 1,046,907
females age 16-49: 1,168,960 (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
males age 16-49: 5,062
females age 16-49: 4,772 (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
males age 16-49: 1,981
females age 16-49: 2,005 (2010 est.)

Uganda
males age 16-49: 4,138,180
females age 16-49: 4,028,125 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
males age 16-49: 6,970,035
females age 16-49: 9,015,224 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
males age 16-49: 2,157,211
females age 16-49: 816,363 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
males age 16-49: 12,113,310
females age 16-49: 11,604,784 (2010 est.)

United States
males age 16-49: 60,388,734
females age 16-49: 59,217,809 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
males age 16-49: 713,223
females age 16-49: 697,197 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
males age 16-49: 6,456,675
females age 16-49: 6,658,475 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
males age 16-49: 42,450
females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
males age 16-49: 5,504,152
females age 16-49: 5,976,339 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
males age 16-49: 20,153,269
females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
males age 16-49: 17,675
females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
males age 16-49: 3,326
females age 16-49: 3,305 (2010 est.)

West Bank
males age 16-49: 562,570
females age 16-49: 531,532 (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
males age 16-49: 76,483
females age 16-49: 83,988 (2010 est.)

Yemen
males age 16-49: 3,902,186
females age 16-49: 3,952,370 (2010 est.)

Zambia
males age 16-49: 1,401,481
females age 16-49: 1,274,583 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
males age 16-49: 1,327,894
females age 16-49: 1,525,815 (2010 est.)

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

@2026

Field Listing :: Manpower reaching militarily significant age
annually

This entry gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Country

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

Afghanistan
male: 378,996
female: 357,822 (2010 est.)

Albania
male: 35,249
female: 31,855 (2010 est.)

Algeria
male: 365,503
female: 352,009 (2010 est.)

American Samoa
male: 810
female: 796 (2010 est.)

Andorra
male: 396
female: 350 (2010 est.)

Angola
male: 151,237
female: 147,919 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
male: 111
female: 111 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
male: 763
female: 758 (2010 est.)

Argentina
male: 340,570
female: 323,953 (2010 est.)

Armenia
male: 24,611
female: 22,682 (2010 est.)

Aruba
male: 738
female: 715 (2010 est.)

Australia
male: 144,232
female: 136,525 (2010 est.)

Austria
male: 49,455
female: 47,046 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
male: 84,441
female: 78,905 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
male: 2,840
female: 2,758 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
male: 6,590
female: 6,475 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
male: 1,550,385
female: 1,676,137 (2010 est.)

Barbados
male: 1,897
female: 1,884 (2010 est.)

Belarus
male: 55,758
female: 52,572 (2010 est.)

Belgium
male: 60,726
female: 57,882 (2010 est.)

Belize
male: 3,678
female: 3,543 (2010 est.)

Benin
male: 105,468
female: 101,603 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
male: 436
female: 397 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
male: 7,432
female: 7,153 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
male: 108,336
female: 104,934 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
male: 26,134
female: 24,518 (2010 est.)

Botswana
male: 23,496
female: 22,944 (2010 est.)

Brazil
male: 1,712,427
female: 1,652,491 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
male: 174
female: 167 (2010 est.)

Brunei
male: 3,509
female: 3,427 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
male: 35,604
female: 34,199 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
male: 188,394
female: 185,975 (2010 est.)

Burma
male: 526,557
female: 510,538 (2010 est.)

Burundi
male: 111,829
female: 111,802 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
male: 168,519
female: 166,418 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
male: 213,538
female: 209,549 (2010 est.)

Canada
male: 220,538
female: 208,033 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
male: 6,077
female: 6,075 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
male: 326
female: 347 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
male: 54,024
female: 53,203 (2010 est.)

Chad
male: 125,073
female: 125,069 (2010 est.)

Chile
male: 143,778
female: 138,058 (2010 est.)

China
male: 10,699,186
female: 9,460,217 (2010 est.)

Colombia
male: 432,280
female: 416,051 (2010 est.)

Comoros
male: 8,519
female: 8,498 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
male: 842,020
female: 839,044 (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
male: 48,365
female: 47,874 (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
male: 136
female: 115 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
male: 42,486
female: 40,745 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
male: 240,989
female: 237,180 (2010 est.)

Croatia
male: 27,670
female: 26,503 (2010 est.)

Cuba
male: 74,084
female: 70,445 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
male: 8,317
female: 7,542 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
male: 55,139
female: 52,440 (2010 est.)

Denmark
male: 37,831
female: 35,930 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
male: 8,260
female: 8,503 (2010 est.)

Dominica
male: 729
female: 688 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
male: 98,394
female: 94,576 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
male: 150,296
female: 145,184 (2010 est.)

Egypt
male: 799,377
female: 764,602 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
male: 71,292
female: 68,821 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
male: 7,186
female: 6,920 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
male: 64,489
female: 64,476 (2010 est.)

Estonia
male: 6,945
female: 6,564 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
male: 934,523
female: 947,103 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
male: 379
female: 368 (2010 est.)

Fiji
male: 9,131
female: 8,776 (2010 est.)

Finland
male: 33,297
female: 32,233 (2010 est.)

France
male: 389,956
female: 372,312 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
male: 2,592
female: 2,481 (2010 est.)

Gabon
male: 17,283
female: 17,276 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
male: 20,858
female: 20,762 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
male: 18,931
female: 18,010 (2010 est.)

Georgia
male: 30,314
female: 28,299 (2010 est.)

Germany
male: 421,227
female: 398,809 (2010 est.)

Ghana
male: 270,993
female: 263,961 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
male: 250
female: 233 (2010 est.)

Greece
male: 53,222
female: 49,828 (2010 est.)

Greenland
male: 511
female: 484 (2010 est.)

Grenada
male: 987
female: 1,026 (2010 est.)

Guam
male: 1,687
female: 1,597 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
male: 168,959
female: 166,414 (2010 est.)

Guernsey
male: 347
female: 350 (2010 est.)

Guinea
male: 114,353
female: 111,873 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
male: 17,300
female: 17,523 (2010 est.)

Guyana
male: 8,842
female: 8,452 (2010 est.)

Haiti
male: 110,514
female: 108,208 (2010 est.)

Honduras
male: 94,501
female: 90,757 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
male: 41,717
female: 38,240 (2010 est.)

Hungary
male: 58,894
female: 55,922 (2010 est.)

Iceland
male: 2,318
female: 2,263 (2010 est.)

India
male: 12,011,217
female: 10,639,158 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
male: 2,227,993
female: 2,156,427 (2010 est.)

Iran
male: 636,558
female: 604,658 (2010 est.)

Iraq
male: 323,328
female: 313,360 (2010 est.)

Ireland
male: 27,987
female: 26,240 (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
male: 469
female: 449 (2010 est.)

Israel
male: 61,613
female: 58,679 (2010 est.)

Italy
male: 280,255
female: 263,336 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
male: 32,723
female: 32,098 (2010 est.)

Japan
male: 626,115
female: 593,905 (2010 est.)

Jersey
male: 594
female: 555 (2010 est.)

Jordan
male: 73,554
female: 69,359 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
male: 133,884
female: 127,415 (2010 est.)

Kenya
male: 417,061
female: 412,438 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
male: 1,107
female: 1,083 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
male: 184,631
female: 178,565 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
male: 370,645
female: 321,765 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
male: 19,038
female: 19,787 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
male: 56,269
female: 54,004 (2010 est.)

Laos
male: 77,910
female: 77,761 (2010 est.)

Latvia
male: 11,536
female: 11,058 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
male: 37,856
female: 36,072 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
male: 19,435
female: 20,400 (2010 est.)

Liberia
male: 33,411
female: 35,264 (2010 est.)

Libya
male: 59,842
female: 57,357 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
male: 209
female: 208 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
male: 21,606
female: 20,536 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
male: 3,211
female: 3,057 (2010 est.)

Macau
male: 4,488
female: 3,900 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
male: 15,338
female: 14,445 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
male: 242,334
female: 241,359 (2010 est.)

Malawi
male: 177,376
female: 176,905 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
male: 267,646
female: 253,529 (2010 est.)

Maldives
male: 4,369
female: 3,765 (2010 est.)

Mali
male: 153,198
female: 154,762 (2010 est.)

Malta
male: 2,570
female: 2,410 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
male: 602
female: 580 (2010 est.)

Mauritania
male: 35,322
female: 36,035 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
male: 10,565
female: 10,447 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
male: 2,627
female: 2,619 (2010 est.)

Mexico
male: 1,108,032
female: 1,069,885 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
male: 1,270
female: 1,221 (2010 est.)

Moldova
male: 30,012
female: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Monaco
male: 147
female: 133 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
male: 29,240
female: 28,156 (2010 est.)

Montenegro
male: 3,407
female: 3,741 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
male: 38
female: 36 (2010 est.)

Morocco
male: 300,262
female: 298,227 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
male: 272,922
female: 272,062 (2010 est.)

Namibia
male: 26,152
female: 25,790 (2010 est.)

Nauru
male: 174
female: 168 (2010 est.)

Nepal
male: 374,882
female: 361,848 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
male: 104,694
female: 99,874 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
male: 2,138
female: 2,061 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
male: 30,956
female: 29,236 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
male: 71,171
female: 68,948 (2010 est.)

Niger
male: 177,985
female: 172,180 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
male: 1,731,734
female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
male: 430
female: 346 (2010 est.)

Norway
male: 32,045
female: 30,610 (2010 est.)

Oman
male: 31,827
female: 30,148 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
male: 2,144,574
female: 2,000,479 (2010 est.)

Palau
male: 212
female: 218 (2010 est.)

Panama
male: 31,398
female: 30,182 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
male: 66,139
female: 64,244 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
male: 72,455
female: 70,910 (2010 est.)

Peru
male: 312,375
female: 302,452 (2010 est.)

Philippines
male: 1,039,679
female: 1,001,448 (2010 est.)

Poland
male: 235,248
female: 224,801 (2010 est.)

Portugal
male: 62,628
female: 55,737 (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
male: 30,616
female: 29,196 (2010 est.)

Qatar
male: 6,403
female: 5,144 (2010 est.)

Romania
male: 121,391
female: 115,258 (2010 est.)

Russia
male: 712,838
female: 678,623 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
male: 98,164
female: 97,839 (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
male: 21
female: 21 (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
male: 48
female: 47 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
male: 402
female: 430 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
male: 1,627
female: 1,521 (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
male: 172
female: 165 (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
male: 36
female: 34 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
male: 990
female: 979 (2010 est.)

Samoa
male: 2,219
female: 2,058 (2010 est.)

San Marino
male: 176
female: 164 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
male: 1,997
female: 1,922 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
male: 280,041
female: 269,580 (2010 est.)

Senegal
male: 157,468
female: 156,689 (2010 est.)

Serbia
male: 43,925
female: 41,342 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
male: 704
female: 672 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
male: 53,349
female: 56,307 (2010 est.)

Singapore
male: 27,430
female: 25,918 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
male: 33,915
female: 32,448 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
male: 9,979
female: 9,610 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
male: 7,256
female: 6,995 (2010 est.)

Somalia
male: 99,919
female: 99,771 (2010 est.)

South Africa
male: 492,743
female: 496,374 (2010 est.)

Spain
male: 193,038
female: 181,703 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
male: 172,081
female: 166,358 (2010 est.)

Sudan
male: 506,742
female: 487,434 (2010 est.)

Suriname
male: 4,046
female: 4,056 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
male: 16,024
female: 15,630 (2010 est.)

Sweden
male: 58,937
female: 56,225 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
male: 47,043
female: 43,033 (2010 est.)

Syria
male: 253,578
female: 241,777 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
male: 166,141
female: 155,070 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
male: 77,585
female: 75,201 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
male: 498,815
female: 500,941 (2010 est.)

Thailand
male: 535,884
female: 511,444 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
male: 12,795
female: 12,443 (2010 est.)

Togo
male: 71,081
female: 69,969 (2010 est.)

Tonga
male: 1,448
female: 1,392 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
male: 8,572
female: 7,966 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
male: 96,697
female: 90,599 (2010 est.)

Turkey
male: 695,326
female: 666,026 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
male: 55,805
female: 54,908 (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
male: 229
female: 223 (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
male: 120
female: 110 (2010 est.)

Uganda
male: 412,640
female: 408,521 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
male: 256,196
female: 244,473 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
male: 27,256
female: 24,305 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
male: 386,492
female: 369,185 (2010 est.)

United States
male: 2,174,260
female: 2,065,595 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
male: 27,631
female: 26,703 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
male: 306,743
female: 299,264 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
male: 2,346
female: 2,249 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
male: 276,612
female: 273,819 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
male: 877,075
female: 816,076 (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
male: 805
female: 849 (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
male: 178
female: 153 (2010 est.)

West Bank
male: 30,547
female: 29,062 (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
male: 5,376
female: 5,280 (2010 est.)

Yemen
male: 279,283
female: 269,824 (2010 est.)

Zambia
male: 151,586
female: 150,839 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
male: 155,117
female: 152,875 (2010 est.)

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

@2028

Field Listing :: Background

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

Background

Afghanistan
Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and
founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between
the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from
notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in democracy
ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 Communist counter-coup. The Soviet
Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan Communist
regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew
in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported
anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars
saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline
Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the
country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001
terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., a US,
Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled
the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. The UN-sponsored Bonn
Conference in 2001 established a process for political
reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a
presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in
2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically
elected president of Afghanistan and the National Assembly was
inaugurated the following December. Karzai was re-elected in August
2009 for a second term. Despite gains toward building a stable
central government, a resurgent Taliban and continuing provincial
instability - particularly in the south and the east - remain
serious challenges for the Afghan Government.

Akrotiri
By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created
the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty
and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers -
Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the
Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the
Western Sovereign Base Area.

Albania
Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in
1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took
over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR
(until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s,
Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established
a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as
successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment,
widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure,
powerful organized crime networks, and combative political
opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development
since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies
remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free
and fair since the restoration of political stability following the
collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997; however, there have been claims
of electoral fraud in every one of Albania's post-communist
elections. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and
its allies won a decisive victory on pledges to reduce crime and
corruption, promote economic growth, and decrease the size of
government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of
power, was considered an important step forward. Albania joined NATO
in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU accession.
Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still
one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy
and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure.

Algeria
After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians
fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962.
Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front
(FLN), was established in 1954 as part of the struggle for
independence and has largely dominated politics since. The
Government of Algeria in 1988 instituted a multi-party system in
response to public unrest, but the surprising first round success of
the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting
spurred the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round
of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an
extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a
crackdown on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking
government targets, and fighting escalated into an insurgency, which
saw intense violence between 1992-98 resulting in over 100,000
deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by
extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s,
and FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in
January 2000. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, with the backing of the
military, won the presidency in 1999 in an election widely viewed as
fraudulent, was reelected to a second term in 2004, and
overwhelmingly won a third term in 2009 after the government amended
the constitution in 2008 to remove presidential term limits.
Longstanding problems continue to face BOUTEFLIKA, including
large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable
electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and
corruption, and the continuing activities of extremist militants.
The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in 2006 merged
with al-Qai'da to form al-Qai'da in the Lands of the Islamic
Maghreb, which has launched an ongoing series of kidnappings and
bombings targeting the Algerian Government and Western interests.

American Samoa
Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered"
by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries
in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899
treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago.
The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern
islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Andorra
For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a
unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from
1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu
d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular
heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a
parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a
small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from
Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free
shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra
started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism
accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.

Angola
Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year
civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the
Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the
National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by
Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace
seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but
fighting picked up again by 1996. Up to 1.5 million lives may have
been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century
of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and
strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. President DOS SANTOS held
legislative elections in September 2008 and, despite promising to
hold presidential elections in 2009, has since made a presidential
poll contingent on the drafting of a new constitution.

Anguilla
Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650,
Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th
century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants -
was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint
Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two
years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this
arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a
separate British dependency.

Antarctica
Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was
not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American
commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions
began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south
of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that
Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands or
an area of ocean. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the
early 20th century, but generally the area saw little human
activity. Following World War II, however, there was an upsurge in
scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set
up a range of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, and refuges
to support scientific research in Antarctica. Seven have made
territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In
order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the
continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies
nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in
1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Antigua and Barbuda
The Siboney were the first to inhabit the
islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians
populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in
1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by
the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run
the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands
became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of
Nations in 1981.

Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five
oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and
the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US
and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two
important seasonal waterways. In recent years the polar ice pack has
thinned allowing for increased navigation and raising the
possibility of future sovereignty and shipping disputes among
countries bordering the Arctic Ocean.

Argentina
In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared
their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay
went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina.
The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by
immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and
Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860
to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's
history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict
between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military
factions. After World War II, an era of Peronist populism and direct
and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was
followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy
returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland (Malvinas)
Islands by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the
most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02
that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations
of several presidents.

Armenia
Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally
adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy,
over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires
including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During
World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey
instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh
practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths.
The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in
1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was
conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenian leaders remain
preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over
Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to
Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan
began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after
both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces
held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of
Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by
their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful
resolution. Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1994
because of the Armenian separatists' control of Nagorno-Karabakh and
surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In
2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with
Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border; this process is
currently dormant.

Aruba
Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired
by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by
three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by
prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The
last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.
Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a
separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in
1990.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
These uninhabited islands came under
Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years
later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine
habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier
Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.

Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the
world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the
Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal
(Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of
Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US)
are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the
International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to
delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion
of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Australia
Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from
Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began
exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were
made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name
of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and
19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of
Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural
resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing
industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in
World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed
itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy.
It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the
1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted
in the 1980s. Long-term concerns include climate-change issues such
as the depletion of the ozone layer and more frequent droughts, and
management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great
Barrier Reef.

Austria
Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian
Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in
World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and
subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's
status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955
ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade
unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year
declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for
Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and
Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the
meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country,
Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan - a nation with a majority-Turkic and
majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to
1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet
Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to
resolve its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily
Armenian-populated region that Moscow recognized as part of Soviet
Azerbaijan in the 1920s after Armenia and Azerbaijan disputed the
status of the territory. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over
the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries
attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994,
when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only
Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding provinces in the
territory of Azerbaijan. Corruption in the country is ubiquitous,
and the government, which eliminated presidential term limits in a
2009 referendum, has been accused of authoritarianism. Although the
poverty rate has been reduced in recent years due to revenue from
oil production, the promise of widespread wealth resulting from the
continued development of Azerbaijan's energy sector remains largely
unfulfilled.

Bahamas, The
Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher
COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492.
British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became
a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973,
The Bahamas has prospered through tourism and international banking
and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is
a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly
shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for
smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Bahrain
In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the
Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a
series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made
Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its
independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location
among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing
act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining
oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and
refining and has transformed itself into an international banking
center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in
1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations
with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in
2010 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest
Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the
elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has
resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional
low-level violence.

Bangladesh
Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of
Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to
dominate the region and it became part of British India. In 1947,
West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from
India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of
Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward
arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units
separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and
dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West
Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh. A military-backed,
emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned
for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and
root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street
rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the
parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were
mostly peaceful and Sheikh HASINA Wajed was elected prime minister.
About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during
the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Barbados
The island was uninhabited when first settled by the
British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on
the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy
remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production
through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social
and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete
independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and
manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Belarus
After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR,
Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer
political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former
Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state
union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic
integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the
accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his
election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr
LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian
means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press,
peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

Belgium
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it
was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country
prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically
advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions
between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the
French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to
constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition
and autonomy.

Belize
Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their
decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and
Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it
formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial
disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of
Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation
until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border
dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum
to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court
of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date.
Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns
include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment,
growing involvement in the South American drug trade, high crime
rates, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Benin
Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West
African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became
a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960,
as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended
in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the
establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles.
A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later,
free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as
president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa
from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by
elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were
alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006
and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and
independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption
and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

Bermuda
Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English
colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North
American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism
continues to be important to the island's economy, although
international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has
developed into a highly successful offshore financial center.
Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly
defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the
issue.

Bhutan
In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for
ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a
monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed
whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal
affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs.
This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years
later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan
annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country
received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and
foreign relations. A refugee issue of over 100,000 Bhutanese in
Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the
government's draft constitution - which would introduce major
democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for
its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne to his
son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience
as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007,
India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater
autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu
continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New
Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet
resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a
caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the
country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king
ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.

Bolivia
Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,
broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history
has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups.
Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have
faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and
illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected
Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the
widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule
in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's
traditional political class and empower the nation's poor,
indigenous majority. However, since taking office, his controversial
strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the
Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous
communities of the eastern lowlands. In December 2009, President
MORALES easily won reelection, and his party took control of the
legislative branch of the government, which will allow him to
continue his process of change.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of
sovereignty in October 1991 was followed by a declaration of
independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a
referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported
by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed
resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and
joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994,
Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from
three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in
Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that
brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final
agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace
Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries
and created a multi-ethnic and democratic government charged with
conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized
was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly
equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The
Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most
government functions. The Dayton Accords also established the Office
of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the implementation of
the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation
Council (PIC) at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High
Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove
officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." In 1995-96, a NATO-led
international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in
Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the
agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization
Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities.
European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December
2004; their mission is to maintain peace and stability throughout
the country. EUFOR's mission changed from peacekeeping to civil
policing in October 2007, with its presence reduced from nearly
7,000 to less than 2,500 troops. Troop strength at the end of 2009
stood at roughly 2,000. In January 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina
assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the
2010-11 term.

Botswana
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana
adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of
uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and
significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic
economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining,
dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due
to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature
preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of
HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and
comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Bouvet Island
This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely
covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered
in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named.
No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In
1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied
the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet
Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since
1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Brazil
Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule,
Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical
system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the
subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889.
Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until
populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the
largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent
more than half a century of populist and military government until
1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian
rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural
growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural
resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's
leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in
the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income
distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010,
Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for
the 2010-11 term.

British Indian Ocean Territory
Formerly administered as part of the
British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean
Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK
in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later
transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976.
Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups
comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of
the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support
facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Between 1967
and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the
islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the
Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the
establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as
compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians.
Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits
against the British Government seeking further compensation and the
right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court
rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004
BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the
archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia.
In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK,
ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower
court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians.

British Virgin Islands
First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib
Indians, the Virgin Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and
then annexed by the English in 1672. The islands were part of the
British colony of the Leeward Islands from 1872-1960; they were
granted autonomy in 1967. The economy is closely tied to the larger
and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is
the legal currency.

Brunei
The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th
and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of
northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently
entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal
succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In
1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was
achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six
centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas
fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Bulgaria
The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the
local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first
Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with
the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the
end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman
Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of
Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having
fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within
the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in
1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its
first multiparty election since World War II and began the
contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a
market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption,
and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved
independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the
1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early
1990s. Current President Blaise COMPAORE came to power in a 1987
military coup and has won every election since then. Burkina Faso's
high population density and limited natural resources result in poor
economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest
in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of
several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find
employment in neighboring countries.

Burma
Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886)
and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered
as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate,
self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was
attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to
1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and
later as political kingpin. In September 1988, the military deposed
NE WIN and established a new ruling junta. Despite multiparty
legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition
party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a
landslide victory, the junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader
and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under
house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in
May 2003 and subsequently transferred to house arrest. She was
finally released in November 2010. After the ruling junta in August
2007 unexpectedly increased fuel prices, tens of thousands of
Burmese marched in protest, led by prodemocracy activists and
Buddhist monks. In late September 2007, the government brutally
suppressed the protests, killing at least 13 people and arresting
thousands for participating in the demonstrations. Since then, the
regime has continued to raid homes and monasteries and arrest
persons suspected of participating in the pro-democracy protests.
Burma in early May 2008 was struck by Cyclone Nargis which official
estimates claimed left over 80,000 dead and 50,000 injured. Despite
this tragedy, the junta proceeded with its May constitutional
referendum, the first vote in Burma since 1990. Parliamentary
elections held in November 2010, considered flawed by many in the
international community, saw the junta's Union Solidarity and
Development Party garnering over 70 percent of the seats. Parliament
is constitutionally mandated to convene within 90 days of the
election; the president, two vice presidents, and ministers will be
selected at that time.

Burundi
Burundi's first democratically elected president was
assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office,
triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi
factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict
that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of
Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in
neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing
agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels
in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an
integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005,
and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government,
led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered
ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006
but still faces many challenges.

Cambodia
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers,
descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of
Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th
centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam)
weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king
placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became
part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in
World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953.
In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge
forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At
least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships,
or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A
December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the
countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off
almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated
democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected
by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore
some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional
fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second
round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another
coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining
elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the
surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried or are awaiting trial
for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal
supported by international assistance. Elections in July 2003 were
relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between
contending political parties before a coalition government was
formed. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne
and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him.
Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of
the pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National
elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.

Cameroon
The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon
merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally
enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of
agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.
Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power
remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.

Canada
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada
became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the
British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has
developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across
an unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of
meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and
education services, as well as responding to the particular concerns
of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its
diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the
environment.

Cape Verde
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by
the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a
trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and
resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following
independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with
Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained
until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues
to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments.
Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused
significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,
Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.
Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the
British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by
Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within
the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in
1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Central African Republic
The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari
became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After
three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments
- civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade.
President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by
unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by
General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government.
Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups
and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the
municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and
May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The
government still does not fully control the countryside, where
pockets of lawlessness persist. Unrest in the neighboring nations of
Chad, Sudan, and the DRC continues to affect stability in the
Central African Republic as well.

Chad
Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured
three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before
a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government
eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed
presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke
out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite
several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In
2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing
attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in
December 2006 and October 2007. Power remains in the hands of an
ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a
referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won
another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns
continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a
significant rebel threat in early 2008.

Chile
Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century,
northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche
inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its
independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not
achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile
defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It
was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely
subjugated. After a series of elected governments, a three-year-old
Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a
military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely
elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies,
maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady
growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure
the country's commitment to democratic and representative
government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and
international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable,
democratic nation.

China
For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing
the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and
early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major
famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War
II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic
socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed
strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of
millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and
other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by
2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living
standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal
choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China
since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and
participation in international organizations.

Christmas Island
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the
island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate
mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to
Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared
a national park.

Clipperton Island
This isolated island was named for John
CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th
century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897.
Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took
possession in 1935.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
There are 27 coral islands in the group.
Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they
remained uninhabited until the 19th century. From the 1820s to 1978,
members of the CLUNIE-ROSS family controlled the islands and the
copra produced from local coconuts. Annexed by the UK in 1857, the
Cocos Islands were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955.
The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split
between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on
Home Island.

Colombia
Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from
the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and
Venezuela). A four-decade long conflict between government forces
and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade,
escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or
popular support necessary to overthrow the government and violence
has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue
attacks against civilians and large areas of the countryside are
under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. More
than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006
and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal
organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary
demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members
include some former paramilitaries. The Colombian Government has
stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the
country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative
departments. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence
spilling over their borders. In January 2011, Colombia assumed a
nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Comoros
Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups
since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands
of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999,
military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and
helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in
which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and
each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002
presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected
its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI
was elected to office. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's
de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of
fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros' other islands held
legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially
attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and
a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran
soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the
island's inhabitants.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph KABILA as president and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006 and KABILA was inaugurated president in December 2006. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

Congo, Republic of the
Upon independence in 1960, the former French
region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter
century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a
democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil
war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO,
and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest.
Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March
2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a
humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's
largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will
need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the
long term.

Cook Islands
Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the
islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900,
administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965,
residents chose self-government in free association with New
Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and
government deficits are continuing problems.

Coral Sea Islands
Scattered over more than three-quarters of a
million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were
declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited
except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets.
Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many
other islands and reefs.

Costa Rica
Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th
century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved
unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease
from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives,
and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement
of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands.
The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In
1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces
that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later
it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this
federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica
proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th
century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the
country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a
large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to
include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of
living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Cote d'Ivoire
Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the
development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment
made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African
states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December
1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history -
overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged
elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular
protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into
power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military
launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces
claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were
granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the
auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and
rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December
2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the
civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained
unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force
rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political
Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO's
government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the
country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from
South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and
hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of
rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed
forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election
difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed
with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several
hundred French remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement
their commitments and to support the peace process.

Croatia
The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the
Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as
Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal
independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO.
Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991,
it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before
occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under
UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was
returned to Croatia in 1998. In April 2009, Croatia joined NATO; it
is a candidate for eventual EU accession.

Cuba
The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after
the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492
and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next
several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to
work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the
launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from
Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence
movement and occasional rebellions that were harshly suppressed. US
intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the
Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established
Cuban independence from the US in 1902 after which the island
experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military
and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in
1959; his iron rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly
five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor
of his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's Communist revolution,
with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and
Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country faced a
severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former
Soviet subsidies worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba at
times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source if
its difficulties. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade
rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border -
is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 982
individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in fiscal
year 2009.

Curacao
Originally settled by Arawak Indians, Curacao was seized by
the Dutch in 1634 along with the neighboring island of Bonaire. Once
the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit by the
abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of
neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the
construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered
Venezuelan oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch
Caribbean possesions were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles,
part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and
2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing
country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status
became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the
Netherlands Antilles.

Cyprus
A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960
following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the
Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head
in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia.
Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic
intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into
enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek
Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by
military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a
third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-occupied area
declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"),
but it is recognized only by Turkey. The election of a new Cypriot
president in 2008 served as the impetus for the UN to encourage both
the Turkish and Cypriot Governments to reopen unification
negotiations. In September 2008, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot
and Turkish Cypriot communities started negotiations under UN
auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The entire island
entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of
common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the
internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the areas
administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish
Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus
citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens
of European Union states.

Czech Republic
Following the First World War, the closely related
Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to
form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's
leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of
other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the
Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II,
a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of
influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the
efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule
and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations
the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the
collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its
freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993,
the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national
components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic
joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Denmark
Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north
European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation
that is participating in the general political and economic
integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the
EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements
of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and
issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Dhekelia
By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created
the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty
and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers -
Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign
Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base
Area.

Djibouti
The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became
Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian
one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999.
Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war
that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord
between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999,
Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the
election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term
in 2005. Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the
mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment
location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands.
The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains
a significant military presence in the country but also has strong
ties with the US. Djibouti hosts the only US military base in
sub-Saharan Africa and is a front-line state in the global war on
terrorism.

Dominica
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be
colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the
native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763,
which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after
independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and
tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia
CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who
remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still
living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining
in the eastern Caribbean.

Dominican Republic
Explored and claimed by Christopher COLUMBUS on
his first voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a
springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American
mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western
third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of
the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own
independence in 1821 but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for
22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic
in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish
Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored
independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly
non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of
Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930-61. Juan BOSCH was elected
president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In
1965, the United States led an intervention in the midst of a civil
war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin
BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in an election to become president. BALAGUER
maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when
international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his
term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been
held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. Former
President (1996-2000) Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna won election to a new
term in 2004 following a constitutional amendment allowing
presidents to serve more than one term, and was since reelected to a
second consecutive term.

Ecuador
What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire
until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish
colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New
Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada
(Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between
1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When
Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of
the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost
territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border
war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although
Ecuador marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period
has been marred by political instability. Protests in Quito
contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four
democratically elected Presidents. In September 2008, voters
approved a new constitution; Ecuador's twentieth since gaining
independence. General elections, under the new constitutional
framework, were held in April 2009, and voters re-elected President
Rafael CORREA.

Egypt
The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood,
coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and
west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great
civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series
of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last
native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were
replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who
introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who
ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the
Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the
conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the
completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important
world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt.
Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of
Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman
Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in
1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty with the overthrow of the
British-backed monarchy in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High
Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the
time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology
of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab
world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue
to overtax resources and stress society. The government has
struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's growing population through
economic reform and massive investment in communications and
physical infrastructure.

El Salvador
El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and
from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war,
which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when
the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for
military and political reforms.

Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968
after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a
mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest
on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO
has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup.
Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996,
2002, and 2009 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004
legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president
exerts almost total control over the political system and has
discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced
rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil
reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's
third largest oil exporter. Despite the country's economic windfall
from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government
revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the
population's living standards.

Eritrea
The UN awarded Eritrea to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a
federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years
later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991
with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was
overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year
border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN
auspices in December 2000. Eritrea hosted a UN peacekeeping
operation that monitored a 25 km-wide Temporary Security Zone (TSZ)
on the border with Ethiopia. Eritrea's denial of fuel to the mission
caused the UN to withdraw the mission and terminate its mandate 31
July 2008. An international commission, organized to resolve the
border dispute, posted its findings in 2002. However, both parties
have been unable to reach agreement on implementing the decision. On
30 November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission remotely
demarcated the border by coordinates and dissolved itself, leaving
Ethiopia still occupying several tracts of disputed territory,
including the town of Badme. Eritrea accepted the EEBC's "virtual
demarcation" decision and called on Ethiopia to remove its troops
from the TSZ that it states is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has not
accepted the virtual demarcation decision. In 2009 the UN imposed
sanctions on Eritrea after accusing it of backing anti-Ethiopian
Islamist insurgents in Somalia.

Estonia
After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian
rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated
into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it
regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to
promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined
both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Ethiopia
Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian
monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the
exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974,
a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had
ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody
coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems,
the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel
forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front
(EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first
multiparty elections were held in 1995. A border war with Eritrea
late in the 1990s ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. In
November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission remotely
demarcated the border by geographical coordinates, but final
demarcation of the boundary on the ground is currently on hold
because of Ethiopian objections to an international commission's
finding requiring it to surrender territory considered sensitive to
Ethiopia.

European Union Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of European leaders in the late 1940s became convinced that the only way to establish a lasting peace was to unite the two chief belligerent nations - France and Germany - both economically and politically. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed an eventual union of all Europe, the first step of which would be the integration of the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The following year the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members, Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris. The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other parts of the countries' economies. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states undertook to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and they have been held every five years since. In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU). In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU, raising the membership total to 15. A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of the 12 euro-area countries (the European Monetary Union or EMU) began using the euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia - and in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined, bringing the current membership to 27. In order to ensure that the EU can continue to function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (in force as of 1 February 2003) set forth rules streamlining the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish an EU constitution, begun in October 2004, failed to attain unanimous ratification. A new effort, undertaken in June 2007, created an Intergovernmental Conference to formulate a political agreement - initially known as the Reform Treaty but subsequently referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon - which would serve as a constitution. Unlike the constitution, however, the Treaty of Lisbon sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement - the Czech Republic signed on soon after. Treaty implementation began on 1 December 2009. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might be removed.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Although first sighted by an
English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur
until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement
(French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over
to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject
of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then
between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the
islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina
invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an
expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce
fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Faroe Islands
The population of the Faroe Islands is largely
descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The
islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th
century. A high degree of self government was granted the Faroese in
1948, who have autonomy over most internal affairs while Denmark is
responsible for justice, defense, and foreign affairs. The Faroe
Islands are not part of the European Union.

Fiji
Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a
British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military
coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as
dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers
brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The
coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian
control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss
resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians
became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more
equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a
government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May
2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil.
Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a
democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia
QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006
military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially
appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became
interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has
neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions,
and refused to hold elections.

Finland
Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden
from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy
of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917.
During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom
and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of
territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a
remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a
diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now
among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union
since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro
system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the
key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard
of education, equality promotion, and national social security
system; currently challenged by an aging population and the
fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

France
Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France
suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank
as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the
most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European
nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid
presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the
instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary
administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation
with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of
Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency,
the euro, in January 1999.

French Polynesia
The French annexed various Polynesian island groups
during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up
widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll
after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January
1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been
considerably expanded.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
In February 2007, the Iles
Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic
Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five
administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet
and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic
islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses,
consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They
contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers
studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific
stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is
the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice
of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in
1840.
Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the
island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from
a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt
at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station
established on the island in 1949 is still in use.
Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a
fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster
cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931,
seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when
rescue finally arrived.
Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau,
Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the
West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des
Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the
east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the
largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in
1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for
whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they
became part of the TAAF in 1955.
Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of
one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A
permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at
Port-aux-Francais.
Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the
Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not
recognize it as a French dependency.
Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a
volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.
Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French
possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison
that staffs a weather station.
Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso
Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile
Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison
operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.
Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish
navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession
since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate.
Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological
station.
Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island
came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it
serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important
meteorological station.

Gabon
Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon
since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of
Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads
of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene
for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty
system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However,
allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and
the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal
political structures in Gabon. President BONGO died in June 2009.
New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben BONGO, son of the
former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small
population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign
support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable
African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a nonpermanent
seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Gambia, The
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965.
Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived
federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two
nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions
have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led
a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned
political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in
1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a
nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president
in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.

Gaza Strip
The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles
on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional
period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September
1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security
and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of
the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the
permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following
the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the
Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final
settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the
two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic
Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late
2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month
later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments
in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005,
Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and
dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew
settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank
settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace,
and most access to the Gaza Strip; and it enforces a restricted zone
along the border inside Gaza. In January 2006, the Islamic
Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian
Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government
in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating
with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the
international community so as to lift economic sanctions on
Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in
the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous
Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS
Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi
Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National
Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA.
However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007,
HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and
governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG
and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government
in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the
NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered
reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge
their differences. Late November 2007 through June 2008 witnessed a
substantial increase in Israeli-Palestinian violence. An
Egyptian-brokered truce in June 2008 between Israel and HAMAS
brought about a five-month pause in hostilities, but spiraling
end-of-year violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 to
1,400 Palestinians and left tens of thousands of people homeless.
International donors pledged $4.5 billion in aid to rebuild the Gaza
Strip, but by the end of 2010 large-scale reconstruction had not
begun.

Georgia
The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient
kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman
influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the
state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks
was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was
cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman
and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia
was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian
revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the
Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. An attempt by the incumbent Georgian
government to manipulate national legislative elections in November
2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of
Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early
2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National
Movement party. Progress on market reforms and democratization has
been made in the years since independence, but this progress has
been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway
regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After a series of Russian and
separatist provocations in summer 2008, Georgian military action in
South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response
that not only occupied the breakaway areas, but large portions of
Georgia proper as well. Russian troops pulled back from most
occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia
unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia. This action was strongly condemned by most of the world's
nations and international organizations.

Germany
As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation
(after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic,
political, and defense organizations. European power struggles
immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of
the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious
Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945.
With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in
1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern
German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself
in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which
became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front
line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the
end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since
then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern
productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999,
Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European
exchange currency, the euro. In January 2011, Germany assumed a
nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Ghana
Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast
and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first
sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence.
Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took
power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new
constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won
presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally
prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR
succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over
as head of state in early 2009.

Gibraltar
Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded
to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British
garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum
held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British
dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK
led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication
links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997
and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar.
In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a
referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted
overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since
late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have
been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that
affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation
agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services;
communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs
services; environmental protection; and education and visa services.
Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial
waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent
maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new
noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European
Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its
own tax regime in December 2008, but the UK retains responsibility
for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial
stability.

Greece
Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829.
During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the
20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and
territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II,
Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied
by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war
between supporters of the king and other anti-Communists and
Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece
joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized
power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many
political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In
1974, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary
republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC
(now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and
Monetary Union in 2001. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on
its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and
raised the question of whether a member country might voluntarily
leave the common currency or be removed.

Greenland
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice
capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland;
Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was
made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European
Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985
over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was
granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law
went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of
increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater
responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however,
continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs,
security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home
Rule Government.

Grenada
Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the
island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century.
The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar
estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took
the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the
19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export
crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In
1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full
independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest
independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized
by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the
island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean
nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds
of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following
year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck
Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Guam
Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the
Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The
military installation on the island is one of the most strategically
important US bases in the Pacific.

Guatemala
The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and
surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost
three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence
in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced
a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year
guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement
formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000
people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million
refugees.

Guernsey
Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last
remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in
both France and England. The islands were the only British soil
occupied by German troops in World War II. Guernsey is a British
crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its
defense and international representation.

Guinea
Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining
its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in
1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the
first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic
elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military
government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was
reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were
marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008
when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA
led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution.
His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to
step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in
September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition
rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when
CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and evacuated to
Morocco and subsequently to Burkina Faso. A transitional government
led by General Sekouba KONATE held democratic elections in 2010 and
Alpha CONDE was elected president in the country's first free and
fair elections since independence.

Guinea-Bissau
Since independence from Portugal in 1974,
Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military
upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian
dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a
path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was
characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the
purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s
and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected
president in the country's first free elections. A military mutiny
and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in
May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over
power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president
in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in
office, YALA was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup, and
businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In
2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president pledging to
pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was
assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an
emergency election held in June 2009.

Guyana
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana
had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to
black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured
servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This
ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent
politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and
since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented
governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is
considered the country's first free and fair election since
independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet
JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her
successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Haiti
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of
Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were
virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the
early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.
In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island,
which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and
sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the
Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves
and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th
century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint
L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first
black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country
in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political
violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to
the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE
in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new
elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays
prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a
democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A
massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with
an epicenter about 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to
moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst
in this region over the last 200 years and massive international
assistance will be required to help the country recover.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
These uninhabited, barren,
sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in
1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the
islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Holy See (Vatican City)
Popes in their secular role ruled portions
of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the
mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the
newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were
further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between
a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by
three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of
Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.
In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain
of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman
Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the
Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the
environment, the Middle East, China, the decline of religion in
Europe, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and
the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and
globalization. About one billion people worldwide profess the
Catholic faith.

Honduras
Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras
became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades
of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came
to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for
anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government
and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist
guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998,
which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion
in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded.

Hong Kong
Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded
by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later
in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and
the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1
July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one
country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system
would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a
high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense
affairs for the next 50 years.

Hungary
Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many
centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in
Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot
Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The
country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a
revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met
with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership
of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy,
introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first
multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It
joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Iceland
Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish)
immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland
boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the
Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland
was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja
volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused
widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the
island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited
home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence
attained in 1944. The second half of the 20th century saw
substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing
industry. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined
the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard
hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008.
Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world
standards.

India
The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest,
flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into
northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated onto
the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the
earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture.
The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached
its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age
ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a
flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across
the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th
centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi
Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established
the Mughal Dynasty which ruled India for more than three centuries.
European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the
16th century. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the
dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian
Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance
to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU,
eventually brought about independence in 1947. Communal violence led
to the subcontinent's bloody partition, which resulted in the
creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. The two
countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of
which in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation
of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 caused Pakistan
to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008,
terrorists allegedly originating from Pakistan conducted a series of
coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Despite
pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental
degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, rapid
economic development is fueling India's rise on the world stage. In
January 2011, India assumed a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security
Council for the 2011-12 term.

Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's
five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger
than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important
access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb
(Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of
Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International
Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth
ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean
south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Indonesia
The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th
century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia
declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required
four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and
UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty
in 1949. Free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999
after decades of repressive rule. Indonesia is now the world's third
most populous democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and
home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues
include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing
terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of
authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms,
stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for
human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling
avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace
agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic
elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face low
intensity armed resistance by the separatist Free Papua Movement.

Iran
Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in
1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza
PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces
established a theocratic system of government with ultimate
political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred
to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the
constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a
popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations
have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US
Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January
1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq
that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes
between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987 and 1988.
Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its
activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject
to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of
its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons
ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam
Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles
(legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in
response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement
floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of
unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted
and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide
municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections
in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected
government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005
inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His
controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests
over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has
passed a number of resolutions (1696 in July 2006, 1737 in December
2006, 1747 in March 2007, 1803 in March 2008, and 1835 in September
2008) calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and
reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and
responsibilities. Resolutions 1737, 1477, and 1803 subject a number
of Iranian individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and
ballistic missile programs to sanctions. Additionally, several
Iranian entities are subject to US sanctions under Executive Order
13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224
designations for support of terrorism.

Iraq
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by
Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a
League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over
the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in
1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series
of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM
Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and
costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait
but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War
of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN
Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass
destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification
inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions
over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in
March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces
remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a
bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security
and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces. In October 2005,
Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and,
pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of
Representatives (CoR) in December 2005. After the election, Ibrahim
al-JAFARI was selected as prime minister; he was replaced by Nuri
al-MALIKI in May 2006. The CoR approved most cabinet ministers in
May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional
government in nearly a half century. On 31 January 2009, Iraq held
elections for provincial councils in all provinces except for the
three provinces comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and
Kirkuk province. Iraq held a national legislative election in March
2010, and after nine months of deadlock the CoR approved the new
government in December.

Ireland
Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C.
Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were
finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014.
English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than
seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions
and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched
off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in
independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern
(Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1949, Ireland withdrew
from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in
1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of
Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A
peace settlement for Northern Ireland is gradually being implemented
despite some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British
governments developed and began to implement the St. Andrews
Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.

Isle of Man
Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the
13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the
British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost
extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man is a British crown
dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for
its defense and international representation.

Israel
Following World War II, the British withdrew from their
mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and
Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently,
the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending
the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel
occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country
profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew
from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In
keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in
October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel
and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent
settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September
1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords")
guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding
territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26
October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May
2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it
had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working
in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took
the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the
conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties
leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However,
progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by
Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February
2005. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the
Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining
control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election
of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations
between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT
became prime minister in March 2006 and presided over a 34-day
conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006 and a 23-day
conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip during December 2008 and
January 2009. OLMERT, who in June 2007 resumed talks with PA
President Mahmoud ABBAS, resigned in September 2008. Prime Minister
Binyamin NETANYAHU formed a coalition in March 2009 following a
February 2009 general election. Direct talks launched in September
2010 collapsed following the expiration of Israel's 10-month partial
settlement construction moratorium in the West Bank. Diplomatic
initiatives to revive the negotiations through proximity talks began
at the end of 2010.

Italy
Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states
of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under
King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to
a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a
Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's
defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy
in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of
NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the
forefront of European economic and political unification, joining
the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include
illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment,
sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical
standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Jamaica
The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 -
was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native
Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were
gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England
seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based
on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed
a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica
gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it
joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of
the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew
from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions
during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated
with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized
crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money
laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose
significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many
rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute
substantially to the economy.

Jan Mayen
This desolate, arctic, mountainous island was named after
a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614
(earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal
hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came
under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg
volcano resumed activity in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred
in 1985. It is the northernmost active volcano on earth.

Japan
In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa
shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long
period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign
influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to
enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports
after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began
to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to
defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea,
Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan
occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of
China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry
into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast
Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an
economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his
throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold
actual decision-making power. Following three decades of
unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown
starting in the 1990s, but the country remains a major economic
power.

Jersey
Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last
remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both
France and England. These islands were the only British soil
occupied by German troops in World War II. Jersey is a British crown
dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its
defense and international representation.

Jordan
Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman
Empire, the UK received a mandate to govern much of the Middle East.
Britain separated out a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from
Palestine in the early 1920s, and the area gained its independence
in 1946; it adopted the name of Jordan in 1950. The country's
long-time ruler was King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic leader, he
successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers
(US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large
internal Palestinian population. Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel
in the 1967 war and barely managed to defeat Palestinian rebels who
attempted to overthrow the monarchy in 1970. King HUSSEIN in 1988
permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank. In 1989,
he reinstituted parliamentary elections and initiated a gradual
political liberalization; political parties were legalized in 1992.
In 1994, he signed a peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II, the
son of King HUSSEIN, assumed the throne following his father's death
in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and
undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to
the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in
the European Free Trade Association in 2001. In 2003, Jordan
staunchly supported the Coalition ouster of Saddam in Iraq and
following the outbreak of insurgent violence in Iraq, absorbed
thousands of displaced Iraqis. Municipal elections were held in July
2007 under a system in which 20% of seats in all municipal councils
were reserved by quota for women. Parliamentary elections were held
in November 2010 and saw independent pro-government candidates win
the vast majority of seats.

Kazakhstan
Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes
who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united
as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th
century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the
1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens
were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures.
This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other
deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled
non-ethnic Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 drove
many of these newcomers to emigrate. Kazakhstan's economy is larger
than those of all the other Central Asian states largely due to the
country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: developing
a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the
country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets;
diversifying the economy outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors;
enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness; developing a
multiparty parliament and advancing political and social reform; and
strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign
powers.

Kenya
Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA
led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when
President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional
succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969
until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made
itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and
external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The
ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power
in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and
fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the
Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following
fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate
of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow
Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed
the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption
platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over the
constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU
to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement,
which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular
referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007
brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and
unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people
died. UN-sponsored talks in late February produced a powersharing
accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position
of prime minister.

Kiribati
The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892
and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the
Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites
of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons
in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in
1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of
Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited
Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with
Kiribati.

Korea, North
An independent kingdom for much of its long history,
Korea was occupied by Japan beginning in 1905 following the
Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the
entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea was split with the
northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. After
failing in the Korean War (1950-53) to conquer the US-backed
Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North
Korea (DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a
policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a
check against outside influence. The DPRK demonized the US as the
ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded
propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies
around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of
Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son, the current ruler KIM
Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in
1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the
elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement
and resource misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied
heavily on international aid to feed its population. North Korea's
history of regional military provocations, proliferation of
military-related items, long-range missile development, WMD programs
including tests of nuclear devices in 2006 and 2009, and massive
conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international
community.

Korea, South
An independent Korean state or collection of states has
existed almost continuously for several millennia. Between its
initial unification in the 7th century - from three predecessor
Korean states - until the 20th century, Korea existed as a single
independent country. In 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War,
Korea became a protectorate of imperial Japan, and in 1910 it was
annexed as a colony. Korea regained its independence following
Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II,
a Republic of Korea (ROK) was set up in the southern half of the
Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in
the north (the DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and
UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South
Korea from DPRK attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An
armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a
demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South
Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising
to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam
became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of
military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern
democracy. President LEE Myung-bak has pursued a policy of global
engagement since taking office in February 2008, highlighted by
Seoul's hosting of the G-20 summit in November 2010. Serious
tensions with North Korea have punctuated inter-Korean relations in
recent years, including the North's sinking of the South Korean
warship Cheonan in March 2010 and its artillery attack on South
Korean soldiers and citizens in November 2010.

Kosovo
Ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in
the 7th century but did not fully incorporate them into the Serbian
realm until the early 13th century. During the medieval period,
Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the
construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many
architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat
of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five
centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and
Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians
replaced the Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia
reacquired control over Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire during the
First Balkan War of 1912. Kosovo became an autonomous province of
Serbia with status almost equivalent to that of a republic under the
1974 Constitution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in
the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence.
At the same time, Serb nationalist leaders, such as Slobodan
MILOSEVIC, exploited Kosovo Serb claims of maltreatment to secure
votes from supporters, many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural
heartland. Under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia instituted a new
constitution in 1989 that revoked Kosovo's status as an autonomous
province of Serbia. Kosovo Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by
organizing a referendum that declared Kosovo independent. Under
MILOSEVIC, Serbia carried out repressive measures against the
Albanians in the early 1990s as the unofficial Kosovo government,
led by Ibrahim RUGOVA, used passive resistance in an attempt to try
to gain international assistance and recognition of an independent
Kosovo. Albanians dissatisfied with RUGOVA's passive strategy in the
1990s created the Kosovo Liberation Army and launched an insurgency.
Starting in 1998, Serbian military, police, and paramilitary forces
conducted a counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres
and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians. Approximately 800,000
Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo during this time.
International attempts to mediate the conflict failed, and
MILOSEVIC's rejection of a proposed settlement led to a three-month
NATO military campaign against Serbia beginning in March 1999 that
forced Serbia to agree to withdraw its military and police forces
from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed
Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim
Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of
Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to
determine Kosovo's final status. The negotiations ran in stages
between 2006 and 2007, but ended without agreement between Belgrade
and Pristina. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared
Kosovo independent. Since then, over sixty countries have recognized
Kosovo, and it has joined the International Monetary Fund and World
Bank. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence and it
subsequently sought an advisory opinion from the International Court
of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's
independence declaration. In July 2010 the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's
declaration of independence did not violate international law.

Kuwait
Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling
Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961.
Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following
several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a
ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four
days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure
damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since
returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature
that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. The country
witnessed the historic election in May 2009 of four women to its
National Assembly.

Kyrgyzstan
A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and
proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to
Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist
Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population
was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved
independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide
demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of
President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990.
Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won
overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Over the
next few years, the new president manipulated the parliament to
accrue new powers for himself. In July 2009, after months of
harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won
re-election in a presidential campaign that the international
community deemed flawed. In April 2010, nationwide protests led to
the resignation and expulsion of BAKIEV. He was replaced by
President Roza OTUNBAEVA who will serve as president until 31
December 2011 according to a presidential decree issued 19 May 2010.
Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in October 2011.
Continuing concerns include: endemic corruption, poor interethnic
relations, and terrorism.

Laos
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan
Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300
years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and
Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries
of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam
(Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century
when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty
of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the
Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a
six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime
closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private
enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began
in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997. In late 2009,
Thailand returned to Laos about 3,000 Hmong residing in refugee
camps.

Latvia
The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one
of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the
Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region
subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and
finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I,
but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized
by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its
independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the
Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to
Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Lebanon Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French separated out the region of Lebanon in 1920, and granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections. Most militias have been reduced or disbanded, with the exception of Hizballah, designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Palestinian militant groups. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 and the passage in September 2004 of UNSCR 1559 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI and 22 others in February 2005 led to massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence ("the Cedar Revolution"), and Syria withdrew the remainder of its military forces in April 2005. In May-June 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections since the end of the civil war free of foreign interference, handing a majority to the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, the slain prime minister's son. In July 2006, Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel in which approximately 1,200 Lebanese civilians were killed. UNSCR 1701 ended the war in August 2006, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed throughout the country for the first time in decades, charged with securing Lebanon's borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon with the help of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The LAF in May-September 2007 battled Sunni extremist group Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp, winning a decisive victory, but destroying the camp and displacing 30,000 Palestinian residents. Lebanese politicians in November 2007 were unable to agree on a successor to Emile LAHUD when he stepped down as president, creating a political vacuum until the election of LAF Commander Gen. Michel SULAYMAN in May 2008 and the formation of a new unity government in July 2008. Legislative elections in June 2009 again produced victory for the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, but a period of prolonged negotiation over the composition of the cabinet ensued. A national unity government was finally formed in November 2009 and approved by the National Assembly the following month. In January 2010, Lebanon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Lesotho
Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon
independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled
for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but
returned to Lesotho in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995.
Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of
military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny
following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody
intervention by South African and Botswana military forces under the
aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent
constitutional reforms restored relative political stability.
Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National
Assembly elections of February 2007 were hotly contested and
aggrieved parties continue to dispute how the electoral law was
applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly.

Liberia
Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today
Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to
establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did
much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic,
social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original
settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. In 1980, a military
coup led by Samuel DOE ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In
December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's
regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE himself was
killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections
that brought TAYLOR to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An
August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted the
resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who faces war crimes
charges in The Hague related to his involvement in Sierra Leone's
civil war. After two years of rule by a transitional government,
democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen JOHNSON
SIRLEAF to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) maintains a
strong presence throughout the country, but the security situation
is still fragile and the process of rebuilding the social and
economic structure of this war-torn country continues.

Libya
The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around
Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when
defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and
achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col.
Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI began to espouse his own political
system, the Third Universal Theory. The system is a combination of
socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is
supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a
unique form of "direct democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself
as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He used oil funds during
the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya,
supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of
Marxism and capitalism. In addition, beginning in 1973, he engaged
in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain
access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian
politics - but was forced to retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992
isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of Pan AM Flight
103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. During the 1990s, QADHAFI began to
rebuild his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended
in April 1999 and finally lifted in September 2003 after Libya
accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing. In December 2003,
Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to
develop weapons of mass destruction and to renounce terrorism.
QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with
Western nations since then. He has received various Western European
leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations,
and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he
traveled to Brussels in April 2004. The US rescinded Libya's
designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June 2006. In January
2008, Libya assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council
for the 2008-09 term. In August 2008, the US and Libya signed a
bilateral comprehensive claims settlement agreement to compensate
claimants in both countries who allege injury or death at the hands
of the other country, including the Lockerbie bombing, the LaBelle
disco bombing, and the UTA 772 bombing. In October 2008, the US
Government received $1.5 billion pursuant to the agreement to
distribute to US national claimants, and as a result effectively
normalized its bilateral relationship with Libya. The two countries
then exchanged ambassadors for the first time since 1973 in January
2009. Libya in May 2010 was elected to its first three-year seat on
the UN Human Rights Council, prompting protests from international
non-governmental organizations and human rights campaigners.

Liechtenstein
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established
within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and
Russian troops during the Napoleonic wars, it became a sovereign
state in 1806 and joined the Germanic Confederation in 1815.
Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the
Confederation dissolved. Until the end of World War I, it was
closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that
conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary
union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein
remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding
economic growth. In 2000, shortcomings in banking regulatory
oversight resulted in concerns about the use of financial
institutions for money laundering. However, Liechtenstein
implemented anti-money-laundering legislation and a Mutual Legal
Assistance Treaty with the US that went into effect in 2003.

Lithuania
Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over
the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended
its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By
the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in
Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a
union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and
Poland formally united into a single dual state, the
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795 when
its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries. Lithuania
regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by
the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many
other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the
Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not
recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the
abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993.
Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into
Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the
spring of 2004.

Luxembourg
Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815
and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than
half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure
of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by
Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it
entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the
following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding
countries of the European Economic Community (later the European
Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Macau
Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the
first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement
signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the
Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic
of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised
that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's
socialist economic system would not be practiced in Macau, and that
Macau would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except
foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Macedonia
Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from
Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece's objection to the new state's use of
what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international
recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of
"the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted
a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize
relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its
constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations
continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue.
Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic
inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the
support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led
to the internationally-brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which
ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the
rights of minorities. Fully implementing the Framework Agreement and
stimulating economic growth and development continue to be
challenges for Macedonia, although progress has been made on both
fronts over the past several years.

Madagascar
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a
French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During
1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held
ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second
presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and
1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential
election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and
Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country.
In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA
the winner. RAVALOMANANA achieved a second term following a
landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential
elections of 2006. In early 2009, protests over increasing
restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in
RAVALOMANANA stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the
mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA. Following negotiations in
July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month
transitional period was established, but has not yet been
implemented.

Malawi
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland
became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades
of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country
held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution
that came into full effect the following year. Current President
Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by
the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another
term, struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor and
subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party
(DPP) in 2005. As president, MUTHARIKA has overseen economic
improvement but because of political deadlock in the legislature,
his minority party has been unable to pass significant legislation,
and anti-corruption measures have stalled. Population growth,
increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the
spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. MUTHARIKA was
reelected to a second term in May 2009.

Malaysia
During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain
established colonies and protectorates in the area of current
Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948,
the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the
Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was
formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the
East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of
Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the
country's history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian
confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and
Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the
22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003),
Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence
on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services,
and tourism.

Maldives
The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and
then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three
years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated
the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive
terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital
Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to
embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative
political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was
sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be
realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In
June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" -
finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in
August. The first-ever presidential elections under a
multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008.
GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political
activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former
regime. Challenges facing the new president include strengthening
democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. Maldives officials
have been prominent participants in international climate change
talks due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from
sea-level rise.

Mali
The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France
in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a
few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed
Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a
military coup - led by the current president Amadou TOURE - enabling
Mali's emergence as one of the strongest democracies on the
continent. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first democratic
presidential election in 1992 and was reelected in 1997. In keeping
with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, KONARE stepped down in
2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE, who was subsequently elected
to a second term in 2007. The elections were widely judged to be
free and fair.

Malta
Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814.
The island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars and
remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A
decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the
island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a
financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU
member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.

Marshall Islands
After almost four decades under US administration
as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a
Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a
result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and
1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA)
Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile
defense network.

Mauritania
Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the
southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in
1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario
guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould
Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania
with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of
presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A
bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in
a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule.
Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in
April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected
president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military
junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered
in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected
president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic
tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white
and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront
a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM).

Mauritius
Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the
10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the
16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in
honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French
assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important
naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a
plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in
1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically
important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an
important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy
operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence.
Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy
with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the
country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned
one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather,
declining sugar prices, and declining textile and apparel
production, have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests
over standards of living in the Creole community.

Mayotte
Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of
the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago
that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego
independence. In March 2009, Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to become
France's 101st department - and fifth overseas department - a change
scheduled to become official in 2011.

Mexico
The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came
under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence
early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994
threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession
in over half a century. The global financial crisis beginning in
late 2008 caused another massive economic downturn the following
year. As the economy recovers, ongoing economic and social concerns
include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the
population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement
opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the
impoverished southern states. The elections held in 2000 marked the
first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition
candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) -
defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary
Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate
Felipe CALDERON. In January 2009, Mexico assumed a nonpermanent seat
on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.

Micronesia, Federated States of
In 1979 the Federated States of
Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a
constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of
Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004.
Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and
overdependence on US aid.

Moldova
Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was
incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II.
Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991,
Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the
Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly
Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria"
republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the
first former Soviet state to elect a Communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as
its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until
he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a
narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist
Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of
parliamentary votes required to elect a president. Moldova's four
opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European
Integration (AEI), which acted as Moldova's governing coalition
until parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and a new
governing coalition could be formed. Moldova experienced significant
political uncertainty in 2009 and 2010, holding three general
elections (in April 2009, July 2009, and November 2010) and four
presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a
president.

Monaco
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day
Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized
temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to
permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development
was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to
France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's
mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made
Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Mongolia
The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under
Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through
conquest. After his death the empire was divided into several
powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century.
The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands
and in the late 17th century came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won
its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing and a Communist regime
was installed in 1924. The modern country of Mongolia, however,
represents only part of the Mongols' historical homeland; more
ethnic Mongolians live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in
the People's Republic of China than in Mongolia. Following a
peaceful democratic revolution, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's
Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was
defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996
parliamentary election. The MPRP won an overwhelming majority in the
2000 parliamentary election, but the party lost seats in the 2004
election and shared power with democratic coalition parties from
2004-08. The MPRP regained a solid majority in the 2008
parliamentary elections but nevertheless formed a coalition
government with the Democratic Party. In 2010 the MPRP voted to
retake the name of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), a name it
used in the early 1920s. The prime minister and most cabinet members
are MPP members.

Montenegro
The use of the name Montenegro began in the 15th century
when the Crnojevic dynasty began to rule the Serbian principality of
Zeta; over subsequent centuries Montenegro was able to maintain its
independence from the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th
centuries, Montenegro became a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop
princes; in 1852, it was transformed into a secular principality.
After World War I, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs,
Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in
1929; at the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent
republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the
latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro federated with Serbia, first as
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, in a looser
union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its
right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to
hold a referendum on independence from the state union. The vote for
severing ties with Serbia exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU
- allowing Montenegro to formally declare its independence on 3 June
2006.

Montserrat
English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled
on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three
decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the
island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as
a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy
was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century.
Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population
fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano
that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity
since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Morocco
In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North
Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In
the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad
AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a
golden age. The Alaouite dynasty, to which the current Moroccan
royal family belongs, established a sultanate in Morocco beginning
in the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and
ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers
that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French
imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence
struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The
internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were
turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V,
the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a
constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of King.
Morocco annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final
resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved.
Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment
of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Under King
MOHAMMED VI - who in 1999 succeeded his father to the throne - human
rights have improved. Morocco enjoys a moderately free press, but
the government occasionally takes action against journalists who
report on three broad subjects considered to be taboo: the monarchy,
Islam, and the status of Western Sahara. Despite the continuing
reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Mozambique
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a
close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic
dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil
war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The
ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party
formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the
following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market
economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel
Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in
1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition
as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His
elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the
sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Namibia
South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa
during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after
World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist
South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group
launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but
it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its
administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire
region. Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won
independence in 1990. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in
November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led
the country during its first 14 years of self rule. POHAMBA was
reelected in November 2009.

Nauru
The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their
language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was
annexed by Germany in 1888. Its phosphate deposits began to be mined
early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was
occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became
a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a
brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It
achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the
world's smallest independent republic.

Navassa Island
This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857
for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The
lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration
of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department
of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island
described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the
following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual
scientific expeditions have continued.

Nepal
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of
rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy
within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led
by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing ten-year civil
war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the
dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute
power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were
followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists
and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace
accord and the promulgation of an interim constitution. Following a
nation-wide election in April 2008, the newly formed Constituent
Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic and abolished
the monarchy at its first meeting the following month. The
Constituent Assembly elected the country's first president in July.
The Maoists, who received a plurality of votes in the Constituent
Assembly election, formed a coalition government in August 2008, but
resigned in May 2009 after the president overruled a decision to
fire the chief of the army staff. The Communist Party of
Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist and the Nepali Congress party then
formed a new coalition government with several smaller parties. In
June 2010, the prime minister resigned but, as of December 2010,
continued to lead a caretaker government while the parties debate
who should lead the next government. Disagreements among the
political parties over issues such as the future of former Maoist
combatants has hindered the drafting of a new constitution — due in
May 2011 — and the formal conclusion of the peace process.

Netherlands
The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence
from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading
seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around
the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the
Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a
separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I,
but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A
modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large
exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member
of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the
introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former
Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands -
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in
the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint
Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent
countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

New Caledonia
Settled by both Britain and France during the first
half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in
1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864.
Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s ended in
the 1998 Noumea Accord, which over a period of 15 to 20 years will
transfer an increasing amount of governing responsibility from
France to New Caledonia. The agreement also commits France to
conduct a referendum between 2014 and 2019 to decide whether New
Caledonia should assume full sovereignty and independence.

New Zealand
The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D.
800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain,
the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen
Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the
British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of
land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native
peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent
dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars.
New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances
lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to
address longstanding Maori grievances.

Nicaragua
The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish
colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from
Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent
republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first
half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region
in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental
manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and
resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist
Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist
rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista
contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990,
1996, and 2001, saw the Sandinistas defeated, but voting in 2006
announced the return of former Sandinista President Daniel ORTEGA
Saavedra. The 2008 municipal elections were characterized by
widespread irregularities. Nicaragua's infrastructure and economy -
hard hit by the earlier civil war and by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 -
are slowly being rebuilt, but democratic institutions face new
challenges under the ORTEGA administration.

Niger
Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced
single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was
forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which
resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting
brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by
Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999, BARE was killed in a counter coup by
military officers who restored democratic rule and held elections
that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year.
TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and in 2009 spearheaded a
constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his term as
president. In February 2010, a military coup deposed TANDJA,
immediately suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet,
and promised that elections would be held following a transitional
period of unspecified duration. Niger is one of the poorest
countries in the world with minimal government services and
insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely
agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by
extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. A
predominately Tuareg ethnic group emerged in February 2007, the
Nigerien Movement for Justice (MNJ), and attacked several military
targets in Niger's northern region throughout 2007 and 2008.
Successful government offensives in 2009 limited the rebels'
operational capabilities.

Nigeria
British influence and control over what would become Nigeria
and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A
series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater
autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of
military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a
peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The
government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a
petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through
corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In
addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and
religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential
elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence,
Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian
rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked
the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's
history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the
UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Niue
Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic
differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest
of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered.
The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200
in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration
to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Norfolk Island
Two British attempts at establishing the island as a
penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In
1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of
the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Northern Mariana Islands
Under US administration as part of the UN
Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana
Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to
forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status
began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political
union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24
March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in
1978.

Norway
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off
following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in
994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next
several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with
Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians
resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new
constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway
keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a
Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to
a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway
remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its
shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World
War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany
(1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a
member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the
late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is
on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning
for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held
in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Oman
The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on
Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established
sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship
treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British
political and military advisors increased, but it never became a
British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew the
restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since.
His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the
outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the
UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to
maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five
oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern
Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways
include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and
Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic
Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the
Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60
degrees south.

Pakistan
The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the
world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what
is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants
of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The
area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the
Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and
Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries;
the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The
separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of
Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was
never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two
wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A
third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India
capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani
politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of
Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan
conducted its own tests in 1998. India-Pakistan relations have been
rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, but both countries are
taking small steps to put relations back on track. In February 2008,
Pakistan held parliamentary elections and in September 2008, after
the resignation of former President MUSHARRAF, elected Asif Ali
ZARDARI to the presidency. Pakistani government and military leaders
are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are
located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan.

Palau
After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the
Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the
Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the
Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with
the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered
into force the following year when the islands gained independence.

Panama
Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century,
Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia,
Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When
the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With
US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed
a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US
sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure
(the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army
Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was
signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama
by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and
increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the
subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was
deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the
Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by
the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious
plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The
project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity,
is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Papua New Guinea
The eastern half of the island of New Guinea -
second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north)
and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to
Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World
War I and continued to administer the combined areas until
independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island
of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Paracel Islands
The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive
fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932,
French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on
Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam.
China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops
seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands.
China built a military installation on Woody Island with an airfield
and artificial harbor. The islands also are claimed by Taiwan and
Vietnam.

Paraguay
Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. In
the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70) - between
Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost
two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. The country
stagnated economically for the next half century. Following the
Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of
the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of
Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in
political infighting in recent years, Paraguay has held relatively
free and regular presidential elections since then.

Peru
Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean
civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was
captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence
was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824.
After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic
leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth
of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in
1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the
economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity.
Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian
measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting
dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his ouster in 2000. A
caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001,
which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of
government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native
American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return
of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term
from 1985 to 1990, has overseen a robust macroeconomic performance.

Philippines
The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during
the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the
Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a
self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and
was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a
10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese
occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought
together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the
Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year
rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power"
movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed
Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several
coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability
and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992.
His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress
on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases
on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was
succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January
2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges
broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded
his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as
president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several
corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few
to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis,
expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was
elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine
Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's
Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long
struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern
Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National
Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New
Peoples' Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.

Pitcairn Islands
Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the
British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their
Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become
a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of
that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New
Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to
less than 50 today.

Poland
Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the
middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th
century. During the following century, the strengthening of the
gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of
agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria
partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its
independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet
Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following
the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and
progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the
independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a
political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and
the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s
enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most
robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering
challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated
infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a
major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to
elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new
leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce
the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the
European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic,
market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly
active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

Portugal
Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the
15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status
with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation
during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of its wealthiest
colony of Brazil in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy;
for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the
country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad
democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted
independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding
member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986. In January
2011, Portugal assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security
Council for the 2011-12 term.

Puerto Rico
Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the
island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS'
second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial
rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and
African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a
result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US
citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since
1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal
self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters
chose not to alter the existing political status.

Qatar
Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar
transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for
pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural
gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari
economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum
revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son,
the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a
bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding
border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil
and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the
second-highest per capita income in the world.

Romania
The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries
under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their
autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted
the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its
independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and
acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the
conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and
participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years
later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The
post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist
"people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The
decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in
1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive
and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and
executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government
until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in
2004 and the EU in 2007.

Russia
Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was
able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th
centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding
principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty
continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific.
Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic
Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th
century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia.
Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the
Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament
and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army
in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the
Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial
household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon
after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53)
strengthened Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet
Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and
society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary
Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and
perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism,
but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December
1991 splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent
republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic
ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose
legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national
elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the
prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has
severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still
occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

Rwanda
In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the
majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king.
Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and
some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The
children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan
Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along
with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic
tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly
800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the
Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2
million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to
neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most
of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand
remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC;
the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on
retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Rwanda held its
first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide
presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009
staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to
rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there and Kigali and Kinshasa
restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth
in late 2009.

Saint Barthelemy
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who
named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first
settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island
to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish
King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a
trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th
century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under
the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free
port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish
street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of
arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from
Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas
collectivity.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena is a
British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension
Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.
Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in
1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th
century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile
from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of
call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During
the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners
were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.
Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered
and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the
island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It
served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa
Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty
control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena.
During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an
airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa
and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s
the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In
1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces
during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in
the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.
Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of
Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da
Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was
garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue
Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been
designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a
meteorological station on Gough Island.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Carib Indians occupied the islands for
hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The
islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal
autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to
secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983.
In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint
Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues
in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Saint Lucia
The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries,
was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and
early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally
ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its
plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island,
dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was
granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Saint Martin
Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and
claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631
and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the
island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The
Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch,
who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. Friction between the two
sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two
centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of
the island (about 57%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced
slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not
abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the
tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and
1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from
Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a
French overseas collectivity.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
First settled by the French in the early
17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of
France's once vast North American possessions.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Resistance by native Caribs
prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between
France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the
island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the
Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and
independence in 1979.

Samoa
New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa
at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer
the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962,
when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish
independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western"
from its name in 1997.

San Marino
The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See
and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest
republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian
stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is
aligned with that of Italy; social and political trends in the
republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Sao Tome and Principe
Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late
15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee
and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave
labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While
independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not
instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free
elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the
various political parties precipitated repeated changes in
leadership and two failed coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent
discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased
attention to the small island nation.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to
Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official
title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi
state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD
(Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian
Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd
al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992
Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia
accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while
allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the
liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of
foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a
source of tension between the royal family and the public until all
operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist
attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign
against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has
continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown
prince. To promote increased political participation, the government
held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half
the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King
ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members
of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an
Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious
tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the
cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and
judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet.
The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and
holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The
government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification,
particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December
2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning
population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on
petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Senegal
The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were
merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation
in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal joined
with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in
1982. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never
carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The Movement of
Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) has led a low-level
separatist insurgency in southern Senegal since the 1980s, and
several peace deals have failed to resolve the conflict.
Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in
Africa. Senegal was ruled by a Socialist Party for 40 years until
current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. He was
reelected in February 2007 and has amended Senegal's constitution
over a dozen times to increase executive power and to weaken the
opposition, part of the President's increasingly autocratic
governing style. Senegal has a long history of participating in
international peacekeeping and regional mediation.

Serbia The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip "TITO" Broz (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992, but Serbia continued its - ultimately unsuccessful - campaign until signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC kept tight control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999, to the withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999, and to the stationing of a NATO-led force in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. MILOSEVIC was arrested in 2001 and sent to be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity; he died in March 2006 before the completion of his trial. In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics with a federal level parliament. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right to secede from the federation and - following a successful referendum - it declared itself an independent nation on 3 June 2006. Two days later, Serbia declared that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. A new Serbian constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, the UN-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

Seychelles
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for
the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter.
Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close
with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President
France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in
2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took
over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year
term.

Sierra Leone
Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil
war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths
and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third
of the population). The military, which took over full
responsibility for security following the departure of UN
peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a
guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on
the sideline during the 2007 presidential election, but still look
to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian
UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new
government's priorities include furthering development, creating
jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.

Singapore
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819.
It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years
later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of
the world's most prosperous countries with strong international
trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of
tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the
leading nations of Western Europe.

Sint Maarten
Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and
claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631
and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the
island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The
Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the
French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. The
establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically
expanded slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the
practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The
island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the
tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s.
In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions
became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands
Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted
to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of
2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Slovakia
The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close
of World War I allowed the Slovaks to join the closely related
Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II,
Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated
Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and
Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs
agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined
both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1
January 2009.

Slovenia
The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918,
the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new
multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World
War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which
though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied
with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes
succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short
10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and
a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a
modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring
of 2004; it joined the eurozone in 2007.

Solomon Islands
The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon
Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War
II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in
1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government
malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil
society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought
the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the
following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to
restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance
Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective
in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Somalia Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule characterized by the persecution, jailing and torture of political opponents and dissidents. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. In 2000, the Somalia National Peace Conference (SNPC) held in Djibouti resulted in the formation of an interim government, known as the Transitional National Government (TNG). When the TNG failed to establish adequate security or governing institutions, the Government of Kenya, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), led a subsequent peace process that concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of a second interim government, known as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic. The TFG included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Islamic Courts Union (ICU), withdrew from the country. The TFP was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 200 ARS and 75 civil society members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. SHARMARKE resigned in September 2010 and was replaced by Mohamed Abdullahi MOHAMED, aka Farmajo, a dual US-Somali citizen that lived in the United Stated from 1985 until his return to Somalia in October 2010. The creation of the TFG was based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFP amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011.

South Africa
Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day
South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice
route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of
Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in
1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found
their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold
(1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the
subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British
encroachments but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902);
however, the British and the Afrikaners, as the Boers became known,
ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa,
which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In
1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a
policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races - which
favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority. The
African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and
many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South
Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as
boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the
regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to
majority rule. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an
end to apartheid and ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led
government. South Africa since then has struggled to address
apartheid-era imbalances in decent housing, education, and health
care. ANC infighting, which has grown in recent years, came to a
head in September 2008 when President Thabo MBEKI resigned, and
Kgalema MOTLANTHE, the party's General-Secretary, succeeded him as
interim president. Jacob ZUMA became president after the ANC won
general elections in April 2009. In January 2011, South Africa
assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the
2011-12 term.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
The islands, which have
large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of
the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration
since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina
occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early
20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON
stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross
Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few
companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the
rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in
1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today,
the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in
adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing
zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Southern Ocean
A large body of recent oceanographic research has
shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current
that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role
in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the
ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a
distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with
the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a
unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients,
which promotes marine plant life, and which in turn allows for a
greater abundance of animal life. In the spring of 2000, the
International Hydrographic Organization decided to delimit the
waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern
Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean,
Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the
coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which
coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit and which approximates the
extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is
now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific
Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic
Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does
not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary
oceans by the US Government.

Spain
Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries
ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent
failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused
the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic
and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II
but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful
transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco
FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the
EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and
made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. The
government continues to battle the Basque Fatherland and Liberty
(ETA) terrorist organization, but its major focus for the immediate
future will be on measures to reverse the severe economic recession
that started in mid-2008.

Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small
islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and
potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their
entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed
by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by
relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia,
the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Brunei has established a
fishing zone that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any
formal claim.

Sri Lanka
The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th
century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced
in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization
developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C.
to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In
the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom
in northern Sri Lanka. The coastal areas of the island were
controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in
the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796,
became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by
1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed
to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and
Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. After two decades of
fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
formalized a cease-fire in February 2002 with Norway brokering peace
negotiations. Violence between the LTTE and government forces
intensified in 2006 and the government regained control of the
Eastern Province in 2007. In May 2009, the government announced that
its military had finally defeated the remnants of the LTTE and that
its leader, Velupillai PRABHAKARAN, had been killed.

Sudan
Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have
dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956.
Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the
remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in
northern economic, political, and social domination of largely
non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in
1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related
effects resulted in more than four million people displaced and,
according to rebel estimates, more than two million deaths over a
period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with
the signing of several accords. The final North/South Comprehensive
Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern
rebels autonomy for six years. After which, a referendum for
independence is scheduled to be held. A separate conflict, which
broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced
nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000
deaths. The UN took command of the Darfur peacekeeping operation
from the African Union on 31 December 2007. As of early 2009,
peacekeeping troops were struggling to stabilize the situation,
which has become increasingly regional in scope and has brought
instability to eastern Chad. Sudan also has faced large refugee
influxes from neighboring countries primarily Ethiopia and Chad.
Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of
government support have chronically obstructed the provision of
humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Suriname
First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and
then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became
a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863,
workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the
Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian
government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a
socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a
succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when
international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In
1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a
democratically elected government - a four-party coalition -
returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties
in 2005 and has continued to rule since.

Svalbard
First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the
islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and
18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five
years later it officially took over the territory.

Swaziland
Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed
by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in
1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King
MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow
political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on
these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in
2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United
Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official
political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down
between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland
recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest
known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Sweden
A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not
participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed
neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's
long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded
with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by
high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic
downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has
allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the
EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in
a 2003 referendum.

Switzerland
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a
defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other
localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation
secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A
constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the
confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's
sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major
European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the
two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe
over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN
and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties
with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a
UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and
international organizations but retains a strong commitment to
neutrality.

Syria
Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the
northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The
French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence
in 1946. The new country lacked political stability, however, and
experienced a series of military coups during its first decades.
Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab
Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the
Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz
al-ASAD, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority
Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political
stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost
the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held
occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of
President al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as
president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops -
stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role -
were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict
between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on
alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally
Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-ASAD was elected to his second term
as president.

Taiwan
In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to
Japan. Taiwan reverted to Chinese control after World War II.
Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million
Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the
1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five
decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and
incorporated the local population within the governing structure. In
2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the
Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this
period, the island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic
"Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the
relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of
Taiwan's eventual status - as well as domestic political and
economic reform.

Tajikistan
The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and
1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the
Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely
contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Much of
present-day Sughd province was transferred from the Uzbek SSR to the
newly formed Tajik SSR in 1929. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial
minority in Sughd province. Tajikistan became independent in 1991
following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil
war between regional factions from 1992-97. There have been no major
security incidents in recent years, although the country remains the
poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Attention by the international
community since the beginning of the NATO intervention in
Afghanistan has brought increased economic development and security
assistance, which could create jobs and strengthen stability in the
long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade
Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Tanzania
Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the
early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of
Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the
first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s.
Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to
two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won
despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Thailand
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th
century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast
Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A
bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In
alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty
ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006
ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government
held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN
People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition
government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)
in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government,
eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August and
Bangkok's two international airports in November. The PAD ended
their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that
dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for
election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition
government and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. In October
2008 THAKSIN went into voluntary exile to avoid imprisonment for a
corruption conviction, and has since agitated his followers from
abroad. THAKSIN supporters re-organized into the United Front for
Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and rioted in April 2009,
shutting down an ASEAN meeting in Phuket, and in early 2010
protested a court verdict confiscating most of THAKSIN's wealth.
Between March and May 2010, the UDD staged large protests and
occupied several blocks of downtown Bangkok. A government operation
to disperse the protesters after nine weeks led to clashes that
resulted in 89 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related
property losses. These protests exposed major cleavages in the Thai
body politic which continue to hamper the current government. Since
January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in
Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the
violence associated with their cause.

Timor-Leste
The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor
in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century.
Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an
1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the
island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945,
but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in
World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal
on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian
forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July
1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful
campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during
which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives.
On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an
overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for
independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival
of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999,
anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the
Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth
campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400
Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into western Timor as
refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including
homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and
nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20
September 1999, the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the
International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the
country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002,
Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.
In late April 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's
security when a military strike led to violence and a near breakdown
of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International
Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste in late May. In
August, the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated
Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police
presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored
stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in
April and June 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February
2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the
president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the
attack and the majority of the rebels surrendered in April 2008.
Since the unsuccessful attacks the government has enjoyed one of its
longest periods of post-independence stability.

Togo
French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA,
installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand
for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multiparty elections
instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated
by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party
has maintained power almost continually since 1967 and maintains a
majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in
February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure
GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months
later. Democratic gains since then allowed Togo to hold its first
relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007.
After years of political unrest and condemnation from international
organizations for human rights abuses, Togo is finally being
re-welcomed into the international community.

Tokelau
Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding
island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate
in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in
1925. Referenda held in 2006 and 2007 to change the status of the
islands from that of a New Zealand territory to one of free
association with New Zealand did not meet the needed threshold for
approval.

Tonga
Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost
its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly
Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became
a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in
1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth
of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Trinidad and Tobago
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came
under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar
industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834.
Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from
India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well
as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910
added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962.
The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks
largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing.
Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.
The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Tunisia
Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia
culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a
protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following
World War I was finally successful in getting the French to
recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's
first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party
state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic
fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any
other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from
office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup.
BEN ALI is currently serving his fifth consecutive five-year term as
president. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in
its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising
pressure for a more open political society.

Turkey
Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants
of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who
was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks."
Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging
social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party
rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950
election victory of the opposition Democratic Party and the peaceful
transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have
multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of
instability and intermittent military coups (1960, 1971, 1980),
which in each case eventually resulted in a return of political
power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the
ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then
Islamic-oriented government. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus
in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since
acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,"
which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984
by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - now known as the People's
Congress of Kurdistan or Kongra-Gel (KGK) - has dominated the
Turkish military's attention and claimed more than 30,000 lives.
After the capture of the group's leader in 1999, the insurgents
largely withdrew from Turkey mainly to northern Iraq. In 2004, KGK
announced an end to its ceasefire and attacks attributed to the KGK
increased. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a
member of NATO. In 1964, Turkey became an associate member of the
European Community. Over the past decade, it has undertaken many
reforms to strengthen its democracy and economy; it began accession
membership talks with the European Union in 2005.

Turkmenistan
Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the
Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as
Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an
important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and
1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved
independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive
hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this
underdeveloped country once extraction and delivery projects are
expanded. The Turkmen Government is actively working to diversify
its gas export routes beyond the still dominant Russian pipeline
network. In 2010, new gas export pipelines that carry Turkmen gas to
China and to northern Iran began operating, effectively ending the
Russian monopoly on Turkmen gas exports. President for Life
Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its
first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007.
Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy cabinet chairman under NYYAZOW,
emerged as the country's new president.

Turks and Caicos Islands
The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican
colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown
colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas
oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the
islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence
was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands
remain a British overseas territory.

Tuvalu
In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the
Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice
Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert
Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate
British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000,
Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv"
for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period.

Uganda
The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda
grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different
political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the
establishment of a working political community after independence
was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79)
was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla
war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at
least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986
has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During
the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and
legislative elections.

Ukraine
Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state,
Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest
and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels
and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand
Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid
the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent
centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was
established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against
the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate
managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the
latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic
territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse
of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to achieve a short-lived
period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and forced to
endure a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines
(1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II,
German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million
more deaths. Although final independence for Ukraine was achieved in
1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity
remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic
corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and
civil liberties. A peaceful mass protest "Orange Revolution" in the
closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged
presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored
vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor
YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp
allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in
parliamentary elections and become prime minister in August of 2006.
An early legislative election, brought on by a political crisis in
the spring of 2007, saw Yuliya TYMOSHENKO, as head of an "Orange"
coalition, installed as a new prime minister in December 2007.
Viktor YANUKOVUYCH was elected president in a February 2010 run-off
election that observers assessed as meeting most international
standards. The following month, the Rada approved a vote of
no-confidence prompting Yuliya TYMOSHENKO to resign from her post as
prime minister.

United Arab Emirates
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast
granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th
century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman,
Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to
form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by
Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of
leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and
its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a
vital role in the affairs of the region. For more than three
decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy, however, in
2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real
estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE
especially hard.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has historically played a leading
role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing
literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the
British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The
first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously
depleted in two World Wars and the Irish republic withdraw from the
union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and
the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European
nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council,
a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a
global approach to foreign policy. The UK is also an active member
of the EU, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and
Monetary Union. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for
Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999.
The latter was suspended until May 2007 due to wrangling over the
peace process, but devolution was fully completed in March 2010.

United States
Britain's American colonies broke with the mother
country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United
States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the
19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13
as the nation expanded across the North American continent and
acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic
experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in
which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy
of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s,
an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force
lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the
end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most
powerful nation state. Over a span of more than five decades, the
economy has achieved steady growth, low unemployment and inflation,
and rapid advances in technology.

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere. Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force. Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a US NWR. Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony. Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated as a NWR in January 2001.

Uruguay
Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military
stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an
important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by
Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later
and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The
administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century
established widespread political, social, and economic reforms that
established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla
movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led
Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the
military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the
military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian
rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente
Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170
years of political control previously held by the Colorado and
Blanco parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among
the freest on the continent.

Uzbekistan
Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan
in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the
Boshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist
republic established in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive
production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of
agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left
the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry.
Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its
dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum
reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants,
economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and
democratization.

Vanuatu
Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct
language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding
European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern
accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the
archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New
Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French
Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in
1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Venezuela
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the
collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New
Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the
20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military
strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social
reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since
1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his
"21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills
while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and
existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a
weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a
politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian
border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price
fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are
endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Vietnam
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was
completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887.
Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France
continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho
Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into
the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and
military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt
to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn
following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North
Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under
Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the
country experienced little economic growth because of conservative
leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals
- many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing
international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's
"doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have
committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted
structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce
more competitive, export-driven industries. The Communist leaders,
however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted
outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to
experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast
majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political
space and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central
Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also
held protests.

Virgin Islands During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Wake Island
The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station.
An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In
December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held
until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was
developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and
commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's
airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency
landings. Although operations on the island were suspended and all
personnel evacuated in August 2006 with the approach of super
typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was comparatively minor. A US Air
Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and
facilities, which remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific
region.

Wallis and Futuna
The Futuna island group was discovered by the
Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the
French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In
1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French
overseas territory.

West Bank
The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on
Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional
period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September
1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security
and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of
the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the
permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following
the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the
Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final
settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the
two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic
Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late
2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month
later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments
in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005,
Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and
dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew
settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank
settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace,
and most access to the Gaza Strip. In January 2006, the Islamic
Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian
Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government
in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating
with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the
international community so as to lift economic sanctions on
Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in
the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous
Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS
Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi
Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National
Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA.
However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007,
HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and
governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG
and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government
in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the
NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered
reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge
their differences. The status quo remains with HAMAS in control of
the Gaza Strip and ABBAS and the Fatah-dominated PA governing the
West Bank. FAYYAD and his PA government continue to implement a
series of security and economic reforms to improve conditions in the
West Bank. ABBAS has said he will not resume negotiations with
current Prime Minister NETANYAHU until Israel halts all settlement
activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Western Sahara
Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds of Western
Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976 and claimed the rest of the
territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla
war with the Polisario Front contesting Morocco's sovereignty ended
in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on the
territory's final status has been repeatedly postponed. The UN since
2007 has sponsored intermittent talks between representatives of the
Government of Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate the
status of Western Sahara. Morocco has put forward an autonomy
proposal for the territory, which would allow for some local
administration while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The
Polisario, with Algeria's support, demands a popular referendum that
includes the option of independence.

World
Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating
world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of
vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology,
from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to
the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western
alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living
standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased
concerns about the environment, including loss of forests, shortages
of energy and water, the decline in biological diversity, and air
pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate
emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's
population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2
billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in
1988, and 6 billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued
exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes
(e.g., advances in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even
more lethal weapons of war).

Yemen
North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918.
The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern
port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became
South Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a
Marxist orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of
Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of
hostility between the states. The two countries were formally
unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist
movement in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and
Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

Zambia
The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the
[British] South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by
the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining
spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia
upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper
prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991
brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996
saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001
was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a
legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate
Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched an anticorruption
investigation in 2002 to probe high-level corruption during the
previous administration. In 2006-07, this task force successfully
prosecuted four cases, including a landmark civil case in the UK in
which former President CHILUBA and numerous others were found liable
for USD 41 million. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election
that was deemed free and fair. Upon his abrupt death in August 2008,
he was succeeded by his Vice President Rupiah BANDA, who
subsequently won a special presidential election in October 2008.

Zimbabwe
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South
Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that
favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally
declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and
demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority
in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla
uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as
Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister,
has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has
dominated the country's political system since independence. His
chaotic land redistribution campaign, which began in 2000, caused an
exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in
widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international
condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure
his reelection. The ruling ZANU-PF party used fraud and intimidation
to win a two-thirds majority in the March 2005 parliamentary
election, allowing it to amend the constitution at will and recreate
the Senate, which had been abolished in the late 1980s. In April
2005, Harare embarked on Operation Restore Order, ostensibly an
urban rationalization program, which resulted in the destruction of
the homes or businesses of 700,000 mostly poor supporters of the
opposition. President MUGABE in June 2007 instituted price controls
on all basic commodities causing panic buying and leaving store
shelves empty for months. General elections held in March 2008
contained irregularities but still amounted to a censure of the
ZANU-PF-led government with the opposition winning a majority of
seats in parliament. MDC opposition leader Morgan TSVANGIRAI won the
most votes in the presidential polls, but not enough to win
outright. In the lead up to a run-off election in late June 2008,
considerable violence enacted against opposition party members led
to the withdrawal of TSVANGIRAI from the ballot. Extensive evidence
of vote tampering and ballot-box stuffing resulted in international
condemnation of the process. Difficult negotiations over a
power-sharing government, in which MUGABE remained president and
TSVANGIRAI became prime minister, were finally settled in February
2009, although the leaders have yet failed to agree upon many key
outstanding governmental issues.

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

@2030

Field Listing :: Airports - with paved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft. Country

Airports - with paved runways

Afghanistan total: 19 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Albania total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Algeria
total: 57
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 28
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

American Samoa total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Angola
total: 31
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Anguilla total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Argentina total: 156 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 65 914 to 1,523 m: 51 under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Armenia
total: 10
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Aruba total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Australia
total: 326
over 3,047 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
1,524 to 2,437 m: 148
914 to 1,523 m: 140
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Austria
total: 25
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Azerbaijan
total: 27
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Bahamas, The total: 23 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Bahrain total: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Bangladesh total: 15 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Barbados total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Belarus
total: 35
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 22
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Belgium
total: 27
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Belize
total: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Benin
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Bermuda
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Bhutan
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Bolivia
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 7
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Botswana
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Brazil
total: 726
over 3,047 m: 7
2,438 to 3,047 m: 28
1,524 to 2,437 m: 176
914 to 1,523 m: 460
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Brunei
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Bulgaria
total: 130
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 17
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
under 914 m: 96 (2010)

Burkina Faso
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Burma
total: 37
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Burundi total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Cambodia total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Cameroon total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Canada
total: 514
over 3,047 m: 18
2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
1,524 to 2,437 m: 148
914 to 1,523 m: 249
under 914 m: 79 (2010)

Cape Verde total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Cayman Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Central African Republic total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Chad
total: 8
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Chile
total: 84
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 24
under 914 m: 24 (2010)

China
total: 442
over 3,047 m: 63
2,438 to 3,047 m: 137
1,524 to 2,437 m: 132
914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 83 (2010)

Christmas Island
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Colombia
total: 116
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 41
914 to 1,523 m: 50
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Comoros total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the total: 26 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the total: 6 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Cook Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Costa Rica total: 39 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire total: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Croatia
total: 23
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Cuba
total: 65
over 3,047 m: 7
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Curacao
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Cyprus
total: 13
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Czech Republic
total: 44
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Denmark
total: 28
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Djibouti total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Dominica total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Dominican Republic
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ecuador
total: 105
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Egypt
total: 73
over 3,047 m: 15
2,438 to 3,047 m: 36
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

El Salvador total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Eritrea total: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Estonia
total: 13
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Ethiopia
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

European Union
total: 1,992
over 3,047 m: 116
2,438 to 3,047 m: 340
1,524 to 2,437 m: 546
914 to 1,523 m: 422
under 914 m: 568 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
total: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Faroe Islands
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Fiji
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Finland
total: 75
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 26
1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

France
total: 297
over 3,047 m: 14
2,438 to 3,047 m: 27
1,524 to 2,437 m: 97
914 to 1,523 m: 83
under 914 m: 76 (2010)

French Polynesia total: 46 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 33 under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Gabon
total: 13
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Gambia, The
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Georgia
total: 18
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Germany
total: 330
over 3,047 m: 13
2,438 to 3,047 m: 53
1,524 to 2,437 m: 59
914 to 1,523 m: 70
under 914 m: 135 (2010)

Ghana
total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Gibraltar
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Greece
total: 67
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 14
1,524 to 2,437 m: 20
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Greenland total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Grenada
total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guam
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Guatemala total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Guernsey
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guinea
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Guyana
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Haiti
total: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Honduras total: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Hong Kong total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Hungary
total: 22
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Iceland total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

India
total: 249
over 3,047 m: 21
2,438 to 3,047 m: 57
1,524 to 2,437 m: 75
914 to 1,523 m: 81
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Indonesia
total: 171
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 19
1,524 to 2,437 m: 50
914 to 1,523 m: 64
under 914 m: 34 (2010)

Iran
total: 133
over 3,047 m: 42
2,438 to 3,047 m: 27
1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Iraq
total: 75
over 3,047 m: 20
2,438 to 3,047 m: 36
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Ireland
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Isle of Man
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Israel
total: 30
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Italy
total: 101
over 3,047 m: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
1,524 to 2,437 m: 18
914 to 1,523 m: 31
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Jamaica
total: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Japan
total: 144
over 3,047 m: 7
2,438 to 3,047 m: 44
1,524 to 2,437 m: 38
914 to 1,523 m: 28
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Jersey
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Jordan
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Kazakhstan
total: 65
over 3,047 m: 10
2,438 to 3,047 m: 26
1,524 to 2,437 m: 16
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Kenya
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Kiribati total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, North
total: 37
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 23
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, South
total: 72
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 21
1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Kosovo
total: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kuwait
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Laos
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Latvia
total: 19
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Lebanon
total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Lesotho total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Liberia total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Libya
total: 59
over 3,047 m: 24
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Lithuania
total: 26
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Luxembourg
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Macau
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Macedonia total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Madagascar total: 27 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Malawi
total: 6
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Malaysia
total: 38
over 3,047 m: 7
2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Maldives
total: 3
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mali
total: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Malta total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Marshall Islands
total: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mauritania
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Mauritius
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mayotte
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Mexico
total: 250
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
1,524 to 2,437 m: 85
914 to 1,523 m: 83
under 914 m: 40 (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Moldova
total: 5
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Mongolia
total: 14
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Montenegro
total: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Montserrat
total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Morocco
total: 32
over 3,047 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Mozambique total: 23 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Namibia
total: 21
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Nauru
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Nepal
total: 11
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Netherlands total: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

New Caledonia total: 12 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

New Zealand total: 40 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 24 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Nicaragua total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Niger
total: 10
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Nigeria
total: 38
over 3,047 m: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 11
1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Niue
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Norfolk Island
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Norway
total: 67
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Oman
total: 11
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pakistan
total: 101
over 3,047 m: 15
2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
1,524 to 2,437 m: 39
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Palau
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Panama
total: 54
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 17
under 914 m: 30 (2010)

Papua New Guinea total: 21 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Paracel Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Paraguay total: 15 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Peru
total: 58
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Philippines
total: 85
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 29
914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Poland
total: 86
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
1,524 to 2,437 m: 39
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Portugal
total: 43
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Puerto Rico total: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Qatar
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Romania
total: 26
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Russia
total: 593
over 3,047 m: 51
2,438 to 3,047 m: 201
1,524 to 2,437 m: 126
914 to 1,523 m: 98
under 914 m: 117 (2010)

Rwanda
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Barthelemy
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Lucia
total: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Martin total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Samoa total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saudi Arabia total: 81 over 3,047 m: 33 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 1,524 to 2,437 m: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Senegal total: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Serbia
total: 11
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Seychelles total: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Sierra Leone total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Singapore total: 8 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Sint Maarten total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Slovakia
total: 20
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Slovenia
total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Solomon Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Somalia total: 7 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

South Africa
total: 147
over 3,047 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 53
914 to 1,523 m: 67
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Spain
total: 97
over 3,047 m: 18
2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
1,524 to 2,437 m: 18
914 to 1,523 m: 24
under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Spratly Islands total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Sri Lanka total: 14 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2010)

Sudan
total: 19
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Suriname total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Svalbard total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Swaziland total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Sweden
total: 152
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 76
914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 36 (2010)

Switzerland
total: 42
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Syria
total: 29
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 15
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Taiwan
total: 38
over 3,047 m: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Tajikistan
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Tanzania total: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Thailand
total: 64
over 3,047 m: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 11
1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
914 to 1,523 m: 15
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Timor-Leste total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Togo
total: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Tonga
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Tunisia
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Turkey
total: 88
over 3,047 m: 16
2,438 to 3,047 m: 33
1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turkmenistan total: 22 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Uganda
total: 5
over 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Ukraine
total: 189
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 51
1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 97 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
total: 25
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

United Kingdom
total: 306
over 3,047 m: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 32
1,524 to 2,437 m: 124
914 to 1,523 m: 77
under 914 m: 64 (2010)

United States
total: 5,194
over 3,047 m: 189
2,438 to 3,047 m: 235
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,479
914 to 1,523 m: 2,316
under 914 m: 975 (2010)

Uruguay
total: 9
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Uzbekistan total: 33 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Vanuatu
total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Venezuela total: 129 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 914 to 1,523 m: 63 under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Vietnam
total: 37
over 3,047 m: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Virgin Islands total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Wake Island total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
total: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

West Bank
total: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Western Sahara
total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2010)

Yemen
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Zambia
total: 8
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Zimbabwe
total: 19
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

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

@2031

Field Listing :: Airports - with unpaved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft. Country

Airports - with unpaved runways

Afghanistan total: 34 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Albania total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Algeria
total: 86
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
914 to 1,523 m: 41
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Angola
total: 162
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 31
914 to 1,523 m: 78
under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Anguilla total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Antarctica total: 26 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Argentina total: 985 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 43 914 to 1,523 m: 530 under 914 m: 410 (2010)

Armenia total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Australia
total: 139
1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 110
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Austria
total: 30
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Azerbaijan total: 8 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Bahamas, The total: 39 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Bangladesh total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Belarus
total: 32
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Belgium
total: 16
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Belize
total: 41
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Benin
total: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Bhutan
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Bolivia
total: 865
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 58
914 to 1,523 m: 187
under 914 m: 615 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 18
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Botswana
total: 69
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 52
under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Brazil
total: 3,346
1,524 to 2,437 m: 87
914 to 1,523 m: 1,617
under 914 m: 1,642 (2010)

British Virgin Islands total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Bulgaria
total: 80
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Burkina Faso
total: 22
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Burma
total: 39
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Burundi total: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Cambodia
total: 11
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cameroon
total: 23
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Canada
total: 890
1,524 to 2,437 m: 73
914 to 1,523 m: 377
under 914 m: 440 (2010)

Cape Verde
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cayman Islands
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Central African Republic
total: 35
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Chad
total: 48
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 21
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Chile
total: 282
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
914 to 1,523 m: 50
under 914 m: 217 (2010)

China
total: 60
over 3,047 m: 4
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Colombia total: 874 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 35 914 to 1,523 m: 228 under 914 m: 610 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 172
1,524 to 2,437 m: 20
914 to 1,523 m: 91
under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 19
1,524 to 2,437 m: 8
914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cook Islands
total: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Costa Rica total: 112 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 94 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 20
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Croatia
total: 46
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Cuba
total: 71
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 58 (2010)

Cyprus total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Czech Republic total: 78 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 50 (2010)

Denmark total: 64 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Djibouti
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Dominican Republic
total: 19
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Ecuador
total: 323
914 to 1,523 m: 39
under 914 m: 284 (2010)

Egypt
total: 13
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

El Salvador total: 61 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Eritrea
total: 9
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Estonia
total: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Ethiopia
total: 44
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

European Union total: 1,391 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 914 to 1,523 m: 254 under 914 m: 1,112 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
total: 5
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Fiji
total: 24
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Finland
total: 73
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 70 (2010)

France
total: 177
914 to 1,523 m: 69
under 914 m: 108 (2010)

French Polynesia
total: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Gabon
total: 31
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Georgia
total: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Germany
total: 219
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 33
under 914 m: 184 (2010)

Ghana
total: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Greece
total: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Greenland total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Guam total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guatemala total: 359 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 84 under 914 m: 271 (2010)

Guinea
total: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Guyana
total: 86
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Haiti
total: 10
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Honduras
total: 92
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Hungary
total: 21
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Iceland
total: 93
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 63 (2010)

India
total: 103
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 8
914 to 1,523 m: 43
under 914 m: 48 (2010)

Indonesia total: 513 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 25 under 914 m: 484 (2010)

Iran
total: 186
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
914 to 1,523 m: 142
under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Iraq
total: 29
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Ireland
total: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Israel
total: 18
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Italy
total: 31
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Jamaica
total: 15
under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Jan Mayen
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Japan
total: 32
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 28 (2010)

Jordan total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kazakhstan total: 32 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Kenya
total: 174
1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
914 to 1,523 m: 107
under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Kiribati total: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, North total: 42 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Korea, South total: 44 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 42 (2010)

Kosovo total: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Kuwait
total: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Laos
total: 32
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Latvia
total: 23
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Lebanon
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Lesotho
total: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Liberia
total: 27
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Libya
total: 78
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 42
under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Lithuania total: 55 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 51 (2010)

Luxembourg total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Macedonia total: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Madagascar
total: 57
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 35
under 914 m: 20 (2010)

Malawi
total: 26
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Malaysia total: 80 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Maldives total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Mali
total: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Marshall Islands total: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Mauritania total: 19 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Mauritius total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Mexico
total: 1,569
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 66
914 to 1,523 m: 438
under 914 m: 1,063 (2010)

Moldova
total: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Mongolia
total: 32
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Montenegro
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Morocco
total: 26
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Mozambique
total: 83
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
914 to 1,523 m: 34
under 914 m: 39 (2010)

Namibia
total: 108
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
914 to 1,523 m: 71
under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Nepal
total: 36
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 31 (2010)

Netherlands
total: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

New Caledonia
total: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

New Zealand
total: 82
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 32
under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Nicaragua
total: 132
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 115 (2010)

Niger
total: 17
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Nigeria
total: 16
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
total: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Norway
total: 31
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Oman
total: 119
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 51
914 to 1,523 m: 33
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Pakistan total: 47 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Palau total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Panama
total: 64
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 52 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
total: 541
1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 469 (2010)

Paraguay
total: 785
1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
914 to 1,523 m: 290
under 914 m: 470 (2010)

Peru
total: 153
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
914 to 1,523 m: 40
under 914 m: 87 (2010)

Philippines total: 169 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 66 under 914 m: 99 (2010)

Poland
total: 43
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Portugal total: 22 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Puerto Rico total: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Qatar
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Romania
total: 28
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Russia
total: 620
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
1,524 to 2,437 m: 68
914 to 1,523 m: 84
under 914 m: 452 (2010)

Rwanda
total: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Samoa
total: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Saudi Arabia total: 136 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 71 914 to 1,523 m: 41 under 914 m: 16 (2010)

Senegal
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Serbia
total: 18
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Seychelles
total: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Sierra Leone
total: 8
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Slovakia
total: 16
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Slovenia
total: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Solomon Islands
total: 34
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 8
under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Somalia
total: 52
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
914 to 1,523 m: 23
under 914 m: 6 (2010)

South Africa
total: 431
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 32
914 to 1,523 m: 261
under 914 m: 137 (2010)

Spain
total: 57
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 16
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Spratly Islands total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Sri Lanka total: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Sudan
total: 121
1,524 to 2,437 m: 21
914 to 1,523 m: 62
under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Suriname total: 46 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 41 (2010)

Svalbard total: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Swaziland
total: 13
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Sweden
total: 97
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 92 (2010)

Switzerland
total: 23
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Syria
total: 75
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 15
under 914 m: 59 (2010)

Taiwan
total: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Tajikistan
total: 9
1,524 to 2,437: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Tanzania
total: 115
1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Thailand
total: 41
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Timor-Leste
total: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Togo
total: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 4
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Tonga
total: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Tunisia
total: 16
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Turkey
total: 11
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turkmenistan total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Tuvalu
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Uganda
total: 41
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 25
under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Ukraine
total: 236
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 12
under 914 m: 214 (2010)

United Arab Emirates total: 16 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

United Kingdom
total: 199
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 173 (2010)

United States
total: 9,885
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 155
914 to 1,523 m: 1,752
under 914 m: 7,971 (2010)

Uruguay
total: 49
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 20
under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Uzbekistan
total: 21
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Vanuatu
total: 28
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Venezuela total: 280 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 91 under 914 m: 172 (2010)

Vietnam
total: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Western Sahara
total: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Yemen
total: 38
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 14
under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Zambia
total: 86
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 63
under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Zimbabwe total: 197 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 120 under 914 m: 74 (2010)

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@2032

Field Listing :: Environment - current issues

This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non-commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply. Country

Environment - current issues

Afghanistan
limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate
supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing;
deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for
fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water
pollution

Akrotiri
hunting around the salt lake; note - breeding place for
loggerhead and green turtles; only remaining colony of griffon
vultures is on the base

Albania
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial
and domestic effluents

Algeria
soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming
practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum
refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the
pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in
particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and
fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water

American Samoa
limited natural fresh water resources; the water
division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past
few years to improve water catchments and pipelines

Andorra
deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes
to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste
disposal

Angola
overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable
to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical
rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical
timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of
biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and
siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Anguilla
supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing
demand largely because of poor distribution system

Antarctica
in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the Antarctic
ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square
kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet
light passing through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an
Antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown
to harm one-celled Antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant
areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Antigua and Barbuda
water management - a major concern because of
limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the
clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to
run off quickly

Arctic Ocean
endangered marine species include walruses and whales;
fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from
disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack

Argentina
environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an
industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation,
desertification, air pollution, and water pollution
note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse
gas targets

Armenia
soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy
crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for
firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the
draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a
source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of
Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a
seismically active zone

Aruba
NA

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
illegal killing of protected wildlife by
traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by
non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems

Atlantic Ocean
endangered marine species include the manatee, seals,
sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the
decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes;
municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and
eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico,
Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste
and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and
Mediterranean Sea

Australia
soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development,
urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due
to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for
agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique
animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast
coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by
increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited
natural fresh water resources

Austria
some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution;
soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air
pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power
stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria
between northern and southern Europe

Azerbaijan
local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron
Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be
the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe
air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil
spills, from the use of DDT pesticide, and from toxic defoliants
used in the production of cotton

Bahamas, The
coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Bahrain
desertification resulting from the degradation of limited
arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal
degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation)
resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers,
oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater
resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all
water needs)

Bangladesh
many people are landless and forced to live on and
cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface
water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from
the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by
naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of
falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the
country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe
overpopulation

Barbados
pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships;
soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination
of aquifers

Belarus
soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the
country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident
at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Belgium
the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human
activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry,
extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water
pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries;
uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now
resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Belize
deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial
effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Benin
inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens
wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Bermuda
sustainable development

Bhutan
soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Bolivia
the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the
international demand for tropical timber are contributing to
deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation
methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;
loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used
for drinking and irrigation

Bosnia and Herzegovina
air pollution from metallurgical plants;
sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and
destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife;
deforestation

Botswana
overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Bouvet Island
NA

Brazil
deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and
endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the
area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water
pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large
cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper
mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

British Indian Ocean Territory
NA

British Virgin Islands
limited natural fresh water resources (except
for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the
islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Brunei
seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Bulgaria
air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted
from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest
damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil
contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and
industrial wastes

Burkina Faso
recent droughts and desertification severely affecting
agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy;
overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Burma
deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water;
inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Burundi
soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of
agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land
remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat
loss threatens wildlife populations

Cambodia
illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip
mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand
have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in
particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural
fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population
does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because
of illegal fishing and overfishing

Cameroon
waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation;
overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing

Canada
air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting
lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities,
and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest
productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to
agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities

Cape Verde
soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used
as fuel; water shortages; desertification; environmental damage has
threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand
extraction; overfishing

Cayman Islands
no natural fresh water resources; drinking water
supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Central African Republic
tap water is not potable; poaching has
diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great
wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Chad
inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal
in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution;
desertification

Chile
widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural
resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
water pollution from raw sewage

China
air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates)
from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages,
particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes;
deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land
since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development;
desertification; trade in endangered species

Christmas Island
loss of rainforest; impact of phosphate mining

Clipperton Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
fresh water resources are limited to
rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Colombia
deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse
of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle
emissions

Comoros
soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation
on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage

Congo, Republic of the
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water
pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable;
deforestation

Cook Islands
NA

Coral Sea Islands
no permanent fresh water resources

Costa Rica
deforestation and land use change, largely a result of
the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil
erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste
management; air pollution

Cote d'Ivoire
deforestation (most of the country's forests - once
the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water
pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Croatia
air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid
rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and
domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of
infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Cuba
air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments,
seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's
largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution
from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of
wildlife habitats from urbanization

Czech Republic
air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia
and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid
rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code
should improve domestic pollution

Denmark
air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant
emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;
drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and
pesticides

Dhekelia
netting and trapping of small migrant songbirds in the
spring and autumn

Djibouti
inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land;
desertification; endangered species

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
water shortages; soil eroding into the sea
damages coral reefs; deforestation

Ecuador
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water
pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically
sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

Egypt
agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown
sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam;
desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and
marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides,
raw sewage, and industrial effluents; limited natural fresh water
resources away from the Nile, which is the only perennial water
source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and
natural resources

El Salvador
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution;
contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Equatorial Guinea
tap water is not potable; deforestation

Eritrea
deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing;
loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

Estonia
air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning
power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted
to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less
than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to
water bodies in 2000 was one-20th the level of 1980; in connection
with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution
load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural
and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need
to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

Ethiopia
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;
water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor
management

European Union
NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
deforestation; soil erosion

Finland
air pollution from manufacturing and power plants
contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes,
agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

France
some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from
industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes,
agricultural runoff

French Polynesia
NA

French Southern and Antarctic Lands introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Gabon
deforestation; poaching

Gambia, The
deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases
prevalent

Gaza Strip
desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage
treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and
contamination of underground water resources

Georgia
air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of
Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable
water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Germany
emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries
contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur
dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea
from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern
Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a
mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15
years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature
preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat
directive

Ghana
recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural
activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and
habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution;
inadequate supplies of potable water

Gibraltar
limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or
natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for
drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Greece
air pollution; water pollution

Greenland
protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the
Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Grenada
NA

Guam
extirpation of native bird population by the rapid
proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Guatemala
deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water
pollution

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water;
desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing,
overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to
environmental damage

Guinea-Bissau
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Guyana
water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial
chemicals; deforestation

Haiti
extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land
is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion;
inadequate supplies of potable water

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
NA

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
urban population expanding; deforestation results from
logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further
land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled
development and improper land use practices such as farming of
marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the
country's largest source of fresh water), as well as several rivers
and streams, with heavy metals

Hong Kong
air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Hungary
the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management,
energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution to meet EU
requirements will require large investments

Iceland
water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate
wastewater treatment

India
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air
pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water
pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap
water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing
population is overstraining natural resources

Indian Ocean
endangered marine species include the dugong, seals,
turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf,
and Red Sea

Indonesia
deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes,
sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest
fires

Iran
air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle
emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents;
deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the
Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation
(salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution
from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Iraq
government water control projects have drained most of the
inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting
the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh
Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been
displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses
serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate
supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates
rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian
Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and
erosion; desertification

Ireland
water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural
runoff

Isle of Man
waste disposal (both household and industrial);
transboundary air pollution

Israel
limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose
serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial
and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and
domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Italy
air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur
dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and
agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate
industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Jamaica
heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by
industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air
pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Jan Mayen
NA

Japan
air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;
acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and
threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of
fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these
resources in Asia and elsewhere

Jersey
NA

Jordan
limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation;
overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Kazakhstan
radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with
former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the
country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial
pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers that
flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is
drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides
and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind
and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea;
soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination
from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Kenya
water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation
of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers;
water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil
erosion; desertification; poaching

Kiribati
heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to
heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon
latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Korea, North
water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water;
waterborne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Korea, South
air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water
pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents;
drift net fishing

Kuwait
limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's
largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much
of the water; air and water pollution; desertification

Kyrgyzstan
water pollution; many people get their water directly
from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne
diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty
irrigation practices

Laos
unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the
population does not have access to potable water

Latvia
Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service
industries after the country regained independence; the main
environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality
and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as
well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU
accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full
enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Lebanon
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution
in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial
wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Lesotho
population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas
results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion;
desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and
redirects water to South Africa

Liberia
tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of
biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw
sewage

Libya
desertification; limited natural fresh water resources; the
Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in
the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under
the Sahara to coastal cities

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum
products and chemicals at military bases

Luxembourg
air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of
farmland

Macau
NA

Macedonia
air pollution from metallurgical plants

Madagascar
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;
desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and
other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna
unique to the island

Malawi
deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from
agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of
spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Malaysia
air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions;
water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from
Indonesian forest fires

Maldives
depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies;
global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Mali
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate
supplies of potable water; poaching

Malta
limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on
desalination

Marshall Islands
inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of
Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing
vessels

Mauritania
overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated
by drought are contributing to desertification; limited natural
fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only
perennial river; locust infestation

Mauritius
water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to
urban migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted
in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme
southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in
urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification;
deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in
the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land
subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion
note: the government considers the lack of clean water and
deforestation national security issues

Micronesia, Federated States of
overfishing, climate change,
pollution

Moldova
heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned
pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater;
extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the
policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and
industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the
burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of
environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar;
deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to
agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain;
desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on
the environment

Montenegro
pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets,
especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor

Montserrat
land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for
cultivation

Morocco
land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting
from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of
vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of
reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Mozambique
a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands
have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and
coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences;
desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant
poaching for ivory is a problem

Namibia
limited natural fresh water resources; desertification;
wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Nauru
limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks
collect rainwater but mostly dependent on a single, aging
desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90
years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the
central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining
land resources

Navassa Island
NA

Nepal
deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of
alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes,
agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife
conservation; vehicular emissions

Netherlands
water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic
compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air
pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

New Caledonia
erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

New Zealand
deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna
hard-hit by invasive species

Nicaragua
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Niger
overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification;
wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and
lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Nigeria
soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water
pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil;
has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land;
rapid urbanization

Niue
increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter
loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
contamination of groundwater on Saipan may
contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of
endangered species conflicts with development

Norway
water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely
affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle
emissions

Oman
rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited
natural fresh water resources

Pacific Ocean
endangered marine species include the dugong, sea
lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in
Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Pakistan
water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and
agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; most of
the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation;
soil erosion; desertification

Palau
inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to
the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing
practices, and overfishing

Panama
water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery
resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation
and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution
in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Papua New Guinea
rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of
growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining
projects; severe drought

Paracel Islands
NA

Paraguay
deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste
disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Peru
deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing
of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion;
desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and
coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Philippines
uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed
areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers;
coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove
swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Pitcairn Islands
deforestation (only a small portion of the original
forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Poland
situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy
industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist
governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of
sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the
resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from
industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal
of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as
industrial establishments bring their facilities up to EU code, but
at substantial cost to business and the government

Portugal
soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and
vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Puerto Rico
erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Qatar
limited natural fresh water resources are increasing
dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Romania
soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution
in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta
wetlands

Russia
air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired
electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial,
municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and
seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from
improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of
sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater
contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management;
abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Rwanda
deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for
fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Saint Barthelemy
with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is
in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by
desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported
via water tanker

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the
northern region

Saint Martin
fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of
sea water

Saint Pierre and Miquelon recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Samoa
soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Saudi Arabia
desertification; depletion of underground water
resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies
has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination
facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Senegal
wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation;
overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Serbia
air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities;
water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which
flows into the Danube

Seychelles
water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Sierra Leone
rapid population growth pressuring the environment;
overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and
slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil
exhaustion; civil war depleted natural resources; overfishing

Singapore
industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water
resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal
problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in
Indonesia

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human
health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Slovenia
Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste;
pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals;
forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at
metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Solomon Islands
deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding
coral reefs are dead or dying

Somalia
famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human
health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;
desertification

South Africa
lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires
extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water
usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff
and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil
erosion; desertification

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
NA

Southern Ocean
increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from
the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary
productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA
of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent
years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more
Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to
affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental
mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish
note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong
comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Spain
pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and
effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality
and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation;
desertification

Spratly Islands
NA

Sri Lanka
deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations
threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from
mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources
being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste
disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Sudan
inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations
threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification;
periodic drought

Suriname
deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of
inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations
being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil
degradation; soil erosion

Sweden
acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North
Sea and the Baltic Sea

Switzerland
air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air
burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of
agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Syria
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;
water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes;
inadequate potable water

Taiwan
air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw
sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in
endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Tajikistan
inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of
soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Tanzania
soil degradation; deforestation; desertification;
destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent
droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by
illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory

Thailand
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from
organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife
populations threatened by illegal hunting

Timor-Leste
widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to
deforestation and soil erosion

Togo
deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and
the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards
and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban
areas

Tokelau
limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing
to emigration to New Zealand

Tonga
deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared
for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from
starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting
threatens native sea turtle populations

Trinidad and Tobago
water pollution from agricultural chemicals,
industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches;
deforestation; soil erosion

Tunisia
toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses
health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh
water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;
desertification

Turkey
water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air
pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for
oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Turkmenistan
contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural
chemicals, pesticides; salination, water logging of soil due to poor
irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large
share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to
that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Turks and Caicos Islands
limited natural fresh water resources,
private cisterns collect rainwater

Tuvalu
since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not
potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with
storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one
desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion
because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive
clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral
reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is
concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and
their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's
underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to
Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels
should make evacuation necessary

Uganda
draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation;
overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake
Victoria; widespread poaching

Ukraine
inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water
pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast
from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

United Arab Emirates
lack of natural freshwater resources
compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution
from oil spills

United Kingdom
continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met
Kyoto Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and
intends to meet the legally binding target and move toward a
domestic goal of a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the
government reduced the amount of industrial and commercial waste
disposed of in landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and recycled or
composted at least 25% of household waste, increasing to 33% by 2015

United States
air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US
and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide
from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of
pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in
much of the western part of the country require careful management;
desertification

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker, Howland, and
Jarvis Islands, and Johnston Atoll: no natural fresh water resources
Kingman Reef: none
Midway Islands and Palmyra Atoll: NA

Uruguay
water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry;
inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Uzbekistan
shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing
concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these
substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and
contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial
wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause
of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil
contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural
chemicals, including DDT

Vanuatu
most of the population does not have access to a reliable
supply of potable water; deforestation

Venezuela
sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban
pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation;
urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean
coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining
operations

Vietnam
logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute
to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and
overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater
contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban
industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading
environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
lack of natural freshwater resources

Wake Island
NA

Wallis and Futuna
deforestation (only small portions of the original
forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as
the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests,
the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;
there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of
natural fresh water resources

West Bank
adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Western Sahara
sparse water and lack of arable land

World
large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters,
pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of
vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of
wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion; global warming
becoming a greater concern

Yemen
limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of
potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Zambia
air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral
extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds;
poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and
large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification;
lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

Zimbabwe
deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and
water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest
concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly
reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste
and heavy metal pollution

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

@2033

Field Listing :: Environment - international agreements

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

Environment - international agreements

Afghanistan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Life Conservation

Albania
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Algeria
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Andorra
party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Angola
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Antigua and Barbuda
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Argentina
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Armenia
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Australia
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Austria
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Azerbaijan
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahamas, The
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahrain
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bangladesh
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Barbados
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belarus
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belgium
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belize
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Benin
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bhutan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Bolivia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
Conservation

Bosnia and Herzegovina
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Botswana
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brazil
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brunei
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bulgaria
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burkina Faso
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burma
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burundi
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Cambodia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Cameroon
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Canada
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Marine Life Conservation

Cape Verde
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Central African Republic
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Chad
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Chile
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

China
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Colombia
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Comoros
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
party to: Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Congo, Republic of the
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Cook Islands
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Costa Rica
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Cote d'Ivoire
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Croatia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Cuba
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Cyprus
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Czech Republic
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile
Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Denmark
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Djibouti
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominica
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominican Republic
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Ecuador
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Egypt
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

El Salvador
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Equatorial Guinea
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Eritrea
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Estonia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Ethiopia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

European Union
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94
signed but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Faroe Islands
party to: Marine Dumping - associate member to the
London Convention and Ship Pollution

Fiji
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber
83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Finland
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

France
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Gabon
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Gambia, The
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Georgia
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Germany
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Ghana
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Greece
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Grenada
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guatemala
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guinea
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guinea-Bissau
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guyana
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber
83, Tropical Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Haiti
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes

Holy See (Vatican City)
party to: Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Honduras
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Hong Kong
party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship
Pollution (associate member)

Hungary
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Iceland
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
Conservation

India
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Indonesia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Iran
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the
Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Iraq
party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ireland
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

Israel
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Italy
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Jamaica
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Japan
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Jordan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kazakhstan
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Kenya
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kiribati
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Korea, North
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Korea, South
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kuwait
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Kyrgyzstan
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Laos
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Latvia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Lebanon
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
Conservation

Lesotho
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Liberia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber
83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
Conservation

Libya
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Liechtenstein
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile
Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Lithuania
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur
85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Luxembourg
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Macau
party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution
(associate member)

Macedonia
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Madagascar
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Malawi
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Malaysia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Maldives
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mali
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Malta
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Marshall Islands
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mauritania
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mauritius
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mexico
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Micronesia, Federated States of
party to: Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous
Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Moldova
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Monaco
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air
Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mongolia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Montenegro
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Morocco
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Mozambique
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Namibia
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nauru
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nepal
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Netherlands
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of
the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

New Zealand
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

Nicaragua
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Niger
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Nigeria
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Niue
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Norway
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Oman
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Pakistan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Palau
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Panama
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Papua New Guinea
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Paraguay
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Peru
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Philippines
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Poland
party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Portugal
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental
Modification

Qatar
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Romania
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Russia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Rwanda
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Saint Kitts and Nevis
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saint Lucia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
party to: Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Samoa
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

San Marino
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Sao Tome and Principe
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saudi Arabia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Senegal
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Serbia
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Seychelles
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Sierra Leone
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of
the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Singapore
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Slovakia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Slovenia
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Solomon Islands
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Somalia
party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

South Africa
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Southern Ocean
the Southern Ocean is subject to all international
agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject
to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International
Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees
south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees
west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits
sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (regulates fishing)
note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource
exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front
(Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic
Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold
polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north

Spain
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Sri Lanka
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Sudan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Suriname
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of
the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Swaziland
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Sweden
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Switzerland
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Syria
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Taiwan
party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's
international status

Tajikistan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tanzania
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Thailand
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Timor-Leste
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Togo
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tonga
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Trinidad and Tobago
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tunisia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Turkey
party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous
Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Turkmenistan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone
Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tuvalu
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Uganda
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ukraine
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
Compounds

United Arab Emirates
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

United Kingdom
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

United States
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,
Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Uruguay
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Uzbekistan
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Vanuatu
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Venezuela
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed but not ratified:: none of the selected agreements

Vietnam
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Western Sahara
party to: none of the selected agreements

Yemen
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Zambia
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Zimbabwe
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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

@2034

Field Listing :: Military expenditures

This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). Country Comparison to the World Country

Military expenditures(% of GDP)

Afghanistan
1.9% of GDP (2009)

Albania
1.49% of GDP (2005 est.)

Algeria
3.3% of GDP (2006)

Angola
3.6% of GDP (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
0.5% of GDP (2009)

Argentina
0.8% of GDP (2009)

Armenia
2.8% of GDP (2010)

Australia
3% of GDP (2009)

Austria
0.8% of GDP (2009)

Azerbaijan
2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bahamas, The
0.7% of GDP (2009)

Bahrain
4.5% of GDP (2006)

Bangladesh
1.3% of GDP (2009)

Barbados
0.8% of GDP (2009)

Belarus
1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Belgium
1.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Belize
1.4% of GDP (2009)

Benin
1% of GDP (2009)

Bermuda
0.11% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bhutan
1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bolivia
1.3% of GDP (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
4.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Botswana
3.3% of GDP (2006)

Brazil
1.7% of GDP (2009)

Brunei
4.5% of GDP (2006)

Bulgaria
2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Burkina Faso
1.2% of GDP (2006)

Burma
2.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Burundi
5.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Cambodia
3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cameroon
1.3% of GDP (2009)

Canada
1.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cape Verde
0.5% of GDP (2009)

Central African Republic
0.9% of GDP (2009)

Chad
1.7% of GDP (2009)

Chile
2.7% of GDP (2006)

China
4.3% of GDP (2006)

Colombia
3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Comoros
2.8% of GDP (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
2.5% of GDP (2006)

Congo, Republic of the
0.9% of GDP (2009)

Costa Rica
0.6% of GDP (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
1.5% of GDP (2009)

Croatia
2.39% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cuba
3.8% of GDP (2006 est.)

Cyprus
3.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Czech Republic
1.46% of GDP (2007 est.)

Denmark
1.3% of GDP (2007 est.)

Djibouti
3.8% of GDP (2006)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
0.7% of GDP (2009)

Ecuador
0.9% of GDP (2009)

Egypt
3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

El Salvador
0.6% of GDP (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
0.1% of GDP (2009)

Eritrea
6.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Estonia
2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Ethiopia
1.2% of GDP (2009)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
1.9% of GDP (2009)

Finland
2% of GDP (2005 est.)

France
2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Gabon
0.9% of GDP (2009)

Gambia, The
0.9% of GDP (2009)

Gaza Strip
NA

Georgia
1.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Germany
1.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Ghana
1.7% of GDP (2009)

Greece
4.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Grenada
NA

Guatemala
0.4% of GDP (2009)

Guinea
1.1% of GDP (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Guyana
1.8% of GDP (2006)

Haiti
0.4% of GDP (2006)

Honduras
0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Hong Kong
NA

Hungary
1.75% of GDP (2005 est.)

Iceland
0% of GDP (2005 est.)

India
2.5% of GDP (2006)

Indonesia
3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Iran
2.5% of GDP (2006)

Iraq
8.6% of GDP (2006)

Ireland
0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Israel
7.3% of GDP (2006)

Italy
1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Jamaica
0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Japan
0.8% of GDP (2006)

Jordan
8.6% of GDP (2006)

Kazakhstan
1.1% of GDP (2010)

Kenya
2.8% of GDP (2006)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
NA

Korea, South
2.7% of GDP (2006)

Kuwait
5.3% of GDP (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
0.5% of GDP (2009)

Laos
0.5% of GDP (2006)

Latvia
1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lebanon
3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lesotho
2.6% of GDP (2006)

Liberia
1.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Libya
3.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lithuania
1.2% of GDP (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Macedonia
6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Madagascar
1% of GDP (2006)

Malawi
1.3% of GDP (2006)

Malaysia
2.03% of GDP (2005 est.)

Maldives
5.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Mali
1.9% of GDP (2006)

Malta
0.7% of GDP (2006 est.)

Marshall Islands
NA

Mauritania
5.5% of GDP (2006)

Mauritius
0.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Mexico
0.5% of GDP (2006 est.)

Moldova
0.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Mongolia
1.4% of GDP (2006)

Morocco
5% of GDP (2003 est.)

Mozambique
0.8% of GDP (2006)

Namibia
3.7% of GDP (2006)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
1.6% of GDP (2006)

Netherlands
1.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Nicaragua
0.6% of GDP (2006)

Niger
1.3% of GDP (2006)

Nigeria
1.5% of GDP (2006)

Norway
1.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Oman
11.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Pakistan
3% of GDP (2007 est.)

Palau
NA

Panama
1% of GDP (2006)

Papua New Guinea
1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Paraguay
1% of GDP (2006 est.)

Peru
1.5% of GDP (2006)

Philippines
0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Poland
1.71% of GDP (2005 est.)

Portugal
2.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Qatar
10% of GDP (2005 est.)

Romania
1.9% of GDP (2007 est.)

Russia
3.9% of GDP (2005)

Rwanda
2.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
0.8% of GDP (2006)

Saudi Arabia
10% of GDP (2005 est.)

Senegal
1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Seychelles
2% of GDP (2006 est.)

Sierra Leone
2.3% of GDP (2006)

Singapore
4.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Slovakia
1.87% of GDP (2005 est.)

Slovenia
1.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Solomon Islands
3% of GDP (2006)

Somalia
0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

South Africa
1.7% of GDP (2006)

Spain
1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka
2.6% of GDP (2006)

Sudan
3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Suriname
0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Swaziland
4.7% of GDP (2006)

Sweden
1.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Switzerland
1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Syria
5.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Taiwan
2.2% of GDP (in 2009, the Taiwanese president pledged to
maintain defense spending at 3.0% or higher; projected 2.73% for
2011) (2009)

Tajikistan
1.5% of GDP (2010)

Tanzania
0.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Thailand
1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
1.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Tonga
0.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
0.3% of GDP (2006)

Tunisia
1.4% of GDP (2006)

Turkey
5.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan
3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
2.2% of GDP (2006)

Ukraine
1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates
3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

United Kingdom
2.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

United States
4.06% of GDP (2005 est.)

Uruguay
1.6% of GDP (2006)

Uzbekistan
3.5% of GDP (2010)

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Vietnam
2.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

West Bank
NA

World
roughly 2% of GDP of gross world product (2005 est.)

Yemen
6.6% of GDP (2006)

Zambia
1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Zimbabwe
3.8% of GDP (2006)

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

@2038

Field Listing :: Electricity - production

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

Electricity - production(kWh)

Afghanistan
285.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Albania
2.888 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Algeria
34.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
185 million kWh (2007 est.)

Andorra
NA kWh

Angola
3.722 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Anguilla
NA kWh

Antigua and Barbuda
110 million kWh (2007 est.)

Argentina
109.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
5.584 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Aruba
850 million kWh (2007 est.)

Australia
239.9 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Austria
66.78 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
18.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahrain
10.25 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
25.62 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Barbados
1.003 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belarus
29.92 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
82.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belize
213.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Benin
124 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
675.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bhutan
1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
5.495 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
14.58 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
1.052 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Brazil
438.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
NA kWh; note - electricity supplied
by the US military

British Virgin Islands
45 million kWh (2007 est.)

Brunei
3.069 billion kWh (2008)

Bulgaria
44.83 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
611.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Burma
6.286 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Burundi
92 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cambodia
1.273 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
5.601 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Canada
620.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
250 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
546 million kWh (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
115 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chad
100 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chile
60.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
3.451 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Colombia
50.58 billion kWh (2007)

Comoros
22 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
8.217 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
400 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
31 million kWh (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
8.808 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
5.275 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
11.49 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
16.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Curacao
848.5 kWh (2005)

Cyprus
4.502 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
82.72 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Denmark
36.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Djibouti
280 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominica
85 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
14.02 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ecuador
16.42 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
118.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
5.559 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
28 million kWh (2007 est.)

Eritrea
271 million kWh (2007 est.)

Estonia
11.46 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
3.46 billion kWh (2007 est.)

European Union
3.08 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
16 million kWh (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
275.8 million kWh (2008 est.)

Fiji
928 million kWh (2007 est.)

Finland
77.44 billion kWh (2008 est.)

France
535.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
650 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gabon
1.774 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
160 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
65,000 kWh (2009)

Georgia
7.97 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Germany
593.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ghana
6.746 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
146 million kWh (2007 est.)

Greece
58.79 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Greenland
310.3 million kWh (2008 est.)

Grenada
178.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guam
1.767 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guatemala
8.425 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
NA kWh

Guinea
850 million kWh
note: excludes electricity generated at interior mining sites (2007
est.)

Guinea-Bissau
65 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guyana
821 million kWh (2007 est.)

Haiti
665 million kWh (2010 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA kWh

Honduras
6.58 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
39.4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
40.03 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
16.84 billion kWh (2009 est.)

India
723.8 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
134.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iran
212.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
46.39 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
26.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Israel
54.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Italy
289.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Jamaica
7.324 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Japan
957.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jordan
12.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
78.4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
5.223 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Kiribati
14 million kWh (2007 est.)

Korea, North
22.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
417 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kosovo
832 million kWh (2006)

Kuwait
45.83 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
15.96 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
1.656 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
4.62 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lebanon
10.41 billion kWh (2009)

Lesotho 502 million kWh note: electricity supplied by South Africa (2007 est.)

Liberia
350 million kWh (2007 est.)

Libya
23.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
12.09 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
2.696 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Macau
1.424 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
6.162 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
1.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malawi
1.69 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malaysia
103.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
542 million kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
515 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malta
2.146 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritania
415.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritius
2.321 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mayotte
NA kWh

Mexico
245 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
192 million kWh (2002)

Moldova
3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mongolia
4.03 billion kWh (2009)

Montenegro
2.864 billion kWh (2005 est.)

Montserrat
22 million kWh (2007 est.)

Morocco
19.78 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Mozambique
15.91 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
1.491 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Nauru
31 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nepal
2.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Netherlands
108.2 billion kWh (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
1.825 billion kWh (2007 est.)

New Zealand
42.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
3.286 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
150 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niue
3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Norfolk Island
NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands
60,600 kWh (January 2009)

Norway
142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
13.58 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pakistan
90.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Panama
6.322 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
2.885 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Paraguay
53.19 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Peru
30.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a
small diesel-powered generator

Poland
149.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Portugal
44.47 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Qatar
15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Romania
58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Russia
925.9 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
120 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
325 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
53 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
133.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Samoa
109 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
19 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
179.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Senegal
1.88 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Serbia
36 billion kWh (2009)

Seychelles
250 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
80 million kWh (2007 est.)

Singapore
41.72 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sint Maarten
304.3 million kWh (2008)

Slovakia
25.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Slovenia
13 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
71 million kWh (2007 est.)

Somalia
280 million kWh (2007 est.)

South Africa
240.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Spain
300.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
9.882 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
4.341 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Suriname
1.605 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Swaziland
441 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sweden
144 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Switzerland
59.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
36.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Taiwan
238.3 billion kWh (2008)

Tajikistan
16.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Tanzania
3.786 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
148.2 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Tokelau
NA kWh

Tonga
43 million kWh (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
7.202 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Tunisia
11.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkey
198.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
15.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
12 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uganda
2.256 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ukraine
172.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
71.54 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
368.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United States
4.11 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
9.265 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
44.8 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
42 million kWh (2007 est.)

Venezuela
113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
86.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
776.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Wake Island
NA kWh

Wallis and Futuna
NA kWh

West Bank
500 million kWh
note: most imported electricity is from Israel; Jerusalem District
Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to Palestinians in
east Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank; the Israel
Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most Jewish
residents and military facilities (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
90 million kWh (2007 est.)

World
19.25 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Yemen
5.665 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zambia
9.752 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
8.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

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

@2042

Field Listing :: Electricity - consumption

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

Electricity - consumption(kWh)

Afghanistan
231.1 million kWh (2009 est.)

Albania
3.603 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Algeria
28.34 billion kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
172.1 million kWh (2007 est.)

Andorra
NA kWh

Angola
3.173 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
102.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Argentina
99.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
4.776 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Aruba
790.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Australia
222 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Austria
68.37 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
18 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
1.902 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahrain
10.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
23.94 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Barbados
939.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Belarus
30.54 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
84.88 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belize
198.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Benin
597 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
628.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bhutan
184 million kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
4.665 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
11.62 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
2.648 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Brazil
404.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
NA kWh

British Virgin Islands
41.85 million kWh (2007 est.)

Brunei
2.98 billion kWh (2008)

Bulgaria
29.9 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
568.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Burma
4.403 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Burundi
125.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cambodia
1.272 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
4.801 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Canada
536.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
232.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
507.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
107 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chad
93 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chile
57.29 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
3.438 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Colombia
38.59 billion kWh (2007)

Comoros
20.46 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
5.997 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
471 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
28.83 million kWh (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
8.064 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
3.231 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
18 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
13.93 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cyprus
4.277 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
61.65 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Denmark
34.3 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Djibouti
260.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominica
79.05 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
12.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ecuador
15.81 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
104.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
4.676 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
26.04 million kWh (2007 est.)

Eritrea
228 million kWh (2007 est.)

Estonia
7.686 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
3.13 billion kWh (2007 est.)

European Union
2.906 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
14.88 million kWh (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
264.4 million kWh (2008 est.)

Fiji
863 million kWh (2007 est.)

Finland
87.25 billion kWh (2008)

France
447.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
604.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gabon
1.446 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
148.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
202,000 kWh (2009)

Georgia
6.902 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Germany
547.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ghana
5.702 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
146 million kWh (2007 est.)

Greece
58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Greenland
285.6 million kWh (2008 est.)

Grenada
155.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guam
1.644 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guatemala
7.115 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
NA kWh

Guinea
790.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
60.45 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guyana
667 million kWh (2007 est.)

Haiti
273 million kWh (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA kWh

Honduras
6.54 billion kWh
note: approximately 1.5 billion kWh in transmission and distribution
losses (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
42.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
37.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
16.48 billion kWh (2009 est.)

India
568 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Indonesia
119.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iran
206.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
25.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Israel
46.38 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Italy
315 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Jamaica
6.345 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Japan
925.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jersey
630.1 million kWh (2004 est.)

Jordan
10.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
77.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
4.863 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Kiribati
13.02 million kWh (2007 est.)

Korea, North
18.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
402 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kosovo
4.281 billion kWh (2006)

Kuwait
40.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
9 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
1.798 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
6.822 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lebanon
9.793 billion kWh (2009)

Lesotho
516.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Liberia
325.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Libya
22.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
9.612 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
6.525 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Macau
3.474 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
7.797 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
971.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malawi
1.572 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malaysia
99.25 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
542 million kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
479 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malta
1.832 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritania
386.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritius
2.158 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mayotte
139.2 million kWh (2005)

Mexico
181.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
178.6 million kWh (2002)

Moldova
4.37 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Monaco
NA kWh

Mongolia
3.439 billion kWh (2009)

Montenegro
18.6 million kWh (2005)

Montserrat
20.46 million kWh (2007 est.)

Morocco
20.78 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mozambique
10.16 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
2.845 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Nauru
28.83 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nepal
2.243 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Netherlands
124.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
1.697 billion kWh (2007 est.)

New Zealand
39.24 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
2.569 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
589.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niue
2.79 million kWh (2007 est.)

Norfolk Island
NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands
48,300 kWh (January 2009)

Norway
128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pakistan
72.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Panama
5.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
2.683 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Paraguay
8.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Peru
28.97 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Poland
129.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Portugal
48.78 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Qatar
13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Romania
49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Russia
857.6 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
231.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 7.44 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
120.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
302.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
49.29 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
124.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Samoa
101.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
17.67 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
165.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Senegal
1.384 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Serbia
33.4 billion kWh (2009)

Seychelles
232.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
74.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Singapore
37.94 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
28.75 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Slovenia
14.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
66.03 million kWh (2007 est.)

Somalia
260.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

South Africa
215.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Spain
276.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
8.417 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
3.438 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Suriname
1.467 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Swaziland
1.266 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Sweden
134.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Switzerland
62 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
27.35 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Taiwan
229.8 billion kWh (2008)

Tajikistan
16.7 billion kWh (2009)

Tanzania
3.182 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
134.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
640 million kWh (2007 est.)

Tokelau
NA kWh

Tonga
39.99 million kWh (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
7.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Tunisia
11.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkey
198.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
13 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
11.16 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uganda
2.068 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ukraine
134.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
65.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
345.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United States
3.873 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
7.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
40.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
39.06 million kWh (2007 est.)

Venezuela
83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
74.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
722 million kWh (2007 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
NA kWh

West Bank
3.265 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
83.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

World
17.93 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Yemen
4.133 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zambia
8.838 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
10.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

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

@2043

Field Listing :: Electricity - imports

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

Electricity - imports(kWh)

Afghanistan
230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Albania
2.475 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Algeria
279 million kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Andorra
NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and
France; Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Angola
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Argentina
10.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
418.7 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from
Iran (2007 est.)

Aruba
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Australia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Austria
19.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
548 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bahrain
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Barbados
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Belarus
9.406 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
17.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Belize
248.4 million kWh (2005)

Benin
588 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bhutan
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
3.04 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
2.181 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Brazil
42.06 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2008 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brunei
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
3.097 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burma
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burundi
40 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (2007 est.)

Cambodia
167 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Canada
23.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chad
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chile
1.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
3.842 billion kWh (2008)

Colombia
39.4 million kWh (2007)

Comoros
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
449 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
203.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Croatia
12.24 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
8.52 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Denmark
12.82 billion kWh (2008)

Djibouti
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ecuador
1.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
251 million kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
38 million kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Estonia
1.369 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

European Union
NA kWh

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 kWh (2008)

Fiji
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Finland
16.11 billion kWh (2008)

France
10.68 billion kWh (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gabon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
120,000 kWh; note - from Israeli Electric Company (2009)

Georgia
430 million kWh (2007 est.)

Germany
41.67 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ghana
435 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Greece
7.575 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Greenland
0 kWh (2008)

Grenada
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guam
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guatemala
8.11 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
0 kWh (2002)

Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by
Italy; a small portion of electricity is self-produced from solar
panels

Honduras
11.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
11.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
13.35 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
0 kWh (2008 est.)

India
5.27 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Iran
2.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
5.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
753 million kWh (2008 est.)

Israel
0 kWh (2008)

Italy
43 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jamaica
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Japan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Jersey
NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Jordan
200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
1.94 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
22.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kiribati
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
0 kWh (2009)

Kuwait
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Laos
819.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
4.643 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Lebanon
1.114 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Lesotho
50 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa
(2008 est.)

Liberia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Libya
77 million kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
5.649 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
6.83 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Macau
2.215 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
1.635 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malaysia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Maldives
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malta
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mexico
584 million kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
0 kWh (2002)

Moldova
2.931 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Monaco
NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Mongolia
186.1 million kWh (2009)

Montenegro
0 kWh (2005)

Montserrat
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Morocco
3.429 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Mozambique
8.278 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nauru
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nepal
213 million kWh (2008 est.)

Netherlands
15.45 billion kWh (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

New Zealand
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
63.95 million kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
450 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niue
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Norway
3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Pakistan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Panama
8.74 million kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Paraguay
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Peru
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Poland
8.48 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Portugal
10.74 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Qatar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Romania
921 million kWh (2008 est.)

Russia
3.066 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Senegal
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Serbia
121 million kWh (2009)

Seychelles
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Singapore
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
9.412 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovenia
6.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

South Africa
10.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Spain
5.88 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Swaziland
770 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South
Africa (2008 est.)

Sweden
12.75 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Switzerland
46.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
1.4 billion kWh (2007)

Taiwan
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
667.8 million kWh (2009 est.)

Tanzania
200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
514 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2007
est.)

Tonga
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tunisia
145 million kWh (2007 est.)

Turkey
790 million kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Uganda
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ukraine
0 kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
0 kWh (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
12.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

United States
57.02 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
789 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
11.44 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Venezuela
1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
3.85 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
0 kWh (2002)

West Bank
2.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
0 kWh (2008 est.)

World
613.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Yemen
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Zambia
222 million kWh (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
2.691 billion kWh (2007 est.)

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

@2044

Field Listing :: Electricity - exports

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

Electricity - exports(kWh)

Afghanistan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Albania
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Algeria
273 million kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Andorra
NA kWh

Angola
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Argentina
2.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
451.3 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to
Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan
(2007 est.)

Aruba
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Australia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Austria
14.93 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
786 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bahrain
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Barbados
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Belarus
5.062 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
6.561 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Belize
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Benin
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bermuda
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bhutan
1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
6.024 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brazil
2.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brunei
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
5.407 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burma
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burundi
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cambodia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cameroon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Canada
55.73 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chad
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chile
0 kWh (2008 est.)

China
16.64 billion kWh (2008)

Colombia
876.7 million kWh (2007)

Comoros
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
1.916 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
77.16 million kWh (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
772 million kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
5.668 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
19.99 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Denmark
11.36 billion kWh (2008)

Djibouti
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ecuador
20.68 million kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
814 million kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Estonia
2.31 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

European Union
NA kWh

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 kWh (2008)

Fiji
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Finland
3.335 billion kWh (2008)

France
58.69 billion kWh (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gabon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Georgia
628 million kWh (2007 est.)

Germany
61.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ghana
249 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Greece
1.962 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Greenland
0 kWh (2008)

Grenada
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guam
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guatemala
131.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
0 kWh (2002)

Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Honduras
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
3.926 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
9.446 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
0 kWh (2008 est.)

India
810 million kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Iran
6.15 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
303 million kWh (2008 est.)

Israel
2.081 billion kWh (2007)

Italy
3.431 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jamaica
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Japan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Jordan
176 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kenya
58.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kiribati
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
0 kWh (2009)

Kuwait
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
2.379 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
230 million kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
2.123 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Lebanon
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Lesotho
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Liberia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Libya
104 million kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
6.606 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
2.483 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Macau
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malaysia
2.268 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing
electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2008 est.)

Malta
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mexico
1.288 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
0 kWh (2002)

Moldova
240 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mongolia
21.2 million kWh (2009)

Montenegro
0 kWh (2005)

Montserrat
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Morocco
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mozambique
11.82 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
40 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nauru
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nepal
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Netherlands
10.56 billion kWh (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

New Zealand
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niger
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nigeria
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niue
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Norway
17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Pakistan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Panama
124.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Paraguay
45.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Peru
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Poland
9.703 billion kWh (2008)

Portugal
1.313 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Qatar
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Romania
5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Russia
17.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Rwanda
10 million kWh (2007)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 kWh (2008)

Saudi Arabia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Senegal
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Serbia
1.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Seychelles
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Singapore
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
8.891 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovenia
7.82 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 kWh (2008 est.)

South Africa
14.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Spain
16.92 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Swaziland
0 kWh (2008)

Sweden
14.71 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Switzerland
49.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Taiwan
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Tanzania
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Thailand
846 million kWh (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tonga
0 kWh (2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tunisia
130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Turkey
1.12 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
2.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Uganda
30 million kWh (2007)

Ukraine
4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
0 kWh (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
1.272 billion kWh (2008 est.)

United States
24.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
996 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
11.52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Venezuela
540 million kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
535 million kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
0 kWh (2002)

West Bank
0 kWh (2008)

Western Sahara
0 kWh (2008 est.)

World
615.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Yemen
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Zambia
268 million kWh (2007)

Zimbabwe
32 million kWh (2007 est.)

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

@2045

Field Listing :: Electricity - production by source

Country

Electricity - production by source(%)

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

@2046

Field Listing :: Population below poverty line

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

Population below poverty line(%)

Afghanistan
36% (FY08/09)

Albania
25% (2004 est.)

Algeria
23% (2006 est.)

American Samoa
NA%

Andorra
8% (2008)

Angola
40.5% (2006 est.)

Anguilla
23% (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda
NA%

Argentina
30% (January-June 2010)

Armenia
26.5% (2006 est.)

Aruba
NA%

Australia
NA%

Austria
6% (2008)

Azerbaijan
11% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
9.3% (2004)

Bahrain
NA%

Bangladesh
36.3% (2008 est.)

Barbados
NA%

Belarus
27.1% (2003 est.)

Belgium
15.2% (2007 est.)

Belize
33.5% (2002 est.)

Benin
37.4% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
19% (2000)

Bhutan
23.2% (2008)

Bolivia
30.3% of population living on less than $2/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
25% (2004 est.)

Botswana
30.3% (2003)

Brazil
26% (2008)

British Virgin Islands
NA%

Brunei
NA%

Bulgaria
14% (2008)

Burkina Faso
46.4% (2004)

Burma
32.7% (2007 est.)

Burundi
68% (2002 est.)

Cambodia
31% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
48% (2000 est.)

Canada
10.8%; note - this figure is the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), a
calculation that results in higher figures than found in many
comparable economies; Canada does not have an official poverty line
(2005)

Cape Verde
30% (2000)

Cayman Islands
NA%

Central African Republic
NA%

Chad
80% (2001 est.)

Chile
18.2% (2005)

China
2.8%
note: 21.5 million rural population live below the official
"absolute poverty" line (approximately $90 per year); an additional
35.5 million rural population live above that level but below the
official "low income" line (approximately $125 per year) (2007)

Colombia
46.8% (2008)

Comoros
60% (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NA% (2006 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
NA%

Cook Islands
NA%

Costa Rica
16% (2006 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
42% (2006 est.)

Croatia
17% (2008)

Cuba
NA%

Cyprus
NA%

Czech Republic
NA%

Denmark
12.1% (2007)

Djibouti
42% (2007 est.)

Dominica
30% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic
42.2% (2004)

Ecuador
35.1% (2008)

Egypt
20% (2005 est.)

El Salvador
30.7% (2006 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
NA%

Eritrea
50% (2004 est.)

Estonia
19.5% (2007)

Ethiopia
38.7% (FY05/06 est.)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA%

Faroe Islands
NA%

Fiji
25.5% (FY90/91)

Finland
NA%

France
6.2% (2004)

French Polynesia
NA%

Gabon
NA%

Gambia, The
NA%

Gaza Strip
70% (2009 est.)

Georgia
31% (2006)

Germany
11% (2001 est.)

Ghana
28.5% (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
NA%

Greece
20% (2009 est.)

Greenland
9.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
32% (2000)

Guam
23% (2001 est.)

Guatemala
56.2% (2004 est.)

Guernsey
NA%

Guinea
47% (2006 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
NA%

Guyana
NA%

Haiti
80% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA%

Honduras
65% (2010)

Hong Kong
NA%

Hungary
12% (2010 est.)

Iceland
NA%

India
25% (2007 est.)

Indonesia
13.3% (2010)

Iran
18% (2007 est.)

Iraq
25% (2008 est.)

Ireland
4.2% (2008 est.)

Isle of Man
NA%

Israel
23.6%
note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2007)

Italy
NA%

Jamaica
14.8% (2003 est.)

Japan
NA%

Jersey
NA%

Jordan
14.2% (2002)

Kazakhstan
12.1% (2008)

Kenya
50% (2000 est.)

Kiribati
NA%

Korea, North
NA%

Korea, South
15% (2006 est.)

Kosovo
35% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
NA%

Kyrgyzstan
40% (2004 est.)

Laos
26% (2009 est.)

Latvia
NA%

Lebanon
28% (1999 est.)

Lesotho
49% (1999)

Liberia
80% (2000 est.)

Libya
NA
note: About one-third of Libyans live at or below the national
poverty line

Liechtenstein
NA%

Lithuania
4% (2003)

Luxembourg
NA%

Macau
NA%

Macedonia
28.7% (2008)

Madagascar
50% (2004 est.)

Malawi
53% (2004)

Malaysia
5.1% (2002 est.)

Maldives
16% (2008)

Mali
36.1% (2005 est.)

Malta
NA%

Marshall Islands
NA%

Mauritania
40% (2004 est.)

Mauritius
8% (2006 est.)

Mayotte
NA%

Mexico
18.2% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based
poverty amounted to more than 47% (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
26.7% (2000)

Moldova
29.5% (2005)

Monaco
NA%

Mongolia
36.1% (2004)

Montenegro
7% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
NA%

Morocco
15% (2007 est.)

Mozambique
70% (2001 est.)

Namibia
55.8%
note: the UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report indicated that 34.9%
of the population live on $1 per day and 55.8% live on $2 per day
(2005 est.)

Nauru
NA%

Nepal
24.7% (2008)

Netherlands
10.5% (2005)

New Caledonia
NA%

New Zealand
NA%

Nicaragua
48% (2005)

Niger
63% (1993 est.)

Nigeria
70% (2007 est.)

Niue
NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
NA%

Norway
NA%

Oman
NA%

Pakistan
24% (FY05/06 est.)

Palau
NA%

Panama
28.6% (2006 est.)

Papua New Guinea
37% (2002 est.)

Paraguay
19.4% (2008 est.)

Peru
34.8% (2009)

Philippines
32.9% (2006 est.)

Poland
17% (2003 est.)

Portugal
18% (2006)

Puerto Rico
NA%

Qatar
NA%

Romania
25% (2005 est.)

Russia
13.1% (2009)

Rwanda
60% (2001 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA%

Saint Lucia
NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA%

Samoa
NA%

San Marino
NA%

Sao Tome and Principe
54% (2004 est.)

Saudi Arabia
NA%

Senegal
54% (2001 est.)

Serbia
7.9% (2008 est.)

Seychelles
NA%

Sierra Leone
70.2% (2004)

Singapore
NA%

Slovakia
21% (2002)

Slovenia
12.3% (2008)

Solomon Islands
NA%

Somalia
NA%

South Africa
50% (2000 est.)

Spain
19.8% (2005)

Sri Lanka
23% (2008 est.)

Sudan
40% (2004 est.)

Suriname
70% (2002 est.)

Swaziland
69% (2006)

Sweden
NA%

Switzerland
7.4% (2009)

Syria
11.9% (2006 est.)

Taiwan
1.08% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
60% (2009 est.)

Tanzania
36% (2002 est.)

Thailand
9.6% (2006 est.)

Timor-Leste
42% (2003 est.)

Togo
32% (1989 est.)

Tokelau
NA%

Tonga
24% (FY03/04)

Trinidad and Tobago
17% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
3.8% (2005 est.)

Turkey
17.11% (2008)

Turkmenistan
30% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA%

Tuvalu
NA%

Uganda
35% (2001 est.)

Ukraine
35% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
19.5% (2003)

United Kingdom
14% (2006 est.)

United States
12% (2004 est.)

Uruguay
27.4% of households (2006)

Uzbekistan
26% (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
NA%

Venezuela
37.9% (yearend 2005 est.)

Vietnam
12.3% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
28.9% (2002)

Wallis and Futuna
NA%

West Bank
46% (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
NA%

Yemen
45.2% (2003)

Zambia
86% (1993)

Zimbabwe
68% (2004)

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

@2047

Field Listing :: Household income or consumption by percentage share

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

Household income or consumption by percentage share(%)

Afghanistan
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Albania
lowest 10%: 3.2%
highest 10%: 25.9% (2005)

Algeria
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

American Samoa
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Andorra
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Angola
lowest 10%: 0.6%
highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Anguilla
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Antigua and Barbuda
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Argentina
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 32.6% (2009)

Armenia
lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 41.3% (2004)

Aruba
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Australia
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Austria
lowest 10%: 4%
highest 10%: 22% (2007)

Azerbaijan
lowest 10%: 6.1%
highest 10%: 17.5% (2005)

Bahamas, The
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: 27% (2000)

Bahrain
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Bangladesh
lowest 10%: 8.8%
highest 10%: 26.6% (2008 est.)

Barbados
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Belarus
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 22% (2005)

Belgium
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.4% (2006)

Belize
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Benin
lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 29% (2003)

Bermuda
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Bhutan
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)

Bolivia
lowest 10%: 0.5%
highest 10%: 44.1% (2005)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Botswana
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Brazil
lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 43% (2007)

British Virgin Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Brunei
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Bulgaria
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 24.1% (2008)

Burkina Faso
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 32.2% (2004)

Burma
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Burundi
lowest 10%: 4.1%
highest 10%: 28% (2006)

Cambodia
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 34.2% (2007)

Cameroon
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 35.4% (2001)

Canada
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 24.8% (2000)

Cape Verde
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)

Cayman Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Central African Republic
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 33% (2003)

Chad
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 30.8% (2003)

Chile
lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 41.7% (2006)

China
lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 15%
note: data are for urban households only (2008)

Colombia
lowest 10%: 0.8%
highest 10%: 45% (2008)

Comoros
lowest 10%: 0.9%
highest 10%: 55.2% (2004)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 34.7% (2006)

Congo, Republic of the
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 37.1% (2005)

Cook Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Costa Rica
lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 35.5% (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 34% (2002)

Croatia
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 23.1% (2005 est.)

Cuba
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Cyprus
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Czech Republic
lowest 10%: 4.3%
highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Denmark
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 28.7% (2007)

Djibouti
lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 30.9% (2002)

Dominica
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Dominican Republic
lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 38.7% (2005)

Ecuador
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 43.3%
note: data for urban households only (2007)

Egypt
lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 27.6% (2005)

El Salvador
lowest 10%: 1%
highest 10%: 37% (2005)

Equatorial Guinea
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Eritrea
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Estonia
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.7% (2004)

Ethiopia
lowest 10%: 4.1%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2005)

European Union
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Faroe Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Fiji
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Finland
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 24.7% (2007)

France
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 24.8% (2004)

French Polynesia
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Gabon
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 32.7% (2005)

Gambia, The
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)

Georgia
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 30.6% (2008)

Germany
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 24% (2000)

Ghana
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 32.8% (2006)

Gibraltar
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Greece
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 26% (2000 est.)

Greenland
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Grenada
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Guam
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Guatemala
lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 42.4% (2006)

Guernsey
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Guinea
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 41% (2006)

Guinea-Bissau
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 28% (2002)

Guyana
lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)

Haiti
lowest 10%: 0.7%
highest 10%: 47.7% (2001)

Honduras
lowest 10%: 0.7%
highest 10%: 42.2% (2006)

Hong Kong
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Hungary
lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 24.1% (2004)

Iceland
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

India
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 31.1% (2005)

Indonesia
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 32.3% (2006)

Iran
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2005)

Iraq
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Ireland
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 27.2% (2000)

Isle of Man
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Israel
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 24.3% (2008)

Italy
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 26.8% (2000)

Jamaica
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 35.8% (2004)

Japan
lowest 10%: 4.8%
highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Jersey
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Jordan
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 30.7% (2006)

Kazakhstan
lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 26.5% (2004 est.)

Kenya
lowest 10%: 1.8%
highest 10%: 37.8% (2005)

Kiribati
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Korea, North
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Korea, South
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 24.2% (2007)

Kuwait
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Kyrgyzstan
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 25.9% (2004)

Laos
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Latvia
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Lebanon
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Lesotho
lowest 10%: 1%
highest 10%: 39.4% (2003)

Liberia
lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 30.1% (2007)

Libya
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Liechtenstein
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Lithuania
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Luxembourg
lowest 10%: 3.5%
highest 10%: 23.8% (2000)

Macau
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Macedonia
lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Madagascar
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 41.5% (2005)

Malawi
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 31.9% (2004)

Malaysia
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 28.5% (2005 est.)

Maldives
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Mali
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 30.5% (2006)

Malta
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Marshall Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Mauritania
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 29.5% (2000)

Mauritius
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Mayotte
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Mexico
lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 36.3% (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Moldova
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 28.2% (2004)

Monaco
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Mongolia
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 24.9% (2005)

Montserrat
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Morocco
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 33.2% (2007)

Mozambique
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 39.2% (2003)

Namibia
lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 53% (2008)

Nauru
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Nepal
lowest 10%: 6%
highest 10%: 40.6% (2008)

Netherlands
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 22.9% (1999)

New Caledonia
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

New Zealand
lowest 10%: %NA
highest 10%: %NA

Nicaragua
lowest 10%: 1.4%
highest 10%: 41.8% (2005)

Niger
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 35.7% (2005)

Nigeria
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Niue
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Norway
lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Oman
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Pakistan
lowest 10%: 3.9%
highest 10%: 26.5% (2005)

Palau
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Panama
lowest 10%: 0.8%
highest 10%: 41.4% (2006)

Papua New Guinea
lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Paraguay
lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 42.3% (2007)

Peru
lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 37.9% (2006)

Philippines
lowest 10%: 2.4%
highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Poland
lowest 10%: 3%
highest 10%: 27.2% (2005)

Portugal
lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Puerto Rico
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Qatar
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Romania
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)

Russia
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 30.4% (September 2007)

Rwanda
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Saint Lucia
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Samoa
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

San Marino
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Sao Tome and Principe
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Saudi Arabia
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Senegal
lowest 10%: 2.5%
highest 10%: 30.1% (2005)

Seychelles
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Sierra Leone
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 33.6% (2003)

Singapore
lowest 10%: 4.4%
highest 10%: 23.2% (2008)

Slovakia
lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 20.9% (1996)

Slovenia
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 24.6% (2004)

Solomon Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Somalia
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

South Africa
lowest 10%: 1.3%
highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Spain
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Sri Lanka
lowest 10%: 1.1%
highest 10%: 39.7% (2004)

Sudan
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Suriname
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Swaziland
lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 40.7% (2001)

Sweden
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 22.2% (2000)

Switzerland
lowest 10%: 7.5%
highest 10%: 19% (2007)

Syria
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Taiwan
lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: 41.1% (2002)

Tajikistan
lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 25.6% (2007 est.)

Tanzania
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 26.9% (2000)

Thailand
lowest 10%: 1.6%
highest 10%: 33.7% (2006)

Timor-Leste
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 31.3% (2001)

Togo
lowest 10%: 3.3%
highest 10%: 27.1% (2006)

Tonga
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Trinidad and Tobago
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Tunisia
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 31.5% (2000)

Turkey
lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 33.2% (2005)

Turkmenistan
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Tuvalu
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Uganda
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 34.1% (2005)

Ukraine
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 25.7% (2006)

United Arab Emirates
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

United Kingdom
lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 28.5% (1999)

United States
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 30% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 34.8% (2006)

Uzbekistan
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Vanuatu
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Venezuela
lowest 10%: 1.7%
highest 10%: 32.7% (2006)

Vietnam
lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 29.8% (2006)

Virgin Islands
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Wallis and Futuna
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

West Bank
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Western Sahara
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

World
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.3% (2005 est.)

Yemen
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 30.8% (2005)

Zambia
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 38.8% (2004)

Zimbabwe
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 40.4% (1995)

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

@2048

Field Listing :: Labor force - by occupation

This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by
occupation. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the
data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to
rounding.
Country

Labor force - by occupation(%)

Afghanistan
agriculture: 78.6%
industry: 5.7%
services: 15.7% (FY08/09 est.)

Albania
agriculture: 58%
industry: 15%
services: 27% (September 2006 est.)

Algeria
agriculture: 14%
industry: 13.4%
construction and public works: 10%
trade: 14.6%
government: 32%
other: 16% (2003 est.)

American Samoa
agriculture: 34%
industry: 33%
services: 33% (1990)

Andorra
agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 18.5%
services: 81% (2008)

Angola
agriculture: 85%
industry and services: 15% (2003 est.)

Anguilla
agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 4%
manufacturing: 3%
construction: 18%
transportation and utilities: 10%
commerce: 36%
services: 29% (2000 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
agriculture: 7%
industry: 11%
services: 82% (1983)

Argentina
agriculture: 5%
industry: 23%
services: 72% (2009 est.)

Armenia
agriculture: 46.2%
industry: 15.6%
services: 38.2% (2006 est.)

Aruba
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair,
followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Australia
agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 21.1%
services: 75% (2009 est.)

Austria
agriculture: 5.5%
industry: 27.5%
services: 67% (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan
agriculture: 38.3%
industry: 12.1%
services: 49.6% (2008)

Bahamas, The agriculture: 5% industry: 5% tourism: 50% other services: 40% (2005 est.)

Bahrain
agriculture: 1%
industry: 79%
services: 20% (1997 est.)

Bangladesh
agriculture: 45%
industry: 30%
services: 25% (2008)

Barbados
agriculture: 10%
industry: 15%
services: 75% (1996 est.)

Belarus
agriculture: 14%
industry: 34.7%
services: 51.3% (2003 est.)

Belgium
agriculture: 2%
industry: 25%
services: 73% (2007 est.)

Belize
agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 18.1%
services: 71.7% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
agriculture and fishing: 3%
laborers: 17%
clerical: 19%
professional and technical: 21%
administrative and managerial: 15%
sales: 7%
services: 19% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
agriculture: 63%
industry: 6%
services: 31% (2004 est.)

Bolivia
agriculture: 40%
industry: 17%
services: 43% (2006 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
agriculture: 20.5%
industry: 32.6%
services: 47% (2008)

Botswana
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Brazil
agriculture: 20%
industry: 14%
services: 66% (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands
agriculture: 0.6%
industry: 40%
services: 59.4% (2005)

Brunei
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 62.8%
services: 33% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
agriculture: 7.5%
industry: 36.4%
services: 56.1% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
agriculture: 90%
industry and services: 10% (2000 est.)

Burma
agriculture: 70%
industry: 7%
services: 23% (2001 est.)

Burundi
agriculture: 93.6%
industry: 2.3%
services: 4.1% (2002 est.)

Cambodia
agriculture: 67.9%
industry: 12.7%
services: 19.5% (2009 est.)

Cameroon
agriculture: 70%
industry: 13%
services: 17% (2001 est.)

Canada
agriculture: 2%
manufacturing: 13%
construction: 6%
services: 76%
other: 3% (2006 est.)

Cayman Islands
agriculture: 1.9%
industry: 19.1%
services: 79% (2008 est.)

Chad
agriculture: 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing)
industry and services: 20% (2006 est.)

Chile
agriculture: 13.2%
industry: 23%
services: 63.9% (2005)

China
agriculture: 39.5%
industry: 27.2%
services: 33.2% (2008 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
note: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society
Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage
workers; tourism employs others

Colombia
agriculture: 18%
industry: 18.9%
services: 63.1% (2009 est.)

Comoros agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Cook Islands
agriculture: 29%
industry: 15%
services: 56% (1995)

Costa Rica
agriculture: 14%
industry: 22%
services: 64% (2006 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire agriculture: 68% industry and services: NA (2007 est.)

Croatia
agriculture: 5%
industry: 31.3%
services: 63.6% (2008)

Cuba
agriculture: 20%
industry: 19.4%
services: 60.6% (2005)

Curacao
agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 16.9%
services: 81.8%

Cyprus
agriculture: 8.5%
industry: 20.5%
services: 71% (2006 est.)

Czech Republic
agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 40.2%
services: 56.2% (2007)

Denmark
agriculture: 2.5%
industry: 20.2%
services: 77.3% (2005 est.)

Djibouti
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Dominica
agriculture: 40%
industry: 32%
services: 28% (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
agriculture: 14.6%
industry: 22.3%
services: 63.1% (2005 est.)

Ecuador
agriculture: 8.3%
industry: 21.2%
services: 70.4% (2005)

Egypt
agriculture: 32%
industry: 17%
services: 51% (2001 est.)

El Salvador
agriculture: 19%
industry: 23%
services: 58% (2006 est.)

Eritrea
agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2004 est.)

Estonia
agriculture: 2.8%
industry: 22.7%
services: 74.5% (2008)

Ethiopia
agriculture: 85%
industry: 5%
services: 10% (2009 est.)

European Union
agriculture: 5.6%
industry: 27.7%
services: 66.7% (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
agriculture: 95% (mostly
sheepherding and fishing)
industry and services: 5% (1996)

Faroe Islands
agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 20.5%
services: 69.2% (2008)

Fiji
agriculture: 70%
industry and services: 30% (2001 est.)

Finland
agriculture and forestry: 4.5%
industry: 18.2%
construction: 7.3%
commerce: 15.9%
finance, insurance, and business services: 14.5%
transport and communications: 6.9%
public services: 32.7% (2008)

France
agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 24.3%
services: 71.8% (2005)

French Polynesia
agriculture: 13%
industry: 19%
services: 68% (2002)

Gabon
agriculture: 60%
industry: 15%
services: 25% (2000 est.)

Gambia, The
agriculture: 75%
industry: 19%
services: 6% (1996)

Gaza Strip
agriculture: 12%
industry: 5%
services: 83% (June 2008)

Georgia
agriculture: 55.6%
industry: 8.9%
services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Germany
agriculture: 2.4%
industry: 29.7%
services: 67.8% (2005)

Ghana
agriculture: 56%
industry: 15%
services: 29% (2005 est.)

Gibraltar
agriculture: negligible
industry: 40%
services: 60% (2001)

Greece
agriculture: 12.4%
industry: 22.4%
services: 65.1% (2005 est.)

Greenland
agriculture: 4.9%
industry: 31.9%
services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
agriculture: 24%
industry: 14%
services: 62% (1999 est.)

Guam
agriculture: 26%
industry: 10%
services: 64% (2004 est.)

Guatemala
agriculture: 50%
industry: 15%
services: 35% (1999 est.)

Guinea
agriculture: 76%
industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
agriculture: 82%
industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Guyana
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Haiti
agriculture: 66%
industry: 9%
services: 25% (1995)

Holy See (Vatican City)
note: essentially services with a small
amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards,
and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Honduras
agriculture: 39.2%
industry: 20.9%
services: 39.8% (2005 est.)

Hong Kong
manufacturing: 6.1%
construction: 1.9%
wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels: 42.9%
financing, insurance, and real estate: 21.4%
transport and communications: 7.9%
community and social services: 19.7%
note: above data exclude public sector (2008 est.)

Hungary
agriculture: 4.5%
industry: 32.1%
services: 63.4% (2008)

Iceland
agriculture: 4.8%
industry: 22.2%
services: 73% (2008)

India
agriculture: 52%
industry: 14%
services: 34% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
agriculture: 42.1%
industry: 18.6%
services: 39.3% (2005 est.)

Iran
agriculture: 25%
industry: 31%
services: 45% (June 2007)

Iraq
agriculture: 21.6%
industry: 18.7%
services: 59.8% (2008 est.)

Ireland
agriculture: 6%
industry: 27%
services: 67% (2006 est.)

Isle of Man
agriculture, forestry, and fishing: 3%
manufacturing: 11%
construction: 10%
transport and communication: 8%
wholesale and retail distribution: 11%
professional and scientific services: 18%
public administration: 6%
banking and finance: 18%
tourism: 2%
entertainment and catering: 3%
miscellaneous services: 10% (2001)

Israel
agriculture: 2%
industry: 16%
services: 82% (September 2008)

Italy
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 30.7%
services: 65.1% (2005)

Jamaica
agriculture: 17%
industry: 19%
services: 64% (2006)

Japan
agriculture: 4%
industry: 28%
services: 68% (2009 est.)

Jordan
agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 20%
services: 77.4% (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
agriculture: 31.5%
industry: 18.4%
services: 50% (2006 est.)

Kenya
agriculture: 75%
industry and services: 25% (2007 est.)

Kiribati agriculture: 2.7% industry: 32% services: 65.3% (2000)

Korea, North agriculture: 35% industry and services: 65% (2008 est.)

Korea, South
agriculture: 7.3%
industry: 24.3%
services: 68.4% (2010 est.)

Kosovo
agriculture: 16.5%
industry: NA
services: NA (2007 est.)

Kuwait
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Kyrgyzstan
agriculture: 48%
industry: 12.5%
services: 39.5% (2005 est.)

Laos
agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2009 est.)

Latvia
agriculture: 12.1%
industry: 25.8%
services: 61.8% (2005 est.)

Lebanon
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Lesotho
agriculture: 86% of resident population engaged in
subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners
work in South Africa
industry and services: 14% (2002 est.)

Liberia
agriculture: 70%
industry: 8%
services: 22% (2000 est.)

Libya
agriculture: 17%
industry: 23%
services: 59% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein
agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 43.5%
services: 55.4% (December 2006)

Lithuania
agriculture: 14%
industry: 29.1%
services: 56.9% (2005)

Luxembourg
agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 17.2%
services: 80.6% (2007 est.)

Macau
manufacturing: 4.9%
construction: 9.3%
transport and communications: 5.2%
wholesale and retail trade: 12.6%
restaurants and hotels: 13.6%
gambling: 14.2%
public sector: 6.6%
financial services: 2.1%
other services and agriculture: 31.5% (2009 est.)

Macedonia agriculture: 18.6% industry: 29.5% services: 51.9% (September 2009)

Malawi agriculture: 90% industry and services: 10% (2003 est.)

Malaysia
agriculture: 13%
industry: 36%
services: 51% (2005 est.)

Maldives
agriculture: 11%
industry: 23%
services: 65% (2006 est.)

Mali
agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Malta
agriculture: 1.6%
industry: 22.8%
services: 75.6% (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
agriculture: 21.4%
industry: 20.9%
services: 57.7% (2000)

Mauritania
agriculture: 50%
industry: 10%
services: 40% (2001 est.)

Mauritius
agriculture and fishing: 9%
construction and industry: 30%
transportation and communication: 7%
trade, restaurants, hotels: 22%
finance: 6%
other services: 25% (2007)

Mexico
agriculture: 13.7%
industry: 23.4%
services: 62.9% (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of agriculture: 0.9% industry: 34.4% services: 64.7% note: two-thirds are government employees (FY05 est.)

Moldova
agriculture: 40.6%
industry: 16%
services: 43.3% (2005 est.)

Mongolia
agriculture: 34%
industry: 5%
services: 61% (2008)

Montenegro
agriculture: 2%
industry: 30%
services: 68% (2004 est.)

Morocco
agriculture: 44.6%
industry: 19.8%
services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Mozambique
agriculture: 81%
industry: 6%
services: 13% (1997 est.)

Namibia
agriculture: 16.3%
industry: 22.4%
services: 61.3% (2008 est.)

Nauru
note: employed in mining phosphates, public administration,
education, and transportation (1992)

Nepal
agriculture: 75%
industry: 7%
services: 18% (2004 est.)

Netherlands
agriculture: 2%
industry: 18%
services: 80% (2005 est.)

New Caledonia
agriculture: 20%
industry: 20%
services: 60% (2002)

New Zealand
agriculture: 7%
industry: 19%
services: 74% (2006 est.)

Nicaragua
agriculture: 28%
industry: 19%
services: 53% (2010 est.)

Niger
agriculture: 90%
industry: 6%
services: 4% (1995)

Nigeria
agriculture: 70%
industry: 10%
services: 20% (1999 est.)

Niue
note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in
government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Norfolk Island
agriculture: 10%
industry and services: 90%

Northern Mariana Islands
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Norway
agriculture: 2.9%
industry: 21.1%
services: 76% (2008)

Oman
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Pakistan
agriculture: 43%
industry: 20.3%
services: 36.6% (2005 est.)

Palau
agriculture: 20%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (1990)

Panama
agriculture: 6%
industry: 18%
services: 76% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
agriculture: 85%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (2005 est.)

Paraguay
agriculture: 26.5%
industry: 18.5%
services: 55% (2008)

Peru
agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 23.8%
services: 75.5% (2005)

Philippines
agriculture: 34%
industry: 15%
services: 51% (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
note: no business community in the usual sense;
some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Poland
agriculture: 17.4%
industry: 29.2%
services: 53.4% (2005)

Portugal
agriculture: 10%
industry: 30%
services: 60% (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 19%
services: 79% (2005 est.)

Romania
agriculture: 29.7%
industry: 23.2%
services: 47.1% (2006)

Russia
agriculture: 10%
industry: 31.9%
services: 58.1% (2008)

Rwanda agriculture: 90% industry and services: 10% (2000)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
agriculture: 6%
industry: 48%
services: 46% (1987 est.)

Saint Lucia
agriculture: 21.7%
industry: 24.7%
services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Saint Martin
85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
agriculture: 18%
industry: 41%
services: 41% (1996 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
agriculture: 26%
industry: 17%
services: 57% (1980 est.)

Samoa
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

San Marino
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 37.7%
services: 62.2% (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe note: population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Saudi Arabia agriculture: 6.7% industry: 21.4% services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Senegal agriculture: 77.5% industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Serbia
agriculture: 23.9%
industry: 20.5%
services: 55.6% (October 2009)

Seychelles
agriculture: 3%
industry: 23%
services: 74% (2006)

Sierra Leone
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Singapore
agriculture: 0%
industry: 23.8%
services: 76.2% (2008)

Sint Maarten
agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 15.2%
services: 83.7% (2008)

Slovakia
agriculture: 3.5%
industry: 27%
services: 69.4% (December 2009)

Slovenia
agriculture: 2.2%
industry: 35%
services: 62.8% (2009)

Solomon Islands
agriculture: 75%
industry: 5%
services: 20% (2000 est.)

Somalia agriculture: 71% industry and services: 29% (1975)

South Africa
agriculture: 9%
industry: 26%
services: 65% (2007 est.)

Spain
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 24%
services: 71.7% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
agriculture: 32.7%
industry: 26.3%
services: 41% (December 2008 est.)

Sudan
agriculture: 80%
industry: 7%
services: 13% (1998 est.)

Suriname
agriculture: 8%
industry: 14%
services: 78% (2004)

Swaziland
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Sweden
agriculture: 1.1%
industry: 28.2%
services: 70.7% (2008 est.)

Switzerland
agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 23.9%
services: 72.3% (2009)

Syria
agriculture: 17%
industry: 16%
services: 67% (2008 est.)

Taiwan
agriculture: 5.1%
industry: 36.8%
services: 58% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
agriculture: 49.8%
industry: 12.8%
services: 37.4% (2009 est.)

Tanzania agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (2002 est.)

Thailand
agriculture: 42.4%
industry: 19.7%
services: 37.9% (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
agriculture: 90%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (2006 est.)

Togo
agriculture: 65%
industry: 5%
services: 30% (1998 est.)

Tonga
agriculture: 31.8%
industry: 30.6%
services: 2,003% (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago agriculture: 3.8% manufacturing, mining, and quarrying: 12.8% construction and utilities: 20.4% services: 62.9% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
agriculture: 18.3%
industry: 31.9%
services: 49.8% (2009 est.)

Turkey
agriculture: 29.5%
industry: 24.7%
services: 45.8% (2005)

Turkmenistan
agriculture: 48.2%
industry: 14%
services: 37.8% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
note: about 33% in government and 20% in
agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial,
and other services

Tuvalu
note: people make a living mainly through exploitation of the
sea, reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad
(mostly workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Uganda
agriculture: 82%
industry: 5%
services: 13% (1999 est.)

Ukraine
agriculture: 15.8%
industry: 18.5%
services: 65.7% (2008)

United Arab Emirates
agriculture: 7%
industry: 15%
services: 78% (2000 est.)

United Kingdom
agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 18.2%
services: 80.4% (2006 est.)

United States
farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7%
manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3%
managerial, professional, and technical: 37.2%
sales and office: 24%
other services: 17.7%
note: figures exclude the unemployed (2009)

Uruguay
agriculture: 9%
industry: 15%
services: 76% (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
agriculture: 44%
industry: 20%
services: 36% (1995)

Vanuatu
agriculture: 65%
industry: 5%
services: 30% (2000 est.)

Venezuela
agriculture: 13%
industry: 23%
services: 64% (1997 est.)

Vietnam
agriculture: 51.8%
industry: 15.4%
services: 32.7% (April 2009)

Virgin Islands
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
agriculture: 80%
industry: 4%
services: 16% (2001 est.)

West Bank
agriculture: 12%
industry: 23%
services: 65% (June 2008)

Western Sahara
agriculture: 50%
industry and services: 50% (2005 est.)

World
agriculture: 37.3%
industry: 21.7%
services: 41% (2005 est.)

Yemen
note: most people are employed in agriculture and herding;
services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than
one-fourth of the labor force

Zambia
agriculture: 85%
industry: 6%
services: 9% (2004)

Zimbabwe
agriculture: 66%
industry: 10%
services: 24% (1996)

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

@2049

Field Listing :: Exports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Country

Exports - commodities(%)

Afghanistan
opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton,
hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems

Albania
textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores,
crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Algeria
petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

American Samoa
canned tuna 93%

Andorra
tobacco products, furniture

Angola
crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, coffee,
sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Anguilla
lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Antigua and Barbuda
petroleum products, bedding, handicrafts,
electronic components, transport equipment, food and live animals

Argentina
soybeans and derivatives, petroleum and gas, vehicles,
corn, wheat

Armenia
pig iron, unwrought copper, nonferrous metals, diamonds,
mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Aruba
live animals and animal products, art and collectibles,
machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Australia
coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat,
machinery and transport equipment

Austria
machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and
paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles,
foodstuffs

Azerbaijan
oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Bahamas, The
mineral products and salt, animal products, rum,
chemicals, fruit and vegetables

Bahrain
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Bangladesh
garments, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods,
leather

Barbados
manufactures, sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and
beverages, chemicals, electrical components

Belarus
machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals,
metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Belgium
machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds,
metals and metal products, foodstuffs

Belize
sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses,
wood, crude oil

Benin
cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Bermuda
reexports of pharmaceuticals

Bhutan
electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium
carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Bolivia
natural gas, soybeans and soy products, crude petroleum,
zinc ore, tin

Bosnia and Herzegovina
metals, clothing, wood products

Botswana
diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Brazil
transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee,
autos

British Virgin Islands
rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Brunei
crude oil, natural gas, garments

Bulgaria
clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and
equipment, fuels

Burkina Faso
cotton, livestock, gold

Burma
natural gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice,
clothing, jade and gems

Burundi
coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Cambodia
clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear

Cameroon
crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans,
aluminum, coffee, cotton

Canada
motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft,
telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood
pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Cape Verde
fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Cayman Islands
turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Central African Republic
diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Chad
oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Chile
copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

China
electrical and other machinery, including data processing
equipment, apparel, textiles, iron and steel, optical and medical
equipment

Christmas Island
phosphate

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
copra

Colombia
petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel,
bananas, cut flowers

Comoros
vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), cloves, copra

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt,
wood products, crude oil, coffee

Congo, Republic of the
petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa,
coffee, diamonds

Cook Islands
copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee;
fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Costa Rica
bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants,
sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment

Cote d'Ivoire
cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas,
pineapples, palm oil, fish

Croatia
transport equipment, machinery, textiles, chemicals,
foodstuffs, fuels

Cuba
sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Curacao
petroleum products

Cyprus
citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing

Czech Republic
machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and
fuel, chemicals

Denmark
machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy
products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Djibouti
reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Dominica
bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Dominican Republic
ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa,
tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Ecuador
petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee,
hemp, wood, fish

Egypt
crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal
products, chemicals, processed food

El Salvador
offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, textiles and
apparel, gold, ethanol, chemicals, electricity, iron and steel
manufactures

Equatorial Guinea
petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Eritrea
livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures

Estonia
machinery and equipment 29%, wood and paper 13%, metals 10%,
food products 8%, textiles 5%, chemical products

Ethiopia
coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

European Union
machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, plastics,
pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, iron and steel,
nonferrous metals, wood pulp and paper products, textiles, meat,
dairy products, fish, alcoholic beverages.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
wool, hides, meat, fish, squid

Faroe Islands
fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Fiji
sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Finland
electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport
equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

France
machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics,
chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

French Polynesia
cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl,
vanilla, shark meat

Gabon
crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium

Gambia, The
peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels,
re-exports

Gaza Strip
strawberries, carnations

Georgia
scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and
nuts

Germany
machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures,
foodstuffs, textiles

Ghana
gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore,
diamonds, horticulture

Gibraltar
(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

Greece
food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products,
chemicals, textiles

Greenland
fish and fish products 72%, metals 10% (2008)

Grenada
bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Guam
transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction
materials, fish, food and beverage products

Guatemala
coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and
vegetables, cardamom

Guernsey
tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other
vegetables

Guinea
bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural
products

Guinea-Bissau
fish, shrimp; cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn
lumber

Guyana
sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum,
timber

Haiti
apparel, manufactures, oils, cocoa, mangoes, coffee

Honduras
apparel, coffee, shrimp, wire harnessing, cigars, bananas,
gold, palm oil, fruit, lobster, lumber

Hong Kong
electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel,
footwear, watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones,
printed material

Hungary
machinery and equipment 61.1%, other manufactures 28.7%,
food products 6.5%, raw materials 2%, fuels and electricity 1.6%
(2009 est.)

Iceland
fish and fish products 40%, aluminum, animal products,
ferrosilicon, diatomite

India
petroleum products, precious stones, machinery, iron and
steel, chemicals, vehicles, apparel

Indonesia
oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles,
rubber

Iran
petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and
nuts, carpets

Iraq
crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food and live
animals

Ireland
machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products

Isle of Man
tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Israel
machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural
products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Italy
engineering products, textiles and clothing, production
machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food,
beverages and tobacco; minerals, and nonferrous metals

Jamaica
alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams, beverages,
chemicals, wearing apparel, mineral fuels

Japan
transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors,
electrical machinery, chemicals

Jersey
light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle,
foodstuffs, textiles, flowers

Jordan
clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables,
pharmaceuticals

Kazakhstan
oil and oil products 59%, ferrous metals 19%, chemicals
5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal

Kenya
tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish,
cement

Kiribati
copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Korea, North
minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures
(including armaments), textiles, agricultural and fishery products

Korea, South
semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment,
motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals

Kosovo
mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather
products, machinery, appliances

Kuwait
oil and refined products, fertilizers

Kyrgyzstan
cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium,
natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Laos
wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Latvia
wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals,
textiles, foodstuffs

Lebanon
jewelry, base metals, chemicals, miscellaneous consumer
goods, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, construction minerals,
electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper

Lesotho
manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool
and mohair, food and live animals

Liberia
rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Libya
crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, chemicals

Liechtenstein
small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and
video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared
foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products

Lithuania
mineral products 22%, machinery and equipment 10%,
chemicals 9%, textiles 7%, foodstuffs 7%, plastics 7%

Luxembourg
machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals,
rubber products, glass

Macau
clothing, textiles, footwear, toys, electronics, machinery and
parts

Macedonia
food, beverages, tobacco; textiles, miscellaneous
manufactures, iron and steel

Madagascar
coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth,
chromite, petroleum products

Malawi
tobacco 53%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood
products, apparel

Malaysia
electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas,
wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Maldives
fish

Mali
cotton, gold, livestock

Malta
electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, fish and
crustaceans, pharmaceutical products, printed material

Marshall Islands
copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Mauritania
iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum

Mauritius
clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses, fish

Mayotte
ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts,
coffee, cinnamon

Mexico
manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits,
vegetables, coffee, cotton

Micronesia, Federated States of
fish, garments, bananas, black
pepper, sakau (kava), betel nut

Moldova
foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Mongolia
copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere,
wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals, coal

Montserrat
electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot
peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Morocco
clothing and textiles, electric components, inorganic
chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including
phosphates), petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish

Mozambique
aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber;
bulk electricity

Namibia
diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle,
processed fish, karakul skins

Nauru
phosphates

Nepal
clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, pashima, jute goods

Netherlands
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

New Caledonia
ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

New Zealand
dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish,
machinery

Nicaragua
coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold,
peanuts; textiles and apparel

Niger
uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Nigeria
petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Niue
canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit
products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Norfolk Island
postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and
Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Northern Mariana Islands
garments

Norway
petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment,
metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Oman
petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Pakistan
textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, yarn), rice,
leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and
rugs

Palau
shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Panama
bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Papua New Guinea
oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee,
cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Paraguay
soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity,
wood, leather

Peru
copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products,
coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, fishmeal

Philippines
semiconductors and electronic products, transport
equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut
oil, fruits

Pitcairn Islands
fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Poland
machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate
manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%,
food and live animals 7.6%

Portugal
agricultural products, food products, oil products,
chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and
cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear,
minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools,
vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision
instruments

Puerto Rico
chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum,
beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Qatar
liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers,
steel

Romania
machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and
metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels,
chemicals, agricultural products

Russia
petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, metals, wood
and wood products, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and
military manufactures

Rwanda
coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
fish (frozen, canned,
and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Saint Kitts and Nevis
machinery, food, electronics, beverages,
tobacco

Saint Lucia
bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits,
coconut oil

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
fish and fish products, soybeans, animal
feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro),
arrowroot starch; tennis racquets

Samoa
fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts,
garments, beer

San Marino
building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked
goods, hides, ceramics

Sao Tome and Principe
cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Saudi Arabia
petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Senegal
fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates,
cotton

Serbia
iron and steel, clothes, wheat, fruit and vegetables,
non-ferrous metals

Seychelles
canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum
products (reexports)

Sierra Leone
diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Singapore
machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer
goods, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, mineral fuels

Sint Maarten
sugar

Slovakia
machinery and electrical equipment 35.9%, vehicles 21%,
base metals 11.3%, chemicals and minerals 8.1%, plastics 4.9% (2009
est.)

Slovenia
manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
chemicals, food

Solomon Islands
timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Somalia
livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

South Africa
gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals,
machinery and equipment

Spain
machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals,
medicines, other consumer goods

Sri Lanka
textiles and apparel, tea and spices; rubber manufactures;
precious stones; coconut products, fish

Sudan
oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock,
groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar

Suriname
alumina, gold, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice,
bananas

Swaziland
soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn,
refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Sweden
machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood,
iron and steel products, chemicals

Switzerland
machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural
products

Syria
crude oil, minerals, petroleum products, fruits and
vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat and live animals,
wheat

Taiwan
electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles,
plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and medical
instruments

Tajikistan
aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil,
textiles

Tanzania
gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Thailand
textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber,
jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Timor-Leste
coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - potential for oil and
vanilla exports

Togo
reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Tokelau
stamps, copra, handicrafts

Tonga
squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Trinidad and Tobago
petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied
natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products,
beverages, cereal and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus
fruit, vegetables, flowers

Tunisia
clothing, semi-finished goods and textiles, agricultural
products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons,
electrical equipment

Turkey
apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport
equipment

Turkmenistan
gas, crude oil, petrochemicals, textiles, cotton fiber

Turks and Caicos Islands
lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Tuvalu
copra, fish

Uganda
coffee, fish and fish products, tea, cotton, flowers,
horticultural products; gold

Ukraine
ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products,
chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

United Arab Emirates
crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried
fish, dates

United Kingdom
manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food,
beverages, tobacco

United States
agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%,
industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods
(transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers,
telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles,
medicines) 15.0%

Uruguay
meat, rice, leather products, wool, fish, dairy products

Uzbekistan
energy products, cotton, gold, mineral fertilizers,
ferrous and non-ferrous metals, textiles, food products, machinery,
automobiles

Vanuatu
copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Venezuela
petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, minerals, chemicals,
agricultural products, basic manufactures

Vietnam
crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea,
garments, shoes

Virgin Islands
refined petroleum products

Wallis and Futuna
copra, chemicals, construction materials

West Bank
stone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Western Sahara
phosphates 62%

World
the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and
services
top ten - share of world trade: electrical machinery, including
computers 14.8%; mineral fuels, including oil, coal, gas, and
refined products 14.4%; nuclear reactors, boilers, and parts 14.2%;
cars, trucks, and buses 8.9%; scientific and precision instruments
3.5%; plastics 3.4%; iron and steel 2.7%; organic chemicals 2.6%;
pharmaceutical products 2.6%; diamonds, pearls, and precious stones
1.9%

Yemen
crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas

Zambia
copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco, flowers,
cotton

Zimbabwe
platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys,
textiles/clothing

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

@2050

Field Listing :: Exports - partners

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

Exports - partners(%)

Afghanistan
US 26.47%, India 23.09%, Pakistan 17.36%, Tajikistan
12.51% (2009)

Albania
Italy 58.75%, Greece 9.69%, Austria 6.73%, China 5.68% (2009)

Algeria
US 23.2%, Italy 17.23%, Spain 10.83%, France 7.97%, Canada
7.65%, Netherlands 5.19%, Turkey 4.22% (2009)

Angola
China 35.65%, US 25.98%, France 8.83%, South Africa 4.13%
(2009)

Argentina
Brazil 18.78%, China 9.26%, Chile 7.11%, US 6.38% (2009)

Armenia
Germany 16.47%, Russia 15.45%, US 9.64%, Bulgaria 8.6%,
Georgia 7.57%, Netherlands 7.48%, Belgium 6.71%, Canada 4.91% (2009)

Aruba
Panama 23.84%, Netherlands Antilles 20.49%, Colombia 17.48%,
Venezuela 12.61%, US 9.12%, Netherlands 7.5% (2009)

Australia
China 21.81%, Japan 19.19%, South Korea 7.88%, India
7.51%, US 4.95%, UK 4.37%, NZ 4.1% (2009)

Austria
Germany 30.96%, Italy 8.17%, Switzerland 4.99%, US 3.99%
(2009)

Azerbaijan
Italy 20.69%, India 10.67%, US 9.24%, France 8.15%,
Germany 7.62%, Indonesia 6.63%, Canada 5.13% (2009)

Bahamas, The
US 35.99%, Singapore 18.64%, Poland 12.1%, Germany
6.24% (2009)

Bahrain
India 4.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.78% (2009)

Bangladesh
US 22.5%, Germany 14.2%, UK 9.6%, France 7%, Netherlands
6.4% (2009)

Barbados
Trinidad and Tobago 17.48%, Jamaica 15.63%, US 8.93%, Saint
Lucia 8.13%, UK 5.36%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.04%,
Antigua and Barbuda 4.12% (2009)

Belarus
Russia 33.6%, Netherlands 13.78%, Ukraine 8.68%, Latvia
6.32%, Poland 4.19%, Germany 4.17% (2009)

Belgium
Germany 19.58%, France 17.71%, Netherlands 11.84%, UK 7.21%,
US 5.37%, Italy 4.77% (2009)

Belize
US 30.7%, UK 29.77%, Nigeria 4.9%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.45% (2009)

Benin
India 19.72%, China 13.18%, Niger 6.94%, Nigeria 6.56%,
Indonesia 5.73%, Togo 5.63%, Namibia 4.17% (2009)

Bermuda
Spain 16.91%, India 10.15%, Brazil 9.55%, Germany 7.4% (2009)

Bhutan
India 86.3%, Bangladesh 8.1%, Italy 1.5% (2008)

Bolivia
Brazil 41.38%, US 13.87%, Japan 5.62%, Colombia 5.32%, South
Korea 4.7%, Peru 4.16% (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia 19.07%, Slovenia 18.58%, Italy
16.87%, Germany 13.38%, Austria 10.25% (2009)

Brazil
China 12.49%, US 10.5%, Argentina 8.4%, Netherlands 5.39%,
Germany 4.05% (2009)

Brunei
Japan 38.04%, Indonesia 25.95%, South Korea 14.17%, Australia
7.24% (2009)

Bulgaria
Germany 11.21%, Greece 9.43%, Italy 9.24%, Romania 8.52%,
Turkey 7.33%, Belgium 5.61%, France 4.44% (2009)

Burkina Faso
Singapore 16.76%, Belgium 12.78%, China 7.59%, Ghana
6.89%, India 6.36%, Denmark 5.76%, Niger 5.13%, Thailand 4.52% (2009)

Burma
Thailand 46.57%, India 12.99%, China 9.01%, Japan 5.65% (2009)

Burundi
Germany 21.6%, Switzerland 14.86%, Belgium 9.32%, Sweden
8.94%, Pakistan 5.82% (2009)

Cambodia
US 45.32%, Singapore 9.46%, Germany 7.52%, UK 7.07%, Canada
6.31%, Vietnam 4.15% (2009)

Cameroon
Netherlands 13.99%, Spain 12.25%, Italy 11.84%, China
9.14%, US 6.16%, France 5.51%, South Korea 4.66%, Belgium 4.33%, UK
4% (2009)

Canada
US 75.02%, UK 3.37%, China 3.09% (2009)

Cape Verde
Spain 53.98%, Portugal 22.23%, Morocco 7.13% (2009)

Central African Republic
Belgium 32.57%, China 10.49%, Indonesia
10.36%, Morocco 10.24%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%,
France 5.79% (2009)

Chad
US 90.06%, France 4.81%, China 1.6% (2009)

Chile
China 16.46%, US 11.31%, Japan 9.06%, South Korea 6.49%,
Brazil 4.64%, Mexico 4.09% (2009)

China
US 20.03%, Hong Kong 12.03%, Japan 8.32%, South Korea 4.55%,
Germany 4.27% (2009)

Colombia
US 39%, Venezuela 12%, Netherlands 4% (2009)

Comoros
Turkey 25.2%, France 20.44%, Singapore 17.44%, Algeria
8.02%, Italy 6.09%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
China 46.75%, US 15.35%, Belgium
10.68%, Zambia 5.78%, Finland 4.38% (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
US 40.08%, China 30.18%, France 8.17%, Taiwan
6.4%, India 4.2% (2009)

Costa Rica
US 32.61%, Netherlands 12.82%, China 11.81%, Mexico 4.2%
(2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
Netherlands 13.92%, France 10.75%, US 7.79%, Germany
7.2%, Nigeria 6.99%, Ghana 5.56% (2009)

Croatia
Italy 19.1%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.98%, Germany 11.06%,
Slovenia 7.47%, Austria 5.44%, Serbia 5.41% (2009)

Cuba
China 25.68%, Canada 20.31%, Spain 6.79%, Netherlands 4.53%
(2009)

Curacao
US 13.1%, Guatemala 10.8%, Singapore 10.7%, Dominican
Republic 9.6%, Haiti 7.6%, The Bahamas 6.1%, Honduras 4.5%, Mexico
4.2% (2009 est.)

Cyprus
Greece 23.83%, Germany 9.2%, UK 8.78% (2009)

Czech Republic
Germany 32.25%, Slovakia 9.02%, Poland 5.8%, France
5.62%, UK 4.93%, Austria 4.71%, Italy 4.38% (2009)

Denmark
Germany 17.53%, Sweden 12.68%, UK 8.49%, US 6.05%, Norway
6.01%, Netherlands 4.84%, France 4.57% (2009)

Djibouti
Somalia 76.68%, France 4.89%, UAE 4.22% (2009)

Dominica
Japan 28.62%, UK 19.81%, Antigua and Barbuda 7.7%, Guyana
6.52%, Jamaica 5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.2% (2009)

Dominican Republic
US 54.08%, Haiti 9.78% (2009)

Ecuador
US 33.5%, Peru 6.8%, Chile 6.5%, Columbia 4.9%, Colombia
4.58%, Russia 4.11% (2009)

Egypt
US 7.95%, Italy 7.26%, Spain 6.78%, India 6.69%, Saudi Arabia
5.53%, Syria 5.3%, France 4.39%, South Korea 4.27% (2009)

El Salvador
US 43.86%, Guatemala 13.92%, Honduras 13.22%, Nicaragua
5.65% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
US 30.31%, China 12.54%, Japan 9.21%, Spain 7.5%,
South Korea 7.01%, Taiwan 5.63%, Italy 5.38%, Netherlands 4.09%
(2009)

Eritrea
India 25.3%, Italy 20.7%, Sudan 14.1%, China 12.9%, France
5.5%, Saudi Arabia 5.4% (2008)

Estonia
Finland 18.57%, Sweden 12.52%, Latvia 9.51%, Russia 9.33%,
Germany 6.09%, Lithuania 4.76%, US 4.26% (2009)

Ethiopia
China 10.87%, Germany 9.75%, Saudi Arabia 7.39%, US 7.21%,
Netherlands 6.38%, Switzerland 5.33%, Sudan 4.35%, Belgium 4% (2009)

Faroe Islands
Hungary 36.26%, Denmark 21.36%, UK 12.21%, Nigeria
7.72%, US 6.49%, Norway 5.46% (2009)

Fiji
US 15.21%, Australia 12.11%, UK 11.23%, Samoa 5.39%, Tonga
4.74%, Japan 4.44% (2009)

Finland
Germany 10.32%, Sweden 9.79%, Russia 9%, US 7.85%,
Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5.24%, China 4.1% (2009)

France
Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, UK
7.04%, US 5.65%, Netherlands 3.99% (2009)

Gabon
Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28% (2009)

Gambia, The
India 42.06%, France 15.34%, UK 9.03%, China 7.38%, Hong
Kong 4.55%, Belgium 3.97% (2009)

Georgia
Turkey 17.87%, Azerbaijan 12.3%, Bulgaria 9.6%, Canada
8.78%, UK 7.49%, Ukraine 6.82%, Spain 5.27%, US 4.99% (2009)

Germany
France 10.2%, US 6.7%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy
6.3%, Austria 6%, China 4.5%, Switzerland 4.4% (2009)

Ghana
Netherlands 13.45%, UK 7.87%, France 5.85%, Ukraine 5.84%,
Malaysia 3.97% (2009)

Greece
Germany 11.11%, Italy 11.05%, Cyprus 7.28%, Bulgaria 6.74%,
US 4.95%, UK 4.4%, Turkey 4.23% (2009)

Greenland
Denmark 61.13%, Japan 13.69%, China 6.15%, Sweden 5.21%
(2009)

Grenada
Saint Lucia 19.73%, Antigua and Barbuda 13.41%, US 12.21%,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.03%, Dominica 12% (2009)

Guatemala
US 40.41%, El Salvador 11.2%, Honduras 8.48%, Mexico 5.86%
(2009)

Guinea
India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%, Germany 6.86%,
Ireland 5.87%, US 5.71%, Ukraine 5.6% (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
India 62.21%, Nigeria 31.28%, Portugal 1.48% (2009)

Guyana
Canada 27.52%, US 16.93%, UK 10.84%, Ukraine 5.54%,
Netherlands 5%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.33%, Jamaica 4.12% (2009)

Haiti
US 79.76%, Dominican Republic 7.24%, Canada 2.96% (2009)

Honduras
US 59.6%, El Salvador 5.61%, Guatemala 5.28%, Mexico 4.19%,
Germany 4.04% (2009)

Hong Kong
China 51.2%, US 11.6%, Japan 4.4% (2009 est.)

Hungary
Germany 25.54%, Italy 5.67%, UK 5.41%, France 5.37%, Romania
5.28%, Slovakia 4.97%, Austria 4.52% (2009)

Iceland
Netherlands 30.71%, UK 12.73%, Germany 11.21%, Norway 5.75%,
Spain 4.82% (2009)

India
UAE 12.87%, US 12.59%, China 5.59% (2009)

Indonesia
Japan 17.28%, Singapore 11.29%, US 10.81%, China 7.62%,
South Korea 5.53%, India 4.35%, Taiwan 4.11%, Malaysia 4.07% (2009)

Iran
China 16.58%, Japan 11.9%, India 10.54%, South Korea 7.54%,
Turkey 4.36% (2009)

Iraq
US 27.62%, India 14.45%, Italy 10.14%, South Korea 8.62%,
Taiwan 5.61%, China 4.23%, Netherlands 4.13%, Japan 3.99% (2009)

Ireland
US 20.52%, Belgium 17.78%, UK 16.31%, Germany 5.66%, France
5.56%, Spain 4.19% (2009)

Israel
US 35.05%, Hong Kong 6.02%, Belgium 4.95% (2009)

Italy
Germany 12.6%, France 11.57%, US 5.92%, Spain 5.69%, UK 5.13%,
Switzerland 4.69% (2009)

Jamaica
US 38.19%, Canada 12.2%, UK 10.79%, Norway 4.89%,
Netherlands 4.69% (2009)

Japan
China 18.88%, US 16.42%, South Korea 8.13%, Taiwan 6.27%, Hong
Kong 5.49% (2009)

Jordan
US 17.13%, Iraq 17%, India 13.59%, Saudi Arabia 10.56%, Syria
4.18%, UAE 4.09% (2009)

Kazakhstan
China 16.34%, France 9.23%, Germany 8.32%, Russia 6.9%,
Ukraine 5.52%, Romania 5.25%, Italy 5.12%, US 4.34% (2009)

Kenya
UK 11.31%, Netherlands 9.81%, Uganda 9.07%, Tanzania 8.83%, US
5.93%, Pakistan 5.63% (2009)

Korea, North
China 42%, South Korea 38%, India 5% (2008)

Korea, South
China 21.5%, US 10.9%, Japan 6.6%, Hong Kong 4.6% (2008)

Kuwait
Japan 17.9%, South Korea 17.31%, India 12.43%, Taiwan 9.07%,
US 7.9%, China 7.55%, Singapore 5.48% (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
Switzerland 25.96%, Russia 25.88%, Uzbekistan 15.72%,
Kazakhstan 12.47% (2009)

Laos
Thailand 29.18%, China 15.04%, Vietnam 14.96%, UK 4.29% (2009)

Latvia
Lithuania 15.19%, Estonia 13.57%, Russia 13.17%, Germany
8.13%, Sweden 5.7% (2009)

Lebanon
Switzerland 22%, UAE 10%, Iraq 8%, Saudi Arabia 7% (2009)

Lesotho
US 58.9%, Belgium 37%, Madagascar 1.2% (2008)

Liberia
Germany 27.92%, Poland 17.12%, South Africa 15.83%, India
10.48%, Greece 7.09%, US 6.23%, Norway 5.24% (2009)

Libya
Italy 37.65%, Germany 10.11%, France 8.44%, Spain 7.94%,
Switzerland 5.93%, US 5.27% (2009)

Lithuania
Russia 13.2%, Latvia 10%, Germany 9.6%, Poland 7.1%,
Estonia 7.1%, Belarus 4.7%, UK 4.3% (2009)

Luxembourg
Germany 19.78%, France 15.87%, Belgium 11.07%, UK 7.96%,
Italy 7.49%, Netherlands 4.31% (2009)

Macau
Hong Kong 38.7%, US 17.9%, China 14.4%, Germany 4% (2009)

Macedonia
Germany 20.31%, Greece 13.09%, Italy 11.08%, Bulgaria
10.61%, Croatia 7.74% (2009)

Madagascar
France 28.9%, US 20.49%, Germany 5.89%, China 4.36% (2009)

Malawi
Germany 12.37%, Egypt 8.52%, South Africa 7.67%, Zimbabwe
7.55%, US 7.4%, Russia 6.79%, Netherlands 6.64%, Japan 4.1% (2009)

Malaysia
Singapore 13.9%, China 12.2%, US 10.9%, Japan 9.8%,
Thailand 5.4%, Hong Kong 5.2% (2009)

Maldives
France 17.01%, Thailand 15.16%, Italy 13.49%, UK 13.13%,
Sri Lanka 12.38% (2009)

Mali
China 14.61%, Thailand 8.28%, Pakistan 6.74%, Morocco 6.48%,
Burkina Faso 4.67%, France 4.6%, India 4.45% (2009)

Malta
Germany 13.3%, Singapore 12.5%, France 11.4%, US 9.4%, Hong
Kong 6.5%, UK 5.9%, Italy 4.8% (2009)

Mauritania
China 42.06%, Italy 9.71%, Japan 7.57%, Cote d'Ivoire
6.16%, Spain 5.63%, Netherlands 4.32% (2009)

Mauritius
UK 25.55%, France 16.89%, US 9.51%, Italy 5.68%, UAE
5.47%, Belgium 4.93%, Madagascar 4.11% (2009)

Mexico
US 80.5%, Canada 3.6%, Germany 1.4% (2009)

Moldova
Russia 23.77%, Italy 14.11%, Romania 12.74%, Germany 6.92%,
Turkey 6.08%, Belarus 5.38% (2009)

Mongolia
China 78.52%, Canada 9.46%, Russia 3.02% (2009)

Montenegro
Italy 29.52%, Greece 22.65%, Slovenia 11.83%, Hungary
8.96%, US 7.93% (2009)

Morocco
Spain 22.02%, France 20.22%, India 4.91%, Italy 4% (2009)

Mozambique
Netherlands 47.62%, South Africa 11.6% (2009)

Nepal
India 65.6%, US 8%, Bangladesh 6.04%, Germany 5% (2009)

Netherlands
Germany 25.54%, Belgium 12.49%, France 9.27%, UK 8.17%,
Italy 5.07%, US 3.97% (2009)

New Caledonia
France 27.52%, Japan 14.87%, Taiwan 10.51%, Spain
7.74%, China 7.31%, Australia 6.64%, Belgium 5.13%, South Korea 4.2%
(2009)

New Zealand
Australia 23.36%, US 9.64%, China 9.21%, Japan 7.1%, UK
4.21% (2009)

Nicaragua
US 61.98%, El Salvador 7.74%, Costa Rica 3.67% (2009)

Niger
France 52.63%, Nigeria 22.43%, US 18.24% (2009)

Nigeria
US 35.08%, India 10.43%, Brazil 9.32%, Spain 7.19%, France
4.65% (2009)

Norway
UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%,
Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Oman
China 26.98%, South Korea 17.19%, Japan 12.12%, UAE 11.23%,
Thailand 7.64% (2009)

Pakistan
US 15.87%, UAE 12.35%, Afghanistan 8.48%, UK 4.7%, China
4.44% (2009)

Panama
Greece 21.03%, US 17.63%, Japan 9.87%, Germany 4.28%, Italy
4.27% (2009)

Papua New Guinea
Australia 30.05%, Japan 7.48% (2009)

Paraguay
Brazil 21%, Uruguay 17%, Chile 12%, Argentina 11%, Russia
4% (2009)

Peru
US 17.86%, China 15.96%, Canada 11.35%, Japan 6.75%, Chile
5.42%, Germany 4.25% (2009)

Philippines
US 17.6%, Japan 16.2%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.6%,
China 7.7%, Germany 6.5%, Singapore 6.2% (2009)

Poland
Germany 26.06%, Italy 6.84%, France 6.78%, UK 6.38%, Czech
Republic 5.85%, Netherlands 4.14% (2009)

Portugal
Spain 26.25%, Germany 12.99%, France 12.04%, Angola 7.21%,
UK 5.54% (2009)

Qatar
Japan 34.68%, South Korea 22.44%, Singapore 10.03%, India
4.86% (2009)

Romania
Germany 18.76%, Italy 15.42%, France 8.2%, Turkey 4.99%,
Hungary 4.33% (2009)

Russia
Netherlands 10.62%, Italy 6.46%, Germany 6.24%, China 5.69%,
Turkey 4.3%, Ukraine 4.01% (2009)

Rwanda
Kenya 33.88%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 13.56%,
Thailand 6.22%, China 5.49%, US 5.47%, Swaziland 5.43%, Belgium
5.19% (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
US 62.3%, Canada 7.93%, Azerbaijan 6.72% (2009)

Saint Lucia
Spain 29.41%, UK 15.28%, South Korea 10.54%, US 9.75%,
India 9.52% (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Greece 40.04%, Poland 11.78%,
France 9.05%, China 8.53%, India 4.71% (2009)

Samoa
American Samoa 41.12%, Australia 24.74%, Taiwan 6.24%, China
5.61%, US 4.07% (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
UK 32.99%, Netherlands 26.93%, Belgium 21.04%,
Portugal 4.31% (2009)

Saudi Arabia
Japan 15.33%, South Korea 12.71%, US 12.2%, China
10.38%, India 7.12%, Taiwan 4.54%, Singapore 4.25% (2009)

Senegal
Mali 20.12%, India 9.84%, Gambia 5.58%, France 5.02%, Italy
4.23% (2009)

Serbia
Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.12%, Italy 10.96%, Germany 9.9%,
Serbia and Montenegro 7%, Austria 5.4%, Slovenia 5.38%, Macedonia
5.26%, Russia 4.39%, Hungary 4.36% (2009)

Seychelles
UK 24.84%, France 18.53%, Italy 9.45%, Mauritius 9.03%,
Japan 6.98%, Spain 4.92% (2009)

Sierra Leone
Belgium 26.56%, US 11.87%, Netherlands 7.91%, UK 7.4%,
India 6.67%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.13%, Greece 4.05% (2009)

Singapore
Hong Kong 11.6%, Malaysia 11.5%, US 11.2%, Indonesia 9.7%,
China 9.7%, Japan 4.6%, Hong Kong 11.6% (2009)

Sint Maarten
China 23.49%, US 10.91%, Japan 5.92% (2009)

Slovakia
Germany 20.1%, Czech Republic 12.9%, France 7.8%, Poland
7.2%, Hungary 6.3%, Italy 6.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Slovenia
Germany 19.36%, Italy 11.31%, Croatia 7.75%, Austria 7.42%,
France 7.35% (2009)

Solomon Islands
China 54.07%, South Korea 6.19%, Philippines 6.04%,
Spain 4.87% (2009)

Somalia
UAE 58.27%, Yemen 20.32%, Saudi Arabia 3.78% (2009)

South Africa
China 10.34%, US 9.19%, Japan 7.59%, Germany 7.01%, UK
5.54%, Switzerland 4.72% (2009)

Spain
France 19.27%, Germany 11.11%, Portugal 9.21%, Italy 8.24%, UK
6.18% (2009)

Sri Lanka
US 20.59%, UK 12.87%, Italy 5.51%, Germany 5.29%, India
4.54%, Belgium 4.43% (2009)

Sudan
China 58.29%, Japan 14.7%, Indonesia 8.83%, India 4.86% (2009)

Suriname
Canada 35.47%, Belgium 14.92%, US 10.15%, UAE 9.87%, Norway
4.92%, Netherlands 4.7%, France 4.47% (2009)

Sweden
Norway 10.61%, Germany 10.2%, UK 7.45%, Denmark 7.35%,
Finland 6.44%, US 6.36%, France 5.05%, Netherlands 4.67% (2009)

Switzerland
Germany 20.98%, US 9.09%, France 8.62%, Italy 8.08%,
Austria 5.38% (2009)

Syria
Iraq 30.22%, Lebanon 12.21%, Germany 8.89%, Egypt 6.8%, Saudi
Arabia 5.04%, Italy 4.55% (2009)

Taiwan
China 26.6%, Hong Kong 14.4%, US 11.6%, Japan 7.2%, Singapore
4.2% (2009)

Tajikistan
Russia 19.16%, China 18.38%, Turkey 12.09%, Iran 11.11%,
Uzbekistan 7.92%, Norway 6.17%, Greece 4.32% (2009)

Tanzania
India 8.51%, China 7.55%, Japan 7.12%, Netherlands 6.21%,
UAE 5.71%, Germany 5.17% (2009)

Thailand
US 10.9%, China 10.6%, Japan 10.3%, Hong Kong 6.2%,
Australia 5.6%, Malaysia 5%, Singapore 4.97% (2009)

Togo
Germany 17.57%, Ghana 12.74%, Burkina Faso 11.02%, India
10.22%, Belgium 7.1%, Benin 6.92%, Netherlands 5.94%, Mali 4.41%
(2009)

Tonga
Hong Kong 25.42%, US 22.65%, Japan 12.21%, NZ 7.31%, Fiji
7.2%, Samoa 6.06%, South Korea 4.48% (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
US 38.53%, Jamaica 8.86%, Spain 6.88%, Mexico
6.23% (2009)

Tunisia
France 29.6%, Italy 21%, Germany 8.8%, Libya 5.8%, Spain 5%,
UK 4.8% (2009)

Turkey
Germany 9.6%, France 6.1%, UK 5.8%, Italy 5.8%, Iraq 5% (2009)

Turkmenistan
Ukraine 22.3%, Turkey 10.27%, Hungary 6.75%, UAE 6.25%,
Poland 6.16%, Afghanistan 5.79%, Iran 5.17% (2009)

Uganda
Sudan 13.47%, Kenya 8.98%, UAE 7.52%, Rwanda 7.5%,
Switzerland 7.42%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.85%,
Netherlands 5.67%, Belgium 5.66%, Germany 5.18%, Italy 4.33% (2009)

Ukraine
Russia 21.1%, Turkey 5.3%, China 3.8% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
Japan 17.27%, South Korea 10.49%, India 9.96%,
Iran 6.82%, Thailand 5.11% (2009)

United Kingdom
US 14.71%, Germany 11.06%, France 8%, Netherlands
7.79%, Ireland 6.89%, Belgium 4.65%, Spain 4% (2009)

United States
Canada 19.37%, Mexico 12.21%, China 6.58%, Japan
4.84%, UK 4.33%, Germany 4.1% (2009)

Uruguay
Brazil 21.05%, China 9.45%, Argentina 7.36%, Germany 5.16%,
Mexico 4.88%, Netherlands 4.13%, US 3.96% (2009)

Uzbekistan
Ukraine 29.91%, Russia 13.94%, Turkey 7.53%, Kazakhstan
7.26%, Bangladesh 6.83%, China 5.69%, South Korea 4.19% (2009)

Vanuatu
Thailand 53.15%, Japan 12.22%, Poland 11.78% (2009)

Venezuela
US 35.18%, Netherlands Antilles 8.56%
note: excludes oil exports; Venezuela last published petroleum
figures by country in 2008 (2009)

Vietnam
US 21.43%, Japan 11.44%, China 7.27%, Australia 4.43%,
Germany 4.27% (2009)

World
US 12.7%, Germany 7.2%, China 6.4%, France 4.5%, Japan 4.3%,
UK 4.2% (2008 est.)

Yemen
China 36%, Thailand 17.63%, India 13.54%, South Africa 6.16%,
Japan 5.49%, UAE 4.99% (2009)

Zambia
China 21.37%, Saudi Arabia 8.93%, Democratic Republic of the
Congo 8.55%, South Korea 8.32%, Egypt 8.08%, South Africa 6.96%,
India 5% (2009)

Zimbabwe
Democratic Republic of the Congo 14.82%, South Africa
13.39%, Botswana 13.23%, China 7.82%, Zambia 7.3%, Netherlands
5.39%, UK 4.93% (2009)

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

@2051

Field Listing :: Administrative divisions

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

Administrative divisions

Afghanistan
34 provinces (welayat, singular - welayat); Badakhshan,
Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni,
Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost,
Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika,
Paktiya, Panjshir, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e Pul, Takhar, Uruzgan,
Wardak, Zabul

Albania
12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Berat, Diber, Durres,
Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Korce, Kukes, Lezhe, Shkoder, Tirane,
Vlore

Algeria
48 provinces (wilayat, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla,
Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida,
Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa,
El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel,
Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila,
Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi
Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret,
Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

American Samoa
none (territory of the US); there are no first-order
administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern,
Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Andorra
7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la
Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant
Julia de Loria

Angola
18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo,
Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul,
Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje,
Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Anguilla
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*,
Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint
Peter, Saint Philip

Argentina
23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1
autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes,
Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones,
Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe,
Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del
Atlantico Sur (Tierra del Fuego), Tucuman
note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Armenia
11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat,
Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush,
Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Aruba
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia
6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital
Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South
Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Austria
9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,
Kaernten (Carinthia), Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria),
Oberoesterreich (Upper Austria), Salzburg, Steiermark (Styria),
Tirol (Tyrol), Vorarlberg, Wien (Vienna)

Azerbaijan
59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities
(saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic (muxtar
respublika)
rayons: Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu,
Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Astara Rayonu, Balakan Rayonu, Barda
Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu,
Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu,
Gadabay Rayonu, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu,
Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu,
Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu,
Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax
Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu,
Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi
Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Susa Rayonu,
Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xanlar
Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli
Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab
Rayonu
cities: Ali Bayramli Sahari, Baki Sahari, Ganca Sahari, Lankaran
Sahari, Mingacevir Sahari, Naftalan Sahari, Saki Sahari, Sumqayit
Sahari, Susa Sahari, Xankandi Sahari, Yevlax Sahari
autonomous republic: Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi (Nakhichevan)

Bahamas, The
31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini,
Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central
Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand
Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long
Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North
Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South
Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand
Bahama

Bahrain
5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah,
Wasat
note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor

Bangladesh
7 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna,
Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Barbados
11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint
Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint
Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas

Belarus
6 provinces (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1
municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel), Horad Minsk* (Minsk
City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk
(Vitebsk)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when
different from Belarusian

Belgium
3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch:
gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as
Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region de Bruxelles-Capitale
(French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish
Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form),
Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Region Flamande (French long form),
Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known
as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form),
Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)
note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered
devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of
government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a
complex division of responsibilities

Belize
6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek,
Toledo

Benin
12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou,
Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Bermuda
9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton,
Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys,
Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Bhutan
20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang,
Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar,
Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang,
Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Bolivia
9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa
Cruz, Tarija

Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 first-order administrative divisions and 1
internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko
Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika
Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is a
self-governing administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia
and Herzegovina and formally held in condominium between the two
entities; the District remains under international supervision

Botswana
9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*,
Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*,
Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Brazil
26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal
district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia,
Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato
Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana,
Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande
do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe,
Tocantins

British Virgin Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait,
Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Bulgaria
28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad,
Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech,
Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,
Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya (Sofia), Sofiya-Grad (Sofia City),
Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa,
Yambol

Burkina Faso
45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba,
Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba,
Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo,
Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Nahouri, Namentenga,
Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie,
Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga,
Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Burma
7 divisions (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states* (pyi
ne-myar, singular - pyi ne)
divisions: Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi,
Yangon
states: Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine (Arakan), Shan

Burundi
17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural,
Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo,
Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Cambodia
23 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1
municipality (krong, singular and plural)
provinces: Banteay Mean Choay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong
Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb,
Krachen, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Choay, Pailin, Pouthisat, Preah
Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siem
Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev
municipalities: Phnum Penh (Phnom Penh)

Cameroon
10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre,
Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, North-West (Nord-Ouest), Ouest,
Sud, South-West (Sud-Ouest)

Canada
10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest
Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Cape Verde
17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa
Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira
Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe,
Sao Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Cayman Islands
8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town,
Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Central African Republic
14 prefectures (prefectures, singular -
prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques,
singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**;
Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou,
Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere,
Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Chad
22 regions (regions, singular - region); Barh el Gazel, Batha,
Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac,
Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi Est,
Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile,
Tibesti, Ville de N'Djamena, Wadi Fira

Chile
15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General
Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota,
Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins,
Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule,
Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso
note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

China
23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous
regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi,
singular and plural)
provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei,
Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin,
Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan,
Zhejiang; (see note on Taiwan)
autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang Uygur,
Xizang (Tibet)
municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin
note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries
for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Christmas Island
none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and
1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca,
Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare,
Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare,
Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander,
Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander,
Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Comoros
3 islands and 4 municipalities*; Grande Comore (N'gazidja),
Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Domoni*, Fomboni*, Moheli (Mwali), Moroni*,
Moutsamoudou*

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and 1 city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu note: according to the Constitution adopted in December 2005, the current administrative divisions will be subdivided into 26 new provinces by 2009

Congo, Republic of the
10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1
commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou,
Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Cook Islands
none

Costa Rica
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela,
Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Cote d'Ivoire
19 regions; Agneby, Bafing, Bas-Sassandra, Denguele,
Dix-Huit Montagnes, Fromager, Haut-Sassandra, Lacs, Lagunes,
Marahoue, Moyen-Cavally, Moyen-Comoe, N'zi-Comoe, Savanes,
Sud-Bandama, Sud-Comoe, Vallee du Bandama, Worodougou, Zanzan

Croatia
20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city*
(grad - singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska, Brodsko-Posavska,
Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria),
Karlovacka, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka, Krapinsko-Zagorska,
Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska, Osjecko-Baranjska,
Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska,
Sibensko-Kninska, Sisacko-Moslavacka, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
(Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska, Viroviticko-Podravska,
Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Zadarska, Zagreb*, Zagrebacka

Cuba
14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special
municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila,
Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla
de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio,
Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Curacao
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia,
Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions
include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts
of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and Larnaca

Czech Republic
13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital
city* (hlavni mesto); Jihocesky (South Bohemia), Jihomoravsky (South
Moravia), Karlovarsky, Kralovehradecky, Liberecky, Moravskoslezsky
(Moravia-Silesia), Olomoucky, Pardubicky, Plzensky (Pilsen), Praha
(Prague)*, Stredocesky (Central Bohemia), Ustecky, Vysocina, Zlinsky

Denmark
metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular -
region); Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark
note: an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities
into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Djibouti
6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta,
Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah

Dominica
10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint
John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint
Paul, Saint Peter

Dominican Republic
31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia)
and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon,
Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato
Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria
Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata,
Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, San Cristobal,
San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez Ramirez,
Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde

Ecuador
24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay,
Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas,
Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi,
Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena,
Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua,
Zamora-Chinchipe

Egypt
29 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Ad
Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrah (El Beheira), Al
Fayyum (El Faiyum), Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al
Isma'iliyah (Ismailia), Al Jizah (Giza), Al Minufiyah (El Monofia),
Al Minya, Al Qahirah (Cairo), Al Qalyubiyah, Al Uqsur, Al Wadi al
Jadid (New Valley), As Suways (Suez), Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut,
Bani Suwayf (Beni Suef), Bur Sa'id (Port Said), Dumyat (Damietta),
Helwan, Janub Sina' (South Sinai), Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh (Western
Desert), Qina (Qena), Shamal Sina' (North Sinai), Sittah Uktubar,
Suhaj (Sohag)

El Salvador
14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz,
La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana,
Sonsonate, Usulutan

Equatorial Guinea
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia);
Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral,
Wele-Nzas

Eritrea
6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); Anseba, Debub (South),
Debubawi K'eyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash Barka, Ma'akel
(Central), Semenawi Keyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea)

Estonia
15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa
(Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide),
Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere),
Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa
(Kuressaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa
(Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru)
note: counties have the administrative center name following in
parentheses

Ethiopia
9 ethnically based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and
2 self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular -
astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara),
Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples),
Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali),
Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none (overseas territory of the
UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are 34 municipalities

Fiji
4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern,
Rotuma*, Western

Finland
20 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish);
landskapen, singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish),
Ahvenanmaa (Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen
(Swedish) [South Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra
Osterbotten (Swedish) [South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish),
Sodra Savolax (Swedish) [South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish),
Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish); Ita-Uusimaa (Finnish), Ostra Nyland
(Swedish) [East Newland]; Kainuu (Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish);
Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central
Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi (Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish)
[Central Finland]; Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish);
Lappi (Finnish), Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish),
Paijanne-Tavastland (Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland
(Swedish) [Tampere]; Osterbotten (Swedish), Pohjanmaa (Finnish)
[Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish)
[North Karelia]; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten
(Swedish) [North Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra
Savolax (Swedish) [North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish);
Uusimaa (Finnish), Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi
(Finnish), Egentliga Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]

France
26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,
Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy),
Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica),
Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie
(Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin,
Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la
Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur,
Reunion, Rhone-Alpes
note: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the
"territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas
regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and
Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4
overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

French Polynesia
none (overseas lands of France); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are five archipelagic divisions named Archipel
des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du
Vent, Iles Sous-le-Vent

French Southern and Antarctic Lands none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon
9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie,
Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Gambia, The
5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower
River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Georgia
9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (k'alak'i),
and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom
respublika)
regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti,
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti,
Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli
city: Tbilisi
autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri
Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika
(Bat'umi)
note: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are
shown in parentheses

Germany
16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wurttemberg,
Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen
(Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania),
Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North
Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland,
Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt),
Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia); note - Bayern, Sachsen,
and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten,
singular - Freistaat)

Ghana
10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater
Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Gibraltar
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos) and 1 autonomous
region*; Achaia, Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania,
Argolis, Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chania, Chios,
Dodekanisos, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos,
Fthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa,
Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani,
Kyklades, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesvos, Magnisia,
Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethymnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serres,
Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Greenland
4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq,
Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq
note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani
Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik
(in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national
park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest
national park in the world and also the most northerly

Grenada
6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite
Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John,
Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Guam
none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,
Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,
Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa
Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Guernsey
none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order
administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
are 10 parishes including Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint
Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint
Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Guinea
33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla,
Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka,
Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane,
Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma,
Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri,
Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Guinea-Bissau
9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata,
Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note -
Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Guyana
10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica,
East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara,
Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper
Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Haiti
10 departments (departements, singular - departement);
Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest,
Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Holy See (Vatican City)
none

Honduras
18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso,
Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La
Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Hong Kong
none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary
19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 urban counties
(singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)
counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,
Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves,
Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy,
Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala
urban counties: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor,
Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa,
Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar,
Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg
capital city: Budapest

Iceland
8 regions; Austurland, Hofudhborgarsvaedhi, Nordhurland
Eystra, Nordhurland Vestra, Sudhurland, Sudhurnes, Vestfirdhir,
Vesturland

India
28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar
Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*,
Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,
Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa,
Puducherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal

Indonesia
30 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 2
special regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah
istimewa), and 1 special capital city district** (daerah khusus
ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**,
Jambi, Jawa Barat (West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa
Timur (East Java), Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan
Selatan (South Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan),
Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung
(Bangka Belitung Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung,
Maluku, Maluku Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa
Tenggara), Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua
Barat (West Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi
Selatan (South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi),
Sulawesi Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North
Sulawesi), Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South
Sumatra), Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta*
note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on
1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key
administrative units responsible for providing most government
services

Iran
31 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Alborz, Ardabil,
Azarbayjan-e Gharbi (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Sharqi (East
Azerbaijan), Bushehr, Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars,
Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah,
Khorasan-e Jonubi (South Khorasan), Khorasan-e Razavi (Razavi
Khorasan), Khorasan-e Shomali (North Khorasan), Khuzestan,
Kohgiluyeh va Bowyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi,
Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran,
Yazd, Zanjan

Iraq
18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) and 1
region*; Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah (Ad
Diwaniyah), An Najaf, Arbil (Erbil), As Sulaymaniyah, Babil,
Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Kirkuk, Kurdistan
Regional Government*, Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Ireland
29 counties and 5 cities*; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork,
Cork*, Donegal, Dublin*, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway,
Galway*, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick,
Limerick*, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, North Tipperary,
Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, South Tipperary, Waterford,
Waterford*, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

Isle of Man
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions
as defined by the US Government, but there are 24 local authorities
each with its own elections

Israel
6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa,
Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Italy
15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous
regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma)
regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna,
Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte
(Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Veneto
(Venetia)
autonomous regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia; Sardegna (Sardinia);
Sicilia (Sicily); Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or
Trentino-Suedtirol (German); Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee
d'Aoste (French)

Jamaica
14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester,
Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth,
Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland
note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were
amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as
the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation

Japan
47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui,
Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo,
Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi,
Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara,
Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga,
Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama,
Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Jersey
none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order
administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
are 12 parishes including Grouville, Saint Brelade, Saint Clement,
Saint Helier, Saint John, Saint Lawrence, Saint Martin, Saint Mary,
Saint Ouen, Saint Peter, Saint Saviour, and Trinity

Jordan
12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al
'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az
Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Kazakhstan
14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities*
(qalalar, singular - qala); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola
Oblysy (Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys
Qazaqstan Oblysy [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy
[Baykonur]*, Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy
[South Kazakhstan] (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy, Qaraghandy Oblysy,
Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy [East
Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavlovsk),
Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of
Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would
lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the
Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr
(Baykonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, a new agreement extended the
lease to 2050

Kenya
7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi
Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Kiribati
3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands;
note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts,
Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21
island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang,
Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton,
Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa,
Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Korea, North
9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 2
municipalities (si, singular and plural)
provinces: Chagang-do (Chagang), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong),
Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae),
Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae), Kangwon-do (Kangwon),
P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan),
Yanggang-do (Yanggang)
municipalities: Nason-si, P'yongyang-si (Pyongyang)

Korea, South
9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7
metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural)
provinces: Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto (North Cholla), Cholla-namdo
(South Cholla), Ch'ungch'ong-bukto (North Ch'ungch'ong),
Ch'ungch'ong-namdo (South Ch'ungch'ong), Kangwon-do, Kyonggi-do,
Kyongsang-bukto (North Kyongsang), Kyongsang-namdo (South Kyongsang)
metropolitan cities: Inch'on-gwangyoksi, Kwangju-gwangyoksi,
Pusan-gwangyoksi, Soul-t'ukpyolsi (Seoul), Taegu-gwangyoksi,
Taejon-gwangyoksi, Ulsan-gwangyoksi

Kosovo
30 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna in Albanian;
opstine, singular - opstina in Serbian); Decan (Decani), Dragash
(Dragas), Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove
(Dakovica), Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc/Drenas (Glogovac), Istog
(Istok), Kacanik, Kamenice/Dardana (Kamenica), Kline (Klina),
Leposaviq (Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo),
Mitrovice (Mitrovica), Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Peje
(Pec), Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec
(Orahovac), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica),
Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin
Potok, Zvecan
note - the Government of Kosovo has announced the establishment of
eight additional municipalities in accordance with UN Special Envoy
AHTISAARI's mandated decentralization process; the boundaries of
several municipalities are pending final approval; the
municipalities are: Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Dzeneral
Jankovic), Junik, Kllokot-Verboc (Klokot-Vrbovac), Mamushe (Mamusa),
Partes, and Ranillug (Ranilug); in addition, the current Mitrovice
(Mitrovica) municipality is to be split into Mitrovice (Mitrovica)
North and Mitrovice (Mitrovica) South

Kuwait
6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi,
Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir

Kyrgyzstan
7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city*
(shaar); Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek),
Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty,
Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Laos
16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city*
(nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai,
Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang,
Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*,
Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Latvia
109 municipalities (novadi, singular-novads) and 9 cities*:
Adazu Novads, Aglonas Novads, Aizkraukles Novads, Aizputes Novads,
Aknistes Novads, Alojas Novads, Alsungas Novads, Aluksnes Novads,
Amatas Novads, Apes Novads, Auces Novads, Babites Novads, Baldones
Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Balvu Novads, Bauskas Novads, Beverinas
Novads, Brocenu Novads, Burtnieku Novads, Carnikavas Novads, Cesu
Novads, Cesvaines Novads, Ciblas Novads, Dagdas Novads, Daugavpils*,
Daugavpils Novads, Dobeles Novads, Dundagas Novads, Durbes Novads,
Engures Novads, Erglu Novads, Garkalnes Novads, Grobinas Novads,
Gulbenes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Ikskiles Novads, Ilukstes Novads,
Incukalna Novads, Jaunjelgavas Novads, Juanpiebalgas Novads,
Jaunpils Novads, Jekabpils*, Jekabpils Novads, Jelgava*, Jelgavas
Novads, Jurmala*, Kandavas Novads, Karsavas Novads, Keguma Novads,
Kekavas Novads, Kocenu Novads, Kokneses Novads, Kraslavas Novads,
Krimuldas Novads, Krustpils Novads, Kuldigas Novads, Lielvardes
Novads, Liepaja*, Ligatnes Novads, Limbazu Novads, Livanu Novads,
Lubanas Novads, Ludzas Novads, Madonas Novads, Malpils Novads,
Marupes Novads, Mazsalacas Novads, Nauksenu Novads, Neretas Novads,
Nicas Novads, Ogres Novads, Olaines Novads, Ozolnieku Novads,
Pargaujas Novads, Pavilostas Novads, Plavinu Novads, Preilu Novads,
Priekules Novads, Priekulu Novads, Raunas Novads, Rezekne*, Rezeknes
Novads, Riebinu Novads, Riga*, Rojas Novads, Ropazu Novads, Rucavas
Novads, Rugaju Novads, Rujienas Novads, Rundales Novads, Salacgrivas
Novads, Salas Novads, Salaspils Novads, Saldus Novads, Saulkrastu
Novads, Sejas Novads, Siguldas Novads, Skriveru Novads, Skrundas
Novads, Smiltenes Novads, Stopinu Novads, Strencu Novads, Talsu
Novads, Tervetes Novads, Tukuma Novads, Vainodes Novads, Valkas
Novads, Valmiera*, Varaklanu Novads, Varkavas Novads, Vecpiebalgas
Novads, Vecumnieku Novads, Ventspils*, Ventspils Novads, Viesites
Novads, Vilakas Novads, Vilanu Novads, Zilupes Novads

Lebanon
6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beqaa,
Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye
note: two new governorates - Aakar and Baalbek-Hermel - have been
legislated but not yet implemented

Lesotho
10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru,
Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Liberia
15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape
Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado,
Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Libya
22 states (shabiyat, singular - shabiyat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal
al Akhdar, Al Jabal Al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jafrah, Al Kafrah, Al
Maraj, Al Marqab, Al Murzuq, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az
Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Nalut, Sibha, Surt,
Tarabulus, Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati

Liechtenstein
11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers,
Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg,
Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Lithuania
10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus,
Kauno, Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages,
Telsiu, Utenos, Vilniaus

Luxembourg
3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Macau
none (special administrative region of the People's Republic
of China)

Macedonia
84 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aerodrom
(Skopje), Aracinovo, Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Bogovinje, Bosilovo,
Brvenica, Butel (Skopje), Cair (Skopje), Caska, Centar (Skopje),
Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer Sandevo, Debar, Debarca, Delcevo, Demir
Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dojran, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Gjorce Petrov)
(Skopje), Drugovo, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko,
Ilinden, Jegunovce, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo,
Kisela Voda (Skopje), Kocani, Konce, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka,
Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Makedonska
Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovo i Rostusa, Mogila, Negotino,
Novaci, Novo Selo, Ohrid, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica,
Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Saraj
(Skopje), Sopiste, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica,
Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo,
Valandovo, Vasilevo, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vranestica, Vrapciste,
Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zelino, Zrnovci
note: the 10 municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses
collectively constitute the larger Skopje Municipality

Madagascar
6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana,
Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Malawi
28 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu,
Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga
(Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Neno, Ntcheu,
Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima,
Thyolo, Zomba

Malaysia
13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau
Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu; and 1 federal
territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with three components, city of Kuala
Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

Maldives
19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital
city*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu,
Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale
(Male)*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu

Mali
8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal,
Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Malta
none (administered directly from Valletta); note - local
councils carry out administrative orders and have some
responsibility for local road and other public maintenance

Marshall Islands
33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk,
Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat,
Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap,
Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang,
Utirik, Wotho, Wotje

Mauritania
13 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba,
Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui,
Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Mauritius
9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black
River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka,
Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart,
Rodrigues*, Savanne

Mayotte
none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal
district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja
California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza,
Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo,
Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon,
Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,
Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,
Yucatan, Zacatecas

Micronesia, Federated States of
4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae
(Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Moldova
32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities
(municipii, singular - municipiu), 1 autonomous territorial unit
(unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea
teritoriala)
raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir,
Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari,
Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova,
Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti,
Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni
municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau
autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia
territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

Monaco
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as
defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters
(quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine,
Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Mongolia
21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1
municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy,
Bulgan, Darhan-Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan (Zavkhan),
Govi-Altay, Govisumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon,
Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Montenegro
21 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina);
Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad,
Herceg Novi, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pljevlja,
Pluzine, Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Ulcinj, Zabljak

Montserrat
3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Morocco
15 regions; Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha,
Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es
Smara, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz,
Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer,
Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al
Hoceima-Taounate
note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political
status of which is considered undetermined by the US Government;
portions of the regions Guelmim-Es Smara and Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia
El Hamra as claimed by Morocco lie within Western Sahara; Morocco
also claims Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, another region that falls
entirely within Western Sahara

Mozambique
10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city
(cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de
Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Namibia
13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene,
Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Nauru
14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe,
Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Nepal
14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri,
Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali,
Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Netherlands
12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie);
Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen,
Limburg, Noord-Brabant (North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North
Holland), Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland
(South Holland)

New Caledonia
none (overseas territory of France); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are 3 provinces named Province des Iles,
Province Nord, and Province Sud

New Zealand
16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty,
Canterbury, Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay,
Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland,
Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast

Nicaragua
15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento)
and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region
autonoma); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo,
Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz,
Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Niger
8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital
district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi,
Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Nigeria
36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom,
Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi,
Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa,
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger,
Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Niue
none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions
as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the
second order

Norfolk Island
none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
none (commonwealth in political union with
the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as
defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at
the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Norway
19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,
Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,
Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,
Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Oman
5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates*
(muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al
Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*,
Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Pakistan
4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**;
Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital
Territory**, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly North-West Frontier
Province), Punjab, Sindh
note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and
Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir
and Gilgit-Baltistan

Palau
16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel,
Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang,
Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Panama
11 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1
territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Comarca Kuna Yala, Comarca
Ngobe-Bugle, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos,
Panama, San Blas* (Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

Papua New Guinea
18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1
district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East
New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay,
Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern
Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Paraguay
17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and
1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*,
Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion,
Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari,
Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Peru
25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province*
(provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho,
Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La
Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua,
Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Philippines
80 provinces and 120 chartered cities
provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay,
Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas,
Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines
Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu,
Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat
Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La
Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,
Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain
Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato,
Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga,
Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani,
Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat,
Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi,
Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago,
Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan,
Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan,
Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan,
Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan,
General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga,
Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag,
Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati,
Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi,
Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga,
Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan,
Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon,
Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos
(in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in
Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa
Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban,
Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu),
Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac,
Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela,
Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Pitcairn Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo);
Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie
(Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie, Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz),
Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie,
Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania),
Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie
(Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie
(West Pomerania)

Portugal
18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2
autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma);
Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco,
Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*,
Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real,
Viseu

Puerto Rico
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status);
there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the
US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular
- municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas
Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,
Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,
Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,
Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,
Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,
Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las
Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,
Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,
Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San
German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa
Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,
Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Qatar
7 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah,
Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Az
Za'ayin, Umm Salal

Romania
41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality*
(municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud,
Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi,
Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati,
Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov,
Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare,
Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Russia
46 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics
(respublik, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnykh
okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (krayev, singular -
kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous
oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')
oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod,
Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga,
Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk,
Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk,
Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin
(Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk
(Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk,
Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'
republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan
(Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya
(Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas),
Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista),
Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk),
Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola),
Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya]
(Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)
autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi
(Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)
krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy),
Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm', Primorskiy [Maritime]
(Vladivostok), Stavropol', Zabaykal'sk (Chita)
federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg]
autonomous oblast: Yevrey [Jewish] (Birobidzhan)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Rwanda
4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in
Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French
- ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord
(Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
3 administrative
areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha

Saint Kitts and Nevis
14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint
Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland,
Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree,
Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown,
Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle
Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Saint Lucia
11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin,
Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
none (territorial overseas collectivity of
France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as
defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint
Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines,
Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Samoa
11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga,
Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga,
Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

San Marino
9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello);
Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano,
Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle

Sao Tome and Principe
2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome
note: Principe has had self government since 29 April 1995

Saudi Arabia
13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah,
Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah
(Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern),
'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Senegal
14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel,
Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam,
Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Serbia
167 municipalities (opcstine, singular - opcstina)
Serbia Proper: Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka,
Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica,
Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun,
Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac,
Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari,
Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula,
Pantelej Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda,
Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo;
Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali
Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac,
Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina,
Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo,
Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela
Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia
Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina,
Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac,
Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska,
Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic,
Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija,
Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja,
Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova
Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice
Vojvodina Autonomous Province: South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka,
Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci,
Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar,
Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North
Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka,
Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja,
Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci,
Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin,
Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Seychelles
23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau,
Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne,
Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on
Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont
Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint
Louis, Takamaka

Sierra Leone
3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern,
Western*

Singapore
none

Sint Maarten
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky,
Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky,
Zilinsky

Slovenia
210 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) including 11
urban municipalities* (mestne obcine, singular - mestna obcina)
Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled,
Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice,
Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,
Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj,
Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec,
Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,
Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje,
Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje,
Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,
Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice,
Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,
Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kosanjevica na Krki,
Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota,
Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno,
Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc
na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Maribor*, Markovci,
Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju,
Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce,
Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,
Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,
Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,
Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*,
Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica,
Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko,
Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec,
Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenj Gradec*,
Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce
ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih
Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Sveti Jurij
v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba,
Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja
Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob
Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sostanj, Store, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin,
Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*,
Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice,
Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc,
Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zrece, Zuzemberk

Solomon Islands
9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central,
Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell
and Bellona, Temotu, Western

Somalia
18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,
Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe (Middle
Jubba), Jubbada Hoose (Lower Jubba), Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag,
Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabeelle), Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower
Shabeelle), Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

South Africa
9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng,
KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West,
Western Cape

Spain
17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular -
comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas,
singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares
(Balearic Islands), Ceuta*, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria,
Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna (Catalonia), Comunidad
Valenciana (Valencian Community), Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja,
Madrid, Melilla*, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)
note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small
islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez
de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central
government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively
referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Sri Lanka
9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern,
North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western

Sudan
25 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil (Upper
Nile), Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrat (Lakes), Al Jazira
(Gezira), Al Khartoum (Khartoum), Al Qadarif (Gedaref), Al Wahda
(Unity), An Nil al Abyad (White Nile), An Nil al Azraq (Blue Nile),
Ash Shimaliyya (Northern), Bahr al Jabal (Central Equatoria), Gharb
al Istiwa'iyya (Western Equatoria), Gharb Bahr al Ghazal (Western
Bahr el Ghazal), Gharb Darfur (Western Darfur), Janub Darfur
(Southern Darfur), Janub Kurdufan (Southern Kordofan), Junqoley
(Jonglei), Kassala (Kassala), Nahr an Nil (River Nile), Shimal Bahr
al Ghazal (Northern Bahr el Ghazal), Shimal Darfur (Northern
Darfur), Shimal Kurdufan (Northern Kordofan), Sharq al Istiwa'iyya
(Eastern Equatoria), Sinnar (Sinnar), Warab (Warrap)

Suriname
10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo,
Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo,
Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Swaziland
4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Sweden
21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna,
Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg,
Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm,
Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra
Gotaland

Switzerland
26 cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni,
singular - cantone in Italian; Kantone, singular - Kanton in
German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden,
Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus,
Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt
Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri,
Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich
note: 6 of the cantons - Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden,
Appenzell-Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden,
Obwalden - are styled half cantons because they elect only one
member to the Council of States and, in popular referendums where a
majority of popular votes and a majority of cantonal votes are
required, these six cantons only have a half vote

Syria
14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al
Ladhiqiyah (Latakia), Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a,
Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq
(Damascus), Tartus

Taiwan
includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby
and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 18
counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities (shih,
singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih,
singular and plural)
note: Taiwan uses a variety of romanization systems; while a
modified Wade-Giles system still dominates, the city of Taipei has
adopted a Pinyin romanization for street and place names within its
boundaries; other local authorities use different romanization
systems; names for administrative divisions that follow are taken
from the Taiwan Yearbook 2007 published by the Government
Information Office in Taipei.
counties: Changhua, Chiayi (county), Hsinchu (county), Hualien,
Kaohsiung (county), Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli, Nantou, Penghu,
Pingtung, Taichung (county), Tainan (county), Taipei (county),
Taitung, Taoyuan, Yilan, and Yunlin
municipalities: Chiayi (city), Hsinchu (city), Keelung, Taichung
(city), Tainan (city)
special municipalities: Kaohsiung (city), Taipei (city)

Tajikistan
2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1
autonomous province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Khatlon
(Qurghonteppa), Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon
[Gorno-Badakhshan]* (Khorugh), Viloyati Sughd (Khujand)
note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Tanzania
26 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera,
Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara,
Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga,
Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North,
Zanzibar Urban/West

Thailand
76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat
Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum,
Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin,
Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep
Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong
Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon
Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,
Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,
Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,
Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi
Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut
Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Timor-Leste
13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau,
Bobonaro (Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem
(Los Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno),
Viqueque
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Togo
5 regions (regions, singular - region); Centrale, Kara,
Maritime, Plateaux, Savanes

Tokelau
none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Trinidad and Tobago
9 regional corporations, 2 city corporations, 3
borough corporations, 1 ward
regional corporations: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin,
Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San
Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco
city corporations: Port-of-Spain, San Fernando
borough corporations: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin
ward: Tobago

Tunisia
24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous
(Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah),
Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn),
Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba
(Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul
(Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana
(Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar),
Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)

Turkey
81 provinces (iller, singular - ili); Adana, Adiyaman,
Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan,
Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol,
Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli,
Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir,
Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta,
Istanbul, Izmir (Smyrna), Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars,
Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli,
Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus,
Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa,
Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon (Trebizond),
Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak

Turkmenistan
5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat) and 1
independent city*: Ahal Welayaty (Anew), Ashgabat*, Balkan Welayaty
(Balkanabat), Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary
Welayaty
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Turks and Caicos Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
none

Uganda
80 districts; Abim, Adjumani, Amolatar, Amuria, Amuru, Apac,
Arua, Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwa, Bulisa, Bundibugyo,
Bushenyi, Busia, Butaleja, Dokolo, Gulu, Hoima, Ibanda, Iganga,
Isingiro, Jinja, Kaabong, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kalangala,
Kaliro, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kasese,
Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kiruhara, Kisoro, Kitgum, Koboko,
Kotido, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Lyantonde, Manafwa, Maracha,
Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara, Mityana, Moroto, Moyo,
Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nakaseke, Nakasongola,
Namutumba, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Oyam, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri,
Sembabule, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Ukraine
24 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous
republic* (avtonomna respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista,
singular - misto) with oblast status**; Cherkasy, Chernihiv,
Chernivtsi, Crimea or Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'),
Dnipropetrovs'k, Donets'k, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Kharkiv, Kherson,
Khmel'nyts'kyy, Kirovohrad, Kyiv**, Kyiv, Luhans'k, L'viv,
Mykolayiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sevastopol'**, Sumy, Ternopil',
Vinnytsya, Volyn' (Luts'k), Zakarpattya (Uzhhorod), Zaporizhzhya,
Zhytomyr
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

United Arab Emirates
7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu
Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah),
Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn (Quwain)

United Kingdom
England: 27 two-tier counties, 32 London boroughs and
1 City of London or Greater London, 36 metropolitan districts, 56
unitary authorities (including 4 single-tier counties*)
two-tier counties: Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cumbria,
Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire,
Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire,
Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire,
Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk,
Surrey, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Worcestershire
London boroughs and City of London or Greater London: Barking and
Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing,
Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey,
Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and
Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London,
Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton,
Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
metropolitan districts: Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford,
Bury, Calderdale, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Gateshead, Kirklees,
Knowlsey, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, North
Tyneside, Oldham, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sefton,
Sheffield, Solihull, South Tyneside, St. Helens, Stockport,
Sunderland, Tameside, Trafford, Wakefield, Walsall, Wigan, Wirral,
Wolverhampton
unitary authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, Blackburn with
Darwen, Bedford, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bracknell Forest, Brighton
and Hove, City of Bristol, Central Bedfordshire, Cheshire East,
Cheshire West and Chester, Cornwall, Darlington, Derby, Durham
County*, East Riding of Yorkshire, Halton, Hartlepool,
Herefordshire*, Isle of Wight*, Isles of Scilly*, City of Kingston
upon Hull, Leicester, Luton, Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes,
North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset,
Northumberland*, Nottingham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole,
Portsmouth, Reading, Redcar and Cleveland, Rutland, Shropshire,
Slough, South Gloucestershire, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea,
Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin,
Thurrock, Torbay, Warrington, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Windsor and
Maidenhead, Wokingham, York
Northern Ireland: 26 district council areas
district council areas: Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney,
Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine,
Cookstown, Craigavon, Derry, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne,
Limavady, Lisburn, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,
Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane
Scotland: 32 council areas
council areas: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and Bute,
Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire,
East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, City of
Edinburgh, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,
Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,
Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, The
Scottish Borders, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian
Wales: 22 unitary authorities
unitary authorities: Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff;
Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire;
Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port
Talbot; Newport; Pembrokeshire; Powys; Rhondda, Cynon, Taff;
Swansea; The Vale of Glamorgan; Torfaen; Wrexham

United States
50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of
Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North
Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Uruguay
19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,
Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,
Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Uzbekistan
12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1
autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon
Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati,
Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),
Qoraqalpog'iston Respublikasi [Karakalpakstan Republic]* (Nukus),
Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo
Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri [Tashkent City]**, Toshkent
Viloyati [Tashkent province], Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Vanuatu
6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Venezuela
23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital
district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency**
(dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas,
Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales
(Federal Dependencies)**, Distrito Capital (Capital District)*,
Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta,
Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia
note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled
island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Vietnam
58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5
municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)
provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba
Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh
Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Dac Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai,
Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang,
Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam
Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh
Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang
Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai
Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen
Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai
municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
none (territory of the US); there are no first-order
administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John,
Saint Thomas

Wallis and Futuna
none (overseas territory of France); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are three kingdoms at the second order named
Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Western Sahara
none (territory west of the berm under de facto
Moroccan control)

World
266 countries, dependent areas, and other entities

Yemen
21 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan,
'Adan (Aden), Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah,
Al Mahwit, Amanat al 'Asimah, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah,
Ibb, Lahij, Ma'rib, Raymah, Sa'dah, San'a' (Sanaa), Shabwah, Ta'izz

Zambia
9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka,
Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Zimbabwe
8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status;
Bulawayo*, Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland
East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland
South, Midlands

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

@2052

Field Listing :: Agriculture - products

This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important. Country

Agriculture - products

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

Albania
wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets,
grapes; meat, dairy products

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

American Samoa
bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit,
yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock

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

Angola
bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc
(tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest
products; fish

Anguilla
small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Antigua and Barbuda
cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts,
cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Argentina
sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco,
peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Armenia
fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Aruba
aloes; livestock; fish

Australia
wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Austria
grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products,
cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Azerbaijan
cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea,
tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Bahamas, The
citrus, vegetables; poultry

Bahrain
fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Bangladesh
rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco,
pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Barbados
sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Belarus
grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Belgium
sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef,
veal, pork, milk

Belize
bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber

Benin
cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil,
peanuts, cashews; livestock

Bermuda
bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Bhutan
rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products,
eggs

Bolivia
soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice,
potatoes; timber

Bosnia and Herzegovina
wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Botswana
livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers,
groundnuts

Brazil
coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa,
citrus; beef

British Virgin Islands
fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Brunei
rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle,
goats, eggs

Bulgaria
vegetables, fruits, tobacco, wine, wheat, barley,
sunflowers, sugar beets; livestock

Burkina Faso
cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet,
corn, rice; livestock

Burma
rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood;
fish and fish products

Burundi
coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas,
manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Cambodia
rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca, silk

Cameroon
coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains,
root starches; livestock; timber

Canada
wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy
products; forest products; fish

Cape Verde
bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee,
peanuts; fish

Cayman Islands
vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Central African Republic
timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc
(tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Chad
cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc
(tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Chile
grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches,
garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

China
world leader in gross value of agricultural output; rice,
wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton,
oilseed; pork; fish

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Colombia
coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn,
sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Comoros
vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, perfume essences, copra,
coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Congo, Republic of the
cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn,
peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Cook Islands
copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws,
bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Costa Rica
bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants,
sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber

Cote d'Ivoire
coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn,
rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Croatia
wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa,
clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy
products

Cuba
sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Curacao
aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Cyprus
citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables;
poultry, pork, lamb; dairy, cheese

Czech Republic
wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs,
poultry

Denmark
barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products;
fish

Djibouti
fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides

Dominica
bananas, citrus, mangos, root crops, coconuts, cocoa
note: forest and fishery potential not exploited

Dominican Republic
sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice,
beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef,
eggs

Ecuador
bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca),
plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy
products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Egypt
cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle,
water buffalo, sheep, goats

El Salvador
coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton,
sorghum; beef, dairy products

Equatorial Guinea
coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca),
bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Eritrea
sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal;
livestock, goats; fish

Estonia
potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Ethiopia
cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane,
potatoes, qat, cut flowers; hides, cattle, sheep, goats; fish

European Union
wheat, barley, oilseeds, sugar beets, wine, grapes;
dairy products, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry; fish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
fodder and vegetable crops; sheep,
dairy products; fish, squid

Faroe Islands
milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Fiji
sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes,
bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Finland
barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

France
wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef,
dairy products; fish

French Polynesia
fish; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits,
coffee; poultry, beef, dairy products

Gabon
cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a
tropical softwood); fish

Gambia, The
rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava
(tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Gaza Strip
olives, fruit, vegetables, flowers; beef, dairy products

Georgia
citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock

Germany
potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages;
cattle, pigs, poultry

Ghana
cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts,
bananas; timber

Gibraltar
none

Greece
wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine,
tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Greenland
forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep,
reindeer; fish

Grenada
bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops,
sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Guam
fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Guatemala
sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle,
sheep, pigs, chickens

Guernsey
tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant,
fruit; Guernsey cattle

Guinea
rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca),
bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Guinea-Bissau
rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts,
peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Guyana
sugarcane, rice, edible oils; shrimp, fish, beef, pork,
poultry

Haiti
coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Honduras
bananas, coffee, citrus, corn, African palm; beef; timber;
shrimp, tilapia, lobster

Hong Kong
fresh vegetables; poultry, pork; fish

Hungary
wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs,
cattle, poultry, dairy products

Iceland
potatoes, green vegetables; mutton, chicken, pork, beef,
dairy products; fish

India
rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, lentils,
onions, potatoes; dairy products, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Indonesia
rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee,
palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Iran
wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, sugar cane, fruits,
nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar

Iraq
wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep,
poultry

Ireland
turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy
products

Isle of Man
cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Israel
citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Italy
fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans,
grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Jamaica
sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, yams, ackees,
vegetables; poultry, goats, milk; crustaceans, mollusks

Japan
rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy
products, eggs; fish

Jersey
potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Jordan
citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, strawberries, stone
fruits; sheep, poultry, dairy

Kazakhstan
grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Kenya
tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy
products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Kiribati
copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Korea, North
rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs,
pork, eggs

Korea, South
rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle,
pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Kosovo
wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers

Kuwait
fish

Kyrgyzstan
tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and
berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Laos
sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco,
cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Latvia
grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk,
eggs; fish

Lebanon
citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes,
olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Lesotho
corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Liberia
rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil,
sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Libya
wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts,
soybeans; cattle

Liechtenstein
wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy
products

Lithuania
grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef,
milk, eggs; fish

Luxembourg
grapes, barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits; dairy and
livestock products

Macau
only 2% of land area is cultivated, mainly by vegetable
growers; fishing, mostly for crustaceans, is important; some of the
catch is exported to Hong Kong

Macedonia
grapes, tobacco, vegetables, fruits; milk, eggs

Madagascar
coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava
(tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Malawi
tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava
(tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah
- subsistence crops, coconuts, rice; rubber, timber; Sarawak -
rubber, timber; pepper

Maldives
coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Mali
cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep,
goats

Malta
potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes,
citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Marshall Islands
coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit,
fruits; pigs, chickens

Mauritania
dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; cattle, sheep

Mauritius
sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle,
goats; fish

Mayotte
vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra; fish,
livestock

Mexico
corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit,
tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Micronesia, Federated States of
black pepper, tropical fruits and
vegetables, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), sakau (kava),
Kosraen citrus, betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish

Moldova
vegetables, fruits, grapes, grain, sugar beets,sunflower
seed, tobacco; beef, milk; wine

Monaco
none

Mongolia
wheat, barley, vegetables, forage crops; sheep, goats,
cattle, camels, horses

Montenegro
tobacco, potatoes, citrus fruits, olives, grapes; sheep

Montserrat
cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers;
livestock products

Morocco
barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives;
livestock; wine

Mozambique
cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca),
corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes,
sunflowers; beef, poultry

Namibia
millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Nauru
coconuts

Nepal
pulses, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk,
water buffalo meat

Netherlands
grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables;
livestock

New Caledonia
vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products; fish

New Zealand
dairy products, lamb and mutton; wheat, barley,
potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef; fish

Nicaragua
coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco,
sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products;
shrimp, lobsters

Niger
cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca),
rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Nigeria
cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum,
millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs;
timber; fish

Niue
coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava
(tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals,
vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Northern Mariana Islands vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Norway
barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Oman
dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Pakistan
cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk,
beef, mutton, eggs

Palau
coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish

Panama
bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables;
livestock; shrimp

Papua New Guinea
coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar,
rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla; shell fish;
poultry, pork

Paraguay
cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava
(tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Peru
asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes,
corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas,
apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal
plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef,
dairy products; fish; guinea pigs

Philippines
sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas,
pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Pitcairn Islands
honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables;
goats, chickens, fish

Poland
potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork,
dairy

Portugal
grain, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle,
goats, pigs, poultry, dairy products; fish

Puerto Rico
sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas;
livestock products, chickens

Qatar
fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Romania
wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes,
grapes; eggs, sheep

Russia
grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef,
milk

Rwanda
coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from
chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
coffee, corn,
potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster; livestock

Saint Kitts and Nevis
sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas;
fish

Saint Lucia
bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs;
fish

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes,
spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Samoa
coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

San Marino
wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef,
cheese, hides

Sao Tome and Principe
cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra,
cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Saudi Arabia
wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton,
chickens, eggs, milk

Senegal
peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes,
green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Serbia
wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries; beef,
pork, milk

Seychelles
coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava
(tapioca), copra, bananas; poultry; tuna

Sierra Leone
rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts;
poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Singapore
orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Sint Maarten
sugar

Slovakia
grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle,
poultry; forest products

Slovenia
potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle,
sheep, poultry

Solomon Islands
cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes,
vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs; fish

Somalia
bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes,
sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish

South Africa
corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef,
poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Spain
grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus;
beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Sri Lanka
rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices,
vegetables, fruit, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef;
fish

Sudan
cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum
arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet
potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Suriname
paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains,
peanuts; beef, chickens; shrimp; forest products

Swaziland
sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus,
pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Sweden
barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Switzerland
grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Syria
wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar
beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Taiwan
rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef,
milk; fish

Tajikistan
cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep,
goats

Tanzania
coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made
from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat,
cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Thailand
rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts,
soybeans

Timor-Leste
coffee, rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans,
cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Togo
coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans,
rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Tokelau
coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs,
poultry, goats; fish

Tonga
squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa,
coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Trinidad and Tobago
cocoa, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry

Tunisia
olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar
beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products

Turkey
tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, hazelnuts,
pulse, citrus; livestock

Turkmenistan
cotton, grain; livestock

Turks and Caicos Islands corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Tuvalu
coconuts; fish

Uganda
coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes,
corn, millet, pulses, cut flowers; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry

Ukraine
grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

United Arab Emirates
dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs,
dairy products; fish

United Kingdom
cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle,
sheep, poultry; fish

United States
wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton;
beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products

Uruguay
rice, wheat, soybeans, barley; livestock, beef; fish;
forestry

Uzbekistan
cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Vanuatu
copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits,
vegetables; beef; fish

Venezuela
corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables,
coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Vietnam
paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans,
cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood

Virgin Islands
fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Wallis and Futuna coconuts, breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats; fish

West Bank
olives, citrus fruit, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Western Sahara
fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases);
camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads); fish

Yemen
grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy
products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish

Zambia
corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables,
flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), coffee;
cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides

Zimbabwe
corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts;
sheep, goats, pigs

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

@2053

Field Listing :: Airports

This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. Country Comparison to the World Country

Airports

Afghanistan
53 (2010)

Albania
5 (2010)

Algeria
143 (2010)

American Samoa
3 (2010)

Angola
193 (2010)

Anguilla
3 (2010)

Antarctica
26 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
3 (2010)

Argentina
1,141 (2010)

Armenia
11 (2010)

Aruba
1 (2010)

Australia
465 (2010)

Austria
55 (2010)

Azerbaijan
35 (2010)

Bahamas, The
62 (2010)

Bahrain
4 (2010)

Bangladesh
17 (2010)

Barbados
1 (2010)

Belarus
67 (2010)

Belgium
43 (2010)

Belize
45 (2010)

Benin
5 (2010)

Bermuda
1 (2010)

Bhutan
2 (2010)

Bolivia
881 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
25 (2010)

Botswana
78 (2010)

Brazil
4,072 (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
1 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
4 (2010)

Brunei
2 (2010)

Bulgaria
210 (2010)

Burkina Faso
24 (2010)

Burma
76 (2010)

Burundi
8 (2010)

Cambodia
17 (2010)

Cameroon
34 (2010)

Canada
1,404 (2010)

Cape Verde
10 (2010)

Cayman Islands
3 (2010)

Central African Republic
37 (2010)

Chad
56 (2010)

Chile
366 (2010)

China
502 (2010)

Christmas Island
1 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
1 (2010)

Colombia
990 (2010)

Comoros
4 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
198 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
25 (2010)

Cook Islands
10 (2010)

Costa Rica
151 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
27 (2010)

Croatia
69 (2010)

Cuba
136 (2010)

Curacao
1

Cyprus
15 (2010)

Czech Republic
122 (2010)

Denmark
92 (2010)

Djibouti
13 (2010)

Dominica
2 (2010)

Dominican Republic
35 (2010)

Ecuador
428 (2010)

Egypt
86 (2010)

El Salvador
65 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
7 (2010)

Eritrea
13 (2010)

Estonia
19 (2010)

Ethiopia
61 (2010)

European Union
3,383 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
7 (2010)

Faroe Islands
1 (2010)

Fiji
28 (2010)

Finland
148 (2010)

France
474 (2010)

French Polynesia
53 (2010)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands 4 (note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district) (2010)

Gabon
44 (2010)

Gambia, The
1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
1 (2010)

Georgia
22 (2010)

Germany
549 (2010)

Ghana
11 (2010)

Gibraltar
1 (2010)

Greece
81 (2010)

Greenland
15 (2010)

Grenada
3 (2010)

Guam
5; note - 2 serviceable (2010)

Guatemala
372 (2010)

Guernsey
2 (2010)

Guinea
16 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
9 (2010)

Guyana
96 (2010)

Haiti
14 (2010)

Honduras
104 (2010)

Hong Kong
2 (2010)

Hungary
43 (2010)

Iceland
99 (2010)

India
352 (2010)

Indonesia
684 (2010)

Iran
319 (2010)

Iraq
104 (2010)

Ireland
39 (2010)

Isle of Man
1 (2010)

Israel
48 (2010)

Italy
132 (2010)

Jamaica
27 (2010)

Jan Mayen
1 (2010)

Japan
176 (2010)

Jersey
1 (2010)

Jordan
18 (2010)

Kazakhstan
97 (2010)

Kenya
191 (2010)

Kiribati
19 (2010)

Korea, North
79 (2010)

Korea, South
116 (2010)

Kosovo
8 (2010)

Kuwait
7 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
28 (2010)

Laos
41 (2010)

Latvia
42 (2010)

Lebanon
7 (2010)

Lesotho
26 (2010)

Liberia
29 (2010)

Libya
137 (2010)

Lithuania
81 (2010)

Luxembourg
2 (2010)

Macau
1 (2010)

Macedonia
14 (2010)

Madagascar
84 (2010)

Malawi
32 (2010)

Malaysia
118 (2010)

Maldives
5 (2010)

Mali
20 (2010)

Malta
1 (2010)

Marshall Islands
15 (2010)

Mauritania
28 (2010)

Mauritius
5 (2010)

Mayotte
1 (2010)

Mexico
1,819 (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
6 (2010)

Moldova
11 (2010)

Mongolia
46 (2010)

Montenegro
5 (2010)

Montserrat
2 (2010)

Morocco
58 (2010)

Mozambique
106 (2010)

Namibia
129 (2010)

Nauru
1 (2010)

Nepal
47 (2010)

Netherlands
27 (2010)

New Caledonia
25 (2010)

New Zealand
122 (2010)

Nicaragua
143 (2010)

Niger
27 (2010)

Nigeria
54 (2010)

Niue
1 (2010)

Norfolk Island
1 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
5 (2010)

Norway
98 (2010)

Oman
130 (2010)

Pakistan
148 (2010)

Palau
3 (2010)

Panama
118 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
562 (2010)

Paracel Islands
1 (2010)

Paraguay
800 (2010)

Peru
211 (2010)

Philippines
254 (2010)

Poland
129 (2010)

Portugal
65 (2010)

Puerto Rico
29 (2010)

Qatar
6 (2010)

Romania
54 (2010)

Russia
1,213 (2010)

Rwanda
9 (2010)

Saint Barthelemy
1 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
1 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
2 (2010)

Saint Lucia
2 (2010)

Saint Martin
1 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
2 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
6 (2010)

Samoa
4 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
2 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
217 (2010)

Senegal
20 (2010)

Serbia
29 (2010)

Seychelles
14 (2010)

Sierra Leone
9 (2010)

Singapore
8 (2010)

Sint Maarten
1

Slovakia
36 (2010)

Slovenia
16 (2010)

Solomon Islands
36 (2010)

Somalia
59 (2010)

South Africa
578 (2010)

Spain
154 (2010)

Spratly Islands
4 (2010)

Sri Lanka
18 (2010)

Sudan
140 (2010)

Suriname
51 (2010)

Svalbard
4 (2010)

Swaziland
15 (2010)

Sweden
249 (2010)

Switzerland
65 (2010)

Syria
104 (2010)

Taiwan
41 (2010)

Tajikistan
26 (2010)

Tanzania
124 (2010)

Thailand
105 (2010)

Timor-Leste
6 (2010)

Togo
8 (2010)

Tonga
6 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
6 (2010)

Tunisia
32 (2010)

Turkey
99 (2010)

Turkmenistan
27 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
8 (2010)

Tuvalu
1 (2010)

Uganda
46 (2010)

Ukraine
425 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
41 (2010)

United Kingdom
505 (2010)

United States
15,079 (2010)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker Island: one
abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and
unusable
Howland Island: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling
stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred
NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but
were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable
Johnston Atoll: one closed and not maintained
Kingman Reef: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii
and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937
and 1938
Midway Islands: 3 - one operational (2,409 m paved); no fuel for
sale except emergencies
Palmyra Atoll: 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned (2010)

Uruguay
58 (2010)

Uzbekistan
54 (2010)

Vanuatu
31 (2010)

Venezuela
409 (2010)

Vietnam
44 (2010)

Virgin Islands
2 (2010)

Wake Island
1 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
2 (2010)

West Bank
2 (2010)

Western Sahara
6 (2010)

World
total airports - 44,010 (2010)
top ten by passengers: Atlanta (ATL) - 88,032,086; London (LHR) -
66,037,578; Beijing (PEK) - 65,372,012; Chicago (ORD) - 64,158,343;
Tokyo (HND) - 61,903,656; Paris (CDG) - 57,906,866; Los Angeles
(LAX) - 56,520,843; Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 56,030,457; Frankfurt
(FRA) - 50,932,840; Denver (DEN) - 50,167,485 (2009)
top ten by cargo (metric tons): Memphis (MEM) - 3,697,054; Hong Kong
(HKG) - 3,385,313; Shanghai (PVG) - 2,543,394; Inch'on (ICN) -
2,313,001; Paris (CDG) - 2,054,515; Anchorage (ANC) - 1,994,629;
Louisville (SDF) - 1,949,528; Dubai (DXB) - 1,927,520; Frankfurt
(FRA) - 1,887,686; Tokyo (NRT) - 1,851,972 (2009)

Yemen
55 (2010)

Zambia
94 (2010)

Zimbabwe
216 (2010)

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

@2054

Field Listing :: Birth rate

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

Birth rate(births/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
38.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Albania
11.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Algeria
16.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

American Samoa
23.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Andorra
10.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Angola
43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Anguilla
13 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
16.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Argentina
17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Armenia
12.74 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Aruba
12.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Australia
12.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Austria
8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
16.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahrain
16.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
23.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Barbados
12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belarus
9.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belgium
10.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belize
26.84 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Benin
38.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bermuda
11.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bhutan
19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bolivia
25.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
8.87 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Botswana
22.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brazil
18.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
14.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brunei
18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
9.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
43.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burma
19.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burundi
41.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cambodia
25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cameroon
33.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Canada
10.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
21.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
12.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
36.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chad
40.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chile
14.46 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

China
12.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
17.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Comoros
34.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 42.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
41.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
16.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
31.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Croatia
9.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cuba
11.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
11.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
8.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Denmark
10.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Djibouti
25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominica
15.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
19.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ecuador
20.32 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Egypt
25.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

El Salvador
18.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Eritrea
33.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Estonia
10.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
43.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

European Union
9.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
12.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Fiji
21.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Finland
10.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

France
12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gabon
35.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
36.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Georgia
10.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Germany
8.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ghana
28.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
14.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greece
9.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greenland
14.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Grenada
17.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guam
18.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guatemala
27.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guernsey
10.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea
37.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
35.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guyana
17.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Haiti
24.4 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Honduras
25.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
7.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hungary
9.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iceland
13.36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

India
21.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Indonesia
18.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iran
18.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iraq
29.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ireland
16.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
11.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Israel
19.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Italy
8.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jamaica
19.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Japan
7.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jersey
10.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jordan
27.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
16.66 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kenya
35.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kiribati
23.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, North
14.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, South
8.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kuwait
21.64 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
23.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Laos
26.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Latvia
9.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lebanon
15.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lesotho
27.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liberia
38.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Libya
24.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
9.69 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lithuania
9.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
11.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macau
8.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macedonia
11.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Madagascar
37.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malawi
41.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malaysia
21.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Maldives
14.5 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mali
46.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malta
10.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
29.94 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritania
33.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritius
14.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mayotte
38.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mexico
19.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 22.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Moldova
11.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Monaco
7.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mongolia
21.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Montenegro
11.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Montserrat
11.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Morocco
19.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mozambique
37.8 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Namibia
21.82 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nauru
28.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nepal
22.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Netherlands
10.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
16.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Zealand
13.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
22.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niger
51.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nigeria
36.07 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Norway
10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Oman
23.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pakistan
25.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Palau
10.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Panama
19.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
26.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Paraguay
17.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Peru
19 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Philippines
25.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
10.04 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Portugal
10.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
11.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Qatar
15.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Romania
9.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Russia
11.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Rwanda
37.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 10.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
14.23 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
14.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
8.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Samoa
22.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

San Marino
9.18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
39.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
19.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Senegal
37.27 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Serbia
9.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Seychelles
15.53 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
38.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Singapore
8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
10.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Slovenia
8.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
28.6 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Somalia
43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

South Africa
19.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Spain
10.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
15.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sudan
36.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Suriname
16.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
27.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sweden
10.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Switzerland
9.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Syria
24.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Taiwan
8.97 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
26.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tanzania
33.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Thailand
13.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
25.93 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Togo
35.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
17.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
14.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tunisia
15.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkey
18.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
20.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
23.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uganda
47.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ukraine
9.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
15.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
12.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United States
13.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uruguay
13.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
17.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
21.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Venezuela
20.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vietnam
17.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
14.08 births/1,000 population NA

West Bank
24.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
32.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

World
19.86 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Yemen
34.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zambia
44.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
31.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

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

@2055

Field Listing :: Military branches

This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense
ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and
marine forces).
Country

Military branches

Afghanistan
Afghan Armed Forces: Afghan National Army (ANA, includes
Afghan National Army Air Force, ANAAF) (2010)

Albania
Joint Force Command (includes Land, Naval, and Aviation
Brigade Commands), Joint Support Command (includes Logistic
Command), Training and Doctrine Command (2010)

Algeria
People's National Army (Armee Nationale Populaire, ANP),
Land Forces (Forces Terrestres, FT), Navy of the Republic of Algeria
(Marine de la Republique Algerienne, MRA), Air Force (Al-Quwwat
al-Jawwiya al-Jaza'eriya, QJJ), Territorial Air Defense Force (2009)

Andorra
no regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra (2010)

Angola
Angolan Armed Forces (FAA): Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra
Angola, MGA), Angolan National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional
Angolana, FANA) (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force
(including Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard) (2010)

Argentina
Argentine Army (Ejercito Argentino), Navy of the Argentine
Republic (Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval
infantry), Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA) (2011)

Armenia
Armenian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Air Force and Air
Defense; "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic": Nagorno-Karabakh Self Defense
Force (NKSDF) (2010)

Aruba
no regular military forces (2010)

Australia
Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal
Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Special Operations
Command (2006)

Austria
Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Azerbaijan
Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Bahamas, The
Royal Bahamian Defense Force: Land Force, Navy, Air
Wing (2010)

Bahrain
Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air
Defense), Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard

Bangladesh
Bangladesh Defense Force: Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini),
Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman
Bahini, BAF) (2010)

Barbados
Royal Barbados Defense Force: Troops Command, Barbados
Coast Guard (2010)

Belarus
Belarus Armed Forces: Land Force, Air and Air Defense Force,
Special Operations Force (2010)

Belgium
Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval
Operations Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Belize
Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes
Special Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard (2010)

Benin
Benin Armed Forces (FAB): Army (l'Arme de Terre), Benin Navy
(Forces Navales Beninois, FNB), Benin People's Air Force (Force
Aerienne Populaire de Benin, FAPB) (2008)

Bermuda
Bermuda Regiment (2009)

Bhutan
Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan
Police) (2009)

Bolivia
Bolivian Armed Forces: Bolivian Army (Ejercito Boliviano,
EB), Bolivian Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, FNB; includes marines),
Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, FAB) (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(AFBiH): Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Air and Air Defense Forces
of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzracna Obrana, ZPO)
(2010)

Botswana
Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air
Arm Command, Logistics Command (2010)

Brazil
Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy
(Marinha do Brasil (MB), includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo
de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira,
FAB) (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
no regular military forces

Brunei
Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal
Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei)
(2010)

Bulgaria
Bulgarian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Naval Forces,
Bulgarian Air Forces (Bulgarski Voennovazdyshni Sily, BVVS) (2010)

Burkina Faso
Army, Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de
Burkina Faso, FABF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Burma
Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw): Army (Tatmadaw Kyi), Navy
(Tatmadaw Yay), Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) (2010)

Burundi
National Defense Force (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN):
Army (includes naval detachment and Air Wing), National Gendarmerie
(2010)

Cambodia
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Royal Cambodian Army, Royal
Khmer Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force (2010)

Cameroon
Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC):
Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force
(Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Fire Fighter Corps, Gendarmerie
(2010)

Canada
Canadian Forces: Land Forces Command (LFC), Maritime Command
(MARCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM), Canada Command (homeland security)
(2010)

Cape Verde
People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast
Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007)

Cayman Islands
no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands
Police Force (2010)

Central African Republic
Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees
Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air
Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG),
National Police (2009)

Chad
Armed Forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad,
ANT), Chadian Air Force (Force Aerienne Tchadienne, FAT),
Gendarmerie (2008)

Chile
Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes
Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant
Marine Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de
Chile, FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2010)

China
People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes
marines and naval aviation), Air Force (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun
Kongjun, PLAAF; includes Airborne Forces), and Second Artillery
Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (PAP); PLA
Reserve Force (2010)

Colombia
National Army (Ejercito Nacional), National Navy (Armada
Republica de Colombia, includes Naval Aviation, Naval Infantry
(Infanteria de Marina, IM), and Coast Guard), Colombian Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea de Colombia, FAC) (2010)

Comoros
Army of National Development (AND): Comoran Security Force,
Comoran Coast Guard, Comoran Federal Police (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Armed Forces of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (Forces d'Armees de la Republique Democratique
du Congo, FARDC): Army, National Navy (La Marine Nationale),
Congolese Air Force (Force Aerienne Congolaise, FAC) (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees
Congolaises, FAC): Army (Armee de Terre), Navy, Congolese Air Force
(Armee de l'Air Congolaise), Gendarmerie, Special Presidential
Security Guard (GSSP) (2009)

Cook Islands
no regular military forces; National Police Department
(2009)

Costa Rica
no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security,
Government, and Police (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire Defense and Security Forces (FDSCI):
Army, Navy, Air Force (2006)

Croatia
Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage
Republike Hrvatske, OSRH), consists of five major commands directly
subordinate to a General Staff: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena
Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes
coast guard), Air Force and Air Defense Command, Joint Education and
Training Command, Logistics Command; Military Police Force supports
each of the three Croatian military forces (2010)

Cuba
Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias,
FAR): Revolutionary Army (Ejercito Revolucionario, ER, includes
Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales,
MTT)); Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR,
includes Marine Corps); Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces
(DAAFAR), Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT) (2010)

Curacao
the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active
presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao;
other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military
National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Curacao), and Police Force (2010)

Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki
Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); northern Cyprus:
Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Czech Republic
Army of the Czech Republic (ACR): Joint Forces
Command (includes Land Forces and Air Forces), Support and Training
Forces Command (2010)

Denmark
Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish
Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Djibouti
Djibouti National Army (includes Navy and Air Force)

Dominica
no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police
Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Dominican Republic
Army, Navy (Marina de Guerra), Air Force (Fuerza
Aerea Dominicana, FAD) (2010)

Ecuador
Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry, Naval Aviation, Coast
Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2007)

Egypt
Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

El Salvador
Salvadoran Army (ES), Salvadoran Navy (FNES), Salvadoran
Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena, FAS) (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Guinea
Ecuatoria, GNGE (Army), with Coast Guard (Navy) and Air Wing) (2010)

Eritrea
Eritrean Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Estonia
Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti
Ohuvagi), Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2010)

Ethiopia
Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF): Ground Forces,
Ethiopian Air Force (ETAF) (2010)
note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the
secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in
Eritrean possession

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
no regular military forces

Faroe Islands
no regular military forces

Fiji
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval
Forces (2009)

Finland
Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal
Defense Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

France
Army (Armee de Terre; includes Marines, Foreign Legion, Army
Light Aviation), Navy (Marine Nationale, includes Naval Air,
Maritime Gendarmerie (Coast Guard)), Air Force (Armee de l'Air
(AdlA), includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie (2010)

French Polynesia
no regular military forces

Gabon
Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Gambia, The
Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National
Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)

Gaza Strip
Palestinian Authority security forces have operated only
in the West Bank, not in the Gaza Strip, since HAMAS seized power in
June 2007; law and order and other security functions are performed
by HAMAS security organizations (2008)

Georgia
Georgian Armed Forces: Land Forces
note: naval forces have been incorporated into the coast guard and
the Air and Air Defense forces were incorporated into the Land
Forces (2010)

Germany
Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer), Navy
(Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm), Air Force (Luftwaffe),
Joint Support Services (Streitkraeftbasis), Central Medical Service
(Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst) (2010)

Ghana
Ghanaian Army, Ghanaian Navy, Ghanaian Air Force (2010)

Gibraltar
Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2009)

Greece
Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy
(Ellinikos Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki
Polimiki Aeroporia, EPA) (2009)

Greenland
no regular military forces

Grenada
no regular military forces; Royal Grenada Police Force
(includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Guatemala
National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de
Guatemala, ENG), Guatemalan Navy (Marina Nacional, includes
Marines), Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG)
(2009)

Guinea
National Armed Forces: Army, Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine
Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de
Guinee) (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy,
Air Force; paramilitary force

Guyana
Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Coast Guard, Air Corps)
(2009)

Haiti
no regular military forces - small Coast Guard; the regular
Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) - Army, Navy, and Air Force - have been
demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are
constitutionally abolished (2009)

Holy See (Vatican City)
Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della
Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) (2010)

Honduras
Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Honduran Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea Hondurena, FAH) (2008)

Hong Kong
no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison
of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) includes elements of the
PLA Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are
under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in
Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou
Military Region (2009)

Hungary
Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2010)

Iceland
no regular military forces; Icelandic National Police (2008)

India
Army, Navy (includes naval air arm), Air Force (Bharatiya Vayu
Sena), Coast Guard (2009)

Indonesia
Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI):
Army (TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut
(TNI-AL); includes marines, naval air arm), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan
Udara (TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Kommando Pertahanan
Udara Nasional (Kohanudnas)) (2009)

Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground
Forces, Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense; Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami,
IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Qods Force
(special operations); Law Enforcement Forces (2010)

Iraq
Iraqi Armed Forces: Iraqi Army (includes Iraqi Special
Operations Force, Iraqi Intervention Force), Iraqi Navy (former
Iraqi Coastal Defense Force), Iraqi Air Force (former Iraqi Army Air
Corps) (2005)

Ireland
Irish Defense Forces (IDF; Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army,
Naval Service, Air Corps (2010)

Israel
Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (IN), Israel
Air Force (IAF) (2010)

Italy
Italian Armed Forces: Italian Army (Esercito Italiano, EI),
Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana, MMI), Italian Air Force
(Aeronautica Militare Italiana, AMI), Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei
Carabinieri, CC) (2010)

Jamaica
Jamaica Defense Force: Ground Forces, Coast Guard, Air Wing
(2010)

Japan
Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD): Ground Self-Defense Force
(Rikujou Jietai, GSDF), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jietai,
MSDF), Air Self-Defense Force (Koku Jieitai, ASDF) (2009)

Jordan
Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF): Royal Jordanian Land Force
(RJLF), Royal Jordanian Navy, Royal Jordanian Air Force (Al-Quwwat
al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya, RJAF), Special Operations
Command (Socom); Public Security Directorate (normally falls under
Ministry of Interior, but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis)
(2008)

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Mobile
Forces, Air Defense Forces (2010)

Kenya
Kenya Armed Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force
(2010)

Kiribati
no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited);
Police Force (2009)

Korea, North
North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air
Force; civil security forces (2005)

Korea, South
Republic of Korea Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps),
Air Force (2009)

Kosovo
Kosovo Security Force (2010)

Kuwait
Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force
(Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya), Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG)
(2009)

Kyrgyzstan
Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces),
National Guard (2010)

Laos
Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA;
includes Riverine Force), Air Force (2010)

Latvia
National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Ground
Forces, Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas
Kara Flotes)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Border
Guard, Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2010)

Lebanon
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army ((Al Jaysh al Lubnaniya)
includes Navy (Al Quwwat al Bahiriyya al Lubnaniya), Air Force (Al
Quwwat al Jawwiya al Lubnaniya)) (2010)

Lesotho
Lesotho Defense Force (LDF): Army (includes Air Wing) (2010)

Liberia
Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Navy, Air Force

Libya
Armed Peoples on Duty (APOD, Army), Libyan Arab Navy, Libyan
Arab Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriya al-Arabia
al-Libyya, LAAF), Libyan Coast Guard (2008)

Liechtenstein
no regular military forces (constitutionally
prohibited); Principality of Liechtenstein National Police
(Landespolizei, LP) (2010)

Lithuania
Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (Karines Oro
Pajegos, KOP), National Defense Volunteer Forces (2010)

Luxembourg
Army (2010)

Macau
no regular military forces

Macedonia
Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational
Command, with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno
Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV); Special Operations Regiment; Logistic Support
Command; Training Command (2010)

Madagascar
People's Armed Forces: Intervention Force, Development
Force, and Aeronaval Force (navy and air); National Gendarmerie

Malawi
Malawi Armed Forces: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval
Detachment) (2009)

Malaysia
Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM):
Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy
(Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force
(Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2010)

Maldives
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps,
Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010)

Mali
Malian Armed Forces: Army, Republic of Mali Air Force (Force
Aerienne de la Republique du Mali, FARM), National Guard (2008)

Malta
Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritime
elements) (2010)

Marshall Islands
no regular military forces; under the 1983 Compact
of Free Association, the US has full authority and responsibility
for security and defense of the Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands
Police (2009)

Mauritania
Mauritanian Armed Forces: Army, Mauritanian Navy (Marine
Mauritanienne; includes naval infantry), Islamic Air Force of
Mauritania (Force Aerienne Islamique de Mauritanie, FAIM) (2010)

Mauritius
no regular military forces; Mauritius Police Force,
Special Mobile Force, National Coast Guard (2009)

Mexico
Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa
Nacional, Sedena): Army (Ejercito, includes Mexican Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM)); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria
de Marina, Semar): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico, ARM, includes
Naval Air Force (FAN), naval infantry) (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
no regular military forces

Moldova
National Army: Land Forces Command (includes special
forces), Air Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics
Command (2010)

Monaco
no regular military forces; the Palace Guard performs
ceremonial duties

Mongolia
Mongolian Armed Forces: Mongolian Army, Mongolian Air
Force; there is no navy (2010)

Montenegro
Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: Army, Navy,
Air Force (2009)

Montserrat
no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force
(2010)

Morocco
Royal Armed Forces (Forces Armees Royales, FAR): Royal
Moroccan Army (includes Air Defense), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes
Coast Guard, Marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force (Al Quwwat al
Jawyiya al Malakiya Marakishiya; Force Aerienne Royale Marocaine)
(2010)

Mozambique
Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM): Mozambique Army,
Mozambique Navy (Marinha de Guerra, MdG), Mozambique Air Force
(Forca Aerea de Mocambique, FAM) (2008)

Namibia
Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Nauru
no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force (2009)

Nepal
Nepal Army (2010)

Netherlands
Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes
Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force
(Koninklijke Luchtmacht, KLu), Royal Military Police (2010)

New Caledonia
no regular military forces; French military, police,
and gendarmerie (2009)

New Zealand
New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army,
Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o
Kahurangi, RNZAF) (2010)

Nicaragua
National Army of Nicaragua (Ejercito Nacional de
Nicaragua, ENN; includes Navy, Air Force) (2010)

Niger
Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army,
Nigerien Air Force (Force Aerienne du Niger) (2010)

Nigeria
Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Niue
no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Norway
Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige
Norske Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard
(Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske
Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Oman
Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of
Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat)
(2010)

Pakistan
Army (includes National Guard), Navy (includes Marines and
Maritime Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya)
(2010)

Palau
no regular military forces; Palau National Police (2009)

Panama
no regular military forces; Panamanian public forces include:
Panamanian National Police (PNP), National Air-Naval Service
(SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes
Maritime Operations Element, Air Operations Element) (2009)

Paraguay
Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marine
Corps, Naval Aviation), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP) (2010)

Peru
Army of Peru (Ejercito Peruano), Navy of Peru (Marina de Guerra
del Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and Coast
Guard)), Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP) (2010)

Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy
(includes Marine Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2010)

Poland
Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense
Aviation Forces, Special Forces (2010)

Portugal
Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy
(Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force
(Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2010)

Puerto Rico
no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary
National Guard, Police Force

Qatar
Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN),
Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Romania
Land Forces, Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force (Fortele
Aeriene Romane, FAR), Special Operations (2010)

Russia
Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy
(Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily,
VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye
Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops
(Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not
subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces
include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank
troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground
troops (2010)

Rwanda
Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), Rwandan Patriotic Air Force
(2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force
(includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force;
for national security, Saint Kitts and Nevis relies on the Regional
Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Saint Lucia
no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police
Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines no regular military forces; Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard; for national defense, Saint Vincent relies on the Regional Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Samoa
no regular military forces; Samoa Police Force (2008)

San Marino
no regular military forces; voluntary Military Force
(Corpi Militari) performs ceremonial duties and limited police
support functions (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas
Armadas de Sao Tome e Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao
Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP),
Presidential Guard (2010)

Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi
Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and
Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya
al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal
Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Senegal
Senegalese Armed Forces: Army, Senegalese Navy (Marine
Senegalaise), Senegalese Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Senegal) (2009)

Serbia
Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command
(includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the
Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Seychelles
Seychelles Defense Force: Army, Coast Guard (includes
Naval Wing, Air Wing), National Guard (2005)

Sierra Leone
Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Army
(includes Maritime Wing and Air Wing) (2010)

Singapore
Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes
Air Defense) (2010)

Sint Maarten
the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and
active presence in the region from its main operating base on
Curacao and through a detachment on Sint Maarten; other local
security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard
(Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Maarten), and Police Force (KPSM) (2010)

Slovakia
Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily
Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces
(Vzdusne Sily) (2010)

Slovenia
Slovenian Army (includes air and naval forces)

Solomon Islands
no regular military forces; Solomon Islands Police
Force (2009)

Somalia
National Security Force (NSF): Somali Army (2010)

South Africa
South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South
African Army, South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force
(SAAF), Joint Operations Command, Military Intelligence, South
African Military Health Services (2009)

Spain
Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy
(Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force
(Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2010)

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force (2010)

Sudan
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Land Forces, Navy (includes
Marines), Sudanese Air Force (Sikakh al-Jawwiya as-Sudaniya),
Popular Defense Forces; Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA):
Popular Army, Air Force (2009)

Suriname
National Army (Nationaal Leger, NL; includes Marine Section
and Air Wing) (2010)

Svalbard
no regular military forces

Swaziland
Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force
(includes Air Wing) (2010)

Sweden
Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal
Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Switzerland
Swiss Armed Forces: Land Forces, Swiss Air Force
(Schweizer Luftwaffe) (2010)

Syria
Syrian Armed Forces: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy,
Syrian Arab Air and Air Defense Forces (includes Air Defense
Command) (2008)

Taiwan
Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard
Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service
Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command

Tajikistan
Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Mobile Forces
(2010)

Tanzania
Tanzanian People's Defense Force (Jeshi la Wananchi la
Tanzania, JWTZ): Army, Naval Wing (includes Coast Guard), Air
Defense Command (includes Air Wing), National Service (2007)

Thailand
Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy
(Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal
Thai Air Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2010)

Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste Defense Force (Forcas de Defesa de
Timor-L'este, Falintil (F-FDTL)): Army, Navy (Armada) (2010)

Togo
Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Ground
Forces, Togolese Navy (Marine du Togo), Togolese Air Force (Force
Aerienne Togolaise, TAF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Tonga
Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard),
Maritime Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF):
Trinidad and Tobago Army, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Trinidad and
Tobago Police Service (2010)

Tunisia
Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Army,
Navy, Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya
al-Jamahiriyah At'tunisia) (2009)

Turkey
Turkish Armed Forces (TSK): Turkish Land Forces (Turk Kara
Kuvvetleri), Turkish Naval Forces (Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri; includes
naval air and naval infantry), Turkish Air Force (Turk Hava
Kuvvetleri) (2010)

Turkmenistan
Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Tuvalu
no regular military forces; Tuvalu Police Force (2009)

Uganda
Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF): Army (includes Marine
Unit), Uganda Air Force (2010)

Ukraine
Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces
(Viyskovo-Povitryani Syly, VPS) (2010)

United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Army, Navy
(includes Marines), Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast
Guard Directorate (BCGD) (2009)

United Kingdom
Army, Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines), Royal Air
Force (2010)

United States
United States Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy (includes
Marine Corps), US Air Force, US Coast Guard; note - Coast Guard
administered in peacetime by the Department of Homeland Security,
but in wartime reports to the Department of the Navy (2009)

Uruguay
Uruguayan Armed Forces: Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito
Nacional Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional
del Uruguay; includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de
Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime),
Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2010)

Uzbekistan
Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard

Vanuatu
no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF),
Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW))
(2009)

Venezuela
National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional
Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB),
Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB); includes Naval Infantry,
Coast Guard, Naval Aviation), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion
Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia
Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana,
MB) (2010)

Vietnam
People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN)
(includes People's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard),
Air and Air Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense
Command), People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force,
Self-Defense Forces (2010)

Yemen
Army, Navy (includes Marines), Yemen Air Force (Al Quwwat al
Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Yemeniya; includes Air Defense Force),
Republican Guard (2010)

Zambia
Zambian National Defense Force (ZNDF): Zambian Army, Zambian
Air Force, National Service (2009)

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF): Zimbabwe National Army
(ZNA), Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
(2009)

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

@2056

Field Listing :: Budget

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

Budget

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

@2057

Field Listing :: Capital

This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones. Country

Capital

Afghanistan
name: Kabul
geographic coordinates: 34 31 N, 69 11 E
time difference: UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Akrotiri
name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for
Akrotiri and Dhekelia)
geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Albania
name: Tirana (Tirane)
geographic coordinates: 41 19 N, 19 49 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Algeria
name: Algiers
geographic coordinates: 36 45 N, 3 03 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

American Samoa
name: Pago Pago
geographic coordinates: 14 16 S, 170 42 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Andorra
name: Andorra la Vella
geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Angola
name: Luanda
geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 13 14 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Anguilla
name: The Valley
geographic coordinates: 18 13 N, 63 03 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Antigua and Barbuda
name: Saint John's
geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Argentina
name: Buenos Aires
geographic coordinates: 34 36 S, 58 40 W
time difference: UTC-3 (3 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: none scheduled for 2010

Armenia
name: Yerevan
geographic coordinates: 40 10 N, 44 30 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Aruba
name: Oranjestad
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Australia
name: Canberra
geographic coordinates: 35 17 S, 149 13 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
first Sunday in April
note: Australia is divided into three time zones

Austria
name: Vienna
geographic coordinates: 48 12 N, 16 22 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Azerbaijan
name: Baku (Baki, Baky)
geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Bahamas, The
name: Nassau
geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November

Bahrain
name: Manama
geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Bangladesh
name: Dhaka
geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Barbados
name: Bridgetown
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Belarus
name: Minsk
geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Belgium
name: Brussels
geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Belize
name: Belmopan
geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Benin
name: Porto-Novo (official capital)
geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Cotonou (seat of government)

Bermuda
name: Hamilton
geographic coordinates: 32 17 N, 64 47 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November

Bhutan
name: Thimphu
geographic coordinates: 27 29 N, 89 36 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Bolivia
name: La Paz (administrative capital)
geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Sucre (constitutional capital)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
name: Sarajevo
geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Botswana
name: Gaborone
geographic coordinates: 24 45 S, 25 55 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Brazil
name: Brasilia
geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends
third Sunday in February
note: Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the
Fernando de Noronha Islands

British Virgin Islands
name: Road Town
geographic coordinates: 18 27 N, 64 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Brunei
name: Bandar Seri Begawan
geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Bulgaria
name: Sofia
geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Burkina Faso
name: Ouagadougou
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Burma
name: Rangoon (Yangon)
geographic coordinates: 16 48 N, 96 09 E
time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Nay Pyi Taw is administrative capital

Burundi
name: Bujumbura
geographic coordinates: 3 22 S, 29 21 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cambodia
name: Phnom Penh
geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cameroon
name: Yaounde
geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Canada
name: Ottawa
geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November
note: Canada is divided into six time zones

Cape Verde
name: Praia
geographic coordinates: 14 55 N, 23 31 W
time difference: UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cayman Islands
name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)
geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Central African Republic
name: Bangui
geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Chad
name: N'Djamena
geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Chile
name: Santiago
geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in October; ends
second Sunday in March
note: the Chilean Government announced on 4 March 2010 that the end
of DST would be delayed until 4 April 2010 providing respite to
those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake of February 2010

China
name: Beijing
geographic coordinates: 39 55 N, 116 23 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: despite its size, all of China falls within one time zone;
many people in Xinjiang Province observe an unofficial "Xinjiang
timezone" of UTC+6, two hours behind Beijing

Christmas Island
name: The Settlement
geographic coordinates: 10 25 S, 105 43 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
name: West Island
geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 96 50 E
time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Colombia
name: Bogota
geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Comoros
name: Moroni
geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
name: Kinshasa
geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E
time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Congo, Republic of the
name: Brazzaville
geographic coordinates: 4 15 S, 15 17 E
time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cook Islands
name: Avarua
geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Costa Rica
name: San Jose
geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Cote d'Ivoire
name: Yamoussoukro
geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 17 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since
1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and administrative center; the
US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan

Croatia
name: Zagreb
geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Cuba
name: Havana
geographic coordinates: 23 07 N, 82 21 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Curacao
name: Willemstad
geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Cyprus
name: Nicosia (Lefkosia)
geographic coordinates: 35 10 N, 33 22 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Czech Republic
name: Prague
geographic coordinates: 50 05 N, 14 28 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Denmark
name: Copenhagen
geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic
components

Dhekelia
name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for
Akrotiri and Dhekelia); located in Akrotiri
geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Djibouti
name: Djibouti
geographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Dominica
name: Roseau
geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Dominican Republic
name: Santo Domingo
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Ecuador
name: Quito
geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Egypt
name: Cairo
geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends first
Friday in August

El Salvador
name: San Salvador
geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Equatorial Guinea
name: Malabo
geographic coordinates: 3 45 N, 8 47 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Eritrea
name: Asmara (Asmera)
geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Estonia
name: Tallinn
geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Ethiopia
name: Addis Ababa
geographic coordinates: 9 02 N, 38 42 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

European Union
name: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France),
Luxembourg
geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: the Council of the European Union meets in Brussels, Belgium;
the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France;
the Court of Justice of the European Communities meets in Luxembourg

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
name: Stanley
geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends
third Sunday in April

Faroe Islands
name: Torshavn
geographic coordinates: 62 01 N, 6 46 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Fiji
name: Suva (on Viti Levu)
geographic coordinates: 18 08 S, 178 25 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends
last Sunday in March

Finland
name: Helsinki
geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

France
name: Paris
geographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas
departments, collectivities, or territories

French Polynesia
name: Papeete
geographic coordinates: 17 32 S, 149 34 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Gabon
name: Libreville
geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Gambia, The
name: Banjul
geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Georgia
name: T'bilisi
geographic coordinates: 41 43 N, 44 47 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Germany
name: Berlin
geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Ghana
name: Accra
geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Gibraltar
name: Gibraltar
geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Greece
name: Athens
geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Greenland
name: Nuuk (Godthab)
geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: Greenland is divided into four time zones

Grenada
name: Saint George's
geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Guam
name: Hagatna (Agana)
geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Guatemala
name: Guatemala City
geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last
Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2010

Guernsey
name: Saint Peter Port
geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Guinea
name: Conakry
geographic coordinates: 9 33 N, 13 42 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Guinea-Bissau
name: Bissau
geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Guyana
name: Georgetown
geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 10 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Haiti
name: Port-au-Prince
geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last
Sunday in October

Holy See (Vatican City)
name: Vatican City
geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Honduras
name: Tegucigalpa
geographic coordinates: 14 06 N, 87 13 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November

Hungary
name: Budapest
geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Iceland
name: Reykjavik
geographic coordinates: 64 09 N, 21 57 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

India
name: New Delhi
geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Indonesia
name: Jakarta
geographic coordinates: 6 10 S, 106 49 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Indonesia is divided into three time zones

Iran
name: Tehran
geographic coordinates: 35 40 N, 51 25 E
time difference: UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Monday in March; ends
fourth Wednesday in September

Iraq
name: Baghdad
geographic coordinates: 33 20 N, 44 23 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Ireland
name: Dublin
geographic coordinates: 53 19 N, 6 14 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Isle of Man
name: Douglas
geographic coordinates: 54 09 N, 4 29 W
time difference: UTC 0 (five hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Israel
name: Jerusalem
geographic coordinates: 31 46 N, 35 14 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends the
Sunday between the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the
US, like all other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv

Italy
name: Rome
geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 29 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Jamaica
name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Japan
name: Tokyo
geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Jersey
name: Saint Helier
geographic coordinates: 49 11 N, 2 06 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Jordan
name: Amman
geographic coordinates: 31 57 N, 35 56 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends last
Friday in October

Kazakhstan
name: Astana
geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Kazakhstan is divided into two time zones

Kenya
name: Nairobi
geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Kiribati
name: Tarawa
geographic coordinates: 1 19 N, 172 58 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Korea, North
name: Pyongyang
geographic coordinates: 39 01 N, 125 45 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Korea, South
name: Seoul
geographic coordinates: 37 33 N, 126 59 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Kosovo
name: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)
geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Kuwait
name: Kuwait City
geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Kyrgyzstan
name: Bishkek
geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Laos
name: Vientiane (Viangchan)
geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Latvia
name: Riga
geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Lebanon
name: Beirut
geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Lesotho
name: Maseru
geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Liberia
name: Monrovia
geographic coordinates: 6 18 N, 10 48 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Libya
name: Tripoli (Tarabulus)
geographic coordinates: 32 53 N, 13 10 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Liechtenstein
name: Vaduz
geographic coordinates: 47 08 N, 9 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Lithuania
name: Vilnius
geographic coordinates: 54 41 N, 25 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Luxembourg
name: Luxembourg
geographic coordinates: 49 36 N, 6 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Macedonia
name: Skopje
geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Madagascar
name: Antananarivo
geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Malawi
name: Lilongwe
geographic coordinates: 13 59 S, 33 47 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Malaysia
name: Kuala Lumpur
geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Putrajaya is referred to as administrative center not capital;
Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

Maldives
name: Male
geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mali
name: Bamako
geographic coordinates: 12 39 N, 8 00 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Malta
name: Valletta
geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Marshall Islands
name: Majuro
geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mauritania
name: Nouakchott
geographic coordinates: 18 07 N, 16 02 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mauritius
name: Port Louis
geographic coordinates: 20 09 S, 57 29 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mayotte
name: Mamoudzou
geographic coordinates: 12 46 S, 45 13 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mexico
name: Mexico City (Distrito Federal)
geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last
Sunday in October
note: Mexico is divided into three time zones

Micronesia, Federated States of
name: Palikir
geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 09 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Moldova
name: Chisinau (Kishinev)
note: pronounced KEE-shee-now
geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 28 51 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Monaco
name: Monaco
geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Mongolia
name: Ulaanbaatar
geographic coordinates: 47 55 N, 106 55 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Montenegro
name: Podgorica
geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Montserrat
name: Plymouth
geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity;
interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the
Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Morocco
name: Rabat
geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Mozambique
name: Maputo
geographic coordinates: 25 57 S, 32 35 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Namibia
name: Windhoek
geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends
first Sunday in April

Nauru
no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Nepal
name: Kathmandu
geographic coordinates: 27 43 N, 85 19 E
time difference: UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC
during Standard Time)

Netherlands
name: Amsterdam
geographic coordinates: 52 23 N, 4 54 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: The Hague is the seat of government; time descriptions apply
to the continental Netherlands only, not to the Caribbean components

New Caledonia
name: Noumea
geographic coordinates: 22 16 S, 166 27 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

New Zealand
name: Wellington
geographic coordinates: 41 28 S, 174 51 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends
first Sunday in April
note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones - New Zealand
standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time
(45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)

Nicaragua
name: Managua
geographic coordinates: 12 09 N, 86 17 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Niger
name: Niamey
geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Nigeria
name: Abuja
geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Niue
name: Alofi
geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Norfolk Island
name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E
time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Northern Mariana Islands
name: Saipan
geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Norway
name: Oslo
geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Oman
name: Muscat
geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Pakistan
name: Islamabad
geographic coordinates: 33 42 N, 73 10 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Palau
name: Melekeok
geographic coordinates: 7 29 N, 134 38 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Panama
name: Panama City
geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Papua New Guinea
name: Port Moresby
geographic coordinates: 9 30 S, 147 10 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Paraguay
name: Asuncion
geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
second Sunday in April

Peru
name: Lima
geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)

Philippines
name: Manila
geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Pitcairn Islands
name: Adamstown
geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W
time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Poland
name: Warsaw
geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Portugal
name: Lisbon
geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Puerto Rico
name: San Juan
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Qatar
name: Doha
geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Romania
name: Bucharest
geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Russia
name: Moscow
geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 35 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: Russia is divided into 9 time zones

Rwanda
name: Kigali
geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Saint Barthelemy
name: Gustavia
geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during
Standard Time)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
name: Jamestown
geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
name: Basseterre
geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Saint Lucia
name: Castries
geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Saint Martin
name: Marigot
geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during
Standard Time)
daylight savings: +1 hour

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
name: Saint-Pierre
geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
name: Kingstown
geographic coordinates: 13 09 N, 61 14 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Samoa
name: Apia
geographic coordinates: 13 50 S, 171 44 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

San Marino
name: San Marino
geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Sao Tome and Principe
name: Sao Tome
geographic coordinates: 0 12 N, 6 39 E
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Saudi Arabia
name: Riyadh
geographic coordinates: 24 38 N, 46 43 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Senegal
name: Dakar
geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 17 26 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Serbia
name: Belgrade (Beograd)
geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 30 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Seychelles
name: Victoria
geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Sierra Leone
name: Freetown
geographic coordinates: 8 30 N, 13 15 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Singapore
name: Singapore
geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Sint Maarten
name: Philipsburg
geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Slovakia
name: Bratislava
geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Slovenia
name: Ljubljana
geographic coordinates: 46 03 N, 14 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Solomon Islands
name: Honiara
geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Somalia
name: Mogadishu
geographic coordinates: 2 04 N, 45 22 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

South Africa
name: Pretoria (administrative capital)
geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial
capital)

Spain
name: Madrid
geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary
Islands

Sri Lanka
name: Colombo
geographic coordinates: 6 56 N, 79 51 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)

Sudan
name: Khartoum
geographic coordinates: 15 36 N, 32 32 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Suriname
name: Paramaribo
geographic coordinates: 5 50 N, 55 10 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Svalbard
name: Longyearbyen
geographic coordinates: 78 13 N, 15 33 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Swaziland
name: Mbabane
geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Sweden
name: Stockholm
geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Switzerland
name: Bern
geographic coordinates: 46 57 N, 7 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Syria
name: Damascus
geographic coordinates: 33 30 N, 36 18 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Friday in April; ends last
Friday in October

Taiwan
name: Taipei
geographic coordinates: 25 03 N, 121 30 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Tajikistan
name: Dushanbe
geographic coordinates: 38 35 N, 68 48 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Tanzania
name: Dar es Salaam
geographic coordinates: 6 48 S, 39 17 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is
planned as the new national capital, and the National Assembly now
meets there on a regular basis; the Executive Branch with all
ministries and diplomatic representation remains located in Dar es
Salaam

Thailand
name: Bangkok
geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Timor-Leste
name: Dili
geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Togo
name: Lome
geographic coordinates: 6 08 N, 1 13 E
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Tokelau
none; each atoll has its own administrative center
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Tonga
name: Nuku'alofa
geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Trinidad and Tobago
name: Port-of-Spain
geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Tunisia
name: Tunis
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Turkey
name: Ankara
geographic coordinates: 39 56 N, 32 52 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

Turkmenistan
name: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)
geographic coordinates: 37 57 N, 58 23 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Turks and Caicos Islands
name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)
geographic coordinates: 21 28 N, 71 08 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November

Tuvalu
name: Funafuti
geographic coordinates: 8 30 S, 179 12 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet

Uganda
name: Kampala
geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 25 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Ukraine
name: Kyiv (Kiev)
note: pronounced KAY-yiv
geographic coordinates: 50 26 N, 30 31 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October

United Arab Emirates
name: Abu Dhabi
geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

United Kingdom
name: London
geographic coordinates: 51 30 N, 0 10 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
Sunday in October
note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its overseas
dependencies or territories

United States
name: Washington, DC
geographic coordinates: 38 53 N, 77 02 W
time difference: UTC-5 (during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
first Sunday in November
note: the 50 United States cover six time zones

Uruguay
name: Montevideo
geographic coordinates: 34 53 S, 56 11 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
second Sunday in March

Uzbekistan
name: Tashkent (Toshkent)
geographic coordinates: 41 20 N, 69 18 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Vanuatu
name: Port-Vila (on Efate)
geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Venezuela
name: Caracas
geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W
time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC
during Standard Time)

Vietnam
name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)
geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Virgin Islands
name: Charlotte Amalie
geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Wallis and Futuna
name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Western Sahara
none
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Yemen
name: Sanaa
geographic coordinates: 15 21 N, 44 12 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Zambia
name: Lusaka
geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

Zimbabwe
name: Harare
geographic coordinates: 17 50 S, 31 03 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)

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

@2058

Field Listing :: Imports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued imported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Country

Imports - commodities(%)

Afghanistan
machinery and other capital goods, food, textiles,
petroleum products

Albania
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Algeria
capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

American Samoa
raw materials for canneries 56%, food, petroleum
products, machinery and parts

Andorra
consumer goods, food, electricity

Angola
machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts;
medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Anguilla
fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Antigua and Barbuda
food and live animals, machinery and transport
equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

Argentina
machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum and natural gas,
organic chemicals, plastics

Armenia
natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs,
diamonds

Aruba
machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and
reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Australia
machinery and transport equipment, computers and office
machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and
petroleum products

Austria
machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal
goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Azerbaijan
machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs,
metals, chemicals

Bahamas, The
machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,
chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals

Bahrain
crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Bangladesh
machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel,
textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement

Barbados
consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction
materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Belarus
mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals,
foodstuffs, metals

Belgium
raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw
diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil
products

Belize
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels,
chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Benin
foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Bermuda
clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment,
construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Bhutan
fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts,
fabrics, rice (2008)

Bolivia
petroleum products, plastics, paper, aircraft and aircraft
parts, prepared foods, automobiles, insecticides, soybeans

Bosnia and Herzegovina
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels,
foodstuffs

Botswana
foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport
equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper
products, metal and metal products

Brazil
machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical
products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

British Virgin Islands
building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs,
machinery

Brunei
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,
chemicals

Bulgaria
machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and
plastics; fuels, minerals, and raw materials

Burkina Faso
capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Burma
fabric, petroleum products, fertilizer, plastics, machinery,
transport equipment; cement, construction materials, crude oil; food
products, edible oil

Burundi
capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Cambodia
petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction
materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products

Cameroon
machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel,
food

Canada
machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil,
chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Cape Verde
foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment,
fuels

Cayman Islands
foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Central African Republic
food, textiles, petroleum products,
machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals

Chad
machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods,
foodstuffs, textiles

Chile
petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and
telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles,
natural gas

China
electrical and other machinery, oil and mineral fuels, optical
and medical equipment, metal ores, plastics, organic chemicals

Christmas Island
consumer goods

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
foodstuffs

Colombia
industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer
goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Comoros
rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum
products, cement, transport equipment

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
foodstuffs, mining and other
machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Congo, Republic of the
capital equipment, construction materials,
foodstuffs

Cook Islands
foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Costa Rica
raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment,
petroleum, construction materials

Cote d'Ivoire
fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Croatia
machinery, transport and electrical equipment; chemicals,
fuels and lubricants; foodstuffs

Cuba
petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Curacao
crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Cyprus
consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods,
machinery, transport equipment

Czech Republic
machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and
fuels, chemicals

Denmark
machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures
for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Djibouti
foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum
products

Dominica
manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Dominican Republic
foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics,
chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Ecuador
industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, nondurable
consumer goods

Egypt
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products,
fuels

El Salvador
raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels,
foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity

Equatorial Guinea
petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Eritrea
machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Estonia
machinery and equipment 35%, textiles 19%, mineral fuels
19%, chemical products 9%, foodstuffs 6%

Ethiopia
food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products,
chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

European Union
machinery, vehicles, aircraft, plastics, crude oil,
chemicals, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, clothing

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
fuel, food and drink, building
materials, clothing

Faroe Islands
consumer goods 36%, raw materials and
semi-manufactures 32%, machinery and transport equipment 29%, fuels,
fish, salt

Fiji
manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
petroleum products, food, chemicals

Finland
foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,
transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and
fabrics, grains

France
machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft,
plastics, chemicals

French Polynesia
fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Gabon
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction
materials

Gambia, The
foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport
equipment

Gaza Strip
food, consumer goods
note: Israel permits limited imports through crossings with Gaza,
but many "dual use" goods, such as construction materials, are
smuggled through tunnels beneath Gaza's border with Egypt

Georgia
fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods,
pharmaceuticals

Germany
machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Ghana
capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Gibraltar
fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Greece
machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Greenland
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
food, petroleum products

Grenada
food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Guam
petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Guatemala
fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction
materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Guernsey
coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Guinea
petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment,
textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Guinea-Bissau
foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment,
petroleum products

Guyana
manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Haiti
food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
fuels, raw materials

Honduras
machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw
materials, chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs

Hong Kong
raw materials and semi-manufactures, consumer goods,
capital goods, foodstuffs, fuel (most is re-exported)

Hungary
machinery and equipment 50%, fuels and electricity 11%, food
products, raw materials

Iceland
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs,
textiles

India
crude oil, precious stones, machinery, fertilizer, iron and
steel, chemicals

Indonesia
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Iran
industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods,
foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services

Iraq
food, medicine, manufactures

Ireland
data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment,
chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Isle of Man
timber, fertilizers, fish

Israel
raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough
diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Italy
engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy
products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing;
food, beverages, and tobacco

Jamaica
food and other consumer goods, industrial supplies, fuel,
parts and accessories of capital goods, machinery and transport
equipment, construction materials

Japan
machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals,
textiles, raw materials

Jersey
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals

Jordan
crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals

Kazakhstan
machinery and equipment, metal products, foodstuffs

Kenya
machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products,
motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Kiribati
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous
manufactured goods, fuel

Korea, North
petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment,
textiles, grain

Korea, South
machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil,
steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics

Kosovo
foodstuffs, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery and
electrical equipment

Kuwait
food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Kyrgyzstan
oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals,
foodstuffs

Laos
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Latvia
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Lebanon
petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat
and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco,
electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals

Lesotho
food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines,
petroleum products

Liberia
fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment,
manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Libya
machinery, semi-finished goods, food, transport equipment,
consumer products

Liechtenstein
agricultural products, raw materials, energy products,
machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Lithuania
mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport
equipment, chemicals, textiles and clothing, metals

Luxembourg
minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Macau
raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods
(foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco), capital goods, mineral fuels and
oils

Macedonia
machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels,
food products

Madagascar
capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Malawi
food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods,
transportation equipment

Malaysia
electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics,
vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Maldives
petroleum products, ships, foodstuffs, clothing,
intermediate and capital goods

Mali
petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials,
foodstuffs, textiles

Malta
mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery, non-electrical
machinery, aircraft and other transport equipment, plastic and other
semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, tobacco

Marshall Islands
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels,
beverages and tobacco

Mauritania
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital
goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Mauritius
manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs,
petroleum products, chemicals

Mayotte
food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment,
metals, chemicals

Mexico
metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural
machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair
parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Micronesia, Federated States of
food, manufactured goods, machinery
and equipment, beverages

Moldova
mineral products and fuel, machinery and equipment,
chemicals, textiles

Mongolia
machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products,
industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Montserrat
machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs,
manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Morocco
crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications
equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Mozambique
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal
products, foodstuffs, textiles

Namibia
foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and
equipment, chemicals

Nauru
food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Nepal
petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical
goods, medicine

Netherlands
machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels,
foodstuffs, clothing

New Caledonia
machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

New Zealand
machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft,
petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Nicaragua
consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials,
petroleum products

Niger
foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Nigeria
machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured
goods, food and live animals

Niue
food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels,
lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Norway
machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Oman
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,
livestock, lubricants

Pakistan
petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics,
transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron
and steel, tea

Palau
machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Panama
capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Papua New Guinea
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured
goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Paraguay
road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products,
electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts

Peru
petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery,
vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper

Philippines
electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and
transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains,
chemicals, plastic

Pitcairn Islands
fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour,
sugar, other foodstuffs

Poland
machinery and transport equipment 38%, intermediate
manufactured goods 21%, chemicals 15%, minerals, fuels, lubricants,
and related materials 9%

Portugal
agricultural products, food products, oil products,
chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and
cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear,
minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools,
vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision
instruments, computer accessories and parts, semi-conductors and
related devices, household goods, passenger cars new and used, and
wine products

Puerto Rico
chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food,
fish, petroleum products

Qatar
machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Romania
machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals,
textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Russia
machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic,
semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and
medical instruments, iron, steel

Rwanda
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum
products, cement and construction material

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
food, beverages,
tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles
and parts, machinery and parts

Saint Kitts and Nevis
machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Saint Lucia
food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and
transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Saint Martin
crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
meat, clothing, fuel, electrical
equipment, machinery, building materials

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
foodstuffs, machinery and
equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Samoa
machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

San Marino
wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Sao Tome and Principe
machinery and electrical equipment, food
products, petroleum products

Saudi Arabia
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor
vehicles, textiles

Senegal
food and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Seychelles
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products,
chemicals, other manufactured goods

Sierra Leone
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and
lubricants, chemicals

Singapore
machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals,
foodstuffs, consumer goods

Slovakia
machinery and transport equipment 31%, mineral products
13%, vehicles 12%, base metals 9%, chemicals 8%, plastics 6% (2009
est.)

Slovenia
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Solomon Islands
food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods,
fuels, chemicals

Somalia
manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction
materials, qat

South Africa
machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products,
scientific instruments, foodstuffs

Spain
machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods,
foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Sri Lanka
petroleum, textiles, machinery and transportation
equipment, building materials, mineral products, foodstuffs

Sudan
foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport
equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Suriname
capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer
goods

Swaziland
motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment,
foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Sweden
machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor
vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Switzerland
machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural
products, textiles

Syria
machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery,
food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical
products, plastics, yarn, paper

Taiwan
electronics, machinery, crude petroleum, precision
instruments, organic chemicals, metals

Tajikistan
electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide,
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs

Tanzania
consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment,
industrial raw materials, crude oil

Thailand
capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials,
consumer goods, fuels

Timor-Leste
food, gasoline, kerosene, machinery

Togo
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Tokelau
foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Tonga
foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Trinidad and Tobago
mineral fuels, lubricants, machinery,
transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, live
animals

Tunisia
textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals,
foodstuffs

Turkey
machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport
equipment

Turkmenistan
machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Turks and Caicos Islands food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

Tuvalu
food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Uganda
capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies;
cereals

Ukraine
energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

United Arab Emirates machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

United Kingdom
manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

United States
agricultural products 4.9%, industrial supplies 32.9%
(crude oil 8.2%), capital goods 30.4% (computers, telecommunications
equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power
machinery), consumer goods 31.8% (automobiles, clothing, medicines,
furniture, toys)

Uruguay
crude petroleum and petroleum products, machinery,
chemicals, road vehicles, paper, plastics

Uzbekistan
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, ferrous
and non-ferrous metals

Vanuatu
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Venezuela
agricultural products, raw materials, machinery and
equipment, transport equipment, construction materials

Vietnam
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer,
steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Virgin Islands
crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building
materials

Wallis and Futuna
chemicals, machinery, consumer goods

West Bank
food, consumer goods, construction materials, petroleum,
chemicals

Western Sahara
fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

World
the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and
services
top ten - share of world trade: see listing for exports

Yemen
food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Zambia
machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products,
electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Zimbabwe
machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures,
chemicals, fuels, food products

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

@2059

Field Listing :: Climate

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

Climate

Afghanistan
arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Akrotiri
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
winters

Albania
mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry
summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Algeria
arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers
along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high
plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in
summer

American Samoa
tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds;
annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to
April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature
variation

Andorra
temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Angola
semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool,
dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Anguilla
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Antarctica
severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation,
and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West
Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has
the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January
along the coast and average slightly below freezing

Antigua and Barbuda
tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature
variation

Arctic Ocean
polar climate characterized by persistent cold and
relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized
by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and
clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and
foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Argentina
mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in
southwest

Armenia
highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Aruba
tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
tropical

Atlantic Ocean
tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast
of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea;
hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from
August to November

Australia
generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east;
tropical in north

Austria
temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent
rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate
summers with occasional showers

Azerbaijan
dry, semiarid steppe

Bahamas, The
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Bahrain
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Bangladesh
tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid
summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Barbados
tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Belarus
cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between
continental and maritime

Belgium
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Belize
tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November);
dry season (February to May)

Benin
tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Bermuda
subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in
winter

Bhutan
varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot
summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in
Himalayas

Bolivia
varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Bosnia and Herzegovina
hot summers and cold winters; areas of high
elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild,
rainy winters along coast

Botswana
semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Bouvet Island
antarctic

Brazil
mostly tropical, but temperate in south

British Indian Ocean Territory
tropical marine; hot, humid,
moderated by trade winds

British Virgin Islands
subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by
trade winds

Brunei
tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Bulgaria
temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Burkina Faso
tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Burma
tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest
monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild
temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,
December to April)

Burundi
equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude
variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual
temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade
but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m;
average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February
to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to
August and December to January)

Cambodia
tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry
season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Cameroon
varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid
and hot in north

Canada
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in
north

Cape Verde
temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and
erratic

Cayman Islands
tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October)
and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Central African Republic
tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot,
wet summers

Chad
tropical in south, desert in north

Chile
temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region;
cool and damp in south

China
extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Christmas Island
tropical with a wet season (December to April) and
dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Clipperton Island
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees
C, wet season (May to October)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
tropical with high humidity, moderated by
the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Colombia
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Comoros
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October)

Congo, Republic of the
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry
season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity;
particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Cook Islands
tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry
season from April to November and a more humid season from December
to March

Coral Sea Islands
tropical

Costa Rica
tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April);
rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Cote d'Ivoire
tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three
seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to
May), hot and wet (June to October)

Croatia
Mediterranean and continental; continental climate
predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry
summers along coast

Cuba
tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to
April); rainy season (May to October)

Curacao
tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade
winds, results in mild temperatures; semi-arid with average rainfall
of 600 mm/year

Cyprus
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
winters

Czech Republic
temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Denmark
temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool
summers

Dhekelia
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
winters

Djibouti
desert; torrid, dry

Dominica
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Dominican Republic
tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature
variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Ecuador
tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher
elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Egypt
desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

El Salvador
tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season
(November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Equatorial Guinea
tropical; always hot, humid

Eritrea
hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter
in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest
June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Estonia
maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Ethiopia
tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

European Union
cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to
temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate

Faroe Islands
mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy,
windy

Fiji
tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Finland
cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild
because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current,
Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

France
metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers,
but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional
strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral
French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature
variation
Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds;
moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable
to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average
Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool
and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

French Polynesia
tropical, but moderate

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul:
oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity
Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy
Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy
Iles Eparses: tropical

Gabon
tropical; always hot, humid

Gambia, The
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler,
dry season (November to May)

Gaza Strip
temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Georgia
warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Germany
temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers;
occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Ghana
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast;
hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Gibraltar
Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Greece
temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Greenland
arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Grenada
tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Guam
tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by
northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season
(July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Guatemala
tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Guernsey
temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of
days are overcast

Guinea
generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to
November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May)
with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guinea-Bissau
tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type
rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season
(December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guyana
tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two
rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Haiti
tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
antarctic

Holy See (Vatican City)
temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to
May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Honduras
subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Hong Kong
subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and
rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Hungary
temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Iceland
temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy
winters; damp, cool summers

India
varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Indian Ocean
northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest
monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June
and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and
January/February in the southern Indian Ocean

Indonesia
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Iran
mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Iraq
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless
summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish
borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that
melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in
central and southern Iraq

Ireland
temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild
winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the
time

Isle of Man
temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about
a third of the time

Israel
temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Italy
predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in
south

Jamaica
tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Jan Mayen
arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Japan
varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Jersey
temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Jordan
mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Kazakhstan
continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and
semiarid

Kenya
varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Kiribati
tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Korea, North
temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Korea, South
temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Kosovo
influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively
cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns;
Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation;
maximum rainfall between October and December

Kuwait
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Kyrgyzstan
dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains;
subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern
foothill zone

Laos
tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season
(December to April)

Latvia
maritime; wet, moderate winters

Lebanon
Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry
summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Lesotho
temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Liberia
tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to
cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Libya
Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Liechtenstein
continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow
or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Lithuania
transitional, between maritime and continental; wet,
moderate winters and summers

Luxembourg
modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Macau
subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Macedonia
warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters
with heavy snowfall

Madagascar
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Malawi
sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May
to November)

Malaysia
tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast
(October to February) monsoons

Maldives
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to
March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Mali
subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy,
humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to
February)

Malta
Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Marshall Islands
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to
November; islands border typhoon belt

Mauritania
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Mauritius
tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry
winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Mayotte
tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during
northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to
November)

Mexico
varies from tropical to desert

Micronesia, Federated States of tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Moldova
moderate winters, warm summers

Monaco
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Mongolia
desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature
ranges)

Montenegro
Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and
relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Montserrat
tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Morocco
Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Mozambique
tropical to subtropical

Namibia
desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Nauru
tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to
February)

Navassa Island
marine, tropical

Nepal
varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to
subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Netherlands
temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

New Caledonia
tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

New Zealand
temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Nicaragua
tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Niger
desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Nigeria
varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in
north

Niue
tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Norfolk Island
subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature
variation

Northern Mariana Islands
tropical marine; moderated by northeast
trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season
December to June, rainy season July to October

Norway
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current;
colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers;
rainy year-round on west coast

Oman
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong
southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Pacific Ocean
planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind
patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade
winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by
seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south
of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central
America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much
less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same
latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is
monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when
moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry
season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian
landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike
southeast and east Asia from May to December

Pakistan
mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in
north

Palau
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Panama
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season
(May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Papua New Guinea
tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March),
southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature
variation

Paracel Islands
tropical

Paraguay
subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the
eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Peru
varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate
to frigid in Andes

Philippines
tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April);
southwest monsoon (May to October)

Pitcairn Islands
tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast
trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Poland
temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with
frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and
thundershowers

Portugal
maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and
drier in south

Puerto Rico
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature
variation

Qatar
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Romania
temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog;
sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Russia
ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in
much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in
the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to
frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool
along Arctic coast

Rwanda
temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to
January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Saint Barthelemy
tropical, with practically no variation in
temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes;
little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Saint Lucia
tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season
January to April, rainy season May to August

Saint Martin
temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low
humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers;
July-November is the hurricane season

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
cold and wet, with considerable mist and
fog; spring and autumn are often windy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
tropical; little seasonal
temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Samoa
tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to
October)

San Marino
Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Sao Tome and Principe
tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season
(October to May)

Saudi Arabia
harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Senegal
tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has
strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by
hot, dry, harmattan wind

Serbia
in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot,
humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts,
continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with
heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Seychelles
tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast
monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest
monsoon (March to May)

Sierra Leone
tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to
December); winter dry season (December to April)

Singapore
tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons
- Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon
(June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early
evening thunderstorms

Sint Maarten
tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade
winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 1500
mm/year; July-November is the hurricane season

Slovakia
temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Slovenia
Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate
with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and
valleys to the east

Solomon Islands
tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and
weather

Somalia
principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to
February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south;
southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in
the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili)
between monsoons

South Africa
mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny
days, cool nights

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
variable, with mostly
westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of
calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Southern Ocean
sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius
to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the
continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature
contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about
latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average
winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward
to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees
south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures
well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense
persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline
ice-free throughout the winter

Spain
temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and
cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy
and cool along coast

Spratly Islands
tropical

Sri Lanka
tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March);
southwest monsoon (June to October)

Sudan
tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies
by region (April to November)

Suriname
tropical; moderated by trade winds

Svalbard
arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool
summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and
north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most
of the year

Swaziland
varies from tropical to near temperate

Sweden
temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly
cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Switzerland
temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy,
rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with
occasional showers

Syria
mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and
mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather
with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Taiwan
tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June
to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Tajikistan
midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters;
semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Tanzania
varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Thailand
tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to
September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);
southern isthmus always hot and humid

Timor-Leste
tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Togo
tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Tokelau
tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Tonga
tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to
May), cool season (May to December)

Trinidad and Tobago
tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Tunisia
temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry
summers; desert in south

Turkey
temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher
in interior

Turkmenistan
subtropical desert

Turks and Caicos Islands
tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds;
sunny and relatively dry

Tuvalu
tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to
November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Uganda
tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to
February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Ukraine
temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern
Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest
in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from
cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm
across the greater part of the country, hot in the south

United Arab Emirates
desert; cooler in eastern mountains

United Kingdom
temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds
over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are
overcast

United States
mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida,
arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the
Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low
winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in
January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes
of the Rocky Mountains

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker, Howland, and
Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning
sun
Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry;
consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature
variation
Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to
February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by
prevailing easterly winds; most of the 1,067 mm (42 in) of annual
rainfall occurs during the winter
Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area
of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and
southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between
4,000-5,000 mm (160-200 in) of rainfall each year

Uruguay
warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Uzbekistan
mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild
winters; semiarid grassland in east

Vanuatu
tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to
October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected
by cyclones from December to April

Venezuela
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Vietnam
tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season
(May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Virgin Islands
subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds,
relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation;
rainy season September to November

Wake Island
tropical

Wallis and Futuna
tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April);
cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year
(80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

West Bank
temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with
altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Western Sahara
hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air
currents produce fog and heavy dew

World
a wide equatorial band of hot and humid tropical climates -
bordered north and south by subtropical temperate zones - that
separate two large areas of cold and dry polar climates

Yemen
mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in
western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot,
dry, harsh desert in east

Zambia
tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to
April)

Zimbabwe
tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to
March)

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

@2060

Field Listing :: Coastline

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

Coastline(km)

Afghanistan
0 km (landlocked)

Akrotiri
56.3 km

Albania
362 km

Algeria
998 km

American Samoa
116 km

Andorra
0 km (landlocked)

Angola
1,600 km

Anguilla
61 km

Antarctica
17,968 km

Antigua and Barbuda
153 km

Arctic Ocean
45,389 km

Argentina
4,989 km

Armenia
0 km (landlocked)

Aruba
68.5 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
74.1 km

Atlantic Ocean
111,866 km

Australia
25,760 km

Austria
0 km (landlocked)

Azerbaijan
0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian
Sea (713 km)

Bahamas, The
3,542 km

Bahrain
161 km

Bangladesh
580 km

Barbados
97 km

Belarus
0 km (landlocked)

Belgium
66.5 km

Belize
386 km

Benin
121 km

Bermuda
103 km

Bhutan
0 km (landlocked)

Bolivia
0 km (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
20 km

Botswana
0 km (landlocked)

Bouvet Island
29.6 km

Brazil
7,491 km

British Indian Ocean Territory
698 km

British Virgin Islands
80 km

Brunei
161 km

Bulgaria
354 km

Burkina Faso
0 km (landlocked)

Burma
1,930 km

Burundi
0 km (landlocked)

Cambodia
443 km

Cameroon
402 km

Canada
202,080 km

Cape Verde
965 km

Cayman Islands
160 km

Central African Republic
0 km (landlocked)

Chad
0 km (landlocked)

Chile
6,435 km

China
14,500 km

Christmas Island
138.9 km

Clipperton Island
11.1 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
26 km

Colombia
3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448
km)

Comoros
340 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
37 km

Congo, Republic of the
169 km

Cook Islands
120 km

Coral Sea Islands
3,095 km

Costa Rica
1,290 km

Cote d'Ivoire
515 km

Croatia
5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Cuba
3,735 km

Curacao
364 km

Cyprus
648 km

Czech Republic
0 km (landlocked)

Denmark
7,314 km

Dhekelia
27.5 km

Djibouti
314 km

Dominica
148 km

Dominican Republic
1,288 km

Ecuador
2,237 km

Egypt
2,450 km

El Salvador
307 km

Equatorial Guinea
296 km

Eritrea
2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea
1,083 km)

Estonia
3,794 km

Ethiopia
0 km (landlocked)

European Union
65,992.9 km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
1,288 km

Faroe Islands
1,117 km

Fiji
1,129 km

Finland
1,250 km

France total: 4,668 km metropolitan France: 3,427 km

French Polynesia
2,525 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):
Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km
Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km
Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km
Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km

Gabon
885 km

Gambia, The
80 km

Gaza Strip
40 km

Georgia
310 km

Germany
2,389 km

Ghana
539 km

Gibraltar
12 km

Greece
13,676 km

Greenland
44,087 km

Grenada
121 km

Guam
125.5 km

Guatemala
400 km

Guernsey
50 km

Guinea
320 km

Guinea-Bissau
350 km

Guyana
459 km

Haiti
1,771 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
101.9 km

Holy See (Vatican City)
0 km (landlocked)

Honduras
820 km

Hong Kong
733 km

Hungary
0 km (landlocked)

Iceland
4,970 km

India
7,000 km

Indian Ocean
66,526 km

Indonesia
54,716 km

Iran
2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Iraq
58 km

Ireland
1,448 km

Isle of Man
160 km

Israel
273 km

Italy
7,600 km

Jamaica
1,022 km

Jan Mayen
124.1 km

Japan
29,751 km

Jersey
70 km

Jordan
26 km

Kazakhstan
0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral
Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian
Sea (1,894 km)

Kenya
536 km

Kiribati
1,143 km

Korea, North
2,495 km

Korea, South
2,413 km

Kosovo
0 km (landlocked)

Kuwait
499 km

Kyrgyzstan
0 km (landlocked)

Laos
0 km (landlocked)

Latvia
498 km

Lebanon
225 km

Lesotho
0 km (landlocked)

Liberia
579 km

Libya
1,770 km

Liechtenstein
0 km (doubly landlocked)

Lithuania
90 km

Luxembourg
0 km (landlocked)

Macau
41 km

Macedonia
0 km (landlocked)

Madagascar
4,828 km

Malawi
0 km (landlocked)

Malaysia
4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607
km)

Maldives
644 km

Mali
0 km (landlocked)

Malta
196.8 km (excludes 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Marshall Islands
370.4 km

Mauritania
754 km

Mauritius
177 km

Mayotte
185.2 km

Mexico
9,330 km

Micronesia, Federated States of
6,112 km

Moldova
0 km (landlocked)

Monaco
4.1 km

Mongolia
0 km (landlocked)

Montenegro
293.5 km

Montserrat
40 km

Morocco
1,835 km

Mozambique
2,470 km

Namibia
1,572 km

Nauru
30 km

Navassa Island
8 km

Nepal
0 km (landlocked)

Netherlands
451 km

New Caledonia
2,254 km

New Zealand
15,134 km

Nicaragua
910 km

Niger
0 km (landlocked)

Nigeria
853 km

Niue
64 km

Norfolk Island
32 km

Northern Mariana Islands
1,482 km

Norway
25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long
fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km;
length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Oman
2,092 km

Pacific Ocean
135,663 km

Pakistan
1,046 km

Palau
1,519 km

Panama
2,490 km

Papua New Guinea
5,152 km

Paracel Islands
518 km

Paraguay
0 km (landlocked)

Peru
2,414 km

Philippines
36,289 km

Pitcairn Islands
51 km

Poland
440 km

Portugal
1,793 km

Puerto Rico
501 km

Qatar
563 km

Romania
225 km

Russia
37,653 km

Rwanda
0 km (landlocked)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena: 60 km
Ascension Island: NA
Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
135 km

Saint Lucia
158 km

Saint Martin
58.9 km (for entire island)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
120 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
84 km

Samoa
403 km

San Marino
0 km (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe
209 km

Saudi Arabia
2,640 km

Senegal
531 km

Serbia
0 km (landlocked)

Seychelles
491 km

Sierra Leone
402 km

Singapore
193 km

Sint Maarten
364 km

Slovakia
0 km (landlocked)

Slovenia
46.6 km

Solomon Islands
5,313 km

Somalia
3,025 km

South Africa
2,798 km

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
NA

Southern Ocean
17,968 km

Spain
4,964 km

Spratly Islands
926 km

Sri Lanka
1,340 km

Sudan
853 km

Suriname
386 km

Svalbard
3,587 km

Swaziland
0 km (landlocked)

Sweden
3,218 km

Switzerland
0 km (landlocked)

Syria
193 km

Taiwan
1,566.3 km

Tajikistan
0 km (landlocked)

Tanzania
1,424 km

Thailand
3,219 km

Timor-Leste
706 km

Togo
56 km

Tokelau
101 km

Tonga
419 km

Trinidad and Tobago
362 km

Tunisia
1,148 km

Turkey
7,200 km

Turkmenistan
0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea
(1,768 km)

Turks and Caicos Islands
389 km

Tuvalu
24 km

Uganda
0 km (landlocked)

Ukraine
2,782 km

United Arab Emirates
1,318 km

United Kingdom
12,429 km

United States
19,924 km

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker Island: 4.8 km
Howland Island: 6.4 km
Jarvis Island: 8 km
Johnston Atoll: 34 km
Kingman Reef: 3 km
Midway Islands: 15 km
Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km

Uruguay
660 km

Uzbekistan
0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the
southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Vanuatu
2,528 km

Venezuela
2,800 km

Vietnam
3,444 km (excludes islands)

Virgin Islands
188 km

Wake Island
19.3 km

Wallis and Futuna
129 km

West Bank
0 km (landlocked)

Western Sahara
1,110 km

World
356,000 km
note: 95 nations and other entities are islands that border no other
countries, they include: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and
Barbuda, Aruba, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Baker Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean
Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands,
Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
Comoros, Cook Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus,
Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji,
French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland,
Grenada, Guam, Guernsey, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Howland
Island, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Japan, Jarvis
Island, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Kiribati, Madagascar,
Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte,
Federated States of Micronesia, Midway Islands, Montserrat, Nauru,
Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Paracel Islands,
Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint
Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao
Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka,
Svalbard, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Wake Island, Wallis and
Futuna, Taiwan

Yemen
1,906 km

Zambia
0 km (landlocked)

Zimbabwe
0 km (landlocked)

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

@2061

Field Listing :: Imports - partners

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

Imports - partners(%)

Afghanistan
Pakistan 26.78%, US 24.81%, India 5.15%, Germany 5.06%,
Russia 4.04% (2009)

Albania
Italy 29.94%, Greece 14.05%, Turkey 7.1%, Germany 6.9%,
China 5.39% (2009)

Algeria
France 19.7%, China 11.72%, Italy 10.19%, Spain 8.13%,
Germany 5.77%, Turkey 5.05% (2009)

Angola
Portugal 18.71%, China 17.39%, US 8.51%, Brazil 8.22%, South
Korea 6.72%, France 4.51%, Italy 4.28%, South Africa 4.02% (2009)

Argentina
Brazil 31.12%, US 13.69%, China 10.26%, Germany 4.69%
(2009)

Armenia
Russia 24.02%, China 8.72%, Ukraine 6.15%, Turkey 5.39%,
Germany 5.36%, Iran 4.07% (2009)

Aruba
US 49.51%, Netherlands 16.15%, UK 4.94% (2009)

Australia
China 17.94%, US 11.26%, Japan 8.36%, Thailand 5.81%,
Singapore 5.54%, Germany 5.3% (2009)

Austria
Germany 45.07%, Switzerland 6.76%, Italy 6.66%, Netherlands
4.03% (2009)

Azerbaijan
Turkey 18.69%, Russia 16.98%, Germany 7.87%, Ukraine
7.3%, China 6.18%, UK 5.73% (2009)

Bahamas, The
US 27.23%, South Korea 20.08%, Japan 14.55%, Singapore
5.89%, China 4.75%, Venezuela 4.26%, Italy 4.12% (2009)

Bahrain
Saudi Arabia 22.91%, France 9.76%, US 7.95%, China 6.4%,
South Korea 5.26%, Japan 5.19%, Germany 5.01%, UK 4.34% (2009)

Bangladesh
China 16.16%, India 12.61%, Singapore 7.55%, Japan 4.63%,
Malaysia 4.46% (2009)

Barbados
Trinidad and Tobago 28.52%, US 27.96%, Colombia 7.13%,
China 4.76%, UK 4.39% (2009)

Belarus
Russia 56.42%, Germany 8.31%, Ukraine 4.79%, China 4.04%
(2009)

Belgium
Netherlands 17.93%, Germany 17.14%, France 11.69%, Ireland
6.26%, US 5.74%, UK 5.07%, China 4.09% (2009)

Belize
US 33.65%, Mexico 14.17%, Cuba 8.51%, Guatemala 6.75%, Spain
6.07%, China 4.12% (2009)

Benin
China 35.62%, US 7.51%, France 7.38%, Thailand 6.71%, Malaysia
6.13%, Netherlands 4.83%, Belgium 4.02% (2009)

Bermuda
US 31.2%, South Korea 26.71%, Brazil 6.77%, Ireland 6.11%,
Singapore 5.35% (2009)

Bhutan
India 63%, Japan 12.3%, China 5.1% (2008)

Bolivia
Brazil 27.12%, Argentina 15.69%, US 12.77%, Chile 9.11%,
Peru 6.85% (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia 22.17%, Germany 14.04%, Slovenia
13.45%, Italy 11.89%, Austria 6.61%, Hungary 5.74% (2009)

Brazil
US 16.12%, China 12.61%, Argentina 8.77%, Germany 7.65%,
Japan 4.3% (2009)

Brunei
Singapore 38.4%, Malaysia 18.7%, Japan 7.2%, China 5.42%,
Thailand 5.19%, US 4.45%, UK 4.25% (2009)

Bulgaria
Russia 13.14%, Germany 12.23%, Italy 7.78%, Greece 6.17%,
Romania 5.65%, Turkey 5.48%, Ukraine 4.81%, Austria 4.08% (2009)

Burkina Faso
Cote d'Ivoire 24.31%, France 19.48%, Togo 6.42% (2009)

Burma
China 33.1%, Thailand 26.28%, Singapore 15.18% (2009)

Burundi
Saudi Arabia 16.87%, Belgium 11.17%, Uganda 8.62%, Kenya
7.57%, China 5.66%, France 5.35%, Germany 4.46%, India 4.24%,
Tanzania 4.21% (2009)

Cambodia
Thailand 24.83%, Vietnam 19.73%, China 14.08%, Singapore
11.34%, Hong Kong 7.41%, Taiwan 5.1%, South Korea 4.06% (2009)

Cameroon
France 21.03%, Nigeria 10.79%, China 10.25%, Belgium 6.62%,
US 4.31% (2009)

Canada
US 51.1%, China 10.88%, Mexico 4.56% (2009)

Cape Verde
Portugal 44.86%, Netherlands 15.51%, Spain 6.1%, Italy
4.46%, Brazil 4.21% (2009)

Central African Republic
South Korea 19.29%, France 11.95%, US
7.78%, Cameroon 7.39%, Netherlands 6.77% (2009)

Chad
France 17.74%, Cameroon 12.7%, China 11.23%, US 7.59%, Italy
6.54%, Ukraine 5.33%, Netherlands 4.37% (2009)

Chile
US 21.77%, China 12.76%, Argentina 9.55%, Brazil 6.46%, South
Korea 5.35% (2009)

China
Japan 12.27%, Hong Kong 10.06%, South Korea 9.04%, US 7.66%,
Taiwan 6.84%, Germany 5.54% (2009)

Colombia
US 28%, China 11%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 6.5%, France 4.5%,
Germany 4% (2009)

Comoros
France 15.5%, China 14.66%, India 10.55%, UAE 7.88%,
Pakistan 5.69%, Kenya 4.51% (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
South Africa 18.22%, Belgium
10.2%, China 8.34%, Zambia 7.77%, France 7.28%, Zimbabwe 6.52%,
Kenya 5.48%, Netherlands 4.13%, Italy 3.96% (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
France 20.64%, China 14.54%, Italy 9.56%, US
9.02%, India 5.55%, Belgium 4.51% (2009)

Costa Rica
US 44.72%, Mexico 7.65%, Venezuela 5.56%, China 5.15%,
Japan 4.36% (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
Nigeria 20.75%, France 14.19%, China 7.18%, Thailand
5.09% (2009)

Croatia
Italy 15.46%, Germany 13.57%, Russia 9.29%, China 6.83%,
Slovenia 5.75%, Austria 5.04% (2009)

Cuba
Venezuela 30.51%, China 15.48%, Spain 8.3%, US 6.87% (2009)

Curacao
Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.2%, Brazil 8.1% (2009 est.)

Cyprus
Greece 20.18%, Italy 10.67%, UK 8.95%, Germany 8.79%, Israel
6.99%, China 5.52%, Netherlands 4.85%, France 4.01% (2009)

Czech Republic
Germany 30.67%, Poland 6.97%, Slovakia 6.6%,
Netherlands 5.99%, China 5.7%, Austria 5.26%, Russia 4.93%, Italy
3.98% (2009)

Denmark
Germany 21.07%, Sweden 13.18%, Norway 7%, Netherlands 6.97%,
China 6.22%, UK 5.53% (2009)

Djibouti
Saudi Arabia 16.26%, India 16.03%, China 14.26%, US 9.57%,
Malaysia 6.63%, Japan 4.74% (2009)

Dominica
Japan 31.29%, US 19.73%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.8%, China
11.58% (2009)

Dominican Republic
US 42.79%, Venezuela 7.04%, Mexico 6.17%,
Colombia 5.59% (2009)

Ecuador
US 25.4%, Columbia 10.6%, Venezuela 6.5%, Brazil 4.5%,
Brazil 4.35% (2009)

Egypt
US 9.92%, China 9.63%, Germany 6.98%, Italy 6.88%, Turkey
4.94% (2009)

El Salvador
US 29.79%, Mexico 10.26%, Guatemala 9.7%, China 4.5%,
Honduras 4.4% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
China 19.97%, US 17.28%, Spain 14.94%, France
9.49%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.34%, Italy 5.02% (2009)

Eritrea
Saudi Arabia 20.7%, India 13.6%, Italy 12.6%, China 9.9%, US
5.1%, Germany 4.6% (2008)

Estonia
Finland 14.52%, Lithuania 10.84%, Latvia 10.47%, Germany
10.33%, Russia 8.59%, Sweden 8.34%, Poland 5.63% (2009)

Ethiopia
China 14.73%, Saudi Arabia 8.41%, India 7.65%, US 4.3%
(2009)

Faroe Islands
Denmark 54.42%, Norway 20.76%, Sweden 4.79% (2009)

Fiji
Singapore 27.27%, Australia 19.36%, NZ 15.15%, China 6.92%,
India 5.23%, Thailand 4.25% (2009)

Finland
Russia 16.28%, Germany 15.76%, Sweden 14.65%, Netherlands
6.99%, China 5.29%, France 4.22% (2009)

France
Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands
7.15%, Spain 6.68%, UK 4.9%, US 4.72%, China 4.44% (2009)

Gabon
France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy
4.81%, Cameroon 4.56%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Gambia, The
China 20.45%, Senegal 11.97%, Brazil 8.48%, Cote
d'Ivoire 4.71%, Netherlands 4.68%, US 4.49% (2009)

Georgia
Turkey 16.81%, Azerbaijan 9.72%, Ukraine 9.17%, Russia
7.39%, US 6.63%, Germany 6.22% (2009)

Germany
Netherlands 8.5%, China 8.2%, France 8.2%, US 5.9%, Italy
5.9%, UK 4.9%, Belgium 4.3%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2009)

Ghana
China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.99%,
India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009)

Greece
Germany 13.73%, Italy 12.71%, China 7.08%, France 6.1%,
Netherlands 6.02%, South Korea 5.68%, Belgium 4.34%, Spain 4.08%
(2009)

Greenland
Denmark 74.93%, Sweden 11.73%, Norway 2.29% (2009)

Grenada
Trinidad and Tobago 39.76%, US 18.11% (2009)

Guatemala
US 36.46%, Mexico 10.49%, China 5.88%, El Salvador 5.14%
(2009)

Guinea
China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%, France 4.33%, UK 4.22% (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
Portugal 17.33%, Senegal 13.66%, Netherlands 9.27%,
India 9.11%, Thailand 5.2%, Brazil 4.49% (2009)

Guyana
US 25.23%, Trinidad and Tobago 23.23%, Cuba 6.41%, China
6.05% (2009)

Haiti
US 33.11%, Dominican Republic 23.53%, Netherlands Antilles
10.75%, China 5.36% (2009)

Honduras
US 46.81%, Guatemala 8.92%, El Salvador 7.13%, Mexico
5.54%, Costa Rica 4.91% (2009)

Hong Kong
China 46.4%, Japan 8.8%, Taiwan 6.5%, Singapore 6.5%, US
5.3% (2009)

Hungary
Germany 25.05%, China 8.56%, Russia 7.3%, Austria 6.08%,
Netherlands 4.73%, France 4.51%, Slovakia 4.14%, Italy 4.13%, Poland
4.07% (2009)

Iceland
Norway 12.97%, Netherlands 8.62%, Germany 8.3%, Sweden
8.03%, Denmark 7.27%, US 6.94%, China 4.98%, UK 4.55%, Brazil 4.09%
(2009)

India
China 10.94%, US 7.16%, Saudi Arabia 5.36%, UAE 5.18%,
Australia 5.02%, Germany 4.86%, Singapore 4.02% (2009)

Indonesia
Singapore 24.96%, China 12.52%, Japan 8.92%, Malaysia
5.88%, South Korea 5.64%, US 4.88%, Thailand 4.45% (2009)

Iran
UAE 15.14%, China 13.48%, Germany 9.66%, South Korea 7.16%,
Italy 5.27%, Russia 4.81%, India 4.12% (2009)

Iraq
Turkey 24.99%, Syria 17.36%, US 8.66%, China 6.79%, Jordan
4.17%, Italy 3.98%, Germany 3.97% (2009)

Ireland
UK 35.28%, US 16.87%, Germany 6.76%, Netherlands 5.86%,
France 4.76% (2009)

Israel
US 12.35%, China 7.43%, Germany 7.1%, Switzerland 6.94%,
Belgium 5.42%, Italy 4.49%, UK 4.03%, Netherlands 3.98% (2009)

Italy
Germany 16.68%, France 8.82%, China 6.53%, Netherlands 5.63%,
Spain 4.3%, Russia 4.12%, Belgium 4.08% (2009)

Jamaica
US 28.32%, Trinidad and Tobago 22.98%, Venezuela 12.14%,
China 4.61%, Brazil 4.18% (2009)

Japan
China 22.2%, US 10.96%, Australia 6.29%, Saudi Arabia 5.29%,
UAE 4.12%, South Korea 3.98%, Indonesia 3.95% (2009)

Jordan
Saudi Arabia 17.3%, China 10.95%, US 6.94%, Germany 6.29%,
Egypt 6.1% (2009)

Kazakhstan
Russia 28.5%, China 26.72%, Germany 6.59%, Italy 5.58%,
Ukraine 4.8% (2009)

Kenya
India 11.67%, China 10.58%, UAE 9.32%, South Africa 8.36%,
Saudi Arabia 6.53%, US 6.25%, Japan 5.1% (2009)

Korea, North
China 57%, South Korea 25%, Russia 3%, Singapore 3%
(2008)

Korea, South
China 17.7%, Japan 14%, US 8.9%, Saudi Arabia 7.8%, UAE
4.4%, Australia 4.1% (2008)

Kuwait
US 11.18%, China 9.07%, Germany 7.63%, Japan 7.14%, Saudi
Arabia 6.24%, Italy 5%, France 4.77%, India 4.09%, UK 4.02% (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
China 57.03%, Russia 19.34%, Kazakhstan 5.9% (2009)

Laos
Thailand 66.2%, China 11.45%, Vietnam 5.3% (2009)

Latvia
Lithuania 16.36%, Germany 11.34%, Russia 10.68%, Poland
8.11%, Estonia 7.69% (2009)

Lebanon
US 11%, France 10%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Germany 8%, Turkey
4%, Ukraine 4.55%, Turkey 4.5% (2009)

Lesotho
China 26.3%, Taiwan 20.1%, Hong Kong 16.4%, South Korea
14.1%, India 9.2% (2008)

Liberia
South Korea 28.29%, Singapore 19.06%, Japan 17.06%, China
14.58%, Taiwan 4.02% (2009)

Libya
Italy 18.9%, China 10.54%, Turkey 9.92%, Germany 9.78%, France
5.63%, Tunisia 5.25%, South Korea 4.02% (2009)

Lithuania
Russia 30.1%, Germany 11.1%, Poland 9.9%, Latvia 6.3%
(2009)

Luxembourg
Belgium 27.22%, Germany 23.14%, China 18.62%, France
8.85%, Netherlands 5.06% (2009)

Macau
China 31.1%, Hong Kong 10.8%, Japan 8.1%, France 8%, US 6.2%
(2009)

Macedonia
Germany 15.11%, Greece 14.88%, Bulgaria 9.08%, Italy
7.68%, Turkey 7.59%, Slovenia 6.26%, Hungary 4.31% (2009)

Madagascar
China 12.99%, Thailand 11.93%, Bahrain 7.1%, France
6.89%, US 4.13% (2009)

Malawi
South Africa 40.15%, China 6.79%, India 6.73%, France 5.03%,
Tanzania 4.81%, Mozambique 4.03% (2009)

Malaysia
China 13.9%, Japan 12.5%, US 11.2%, Singapore 11.1%,
Thailand 6%, Indonesia 5.3% (2009)

Maldives
Singapore 24.62%, UAE 15.7%, India 11.02%, Malaysia 8.98%,
Sri Lanka 5.4%, Thailand 5.36% (2009)

Mali
Senegal 12.21%, France 11.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 10.05%, China
5.89% (2009)

Malta
Italy 24.4%, UK 11.7%, Germany 9.3%, France 7.6%, China 4.2%,
Singapore 4.11%, Switzerland 4.05% (2009)

Mauritania
France 14.3%, Netherlands 10.33%, China 9.94%, Brazil
5.58%, Belgium 4.87%, Germany 4.04%, Spain 4.02% (2009)

Mauritius
India 24.5%, France 14.02%, South Africa 8.55%, China
8.17% (2009)

Mexico
US 48%, China 13.5%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Moldova
Ukraine 19.9%, Romania 15.1%, Russia 14.52%, Germany 8.69%,
Italy 5.7%, Belarus 4.38% (2009)

Mongolia
China 35.99%, Russia 31.56%, South Korea 7.08%, Japan 4.8%
(2009)

Montenegro
Italy 17.54%, Slovenia 14.62%, Germany 10.5%, Austria
7.82%, China 7.82%, Russia 4.4%, Hungary 4.11%, Greece 4.11%,
Netherlands 3.96% (2009)

Morocco
France 16.95%, Spain 14.72%, China 7.1%, Italy 6.76%,
Germany 6.28%, US 5.66%, Saudi Arabia 5.11% (2009)

Mozambique
South Africa 33.54%, Netherlands 8.42%, India 5.93%,
China 4.24% (2009)

Nepal
India 57%, China 13% (2009)

Netherlands
Germany 17.16%, China 11.58%, Belgium 8.68%, US 7.77%,
UK 5.72%, Russia 4.47%, France 4.4% (2009)

New Caledonia
France 39.89%, Singapore 14.12%, Australia 12.5%, NZ
5.42% (2009)

New Zealand
Australia 18.4%, China 15.09%, US 10.45%, Japan 7.24%,
Germany 4.16%, Singapore 4.12% (2009)

Nicaragua
US 22.63%, Venezuela 12.27%, Mexico 9.05%, Costa Rica
8.66%, China 7.16%, Guatemala 6.59%, El Salvador 5.63% (2009)

Niger
China 16.32%, France 15.95%, Netherlands 7.66%, Algeria 7.15%,
French Polynesia 6.11%, Nigeria 5.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.15%, US 4.05%
(2009)

Nigeria
China 14.89%, US 8.88%, Netherlands 8.18%, South Korea
5.46%, UK 4.63%, France 4.19% (2009)

Norway
Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US
6.16%, UK 6.01% (2009)

Oman
UAE 22.9%, Japan 13.99%, US 6.46%, China 5.64%, India 5.27%,
France 5.19%, South Korea 4.65% (2009)

Pakistan
China 15.35%, Saudi Arabia 10.54%, UAE 9.8%, US 4.81%,
Kuwait 4.73%, Malaysia 4.43%, India 4.02% (2009)

Panama
Japan 36.21%, Singapore 16.86%, US 12.3%, China 7.84% (2009)

Papua New Guinea
Australia 43.27%, China 13.29%, Singapore 9.59%, US
6.4%, Japan 4.62% (2009)

Paraguay
China 30%, Brazil 23%, Argentina 16%, US 5% (2009)

Peru
US 23.96%, China 10.74%, Ecuador 7.25%, Brazil 7.19%, Chile
5.68%, Argentina 5.59%, Mexico 5.02% (2009)

Philippines
Japan 12.5%, US 12%, China 8.8%, Singapore 8.7%, South
Korea 7.9% (2009)

Poland
Germany 28.08%, Russia 8.65%, Italy 6.5%, Netherlands 5.59%,
China 5.27%, France 4.6%, Czech Republic 4.05% (2009)

Portugal
Spain 31.58%, Germany 12.41%, France 8.58%, Italy 5.55%,
Netherlands 5.31% (2009)

Qatar
US 13.43%, Italy 8.34%, South Korea 8.33%, Japan 8.04%,
Germany 7.31%, France 6.26%, UK 5.59%, China 5%, UAE 4.67%, Saudi
Arabia 3.96% (2009)

Romania
Germany 17.3%, Italy 11.78%, Hungary 8.36%, France 6.14%,
China 4.91%, Austria 4.75% (2009)

Russia
Germany 14.39%, China 13.98%, Ukraine 5.48%, Italy 4.84%, US
4.46% (2009)

Rwanda
Kenya 16.53%, Uganda 14.92%, China 7.92%, UAE 6.89%, Belgium
5.54%, Germany 5.19%, Tanzania 4.81%, Sweden 4% (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
US 43.37%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.26%, Italy
11.83% (2009)

Saint Lucia
Brazil 83.44%, US 4.67%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.56% (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Singapore 16.16%, Trinidad and
Tobago 13.71%, US 13.41%, China 10.9%, Italy 8.89%, Turkey 6.6%,
France 5.64%, Romania 4.44% (2009)

Samoa
NZ 24.13%, Fiji 17.34%, Singapore 12.54%, China 10.02%,
Australia 9.85%, US 5.95% (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
Portugal 58.9%, Brazil 6.68%, US 4.71%, Japan
4.49% (2009)

Saudi Arabia
US 12.32%, China 12.06%, Germany 7.67%, Japan 6.15%,
South Korea 5.32%, India 4.99%, UK 4.72%, France 4.05% (2009)

Senegal
France 19.58%, UK 9.64%, China 8.08%, Netherlands 5.64%,
Thailand 4.75%, US 3.97% (2009)

Serbia
Germany 11.79%, Italy 9.36%, Hungary 6.71%, Slovenia 6.52%,
Austria 4.79% (2009)

Seychelles
Saudi Arabia 16.44%, India 8.33%, Spain 7.49%, South
Africa 6.72%, France 6.39%, Brazil 6.07%, Singapore 5.07% (2009)

Sierra Leone
South Africa 14.61%, China 7.58%, US 5.87%, Cote
d'Ivoire 5.65%, India 5.19%, Malaysia 5.19%, France 5.08%, UK 4.48%,
Netherlands 4.06% (2009)

Singapore
US 14.7%, Malaysia 11.6%, China 10.5%, Japan 7.6%,
Indonesia 5.8%, South Korea 5.7%, Taiwan 5.22% (2009)

Sint Maarten
China 17.35%, Japan 14.79%, US 8.96%, Saudi Arabia
6.89% (2009)

Slovakia
Germany 16.8%, Czech Republic 12.3%, Russia 9%, South Korea
6.8%, China 5.8%, Hungary 5.3%, Poland 4% (2009)

Slovenia
Germany 16.46%, Italy 15.89%, Austria 11.81%, France 4.98%,
Croatia 4.32% (2009)

Solomon Islands
Singapore 24.69%, Australia 23.06%, NZ 5.2%, Fiji
4.47%, Papua New Guinea 4.34%, Malaysia 3.98% (2009)

Somalia
Djibouti 30.84%, Kenya 8.06%, India 7.86%, China 6.97%,
Brazil 6.59%, Yemen 4.97%, Oman 4.72%, UAE 4.6% (2009)

South Africa
China 17.21%, Germany 11.24%, US 7.38%, Saudi Arabia
4.87%, Japan 4.67%, Iran 3.95% (2009)

Spain
Germany 15.02%, France 12.82%, Italy 7.17%, China 5.8%,
Netherlands 5.22%, UK 4.7% (2009)

Sri Lanka
India 20.73%, China 13.45%, Singapore 7.26%, Iran 6.7%,
South Korea 5.23% (2009)

Sudan
China 21.87%, Saudi Arabia 7.22%, Egypt 6.1%, India 5.53%, UAE
5.3% (2009)

Suriname
US 30.79%, Netherlands 19.17%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.04%,
China 6.8%, Japan 5.85% (2009)

Sweden
Germany 17.9%, Denmark 8.9%, Norway 8.7%, Netherlands 6.17%,
UK 5.56%, Finland 5.14%, France 5.06%, China 4.79% (2009)

Switzerland
Germany 27.19%, Italy 10.42%, US 9.61%, France 7.69%,
Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Syria
Saudi Arabia 10.1%, China 9.95%, Turkey 6.97%, Egypt 6.44%,
UAE 4.97%, Italy 4.93%, Russia 4.92%, Germany 4.38%, Lebanon 4.12%
(2009)

Taiwan
Japan 20.7%, China 14%, US 10.3%, South Korea 6%, Saudi
Arabia 4.8% (2009)

Tajikistan
Russia 23.92%, China 23.74%, Kazakhstan 8.92%, Turkey
4.96%, Uzbekistan 4.73% (2009)

Tanzania
India 13.97%, China 13.71%, South Africa 7.8%, Kenya 6.89%,
UAE 4.65%, Japan 4.34% (2009)

Thailand
Japan 18.7%, China 12.7%, Malaysia 6.4%, US 6.3%, UAE 5%,
Singapore 4.3%, South Korea 4.1% (2009)

Togo
China 36.58%, France 8.64%, Netherlands 6.76%, India 5.06%, US
4.4% (2009)

Tonga
Fiji 34.37%, NZ 25.03%, US 9.43%, Australia 7.53%, China 5.64%
(2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
US 30.87%, Colombia 7.1%, Venezuela 7.01%,
Russia 6.64%, Brazil 5.53%, China 4.19% (2009)

Tunisia
France 20.1%, Italy 16.4%, Germany 8.8%, China 5%, Spain
4.5%, US 4% (2009)

Turkey
Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%,
France 5% (2009)

Turkmenistan
China 18.03%, Turkey 16.49%, Russia 16.45%, Germany
5.91%, UAE 5.81%, Ukraine 5.67%, US 5.41%, France 4.32% (2009)

Uganda
Kenya 13.9%, India 12.79%, UAE 11.16%, China 8.91%, South
Africa 5.08%, France 4.6%, Japan 4.37%, US 4.07% (2009)

Ukraine
Russia 28%, Germany 8.6%, China 6.1%, Kazakhstan 4.9%,
Poland 4.9% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
China 15.03%, India 14.27%, US 8.44%, Germany
5.81%, Japan 4.52% (2009)

United Kingdom
Germany 12.87%, US 9.74%, China 8.88%, Netherlands
6.94%, France 6.64%, Belgium 4.86%, Norway 4.84%, Ireland 4.01%,
Italy 3.99% (2009)

United States
China 19.3%, Canada 14.24%, Mexico 11.12%, Japan
6.14%, Germany 4.53% (2009)

Uruguay
Argentina 20.77%, Brazil 17.53%, China 10.23%, US 9.82%,
Paraguay 6.87% (2009)

Uzbekistan
Russia 23.72%, China 20.36%, South Korea 13.03%, Germany
6.09%, Ukraine 5.39%, Kazakhstan 4.68% (2009)

Vanuatu
Japan 17.3%, Australia 13.46%, China 12.26%, Singapore 12%,
NZ 6.88%, Poland 6.61%, France 5.86%, Fiji 5.52% (2009)

Venezuela
US 23.66%, Colombia 14.43%, Brazil 9.13%, China 8.44%,
Mexico 5.47% (2009)

Vietnam
China 16.42%, Singapore 9.61%, Japan 8.96%, Taiwan 8.23%,
South Korea 7.72%, Thailand 6.41%, Hong Kong 4.45%, US 4.27% (2009)

World
China 10.3%, Germany 8.7%, US 8%, Japan 5% (2008 est.)

Yemen
China 13.98%, UAE 12.3%, India 8.63%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, US
4.52%, Brazil 4.51%, Turkey 4.51%, Kuwait 4.33%, France 4.24% (2009)

Zambia
South Africa 51.78%, UAE 7.7%, China 5.85%, Democratic
Republic of the Congo 4.22% (2009)

Zimbabwe
South Africa 62.24%, China 4.2% (2009)

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@2062

Field Listing ::

Country

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@2063

Field Listing :: Constitution

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

Constitution

Afghanistan
constitution drafted 14 December 2003-4 January 2004;
signed 16 January 2004; ratified 26 January 2004

Akrotiri
Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in
Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal
document

Albania
approved by parliament on 21 October 1998; adopted by
popular referendum on 22 November 1998; promulgated 28 November 1998

Algeria
8 September 1963; revised 19 November 1976; effective 22
November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, 28
November 1996, 10 April 2002, and 12 November 2008

American Samoa
ratified on 2 June 1966; effective 1 July 1967

Andorra
Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991;
approved by referendum 14 March 1993; effective 28 April 1993

Angola
adopted by People's Assembly 25 August 1992

Anguilla
Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Antigua and Barbuda
1 November 1981

Argentina
1 May 1853; amended many times starting in 1860

Armenia
adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995; amendments
adopted through a nationwide referendum 27 November 2005

Aruba
1 January 1986

Australia
9 July 1900; effective on 1 January 1901

Austria
1920; revised 1929; reinstated 1 May 1945; note - during the
period 1 May 1934-1 May 1945 there was a fascist (corporative)
constitution in place

Azerbaijan
adopted 12 November 1995; modified by referendum 24
August 2002

Bahamas, The
10 July 1973

Bahrain
adopted 14 February 2002

Bangladesh
4 November 1972; effective 16 December 1972; suspended
following coup of 24 March 1982; restored 10 November 1986; amended
many times

Barbados
30 November 1966

Belarus
15 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November
1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became
effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing
presidential term limits

Belgium
7 February 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to
create a federal state

Belize
21 September 1981

Benin
adopted by referendum 2 December 1990

Bermuda
8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003

Bhutan
ratified 18 July 2008

Bolivia
7 February 2009

Bosnia and Herzegovina
the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on 14
December 1995 in Paris, included a constitution; note - each of the
entities also has its own constitution

Botswana
March 1965; effective 30 September 1966

Brazil
5 October 1988

British Virgin Islands
13 June 2007

Brunei
29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of
Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1
January 1984)

Bulgaria
adopted on 12 July 1991

Burkina Faso
approved by referendum 2 June 1991; formally adopted 11
June 1991; last amended January 2002

Burma
3 January 1974; suspended since 18 September 1988; a
constitution officially received 92.48% support in a flawed May 2008
referendum that most observers judged fell far short of
international standards of free and fair elections; note - a new
constitution is to take effect when a parliament is convened
possibly in late January 2011

Burundi
ratified by popular referendum 28 February 2005

Cambodia
promulgated 21 September 1993

Cameroon
approved by referendum 20 May 1972; adopted 2 June 1972;
revised January 1996

Canada
made up of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial
decisions, and traditions; the written part of the constitution
consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a
federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April
1982, which transferred formal control over the constitution from
Britain to Canada, and added a Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms as well as procedures for constitutional amendments

Cape Verde
25 September 1992; a major revision on 23 November 1995
substantially increased the powers of the president; a 1999 revision
created the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, 6
November 2009

Central African Republic
ratified by popular referendum 5 December
2004; effective 27 December 2004

Chad
passed by referendum 31 March 1996; a June 2005 referendum
removed constitutional term limits

Chile
11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989,
1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

China
most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 with amendments in
1988, 1993, 1999, 2004

Christmas Island
Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as
amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 (23
November 1955) as amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Colombia
5 July 1991; amended many times

Comoros
23 December 2001

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
18 February 2006

Congo, Republic of the
approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Cook Islands
4 August 1965

Costa Rica
7 November 1949

Cote d'Ivoire
approved by referendum 23 July 2000

Croatia
adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001

Cuba
24 February 1976; amended July 1992 and June 2002

Curacao
Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter
pending

Cyprus
16 August 1960
note: from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer
participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for
a new or revised constitution to govern the island and for better
relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held
intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974
Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own
constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated
State of Cyprus," which became the "Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC)" when the Turkish Cypriots declared independence in
1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5
May 1985, although the "TRNC" remains unrecognized by any country
other than Turkey

Czech Republic
ratified on 16 December 1992, effective on 1 January
1993; amended in 1997, 2000, 2001 (twice), 2002

Denmark
5 June 1953; note - constitution allowed for a unicameral
legislature and a female chief of state

Dhekelia
Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in
Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal
document

Djibouti
approved by referendum 4 September 1992; note -
constitution allows for multiparties

Dominica
3 November 1978

Dominican Republic
28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002 and
January 2010

Ecuador
20 October 2008

Egypt
11 September 1971; amended 22 May 1980, 25 May 2005, and 26
March 2007

El Salvador
20 December 1983

Equatorial Guinea
approved by national referendum 17 November 1991;
amended January 1995

Eritrea
adopted on 23 May 1997, but has not yet been fully
implemented

Estonia
adopted 28 June 1992

Ethiopia
ratified 8 December 1994, effective 22 August 1995

European Union
none
note: based on a series of treaties: the Treaty of Paris, which set
up the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951; the
Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC)
and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957; the
Single European Act in 1986; the Treaty on European Union
(Maastricht) in 1992; the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997; and the
Treaty of Nice in 2003; note - a new draft Constitutional Treaty,
signed on 29 October 2004 in Rome, gave member states two years for
ratification either by parliamentary vote or national referendum
before it was scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006; defeat in
French and Dutch referenda in May-June 2005 dealt a severe setback
to the ratification process; in June 2007, the European Council
agreed on a clear and concise mandate for an Intergovernmental
Conference to form a political agreement and put it into legal form;
this agreement, known as the Reform Treaty, would have served as a
constitution and was presented to the European Council in October
2007 for individual country ratification; it was rejected by Irish
voters in June 2008, again stalling the ratification process; the
Reform Treaty, more recently known as the Treaty of Lisbon, was
again circulated for ratification, and by November 2009 was approved
by all 27 countries; it came into effect on 1 December 2009

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
1 January 2009

Faroe Islands
5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Fiji
enacted on 25 July 1997; effective on 28 July 1998; note - it
encourages multiculturalism and makes multiparty government mandatory

Finland
1 March 2000

France
adopted by referendum 28 September 1958; effective 4 October
1958; amended many times
note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to
comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam
Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in
1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to
a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional
treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that
the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by
referendum

French Polynesia
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Gabon
adopted 14 March 1991

Gambia, The
approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective
16 January 1997

Georgia
adopted 24 August 1995

Germany
23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the
united Germany 3 October 1990

Ghana
approved 28 April 1992

Gibraltar
5 June 2006; came into force 2 January 2007

Greece
11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Greenland
(November 2008) Act on Greenland Self Government

Grenada
19 December 1973

Guam
Organic Act of Guam, 1 August 1950

Guatemala
31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended 25 May
1993; reinstated 5 June 1993; amended November 1993

Guernsey
unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Guinea
23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Guinea-Bissau
16 May 1984; amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26
February 1993, 9 June 1993, and in 1996

Guyana
6 October 1980

Haiti
approved March 1987
note: suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989;
constitutional government ousted in a military coup in September
1991, although in October 1991 military government claimed to be
observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in
October 1994; constitution, while technically in force between
2004-2006, was not enforced; returned to constitutional rule in May
2006

Holy See (Vatican City)
Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN
PAUL II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaced
the first Fundamental Law of 1929)

Honduras
11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended many
times

Hong Kong
Basic Law, approved in March 1990 by China's National
People's Congress, is Hong Kong's charter

Hungary
18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949; revised 19 April
1972; 18 October 1989; and 1997
note: 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals
and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and
also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997
amendment streamlined the judicial system

Iceland
16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944; amended many times

India
26 January 1950; amended many times

Indonesia
August 1945; abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and
Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959; series of
amendments concluded in 2002

Iran
2-3 December 1979; revised in 1989
note: the revision in 1989 expanded powers of the presidency and
eliminated the prime ministership

Iraq
ratified on 15 October 2005 (subject to review by the
Constitutional Review Committee and a possible public referendum)

Ireland
adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite; effective 29 December 1937

Isle of Man
unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act of
1961 does not embody the unwritten Manx Constitution

Israel
no formal constitution; some of the functions of a
constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948),
the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli
citizenship law; note - since May 2003 the Constitution, Law, and
Justice Committee of the Knesset has been working on a draft
constitution

Italy
passed 11 December 1947, effective 1 January 1948; amended
many times

Jamaica
6 August 1962

Japan
3 May 1947

Jersey
unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Jordan
1 January 1952; amended many times

Kazakhstan
first post-independence constitution adopted 28 January
1993; new constitution adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995

Kenya
27 August 2010; the new constitution abolishes the position of
prime minister and establishes a bicameral legislature; many details
have yet to be finalized and will require significant legislative
action

Kiribati
12 July 1979

Korea, North
adopted 1948; revised several times most recently in
2009

Korea, South
17 July 1948; note - amended or rewritten many times;
current constitution approved on 29 October 1987

Kosovo
adopted by the Kosovo Assembly on 9 April 2008; effective 15
June 2008

Kuwait
approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Kyrgyzstan
27 June 2010

Laos
promulgated 14 August 1991; amended in 2003

Latvia
15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law
of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council on 21
August 1991; multiple amendments since

Lebanon
23 May 1926; amended a number of times, most recently in
1990 to include changes necessitated by the Charter of Lebanese
National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989

Lesotho
2 April 1993

Liberia
6 January 1986

Libya
none; note - following the September 1969 military overthrow
of the Libyan government, the Revolutionary Command Council replaced
the existing constitution with the Constitutional Proclamation in
December 1969; in March 1977, Libya adopted the Declaration of the
Establishment of the People's Authority

Liechtenstein
5 October 1921; amended 15 September 2003

Lithuania
adopted 25 October 1992; last amended 13 July 2004

Luxembourg
17 October 1868; occasional revisions

Macau
Basic Law, approved on 31 March 1993 by China's National
People's Congress, is Macau's charter

Macedonia
adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991;
amended November 2001, 2005 and in 2009
note: amended November 2001 by a series of new constitutional
amendments strengthening minority rights, in 2005 with amendments
related to the judiciary, and in 2009 with amendments related to the
threshold required to elect the president

Madagascar
passed by referendum 17 November 2010; promulgated 11
December 2010 (2010)

Malawi
18 May 1994

Malaysia
31 August 1957; amended many times the latest in 2007

Maldives
new constitution ratified 7 August 2008

Mali
adopted 12 January 1992

Malta
1964; amended many times

Marshall Islands
1 May 1979

Mauritania
12 July 1991

Mauritius
12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Mayotte
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Mexico
5 February 1917

Micronesia, Federated States of
10 May 1979

Moldova
adopted 29 July 1994; effective 27 August 1994; note -
replaced 1979 Soviet constitution

Monaco
17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002

Mongolia
13 January 1992

Montenegro
approved 19 October 2007 (by the Assembly)

Montserrat
effective 19 December 1989

Morocco
10 March 1972; revised 4 September 1992, amended September
1996
note: the amendment of September 1996 was to create a bicameral
legislature

Mozambique
30 November 1990

Namibia
ratified 9 February 1990, effective 12 March 1990

Nauru
29 January 1968; amended 17 May 1968

Nepal
15 January 2007 (interim Constitution); note - in April 2008,
a Constituent Assembly was elected to draft and promulgate a new
constitution by May 2010, but the deadline has been extended to May
2011

Netherlands
adopted 1815; amended many times, most recently in 2002

New Caledonia
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

New Zealand
consists of a series of legal documents, including
certain acts of the UK and New Zealand parliaments, as well as The
Constitution Act 1986, which is the principal formal charter;
adopted 1 January 1987, effective 1 January 1987

Nicaragua
9 January 1987; revised in 1995, 2000, and 2005

Niger
adopted 18 July 1999

Nigeria
adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999

Niue
19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Northern Mariana Islands
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant
Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Norway
17 May 1814; amended many times

Oman
none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal
decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a
constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal
succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from
holding interests in companies doing business with the government,
establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil
liberties for Omani citizens

Pakistan
12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored 30 December
1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored in stages in 2002; amended
31 December 2003; suspended 3 November 2007; restored on 15 December
2007; amended 19 April 2010

Palau
1 January 1981

Panama
11 October 1972; revised in 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

Papua New Guinea
16 September 1975

Paraguay
promulgated 20 June 1992

Peru
29 December 1993

Philippines
2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Pitcairn Islands
The Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, effective 4
March 2010

Poland
adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by
national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997

Portugal
adopted 2 April 1976; subsequently revised
note: the revisions placed the military under strict civilian
control, trimmed the powers of the president, and laid the
groundwork for a stable, pluralistic liberal democracy; they allowed
for the privatization of nationalized firms and government-owned
communications media

Puerto Rico
ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July
1952; effective 25 July 1952

Qatar
ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by
the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Romania
8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003

Russia
adopted 12 December 1993

Rwanda
new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Saint Barthelemy
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
The Saint Helena,
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, effective 1
September 2009

Saint Kitts and Nevis
19 September 1983

Saint Lucia
22 February 1979

Saint Martin
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
27 October 1979

Samoa
1 January 1962

San Marino
8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the
functions of a constitution

Sao Tome and Principe
approved March 1990, effective 10 September
1990

Saudi Arabia
governed according to Islamic law; the Basic Law that
articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was
promulgated by royal decree in 1992

Senegal
adopted 7 January 2001

Serbia
adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Seychelles
18 June 1993

Sierra Leone
1 October 1991; amended several times

Singapore
3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on pre-independence State
of Singapore Constitution)

Sint Maarten
Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom
Charter pending

Slovakia
ratified 1 September 1992, effective 1 January 1993;
changed in September 1998; amended February 2001
note: the change in September 1998 allowed direct election of the
president; the amendment of February 2001 allowed Slovakia to apply
for NATO and EU membership

Slovenia
adopted 23 December 1991, amended 14 July 1997 and 25 July
2000

Solomon Islands
7 July 1978

Somalia
25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979
note: the formation of transitional governing institutions, known as
the Transitional Federal Government, is currently ongoing

South Africa
10 December 1996; note - certified by the
Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996; was signed by then
President MANDELA on 10 December 1996; and entered into effect on 4
February 1997

Spain
approved by legislature 31 October 1978; passed by referendum
6 December 1978; signed by the king 27 December 1978

Sri Lanka
adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978; amended
20 December 2001

Sudan
Interim National Constitution ratified 5 July 2005
note: under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim National
Constitution was ratified 5 July 2005; Constitution of Southern
Sudan was signed December 2005

Suriname
ratified 30 September 1987; effective 30 October 1987

Swaziland
signed by the King in July 2005; went into effect on 8
February 2006

Sweden
1 January 1975

Switzerland
revision of Constitution of 1874 approved by the Federal
Parliament 18 December 1998, adopted by referendum 18 April 1999,
officially entered into force 1 January 2000

Syria
13 March 1973

Taiwan
adopted on 25 December 1946; promulgated on 1 January 1947;
effective 25 December 1947; amended numerous times

Tajikistan
6 November 1994

Tanzania
25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Thailand
24 August 2007

Timor-Leste
20 May 2002 (effective date)

Togo
adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Tokelau
administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948; amended
in 1970

Tonga
4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967

Trinidad and Tobago
1 August 1976

Tunisia
1 June 1959; amended 1988, 2002

Turkey
7 November 1982; amended 17 May 1987, 1995, 2001, 2007 and
2010; note - amendment passed by referendum concerning presidential
elections on 21 October 2007

Turkmenistan
adopted 26 September 2008

Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution
(Interim Amendment) Order 2009, S.I. 2009/701 - effective 14 August
2009 - suspended Ministerial government, the House of Assembly, and
the constitutional right to trial by jury, and imposed direct
British rule

Tuvalu
1 October 1978

Uganda
8 October 1995; amended in 2005
note: the amendments in 2005 removed presidential term limits and
legalized a multiparty political system

Ukraine
adopted 28 June 1996

United Arab Emirates
2 December 1971; made permanent in 1996

United Kingdom
unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and
practice

United States
17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Uruguay
27 November 1966; effective 15 February 1967; suspended 27
June 1973; revised 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997

Uzbekistan
adopted 8 December 1992

Vanuatu
30 July 1980

Venezuela
30 December 1999

Vietnam
15 April 1992

Virgin Islands
Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Wallis and Futuna
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Yemen
16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Zambia
24 August 1991; amended in 1996 to establish presidential
term limits

Zimbabwe
21 December 1979

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

@2064

Field Listing ::

Country

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@2065

Field Listing ::

Country

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@2066

Field Listing :: Death rate

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

Death rate(deaths/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
17.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Albania
6.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Algeria
4.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

American Samoa
4.09 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Andorra
6.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Angola
23.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Anguilla
4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
5.77 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Argentina
7.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Armenia
8.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Aruba
7.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Australia
6.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Austria
10.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bahrain
4.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
5.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Barbados
8.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belarus
13.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belgium
10.5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belize
5.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Benin
9.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bermuda
7.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bhutan
7.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bolivia
6.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
8.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Botswana
9.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Brazil
6.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
4.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Brunei
3.32 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
14.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
13.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burma
8.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burundi
9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cambodia
8.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cameroon
12.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Canada
7.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
6.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Central African Republic 15.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Chad
15.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Chile
5.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

China
6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Comoros
7.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
11.39 deaths/1,000 population
(July 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
11.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
7.22 deaths/1,000 population NA

Costa Rica
4.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
10.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Croatia
11.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cuba
7.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Curacao
8 deaths/1,000 population (2009)

Cyprus
6.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
10.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Denmark
10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Djibouti
8.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Dominica
8.12 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
4.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ecuador
5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Egypt
4.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

El Salvador
5.61 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Eritrea
8.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Estonia
13.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
11.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

European Union
10.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
8.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Fiji
5.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Finland
10.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

France
8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gabon
12.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
3.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Georgia
9.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Germany
11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ghana
8.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
8.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Greece
10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Greenland
8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Grenada
7.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guam
4.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guatemala
5.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guernsey
8.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guinea
10.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
15.52 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guyana
7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Haiti
8.21 deaths/1,000 population
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
4.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Hungary
12.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iceland
6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

India
7.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Indonesia
6.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iran
5.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iraq
4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ireland
6.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Isle of Man
9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Israel
5.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Italy
10.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jamaica
6.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Japan
9.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jersey
7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jordan
2.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
9.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kenya
9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kiribati
7.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Korea, North
10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Korea, South
6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kuwait
2.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
6.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Laos
8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Latvia
13.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lebanon
6.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lesotho
15.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Liberia
10.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Libya
3.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lithuania
11.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
8.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Macau
3.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Macedonia
8.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Madagascar
7.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malawi
13.69 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malaysia
4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Maldives
3.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mali
14.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malta
8.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
4.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mauritania
9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mauritius
6.63 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mayotte
7.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mexico
4.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Moldova
10.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Monaco
8.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mongolia
6.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Montenegro
8.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Montserrat
7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Morocco
4.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mozambique
19.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Namibia
12.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nauru
6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nepal
6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Netherlands
8.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
5.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

New Zealand
7.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
4.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Niger
14.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nigeria
16.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands 3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Norway
9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Oman
3.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Pakistan
7.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Palau
7.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Panama
4.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
6.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Paraguay
4.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Peru
6.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Philippines
5.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
10.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Portugal
10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Qatar
2.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Romania
11.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Russia
16.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Rwanda
10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
7.11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
8.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010
est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
6.94 deaths/1,000 population (July
2010 est.)

Samoa
5.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

San Marino
7.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
8.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
3.34 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Senegal
9.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Serbia
13.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Seychelles
6.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
11.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Singapore
4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
3 deaths/1,000 population (2009)

Slovakia
9.56 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Slovenia
10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
3.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Somalia
15.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

South Africa
16.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Spain
8.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
6.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sudan
11.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Suriname
5.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
14.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sweden
10.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Switzerland
8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Syria
3.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Taiwan
6.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
6.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tanzania
12.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Thailand
6.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
5.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Togo
8.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
4.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
8.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tunisia
5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turkey
6.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
6.27 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands 4.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tuvalu
9.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uganda
11.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ukraine
15.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
9.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United States
8.38 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uruguay
9.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
5.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Venezuela
5.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Vietnam
5.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
4.56 deaths/1,000 population NA

West Bank
3.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Western Sahara
9.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

World
8.37 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Yemen
7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Zambia
12.84 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
14.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

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

@2068

Field Listing :: Dependent areas

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

Dependent areas

Australia
Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos
(Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald
Islands, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island

France
Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and
Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint
Martin, Wallis and Futuna
note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia
has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since
1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country
and a French overseas department

Netherlands
Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten

New Zealand
Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Norway
Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

United Kingdom
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar,
Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the
South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

United States
American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island,
Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa
Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Wake Island
note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered
the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a
political relationship with all four political units: the Northern
Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US
(effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands
signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21
October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact
of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau
concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1
October 1994)

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

@2070

Field Listing :: Disputes - international

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

Disputes - international

Afghanistan
Pakistan has built fences in some portions of its border
with Afghanistan which remains open in some areas to foreign
terrorists and other illegal activities

Albania
the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the
rights of ethnic Albanians in neighboring countries, and the
peaceful resolution of interethnic disputes; some ethnic Albanian
groups in neighboring countries advocate for a "greater Albania,"
but the idea has little appeal among Albanian nationals; the mass
emigration of unemployed Albanians remains a problem for developed
countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Algeria
Algeria, and many other states, rejects Moroccan
administration of Western Sahara; the Polisario Front, exiled in
Algeria, represents the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; Algeria's
border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations, each
nation accusing the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling;
Algeria remains concerned about armed bandits operating throughout
the Sahel who sometimes destabilize southern Algerian towns; dormant
disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected
on its maps of southeastern Algeria and the FLN's assertions of a
claim to Chirac Pastures in southeastern Morocco

American Samoa
Tokelau periodically asserts claims to American
Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega), such as in its 2006 draft
independence constitution

Andorra
none

Angola
Cabindan separatists continue to return to the Angolan
exclave from exile in neighboring states and Europe since the 2006
ceasefire and peace agreement

Anguilla
none

Antarctica
the Antarctic Treaty freezes, and most states do not
recognize, the land and maritime territorial claims made by
Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the
United Kingdom (some overlapping) for three-fourths of the
continent; the US and Russia reserve the right to make claims; no
formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west
and 150 degrees west; the International Whaling Commission created a
sanctuary around the entire continent to deter catches by countries
claiming to conduct scientific whaling; Australia has established a
similar preserve in the waters around its territorial claim

Antigua and Barbuda
none

Arctic Ocean
the littoral states are engaged in various stages of
demonstrating the limits of their continental shelves beyond 200
nautical miles from their declared baselines in accordance with
Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea; record summer melting of sea ice in the Arctic has
restimulated interest in maritime shipping lanes and sea floor
exploration

Argentina
Argentina continues to assert its claims to the
UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia,
and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, forcibly
occupying the Falklands in 1982, but in 1995 agreed no longer to
seek settlement by force; territorial claim in Antarctica partially
overlaps UK and Chilean claims; unruly region at convergence of
Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering,
smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising
for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and
Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim
River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; in 2006,
Argentina went to the ICJ to protest, on environmental grounds, the
construction of two pulp mills in Uruguay on the Uruguay River,
which forms the boundary; both parties presented their pleadings in
2007 with Argentina's reply in January and Uruguay's rejoinder in
July 2008; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and
Argentina in 2001 has yet to map and demarcate the delimited
boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de
Hielo Sur)

Armenia
Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in
Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s, has militarily occupied
16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; over 800,000 mostly
ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia;
about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in
Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks
transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; border
with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; ethnic
Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater
autonomy; Armenians continue to emigrate, primarily to Russia,
seeking employment

Aruba
none

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
as the closest Australian territory to
Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for
the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian
government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone
making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry
into Australia

Atlantic Ocean
some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Australia
In 2007 Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year
development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime
boundary; dispute with Timor-Leste hampers creation of a revised
maritime boundary with Indonesia in the Timor Sea; regional states
continue to express concern over Australia's 2004 declaration of a
1,000-nautical mile-wide maritime identification zone; Australia
asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; in 2004 Australia
submitted its claims to Commission on the Limits of the Continental
Shelf (CLCS) to extend its continental margins covering over 3.37
million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent
more than its claimed exclusive economic zone; since 2003, Australia
has led the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands
(RAMSI) to maintain civil and political order and reinforce regional
security

Austria
while threats of international legal action never
materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the
newly elected Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008,
demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the
EU unless Prague closed its nuclear power plant in Temelin,
bordering Austria

Azerbaijan
Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in
Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s has militarily occupied
16% of Azerbaijan; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were
driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic
Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia
and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia
to connect to Naxcivan exclave; Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute;
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have ratified Caspian seabed
delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to
insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's
hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; bilateral talks continue
with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in
the middle of the Caspian; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to
discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Bahamas, The
disagrees with the US on the alignment the northern
axis of a potential maritime boundary; continues to monitor and
interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian
waters

Bahrain
none

Bangladesh
discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small
section of river boundary, exchange territory for 51 small
Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 small Indian exclaves in
Bangladesh, allocate divided villages, and stop illegal cross-border
trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the
porous border; Bangladesh protests India's fencing and walling off
high-traffic sections of the porous boundary; a joint
Bangladesh-India boundary commission resurveyed and reconstructed 92
missing pillars in 2007; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008
resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Barbados
Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006
Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime
boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and
Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other Caribbean states to
counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human
habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental
shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Belarus
Boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania in 2006; 1997
boundary delimitation treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over
unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and diminishing
border security

Belgium
none

Belize
OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and
Confidence Building Measures saw cooperation in repatriation of
Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and
maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain unresolved;
the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in
lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting
in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region;
Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays in its
constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the
Differendum

Benin
in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two
villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005
ICJ decision; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with
Nigeria, remains undemarcated; in 2005, Nigeria ceded thirteen
villages to Benin, but border relations remain strained by rival
cross-border gang clashes; talks continue between Benin and Togo on
funding the Adjrala hydroelectric dam on the Mona River

Bermuda
none

Bhutan
Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland
separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and
China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment
to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial
cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's
northwest and along the Chumbi salient

Bolivia
Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore
the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile offers
instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile
for Bolivian natural gas and other commodities; an accord placed the
long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on
the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but
sovereignty remains in dispute

Bosnia and Herzegovina
sections along the Drina River remain in
dispute between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; discussions
continue with Croatia on several small disputed sections of the
boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification
of the 1999 border agreement

Botswana
Botswana still struggles to seal its border from thousands
of Zimbabweans who flee economic collapse and political persecution;
Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections
to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the
Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing
the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary

Bouvet Island
none

Brazil
unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay
borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal
narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations;
two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay over Isla Brasilera
at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the
Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the 235 square kilometer
Invernada River region over which tributary represents the
legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River; the Itaipu Dam
reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay
boundary west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana; an accord placed
the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial
island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but
sovereignty remains in dispute

British Indian Ocean Territory
Mauritius claims the Chagos
Archipelago including Diego Garcia; in 2001, the former inhabitants
of the Chagos Archipelago, evicted in 1967 and 1973 and now residing
chiefly in Mauritius, were granted UK citizenship and the right to
repatriation; in May 2007, the UK Court of Appeals upheld the May
2006 High Court of London judgment reversing the UK government's
2004 Orders of Council that banned habitation on the islands; a
small group of Chagossians visited Diego Garcia in April 2006;
repatriation is complicated by the exclusive US military lease of
Diego Garcia that restricts access to the largest viable island in
the chain

British Virgin Islands
none

Brunei
Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their
offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon
exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land
boundary; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei
implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural
prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median
with Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the
South China Sea" has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls
short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of
the disputants

Bulgaria
none

Burkina Faso
in September 2007, Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over
two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from a
2005 ICJ decision; in recent years citizens and rogue security
forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly
defined Burkina Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of more than
9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
continues to spread into neighboring states that can no longer send
their migrant workers to work in Ivorian cocoa plantations

Burma
over half of Burma's population consists of diverse ethnic
groups who have substantial numbers of kin in neighboring countries;
Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic refugees, asylum
seekers, and rebels, as well as illegal cross-border activities from
Burma; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing
the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River near the border with Burma;
citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China is
reconsidering construction of 13 dams on the Salween River but
energy-starved Burma with backing from Thailand remains intent on
building five hydro-electric dams downstream, despite identical
regional and international protests; India seeks cooperation from
Burma to keep Indian Nagaland separatists, such as the United
Liberation Front of Assam, from hiding in remote Burmese Uplands;
after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma
on delimiting a maritime boundary

Burundi
Burundi and Rwanda dispute sections of border on the
Akanyaru/Kanyaru and the Kagera/Nyabarongo rivers, which have
changed course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited;
cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups,
associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government
forces persist in the Great Lakes region

Cambodia
Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary with
missing boundary markers and claims of Thai encroachments into
Cambodian territory; maritime boundary with Vietnam is hampered by
unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; Thailand
accuses Cambodia of obstructing inclusion of Thai areas near Preah
Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962, as
part of a planned UN World Heritage site

Cameroon
Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ
ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences,
including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded
sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full
phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008;
Cameroon and Nigeria agree on maritime delimitation in March 2008;
sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an
island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon
have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the
delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and
Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Canada
managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon
Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of
Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock;
Canada, the US, and other countries dispute the status of the
Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify
security measures for monitoring and controlling legal and illegal
movement of people, transport, and commodities across the
international border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans
Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and
Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for
submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles
from its declared baselines in the Arctic, as stipulated in Article
76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea

Cape Verde
none

Cayman Islands
none

Central African Republic
periodic skirmishes over water and grazing
rights among related pastoral populations along the border with
southern Sudan persist

Chad
since 2003, Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military
have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad;
Chad remains an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict,
reducing tensions with Sudan arising from cross-border banditry;
Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; only Nigeria and
Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify
the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and
Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Chile
Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reinvigorated claim to restore
the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered
instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile
to Bolivian gas and other commodities; Chile rejects Peru's
unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary
with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring
Peru, in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile
to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic
Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the
joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in
2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the
inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

China
continuing talks and confidence-building measures work toward
reducing tensions over Kashmir that nonetheless remains militarized
with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai
Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and
Northern Areas); India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic
Kashmir lands to China in 1964; China and India continue their
security and foreign policy dialogue started in 2005 related to the
dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional
nuclear proliferation, and other matters; China claims most of
India's Arunachal Pradesh to the base of the Himalayas; lacking any
treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue
negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve
territorial disputes due to cartographic discrepancies; Chinese maps
show an international boundary symbol off the coasts of the littoral
states of the South China Seas, where China has interrupted
Vietnamese hydrocarbon exploration; China asserts sovereignty over
Scarborough Reef along with the Philippines and Taiwan, and over the
Spratly Islands together with Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan,
Vietnam, and Brunei; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties
in the South China Sea" eased tensions in the Spratly's but is not
the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties;
Vietnam and China continue to expand construction of facilities in
the Spratly's and in March 2005, the national oil companies of
China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord on marine
seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China occupies some of
the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; China and
Taiwan continue to reject both Japan's claims to the uninhabited
islands of Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally
declared equidistance line in the East China Sea, the site of
intensive hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation; certain islands
in the Yalu and Tumen rivers are in dispute with North Korea; North
Korea and China seek to stem illegal migration to China by North
Koreans, fleeing privations and oppression, by building a fence
along portions of the border and imprisoning North Koreans deported
by China; China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands
at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in
accordance with their 2004 Agreement; China and Tajikistan have
begun demarcating the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation
of 2002; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land
boundary was completed in 2009; citing environmental, cultural, and
social concerns, China has reconsidered construction of 13 dams on
the Salween River, but energy-starved Burma, with backing from
Thailand, remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams
downstream despite regional and international protests; Chinese and
Hong Kong authorities met in March 2008 to resolve ownership and use
of lands recovered in Shenzhen River channelization, including
96-hectare Lok Ma Chau Loop; Hong Kong developing plans to reduce
2,000 out of 2,800 hectares of its restricted Closed Area by 2010

Christmas Island
none

Clipperton Island
none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none

Colombia
in December 2007, ICJ allocates San Andres, Providencia,
and Santa Catalina islands to Colombia under 1928 Treaty but does
not rule on 82 degrees W meridian as maritime boundary with
Nicaragua; managed dispute with Venezuela over maritime boundary and
Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes Islands near the Gulf of
Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics, guerrilla, and
paramilitary activities penetrate all neighboring borders and have
caused Colombian citizens to flee mostly into neighboring countries;
Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the US assert various
claims to Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla Bank

Comoros
claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's
and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the
Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces are called in
to assist the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels
who seized it in 2001

Congo, Democratic Republic of the heads of the Great Lakes states and UN pledged in 2004 to abate tribal, rebel, and militia fighting in the region, including northeast Congo, where the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), organized in 1999, maintains over 16,500 uniformed peacekeepers; members of Uganda's Lords Resistance Army forces continue to seek refuge in Congo's Garamba National Park as peace talks with the Uganda government evolve; the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area; Uganda and DROC dispute Rukwanzi island in Lake Albert and other areas on the Semliki River with hydrocarbon potential; boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda river claimed by Zambia near the DROC village of Pweto

Congo, Republic of the
the location of the boundary in the broad
Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite
except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Cook Islands
none

Coral Sea Islands
none

Costa Rica
the ICJ has given Costa Rica until January 2008 to reply
and Nicaragua until July 2008 to rejoin before rendering its
decision on the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa
Rican vessels on the Rio San Juan over which Nicaragua retains
sovereignty

Cote d'Ivoire
despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI)
in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict still leaves displaced
hundreds of thousands of Ivorians in and out of the country as well
as driven out migrants from neighboring states who worked in Ivorian
cocoa plantations; the March 2007 peace deal between Ivorian rebels
and the government brought significant numbers of rebels out of
hiding in neighboring states

Croatia
dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several
small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that
hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the
Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would
have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and
several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute;
Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic
zone in the Adriatic; as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia
imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia in
December 2007

Cuba
US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual
agreement or US abandonment of the facility can terminate the lease

Cyprus
hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto
autonomous entities, the internationally recognized Cypriot
Government and a Turkish-Cypriot community (north Cyprus); the
1,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has served in
Cyprus since 1964 and maintains the buffer zone between north and
south; on 1 May 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union still
divided, with the EU's body of legislation and standards (acquis
communitaire) suspended in the north; Turkey protests Cypriot
Government creating hydrocarbon blocks and maritime boundary with
Lebanon in March 2007

Czech Republic
while threats of international legal action never
materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the
popular Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding
that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless
Prague closes its controversial Soviet-style nuclear plant in
Temelin, bordering Austria

Denmark
Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that
the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese
continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty
dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between
Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Djibouti
Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with
"Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to
various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008
restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in
2008, Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera
peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in
the Red Sea

Dominica
Dominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge
Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other
island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human
habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf claims over a large
portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Dominican Republic
Haitian migrants cross the porous border into the
Dominican Republic to find work; illegal migrants from the Dominican
Republic cross the Mona Passage each year to Puerto Rico to find
better work

Ecuador
organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate
across Ecuador's shared border, which thousands of Colombians also
cross to escape the violence in their home country

Egypt
Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and
economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel
boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil
trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan breaches in the security wall
with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the
Sinai border; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of
Tiran and Sanafir

El Salvador
International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the
delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El
Salvador-Honduras boundary, in 1992, with final agreement by the
parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS)
survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised
a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of
Fonseca advocating Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador
continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not identified in the ICJ
decision, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca

Equatorial Guinea
in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement
of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf
of Guinea, but a dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over
an island at the mouth of the Ntem River and imprecisely defined
maritime coordinates in the ICJ decision delay final delimitation;
UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty
dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane and lesser islands and to create a
maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Eritrea
Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002
Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision
but, neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the
November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of
supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008 Eritrean troops
move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera
Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Estonia
Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border
agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's
appending prepared a unilateral declaration referencing Soviet
occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better
accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian
citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary
based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now
divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within
Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external
border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with
Russia

Ethiopia
Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by the 2002
Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision,
but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the
November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; the undemarcated former
British administrative line has little meaning as a political
separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern
Somalia's Oromo region; Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia
and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007;
"Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera and
trade ties to landlocked Ethiopia; civil unrest in eastern Sudan has
hampered efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia

European Union
as a political union, the EU has no border disputes
with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary
agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime
boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime
disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set
up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have
signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or
"acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the
harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became
incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty
of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and
Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the
Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), and Switzerland
since 2008 bringing the total current membership to 25; the UK
(since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects
of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal
matters; nine of the 12 new member states that joined the EU since
2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the three remaining EU
states, Cyprus is expected to join by 2009, while Romania and
Bulgaria continue to enhance their border security systems

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Argentina, which claims the
islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in
1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK
continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks

Faroe Islands
because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources
have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full
independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland
dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf
extends beyond 200 nm

Fiji
none

Finland
various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia
and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish
Government asserts no territorial demands

France
Madagascar claims the French territories of Bassas da India,
Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros
claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; territorial
dispute between Suriname and the French overseas department of
French Guiana; France asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica
(Adelie Land); France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands,
east of New Caledonia

French Polynesia
none

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
French claim to "Adelie Land" in
Antarctica is not recognized by the US
Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova
Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying
cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976,
also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso
Islands)
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Mauritius

Gabon
UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the
sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser
islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich
Corisco Bay

Gambia, The
attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms
smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern
Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west
African states

Gaza Strip
West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with
current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement
- permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip
in August 2005

Georgia
Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting 80% of their common
border, leaving certain small, strategic segments and the maritime
boundary unresolved; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as
the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in
Abkhazia; UN Observer Mission in Georgia has maintained a
peacekeeping force in Georgia since 1993; Meshkheti Turks scattered
throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to Georgia;
boundary with Armenia remains undemarcated; ethnic Armenian groups
in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the
Georgian government; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the
alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Germany
none

Ghana
Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked
in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Gibraltar
in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the
government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks
between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant
Gibraltar even greater autonomy

Greece
Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their
complex maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the
Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; Greece rejects the use of
the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of
unemployed Albanians still remains a problem for developed
countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Greenland
managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans
Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's Ellesmere Island and
Greenland

Grenada
none

Guam
none

Guatemala
annual ministerial meetings under the OAS-initiated
Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building
Measures continue to address Guatemalan land and maritime claims in
Belize and the Caribbean Sea; the Line of Adjacency created under
the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international
boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests
of Belize's border region; Mexico must deal with thousands of
impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the
porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Guernsey
none

Guinea
conflicts among rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in
neighboring states have spilled over into Guinea resulting in
domestic instability; Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of
the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the
Makona and Moa rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued
occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied
since 1998

Guinea-Bissau
in 2006, political instability within Senegal's
Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees,
cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Guyana
all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by
Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana
has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims
before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with
Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of
land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute
over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration
under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of
the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Haiti
since 2004, about 8,000 peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) maintain civil order in Haiti; despite
efforts to control illegal migration, Haitians cross into the
Dominican Republic and sail to neighboring countries; Haiti claims
US-administered Navassa Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
none

Holy See (Vatican City)
none

Honduras
International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the
delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El
Salvador-Honduras border in 1992 with final settlement by the
parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS)
survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised
a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of
Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the Pacific; El
Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the
ICJ ruling, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the
Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its
constitution, but agreed to a joint ecological park around the cays
should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean
under the OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials
and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999
and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over
the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western
Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007

Hong Kong
none

Hungary
bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working
group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's
failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that
forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the
strict Schengen border rules

Iceland
Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that
the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

India
since China and India launched a security and foreign policy
dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute
over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear
proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to
Pakistan, and other matters continue; various talks and
confidence-building measures have cautiously begun to defuse
tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005
earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of
the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with
portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin),
India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern
Areas); India and Pakistan have maintained the 2004 cease fire in
Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in
the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the
highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar
Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the
larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its
tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949;
India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to
China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a
maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of
the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann
of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its
Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; discussions with Bangladesh
remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, to
exchange territory for 51 Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111
Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, to allocate divided villages, and to
stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of
terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's
attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the border; India
seeks cooperation from Bhutan and Burma to keep Indian Nagaland and
Assam separatists from hiding in remote areas along the borders;
Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested
boundary sections, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over
the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border
regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal
cross-border activities from Nepal

Indian Ocean
some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Indonesia
Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of
establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of
its neighbors; some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi
exclave and maritime boundaries with Timor-Leste remain unresolved;
many refugees from Timor-Leste who left in 2003 still reside in
Indonesia and refuse repatriation; a 1997 treaty between Indonesia
and Australia settled some parts of their maritime boundary but
outstanding issues remain; ICJ's award of Sipadan and Ligitan
islands to Malaysia in 2002 left the sovereignty of Unarang rock and
the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea in
dispute; the ICJ decision has prompted Indonesia to assert claims to
and to establish a presence on its smaller outer islands; Indonesia
and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973
maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of
Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and
illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea;
maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; Indonesian groups
challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed
parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional
fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

Iran
Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed tributaries
to the Helmand River in periods of drought; Iraq's lack of a
maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the
mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Iran and UAE dispute
Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which are occupied by Iran; Iran
stands alone among littoral states in insisting upon a division of
the Caspian Sea into five equal sectors

Iraq
coalition forces assist Iraqis in monitoring internal and
cross-border security; approximately two million Iraqis have fled
the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and
Jordan, and lesser numbers to Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey;
Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction
disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf;
Turkey has expressed concern over the autonomous status of Kurds in
Iraq

Ireland
Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that
the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Isle of Man
none

Israel
West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current
status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -
permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier
along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel
withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four
settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is
Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan
Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce
Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem monitor
ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated
incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the
region

Italy
Italy's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of
thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and
northern Africa

Jamaica
none

Jan Mayen
none

Japan
the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu,
Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as
the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril
Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by
Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to
signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities;
Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do)
occupied by South Korea since 1954; China and Taiwan dispute both
Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto
(Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic
zone in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon
prospecting

Jersey
none

Jordan
approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in
Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan; 2004
Agreement settles border dispute with Syria pending demarcation

Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary
delimitation with Kazakhstan; field demarcation of the boundaries
with Turkmenistan commenced in 2005, and with Uzbekistan in 2004;
demarcation is scheduled to get underway with Russia in 2007;
demarcation with China was completed in 2002; creation of a seabed
boundary with Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea remains under
discussion; equidistant seabed treaties have been ratified with
Azerbaijan and Russia in the Caspian Sea, but no resolution has been
made on dividing the water column among any of the littoral states

Kenya
Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's
north-south separation in February 2005; Kenya provides shelter to
almost a quarter of a million refugees, including Ugandans who flee
across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's
Resistance Army (LRA) rebels; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan
and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border,
which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; the boundary that
separates Kenya's and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi
Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times

Kiribati
none

Korea, North
risking arrest, imprisonment, and deportation, tens of
thousands of North Koreans cross into China to escape famine,
economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China
dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers;
Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone
has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents
in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern
Limiting Line as a maritime boundary; North Korea supports South
Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks
(Tok-do/Take-shima)

Korea, South
Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide
Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953;
periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the
Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime
boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks
(Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by South Korea since 1954

Kosovo
Serbia with several other states protest the US and other
states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and
independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities
along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of
Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers
under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo
between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in
Kosovo; Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary
in September 2008

Kuwait
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime
boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the
Persian Gulf

Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary
delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay
completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km
of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes around
enclaves and other areas

Laos
Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to
check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of
demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the
Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's
construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Latvia
Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in
Latvia; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with
Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification
documentation in preparation; the Latvian parliament has not
ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily
due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that
forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the
strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Lebanon
lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the
boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with
several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a
Farms area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; the roughly
2,000-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been in place
since 1978

Lesotho
none

Liberia
although civil unrest continues to abate with the assistance
of 18,000 UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, as of January
2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire,
Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing
turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN
forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send
their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN sanctions ban
Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber

Libya
Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern
Algeria and about 25,000 sq km in the Tommo region of Niger in a
currently dormant dispute; various Chadian rebels from the Aozou
region reside in southern Libya

Liechtenstein
none

Lithuania
Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their
boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty
ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania
operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling
from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still
conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a
non-EU member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian
parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with
Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as
of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was
complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation

Luxembourg
none

Macau
none

Macedonia
Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their
boundary in September 2008; Greece continues to reject the use of
the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia

Madagascar
claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,
and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France); the vegetated
drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in
1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France
(Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)

Malawi
disputes with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake
Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Malaysia
Malaysia is involved in a complex dispute with Brunei,
China, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam over claims to part or all
of the Spratly Islands; while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct
of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the
Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct"
sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005
joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the
Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in
the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh
water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge
construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore
Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu
Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia,
but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of
South Ledge; ICJ awarded Ligitan and Sipadan islands, also claimed
by Indonesia and Philippines, to Malaysia but left maritime boundary
and sovereignty of Unarang rock in the hydrocarbon-rich Celebes Sea
in dispute; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim
southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with
Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant
claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; Brunei and
Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and
deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and
renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; piracy
remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Maldives
none

Mali
none

Malta
none

Marshall Islands
claims US territory of Wake Island

Mauritania
Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara remain dormant

Mauritius
Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered
British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who
reside chiefly in Mauritius; claims French-administered Tromelin
Island

Mayotte
claimed by Comoros

Mexico
abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US
border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing
arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor
and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities
across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of
impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the
porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Micronesia, Federated States of
none

Moldova
Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor
the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away
Transnistria region, which remains under OSCE supervision

Monaco
none

Mongolia
none

Montenegro
none

Montserrat
none

Morocco
claims and administers Western Sahara whose sovereignty
remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in
effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have
failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals;
Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta,
Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de
Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both
countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not
progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits
on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's
2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line
from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary
launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa

Mozambique
none

Namibia
concerns from international experts and local populations
over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement
scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa
Falls along the Angola-Namibia border; managed dispute with South
Africa over the location of the boundary in the Orange River;
Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to,
plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi
River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly
delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Nauru
none

Navassa Island
claimed by Haiti, source of subsistence fishing

Nepal
joint border commission continues to work on contested
sections of boundary with India, including the 400 square kilometer
dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India has instituted
a stricter border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents
and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 106,000 Bhutanese
Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in
southeastern Nepal since 1990

Netherlands
none

New Caledonia
Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia
claimed by France and Vanuatu

New Zealand
asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross
Dependency)

Nicaragua
memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties
in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and
Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial
claims in the western Caribbean Sea, final public hearings are
scheduled for 2007; the 1992 ICJ ruling for El Salvador and Honduras
advised a tripartite resolution to establish a maritime boundary in
the Gulf of Fonseca, which considers Honduran access to the Pacific;
legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border
with Costa Rica

Niger
Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute
in the Tommo region; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including
tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; only Nigeria and
Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify
the delimitation treaty that also includes the Chad-Niger and
Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Nigeria
Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ
ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences,
including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes
sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of
Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues;
the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial
Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but
imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a
sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an
island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in
implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad
Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also
includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Niue
none

Norfolk Island
none

Northern Mariana Islands
none

Norway
Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud
Land and its continental shelf); Russia and Norway reached an
agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries
over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15
September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the
respective national assemblies

Oman
boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in
2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al
Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made
public

Pacific Ocean
some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Pakistan
various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously
have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the
October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains
the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial
dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China
(Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir
and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and
Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers
since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic
Kashmir lands to China in 1964; India and Pakistan have maintained
their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on
defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan
protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and
construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and
Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the
Indus River and its tributaries; to defuse tensions and prepare for
discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek
technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary
at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps
continue to show the Junagadh claim in India's Gujarat State; by
2005, Pakistan, with UN assistance, repatriated 2.3 million Afghan
refugees leaving slightly more than a million, many of whom remain
at their own choosing; Pakistan has proposed and Afghanistan
protests construction of a fence and laying of mines along portions
of their porous border; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal
areas to monitor and control the border with Afghanistan and to stem
terrorist or other illegal activities

Palau
maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines,
Indonesia

Panama
organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate
within the remote border region with Panama

Papua New Guinea
relies on assistance from Australia to keep out
illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including
goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and
secessionists

Paracel Islands
occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

Paraguay
unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay
borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal
narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations

Peru
Chile and Ecuador rejected Peru's November 2005 unilateral
legislation to shift the axis of their joint treaty-defined maritime
boundaries along the parallels of latitude to equidistance lines
which favor Peru; organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia
have penetrated Peru's shared border; Peru rejects Bolivia's claim
to restore maritime access through a sovereign corridor through
Chile along the Peruvian border

Philippines
Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef
(also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the
Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands,
also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002
"Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has
eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally
binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in
March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines,
and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic
activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant
claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the
Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of
attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime
delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Pitcairn Islands
none

Poland
as a member state that forms part of the EU's external
border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to
restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders
with Belarus and Ukraine

Portugal
Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the
territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the
1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Puerto Rico
increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the
Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year
looking for work

Qatar
none

Romania
the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and
Romania until June 2007 to issue a rejoinder, in their dispute
submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor
(Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania
also opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the
Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Russia
China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at
the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance
with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border
disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu,
Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the
"Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils,"
occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia,
and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing
a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and
Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the
land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor
volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and
the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia
signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the
littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column;
Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea
and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an
agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending
ratification by the respective national assemblies; various groups
in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other
areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but
the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005,
Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with
Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states
announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet
occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better
treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen
groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on
the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic
Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania
and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in
accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in
May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified
transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad
coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member
state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules
apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land
boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary
between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov
remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and
on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary
delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation
should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990
Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Rwanda
fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political
rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes
region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a
decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation,
and efforts by local governments to create civil societies;
nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African
states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in
2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional
courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda
border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of
the border remains in place

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
none

Saint Kitts and Nevis
joins other Caribbean states to counter
Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a
criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its
EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean
Sea

Saint Lucia
joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's
claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under
UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf
over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
none

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Samoa
none

San Marino
none

Sao Tome and Principe
none

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled
security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border
with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi
Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Senegal
The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist
violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their
countries from Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively
accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict;
2,500 Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape
armed confrontations along the border

Serbia
Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other
states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and
independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities
along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of
Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers
under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo
between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in
Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and
Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Seychelles
together with Mauritius, Seychelles claims the Chagos
Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

Sierra Leone
as domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups,
rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea,
Liberia, and Sierra Leone gradually abates, the number of refugees
in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; Sierra Leone considers
excessive Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define
the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests
Guinea's continued occupation of these lands including the hamlet of
Yenga occupied since 1998

Singapore
disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh
water to Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works,
bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and
Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca
(Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks
to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or
disposition of South Ledge; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work
on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by
defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; piracy
remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Slovakia
bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working
group negotiations continued in 2006 between Slovakia and Hungary
over Hungary's completion of its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that
forms part of the EU's external border, Slovakia has implemented the
strict Schengen border rules

Slovenia
the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement,
which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to
Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in
dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive
economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of
the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict
Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through
southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with
Croatia

Solomon Islands
since 2003, RAMSI, consisting of police, military,
and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, has assisted in
reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while
reinforcing regional stability and security

Somalia
Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed
Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland"
secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to landlocked
Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional
states; "Puntland" and "Somaliland" "governments" seek international
support in their secessionist aspirations and overlapping border
claims; the undemarcated former British administrative line has
little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within
Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Kenya works
hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from
spreading south across the border, which has long been open to
nomadic pastoralists

South Africa
South Africa has placed military along the border to
apprehend the thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing economic dysfunction
and political persecution; as of January 2007, South Africa also
supports large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (33,000), Somalia (20,000), Burundi
(6,500), and other states in Africa (26,000); managed dispute with
Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; in
2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Argentina, which claims the
islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in
1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force

Southern Ocean
Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica
entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK
assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in
the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in
extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include undersea
ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or
maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves
(the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal
claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and
150 degrees west

Spain
in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the
government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks
between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant
Gibraltar greater autonomy; Morocco protests Spain's control over
the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and the islands of Penon de
Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas, and
surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila
Island); Morocco serves as the primary launching site of illegal
migration into Spain from North Africa; Portugal does not recognize
Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a
difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the
1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Spratly Islands
all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China
(including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei,
Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to
Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the
natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed
median with Vietnam; claimants in November 2002 signed the
"Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,"
which has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code
of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the
Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine
seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka
none

Sudan
the effects of Sudan's almost constant ethnic and rebel
militia fighting since the mid-20th century have penetrated all of
the neighboring states; as of 2006, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Central
African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda
provided shelter for over half a million Sudanese refugees, which
includes 240,000 Darfur residents driven from their homes by
Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military forces; Sudan, in
turn, hosted about 116,000 Eritreans, 20,000 Chadians, and smaller
numbers of Ethiopians, Ugandans, Central Africans, and Congolese as
refugees; in February 2006, Sudan and DROC signed an agreement to
repatriate 13,300 Sudanese and 6,800 Congolese; Sudan accuses
Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate
the porous boundary with Ethiopia proceed slowly due to civil and
ethnic fighting in eastern Sudan; the boundary that separates Kenya
and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which
Kenya has administered since colonial times; Sudan claims but Egypt
de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib
region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; periodic violent
skirmishes with Sudanese residents over water and grazing rights
persist among related pastoral populations along the border with the
Central African Republic

Suriname
area claimed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and
Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); Suriname claims a
triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a
historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) arbitration
to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of
the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Svalbard
despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their
maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights
beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

Swaziland
in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts
of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Sweden
none

Switzerland
none

Syria
Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied with the almost 1,000-strong
UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) patrolling a buffer zone
since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the
boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with
several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a
Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and pending demarcation
settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis
have fled the conflict in Iraq with the majority taking refuge in
Syria and Jordan

Taiwan
involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the
Philippines, and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands, and with China
and the Philippines over Scarborough Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on
the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions
but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by
several of the disputants; Paracel Islands are occupied by China,
but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; in 2003, China and Taiwan became
more vocal in rejecting both Japan's claims to the uninhabited
islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally
declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea where all
parties engage in hydrocarbon prospecting

Tajikistan
in 2006, China and Tajikistan pledged to commence
demarcation of the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of
2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove
minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation with
Kyrgyzstan

Tanzania
Tanzania still hosts more than a half-million refugees,
more than any other African country, mainly from Burundi and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the international
community's efforts at repatriation; disputes with Malawi over the
boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River
remain dormant

Thailand
separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim
southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia
to stem terrorist activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced
border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue
on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over
several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border
committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic
rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities, and as of
2006, over 116,000 Karen, Hmong, and other refugees and asylum
seekers from Burma; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of
historic boundary with missing boundary markers; Cambodia claims
Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory and obstructing access
to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in
1962; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing
the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in
2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt
construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through
China, Burma, and Thailand

Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste-Indonesia Boundary Committee has resolved
all but some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave;
maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; many refugees
who left Timor-Leste in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse
repatriation; in 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year
development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime
boundary

Togo
in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint
commission continues to resurvey the boundary; in 2006, 14,000
Togolese refugees remain in Benin and Ghana out of the 40,000 who
fled there in 2005

Tokelau
Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega) in
its 2006 draft constitution

Tonga
none

Trinidad and Tobago
in April 2006, the Permanent Court of
Arbitration issued a decision that delimited a maritime boundary
with Trinidad and Tobago and compelled Barbados to enter a fishing
agreement that limited Barbadian fishermen's catches of flying fish
in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; in 2005, Barbados
and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international
arbitration under UNCLOS challenging whether the northern limit of
Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into
Barbadian waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to include
itself in the arbitration as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela
maritime boundary may extend into its waters as well

Tunisia
none

Turkey
complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece
in the Aegean Sea; status of north Cyprus question remains; Syria
and Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper
Euphrates waters; Turkey has expressed concern over the status of
Kurds in Iraq; border with Armenia remains closed over
Nagorno-Karabakh

Turkmenistan
cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field
demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005, but
Caspian seabed delimitation remains stalled with Azerbaijan, Iran,
and Kazakhstan due to Turkmenistan's indecision over how to allocate
the sea's waters and seabed

Turks and Caicos Islands have received Haitians fleeing economic and civil disorder

Tuvalu
none

Uganda
Uganda is subject to armed fighting among hostile ethnic
groups, rebels, armed gangs, militias, and various government forces
that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese,
27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while Ugandan
refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek
shelter in southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's
Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages
across the border

Ukraine
1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Belarus remains
un-ratified due to unresolved financial claims, stalling demarcation
and reducing border security; delimitation of land boundary with
Russia is complete with preparations for demarcation underway; the
dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the
Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December
2003 framework agreement and ongoing expert-level discussions;
Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor transit
of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria
Region, which remains under OSCE supervision; the ICJ gave Ukraine
until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to rejoin,
in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered
Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary;
Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the
Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

United Arab Emirates
boundary agreement was signed and ratified with
Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula
and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed
maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE
dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

United Kingdom
in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement between
the UK and Spain; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal
participation in talks between the two countries; Spain disapproves
of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Mauritius and
Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean
Territory), and its former inhabitants since their eviction in 1965;
most Chagossians reside in Mauritius, and in 2001 were granted UK
citizenship, where some have since resettled; in May 2006, the High
Court of London reversed the UK Government's 2004 orders of council
that banned habitation on the islands; UK rejects sovereignty talks
requested by Argentina, which still claims the Falkland Islands
(Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands;
territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory)
overlaps Argentine claim and partially overlaps Chilean claim;
Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

United States
the U.S. has intensified domestic security measures
and is collaborating closely with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico,
to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and
commodities across the international borders; abundant rainfall in
recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has
ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; 1990
Maritime Boundary Agreement in the Bering Sea still awaits Russian
Duma ratification; managed maritime boundary disputes with Canada at
Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the
disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; The Bahamas and US have
not been able to agree on a maritime boundary; US Naval Base at
Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US
abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims
US-administered Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in
Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not
recognize the claims of any other states; Marshall Islands claims
Wake Island; Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island among
the islands listed in its 2006 draft constitution

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
none

Uruguay
in Jan 2007, ICJ provisionally ruled Uruguay may begin
construction of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms
the border with Argentina, while the court examines further whether
Argentina has the legal right to stop such construction with
potential environmental implications to both countries; two
uncontested boundary disputes with Brazil over Isla Brasilera at the
tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and
Uruguay rivers, and, in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River
region, over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the
Quarai/Cuareim River

Uzbekistan
prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan
and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya
river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan
commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of border with
Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other
areas

Vanuatu
Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by
Vanuatu and France

Venezuela
claims all of the area west of the Essequibo River in
Guyana, preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has
expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that
Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into
their waters; dispute with Colombia over maritime boundary and
Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes islands near the Gulf of
Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary
activities penetrate Venezuela's shared border region; in 2006, an
estimated 139,000 Colombians sought protection in 150 communities
along the border in Venezuela; US, France, and the Netherlands
recognize Venezuela's granting full effect to Aves Island, thereby
claiming a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large
portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest
Venezuela's full effect claim

Vietnam
southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to
check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese
squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000
Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime
boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the
sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the
China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies
the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in
complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and
Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but
falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by
several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction
of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national
oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint
accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Virgin Islands
none

Wake Island
claimed by Marshall Islands

Wallis and Futuna
none

West Bank
West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current
status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -
permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier
along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel
withdrew from four settlements in the northern West Bank in August
2005; since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce
Supervision Organization (UNTSO), headquartered in Jerusalem,
monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated
incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the
region

Western Sahara
Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, whose
sovereignty remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has
remained in effect since September 1991, administered by the UN
Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), but attempts
to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected
all brokered proposals; several states have extended diplomatic
relations to the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" represented by
the Polisario Front in exile in Algeria, while others recognize
Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; most of the approximately
102,000 Sahrawi refugees are sheltered in camps in Tindouf, Algeria

World
stretching over 250,000 km, the world's 322 international land
boundaries separate 194 independent states and 71 dependencies,
areas of special sovereignty, and other miscellaneous entities;
ethnicity, culture, race, religion, and language have divided states
into separate political entities as much as history, physical
terrain, political fiat, or conquest, resulting in sometimes
arbitrary and imposed boundaries; most maritime states have claimed
limits that include territorial seas and exclusive economic zones;
overlapping limits due to adjacent or opposite coasts create the
potential for 430 bilateral maritime boundaries of which 209 have
agreements that include contiguous and non-contiguous segments;
boundary, borderland/resource, and territorial disputes vary in
intensity from managed or dormant to violent or militarized;
undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries tend to
encourage illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration,
and confrontation; territorial disputes may evolve from historical
and/or cultural claims, or they may be brought on by resource
competition; ethnic and cultural clashes continue to be responsible
for much of the territorial fragmentation and internal displacement
of the estimated 6.6 million people and cross-border displacements
of 8.6 million refugees around the world as of early 2006; just over
one million refugees were repatriated in the same period; other
sources of contention include access to water and mineral
(especially hydrocarbon) resources, fisheries, and arable land;
armed conflict prevails not so much between the uniformed armed
forces of independent states as between stateless armed entities
that detract from the sustenance and welfare of local populations,
leaving the community of nations to cope with resultant refugees,
hunger, disease, impoverishment, and environmental degradation

Yemen
Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security
barrier along sections of the fully demarcated border with Yemen to
stem illegal cross-border activities

Zambia
in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between
Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River,
thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited,
Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Zimbabwe
Botswana built electric fences and South Africa has placed
military along the border to stem the flow of thousands of
Zimbabweans fleeing to find work and escape political persecution;
Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to,
plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi
River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly
delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

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

@2075

Field Listing :: Ethnic groups

This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting
with the largest and normally includes the percent of total
population.
Country

Ethnic groups(%)

Afghanistan
Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%,
Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%

Albania
Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb,
Macedonian, Bulgarian) (1989 est.)
note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from
1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)

Algeria
Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the
minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the
mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers; the Berbers are also
Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural
heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for
autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has
offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools

American Samoa
native Pacific islander 91.6%, Asian 2.8%, white
1.1%, mixed 4.2%, other 0.3% (2000 census)

Andorra
Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other
6% (1998)

Angola
Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed
European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Anguilla
black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%,
other 1.5% (2001 census)

Antigua and Barbuda
black 91%, mixed 4.4%, white 1.7%, other 2.9%
(2001 census)

Argentina
white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed
white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white
groups 3%

Armenia
Armenian 97.9%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.3%, Russian 0.5%, other 0.3%
(2001 census)

Aruba
mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20%

Australia
white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Austria
Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians,
Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or
unspecified 2.4% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%,
other 3.9% (1999 census)
note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh
region

Bahamas, The
black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Bahrain
Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001 census)

Bangladesh
Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups,
non-Bengali Muslims) (1998)

Barbados
black 93%, white 3.2%, mixed 2.6%, East Indian 1%, other
0.2% (2000 census)

Belarus
Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish 3.9%, Ukrainian
2.4%, other 1.1% (1999 census)

Belgium
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Belize
mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other
9.7% (2000 census)

Benin
Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and
related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%,
Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and
related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9%
(2002 census)

Bermuda
black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%,
unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)

Bhutan
Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of
several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Bolivia
Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry)
30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other
0.6% (2000)
note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid
confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Botswana
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other,
including Kgalagadi and white 7%

Brazil
white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black
6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified
0.7% (2000 census)

British Virgin Islands
black 82%, white 6.8%, other 11.2% (includes
Indian and mixed) (2008)

Brunei
Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1%
(2004 est.)

Bulgaria
Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including
Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes
Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Burma
Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian
2%, Mon 2%, other 5%

Burundi
Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%,
Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Cambodia
Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Cameroon
Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%,
Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other
African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Canada
British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European
15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed
background 26%

Cape Verde
Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Cayman Islands
mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of
various ethnic groups 20%

Central African Republic
Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%,
Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Chad
Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%,
Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha
4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3% (1993 census)

Chile
white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous
groups 0.6% (2002 census)

China
Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia,
Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other
nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Christmas Island
Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%
note: no indigenous population (2001)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Europeans, Cocos Malays

Colombia
mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed
black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Comoros
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
over 200 African ethnic groups of
which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba,
Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about
45% of the population

Congo, Republic of the
Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%,
Europeans and other 3%

Cook Islands
Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island
Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

Costa Rica
white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%,
Chinese 1%, other 1%

Cote d'Ivoire
Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes
16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000
Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)

Croatia
Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak,
Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census)

Cuba
white 65.1%, mulatto and mestizo 24.8%, black 10.1% (2002
census)

Cyprus
Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% (2001)

Czech Republic
Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, other 4%
(2001 census)

Denmark
Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian,
Somali

Djibouti
Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab,
Ethiopian, and Italian)

Dominica
black 86.8%, mixed 8.9%, Carib Amerindian 2.9%, white 0.8%,
other 0.7% (2001 census)

Dominican Republic
mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%

Ecuador
mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%,
Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Egypt
Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)

El Salvador
mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Equatorial Guinea
Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%,
Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Eritrea
nine recognized ethnic groups: Tigrinya 55%, Tigre 30%, Saho
4%, Kunama 2%, Rashaida 2%, Bilen 2%, other (Afar, Beni Amir, Nera)
5% (2010 est.)

Estonia
Estonian 68.7%, Russian 25.6%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian
1.2%, Finn 0.8%, other 1.6% (2008 census)

Ethiopia
Oromo 34.5%, Amara 26.9%, Somalie 6.2%, Tigraway 6.1%,
Sidama 4%, Guragie 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Affar 1.7%, Gamo
1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, other 11.3% (2007 Census)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
British

Faroe Islands
Scandinavian

Fiji
Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian
admixture), Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9% (European, other
Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)

Finland
Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma
(Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

France
Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African,
Indochinese, Basque minorities
overseas departments: black, white, mulatto, East Indian, Chinese,
Amerindian

French Polynesia
Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%,
metropolitan French 4%

Gabon
Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang,
Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000,
including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Gambia, The
African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola
10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Gaza Strip
Palestinian Arab

Georgia
Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%,
other 2.5% (2002 census)

Germany
German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of
Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Ghana
Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan
4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%,
other 7.8% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German,
North Africans

Greece
population: Greek 93%, other (foreign citizens) 7% (2001
census)
note: percents represent citizenship, since Greece does not collect
data on ethnicity

Greenland
Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)

Grenada
black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East
Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Guam
Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%,
white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%,
mixed 9.8% (2000 census)

Guatemala
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish
called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam
7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%,
other 0.1% (2001 census)

Guernsey
British and Norman-French descent with small percentages
from other European countries

Guinea
Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Guinea-Bissau
African 99% (includes Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca
14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Guyana
East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%,
Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Haiti
black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Holy See (Vatican City)
Italians, Swiss, other

Honduras
mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%,
black 2%, white 1%

Hong Kong
Chinese 95%, Filipino 1.6%, Indonesian 1.3%, other 2.1%
(2006 census)

Hungary
Hungarian 92.3%, Roma 1.9%, other or unknown 5.8% (2001
census)

Iceland
homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%,
population of foreign origin 6%

India
Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Indonesia
Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau
2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or
unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)

Iran
Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%,
Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Iraq
Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%

Ireland
Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed
1.1%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 census)

Isle of Man
Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Britons

Israel
Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born
22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly
Arab) (2004)

Italy
Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and
Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and
Greek-Italians in the south)

Jamaica
black 91.2%, mixed 6.2%, other or unknown 2.6% (2001 census)

Japan
Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%
note: up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan
in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil
(2004)

Jersey
Jersey 51.1%, Britons 34.8%, Irish, French, and other white
6.6%, Portuguese/Madeiran 6.4%, other 1.1% (2001 census)

Jordan
Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Kazakhstan
Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek
2.5%, German 2.4%, Tatar 1.7%, Uighur 1.4%, other 4.9% (1999 census)

Kenya
Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii
6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and
Arab) 1%

Kiribati
Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)

Korea, North
racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese
community and a few ethnic Japanese

Korea, South
homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Kosovo
Albanians 92%, other (Serb, Bosniak, Gorani, Roma, Turk,
Ashkali, Egyptian) 8% (2008)

Kuwait
Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%,
other 7%

Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%,
Ukrainian 1%, Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Laos
Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic
groups) 26% (2005 census)

Latvia
Latvian 59.3%, Russian 27.8%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian
2.5%, Polish 2.4%, Lithuanian 1.3%, other 3.1% (2009)

Lebanon
Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but
rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be
called Phoenicians

Lesotho
Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Liberia
Kpelle 20.3%, Bassa 13.4%, Grebo 10%, Gio 8%, Mano 7.9%, Kru
6%, Lorma 5.1%, Kissi 4.8%, Gola 4.4%, other 20.1% (2008 Census)

Libya
Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese,
Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Liechtenstein
Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4% (2000 census)

Lithuania
Lithuanian 84%, Polish 6.1%, Russian 4.9%, Belarusian
1.1%, other or unspecified 3.9% (2009)

Luxembourg
Luxembourger 63.1%, Portuguese 13.3%, French 4.5%,
Italian 4.3%, German 2.3%, other EU 7.3%, other 5.2% (2000 census)

Macau
Chinese 94.3%, other 5.7% (includes Macanese - mixed
Portuguese and Asian ancestry) (2006 census)

Macedonia
Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma
(Gypsy) 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census)

Madagascar
Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers
(mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry -
Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian,
Creole, Comoran

Malawi
Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni,
Ngonde, Asian, European

Malaysia
Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%,
others 7.8% (2004 est.)

Maldives
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Mali
Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,
Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Malta
Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians
with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Marshall Islands
Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2%
(2006)

Mauritania
mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%

Mauritius
Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%,
Franco-Mauritian 2%

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly
Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Micronesia, Federated States of
Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%,
Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%,
Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4% (2000 census)

Moldova
Moldovan/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%,
Gagauz 4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004 census)
note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Monaco
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Mongolia
Mongol (mostly Khalkha) 94.9%, Turkic (mostly Kazakh) 5%,
other (including Chinese and Russian) 0.1% (2000)

Montenegro
Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%,
other (Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12% (2003 census)

Montserrat
black, white

Morocco
Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique
African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and
others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Namibia
black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%
note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9%
to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara
7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Nauru
Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European
8%

Nepal
Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%,
Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other
32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)

Netherlands
Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%,
Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Caribbean 0.8%, other 4.8% (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
Melanesian 44.1%, European 34.1%, Wallisian & Futunian
9%, Tahitian 2.6%, Indonesian 2.5%, Vietnamese 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu
1.1%, other 5.2% (1996 census)

New Zealand
European 56.8%, Asian 8%, Maori 7.4%, Pacific islander
4.6%, mixed 9.7%, other 13.5% (2006 Census)

Nicaragua
mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black
9%, Amerindian 5%

Niger
Haoussa 55.4%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9.3%, Peuhl 8.5%,
Kanouri Manga 4.7%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more
than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and
politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo
(Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Niue
Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%,
Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Norfolk Island
descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New
Zealander, Polynesian

Northern Mariana Islands
Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%,
Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Norway
Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European
3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Oman
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,
Bangladeshi), African

Pakistan
Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%,
Sariaki 8.38%, Muhajirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Palau
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures)
69.9%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%,
Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%
(2000 census)

Panama
mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and
mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Papua New Guinea
Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Paraguay
mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

Peru
Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white
15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Philippines
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%,
Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%,
other 25.3% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their
Tahitian wives

Poland
Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%,
other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)

Portugal
homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African
descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less
than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Puerto Rico
white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian
0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)

Qatar
Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Romania
Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%,
German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)

Russia
Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%,
Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)

Rwanda
Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Saint Barthelemy
white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo
(French-East Asia)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
African descent 50%,
white 25%, Chinese 25%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
predominantly black; some British, Portuguese,
and Lebanese

Saint Lucia
black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or
unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Saint Martin
creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo
(French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian
6%, European 4%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 3%

Samoa
Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian
blood) 7%, Europeans 0.4% (2001 census)

San Marino
Sammarinese, Italian

Sao Tome and Principe
mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan
slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract
laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children
of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Saudi Arabia
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Senegal
Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka
3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Serbia
Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs
1.1%, Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Seychelles
mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Sierra Leone
Temne 35%, Mende 31%, Limba 8%, Kono 5%, Kriole 2%
(descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the
Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio),
Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from Liberia's
recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese,
Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)

Singapore
Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000
census)

Slovakia
Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%,
Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Slovenia
Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or
unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Solomon Islands
Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%,
other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)

Somalia
Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs
30,000)

South Africa
black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%,
Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)

Spain
composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Sri Lanka
Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%,
Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census
provisional data)

Sudan
black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Suriname
Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their
ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the
19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%,
"Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in
the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior)
10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Svalbard
Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3%
(1998)

Swaziland
African 97%, European 3%

Sweden
indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami
minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns,
Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Switzerland
German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other
6%

Syria
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Taiwan
Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%,
indigenous 2%

Tajikistan
Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%,
other 2.6% (2000 census)

Tanzania
mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting
of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European,
and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African

Thailand
Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Timor-Leste
Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese
minority

Togo
African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina,
and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Tokelau
Polynesian

Tonga
Polynesian, Europeans

Trinidad and Tobago
Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed
20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)

Tunisia
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey
Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 18%, other minorities 7-12% (2008
est.)

Turkmenistan
Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003)

Turks and Caicos Islands
black 90%, mixed, European, or North
American 10%

Tuvalu
Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Uganda
Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%,
Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%,
Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)

Ukraine
Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan
0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian
0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 census)

United Arab Emirates
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South
Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians)
8% (1982)
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

United Kingdom
white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh
4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani
1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

United States
white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian
and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander
0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)
note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US
Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of
Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban,
Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South
American origin living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic
group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total US
population is Hispanic

Uruguay
white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically
nonexistent)

Uzbekistan
Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak
2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Vanuatu
Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,
indigenous people

Vietnam
Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome
1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)

Virgin Islands
black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%,
mixed 3.5% (2000 census)

Wallis and Futuna
Polynesian

West Bank
Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Western Sahara
Arab, Berber

Yemen
predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Zambia
African 99.5% (includes Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, Nsenga,
Tumbuka, Ngoni, Lala, Kaonde, Lunda, and other African groups),
other 0.5% (includes Europeans, Asians, and Americans) (2000 Census)

Zimbabwe
African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and
Asian 1%, white less than 1%

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

@2076

Field Listing :: Exchange rates

This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for the national medium of exchange is presented in parenthesis. Country

Exchange rates

Afghanistan
afghanis (AFA) per US dollar - 50.23 (2009), 50.25
(2008), 50 (2007), 46 (2006), 47.7 (2005), 48 (2004)

Akrotiri
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
0.6827 (2008)
note: on 1 January 2008 Akrotiri and Dhekelia adopted the euro along
with the rest of Cyprus

Albania
leke (ALL) per US dollar - 106.5 (2010), 94.979 (2009),
79.546 (2008), 92.668 (2007), 98.384 (2006)

Algeria
Algerian dinars (DZD) per US dollar - 76 (2010), 72.6474
(2009), 63.25 (2008), 69.9 (2007), 72.647 (2006)

American Samoa
the US dollar is used

Andorra
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7306 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Angola
kwanza (AOA) per US dollar - 92.08 (2010), 79.328 (2009),
75.023 (2008), 76.6 (2007), 80.4 (2006)

Anguilla
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
note: fixed rate since 1976

Antigua and Barbuda
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7
(2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
note: fixed rate since 1976

Argentina
Argentine pesos (ARS) per US dollar - 3.8983 (2010),
3.7101 (2009), 3.1636 (2008), 3.1105 (2007), 3.0543 (2006)

Armenia
drams (AMD) per US dollar - 374.29 (2010), 363.28 (2009),
303.93 (2008), 344.06 (2007), 414.69 (2006)

Aruba
Aruban guilders/florins (AWG) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.79
(2006), 1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003)

Australia
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010),
1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Austria
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar - 0.8035 (2010),
0.8038 (2009), 0.8219 (2008), 0.8581 (2007), 0.8934 (2006)

Bahamas, The
Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - 1 (2009), 1
(2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Bahrain
Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2010), 0.376
(2009), 0.376 (2008), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006)

Bangladesh
taka (BDT) per US dollar - 70.59 (2010), 69.039 (2009),
68.554 (2008), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006)

Barbados
Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2
(2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2 (2003)

Belarus
Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar - 3,019.9 (2010),
2,789.5 (2009), 2,130 (2008), 2,145 (2007), 2,144.6 (2006)

Belgium
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Belize
Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2010), 2 (2009), 2
(2008), 2 (2007), 2 (2006)

Benin
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59
(2006)

Bermuda
Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate
pegged to the US dollar)

Bhutan
ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 46.6 (2009), 41.487 (2007),
45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004)
note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee

Bolivia
bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar - 7.0699 (2010), 7.07 (2009),
7.253 (2008), 7.8616 (2007), 8.0159 (2006)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
konvertibilna markas (BAM) per US dollar -
1.5088 (2010), 1.4079 (2009), 1.3083 (2008), 1.4419 (2007), 1.5576
(2006)

Botswana
pulas (BWP) per US dollar - 6.7413 (2010), 7.1602 (2009),
6.7907 (2008), 6.2035 (2007), 5.8447 (2006)

Brazil
reals (BRL) per US dollar - 1.77 (2010), 1.9976 (2009),
1.8644 (2008), 1.85 (2007), 2.1761 (2006)

British Indian Ocean Territory
the US dollar is used

British Virgin Islands
the US dollar is used

Brunei
Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar - 1.45 (2009), 1.45
(2009), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)

Bulgaria
leva (BGN) per US dollar - 1.5138 (2010), 1.404 (2009),
1.3171 (2008), 1.4366 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Burkina Faso
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007),
522.59 (2006)

Burma
kyats (MMK) per US dollar - 1,000 (2010), 1,055 (2009), 1,205
(2008), 1,296 (2007), 1,280 (2006)

Burundi
Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,250.75 (2010),
1,230.18 (2009), 1,198 (2008), 1,065 (2007), 1,030 (2006)

Cambodia
riels (KHR) per US dollar - 4,217.96 (2010), 4,139.33
(2009), 4,070.94 (2008), 4,006 (2007), 4,103 (2006)

Cameroon
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04
(2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Canada
Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar - 1.0346 (2010), 1.1431
(2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Cape Verde
Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.58 (2010),
79.377 (2009), 73.84 (2008), 81.235 (2007), 87.946 (2006)

Cayman Islands
Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - NA (2007),
0.8496 (2006)

Central African Republic
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale
francs (XAF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.8
(2007), 522.59 (2006)
note: since 1 January 1999, the Central African CFA franc (XAF) has
been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
Central African CFA franc (XAF) coins and banknotes are not accepted
in countries using West African CFA francs (XOF), and vice versa,
even though the two currencies trade at par

Chad
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04
(2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 480.1 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Chile
Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 525.34 (2010), 560.86
(2009), 509.02 (2008), 526.25 (2007), 530.29 (2006)

China
Renminbi yuan (RMB) per US dollar - 6.7852 (2010), 6.8314
(2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

Christmas Island
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151
(2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285
(2006)

Colombia
Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 1,893.1 (2010),
2,157.6 (2009), 2,243.6 (2008), 2,013.8 (2007), 2,358.6 (2006)

Comoros
Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 361.4 (2007), 391.8
(2006), 395.6 (2005), 396.21 (2004), 435.9 (2003)
note: the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677
Comoran francs per euro

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congolese francs (CDF) per US
dollar - 930 (2010), 810 (2009), 559 (2008), 516 (2007), 464.69
(2006)

Congo, Republic of the
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale
francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008),
483.6 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Cook Islands
NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2009), 1.4151
(2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Costa Rica
Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 526.68 (2010),
573.29 (2009), 530.41 (2008), 519.53 (2007), 511.3 (2006)

Cote d'Ivoire
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007),
522.89 (2006)

Croatia
kuna (HRK) per US dollar - 5.6356 (2010), 5.271 (2009), 4.98
(2008), 5.3735 (2007), 5.8625 (2006)

Cuba
Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - 0.9259 (2010), 0.9259 (2009),
0.9259 (2008), 0.9259 (2007), 0.9231 (2006)

Curacao
Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79
(2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Cyprus
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.4286 (2007), 0.4586 (2006)

Czech Republic
koruny (CZK) per US dollar - 19.737 (2010), 19.063
(2009), 17.064 (2008), 20.53 (2007), 22.596 (2006)

Denmark
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2010), 5.3609
(2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Dhekelia
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
0.6827 (2008)
note: on 1 January 2008, Dhekelia and Akrotiri adopted the euro
along with the rest of Cyprus

Djibouti
Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.71 (2007),
174.75 (2006), 177.72 (2005), 177.72 (2004), 177.72 (2003)

Dominica
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Dominican Republic
Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar - 36.92
(2010), 36.027 (2009), 34.775 (2008), 33.113 (2007), 33.406 (2006)

Ecuador
1 (2010), 1 (2009)
note: the US dollar is legal tender

Egypt
Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar - 5.6124 (2010), 5.545
(2009), 5.4 (2008), 5.67 (2007), 5.725 (2006)

El Salvador
the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001

Equatorial Guinea
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs
per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83
(2007), 522.4 (2006)

Eritrea
nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 15.375 (2010), 15.375 (2009),
15.38 (2008), 15.5 (2007), 15.4 (2006)

Estonia
kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 12.11 (2010), 11.232 (2009),
10.7 (2008), 11.535 (2007), 12.473 (2006)
note: Estonia adopted the euro on 1 January 2011

Ethiopia
birr (ETB) per US dollar - 14.4 (2010), 11.7776 (2009),
9.57 (2008), 8.96 (2007), 8.69 (2006)

European Union
euros per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Falkland pounds (FKP) per US
dollar - 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005),
0.5462 (2004)
note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound

Faroe Islands
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009),
5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Fiji
Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.7313 (2006),
1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004), 1.8958 (2003)

Finland
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

France
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

French Polynesia
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
105.66 (2003)
note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Gabon
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US
dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007),
522.89 (2006)

Gambia, The
dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 28.5193 (2010), 26.67
(2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006)

Gaza Strip
new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Georgia
laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.8009 (2010), 1.6705 (2009),
1.47 (2008), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006)

Germany
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Ghana
cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 1.4 (2010), 1.4 (2009), 1.1
(2008), 0.95 (2007), 9,174.8 (2006)

Gibraltar
Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009),
0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Greece
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Greenland
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236
(2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Grenada
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7
(2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Guam
the US dollar is used

Guatemala
quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 8.0798 (2010), 8.1616
(2009), 7.5895 (2008), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006)

Guernsey
Guernsey pound 0.6504 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007),
0.5418 (2006)
note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Guinea
Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 6,100 (2010), 5,500
(2009), 5,500 (2008), 4,122.8 (2007), 5,350 (2006)

Guinea-Bissau
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
even though the two currencies trade at par

Guyana
Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.07 (2010), 204.02
(2009), 203.86 (2008), 201.89 (2007), 200.28 (2006)

Haiti
gourdes (HTG) per US dollar - 41.198 (2010), 41.195 (2009),
39.216 (2008), 37.138 (2007), 40.232 (2006)

Holy See (Vatican City)
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010),
0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Honduras
lempiras (HNL) per US dollar - 18.9 (2010), 18.895 (2009),
18.983 (2008), 18.9 (2007), 18.895 (2006)

Hong Kong
Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per US dollar - 7.78 (2010),
7.7518 (2009), 7.751 (2008), 7.802 (2007), 7.7678 (2006)

Hungary
forints (HUF) per US dollar - 213.69 (2010), 202.34 (2009),
171.8 (2008), 183.83 (2007), 210.39 (2006)

Iceland
Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar - 139.319 (2010),
123.638 (2009), 85.619 (2008), 63.391 (2007), 70.195 (2006)

India
Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar - 46.163 (2010), 48.405
(2009), 43.319 (2008), 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006)

Indonesia
Indonesian rupiah (IDR) per US dollar - 9,169.5 (2010),
10,389.9 (2009), 9,698.9 (2008), 9,143 (2007), 9,159.3 (2006)

Iran
Iranian rials (IRR) per US dollar - 10,308.2 (2010), 9,864.3
(2009), 9,142.8 (2008), 9,407.5 (2007), 9,227.1 (2006)

Iraq
Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar - 1,170 (2010), 1,170 (2009),
1,176 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,466 (2006)

Ireland
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Isle of Man
Manx pounds (IMP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389
(2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
note: the Manx pound is at par with the British pound

Israel
new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
3.9326 (2009), 3.588 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Italy
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Jamaica
Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar - 87.41 (2010), 87.894
(2009), 72.236 (2008), 69.034 (2007), 65.768 (2006)

Japan
yen (JPY) per US dollar - 88.67 (2010), 93.57 (2009), 103.58
(2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Jersey
Jersey pounds per US dollar 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009),
0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
note: the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound

Jordan
Jordanian dinars (JOD) per US dollar - 0.709 (2010), 0.709
(2009), 0.709 (2008), 0.709 (2007), 0.709 (2006)

Kazakhstan
tenge (KZT) per US dollar - 147.28 (2010), 147.5 (2009),
120.25 (2008), 122.55 (2007), 126.09 (2006)

Kenya
Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 79.217 (2010), 77.35
(2009), 68.358 (2008), 68.309 (2007), 72.101 (2006)

Kiribati
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010),
1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Korea, North
North Korean won (KPW) per US dollar (market rate)
1,800 (December 2010), 3,630 (December 2008), 140 (2007), 141 (2006)

Korea, South
South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar - 1,153.77 (2010),
1,276.93 (2009), 1,101.7 (2008), 929.2 (2007), 954.8 (2006)

Kosovo
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Kuwait
Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar - 0.2888 (2010), 0.2877
(2009), 0.2679 (2008), 0.2844 (2007), 0.29 (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
soms (KGS) per US dollar - 46.337 (2010), 42.905 (2009),
36.108 (2008), 37.746 (2007), 40.149 (2006)

Laos
kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,320.27 (2010), 8,516.04 (2009),
8,760.69 (2008), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006)

Latvia
lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5422 (2010), 0.5056 (2009),
0.4701 (2008), 0.5162 (2007), 0.5597 (2006)

Lebanon
Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2010),
1,507.5 (2009), 1,507.5 (2008), 1,507.5 (2007), 1,507.5 (2006)

Lesotho
maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 7.9 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75
(2008), 7.25 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Liberia
Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 59.43
(2006), 53.098 (2005), 54.906 (2004), 59.379 (2003)

Libya
Libyan dinars (LYD) per US dollar - 1.2648 (2010), 1.2535
(2009), 1.2112 (2008), 1.2604 (2007), 1.3108 (2006)

Liechtenstein
Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010),
1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Lithuania
litai (LTL) per US dollar - 2.6637 (2010), 2.4787 (2009),
2.3251 (2008), 2.5362 (2007), 2.7498 (2006)

Luxembourg
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Macau
patacas (MOP) per US dollar - 7.985 (2009), 7.983 (2008),
8.011 (2007), 8.0015 (2006)

Macedonia
Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar - 47.601 (2010),
44.1 (2009), 41.414 (2008), 44.732 (2007), 48.978 (2006)

Madagascar
Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 2,062.5 (2010),
1,956.21 (2009), 1,654.78 (2008), 1,880 (2007), 2,161.4 (2006)

Malawi
Malawian kwachas (MWK) per US dollar - 151.65 (2010), 141.14
(2009), 142.41 (2008), 141.12 (2007), 135.96 (2006)

Malaysia
ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 3.2182 (2010), 3.5246
(2009), 3.33 (2008), 3.46 (2007), 3.6683 (2006)

Maldives
rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar - 12.8 (2009), 12.8 (2008),
12.8 (2007), 12.8 (2006)

Mali
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
even though the two currencies trade at par

Malta
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7732 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3106 (2007), 0.37
(2006)

Marshall Islands
the US dollar is used

Mauritania
ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar - 261.5 (2010 est.), 262.4
(2009), 238.2 (2008), 258.6 (2007), 271.3 (2006)

Mauritius
Mauritian rupees (MUR) per US dollar - 30.991 (2010),
31.96 (2009), 27.973 (2008), 31.798 (2007), 31.656 (2006)

Mayotte
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Mexico
Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 12.687 (2010), 13.514
(2009), 11.016 (2008), 10.8 (2007), 10.899 (2006)

Micronesia, Federated States of
the US dollar is used

Moldova
Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 12.443 (2010), 11.11
(2009), 10.326 (2008), 12.177 (2007), 13.131 (2006)

Monaco
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Mongolia
togrog/tugriks (MNT) per US dollar - 1,442.8 (2009),
1,267.51 (2008), 1,170 (2007), 1,165 (2006)

Montenegro
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Montserrat
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
note: fixed rate since 1976

Morocco
Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2010), 8.0571
(2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Mozambique
meticais (MZM) per US dollar - 35 (2010), 26.283 (2009),
24.125 (2008), 26.264 (2007), 25.4 (2006)

Namibia
Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4234
(2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.18 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Nauru
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822
(2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Nepal
Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar - 72.56 (2010), 77.44
(2009), 65.21 (2008), 70.35 (2007), 72.446 (2006)

Netherlands
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

New Caledonia
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
105.66 (2003)

New Zealand
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010),
1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Nicaragua
cordobas (NIO) per US dollar - 21.35 (2010), 20.34 (2009),
19.374 (2008), 18.457 (2007), 17.582 (2006)

Niger
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
even though the two currencies trade at par

Nigeria
nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 150.88 (2010), 148.84 (2009),
117.8 (2008), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006)

Niue
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002
(2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Norfolk Island
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151
(2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Northern Mariana Islands
the US dollar is used

Norway
Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883
(2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Oman
Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2010), 0.3845 (2009),
0.3845 (2008), 0.3845 (2007), 0.3845 (2006)

Pakistan
Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar - 85.27 (2010),
81.7129 (2009), 70.64 (2008), 60.6295 (2007), 60.35 (2006)

Palau
the US dollar is used

Panama
balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2010), 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1
(2007), 1 (2006)

Papua New Guinea
kina (PGK) per US dollar - 2.7517 (2010), 2.7551
(2009), 2.6956 (2008), 3.03 (2007), 3.0643 (2006)

Paraguay
guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 4,767.6 (2010), 4,965.4
(2009), 4,337.7 (2008), 5,031 (2007), 5,672.8 (2006)

Peru
nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar - 2.8178 (2010), 3.0115 (2009),
2.91 (2008), 3.1731 (2007), 3.2742 (2006)

Philippines
Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 45.459 (2010),
47.68 (2009), 44.439 (2008), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006)

Pitcairn Islands
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015
(2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Poland
zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 3.0718 (2010), 3.1214 (2009),
2.3 (2008), 2.81 (2007), 3.1032 (2006)

Portugal
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Puerto Rico
the US dollar is used

Qatar
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2010), 3.64 (2009),
3.64 (2008), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006)

Romania
lei (RON) per US dollar - 3.2 (2010), 3.0493 (2009), 2.5
(2008), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006)

Russia
Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 30 (2010), 31.742
(2009), 24.853 (2008), 25.581 (2007), 27.191 (2006)

Rwanda
Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 586.25 (2010), 568.176
(2009), 550 (2008), 585 (2007), 560 (2006)

Saint Barthelemy
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338
(2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5462 (2004) note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Saint Kitts and Nevis
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Saint Lucia
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Saint Martin
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338
(2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010),
0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US
dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Samoa
tala (SAT) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.7594 (2006), 2.7103
(2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003)

San Marino
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
dobras (STD) per US dollar - 19,641 (2010),
16,000 (2009), 14,900 (2008), 13,700 (2007), 12,050 (2006)

Saudi Arabia
Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2010), 3.75
(2009), 3.75 (2008), 3.745 (2007), 3.745 (2006)

Senegal
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
507.71 (2010), 470.9 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89
(2006)

Serbia
Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 79.979 (2010), 62.9
(2008), 54.5 (2007), 59.98 (2006)

Seychelles
Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 12.221 (2010),
13.6124 (2009), 8 (2008), 6.5 (2007), 5.5 (2006)

Sierra Leone
leones (SLL) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2,961.7 (2006),
2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003)

Singapore
Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.3702 (2010),
1.4545 (2009), 1.415 (2008), 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006)

Sint Maarten
Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar -
1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Slovakia
Slovak koruny (SKK) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718
(2009), 21.05 (2008), 24.919 (2007), 29.611 (2006)

Slovenia
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.77399 (2010), 0.72 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - NA
(2007), 7.3447 (2006), 7.5299 (2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003)

Somalia
Somali shillings (SOS) per US dollar - NA (2007-08), 1,438.3
(2006) official rate; the unofficial black market rate was about
23,000 shillings per dollar as of February 2007
note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent
country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own
currency, the Somaliland shilling

South Africa
rand (ZAR) per US dollar - 7.38 (2010), 8.4234 (2009),
7.9576 (2008), 7.05 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Spain
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar - 113.36 (2010),
114.95 (2009), 108.33 (2008), 110.78 (2007), 103.99 (2006)

Sudan
Sudanese pounds (SDG) per US dollar - 2.36 (2010), 2.32
(2009), 2.1 (2008), 2.06 (2007), 2.172 (2006)

Suriname
Surinamese dollars (SRD) per US dollar - 2.745 (2007),
2.745 (2006), 2.7317 (2005), 2.7336 (2004), 2.6013 (2003)
note: in January 2004, the government replaced the guilder with the
Surinamese dollar, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket

Svalbard
Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2009),
5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Swaziland
emalangeni per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4737 (2009),
7.75 (2008), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Sweden
Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 7.5077 (2010), 7.6529
(2009), 6.4074 (2008), 6.7629 (2007), 7.3731 (2006)

Switzerland
Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881
(2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Syria
Syrian pounds (SYP) per US dollar - 46.456 (2010), 46.7082
(2009), 46.5281 (2008), 50.0085 (2007), 51.689 (2006)

Taiwan
New Taiwan dollars (TWD) per US dollar - 31.864 (2010),
33.061 (2009), 31.53 (2008), 32.84 (2007), 32.534 (2006)

Tajikistan
Tajikistani somoni (TJS) per US dollar - 4.3788 (2010),
4.1428 (2009), 3.4563 (2008), 3.4418 (2007), 3.3 (2006)

Tanzania
Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per US dollar - 1,423.3 (2010),
1,320.3 (2009), 1,178.1 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,251.9 (2006)

Thailand
baht per US dollar - 31.663 (2010), 34.286 (2009), 33.37
(2008), 34.52 (2007), 37.882 (2006)

Timor-Leste
the US dollar is used

Togo
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 482.71 (2007), 522.59
(2006)

Tokelau
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010),
1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Tonga
pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96
(2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003)

Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar
- 6.3337 (2010), 6.3099 (2009), 6.2896 (2008), 6.3275 (2007), 6.3107
(2006)

Tunisia
Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar - 1.4367 (2010), 1.3503
(2009), 1.211 (2008), 1.2776 (2007), 1.331 (2006)

Turkey
Turkish liras (TRY) per US dollar - 1.5181 (2010), 1.55
(2009), 1.3179 (2008), 1.319 (2007), 1.4286 (2006)

Turkmenistan
Turkmen manat (TMM) per US dollar - 2.85 (2010), 2.85
(2009), 14,250 (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
the US dollar is used

Tuvalu
Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
1.1151 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Uganda
Ugandan shillings (UGX) per US dollar - 2,166 (2010), 2,038.9
(2009), 1,658.1 (2008), 1,685.8 (2007), 1,834.9 (2006)

Ukraine
hryvnia (UAH) per US dollar - 7.9111 (2010), 7.7912 (2009),
4.9523 (2008), 5.05 (2007), 5.05 (2006)

United Arab Emirates
Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar - 3.673
(2010), 3.673 (2009), 3.6725 (2008), 3.6725 (2007), 3.6725 (2006)

United Kingdom
British pounds (GBP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010),
0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

United States
British pounds per US dollar: 1 (2010), 0.6504 (2010),
0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
Canadian dollars per US dollar: 1.0346 (2010), 1.1548 (2009), 1.0364
(2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)
Chinese yuan per US dollar: 6.7852 (2010), 6.8249 (2009), 6.9385
(2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)
euros per US dollar: 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008),
0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)
Japanese yen per US dollar: 88.67 (2010), 94.5 (2009), 103.58
(2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Uruguay
Uruguayan pesos (UYU) per US dollar - 20.276 (2010), 22.568
(2009), 20.936 (2008), 23.947 (2007), 24.048 (2006)

Uzbekistan
Uzbekistani soum (UZS) per US dollar - 1,588.1 (2010),
1,466.7 (2009), 1,317 (2008), 1,263.8 (2007), 1,219.8 (2006)

Vanuatu
vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 97.93 (2009), NA (2007), 111.93
(2006), NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003)

Venezuela
bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 4.3039 (2010), 2.1522
(2009), 2.147 (2008), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006)

Vietnam
dong (VND) per US dollar - 19,148.9 (2010), 17,799.6 (2009),
16,548.3 (2008), 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006)

Virgin Islands
the US dollar is used

Wallis and Futuna
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per
US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
105.66 (2003)

West Bank
new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Western Sahara
Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2009),
7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Yemen
Yemeni rials (YER) per US dollar - 220.05 (2010), 202.85
(2009), 199.76 (2008), 199.14 (2007), 197.18 (2006)

Zambia
Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar - 4,823.6 (2010), 5,046.1
(2009), 3,512.9 (2008), 3,990.2 (2007), 3,601.5 (2006)

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean dollars (ZWD) per US dollar - 234.25 (2010), 234
(2008), 30,000 (2007), 162 (2006), 78 (2005)

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

@2077

Field Listing :: Executive branch

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

Executive branch

Afghanistan
chief of state: President of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice
President Mohammad FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice
President Abdul Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice President Mohammad
FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice President Abdul
Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004)
cabinet: 25 ministers; note - ministers are appointed by the
president and approved by the National Assembly
elections: the president and two vice presidents elected by direct
vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no
candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the first round of
voting, the two candidates with the most votes will participate in a
second round; election last held on 20 August 2009 (next to be held
in 2014)
election results: Hamid KARZAI reelected president; percent of vote
(first round) - Hamid KARZAI 49.67%, Abdullah ABDULLAH 30.59%,
Ramazan BASHARDOST 10.46%, Ashraf GHANI 2.94%; other 6.34%; note -
ABDULLAH conceded the election to KARZAI following the first round
vote

Akrotiri
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since
October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator
appointed by the monarch

Albania
chief of state: President of the Republic Bamir TOPI (since
24 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September
2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
nominated by the president, and approved by parliament
elections: president elected by the Assembly for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); four election rounds held between 8
and 20 July 2007 (next election to be held in 2012); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Bamir TOPI elected president; Assembly vote,
fourth round (three-fifths majority, 84 votes, required): Bamir TOPI
85 votes, Neritan CEKA 5 votes

Algeria
chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28
April 1999) note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government; a November 2008 constitutional amendment separated
the position of head of government from that of the prime minister
head of government: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April
1999)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
note - a November 2008 constitutional amendment abolished
presidential term limits; election last held on 9 April 2009 (next
to be held in April 2014)
election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA was reelected president for a
third term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 90.2%, Louisa
HANOUNE 4.2%, Moussa TOUATI 2.3%, Djahid YOUNSI 1.4%, Ali Fawzi
REBIANE less than 1%, Mohamed SAID less than 1%

American Samoa
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet made up of 12 department directors
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US
president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic
and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and
lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for
four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on
4 and 18 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Togiola TULAFONO reelected governor; percent of
vote - Togiola TULAFONO 56.5%, Afoa Moega LUTU 43.5%

Andorra
chief of state: French Coprince Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007); represented by Christian FREMONT (since September 2008)
and Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May
2003); represented by Nemesi MARQUES i Oste (since 30 July 2003)
head of government: Executive Council President Jaume BARTUMEU
Cassany (since 5 June 2009)
cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive
Council president
elections: Executive Council president elected by the General
Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year
term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in
April-May 2013)
election results: Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY elected executive council
president; percent of General Council vote - NA

Angola
chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
September 1979); Antonio Paulo KASSOMA was named prime minister by
MPLA on 26 September 2008
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year
term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under
the 1992 constitution; President DOS SANTOS was selected by the
party to take over after the death of former President Augustino
NETO(1979) under a one-party system and stood for reelection in
Angola's first multiparty elections on 29-30 September 1992 (next
were to be held in September 2009 but have been postponed)
election results: Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI
40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was never
held leaving DOS SANTOS in his current position as the president

Anguilla
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor Alistair HARRISON (since 21 April 2009)
head of government: Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 February
2010)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the
elected members of the House of Assembly
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
chief minister by the governor

Antigua and Barbuda
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor General Louisse LAKE-TACK
(since 17 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24
March 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on
the advice of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general chosen by
the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general

Argentina
chief of state: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER
(since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10
December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since
10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 28 October 2007 (next election to be held in
2011)
election results: Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER elected president;
percent of vote - Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER 45%, Elisa CARRIO
23%, Roberto LAVAGNA 17%, Alberto Rodriguez SAA 8%

Armenia
chief of state: President Serzh SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Tigran SARGSIAN (since 9 April
2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 February 2008
(next to be held in February 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president based on majority or plurality support in parliament; the
prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National
Assembly refuses to accept their program
election results: Serzh SARGSIAN elected president; percent of vote
- Serzh SARGSIAN 52.9%, Levon TER-PETROSSIAN 21.5%, Artur
BAGHDASARIAN 16.7%

Aruba
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since
11 May 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Michiel Godfried (Mike) EMAN
(since 30 October 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed
for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime
minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last
held in 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
election results: Mike EMAN elected prime minister; percent of
legislative vote - NA

Australia
chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since
5 September 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Julia Eileen GILLARD (since 24
June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Maxwell SWAN (since 24 June
2010)
cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament,
candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to
serve as government ministers
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of
a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor
general

Austria
chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) (since 8 July
2004)
head of government: Chancellor Werner FAYMANN (SPOe) (since 2
December 2008); Vice Chancellor Josef PROELL (OeVP) (since 2
December 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice
of the chancellor
elections: president elected for a six-year term (eligible for a
second term) by direct popular vote and formally sworn into office
before the Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung; presidential
election last held on 25 April 2010 (next to be held on 25 April
2016); chancellor formally chosen by the president but determined by
the coalition parties forming a parliamentary majority; vice
chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor
election results: Heinz FISCHER reelected president with 79.3% of
the vote
note: government coalition - SPOe and OeVP

Azerbaijan
chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October
2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November
2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and
confirmed by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for unlimited terms); election last held on 15 October
2008 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister and first
deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by
the National Assembly
election results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote
- Ilham ALIYEV 89%, Igbal AGHAZADE 2.9%, five other candidates with
smaller percentages
note: several political parties boycotted the election due to unfair
conditions; OSCE observers concluded that the election did not meet
international standards

Bahamas, The
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Sir Arthur A. FOULKES (since
14 April 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Hubert A. INGRAHAM (since 4 May
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime
minister's recommendation
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister
recommends the deputy prime minister

Bahrain
chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March
1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (son
of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)
head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa
(since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman
Al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Jawad bin Salim
al-ARAIDH
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch

Bangladesh
chief of state: President Zillur RAHMAN (since 12
February 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wajed (since 6
January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the
president
elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); last election held on 11 February
2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Zillur RAHMAN declared president-elect by the
Election Commission on 11 February 2009 (sworn in on 12 February);
he ran unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote -
NA

Barbados
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS
(since 1 June 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Fruendel STUART (since 23 October
2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister
recommends the deputy prime minister

Belarus
chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20
July 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since 28
December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since
December 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to
the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in
1999, however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a
November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September
2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and
allowed the president to run in a third (19 March 2006) and fourth
election (19 December 2010); prime minister and deputy prime
ministers appointed by the president
election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent
of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 79.7%, Andrey SANNIKAU 2.6%, other
candidates 17.7%; note - election marred by electoral fraud

Belgium
chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir
Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (since 25 November
2009); note - the king accepted the resignation of LETERME on 26
April 2010; LETERME remains as caretaker
cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
the monarch and then approved by parliament

Belize
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17
November 1993)
head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver BARROW (since 8
February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February
2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister
recommends the deputy prime minister

Benin
chief of state: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April
2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); runoff election held on 19 March 2006
(next to be held in March 2011)
election results: Thomas YAYI Boni elected president; percent of
vote - Thomas YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%

Bermuda
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)
head of government: Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010);
Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
premier by the governor

Bhutan
chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14
December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the
throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him;
the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and
his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an
astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king,
who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under
the guidance of this father
head of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the
monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,
five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council
(Lodoi Tsokde); members are nominated by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but democratic reforms in
July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the
monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly
occurred in March 2008; the leader of the majority party nominated
as the prime minister

Bolivia
chief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term and are eligible for a single
re-election; election last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held
in 2014)
election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent
of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 64%; Manfred REYES VILLA 26%; Samuel
DORIA MEDINA Arana 6%; Rene JOAQUINO 2%; other 2%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency
Nebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman of the presidency since 10 November
2010; presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members
of the three-member presidency rotate every eight months: Bakir
IZETBEGOVIC (presidency member since 3 October 2010 - Bosniak);
Zeljko KOMSIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Croat)
head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola
SPIRIC (since 11 January 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;
approved by the state-level House of Representatives
elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one
Croat, one Serb) elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years);
the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it
left off following each general election; election last held on 3
October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the
Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by
the state-level House of Representatives
election results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 48.9% of
the votes for the Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC with 60.6% of the votes
for the Croat seat; Bakir IZETBEGOVIC with 34.9% of the votes for
the Bosniak seat
note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Borjana
KRISTO (since 21 February 2007); Vice Presidents Spomenka MICIC
(since 21 February 2007) and Mirsad KEBO (since 21 February 2007);
President of the Republika Srpska: Milorad DODIK (since 3 October
2010); took office 15 November 2010

Botswana
chief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1
April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April
2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 October 2009
(next to be held in October 2014); vice president appointed by the
president
election results: Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent
of National Assembly vote - NA%

Brazil
chief of state: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January
2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011);
Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3
October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5
October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014)
election results: Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff
election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB)
43.99%

British Indian Ocean Territory
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Commissioner Colin ROBERTS (since July 2008);
Administrator Joanne YEADON (since December 2007); note - both
reside in the UK and are represented by the officer commanding
British Forces on Diego Garcia
cabinet: NA
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and
administrator appointed by the monarch

British Virgin Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor Boyd MCCLEARY (since 20
August 2010)
head of government: Premier Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 23 August 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of
the House of Assembly
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
premier by the governor

Brunei
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL
Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah
(since 5 October 1967)
cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by
the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a
Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on
religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the
monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of
Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the
succession to the throne if the need arises
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary

Bulgaria
chief of state: President Georgi PARVANOV (since 22 January
2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Boyko BORISSOV (since 27 July
2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon DJANKOV and Tsvetan TSVETANOV
(since 27 July 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
elected by the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in
2011); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected
by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the
prime minister and elected by the National Assembly
election results: Georgi PARVANOV reelected president; percent of
vote - Georgi PARVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Boyko BORISSOV
elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 162 to 77 with
1 abstention

Burkina Faso
chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15
October 1987)
head of government: Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 November 2010
(next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
with the consent of the legislature
election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent of
popular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.2%, Hama Arba DIALLO 8.2%,
Benewende Stanislas SANKARA 6.3%

Burma
chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Lt. Gen THEIN SEIN (since 24
October 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by the military regime that assumed
power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC); changed in 1997 to SPDC
elections: none

Burundi
chief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26
August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi
(since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI -
Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26
August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi
(since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI -
Hutu (since 29 August 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president
elections: the president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted
in February 2005 permited the post-transition president to be
elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; elections last
held 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents
nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
election results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular
vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties
withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in
the electoral process

Cambodia
chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)
[co-prime minister from 1993 to 1997]; Permanent Deputy Prime
Minister MEN SAM AN (since 25 September 2008); Deputy Prime
Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK AN, TEA BANH, HOR
NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004); BIN CHHIN (since 5
September 2007); KEAT CHHON, YIM CHHAI LY (since 24 September 2008);
KE KIMYAN (since 12 March 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
appointed by the monarch
elections: the king chosen by a Royal Throne Council from among all
eligible males of royal descent; following legislative elections, a
member of the majority party or majority coalition named prime
minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by
the king

Cameroon
chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)
head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted
by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2004
(next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -
Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga
Haman ADJI 3.7%

Canada
head of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General David JOHNSTON (since 1 October 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Stephen Joseph HARPER (since 6
February 2006)
cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from
among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-year
term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of
Commons generally designated prime minister by the governor general

Cape Verde
chief of state: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES
(since 22 March 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1
February 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 February 2006
(next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the National
Assembly and appointed by the president
election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote -
Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%

Cayman Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor Duncan TAYLOR (since 15 January 2010)
head of government: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)
cabinet: The Cabinet (six members are appointed by the governor on
the advice of the premier, selected from among the elected members
of the Legislative Assembly)
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or coalition appointed by the governor as premier

Central African Republic
chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE
(since 15 March 2003 coup)
head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since
22 January 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: under the new constitution, the president elected for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on
13 March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011); prime
minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentary
majority
election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of
second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE
(MLPC) 35.4%

Chad
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4
December 1990)
head of government: Prime Minister Emmanuel NADINGAR (since 5 March
2010)
cabinet: Council of State; members are appointed by the president on
the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two
candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of
voting; last election held on 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May
2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president;
percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire
KOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%,
Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum
altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and
permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection

Chile
chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11
March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11
March 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year
term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election
held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2013)
election results: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president;
percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI
48.4%

China
chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003);
Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)
head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);
Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUI
Liangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Dejiang (since 17
March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)
cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress
elections: president and vice president elected by National People's
Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
elections last held on 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in
mid-March 2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by
National People's Congress
election results: HU Jintao elected president by National People's
Congress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vice
president with a total of 2,919 votes

Christmas Island
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952) represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Brian LACY (since 5
October 2009)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Colombia
chief of state: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon
(since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7
August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7
August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for
a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in
May 2014)
election results: Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in
runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon
69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

Comoros
chief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
2006)
head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency
rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three
main islands in the Union; election last held on 14 May 2006 (next
to be held on 7 November 2010)
election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent of
vote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, Mohamed
DJAANFAMI 13.7%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
chief of state: President Joseph
KABILA (since 17 January 2001);
head of government: Prime Minister Adolphe MUZITO (since 10 October
2008)
cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president
elections: under the new constitution the president elected by
popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
elections last held on 30 July 2006 and on 29 October 2006 (next to
be held on 27 November 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Joseph KABILA elected president; percent of vote
(second round) - Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%
note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,
following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiations
with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional
government in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and
a run-off on 29 October 2006 confirming Joseph KABILA as president

Congo, Republic of the
chief of state: President Denis
SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in
which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October
1997); note - the position of prime minister was abolished in
September 2009
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 July 2009
(next to be held in 2016)
election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent
of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 78.6%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU
7.5%, Nicephore Fylla de SAINT-EUDES 7%

Cook Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001);
New Zealand High Commissioner Linda TE PUNI (since 3 June 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November
2010)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively
responsible to Parliament
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative
appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner
appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

Coral Sea Islands
administered from Canberra by the Australian
Attorney-General's Department

Costa Rica
chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since
8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May
2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May
2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May
2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010);
Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7
February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)
election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president;
percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS
(PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%

Cote d'Ivoire
chief of state: President Alassane OUATTARA (since 4
December 2010); note - former President Laurent GBAGBO has refused
to cede power
head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April
2007); note - on 4 December 2010, Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE was also
appointed to the position by former president GBAGBO
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note -
under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and the
president share the authority to appoint ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 31 October and 28 November
2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Alassane OUATTARA elected president; percent of
vote - Alassane OUATTARA 54.1%, Laurent GBAGBO 45.9%; note -
President OUATTARA was declared winner by the election commission
and took the oath of office on 4 December, Prime Minister SORO
resigned from the incumbent administration and was subsequently
appointed to the same position by OUATTARA; former president GBAGBO
refused to cede and on 5 December appointed Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE
as Prime Minister

Croatia
chief of state: President Ivo JOSIPOVIC (since 18 February
2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July
2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009),
Darko MILINOVIC (since 13 November 2009), Domagoj Ivan MILOSEVIC
(since 29 December 2010), Petar COBANKOVIC (since 29 December 2010),
Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008), Gordan JANDROKOVIC (since
29 December 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
approved by the parliamentary assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2010
(next to be held in December 2015); the leader of the majority party
or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime
minister by the president and then approved by the assembly
election results: Ivo JOSIPOVIC elected president; percent of vote
in the second round - Ivo JOSIPOVIC 60%, Milan BANDIC 40%

Cuba
chief of state: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
Ventura (since 24 February 2008); note - the president is both the
chief of state and head of government
head of government: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
Ventura (since 24 February 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the
Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the
31-member Council of State, elected by the assembly to act on its
behalf when it is not in session
elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National
Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 24 February
2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of
legislative vote - 100%; Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice
president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

Curacao
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since
10 October 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Gerrit SCHOTTE (since 10 October
2010)
cabinet: Executive Council
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party is usually elected prime minister by the parliament

Cyprus
chief of state: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant;
under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish
Cypriot
head of government: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
February 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and
vice president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in
February 2013)
election results: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of
vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS
33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) Demetris
CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%
note: Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April
2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results -
Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Huseyin OZGURGUN is
"TRNC acting prime minister"

Czech Republic
chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March
2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010);
First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July
2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 15
February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008
were inconclusive; next election to be held in 2013); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February
2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 votes (third round;
combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Denmark
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);
Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born
on 26 May 1968)
head of government: Prime Minister Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN (since 5
April 2009)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Dhekelia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since
October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator
appointed by the monarch

Djibouti
chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May
1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4
March 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
president is eligible to hold office until age 75; election last
held on 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%

Dominica
chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since
October 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8
January 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister
elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a
five-year term; election last held on 1 October 2003 (next to be
held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in
2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of the
opposition

Dominican Republic
chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna
(since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro
(since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16
August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16
August 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 16 May
2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent of
vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY less
than 5%

Ecuador
chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: the president and vice president elected on the same
ticket by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected
for another consecutive term; election last held on 26 April 2009
(next to be held in 2013)
election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected
president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 52%; Lucio
GUTIERREZ 28.2%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.4%; other 8.4%

Egypt
chief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14
October 1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no
term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a
constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a
multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated
by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a
national, popular referendum; last referendum held on 26 September
1999; first election under terms of the constitutional amendment
held on 7 September 2005 (next scheduled for 2011)
election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote
- Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

El Salvador
chief of state: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena
(since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1
June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June
2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on
15 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president;
percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%

Equatorial Guinea
chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized
power in a military coup)
head of government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July
2008);
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be
held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed
by the president
election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;
percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico
ABOGO 3.6%; elections marred by widespread fraud

Eritrea
chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June
1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993)
cabinet: State Council the collective executive authority; members
appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and
only election held on 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as
the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in
December 2001 as anticipated)
election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%

Estonia
chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9
October 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by
Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure
two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the
Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus
members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between
the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last
held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23
September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received
174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left
blank or invalid

Ethiopia
chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8
October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994
constitution; ministers selected by the prime minister and approved
by the House of People's Representatives
elections: president elected by the House of People's
Representatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October
2013); prime minister designated by the party in power following
legislative elections
election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of
vote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%

European Union
chief of union: President of the European Commission
Jose Manuel BARROSO (since 2004)
cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from each
member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy
areas)
elections: the president of the European Commission designated by
member governments and confirmed by the European Parliament; working
from member state recommendations, the Commission president then
assembles a "college" of Commission members; the European Parliament
confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; the next
confirmation process will likely be held in January 2015
note: the European Council brings together heads of state and
government and the president of the European Commission and meets at
least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the
major political issues relating to European integration and to issue
general policy guidelines; leaders of the EU member states appointed
then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY to be the first
full-time president of the European Council in November 2009; he
took office on 1 December 2009 and will serve a
two-and-one-half-year term, renewable once; his core
responsibilities include chairing the four summits each year and
providing continuity beyond the rotating, six-month presidencies of
the Council of the EU

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010)
is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Dr. Tim THOROGOOD
(since 3 January 2008)
cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative
Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial
secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of
the Executive Council on domestic affairs
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch

Faroe Islands
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since
14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael
KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26
September 2008)
cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held
on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)
election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008;
governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN
becomes prime minister

Fiji
chief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10
September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime
minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President
ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime
minister under the military regime
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup
leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet
elections: under the constitution, president elected by the Great
Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in
electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief
Justice Anthony GATES

Finland
chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June
2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)
cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the
president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006
(next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime
minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the
majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament
must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on
17 April 2007
election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli
NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA
(VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held
29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN
reelected prime minister; election results 121-71
note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

France
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the
suggestion of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in
the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of
vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU
18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY
53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

French Polynesia
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe
COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by
Richard DIDIER
head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG
(since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly
Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members
of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as
ministers
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly
elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term
limits)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
chief of state: President
Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior
Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

Gabon
chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16
October 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July
2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be
held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent
of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre
MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%
note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president
for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on
an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine
ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009
and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was
elected president

Gambia, The
chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since
18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the
junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18
October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to
be held in 2011)
election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa
SALLAH 6%

Georgia
chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25
January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as
head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and
defense
head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February
2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the
ministries of government except the power ministries of internal
affairs and defense
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008
(next to be held in January 2013)
election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent
of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%,
Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Germany
chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June
2010)
head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by
the president on the recommendation of the chancellor
elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the
Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state
parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by
June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the
Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor
last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative
election to be held no later than 2013)
election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625
votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121
abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal
Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Ghana
chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7
January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January
2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January
2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject
to approval by Parliament
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7
December 2012)
election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off
election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo
Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Gibraltar
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since
26 October 2009)
head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected
members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the
chief minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed
chief minister by the governor

Greece
chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU
(since 6 October 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010
(next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the
party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime
minister and form a government
election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of
parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Greenland
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14
January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER
(since April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)
cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting)
on the basis of the strength of parties
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the
leader of the majority party)
election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Grenada
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27
November 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general

Guam
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January
2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011);
Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)
cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor
with the consent of the Guam legislature
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president
and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and
Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year
term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term
before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next
to be held in November 2014)
election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote -
50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Guatemala
chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since
14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14
January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14
January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January
2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September
2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September
2011)
election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent
of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Guernsey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28
October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008);
Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)
cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation
election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of
vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Guinea
chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24
December 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes
cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010
with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010
election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff
election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO
47.5%

Guinea-Bissau
chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8
September 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25
December 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff
between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be
held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after
consultation with party leaders in the legislature
election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Guyana
chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August
1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President
Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006
head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992,
except for a period as chief of state after the death of President
Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,
responsible to the legislature
elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party
list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every
five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006
(next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of
vote 54.6%

Haiti
chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7
November 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 28 November
2010; runoff scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next to be held in
2015); prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the
National Assembly
election results: 2010 results not final, initial results are under
OAS review; Mirlande MANIGAT 31.37%, Jude CELESTIN 22.48%, Michel
MARTELLY 21.84%, all others less than 10% each

Holy See (Vatican City)
chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19
April 2005)
head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE
(since 15 September 2006)
cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City
appointed by the pope
elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;
election last held on 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death
of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope
election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI

Honduras
chief of state: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27
January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN
(since 27 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January
2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27
January 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November
2013)
election results: Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa elected president;
percent of vote - Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 56.3%, Elvin SANTOS
Lozano 38.1%, other 5.6%

Hong Kong
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15
March 2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG Yam-kuen (since 24
June 2005)
cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official members
and 14 non-official members
elections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
electoral committee; election last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be
held in 2012)
note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand the electoral committee
to 1,200 seats for the next election
election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving
84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG Kah-kit
received 15.9%

Hungary
chief of state: President Pal SCHMITT (since 6 August 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the National
Assembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministers
proposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of their
duties by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
29 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); prime minister elected
by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president;
election last held 29 May 2010
election results: Pal SCHMITT elected president; National Assembly
vote - Pal SCHMITT 263, Andras BALOGH 58; Viktor ORBAN was elected
prime minister; National Assembly vote - 261 to 107
note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of
legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the
third round

Iceland
chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1
August 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1
February 2009);
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: president, a largely ceremonial post, elected by popular
vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28
June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually the prime minister
note: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was not held because
Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn in on 1
August 2008
2004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president;
percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON
12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%;

India
chief of state: President Pratibha Devisingh PATIL (since 25
July 2007); Vice President Mohammad Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August
2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of
the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held
in July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected
by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last
held in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime minister
chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following
legislative elections; election last held April - May 2009 (next to
be held no later than May 2014)
election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote
- Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%

Indonesia
chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since
20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20
October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms
(eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;
election last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president;
percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATI
Sukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%

Iran
chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4
June 1989)
head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August
2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September
2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with
legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over
appointments to the more sensitive ministries
note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are
three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan), a
popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of
the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if
deemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for the
Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkhis-e-Maslahat-e-Nezam)
exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and
legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the
Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been
used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national
policy; in 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a
supervisory body for the government; 3) Council of Guardians of the
Constitution or Council of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye
Negban-e Qanon-e Asassi) determines whether proposed legislation is
both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates in
popular elections for suitability, and supervises national elections
elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of
Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); election
last held on 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for
June 2013)
election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percent
of vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei
33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85% (according to official figures
published by the government)

Iraq
chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers consists of ministers appointed by the
Presidency Council plus the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers
elections: president elected by Council of Representatives
(parliament) to serve a four-year term (eligible for a second term)
election results: President Jalal TALABANI reelected on 11 November
2010; parliamentary vote count on second ballot - 195 votes; Nuri
al-MALIKI reselected prime minister

Ireland
chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November
1997)
head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian COWEN (since 7
May 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination
by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 1997
(next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE was
appointed to a second term when no other candidate qualified for the
2004 presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by
the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the
president
election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -
Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

Isle of Man
chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K.
HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Tony BROWN (since 14 December
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch; the chief minister elected by the Tynwald for a
five-year term; election last held on 14 December 2006 (next to be
held in December 2011)
election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chief
minister by the Tynwald

Israel
chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31
March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the
Knesset
elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the
Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held
13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier);
following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with
party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to
a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to
accomplish that task
election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in
first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21;
PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)

Italy
chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May
2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May
2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the
president of the Council of Ministers
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and
nominated by the president
elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a
seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006
(next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president and confirmed by parliament
election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth
round of voting; electoral college vote - 543

Jamaica
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26
February 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the advice
of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives is
appointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy prime
minister recommended by the prime minister

Japan
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires
that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following
legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of
majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime
minister; the monarchy is hereditary

Jersey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June
2006)
head of government: Chief Minister Terry LE SUEUR (12 December
2008); Bailiff Michael BIRT (since 9 July 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005)
elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister are
elected by the Assembly of States; the monarchy is hereditary;
lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Jordan
chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);
Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of King
ABDALLAH II
head of government: Prime Minister Samir al-RIFAI (since 9 December
2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Ayman al-SAFADI, Khalid al-KARAKI,
Sa'ad Hayel SROUR
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation
with the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch

Kazakhstan
chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV
(chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected
president 1 December 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January
2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March
2009), Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October
2007), Aset ISEKESHEV (since 12 March 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012);
prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the
president, with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments
of May 2007 shortened the presidential term from seven years to five
years and established a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will
take effect after NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is
allowed to run for president indefinitely
election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;
percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.
TUYAKBAY 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAYMENOV 1.6%

Kenya
chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December
2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January
2008);
head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);
Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008); note
- the roles of the president and prime minister are not well defined
at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remains chief of
state and head of government, but the prime minister is charged with
coordinating government business
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the prime
minister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largest
number of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate must
also win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's seven
provinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held on 27
December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice president
appointed by the president
election results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote -
Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%

Kiribati
chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);
Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice
President Teima ONORIO
cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the
members of the House of Parliament
elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential
candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete
in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on
17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed
by the president
election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

Korea, North
chief of state: KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note -
on 9 April 2009, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA)
reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a
position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA
reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2009 president of its Presidium also with
responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic
credentials
head of government: Premier CHOE Yong Rim (since 7 June 2010); Vice
Premier HAN Kwang Bok (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JO Pyong Ju
(since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JON Ha Chol (since 7 June 2010),
Vice Premier KANG Nung Su (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KIM Rak
Hui (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September
2009), Vice Premier RI Thae Nam (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier RO
Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)
cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's
Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA
elections: last election held in September 2003; date of next
election NA
election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees
for positions and ran unopposed

Korea, South
chief of state: President LEE Myung-bak (since 25
February 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October
2010)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime
minister's recommendation
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year
term; election last held on 19 December 2007 (next to be held in
December 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consent
of National Assembly
election results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December
2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young
(UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%

Kosovo
chief of state: Acting President Jakup KRASNIQI (since 27
September 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January
2008)
cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly
elections: the president elected for a five-year term by the Kosovo
Assembly; election last held on 9 January 2008 (next to be held - a
special election in 2011); the prime minister elected by the Kosovo
Assembly
election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three
rounds; note - resigned from the office of president on 27
Septermber 2010; Hashim THACI elected prime minister by the Assembly

Kuwait
chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since
29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
(since 7 February 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad
al-Sabah (since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR
AL-MUBAREK al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime
Minister MUHAMMAD AL-SABAH al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and
approved by the amir
elections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the prime
minister and deputy prime ministers

Kyrgyzstan
chief of state: President Roza OTUNBAEVA (since 19 May
2010); note - OTUNBAEVA became acting president on 7 April 2010
following the early April 2010 riots that overthrew President
Kurmanbek BAKIEV; she was appointed president through 31 December
2011 by a 19 May 2010 decree of the provisional government, which
also prohibited her from running in the next presidential election;
she was officially sworn in on 3 July 2010
head of government: Prime Minister Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 17
December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister - Omurbek BABANOV (since
17 December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers - Shamil ATAKHANOV,
Ibragim JUNUSOV, Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 17 December 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and
security, are appointed solely by the president
elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a
five-year term; election last held on 23 July 2009 (next scheduled
for 2011); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party
holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the
president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and
government
election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of
vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAEV 8.4%, Temir SARIEV
6.7%, other candidates 8.8%

Laos
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8
June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister THONGSING Thammavong (since 24
December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
May 2002), Lt. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT
Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27
March 2001)
cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National
Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly
for five-year terms; election last held on 8 June 2006 (next to be
held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected
by the National Assembly for five-year term
election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG
Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote -
100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of
National Assembly vote - 97%

Latvia
chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12
March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
appointed by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 May 2007
(next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president, confirmed by Parliament
election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary
vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Lebanon
chief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (since 25 May 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Najib MIQATI (since 25 January
2011)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president and members of the National Assembly; note - the
Cabinet resigned on 12 January 2010 following the resignation of
over a third of the ministers
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year
term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 25 May
2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy prime
minister appointed by the president in consultation with the
National Assembly
election results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; National
Assembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated; 1 seat
unfilled due to death of incumbent

Lesotho
chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);
note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November
1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May
1998)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: according to the constitution, the leader of the majority
party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the
monarchy is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution
that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is
a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative
powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to
depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession,
or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not
of mature age

Liberia
chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
January 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the
Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 November 2005
(next to be held in October 2011)
election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percent
of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH
40.4%

Libya
chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar
al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,
but is de facto chief of state
head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee
(Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)
cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General
People's Congress
elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of
people's committees; head of government elected by the General
People's Congress; election last held in March 2010 (next elections
expected in early 2011)
election results: NA

Liechtenstein
chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November
1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent
Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15
August 2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling
prince to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state
head of government: Head of Government Klaus TSCHUETSCHER (since 25
March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag usually
appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of
the largest minority party in the Landtag usually appointed the
deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a coalition
government

Lithuania
chief of state: President Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (since 12
July 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27
November 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
nomination of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 May 2009
(next to be held in May 2014); prime minister appointed by the
president on the approval of the Parliament
election results: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of
vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE 69.1%, Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS 11.8%,
Valentinas MAZURONIS 6.2%, others 12.9%; Andrius KUBILIUS'
government approved by Parliament 83-40 with 5 abstentions

Luxembourg
chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);
Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November
1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20
January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and
appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following popular elections
to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
the monarch; the deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch;
they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies
note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP

Macau
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March
2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Fernando CHUI Sai-on (since 20
December 2009)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of 1 government secretary, 3
legislators, 4 businessmen, 1 pro-Beijing unionist, and 1
pro-Beijing educator
elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee
for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last
held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held in July 2014)
election results: Fernando CHUI Sai-on elected in 2009 with 282
votes, took office on 20 December 2009

Macedonia
chief of state: President Gjorge IVANOV (since 12 May 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 26 August
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all
the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the
government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, BDI/DUI, and several small
parties
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); two-round election: first round held
on 22 March 2009, second round held on 5 April 2009 (next to be held
in March 2014); prime minister elected by the Assembly following
legislative elections
election results: Gjorge IVANOV elected president on second-round
ballot; percent of vote - Gjorge IVANOV 63.1%, Ljubomir FRCKOSKI
36.9%

Madagascar
chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Albert Camille VITAL (since 18
December 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 December 2006
(next to be held on 4 May 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean
LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,
Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia
RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note -
RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009
note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc
RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the
military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition
leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the
High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in
August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in
general elections in 2010; as of December 2009 the agreement had not
been fully implemented

Malawi
chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004)
cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 May 2009
(next to be held in May 2014)
election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of
vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 66%, John TEMBO 30.7%, other 3.3%

Malaysia
chief of state: King - Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin (since 13
December 2006); (the position of the king is primarily ceremonial)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak
(since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed
Yassin (since 9 April 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament with consent of the king
elections: kings elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine
of the states for five-year terms; selection based on principle of
rotation among rulers of states; election last held on 3 November
2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among
the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative
elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of
members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this
has been the leader of the UMNO party)
election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected king

Maldives
chief of state: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
11 November 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
11 November 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the president
elections: under the new constitution, the president elected by
direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term); election last held on 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to
be held in 2013)
election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote
- NASHEED 54.3%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.7%

Mali
chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June
2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007
(next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent
of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%,
other 9.6%

Malta
chief of state: President George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister
elections: president elected by a resolution of the House of
Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 12 January 2009 (next to be held by April
2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime
minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime
minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime
minister
election results: George ABELA elected president by the House of
Representatives

Marshall Islands
chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2
November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November
2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of
the legislature
elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among
its members for a four-year term; election last held on 7 January
2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no
confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA
president on 26 October 2009

Mauritania
chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ (since
5 August 2009); note - AZIZ, who deposed democratically elected
President Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI in a coup and installed himself
as President of the High State Council on 6 August 2008, retired
from the military and stepped down from the Presidency in April 2009
to run for president; he was elected president in an election held
on 18 July 2009
head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF
(since 14 August 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: following the August 2008 coup, the High State Council
planned to hold a new presidential election in June 2009; the
election was subsequently rescheduled to 18 July 2009 following the
Dakar Accords, which brought Mauritania back to constitutional rule;
under Mauritania's constitution, the president elected by popular
vote for a five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2009 (next
to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ 52.6%,
Messaoud Ould BOULKHEIR 16.3%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 13.7%, Other 17.4%

Mauritius
chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7
October 2003); Vice President Monique OHSAN-BELLEPEAU (since 13
November 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5
July 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); elections
last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime
minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president,
responsible to the National Assembly
election results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president by
unanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%

Mayotte
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
2007); represented by Prefect Hubert DERACHE (since 22 July 2009)
head of government: President of the General Council Ahmed Attoumani
DOUCHINA (since March 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council
elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term;
next election to be held in 2014

Mexico
chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of
attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior
treasury officials require consent of the Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year
term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote
- Felipe CALDERON 35.9%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.3%, Roberto
MADRAZO 22.3%, other 6.5%

Micronesia, Federated States of
chief of state: President Emanuel
MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice
President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8
executive departments
elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from
among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held on 11 May 2007 (next to be held
in May 2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to
establish popular elections for president and vice president failed
election results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of
Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of
Congress vote - NA

Moldova
chief of state: Acting President Marian LUPU (since 30
December 2010)
note: Vladimir VORONIN, president since 4 April 2001, resigned on 11
September 2009; Marian LUPU, the Speaker of Parliament, is serving
as acting president until new elections can be held
head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir FILAT (since 25
September 2009)
note: Vladimir Filat resigned on 27 December 2010, but was
reappointed on 31 December 2010
cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of
Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 4
April 2005, most recent (failed) election held on 10 December 2009);
note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation
with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime
minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the
Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; prime
minister (re)designated on 31 December 2010; cabinet received a vote
of confidence on 14 January 2011
election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president (2005);
parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vladimir
FILAT (re)designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of
confidence - 59 of 101

Monaco
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March
2010)
cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed
by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates
presented by the French Government

Mongolia
chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29
October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since
20 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since
6 December 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation
with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural
(parliament)
elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties
represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
24 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative
elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition usually
elected prime minister by State Great Hural
election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ
elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.2%, Nambar
ENKHBAYAR 47.4%, others 1.3%

Montenegro
chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 6 April
2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Igor LUKSIC (since 29 December
2010)
cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet
elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 April 2008
(next to be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president,
accepted by Assembly
election results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; Filip
VUJANOVIC 51.9%, Andrija MANDIC 19.6%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.6%,
Srdan MILIC 11.9%

Montserrat
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July
2007)
head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September
2009)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief
minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance
secretary
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party usually becomes chief minister

Morocco
chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19
September 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch following legislative elections

Mozambique
chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2
February 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Aires Bonifacio ALI (since 16
January 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2009
(next to be held in 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Armando GUEBUZA reelected president; percent of
vote - Armando GUEBUZA 76.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 14.9%, Daviz SIMANGO
8.8%

Namibia
chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21
March 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 27-28 November
2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent
of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%,
Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%,
Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.3%

Nauru
chief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of parliament
elections: president elected by parliament for a three-year term;
election last held on 1 November 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: Marcus STEPHEN reelected in a parliamentary vote
of 11 to 6

Nepal
chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (since 23 July
2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (since 23 July 2008)
head of government: vacant; Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL
resigned on 30 June 2010 but leads a caretaker government
cabinet: cabinet was formed in May 2009 by a majority coalition made
up of the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Nepali
Congress, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, Nepal-Democratic, and
several smaller parties
elections: president elected by Parliament; term extends until the
new constitution is promulgated; election last held on 21 July 2008;
date of next election NA
election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by the
Constituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008;
Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282

Netherlands
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);
Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the
monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Mark RUTTE (since 14 October
2010); Deputy Prime Minister Maxime VERHAGEN (since 14 October 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber
elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority
coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy
prime ministers appointed by the monarch
note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir
apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet
on legislative and administrative policy

New Caledonia
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Albert DUPUY (since 6
October 2010)
head of government: President of the Government Philippe GOMES
(since 5 June 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by the
Territorial Congress
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a
five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held on 5 June
2009

New Zealand
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23
August 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November
2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime
minister appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua
chief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so
long as it is not consecutive); election last held on 5 November
2006 (next to be held by November 2011)
election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.1%,
Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.2%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.4%

Niger
chief of state: Djibo SALOU, chairman of the Supreme Council
for the Restoration of Democracy, and a leader of the military coup
that deposed President Mamadou TANDJA on 18 February 2010
head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou DANDA (since 19
February 2010); appointed by the president and shares some executive
responsibilities with the president
cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president (Cabinet
dissolved following the 18 February 2010 coup)
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); second round of election last held on
4 December 2004; a presidential election to restore civilian rule is
scheduled for 31 January 2011
election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of
vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Nigeria
chief of state: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May
2010, acting since 9 February 2010); note - the president is both
the chief of state and head of government; JONATHAN assumed the
presidency on 5 May 2010 following the death of President YAR'ADUA,
he was declared Acting President on 9 February 2010 by the National
Assembly during the extended illness of the former president
head of government: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010,
acting since 9 February 2010)
cabinet: Federal Executive Council
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April 2007
(next to be held on 22 January 2011)
election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of
vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku
ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Niue
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by
New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)
head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the
Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18
June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in
Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Norfolk Island
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the
Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts
as an advisor to the administrator
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA
(since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20
January 2009)
head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January
2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)
cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal
departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members
include special assistants to the governor and office heads
appointed by and reporting directly to the governor
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice
president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican
party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year
terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November
2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)
election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with
51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held
on 23 November 2009

Norway
chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir
Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20
July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17
October 2005)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of
parliament
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
with the approval of the parliament

Oman
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary

Pakistan
chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9
September 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25
March 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the
prime minister
elections: the president elected by secret ballot through an
Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National
Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term;
election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later
than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45
years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the
National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime
minister selected by the National Assembly; election last held on 24
March 2008
election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481
votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI
elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes;
several abstentions

Palau
chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)
cabinet: NA
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November
2012)
election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN
(49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Panama
chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since
1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1
July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate
reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional
terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election
last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president;
percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA
38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%
note: government coalition - CD (Democratic Change), Panamenista,
MOLIRENA (Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement), and UP
(Patriotic Union Party)

Papua New Guinea
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by acting governor general Michael OGIO
(since 20 December 2010)
note: governor general Sir Paulias MATANE (since 29 June 2004) was
replaced on 10 December 2010 when his reappointment to the office in
May 2010 was declared null and void
head of government: Acting Prime Minister Sam ABAL (since 14
December 2010)
note: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002)
stepped aside on 14 December 2010 because he was to be referred to a
tribunal for not submitting three annual fiscal returns; Deputy
Prime Minister Don POYLE (since 20 June 2010) was replaced on 9
December 2010 by Sam ABAL
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor
general on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state;
following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the
parliament

Paraguay
chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez
(since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15
August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15
August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on
20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president;
percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR
30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Peru
chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
July 2006)
note: Prime Minister Jose Antonio CHANG Escobedo (since 14 September
2010) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the
president
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and
congressional elections last held on 9 April 2006 with runoff
election held on 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011
election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff
election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA
Tasso 47.5%

Philippines
chief of state: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June
2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note -
president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of
Commission of Appointments
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May
2010; Benigno AQUINO declared winner and took office on 30 June
2010; next election to be held in May 2016
election results: Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote
- Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%;
Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY
41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

Pitcairn Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand
and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON
(since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since
September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the
Island Council
head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006);
Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1
January 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner
appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a
three-year term; election last held in December 2007 (next to be
held in December 2010)
election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the
Island Council

Poland
chief of state: President Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (since 6
August 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November
2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and
the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and
the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 June and 4
July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister and deputy prime
ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
election results: Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI elected president; percent of
popular vote - Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI 53%, Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI 47%

Portugal
chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9
March 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de
Sousa (since 12 March 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative
body to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 January 2006
(next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of
vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto
Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Puerto Rico
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the
legislature
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US
president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic
and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor
elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits);
election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November
2012)
election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the
vote

Qatar
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June
1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin
Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad
bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the amir (selected Heir Apparent
by the amir on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the
positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces
head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir Al
Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad
al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
elections: the amir is hereditary
note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member
Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative
powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the
first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Romania
chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December
2008); Deputy Prime Minister Marko BELA (since 23 December 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 November 2009
with runoff on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in November-December
2014); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of
the Parliament
election results: Traian BASESCU reelected president; percent of
vote - Traian BASESCU 50.3%, Mircea GEOANA 49.7%

Russia
chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV
(since 7 May 2008)
head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8
May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor
Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey
Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Gennadiyevich
KHLOPONIN (since 19 January 2010), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK (since
14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24 September
2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Vyacheslav
Viktorovich VOLODIN (since 21 October 2010), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich
ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004)
cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies,
and ministers; all are appointed by the president, and the premier
is also confirmed by the Duma
note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides
staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential
decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a
Security Council also reports directly to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next
to be held in March 2012); note - the term length was extended to
six years in late 2008, to go into effect following the 2012
presidential election; there is no vice president; if the president
dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is
impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until
a new presidential election is held, which must be within three
months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the
Duma
election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of
vote - Dmitriy MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir
ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Rwanda
chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March
2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); elections last held on 9 August 2010
(next to be held in 2017)
election results: Paul KAGAME elected to a second term as president;
Paul KAGAME 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO 5.1%, Prosper HIGIRO 1.4%,
Alvera MUKABAR 0.4%

Saint Barthelemy
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March
2007)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno
MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory,
economic, social, and cultural council
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the
Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
chief of state: Queen
ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Governor Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio
officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch

Saint Kitts and Nevis
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville
SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July
1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation
with the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Lucia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since
September 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9
September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September
2007
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Martin
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz
GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)
cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory
economic, social, and cultural council
election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial
Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10
April 2009

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY
(since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Regis BORIUS (since
29 October 2009)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane
ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012);
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
elected by the members of the council

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir
Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29
March 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the
governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor
general on the advice of the prime minister

Samoa
chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA
(since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of
state on the prime minister's advice
elections: chief of state elected by the Legislative Assembly to
serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 15
June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime
minister by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative
Assembly
election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by
the Legislative Assembly

San Marino
chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent
Giovanni Francesco UGOLINI and Captain Regent Andrea ZAFFERANI (for
the period 1 October 2010-1 April 2011)
head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political
Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)
cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council
for a five-year term
elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great
and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in
September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state
for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General
Council for a five-year term; election last held on 9 November 2008
(next to be held by 2013)
election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected
captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella
MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political
affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA
note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)
selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent
(co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over
meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress
of State), which has 10 other members, all are selected by the Grand
and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10
secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has
assumed some prime ministerial roles

Sao Tome and Principe
chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera
Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22
June 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
proposal of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 July 2006
(next to be held in July 2011); prime minister chosen by the
National Assembly and approved by the president
election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of
vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Saudi Arabia
chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin
Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown
Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the
monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz
Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd
al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz
Al Saud
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four
years and includes many royal family members
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance
Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a
committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future
Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after Crown
Prince Sultan becomes king

Senegal
chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1
May 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last
held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of
vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG
13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%

Serbia
chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July
2008)
cabinet: Republican Ministries act as cabinet
elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008
(next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National
Assembly
election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round
of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav
NIKOLIC 48.8%

Seychelles
chief of state: President James Alix MICHEL (since 14
April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for two more terms); election last held on 28-30 July 2006
(next to be held in 2011)
election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent
of vote - James MICHEL 53.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.7%, Philippe
BOULLE 0.6%; note - this was the first election in which President
James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president
after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004

Sierra Leone
chief of state: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17
September 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September
2007)
cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the
approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible
to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 August 2007
and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: second round results; percent of vote - Ernest Bai
KOROMA 54.6%, Solomon BEREWA 45.4%

Singapore
chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September
1999)
note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal
communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August
2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Senior
Minister Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 1 April 2009); Minister Mentor
LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee
Huan (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng
(since 1 September 2005)
cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term;
appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August
2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or
leader of majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN was appointed president
in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified
three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Sint Maarten
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since
30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY
(since 10 October 2010)
head of government: Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS (since 10 October 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister
by the legislature

Slovakia
chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Iveta RADICOVA (since 8 July
2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Jan FIGEL, Ivan MIKLOS, Jozef MIHAL,
Rudolf CHMEL (since 9 July 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 March and 4
April 2009 (next to be held no later than April 2014); following
National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
the president
election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC reelected president in runoff;
percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 55.5%, Iveta RADICOVA 44.5%

Slovenia
chief of state: President Danilo TURK (since 22 December
2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Borut PAHOR (since 7 November
2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
elected by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 October and
11 November 2007 (next to be held on 8 October 2012); following
National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime
minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly;
election last held on 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly
elections to be held in 8 October 2012)
election results: Danilo TURK elected president; percent of vote -
Danilo TURK 68.2%, Alojze PETERLE 31.8%; Borut PAHOR elected prime
minister by National Assembly vote

Solomon Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Frank KABUI (since 7 July
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Danny PHILIP (since 25 August
2010)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor
general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members
of parliament
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the advice of parliament for up to five years
(eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
usually elected prime minister by parliament; deputy prime minister
appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime
minister from among the members of parliament

Somalia
chief of state: Transitional Federal President Sheikh SHARIF
Sheikh Ahmed (since 31 January 2009); note - a transitional
governing entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional
Federal Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the
TFIs relocated to Somalia in June 2004; in 2009, the TFI's were
given a two-year extension to October 2011
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed FARMAJO
(since 1 November 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the
Transitional Federal Assembly
election results: Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed elected president by
the expanded Transitional Federal Assembly in Djibouti

South Africa
chief of state: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May
2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May
2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009);
Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6
May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Jacob ZUMA elected president; National Assembly
vote - Jacob ZUMA 277, Mvume DANDALA 47, other 76

Spain
chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975);
Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister
equivalent) Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004);
First Vice President (and Minister of the Interior) Alfredo Perez
RUBALCABA (since 20 October 2010), Second Vice President (and
Minister of Economy and Finance) Elena SALGADO Mendez (since 8 April
2009), and Third Vice President (and Minister of Regional Affairs)
Manuel CHAVES Gonzalez (since 8 April 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme
consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are
non-binding
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and
elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 9 and 11
April 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); vice presidents
appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president
election results: Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO reelected President
of the Government; percent of National Assembly vote - 46.9%

Sri Lanka
chief of state: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since
19 November 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government; Dissanayake Mudiyanselage JAYARATNE holds
the largely ceremonial title of prime minister (since 21 April 2010)
head of government: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19
November 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the
prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(two-term limit); election last held on 26 January 2010 (next to be
held in 2016)
election results: Mahinda RAJAPAKSA reelected president for second
term; percent of vote - Mahinda RAJAPAKSA 57.88%, Sarath FONSEKA
40.15%, other 1.97%

Sudan
chief of state: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since
16 October 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16
October 1993)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the
National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front
or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet
elections: election on 11-15 April 2010; next to be held in 2015
election results: Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president;
percent of vote - Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR 68.2%, Yasir ARMAN
21.7%, Abdullah Deng NHIAL 3.9%, others 6.2%
note: al-BASHIR assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary
Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served
concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister,
and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed
president by the RCC; he was elected president by popular vote for
the first time in March 1996

Suriname
chief of state: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12
August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12
August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate
receives a two-thirds constitutional majority in the National
Assembly after two votes, by a simple majority in the larger United
People's Assembly (893 representatives from the national, local, and
regional councils), for five-year terms (no term limits); election
last held on 19 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: Desire Delano BOUTERSE elected president; percent
of vote - Desire Delano BOUTERSE 70.6%, Chandrikapersad SATOKHI
25.5%, other 3.9%

Svalbard
chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January
1991)
head of government: Governor Odd Olsen INGERO (since September
2009); Assistant Governor Lars FAUSE (since September 2008)
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant
governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of
Justice

Swaziland
chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since
16 October 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by
the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly

Sweden
chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September
1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree,
daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5
October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October
2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

Switzerland
chief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation
Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline
WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both
the chief of state and head of government representing the Federal
Council; the Federal Council is the formal chief of state and head
of government whose council members, rotating in one-year terms as
federal president, represent the Council
head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline
CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline
WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011)
cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal
(in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) is elected by the
Federal Assembly usually from among its members for a four-year term
elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal
Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a
one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last
held on 8 December 2010 (next to be held in early December 2011)
election results: Micheline CALMY-REY elected president; number of
Federal Assembly votes - 106 of 189; Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF elected
vice president; current Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF is
slated to become president on 1 January 2012

Syria
chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000);
Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 11 February 2006) oversees
foreign policy; Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006)
oversees cultural policy
head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10
September 2003); Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdallah
al-DARDARI (since 14 June 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president approved by popular referendum for a second
seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May
2007 (next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice
presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers
election results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of
vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.6%

Taiwan
chief of state: President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008);
Vice President Vincent SIEW (since 20 May 2008)
head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) WU
Den-yih (since 10 September 2009); Vice Premier (Vice President of
Executive Yuan) Sean CHEN (since 17 May 2010)
cabinet: Executive Yuan - (ministers appointed by president on
recommendation of premier)
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 22 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012);
premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the
president on the recommendation of the premier
election results: MA Ying-jeou elected president; percent of vote -
MA Ying-jeou 58.45%, Frank HSIEH 41.55%

Tajikistan
chief of state: President Emomali RAHMON (since 6
November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19
November 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January
1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved
by the Supreme Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2006
(next to be held in November 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Emomali RAHMON reelected president; percent of
vote - Emomali RAHMON 79.3%, Olimjon BOBOEV 6.2%, other 14.5%

Tanzania
chief of state: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001);
note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001)
note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for
matters internal to Zanzibar; Ali Mohamed SHEIN elected to that
office on 31 October 2010, sworn in 3 November 2010
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot
by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 31 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015);
prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Jakaya KIKWETE elected president; percent of vote
- Jakaya KIKWETE 61.2%, Wilbrod SLAA 26.3%, Ibrahim LIPUMBA 8.1%,
other 4.5%

Thailand
chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled
BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946)
head of government: Prime Minister ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled
ABHISIT Vejjajiva (since 17 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister
SANAN Kachornprasat, also spelled SANAN Kachornparsart (since 7
February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SUTHEP Thueaksuban, also
spelled SUTHEP Thaugsuban (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime
Minister TRAIRONG Suwannakhiri (since 18 January 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
note: there is also a Privy Council advising the king
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007
constitution, the prime minister elected from among members of House
of Representatives; following national elections for House of
Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a
majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by
the king; the prime minister limited to two four-year terms

Timor-Leste
chief of state: President Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May
2007); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is
able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national
elections
head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 8
August 2007), note - he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre
GUSMAO; Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis GUTERRES (since 8 August 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 April 2007
with run-off on 8 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012); following
elections, president appoints leader of majority party or majority
coalition as prime minister
election results: Jose RAMOS-HORTA elected president; percent of
vote - Jose RAMOS-HORTA 69.2%, Francisco GUTTERES 30.8%

Togo
chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005);
head of government: Prime Minister Gilbert HOUNGBO (since 7
September 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the
prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 4 March 2010 (next to be
held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of
vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 60.9%, Jean-Pierre FABRE 33.9%, Yawovi
AGBOYIBO 3%, other 2.2%

Tokelau
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator
David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)
head of government: Foua TOLOA (since 21 February 2009); note -
position rotates annually among the 3 Faipule (village leaders)
cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau,
consisting of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village
mayors), functions as a cabinet
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head
of government chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a
one-year term

Tonga
chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO
(since 22 December 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister and appointed by
the monarch
note: there is also a Privy Council that advises the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy
prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament and
appointed by the monarch
election results: Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO elected by
parliament on 21 December 2010 with 14 of 26 votes

Trinidad and Tobago
chief of state: President George Maxwell
RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26
May 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament
elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists
of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
11 February 2008 (next to be held by February 2013); the president
usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party
in the House of Representatives
election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS reelected president;
percent of electoral college vote - NA

Tunisia
chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7
November 1987)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17
November 1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be
held in October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a
fifth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 89.6%, Mohamed
BOUCHIHA 5%, Ahmed INOUBLI 3.8%, Ahmed BRAHIM 1.6%; voter turnout
89.4%

Turkey
chief of state: President Abdullah GUL (since 28 August 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (since 14
March)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
nomination of the prime minister
elections: president elected directly for a five-year term (eligible
for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president from
among members of parliament
election results: on 28 August 2007 the National Assembly elected
Abdullah GUL president on the third ballot; National Assembly vote -
339
note: in October 2007 Turkish voters approved a referendum package
of constitutional amendments including a provision for direct
presidential elections

Turkmenistan
chief of state: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW
(since 14 February 2007); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14
February 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 11 February 2007 (next to be held in February
2012)
election results: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW elected president;
percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 89.2%, Amanyaz ATAJYKOW
3.2%, other candidates 7.6%

Turks and Caicos Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 5
August 2008)
head of government: Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 14 August
2009); note - the office of premier is suspended by the Order in
Council, effective 14 August 2009
cabinet: under provisions of the Order in Council, the cabinet is
suspended effective 14 August 2009 and replaced by an Advisory
Council appointed by the governor
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch
note: following an investigation into allegations of widespread
corruption and misconduct within the Turks and Caicos Government,
the UK foreign minister directed the governor to bring into effect
on 14 August 2009 an Order in Council suspending Ministerial
government and the House of Assembly, and imposing direct rule for a
period of up to two years

Tuvalu
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Iakoba TAEIA Italeli (since May 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Willie TELAVI (since 24 December
2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime
minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members
of parliament following parliamentary elections
election results: Willie TELAVI elected prime minister in a
parliamentary election on 24 December 2010 following a no-confidence
vote on 21 December 2010 that ousted Maatia TOAFA

Uganda
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI
(since seizing power on 26 January 1986); note - the president is
both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since
seizing power on 26 January 1986); Prime Minister Apolo NSIBAMBI
(since 5 April 1999); note - the prime minister assists the
president in the supervision of the cabinet
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected
legislators
elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18
February 2011)
election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president;
percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 59.3%, Kizza
BESIGYE 37.4%, other 3.3%

Ukraine
chief of state: President Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 25
February 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 11 March
2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy KLYUYEV (since 11 March
2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Borys KOLESNIKOV, Serhiy TIHIPKO,
Viktor TYKHONOV (all since 11 March 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the president and
approved by the Rada
note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC
originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the
NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on
domestic and international matters and advising the president; a
Presidential Administration helps draft presidential edicts and
provides policy support to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 January 2010
with runoff on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: Viktor YANUKOVYCH elected president; percent of
vote - Viktor YANUKOVYCH 48.95%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO 45.5%

United Arab Emirates
chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid
Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
(since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD
BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin
Rashid Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF
bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009) and MANSUR bin Zayid
Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the
seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional
authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions
federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for
five-year terms (no term limits) from among the seven FSC members;
election last held 3 November 2009 upon the death of the UAE's
Founding Father and first President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan
(next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan elected president by
a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum
unanimously affirmed vice president after the 2006 death of his
brother Sheikh Maktum bin Rashid Al-Maktum

United Kingdom
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14
November 1948)
head of government: Prime Minister David CAMERON (since 11 May 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually the prime minister

United States
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January
2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January
2009); Vice President Joseph BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each
state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible
for a second term); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be
held on 6 November 2012)
election results: Barack H. OBAMA elected president; percent of
popular vote - Barack H. OBAMA 52.4%, John MCCAIN 46.3%, other 1.3%;

Uruguay
chief of state: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since
1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March
2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1
March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March
2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with
parliamentary approval
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive
terms); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in
October 2014)
election results: Jose "Pepe" MUJICA elected president; percent of
vote - Jose "Pepe" MUJICA 54.8%, Luis Alberto LACALLE 45.2%

Uzbekistan
chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March
1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet;
elected president of independent Uzbekistan in 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 11
December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam AZIMOV (since 2
January 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with
approval of the Supreme Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term,
extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held on
23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister,
ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president
election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote
- Islom KARIMOV 88.1%, Asliddin RUSTAMOV 3.2%, Dilorom
T0SHMUHAMEDOVA 2.9%, Akmal SAIDOV 2.6%

Vanuatu
chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3
September 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 2 December
2010); note - Edward NATAPEI loses office in a no confidence vote on
2 December 2010
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
responsible to parliament
elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral
college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional
councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next
to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of
the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime
minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime
minister last held on 22 September 2008 (next to be held following
general elections in 2012)
election results: Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41
votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

Venezuela
chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3
February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26
January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February
1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January
2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for unlimited reelection); election last held on 3
December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)
note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new
constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an
election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of
this constitution; in 2009, a national referendum approved the
elimination of term limits on all elected officials, including the
presidency
election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of
vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 62.9%, Manuel ROSALES 36.9%

Vietnam
chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June
2006); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June
2006); Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28
June 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August
2007), Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien NHAN (since 2 August
2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006),
and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime
minister and confirmed by National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its
members for five-year term; last election held 27 June 2006 (next to
be held in January 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime
ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime
minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly
election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime
minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%

Virgin Islands
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)
cabinet: NA
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections
for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the
Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor
and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote
for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held
on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)
election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote -
John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%

Wallis and Futuna
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since
16 May 2007); represented by High Administrator Michel JEANJEAN
(since 10 June 2010)
head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Victor
BRIAL (since 11 December 2007)
cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of 3 kings and 3 members
appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial
Assembly
note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the
Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by the
members of the assembly

Western Sahara
none

Yemen
chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May
1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office upon the
merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd
al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Ali Muhammad MUJAWWAR (since 31
March 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
advice of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held on 20 September 2006 (next to be held in
September 2013); vice president appointed by the president; prime
minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of
vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 77.2%, Faysal BIN SHAMLAN 21.8%

Zambia
chief of state: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August
2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008); note -
President BANDA was acting president during the illness leading up
to the death of President Levy MWANAWASA on 18 August 2008, he was
then elected president on 30 October 2008 to serve out the remainder
of MWANAWASA's term; the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008);
Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 October 2008
(next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the
president; note - due to the death of former President Levy
MWANAWASA, early elections were held to identify a replacement to
serve out the remainder of his term
election results: Rupiah BANDA elected president; percent of vote -
Rupiah BANDA 40.1%, Michael SATA 38.1%, Hakainde HICHILEMA 19.7%,
Godfrey MIYANDA 0.8%, other 1.3%

Zimbabwe
chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE
(since 31 December 1987); Vice President John NKOMO (since December
2009) and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Morgan TSVANGIRAI (since 11
February 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Arthur MUTAMBARA
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and prime minister;
responsible to the House of Assembly
elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper
signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each
province) and elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term
limits); elections last held on 28 March 2008 followed by a run-off
on 27 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013); co-vice presidents drawn
from party leadership
election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent
of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 85.5%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 9.3%, other
5.2%; note - first round voting results - Morgan TSVANGIRAI 47.9%,
Robert Gabriel MUGABE 43.2%, Simba MAKONI 8.3%, other 0.6%;
first-round round polls were deemed to be flawed suppressing
TSVANGIRAI's results; the 27 June 2008 run-off between MUGABE and
TSVANGIRAI was severely flawed and internationally condemned

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

@2078

Field Listing :: Exports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise
exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are
calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power
parity (PPP) terms.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Exports

Afghanistan
$547 million (2009 est.)
$603 million (2008 est.); note - not including illicit exports or
reexports

Albania
$1.339 billion (2010 est.)
$1.048 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
$52.66 billion (2010 est.)
$43.69 billion (2009 est.)

American Samoa
$445.6 million (FY04 est.)

Andorra
$89.5 million (2008)
$117.1 million (2007)

Angola
$51.65 billion (2010 est.)
$40.08 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
$119.5 million (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
$84.3 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
$68.01 billion (2010 est.)
$55.67 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
$846 million (2010 est.)
$722.3 million (2009 est.)

Aruba
$124 million (2006); note - includes oil reexports

Australia
$210.7 billion (2010 est.)
$154.8 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
$157.4 billion (2010 est.)
$135.7 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$28.07 billion (2010 est.)
$21.1 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
$674 million (2006)

Bahrain
$15.13 billion (2010 est.)
$12.05 billion (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$16.24 billion (2010)
$15.58 billion (2009)

Barbados
$385 million (2006)

Belarus
$24.49 billion (2010 est.)
$21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
$279.2 billion (2010 est.)
$261.1 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
$404 million (2010 est.)
$381.9 million (2009 est.)

Benin
$1.125 billion (2010 est.)
$994 million (2009 est.)

Bermuda
$763 million (2006)

Bhutan
$513 million (2008)
$350 million (2006)

Bolivia
$6.058 billion (2010 est.)
$4.848 billion (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$4.787 billion (2010 est.)
$4.057 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
$4.419 billion (2010 est.)
$3.385 billion (2009 est.)

Brazil
$199.7 billion (2010 est.)
$153 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
$25.3 million (2002)

Brunei
$10.67 billion (2008)
$8.25 billion (2007)

Bulgaria
$19.33 billion (2010 est.)
$16.53 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$991 million (2010 est.)
$772 million (2009 est.)

Burma
$7.841 billion (2010 est.)
$6.862 billion (2009 est.)
note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the
value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled
to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh

Burundi
$71 million (2010 est.)
$68 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
$5.212 billion (2010 est.)
$4.302 billion (2009 est.)

Cameroon
$4.371 billion (2010 est.)
$4.079 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
$406.8 billion (2010 est.)
$323.3 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
$114 million (2010 est.)
$105 million (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
$13.8 million (2008)
$2.52 million (2004)

Central African Republic
$146.7 million (2007 est.)

Chad
$3.036 billion (2010 est.)
$2.709 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
$64.28 billion (2010 est.)
$53.74 billion (2009 est.)

China
$1.506 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.204 trillion (2009 est.)

Christmas Island
$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
$NA

Colombia
$40.24 billion (2010 est.)
$34.03 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
$32 million (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$3.8 billion (2009 est.)
$6.6 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$9.2 billion (2010 est.)
$7.425 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
$5.222 million (2005)

Costa Rica
$10.01 billion (2010 est.)
$8.847 billion (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$10.25 billion (2010 est.)
$10.5 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
$11.51 billion (2010 est.)
$10.72 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
$3.311 billion (2010 est.)
$2.879 billion (2009 est.)

Curacao
$876 million (2008 est.)
note: excludes oil

Cyprus
$2.232 billion (2010 est.)
$2.065 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$116.5 billion (2010 est.)
$112.6 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
$99.37 billion (2010 est.)
$91.51 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
$100 million (2009); $340 million

Dominica
$94 million (2006)

Dominican Republic
$6.161 billion (2010 est.)
$5.462 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
$17.37 billion (2010 est.)
$14.35 billion (2009 est.)

Egypt
$25.34 billion (2010 est.)
$23.09 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
$4.377 billion (2010 est.)
$3.797 billion (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
$10.24 billion (2010 est.)
$8.495 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
$25 million (2010 est.)
$20 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
$10.77 billion (2010 est.)
$9.08 billion (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$1.729 billion (2010 est.)
$1.636 billion (2009 est.)

European Union $1.952 trillion (2007) $1.33 trillion (2005) note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $125 million (2004 est.)

Faroe Islands $848 million (2008) $634 million (2006)

Fiji
$1.202 billion (2006)

Finland
$73.53 billion (2010 est.)
$62.69 billion (2009 est.)

France
$508.7 billion (2010 est.)
$473.9 billion (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
$211 million (2005 est.)

Gabon
$6.803 billion (2010 est.)
$6.04 billion (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$107 million (2010 est.)
$95 million (2009 est.)

Georgia
$2.29 billion (2010 est.)
$1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
$1.337 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.145 trillion (2009 est.)

Ghana
$7.326 billion (2010 est.)
$5.84 billion (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
$271 million (2004 est.)

Greece
$21.14 billion (2010 est.)
$21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Greenland
$485 million (2008)
$428 million (2007)

Grenada
$38 million (2006)

Guam
$45 million (2004 est.)

Guatemala
$8.47 billion (2010 est.)
$7.214 billion (2009)

Guernsey
$NA

Guinea
$1.468 billion (2010 est.)
$1.18 billion (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$133 million (2006)

Guyana
$814 million (2010 est.)
$763 million (2009 est.)

Haiti
$559 million (2010 est.)
$551 million (2009 est.)

Honduras
$5.879 billion (2010 est.)
$5.09 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$382.6 billion (2010 est.)
$321.8 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
$93.74 billion (2010 est.)
$82.1 billion (2009 est.)

Iceland
$4.619 billion (2010 est.)
$4.05 billion (2009 est.)

India
$201 billion (2010 est.)
$168.2 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
$146.3 billion (2010 est.)
$119.5 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
$78.69 billion (2010 est.)
$69.04 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
$49.1 billion (2010 est.)
$40.86 billion (2009 est.)

Ireland
$115.7 billion (2010 est.)
$107.3 billion (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
$NA

Israel
$54.31 billion (2010 est.)
$45.9 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
$458.4 billion (2010 est.)
$407.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
$1.487 billion (2010 est.)
$1.263 billion (2009 est.)

Japan
$735.8 billion (2010 est.)
$545.3 billion (2009 est.)

Jersey
$NA

Jordan
$7.333 billion (2010 est.)
$6.366 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$59.23 billion (2010 est.)
$43.84 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
$5.141 billion (2010 est.)
$4.459 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
$17 million (2004 est.)

Korea, North
$1.997 billion (2009)
$2.062 billion (2008)

Korea, South
$466.3 billion (2010 est.)
$373.6 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
$527 million (2007 est.)

Kuwait
$65.03 billion (2010 est.)
$50.34 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$1.682 billion (2010 est.)
$1.726 billion (2009 est.)

Laos
$1.215 billion (2010 est.)
$1.104 billion (2009 est.)

Latvia
$7.894 billion (2010 est.)
$7.223 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
$5.187 billion (2010 est.)
$4.716 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
$985 million (2010 est.)
$821 million (2009 est.)

Liberia
$1.197 billion (2006)

Libya
$44.89 billion (2010 est.)
$37.16 billion (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
$3.92 billion (2008)

Lithuania
$19.29 billion (2010 est.)
$16.48 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$17.82 billion (2010 est.)
$15.5 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
$950 million (2009 est.)
$2 billion (2008); note - includes reexports

Macedonia
$3.171 billion (2010 est.)
$2.686 billion (2009 est.)

Madagascar
$1.412 billion (2010 est.)
$1.309 billion (2009 est.)

Malawi
$1.189 billion (2010 est.)
$912 million (2009 est.)

Malaysia
$192.8 billion (2010 est.)
$157.5 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
$88 million (2009 est.)
$125 million (2008 est.)

Mali
$294 million (2006)

Malta
$2.954 billion (2010 est.)
$2.383 billion (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
$19.4 million (2008 est.)
$9.1 million (2000 est.)

Mauritania
$1.395 billion (2006)

Mauritius
$2.041 billion (2010 est.)
$1.942 billion (2009 est.)

Mayotte
$6.5 million (2005)

Mexico
$303 billion (2010 est.)
$229.8 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$14 million (2004 est.)

Moldova
$1.45 billion (2010 est.)
$1.332 billion (2009 est.)

Monaco
$716.3 million (2005)
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and
rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market
system through customs union with France

Mongolia $1.902 billion (2009) $2.539 billion (2008)

Montenegro
$171.3 million (2003)

Montserrat
$700,000 (2001 est.)

Morocco
$14.49 billion (2010 est.)
$13.92 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
$2.517 billion (2010 est.)
$1.947 billion (2009 est.)

Namibia
$4.277 billion (2010 est.)
$3.535 billion (2009 est.)

Nauru
$64,000 (2005 est.)

Nepal
$849 million (2009)
$907 million (2008)

Netherlands
$451.3 billion (2010 est.)
$421.3 billion (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
$1.341 billion (2006)

New Zealand
$33.24 billion (2010 est.)
$25.35 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$3.182 billion (2010 est.)
$2.593 billion (2009 est.)

Niger
$428 million (2006)

Nigeria
$76.33 billion (2010 est.)
$59.32 billion (2009 est.)

Niue
$201,400 (2004)

Norfolk Island
$1.5 million (FY91/92)

Northern Mariana Islands
$98.2 million (2008)

Norway
$137 billion (2010 est.)
$122 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
$36.12 billion (2010 est.)
$27.65 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
$20.29 billion (2010 est.)
$18.33 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
$5.882 million (2004 est.)

Panama
$12.52 billion (2010 est.)
$10.9 billion (2009 est.)
note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Papua New Guinea
$5.976 billion (2010 est.)
$4.392 billion (2009 est.)

Paraguay
$7.606 billion (2010 est.)
$5.784 billion (2009 est.)

Peru
$33.73 billion (2010 est.)
$26.88 billion (2009 est.)

Philippines
$45.89 billion (2010 est.)
$37.51 billion (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
$NA

Poland
$160.8 billion (2010 est.)
$142.1 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
$46.27 billion (2010 est.)
$44.49 billion (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
$46.9 billion (2001)

Qatar
$57.82 billion (2010 est.)
$33.28 billion (2009 est.)

Romania
$51.91 billion (2010 est.)
$40.6 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
$376.7 billion (2010 est.)
$303.4 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
$226 million (2010 est.)
$193 million (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$19 million (2004 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$84 million (2006)

Saint Lucia
$288 million (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$5.5 million (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$193 million (2006)

Samoa
$131 million (2006)

San Marino
$4.628 billion (2007)
$1.291 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
$13 million (2010 est.)
$10 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$235.3 billion (2010 est.)
$192.3 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
$2.112 billion (2010 est.)
$1.902 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
$9.372 billion (2010 est.)
$8.368 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
$464 million (2010 est.)
$432.5 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
$216 million (2006)

Singapore
$358.3 billion (2010 est.)
$273.4 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
$64.18 billion (2010 est.)
$55.32 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
$24.97 billion (2010 est.)
$22.53 billion (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
$237 million (2006)

Somalia
$300 million (2006)

South Africa
$76.86 billion (2010 est.)
$66.54 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
$268.3 billion (2010 est.)
$224 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$7.908 billion (2010 est.)
$7.085 billion (2009 est.)

Sudan
$9.777 billion (2010 est.)
$7.56 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
$1.391 billion (2006 est.)

Svalbard
$197.6 million (2000)

Swaziland
$1.417 billion (2010 est.)
$1.338 billion (2009 est.)

Sweden
$162.6 billion (2010 est.)
$133.3 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
$235.2 billion (2010 est.)
$208.5 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
$12.84 billion (2010 est.)
$11.76 billion (2009 est.)

Taiwan
$277.6 billion (2010 est.)
$203.4 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$1.318 billion (2010 est.)
$1.039 billion (2009 est.)

Tanzania
$3.809 billion (2010 est.)
$3.365 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
$191.3 billion (2010 est.)
$151.9 billion (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
$10 million (2005 est.); note - excludes oil

Togo
$859 million (2010 est.)
$818 million (2009 est.)

Tokelau
$0 (2002)

Tonga
$22 million (2006)

Trinidad and Tobago
$12.06 billion (2010 est.)
$9.312 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
$16.11 billion (2010 est.)
$14.42 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
$117.4 billion (2010 est.)
$109.6 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$9.672 billion (2010 est.)
$6.737 billion (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
$169.2 million (2000)

Tuvalu
$1 million (2004 est.)

Uganda
$2.941 billion (2010 est.)
$2.7 billion (2009 est.)

Ukraine
$49.71 billion (2010 est.)
$40.39 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$195.8 billion (2010 est.)
$192.2 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$405.6 billion (2010 est.)
$356.2 billion (2009 est.)

United States
$1.27 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.069 trillion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
$7.413 billion (2010 est.)
$6.389 billion (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$13.13 billion (2010 est.)
$10.74 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$40 million (2006)

Venezuela
$64.87 billion (2010 est.)
$57.6 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
$70.76 billion (2010 est.)
$57.1 billion (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
$4.234 billion (2001)

Wallis and Futuna
$47,450 (2004)

West Bank
$529 million (2008)
$339 million (2006)
note: includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
$NA

World
$14.9 trillion (2010 est.)
$12.39 trillion (2009)

Yemen
$7.462 billion (2010 est.)
$5.812 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
$6.463 billion (2010 est.)
$4.203 billion (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$1.869 billion (2010 est.)
$1.213 billion (2009 est.)

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

@2079

Field Listing :: Debt - external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Debt - external

Afghanistan $2.7 billion (2008/2009) $8 billion (2004)

Albania
$1.55 billion (2004)

Algeria
$4.138 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.413 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

American Samoa
$NA

Andorra
$NA

Angola
$17.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
$8.8 million (1998)

Antigua and Barbuda
$359.8 million (June 2006)

Argentina
$128.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$118.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
$5.227 billion (30 June 2010)
$3.449 billion (31 December 2008)

Aruba
$478.6 million (2005 est.)

Australia
$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.094 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$755 billion (30 June 2010)
$864.2 billion (31 December 2008)

Azerbaijan
$3.221 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
$342.6 million (2004 est.)

Bahrain
$14.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.55 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$24.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$24.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
$668 million (2003)

Belarus
$24.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
$1.241 trillion (30 June 2010)
$1.354 trillion (31 December 2008)

Belize
$1.01 billion (2009 est.)
$954.1 million (2008 est.)

Benin
$2.894 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$986.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Bermuda
$160 million (FY99/00)

Bhutan
$836 million (2009)
$713.3 million (2006)

Bolivia
$6.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.653 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$7.996 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.048 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
$2.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.681 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
$310.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$273.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
$36.1 million (1997)

Brunei
$0 (2005)

Bulgaria
$36.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$39.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$2.002 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.784 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
$7.145 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.079 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
$1.2 billion (2003)

Cambodia
$4.338 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.284 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
$3.344 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$1.009 trillion (30 June 2010)
$781.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Cape Verde
$325 million (2002)

Cayman Islands
$70 million (1996)

Central African Republic
$1.153 billion (2007 est.)

Chad
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.749 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Chile
$84.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$72.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
$406.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$349.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$57.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$52.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
$232 million (2000 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the $4.3 billion (2009 est.) $12.7 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$5 billion (2000 est.)

Cook Islands
$141 million (1996 est.)

Costa Rica
$9.126 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.972 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$11.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
$59.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$19.75 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$32.61 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
$86.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$82.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$559.5 billion (30 June 2010)
$588.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Djibouti
$428 million (2006)

Dominica
$213 million (2004)

Dominican Republic
$13.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$14.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$30.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$29.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$11.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
$832 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$766 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$961.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Estonia
$25.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$25.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$4.289 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.621 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union

$13.72 trillion (30 June 2010); This is the external debt for the euro area only; it excludes the external debt of the non-euro-area members of the EU

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$NA

Faroe Islands
$68.1 million (2006)

Fiji
$127 million (2004 est.)

Finland
$370.8 billion (30 June 2010)
$339.5 billion (31 December 2008)

France
$4.698 trillion (30 June 2010)
$4.935 trillion (31 December 2008)

French Polynesia
$NA

Gabon
$2.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.352 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$530 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$489 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
$3.381 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.711 billion (31 December 2008)

Germany
$4.713 trillion (30 June 2010)
$5.158 trillion (31 December 2008)

Ghana
$6.483 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.427 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gibraltar
$NA

Greece
$532.9 billion (30 June 2010)
$504.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Greenland
$58 million (2009)
$25 million (1999)

Grenada
$347 million (2004)

Guam
$NA

Guatemala
$17.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guernsey
$NA

Guinea
$3.072 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$3.222 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$941.5 million (2000 est.)

Guyana
$804.3 million (30 September 2008)
$1.2 billion (2002)

Haiti
$494 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.362 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
$3.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$69.86 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$655.1 billion (30 September 2009)

Hungary
$134.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$147.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$3.073 billion (2002)

India
$237.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$221.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$155.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$156.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$12.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
$52.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
$2.131 trillion (30 June 2010)
$2.356 trillion (31 December 2008)

Isle of Man
$NA

Israel
$89.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$86.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
$2.223 trillion (30 June 2010 est.)
$2.328 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jamaica
$12.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$2.246 trillion (30 June 2010)
$2.231 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jersey
$NA

Jordan
$5.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.766 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$94.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$106.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$7.935 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.795 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kiribati
$10 million (1999 est.)

Korea, North
$12.5 billion (2001 est.)

Korea, South
$370.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$370.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
$NA

Kuwait
$56.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$55.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$3.738 billion (30 June 2010)
$3.467 billion (31 December 2008)

Laos
$3.085 billion (2009 est.)
$3.179 billion (2006 est.)

Latvia
$37.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$34.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$31.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
$647 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$671 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
$3.2 billion (2005 est.)

Libya
$6.378 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.891 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
$0 (2001)

Lithuania
$27.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$28.69 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$1.892 trillion (30 June 2010)
$2.02 trillion (31 December 2008)

Macau
$0 (2009)

Macedonia
$5.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
$2.973 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.261 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
$1.213 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.166 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
$62.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$58.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
$589 million (2009 est.)
$477 million (2008 est.)

Mali
$2.8 billion (2002)

Malta
$41.02 billion (30 June 2010)
$3.75 billion (2008)

Marshall Islands
$87 million (2008 est.)
$86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

Mauritania
$NA

Mauritius
$5.043 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.474 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mayotte
$NA

Mexico
$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$204.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$60.8 million (FY05 est.)

Moldova
$4.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.844 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Monaco
$18 billion (2000 est.)

Mongolia $1.86 billion (2009) $1.6 billion (2008)

Montenegro
$650 million (2006)

Montserrat
$8.9 million (1997)

Morocco
$22.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$21.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
$4.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$2.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.175 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nauru
$33.3 million (2004 est.)

Nepal
$4.5 billion (2009)
$3.285 billion (2008)

Netherlands
$NA (30 June 2010)
$3.733 trillion (31 December 2009)

New Caledonia
$79 million (1998 est.)

New Zealand
$64.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$4.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.633 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
$2.1 billion (2003 est.)

Nigeria
$11.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niue
$418,000 (2002 est.)

Norfolk Island
$NA

Northern Mariana Islands
$NA

Norway
$2.232 trillion (30 June 2010)
$475.9 billion (31 December 2008)
note: Norway is a net external creditor

Oman
$8.829 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.061 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Palau
$0 (FY99/00)

Panama
$13.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
$1.548 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.436 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
$4.346 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
$33.29 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$30.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$61.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$252.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$239.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$497.8 billion (30 June 2010)
$507 billion (30 June 2009)

Puerto Rico
$NA

Qatar
$71.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$70.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
$108.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$110 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$480.2 billion (30 November 2010 est.)
$467.2 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
$NA

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$314 million (2004)

Saint Lucia
$257 million (2004)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $479 million (2010 est.) $223 million (2004)

Samoa
$177 million (2004)

San Marino
$NA

Sao Tome and Principe
$318 million (2002)

Saudi Arabia
$82.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$72.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
$3.885 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.462 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$32.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$32.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
$1.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.321 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
$1.61 billion (2003 est.)

Singapore
$21.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$59.33 billion (30 June 2010 est.)
$52.53 billion (31 December 2008)

Slovenia
$51.57 billion (30 June 2010)
$54.61 billion (31 December 2008)

Solomon Islands
$166 million (2004)

Somalia
$3 billion (2001 est.)

South Africa
$80.52 billion (30 June 2010 est.)
$73.84 billion (30 June 2009)

Spain
$2.166 trillion (30 June 2010)
$2.317 trillion (31 December 2008)

Sri Lanka
$17.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
$37.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$35.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
$504.3 million (2005 est.)

Swaziland
$497 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$411 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
$853.3 billion (30 June 2010)
$617.3 billion (31 December 2008)

Switzerland
$1.19 trillion (30 June 2010)
$1.305 trillion (31 December 2008)

Syria
$7.682 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.359 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
$91.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$75.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
$7.576 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.879 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
$82.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$70.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Togo
$NA (31 December 2010)
$1.573 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Tonga
$80.7 million (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
$4.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.895 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
$18.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$270.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$268.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$5 billion (2009 est.)
$1.4 billion (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
$NA

Tuvalu
$NA

Uganda
$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.554 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
$97.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$94.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$122.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$122.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$8.981 trillion (30 June 2010)
$9.041 trillion (31 December 2008)

United States
$13.98 trillion (30 June 2010)
$13.75 trillion (31 December 2008)
note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US
dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar
denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the
world's reserve currency

Uruguay
$13.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$4.236 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.053 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$81.2 million (2004)

Venezuela
$55.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
$NA

Wallis and Futuna
$3.67 million (2004)

West Bank
$1.04 billion (2010 est.)
$1.3 billion (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
$NA

World
$59.09 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.25 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt,
both public and private

Yemen
$7.147 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$3.495 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.091 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$5.772 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.667 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

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

@2080

Field Listing ::

Country

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

@2081

Field Listing :: Flag description

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

Flag description

Afghanistan
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), red,
and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red
band and slightly overlapping the other two bands; the center of the
emblem features a mosque with pulpit and flags on either side, below
the mosque are numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the
Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK);
this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of
wheat on the left and right, in the upper-center is an Arabic
inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are rays of
the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is
great"), and at bottom center is a scroll bearing the name
Afghanistan; black signifies the past, red is for the blood shed for
independence, and green can represent either hope for the future,
agricultural prosperity, or Islam
note: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th
century than any other country; the colors black, red, and green
appeared on most of them

Akrotiri
the flag of the UK is used

Albania
red with a black two-headed eagle in the center; the design
is claimed to be that of 15th-century hero George Castriota
SKANDERBERG, who led a successful uprising against the Turks that
resulted in a short-lived independence for some Albanian regions
(1443-1478); an unsubstantiated explanation for the eagle symbol is
the tradition that Albanians see themselves as descendants of the
eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shkypetars," which translates as
"sons of the eagle"

Algeria
two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a
red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the
two-color boundary; the colors represent Islam (green), purity and
peace (white), and liberty (red); the crescent and star are also
Islamic symbols, but the crescent is more closed than those of other
Muslim countries because the Algerians believe the long crescent
horns bring happiness

American Samoa
blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is
based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and
white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying
two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a
"Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk
known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols
broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the
relationship between the United States and American Samoa

Andorra
three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red,
with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the
latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio
of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered
shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and
proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto
reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag
combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of
Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a
national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which
does bear a national emblem

Angola
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a
centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half
a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and
sickle); red represents liberty, black the African continent, the
symbols characterize workers and peasants

Anguilla
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half
of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an
interlocking circular design on a white background with a
turquoise-blue field below; the white in the background represents
peace; the blue base symbolizes the surrounding sea, as well as
faith, youth, and hope; the three dolphins stand for endurance,
unity, and strength

Antigua and Barbuda
red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based
on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal
bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising
sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era,
black represents the African heritage of most of the population,
blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V"
stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring
is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun,
sea, and sand

Argentina
three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white,
and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun
with a human face known as the Sun of May; the colors represent the
clear skies and snow of the Andes; the sun symbol commemorates the
appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on 25 May 1810 during the
first mass demonstration in favor of independence; the sun features
are those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun

Armenia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange;
the color red recalls the blood shed for liberty, blue the Armenian
skies as well as hope, and orange the land and the courage of the
workers who farm it

Aruba
blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the
lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the
upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil
and white beaches, its four points the four major languages
(Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of
a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the
world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes
represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists
to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Australia
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side
quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing
the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star
depicts one point for each of the six original states and one
representing all of Australia's internal and external territories;
on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross
constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four
larger, seven-pointed stars

Austria
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red;
the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest -
national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191,
following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of
Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon
removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the
red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his
banner

Azerbaijan
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and
green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in
the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage,
red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to
Islam; the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol, while the
eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples of the world

Bahamas, The
three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold,
and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist
side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands
surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and
force of a united people, while the pointing triangle indicates the
enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop the
rich resources of land and sea

Bahrain
red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states,
with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side;
the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was
reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag

Bangladesh
green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the
hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the
sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the
lush vegetation of Bangladesh

Barbados
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and
blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the
band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of
the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break
with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete
trident)

Belarus
red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half
the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side
bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color
recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents
hope and the many forests of the country

Belgium
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow,
and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the
colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion
with red claws and tongue on a black field)

Belize
blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom
edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the
coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a
mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in
the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green
garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main
political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various
elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany
tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that
led to British settlement of Belize
note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human
beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British
Virgin Islands, also depict humans

Benin
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom)
with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope
and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Bermuda
red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red
lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield
showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609)
centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the
vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia,
that led to settling of Bermuda
note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas
territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

Bhutan
divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the
upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered
along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing
away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder
Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for
purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background
colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the
orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the
ruling dynasty

Bolivia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green
with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for
bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's
mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land
note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black
five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a
presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a
square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous
peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag

Bosnia and Herzegovina
a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly
side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top
of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven
full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom
along the hypotenuse of the triangle; the triangle approximates the
shape of the country and its three points stand for the constituent
peoples - Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe
and are meant to be continuous (thus the half stars at top and
bottom); the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are often associated
with neutrality and peace, and traditionally are linked with Bosnia

Botswana
light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in
the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the
black and white bands represent racial harmony

Bouvet Island
the flag of Norway is used

Brazil
green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a
blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has
a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and
Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former
Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green
represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of
Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife;
on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country
and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and
stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict
the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the
day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has
changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an
original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal
District)

British Indian Ocean Territory white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

British Virgin Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in
the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked
on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll
bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); the islands were
named by COLUMBUS in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin
followers (some sources say 11,000) who reputedly were martyred by
the Huns in the 4th or 5th century; the figure on the banner holding
a lamp represents the saint, the other lamps symbolize her followers

Brunei
yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double
width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national
emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of
royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands
denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main
components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing
the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice,
tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands
signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the
welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the
state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's
guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon
below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"

Bulgaria
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and
red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by
substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue
note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white
stripe, has been removed

Burkina Faso
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with
a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's
struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance,and
yellow represents the country's mineral wealth
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Burma
design consists of three equal horizontal stripes of yellow
(top), green, and red; centered on the green band is a large white
five-pointed star that partially overlaps onto the adjacent colored
stripes; the design revives the triband colors used by Burma from
1943-45, during the Japanese occupation

Burundi
divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and
bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk
superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars
outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above,
two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity
and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence;
the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups:
Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national
motto: unity, work, progress

Cambodia
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width),
and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat
outlined in black in the center of the red band; red and blue are
traditional Cambodian colors
note: only national flag to incorporate an actual building in its
design

Cameroon
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and
yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band;
the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes
unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north,
and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to
as the "star of unity"
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Canada
two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width)
with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is
centered in the white square; the maple leaf has long been a
Canadian symbol; the official colors of Canada are red and white

Cape Verde
five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue
- equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three
bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and
a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a
circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red
stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist
side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars
represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes
symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white)
and effort (red)

Cayman Islands
a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the
outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a
pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle,
representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a
golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green
stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue
wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing
the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Central African Republic
four equal horizontal bands of blue (top),
white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a
yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner
combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the
blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the
sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and
yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant
future

Chad
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial)
colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue
symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is
relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the
desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity,
and sacrifice
note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of
Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms
centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

Chile
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue
square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of
the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the
center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes
the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the
blood spilled to achieve independence
note: design was influenced by the US flag

China
red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller
yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the
middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red
represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social
classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty
bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united
under the Communist Party of China

Christmas Island
territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper
hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image
of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, the lower triangle is blue
with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia,
superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the
island
note: the flag of Australia is used for official purposes

Clipperton Island
the flag of France is used

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Colombia
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue,
and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of
Gran Columbia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up
in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include:
yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its
shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom;
alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more
elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty
and vigilance (blue), and valour and generosity (red); or simply the
principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the
Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

Comoros
four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and
blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered
within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing
the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a
line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and
the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -
Mwali, N'gazidja, Nzwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - territorial
collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros)
note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols
of Islam

Congo, Democratic Republic of the sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country

Congo, Republic of the
divided diagonally from the lower hoist side
by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the
lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests,
yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained
but has been associated with the struggle for independence
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Cook Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for
every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

Coral Sea Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Costa Rica
five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double
width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical
disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the
earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in
response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to
incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central
red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the
sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness,
and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well
as the generosity and vibrancy of the people
note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the
flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed

Cote d'Ivoire
three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side),
white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north
and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents
the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future
note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the
colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also
similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white,
and red; design was based on the flag of France

Croatia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue -
the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the
coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red
and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields
that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields
represent five historic regions, they are (from left to right):
Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
Russia

Cuba
five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom)
alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the
hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; the blue
bands refer to the three old divisions of the island: central,
occidental, and oriental; the white bands describe the purity of the
independence ideal; the triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and
fraternity, while the red color stands for the blood shed in the
independence struggle; the white star, called La Estrella Solitaria
(the Lone Star) lights the way to freedom and was taken from the
flag of Texas
note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of
the bands and triangle reversed

Curacao
on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the
center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed
white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger -
appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections
symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun;
the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister
island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five
continents from which Curacao's people derive

Cyprus
white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the
name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two
green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches
symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek
and Turkish communities
note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the
white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow
horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and
bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red
five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national
flag but with the colors reversed

Czech Republic
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red
with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
note: is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia; uses
the Pan-Slav colors inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

Denmark
red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the
flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side;
the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one
of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the
origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that
the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle;
caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this
heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality,
the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
note: the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the
other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Dhekelia
the flag of the UK is used

Djibouti
two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light
green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea
and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the
Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the
struggle for independence and stands for unity

Dominica
green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the
vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the
horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in
the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou Parrot,
unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged
in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions
(parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the
triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow
color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and
bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil
and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers,
waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for
social justice

Dominican Republic
a centered white cross that extends to the edges
divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist
side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a
small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch
(left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross;
above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA,
LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA
DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon; in the shield a bible is opened
to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth
shall set you free); blue stands for liberty, white for salvation,
and red for the blood of heroes

Ecuador
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue,
and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the
flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran
Columbia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the
yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue
the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in
the struggle for freedom and justice
note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not
bear a coat of arms

Egypt
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side
with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the
name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; the band
colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression
(black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a
bright future (white)
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the
white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the
white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

El Salvador
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based
on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of
Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the
Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the
two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity
note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat
of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle
encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA
CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which
has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white
band

Equatorial Guinea
three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and
five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton
tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ,
JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and
natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the
mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the
fight for independence

Eritrea
red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing
the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the
lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is
centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the
country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the
fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the
wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of
Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the
shape of the country

Estonia
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and
white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue
represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of
the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of
the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian
people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and
virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer
nights illuminated by the midnight sun

Ethiopia
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and
red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the
three bands; green represents hope and the fertility of the land,
yellow symbolizes justice and harmony, while red stands for
sacrifice and heroism in the defense of the land; the blue of the
disk symbolizes peace and the pentagram represents the unity and
equality of the nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia
note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the
three main colors of her flag (adopted ca. 1895) were so often
adopted by other African countries upon independence that they
became known as the Pan-African colors; the emblem in the center of
the current flag was added in 1996

European Union
a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged
in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western
world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of
unity; the number of stars is fixed

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Faroe Islands
white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to
the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted
toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag);
referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag
resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same
three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the
clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are
traditional Faroese colors

Fiji
light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the
flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack
reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from
Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field
quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict
stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

Finland
white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag;
the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the
style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the
thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is
for the snow that covers the land in winter

France
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and
red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the
origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the
"ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red
colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French
dependent areas
note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other
flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

French Polynesia
two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band
in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue
and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a
gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a
stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the
ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the
five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors
note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of
the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white
band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
the flag of France is used

Gabon
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue;
green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold
represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun,
blue represents the sea

Gambia, The
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with
white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah,
blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and
agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

Georgia
white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all
four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small
red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official
Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date
back to the 14th century

Germany
three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold;
these colors have played an important role in German history and can
be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a
black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

Ghana
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green,
with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band;
red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents
the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and
natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African
freedom
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to
the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow
band

Gibraltar
two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red
with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band;
hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band;
the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July
1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle
symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents
Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

Greece
nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white;
a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side
corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established
religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the
nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never
been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

Greenland
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a
large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of
the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the
sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those
of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of
Denmark

Grenada
a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top
and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a
red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed
stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in
the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the
center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the
hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer
of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven
administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the
capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the
people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red
symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

Guam
territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all
four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse
containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a
palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the
proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos
Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the
sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression
note: the US flag is the national flag

Guatemala
three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side),
white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white
band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the
national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the
inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of
independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed
rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a
pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel
wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific
Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band
denotes peace and purity

Guernsey
white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of
England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed
cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George
cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the
fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is
a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle
of Hastings

Guinea
three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and
green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and
work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and
for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of
neighboring Mali and Senegal

Guinea-Bissau
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green
with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black
five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the
sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the
struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag
design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

Guyana
green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow,
black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border
between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and
foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future;
white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the
sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

Haiti
two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a
centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a
palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing
the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors
are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks
and mulattoes

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Holy See (Vatican City)
two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side)
and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed
keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara,
centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's
spiritual power, the white his worldly power

Honduras
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue, with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern
centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the
former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the blue bands
symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; the white band
represents the land between the two bodies of water and the peace
and prosperity of its people
note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round
emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom,
centered in the white band

Hong Kong
red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in
the center; each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in
its middle; the red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag
and represents the motherland; the fragrant Bauhinia - developed in
Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region;
the five stars echo those on the flag of China

Hungary
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green;
the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th
centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of
arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag;
folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white
for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen
as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for
freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the
country

Iceland
blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the
edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the
hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors
represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for
the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields
of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean

India
three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange)
(top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel)
centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice,
and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth;
green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the
wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation
note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk
centered in the white band

Indonesia
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the
colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the
13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity
note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar
to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red

Iran
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red;
the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in
the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in
the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is
repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11
times along the top edge of the red band; green is the color of
Islam and also represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and
peace, red stands for bravery and martyrdom

Iraq
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green
Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive
from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black),
overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright
future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in
2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist
Saddam-era flag
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no
script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and that of Egypt,
which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

Ireland
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common
interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist
(Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange
tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white
symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the
orange
note: similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has
the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also
similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of
green (hoist side), white, and red

Isle of Man
red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (triskelion), in
the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the
knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of
the flag, a two-sided emblem is used; the flag is based on the
coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III
(r. 1252-1265); the triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun
symbol

Israel
white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as
the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal
horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the
basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is
white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back
to medieval times

Italy
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon
in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the
green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard
note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker
shades of red and green, and has its coat of arms centered on the
white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side),
white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire,
which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green

Jamaica
diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles -
green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side); green
represents hope, vegetation, and agriculture, black reflects
hardships overcome and to be faced, and yellow recalls golden
sunshine and the island's natural resources

Jan Mayen
the flag of Norway is used

Japan
white with a large red disk (representing the sun without
rays) in the center

Jersey
white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of
the flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red
shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition, the ships
of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English
ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross
to the "X" (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still
resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick, the yellow Plantagenet
crown and Jersey coat of arms were added

Jordan
three equal horizontal bands of black (top), representing the
Abbassid Caliphate, white, representing the Ummayyad Caliphate, and
green, representing the Fatimid Caliphate; a red isosceles triangle
on the hoist side, representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, and
bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven
verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven
points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national
spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations; design is
based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I

Kazakhstan
a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe
eagle, both centered on a sky blue background; the hoist side
displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of
the ram) in gold; the blue color is of religious significance to the
Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic
unity; it also represents the endless sky as well as water; the sun,
a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude; the
sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance
and prosperity; the eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes
for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the
future

Kenya
three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green;
the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield
covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black
symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the
struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for
peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom

Kiribati
the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying
over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three
horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the
white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line,
and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert
Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigate bird
symbolizes authority and freedom

Korea, North
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple
width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side
of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star; the
broad red band symbolizes revolutionary traditions; the narrow white
bands stands for purity, strength, and dignity; the blue bands
signify sovereignty, peace, and friendship; the red star represents
socialism

Korea, South
white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the
center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching
(Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the Korean
national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean
color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents
the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the
opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes
one of the four universal elements, which together express the
principle of movement and harmony

Kosovo
centered on a dark blue field is the geographical shape of
Kosovo in a gold color surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars
arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major
ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and
Bosniaks

Kuwait
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red
with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design
are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents
fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on
Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy

Kyrgyzstan
red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays
representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run
counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the
sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized
representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz
yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and
wealth

Laos
three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and
red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands
recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the
Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon
against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people
under the Pathet Lao, as well as the country's bright future

Latvia
three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width),
and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a
medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being
used by Latvian tribes in about 1280

Lebanon
three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white
(middle, double width), and red (bottom) with a green cedar tree
centered in the white band; the red bands symbolize blood shed for
liberation, the white band denotes peace, the snow of the mountains,
and purity; the green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and
represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

Lesotho
three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green in
the proportions of 3:4:3; the colors represent rain, peace, and
prosperity respectively; centered in the white stripe is a black
Basotho hat representing the indigenous people; the flag was
unfurled in October 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence

Liberia
11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)
alternating with white; a white five-pointed star appears on a blue
square in the upper hoist-side corner; the stripes symbolize the
signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence; the blue
square represents the African mainland, and the star represents the
freedom granted to the ex-slaves; according to the constitution, the
blue color signifies liberty, justice, and fidelity, the white color
purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness, and the red color
steadfastness, valor, and fervor
note: the design is based on the US flag

Libya
plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the
state religion)

Liechtenstein
two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with
a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band; the colors may
derive from the blue and red livery design used in the
principality's household in the 18th century; the prince's crown was
introduced in 1937 to distinguish the flag from that of Haiti

Lithuania
three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and
red; yellow symbolizes golden fields, as well as the sun, light, and
goodness; green represents the forests of the countryside, in
addition to nature, freedom, and hope; red stands for courage and
the blood spilled in defense of the homeland

Luxembourg
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and
light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a
darker blue and is shorter; the coloring is derived from the Grand
Duke's coat of arms (a red lion on a white and blue striped field)

Macau
green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water in
white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in
the center of the arc and two smaller on either side; the lotus is
the floral emblem of Macau, the three petals represent the peninsula
and two islands that make up Macau; the five stars echo those on the
flag of China

Macedonia
a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening
rays extending to the edges of the red field; the red and yellow
colors have long been associated with Macedonia

Madagascar
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
vertical white band of the same width on hoist side; by tradition,
red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, white for purity

Malawi
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), black, and green;
a white sun disc is centered on the black band, its surrounding 45
white rays extend partially into the red and green bands; black
represents the native peoples, red the blood shed in their struggle
for freedom, and green the color of nature; the sun represents
Malawi's economic progress since attaining independence

Malaysia
14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with
white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side
corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the
flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the
14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13
member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star
represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a
traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay
people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers
note: the design is based on the flag of the US

Maldives
red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a
vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on
the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed
their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle
represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies
Islam

Mali
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and
red
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal
(which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of
those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

Malta
two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the
upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross,
edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red
and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a
bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested
explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint
John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of
the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for
their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since
independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared
directly on the white field

Marshall Islands
blue with two stripes radiating from the lower
hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four
large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two
stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe
signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white
stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star
symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates
one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger
rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit,
Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted
as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's
position just to the north

Mauritania
green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow,
horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the
crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam;
the gold color stands for the sands of the Sahara

Mauritius
four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow,
and green; red represents the blood shed for independence, blue the
Indian Ocean surrounding the island, yellow has been interpreted as
the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright
future, and green can symbolize either agriculture or the lush
vegetation of the island

Mayotte
unofficial, local flag with the coat of arms of Mayotte
centered on a white field, above which the name of the island
appears in red capital letters; the main elements of the coat of
arms are a blue upper half with white upturned crescent moon and a
red lower half with two yellow ylang-ylang flowers, supported on
either side by a white seahorse, and set above a scroll with the
motto RA HACHIRI (We are Vigilant)
note: the flag of France used for official occasions

Mexico
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak
perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies
hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands
for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is
derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle
at a location where they would see an eagle on a catus eating a
snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City
note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter
shades of red and green, and does not have anything in its white band

Micronesia, Federated States of light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap

Moldova
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined
in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its
beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow
scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided
horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and
crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of
the flag of Romania - with whom Moldova shares a history and culture
- but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag does
not display any coat of arms
note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse
and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia

Monaco
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors
are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since
1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag
of Poland which is white (top) and red

Mongolia
three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and
red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national
emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric
representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang
symbol); blue represents the sky, red symbolizes progress and
prosperity

Montenegro
a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe
with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a
double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and
state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in
its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over
the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a
blue sky; the lion is symbol of episcopal authority and harks back
to the three and a half centuries that Montenegro was ruled as a
theocracy

Montserrat
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer
half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the
female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and
embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp
are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry;
blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and
righteousness

Morocco
red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known
as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and
green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red
is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian
gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and
signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates
to 1912

Mozambique
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and
yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the
black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow
five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black
superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of
the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the
country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle
symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's
agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and
the star represents Marxism and internationalism

Namibia
a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the
flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the
upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a yellow,
12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red
signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build
a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace,
unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky
and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and
rain; the yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes
vegetation and agricultural resources

Nauru
blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the
center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the
hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates
the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow
stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru

Navassa Island
the flag of the US is used

Nepal
red with a blue border around the unique shape of two
overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a
white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle displays a white
12-pointed sun; the color red represents the rhododendron (Nepal's
national flower) and is a sign of victory and bravery, the blue
border signifies peace and harmony; the two right triangles are a
combination of two single pennons (pennants) that originally
symbolized the Himalaya Mountains while their charges represented
the families of the king (upper) and the prime minister, but today
they are understood to denote Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's
two main religions; the moon represents the serenity of the Nepalese
people and the shade and cool weather in the Himalayas, while the
sun depicts the heat and higher temperatures of the lower parts of
Nepal; the moon and the sun are also said to express the hope that
the nation will endure as long as these heavenly bodies
note: Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not
rectangular or square

Netherlands
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and
blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue
and is longer; the colors were those of WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange,
who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter
half of the 16th century; originally the upper band was orange, but
because it tended to fade to red over time, the red shade was
eventually made the permanent color; the banner is perhaps the
oldest tricolor in continuous use

New Caledonia
the flag of France is used

New Zealand
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in
the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross
constellation

Nicaragua
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE
NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; the banner
is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic
of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and
the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between
the two bodies of water
note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round
emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern
centered in the white band

Niger
three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green
with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band
denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for
purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and
productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River;
the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the
people
note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel
centered in the white band

Nigeria
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural
wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity

Niue
yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars -
a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each
arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the
smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New
Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow
represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship
between Niue and New Zealand

Norfolk Island
three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white,
and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in
the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation
on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a
symbol of Norfolk Island
note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of
only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in
the central white band

Northern Mariana Islands
blue, with a white, five-pointed star
superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone
used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue
symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth;
the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the
native Chamorro culture

Norway
red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the
edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the
hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors
recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white)
and Sweden (blue)

Oman
three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width
with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national
emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed
swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the
vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls
battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel
Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

Pakistan
green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of
religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and
star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color
green are traditional symbols of Islam

Palau
light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the
hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents
the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for
human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and
tranquility

Panama
divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are
white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and
plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and
white with a red five-pointed star in the center; the blue and red
colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and
Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the
blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the
red star signifies authority and law

Papua New Guinea
divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner;
the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise
centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed
stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered; red, black, and
yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea; the bird of
paradise - endemic to the island of New Guinea - is an emblem of
regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New
Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross, visible in the night sky,
symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several
other countries in the South Pacific

Paraguay
three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue
with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the
emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the
left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star
within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY,
all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears
a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of
Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red
symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and
peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity
note: the three color bands resemble those on the flag of the
Netherlands; one of only three national flags that differ on their
obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia

Peru
three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red
with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms
features a shield bearing a vicuna (representing fauna), a cinchona
tree (the source of quinine, signifying flora), and a yellow
cornucopia spilling out coins (denoting mineral wealth); red recalls
blood shed for independence, white symbolizes peace

Philippines
two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a
white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of
the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each
corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star;
blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white
equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first
eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars
represent the three major geographical divisions of the country:
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897
note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at
the top

Pitcairn Islands
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered
on the outer half of the flag; the green, yellow, and blue of the
shield represents the island rising from the ocean; the green field
features a yellow anchor surmounted by a bible (both the anchor and
the bible were items found on the HMS Bounty); sitting on the crest
is a Pitcairn Island wheelbarrow from which springs a slip of miro
(a local plant)

Poland
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors
derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field
note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red
(top) and white

Portugal
two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and
red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere
and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line; explanations
for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation
has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the
nation

Puerto Rico
five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom)
alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the
white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle
signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the
government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red
symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents
liberty, victory, and peace
note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the
Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

Qatar
maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on
the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars,
white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies
Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake
of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916
note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE
and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was
formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun
and the new shade was eventually adopted

Romania
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red; modeled after the flag of France, the colors are those of the
principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and
blue), which united in 1861 to form Romania; the national coat of
arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed
note: now similar to the flag of Chad, whose blue band is darker;
also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

Russia
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red
note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag;
despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning
assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired other
Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but
in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the
Pan-Slav colors

Rwanda
three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width),
yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end
of the blue band; blue represents happiness and peace, yellow
economic development and mineral wealth, green hope of prosperity
and natural resources; the sun symbolizes unity, as well as
enlightenment and transparency from ignorance

Saint Barthelemy
the flag of France is used

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
blue with the flag of
the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian
shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of
the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the
remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left,
offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying
an English flag

Saint Kitts and Nevis
divided diagonally from the lower hoist side
by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the
black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the
lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red
symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes
year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of
the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and
Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and
optimism

Saint Lucia
blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black
arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border; the
blue color represents the sky and sea, gold stands for sunshine and
prosperity, and white and black the racial composition of the island
(with the latter being dominant); the two major triangles invoke the
twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), cone-shaped volcanic plugs
that are a symbol of the island

Saint Martin
the flag of France is used

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing
the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white,
wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line
divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a
vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called
ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the
corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four
sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine
pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized
yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three
heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque
Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the blue on the main portion
of the flag symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the stylized ship
represents the Grande Hermine in which Jacques Cartier "discovered"
the islands in 1536
note: the flag of France used for official occasions

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern, which stands for Vincent; the diamonds recall the islands as the "Gems of the Antilles"; blue conveys the colors of a tropical sky and crystal waters, yellow signifies the golden Grenadine sands, and green represents lush vegetation

Samoa
red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant
bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern
Cross constellation; red stands for courage, blue represents
freedom, and white signifies purity

San Marino
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue
with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the main
colors derive from the shield of the coat of arms, which features
three white towers on three peaks on a blue field; the towers
represent three castles built on San Marino's highest feature Mount
Titano: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale; the coat of arms is flanked by a
wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS
(Liberty); the white and blue colors are also said to stand for
peace and liberty respectively

Sao Tome and Principe
three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow
(double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed
side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles
triangle based on the hoist side; green stands for the country's
rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and
yellow represents cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural
products; the two stars symbolize the two main islands
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Saudi Arabia
green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the
Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as
"There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a
white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design
dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with
the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag
is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the
Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left
on both sides
note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse
and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

Senegal
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow,
and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow
band; green represents Islam, progress, and hope; yellow signifies
natural wealth and progress; red symbolizes sacrifice and
determination; the star denotes unity and hope
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Mali and the
reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

Serbia
three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white
- the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals;
charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the
hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the
Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield;
a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and
is divided into four quarters by a white cross; a white Cyrillic "C"
in each quarter stands for the phrase "Only Unity Saves the Serbs";
a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
Russia

Seychelles
five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red,
white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist
side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country
moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun
giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for
the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony,
green the land and natural environment

Sierra Leone
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and
blue; green symbolizes agriculture, mountains, and natural
resources, white represents unity and justice, and blue the sea and
the natural harbor in Freetown

Singapore
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near
the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent
(closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five
white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle; red denotes
brotherhood and equality; white signifies purity and virtue; the
waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy;
the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace,
progress, justice, and equality

Sint Maarten
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a
white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the
triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of
an orange-bordered blue shield prominently displaying the white
court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the
national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a
Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is
surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a Brown
Pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto:
SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are
identical to those on the Dutch flag
note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines, but with
the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes
the wartime Philippine flag

Slovakia
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red
derive from the Pan-Slav colors; the Slovakian coat of arms
(consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white
Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills) is centered over the
bands but offset slightly to the hoist side
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
Russia

Slovenia
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red,
derive from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola; the
Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's
highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center;
beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and
above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted
triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of
Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early
15th centuries) appears in the upper hoist side of the flag centered
on the white and blue bands

Solomon Islands
divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the
lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue
with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the
lower triangle is green; blue represents the ocean; green the land;
and yellow sunshine; the five stars stand for the five main island
groups of the Solomon Islands

Somalia
light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the
center; the blue field was originally influenced by the flag of the
UN, but today is said to denote the sky and the neighboring Indian
Ocean; the five points of the star represent the five regions in the
horn of Africa that are inhabited by Somali people: the former
British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up
Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northern Frontier
District (Kenya)

South Africa
two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue
separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y,
the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y
embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are
separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are
separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes;
the flag colors do not have any official symbolism, but the Y stands
for the "convergence of diverse elements within South African
society, taking the road ahead in unity"; black, yellow, and green
are found on the flag of the African National Congress, while red,
white, and blue are the colors in the flags of the Netherlands and
the UK, whose settlers ruled South Africa during the colonial era
note: the South African flag is the only national flag to display
six colors as part of its primary design

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
blue, with the flag of the
UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and South
Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half of the
flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion rampant,
holding a torch; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left
and a Macaroni penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the
crest, and below the shield on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM
PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)); the lion
with the torch represents the UK and discovery; the background of
the shield, blue and white estoiles, are found in the coat of arms
of James Cook, discoverer of the islands; all the outer supporting
animals represented are native to the islands

Spain
three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width),
and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the
yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of
the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left,
Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by
the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are
framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which
are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the
eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the
two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further
beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband
arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer
dates to the 18th century
note: the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest
Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

Sri Lanka
yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has
two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other
larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a dark red
rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each
corner; the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag
and extends between the two panels; the lion represents Sinhalese
ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the sword
demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation; the four bo leaves -
symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country - stand for
the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and
equanimity; orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green the Sri Lankan
Moors; dark red represents the European Burghers, but also refers to
the rich colonial background of the country; yellow denotes other
ethnic groups; also referred to as the Lion Flag

Sudan
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black
with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; colors and
design based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I, but the
meanings of the colors are expressed as follows: red signifies the
struggle for freedom, white is the color of peace, light, and love,
black represents Sudan itself (in Arabic 'Sudan' means black), green
is the color of Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

Suriname
five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white,
red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); a large,
yellow, five-pointed star is centered in the red band; red stands
for progress and love; green symbolizes hope and fertility; white
signifies peace, justice, and freedom; the star represents the unity
of all ethnic groups; from its yellow light the nation draws
strength to bear sacrifices patiently while working toward a golden
future

Svalbard
the flag of Norway is used

Swaziland
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width),
and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band
is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff
decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally; blue stands
for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow
the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff
symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and
white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people
living in peaceful coexistence

Sweden
blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the
flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in
the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those
of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

Switzerland
red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the
center that does not extend to the edges of the flag; various
medieval legends purport to describe the origin of the flag; a white
cross used as identification for troops of the Swiss Confederation
is first attested at the Battle of Laupen (1339)

Syria
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
two small, green, five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered
in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation
flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody
struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); identical
to the former flag of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961) where the
two stars represented the constituent states of Syria and Egypt; the
current design dates to 1980
note: similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band,
Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band,
and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the
white band

Taiwan
red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side
corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays; the blue and
white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates
to 1895; it was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party;
blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for
fraternity, sacrifice, and nationaliam, white represents equality,
frankness, and the people's livelihood; the 12 rays of the sun are
those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each
ray equals two hours)
note: somewhat resembles the flag of Burma

Tajikistan
three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of
white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold,
five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe; red
represents the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation, white
stands for purity, cotton, and mountain snows, while green is the
color of Islam and the bounty of nature; the crown symbolizes the
Tajik people; the seven stars signify the Tajik magic word "seven" -
a symbol of perfection and the embodiment of happiness

Tanzania
divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the
lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green
and the lower triangle is blue; the banner combines colors found on
the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; green represents the natural
vegetation of the country, gold its rich mineral deposits, black the
native Swahili people, and blue the country's many lakes and rivers,
as well as the Indian Ocean

Thailand
five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double
width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the
blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism;
blue stands for the monarchy
note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red
colors reversed

Timor-Leste
red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that
extends to the center of the flag; a white star - pointing to the
upper hoist-side corner of the flag - is in the center of the black
triangle; yellow denotes the colonialism in Timor-Leste's past;
black represents the obscurantism that needs to be overcome; red
stands for the national liberation struggle; the white star
symbolizes peace and serves as a guiding light

Togo
five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom)
alternating with yellow; a white five-pointed star on a red square
is in the upper hoist-side corner; the five horizontal stripes stand
for the five different regions of the country; the red square is
meant to express the loyalty and patriotism of the people; green
symbolizes hope, fertility, and agriculture; yellow represents
mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring
prosperity; the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and
Togo's independence
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Tokelau
a yellow stylized Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails
toward the manu - the Southern Cross constellation of four, white,
five-pointed stars at the hoist side; the Southern Cross represents
the role of Christianity in Tokelauan culture and symbolizes the
country's navigating into the future, the color yellow indicates
happiness and peace, and the blue field represents the ocean on
which the community relies

Tonga
red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper
hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity
in Tonga; red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice;
white signifies purity

Trinidad and Tobago
red with a white-edged black diagonal band from
the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the
elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of
the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea
surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations,
and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the
vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people

Tunisia
red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent
nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; resembles the Ottoman
flag (red banner with white crescent and star) and recalls Tunisia's
history as part of the Ottoman Empire; red represents the blood shed
by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, white stands for
peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state
to the Ottoman Empire

Turkey
red with a vertical white crescent moon (the closed portion
is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just
outside the crescent opening; the flag colors and designs closely
resemble those on the banner of Ottoman Empire, which preceded
modern-day Turkey; the crescent moon and star serve as insignia for
the Turks, as well as being traditional symbols of Islam; according
to legend, the flag represents the reflection of the moon and a star
in a pool of blood of Turkish warriors

Turkmenistan
green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist
side, containing five tribal guls (designs used in producing
carpets) stacked above two crossed olive branches; five white stars
and a white crescent moon appear in the upper corner of the field
just to the fly side of the red stripe; the green color and crescent
moon represent Islam; the five stars symbolize the regions or
welayats of Turkmenistan; the guls reflect the national identity of
Turkmenistan where carpet-making has long been a part of traditional
nomadic life
note: the flag of Turkmenistan is the most intricate of all national
flags

Turks and Caicos Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer
half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a
spiny lobster, and Turks Head cactus - three common elements of the
islands' biota

Tuvalu
light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country
with nine yellow, five-pointed stars on a blue field symbolizing the
nine atolls in the ocean

Uganda
six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red,
black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center
and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the
hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and
vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge
of Ugandan soldiers under the UK

Ukraine
two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow
represent grain fields under a blue sky

United Arab Emirates
three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side;
the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case
represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources
(black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated
into all flags of the emirates before their unification

United Kingdom
blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron
saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red
cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is
superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron
saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly
called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue
Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including
other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or
provinces, and British overseas territories

United States
13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)
alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper
hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars
arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and
bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent
the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies;
the blue stands for loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and
friendship; red symbolizes courage, zeal, and fervency, while white
denotes purity and rectitude of conduct; commonly referred to by its
nickname of Old Glory
note: the design and colors have been the basis for a number of
other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
the flag of the US is
used

Uruguay
nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom)
alternating with blue; a white square in the upper hoist-side corner
with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May with
16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy; the stripes
represent the nine original departments of Uruguay; the sun symbol
evokes the legend of the sun breaking through the clouds on 25 May
1810 as independence was first declared from Spain (Uruguay
subsequently won its independence from Brazil)
note: the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina
and by the design of the US flag

Uzbekistan
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon
(closed side to the hoist) and 12 white stars shifted to the hoist
on the top band; blue is the color of the Turkic peoples and of the
sky, white signifies peace and the striving for purity in thoughts
and deeds, while green represents nature and is the color of Islam;
the red stripes are the vital force of all living organisms that
links good and pure ideas with the eternal sky and with deeds on
earth; the crescent represents Islam and the 12 stars the months and
constellations of the Uzbek calendar

Vanuatu
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by
a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two
points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle);
centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed
namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars
and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu
people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the
islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel
spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of
prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern
fronds represent peace

Venezuela
three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and
red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and
an arc of eight white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band;
the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main
colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic
that broke up in 1830; yellow is interpreted as standing for the
riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for
the blood shed in attaining independence; the seven stars on the
original flag represented the seven provinces in Venezuela that
united in the war of independence; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ
ordered an eighth star added to the star arc - a decision that
sparked much controversy

Vietnam
red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the
center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star
represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers,
intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism

Virgin Islands
white field with a modified US coat of arms in the
center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms
shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and
three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and
six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of
purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

Wake Island
the flag of the US is used

Wallis and Futuna
unofficial, local flag has a red field with four
white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three
native kings of the islands and the French administrator; the apexes
of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each
other; the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the
upper hoist quadrant
note: the design is derived from an original red banner with a white
cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French
missionaries; the flag of France used for official occasions

Yemen
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent
oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be
replaced by a bright future (white)
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the
white band, and of Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in
the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a
heraldic eagle centered in the white band

Zambia
green field with a panel of three vertical bands of red
(hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the
outer edge of the flag; green stands for the country's natural
resources and vegetation, red symbolizes the struggle for freedom,
black the people of Zambia, and orange the country's mineral wealth;
the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's
problems

Zimbabwe
seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black,
red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in
black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird
representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a
red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which
symbolizes peace; green represents agriculture, yellow mineral
wealth, red the blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands
for the native people

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

@2085

Field Listing :: Roadways

This entry gives the total length of the road network and includes
the length of the paved and unpaved portions.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Roadways(km)

Afghanistan
total: 42,150 km
paved: 12,350 km
unpaved: 29,800 km (2006)

Albania
total: 18,000 km
paved: 7,020 km
unpaved: 10,980 km (2002)

Algeria
total: 108,302 km
paved: 76,028 km (includes 645 km of expressways)
unpaved: 32,274 km (2004)

American Samoa
total: 241 km (2008)

Andorra
total: 320 km (2008)

Angola
total: 51,429 km
paved: 5,349 km
unpaved: 46,080 km (2001)

Anguilla
total: 175 km
paved: 82 km
unpaved: 93 km (2004)

Antigua and Barbuda
total: 1,165 km
paved: 384 km
unpaved: 781 km (2002)

Argentina
total: 231,374 km
paved: 69,412 km (includes 734 km of expressways)
unpaved: 161,962 km (2004)

Armenia
total: 8,888 km
paved: 7,079 km (includes 1,561 km of expressways)
unpaved: 1,809 km (2008)

Australia
total: 812,972 km
paved: 341,448 km
unpaved: 471,524 km (2004)

Austria total: 107,262 km paved: 107,262 km (includes 1,696 km of expressways) (2006)

Azerbaijan
total: 59,141 km
paved: 29,210 km
unpaved: 29,931 km (2004)

Bahamas, The
total: 2,717 km
paved: 1,560 km
unpaved: 1,157 km (2002)

Bahrain
total: 3,851 km
paved: 3,121 km
unpaved: 730 km (2007)

Bangladesh
total: 239,226 km
paved: 22,726 km
unpaved: 216,500 km (2003)

Barbados
total: 1,600 km
paved: 1,600 km (2004)

Belarus
total: 94,797 km
paved: 84,028 km
unpaved: 10,769 km (2005)

Belgium
total: 152,256 km
paved: 119,079 km (includes 1,763 km of expressways)
unpaved: 33,177 km (2006)

Belize
total: 3,007 km
paved: 575 km
unpaved: 2,432 km (2006)

Benin
total: 16,000 km
paved: 1,400 km
unpaved: 14,600 km (2006)

Bermuda
total: 447 km
paved: 447 km
note: public roads - 225 km; private roads - 222 km (2007)

Bhutan
total: 8,050 km
paved: 4,991 km
unpaved: 3,059 km (2003)

Bolivia
total: 62,479 km
paved: 3,749 km
unpaved: 58,730 km (2004)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 21,846 km
paved: 11,425 km (4,714 km of interurban roads)
unpaved: 10,421 km (2006)

Botswana
total: 25,798 km
paved: 8,410 km
unpaved: 17,388 km (2005)

Brazil
total: 1,751,868 km
paved: 96,353 km
unpaved: 1,655,515 km (2004)

British Indian Ocean Territory
note: short section of paved road
between port and airfield on Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
total: 200 km
paved: 200 km (2007)

Brunei
total: 2,971 km
paved: 2,411 km
unpaved: 560 km (2008)

Bulgaria
total: 40,231 km
paved: 39,587 km (includes 418 km of expressways)
unpaved: 644 km (2008)

Burkina Faso
total: 92,495 km
paved: 3,857 km
unpaved: 88,638 km (2004)

Burma
total: 27,000 km
paved: 3,200 km
unpaved: 23,800 km (2006)

Burundi
total: 12,322 km
paved: 1,286 km
unpaved: 11,036 km (2004)

Cambodia
total: 38,093 km
paved: 2,977 km
unpaved: 35,116 km (2007)

Cameroon
total: 50,000 km
paved: 5,000 km
unpaved: 45,000 km (2004)

Canada
total: 1,042,300 km
paved: 415,600 km (includes 17,000 km of expressways)
unpaved: 626,700 km (2008)

Cape Verde
total: 1,350 km
paved: 932 km
unpaved: 418 km (2000)

Cayman Islands total: 785 km paved: 785 km (2007)

Central African Republic
total: 24,307 km (2000)

Chad
total: 33,400 km
paved: 267 km
unpaved: 33,133 km (2002)

Chile
total: 80,505 km
paved: 16,745 km (includes 2,414 km of expressways)
unpaved: 63,760 km (2004)

China
total: 3,583,715 km (includes 53,913 km of expressways) (2007)

Christmas Island
total: 140 km
paved: 30 km
unpaved: 110 km (2007)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
total: 22 km
paved: 10 km
unpaved: 12 km (2007)

Colombia
total: 164,257 km (2005)

Comoros
total: 880 km
paved: 673 km
unpaved: 207 km (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 153,497 km
paved: 2,794 km
unpaved: 150,703 km (2004)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 17,289 km
paved: 864 km
unpaved: 16,425 km (2004)

Cook Islands
total: 320 km
paved: 33 km
unpaved: 287 km (2003)

Costa Rica
total: 35,330 km
paved: 8,621 km
unpaved: 26,709 km (2004)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 80,000 km
paved: 6,500 km
unpaved: 73,500 km
note: includes intercity and urban roads; another 20,000 km of dirt
roads are in poor condition and 150,000 km of dirt roads are
impassable (2006)

Croatia
total: 29,248 km (includes 1,043 km of expressways) (2008)

Cuba
total: 60,858 km
paved: 29,820 km (includes 638 km of expressway)
unpaved: 31,038 km (2000)

Curacao
total: 550 km

Cyprus
total: 14,671 km
12,321 km under government control (includes 257 km of expressways),
2,350 km administered by Turkish Cypriots (2008)

Czech Republic
total: 128,582 km
paved: 128,582 km (includes 691 km of expressways) (2008)

Denmark
total: 73,197 km
paved: 73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

Djibouti
total: 3,065 km
paved: 1,226 km
unpaved: 1,839 km (2000)

Dominica
total: 780 km
paved: 393 km
unpaved: 387 km (2000)

Dominican Republic
total: 19,705 km
paved: 9,872 km
unpaved: 9,833 km (2002)

Ecuador
total: 43,670 km
paved: 6,472 km
unpaved: 37,198 km (2006)

Egypt
total: 65,050 km
paved: 47,500 km
unpaved: 17,550 km (2009)

El Salvador
total: 10,886 km
paved: 2,827 km (includes 327 km of expressways)
unpaved: 8,059 km (2000)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 2,880 km (2000)

Eritrea
total: 4,010 km
paved: 874 km
unpaved: 3,136 km (2000)

Estonia
total: 58,034 km
paved: 34,936 km (includes 104 km of expressways)
unpaved: 23,098 km (2009)

Ethiopia
total: 36,469 km
paved: 6,980 km
unpaved: 29,489 km (2004)

European Union
total: 5,919,704 km (2008)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) total: 440 km paved: 50 km unpaved: 390 km (2008)

Faroe Islands
total: 463 km (2006)

Fiji
total: 3,440 km
paved: 1,692 km
unpaved: 1,748 km (2000)

Finland
total: 78,141 km
paved: 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways)
unpaved: 27,227 km (2009)

France
total: 1,027,183 km (metropolitan France; includes 10,958 km
of expressways)
note: there are another 5,100 km of roadways in overseas departments
(2007)

French Polynesia
total: 2,590 km
paved: 1,735 km
unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Gabon
total: 9,170 km
paved: 937 km
unpaved: 8,233 km (2004)

Gambia, The
total: 3,742 km
paved: 723 km
unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)

Gaza Strip
note: see entry for West Bank

Georgia
total: 20,329 km
paved: 7,854 km (includes 13 km of expressways)
unpaved: 12,475 km (2006)

Germany
total: 644,480 km
paved: 644,480 km (includes 12,645 km of expressways)
note: includes local roads (2008)

Ghana
total: 62,221 km
paved: 9,955 km
unpaved: 52,266 km (2006)

Gibraltar
total: 29 km
paved: 29 km (2007)

Greece
total: 117,533 km
paved: 107,895 km (includes 880 km of expressways)
unpaved: 9,638 km (2005)

Greenland
note: although there are short roads in towns, there are
no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by
sea or air (2005)

Grenada
total: 1,127 km
paved: 687 km
unpaved: 440 km (2000)

Guam
total: 1,045 km (2008)

Guatemala
total: 14,095 km
paved: 4,863 km (includes 75 km of expressways)
unpaved: 9,232 km (2000)

Guinea
total: 44,348 km
paved: 4,342 km
unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 3,455 km
paved: 965 km
unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Guyana
total: 7,970 km
paved: 590 km
unpaved: 7,380 km (2000)

Haiti
total: 4,160 km
paved: 1,011 km
unpaved: 3,149 km (2000)

Honduras
total: 14,239 km
paved: 3,159 km
unpaved: 11,080 km (1,420 km summer only) (2009)

Hong Kong
total: 2,050 km
paved: 2,050 km (2009)

Hungary
total: 160,057 km
paved: 70,539 km (31,363 km of interurban roads including 858 km of
expressways)
unpaved: 89,518 km (2008)

Iceland
total: 12,869 km
paved/oiled gravel: 4,438 km (does not include urban roads)
unpaved: 8,431 km (2009)

India
total: 3,320,410 km (includes 200 km of expressways) (2009)

Indonesia
total: 437,759 km
paved: 258,744 km
unpaved: 179,015 km (2008)

Iran
total: 172,927 km
paved: 125,908 km (includes 1,429 km of expressways)
unpaved: 47,019 km (2006)

Iraq
total: 44,900 km
paved: 37,851 km
unpaved: 7,049 km (2002)

Ireland total: 96,036 km paved: 96,036 km (includes 423 km of expressways) (2008)

Isle of Man total: 500 km (2008)

Israel
total: 18,096 km
paved: 18,096 km (includes 146 km of expressways) (2008)

Italy
total: 487,700 km
paved: 487,700 km (includes 6,700 km of expressways) (2007)

Jamaica
total: 21,552 km
paved: 15,937 km (includes 33 km of expressways)
unpaved: 5,615 km (2005)

Japan
total: 1,203,777 km
paved: 961,366 km (includes 7,560 km of expressways)
unpaved: 242,411 km (2008)

Jersey
total: 576 km (2010)

Jordan total: 7,891 km paved: 7,891 km (2009)

Kazakhstan
total: 93,612 km
paved: 84,100 km
unpaved: 9,512 km (2008)

Kenya
total: 160,886 km
paved: 11,197 km
unpaved: 149,689 km (2008)

Kiribati
total: 670 km (2000)

Korea, North
total: 25,554 km
paved: 724 km
unpaved: 24,830 km (2006)

Korea, South
total: 103,029 km
paved: 80,642 km (includes 3,367 km of expressways)
unpaved: 22,387 km (2008)

Kosovo
total: 1,926 km
paved: 1,668 km
unpaved: 258 km (2009)

Kuwait
total: 5,749 km
paved: 4,887 km
unpaved: 862 km (2004)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 18,500 km
paved: 16,909 km (includes 140 km of expressways)
unpaved: 1,591 km (2003)

Laos
total: 36,831 km
paved: 4,811 km
unpaved: 32,020 km (2007)

Latvia
total: 73,074 km
paved: 14,459 km
unpaved: 58,615 km (2010)

Lebanon
total: 6,970 km (includes 170 km of expressways) (2005)

Lesotho
total: 7,091 km
paved: 1,404 km
unpaved: 5,687 km (2003)

Liberia
total: 10,600 km
paved: 657 km
unpaved: 9,943 km (2000)

Libya
total: 100,024 km
paved: 57,214 km
unpaved: 42,810 km (2003)

Liechtenstein
total: 380 km
paved: 380 km (2010)

Lithuania
total: 81,030 km
paved: 71,563 km (includes 309 km of expressways)
unpaved: 9,467 km (2008)

Luxembourg
total: 5,227 km
paved: 5,227 km (includes 147 km of expressways) (2008)

Macau
total: 413 km
paved: 413 km (2009)

Macedonia
total: 13,736 km (includes 216 km of expressways) (2009)

Madagascar
total: 65,663 km
paved: 7,617 km
unpaved: 58,046 km (2003)

Malawi
total: 15,451 km
paved: 6,956 km
unpaved: 8,495 km (2003)

Malaysia
total: 98,721 km
paved: 80,280 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)
unpaved: 18,441 km (2004)

Maldives
total: 88 km
paved roads: 88 km - 60 km in Male; 14 km on Addu Atolis; 14 km on
Laamu
note: village roads are mainly compacted coral (2006)

Mali
total: 18,709 km
paved: 3,368 km
unpaved: 15,341 km (2004)

Malta
total: 2,227 km
paved: 2,014 km
unpaved: 213 km (2005)

Marshall Islands
total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways)
(2007)

Mauritania total: 11,066 km paved: 2,966 km unpaved: 8,100 km (2006)

Mauritius total: 2,066 km paved: 2,066 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2009)

Mexico
total: 366,095 km
paved: 132,289 km (includes 6,279 km of expressways)
unpaved: 233,806 km (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total: 240 km
paved: 42 km
unpaved: 198 km (2000)

Moldova
total: 9,343 km
paved: 8,810 km
unpaved: 533 km (2008)

Monaco
total: 50 km
paved: 50 km (2007)

Mongolia
total: 49,250 km
paved: 2,824 km
unpaved: 46,426 km (includes 1,994 km with gravel surface and 1,874
km with improved surface) (2009)

Montenegro
total: 7,404 km
paved: 4,927 km
unpaved: 2,477 km (2008)

Montserrat
note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed
most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been
built in the north end of the island (2008)

Morocco
total: 57,625 km
paved: 35,664 km (includes 639 km of expressways)
unpaved: 21,961 km (2006)

Mozambique
total: 30,400 km
paved: 5,685 km
unpaved: 24,715 km (2000)

Namibia
total: 64,189 km
paved: 5,477 km
unpaved: 58,712 km (2010)

Nauru
total: 24 km
paved: 24 km (2002)

Nepal
total: 17,282 km
paved: 10,142 km
unpaved: 7,140 km (2007)

Netherlands
total: 136,827 km (includes 2,582 km of expressways)
(2008)

New Caledonia
total: 5,622 km (2006)

New Zealand
total: 93,911 km
paved: 61,879 km (includes 172 km of expressways)
unpaved: 32,032 km (2009)

Nicaragua
total: 19,137 km
paved: 2,033 km
unpaved: 17,104 km (2009)

Niger
total: 18,949 km
paved: 3,912 km
unpaved: 15,037 km (2008)

Nigeria
total: 193,200 km
paved: 28,980 km
unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Niue
total: 120 km
paved: 120 km (2008)

Norfolk Island total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Northern Mariana Islands
total: 536 km (2008)

Norway
total: 92,946 km
paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)
unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Oman
total: 68,467 km
paved: 23,223 km (includes 1,384 km of expressways)
unpaved: 30,207 km (2008)

Pakistan
total: 259,197 km
paved: 172,827 km (includes 711 km of expressways)
unpaved: 86,370 km (2007)

Panama
total: 11,978 km
paved: 4,300 km
unpaved: 7,678 km (2002)

Papua New Guinea
total: 9,349 km
paved: 3,000 km
unpaved: 6,349 km (2011)

Paraguay
total: 29,500 km
paved: 14,986 km
unpaved: 14,514 km (2000)

Peru
total: 102,887 km
note: includes 23,838 km of national roads, 19,049 km of
departmental roads, and 60,000 km of local roads (2007)

Philippines
total: 201,910 km
paved: 21,677 km
unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

Poland
total: 423,997 km
paved: 295,356 km (includes 765 km of expressways)
unpaved: 128,641 km (2008)

Portugal
total: 82,900 km
paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,613 km of expressways)
unpaved: 11,606 km (2008)

Puerto Rico
total: 26,670 km
paved: 25,337 km (includes 427 km of expressways)
unpaved: 1,333 km (2008)

Qatar
total: 7,790 km (2006)

Romania
total: 198,817 km
paved: 60,043 km (includes 281 km of expressways)
unpaved: 138,774 km (2008)

Russia
total: 982,000 km
paved: 776,000 km (includes 30,000 km of expressways)
unpaved: 206,000 km
note: includes public, local, and departmental roads (2009)

Rwanda
total: 14,008 km
paved: 2,662 km
unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total: 198 km (Saint
Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km)
paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da
Cunha 10 km)
unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha
10 km) (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis total: 383 km paved: 163 km unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Saint Lucia total: 1,210 km (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
total: 117 km
paved: 80 km
unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 829 km
paved: 580 km
unpaved: 249 km (2003)

Samoa
total: 2,337 km
paved: 332 km
unpaved: 2,005 km (2001)

San Marino total: 292 km paved: 292 km (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 320 km
paved: 218 km
unpaved: 102 km (2000)

Saudi Arabia
total: 221,372 km
paved: 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)
unpaved: 173,843 km (2006)

Senegal
total: 13,576 km
paved: 3,972 km (includes 7 km of expressways)
unpaved: 9,604 km (2003)

Serbia
total: 36,884 km
paved: 31,938 km
unpaved: 4,946 km (2007)

Seychelles
total: 458 km
paved: 440 km
unpaved: 18 km (2003)

Sierra Leone
total: 11,300 km
paved: 904 km
unpaved: 10,396 km (2002)

Singapore total: 3,356 km paved: 3,356 km (includes 161 km of expressways) (2009)

Sint Maarten
total: 53 km

Slovakia
total: 43,761 km
paved: 38,085 km (includes 384 km of expressways)
unpaved: 5,676 km (2008)

Slovenia total: 38,873 km paved: 38,873 km (includes 696 km of expressways) (2008)

Solomon Islands total: 1,360 km paved: 33 km unpaved: 1,327 km note: includes 800 km of private plantation roads (2002)

Somalia
total: 22,100 km
paved: 2,608 km
unpaved: 19,492 km (2000)

South Africa
total: 362,099 km
paved: 73,506 km (includes 239 km of expressways)
unpaved: 288,593 km (2002)

Spain
total: 681,298 km
paved: 681,298 km (includes 15,152 km of expressways) (2008)

Sri Lanka
total: 91,907 km (2008)

Sudan
total: 11,900 km
paved: 4,320 km
unpaved: 7,580 km (2000)

Suriname
total: 4,304 km
paved: 1,130 km
unpaved: 3,174 km (2003)

Swaziland
total: 3,594 km
paved: 1,078 km
unpaved: 2,516 km (2002)

Sweden
total: 572,900 km (includes 1,855 km of expressways)
note: (includes 98,400 km of state roads, 433,500 km of private
roads, and 41,000 km of muncipal roads; 215,700 km of these are open
to public traffic) (2009)

Switzerland
total: 71,384 km
paved: 71,384 km (includes 1,793 of expressways) (2009)

Syria
total: 97,401 km
paved: 19,490 km (includes 1,103 km of expressways)
unpaved: 77,911 km (2006)

Taiwan
total: 41,279 km
paved: 40,843 km (includes 976 km of expressways)
unpaved: 436 km (2008)

Tajikistan
total: 27,767 km (2000)

Tanzania total: 78,892 km paved: 4,741 km unpaved: 74,151 km (2007)

Thailand total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

Timor-Leste
total: 6,040 km
paved: 2,600 km
unpaved: 3,440 km (2005)

Togo
total: 7,520 km
paved: 2,376 km
unpaved: 5,144 km (2000)

Tonga
total: 680 km
paved: 184 km
unpaved: 496 km (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 8,320 km
paved: 4,252 km
unpaved: 4,068 km (2000)

Tunisia
total: 19,232 km
paved: 12,655 km (includes 262 km of expressways)
unpaved: 6,577 km (2006)

Turkey
total: 352,046 km
paved: 313,151 km (includes 2,010 km of expressways)
unpaved: 38,895 km (2008)

Turkmenistan
total: 58,592 km
paved: 47,577 km
unpaved: 11,015 km (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 121 km
paved: 24 km
unpaved: 97 km (2003)

Tuvalu
total: 8 km
paved: 8 km (2002)

Uganda
total: 70,746 km
paved: 16,272 km
unpaved: 54,474 km (2003)

Ukraine
total: 169,495 km
paved: 165,820 km (includes 15 km of expressways)
unpaved: 3,675 km (2009)

United Arab Emirates
total: 4,080 km
paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)

United Kingdom
total: 394,428 km
paved: 394,428 km (includes 3,519 km of expressways) (2009)

United States
total: 6,506,204 km
paved: 4,374,784 km (includes 75,238 km of expressways)
unpaved: 2,131,420 km (2008)

Uruguay
total: 77,732 km
paved: 7,743 km
unpaved: 69,989 km (2010)

Uzbekistan
total: 86,496 km
paved: 75,511 km
unpaved: 10,985 km (2000)

Vanuatu
total: 1,070 km
paved: 256 km
unpaved: 814 km (1999)

Venezuela
total: 96,155 km
paved: 32,308 km
unpaved: 63,847 km (2002)

Vietnam
total: 171,392 km
paved: 125,789 km
unpaved: 45,603 km (2008)

Virgin Islands
total: 1,260 km (2008)

West Bank total: 5,147 km paved: 5,147 km note: includes Gaza Strip (2006)

World
total: 102,260,304 km (2008)

Yemen
total: 71,300 km
paved: 6,200 km
unpaved: 65,100 km (2005)

Zambia
total: 91,440 km
paved: 20,117 km
unpaved: 71,323 km (2001)

Zimbabwe
total: 97,267 km
paved: 18,481 km
unpaved: 78,786 km (2002)

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

@2086

Field Listing :: Illicit drugs

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

Illicit drugs

Afghanistan
world's largest producer of opium; poppy cultivation
decreased 22% to 157,000 hectares in 2008 but remains at a
historically high level; less favorable growing conditions in 2008
reduced potential opium production to 5,500 metric tons, down 31
percent from 2007; if the entire opium crop were processed, 648
metric tons of pure heroin potentially could be produced; the
Taliban and other antigovernment groups participate in and profit
from the opiate trade, which is a key source of revenue for the
Taliban inside Afghanistan; widespread corruption and instability
impede counterdrug efforts; most of the heroin consumed in Europe
and Eurasia is derived from Afghan opium; vulnerable to drug money
laundering through informal financial networks; regional source of
hashish (2008)

Albania
increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian
opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to
a lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western
Europe; limited opium and expanding cannabis production; ethnic
Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and expanding in
Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with regional
trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal aliens

Angola
used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for
Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africa

Anguilla
transshipment point for South American narcotics destined
for the US and Europe

Antigua and Barbuda
considered a minor transshipment point for
narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an
offshore financial center

Argentina
a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe,
heroin headed for the US, and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine headed
for Mexico; some money-laundering activity, especially in the
Tri-Border Area; law enforcement corruption; a source for precursor
chemicals; increasing domestic consumption of drugs in urban
centers, especially cocaine base and synthetic drugs (2008)

Armenia
illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic
consumption; minor transit point for illicit drugs - mostly opium
and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a lesser
extent the rest of Europe

Aruba
transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some
accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage
of population consumes cocaine

Australia
Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit
opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of
opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major
consumer of cocaine and amphetamines

Austria
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South
American cocaine destined for Western Europe; increasing consumption
of European-produced synthetic drugs

Azerbaijan
limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy,
mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program;
transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a
lesser extent the rest of Europe

Bahamas, The
transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for
US and Europe; offshore financial center

Bangladesh
transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring
countries

Barbados
one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics
bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center

Belarus
limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for
the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and
via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and
lightly regulated financial center; anti-money-laundering
legislation does not meet international standards and was weakened
further when know-your-customer requirements were curtailed in 2008;
few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities
(2008)

Belgium
growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit
point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South
American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine,
heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a
strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to
money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and
tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy

Belize
transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer
of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector
money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other
crimes (2008)

Benin
transshipment point used by traffickers for cocaine destined
for Western Europe; vulnerable to money laundering due to poorly
enforced financial regulations (2008)

Bolivia
world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and
Peru) with an estimated 29,500 hectares under cultivation in 2007,
increased slightly when compared to 2006; third largest producer of
cocaine, estimated at 120 metric tons potential pure cocaine in
2007; transit country for Peruvian and Colombian cocaine destined
for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Europe; cultivation
generally increasing since 2000, despite eradication and alternative
crop programs; weak border controls; some money-laundering activity
related to narcotics trade; major cocaine consumption (2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
increasingly a transit point for heroin being
trafficked to Western Europe; minor transit point for marijuana;
remains highly vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a
primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement,
and instances of corruption

Brazil
second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit
producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the
Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a
large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important
transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine
headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for
narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in
drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for
Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics
proceeds are often laundered through the financial system;
significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)

British Virgin Islands
transshipment point for South American
narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial
center makes it vulnerable to money laundering

Brunei
drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled
substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory
death penalty

Bulgaria
major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian
heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the
European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; vulnerable
to money laundering because of corruption, organized crime; some
money laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial
institutions (2008)

Burma
remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with
an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of
26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4%
increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas
of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of
Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major
narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money
laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major
source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)

Cambodia
narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in
the government, military, and police; limited methamphetamine
production; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based
economy and porous borders

Canada
illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and
export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant
large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing
ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the US; vulnerable
to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial
services sector

Cape Verde
used as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine
destined for Western Europe, particularly because of Lusophone links
to Brazil, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau; has taken steps to deter
drug money laundering, including a 2002 anti-money laundering reform
that criminalizes laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking
and other crimes and the establishment in 2008 of a Financial
Intelligence Unit (2008)

Cayman Islands
major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug
transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)

Chile
transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the
region; some money laundering activity, especially through the
Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia;
domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant
consumer of cocaine (2008)

China
major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden
Triangle region of Southeast Asia; growing domestic consumption of
synthetic drugs, and heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia;
source country for methamphetamine and heroin chemical precursors,
despite new regulations on its large chemical industry (2008)

Colombia
illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis;
world's leading coca cultivator with 167,000 hectares in coca
cultivation in 2007, a 6% increase over 2006, producing a potential
of 535 mt of pure cocaine; the world's largest producer of coca
derivatives; supplies cocaine to nearly all of the US market and the
great majority of other international drug markets; in 2005, aerial
eradication dispensed herbicide to treat over 130,000 hectares but
aggressive replanting on the part of coca growers means Colombia
remains a key producer; a significant portion of narcotics proceeds
are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black
market peso exchange; important supplier of heroin to the US market;
opium poppy cultivation is estimated to have fallen 25% between 2006
and 2007; most Colombian heroin is destined for the US market (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the one of Africa's biggest producers of cannabis, but mostly for domestic consumption; traffickers exploit lax shipping controls to transit pseudoephedrine through the capital; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center (2008)

Costa Rica
transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South
America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic
cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising;
significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash
in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica
from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local
consumption; utility as a narcotic transshipment point to Europe
reduced by ongoing political instability; while rampant corruption
and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to
money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits
the country's utility as a major money-laundering center (2008)

Croatia
transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian
heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for
maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western
Europe (2008)

Cuba
territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone
for US- and European-bound drugs; established the death penalty for
certain drug-related crimes in 1999 (2008)

Cyprus
minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and
container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey;
some cocaine transits as well; despite a strengthening of
anti-money-laundering legislation, remains vulnerable to money
laundering; reporting of suspicious transactions in offshore sector
remains weak (2008)

Czech Republic
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and
minor transit point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe;
producer of synthetic drugs for local and regional markets;
susceptible to money laundering related to drug trafficking,
organized crime; significant consumer of ecstasy (2008)

Dominica
transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and
Europe; minor cannabis producer (2008)

Dominican Republic
transshipment point for South American drugs
destined for the US and Europe; has become a transshipment point for
ecstasy from the Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada;
substantial money laundering activity in particular by Colombian
narcotics traffickers; significant amphetamine consumption (2008)

Ecuador
significant transit country for cocaine originating in
Colombia and Peru, with much of the US-bound cocaine passing through
Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in
production of illicit narcotics; attractive location for
cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of
dollarization and weak anti-money-laundering regime; increased
activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and
Colombian insurgents (2008)

Egypt
transit point for cannabis, heroin, and opium moving to
Europe, Israel, and North Africa; transit stop for Nigerian drug
couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of
financial regulations

El Salvador
transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of
marijuana produced for local consumption; significant use of cocaine

Estonia
growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important
transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic
drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord;
potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug
trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector
to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy

Ethiopia
transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and
Southeast Asia and destined for Europe, as well as cocaine destined
for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (khat) for local use
and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia (legal in
all three countries); the lack of a well-developed financial system
limits the country's utility as a money laundering center

France
metropolitan France: transshipment point for South American
cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics
French Guiana: small amount of marijuana grown for local
consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe
Martinique: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for
the US and Europe

Georgia
limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for
domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via
Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

Germany
source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine
processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian
heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic
drugs; major financial center

Ghana
illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a
lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the
US; widespread crime and money laundering problem, but the lack of a
well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility
as a money laundering center; significant domestic cocaine and
cannabis use

Greece
a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and
heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and
precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine
transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug
trafficking and organized crime

Grenada
small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point
for marijuana and cocaine to US

Guatemala
major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005,
cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a
potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than
1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly
domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major
staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering
is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem

Guinea-Bissau
increasingly important transit country for South
American cocaine enroute to Europe; enabling environment for
trafficker operations thanks to pervasive corruption;
archipelago-like geography around the capital facilitates drug
smuggling

Guyana
transshipment point for narcotics from South America -
primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis;
rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human
smuggling

Haiti
Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to the US
and Europe; substantial bulk cash smuggling activity; Colombian
narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial
transactions; pervasive corruption; significant consumer of cannabis

Honduras
transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit
producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally
for local consumption; corruption is a major problem; some
money-laundering activity

Hong Kong
despite strenuous law enforcement efforts, faces difficult
challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to
regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit
for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs,
especially among young people

Hungary
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis
and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited
producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and
methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to
organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain
vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy

India
world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical
trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit
international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics
produced in neighboring countries and throughout Southwest Asia;
illicit producer of methaqualone; vulnerable to narcotics money
laundering through the hawala system; licit ketamine and precursor
production

Indonesia
illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use;
producer of methamphetamine and ecstasy

Iran
despite substantial interdiction efforts and considerable
control measures along the border with Afghanistan, Iran remains one
of the primary transshipment routes for Southwest Asian heroin to
Europe; suffers one of the highest opiate addiction rates in the
world, and has an increasing problem with synthetic drugs; lacks
anti-money laundering laws; has reached out to neighboring countries
to share counter-drug intelligence

Ireland
transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North
Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic
drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor
transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for Western
Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money
laundering - using bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies
involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern

Israel
increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin
abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from
Jordan; money-laundering center

Italy
important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine
and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money
laundering by organized crime and from smuggling

Jamaica
transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North
America and Europe; illicit cultivation and consumption of cannabis;
government has an active manual cannabis eradication program;
corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering
activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit
financial transactions

Kazakhstan
significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS
markets, as well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra
(for the drug ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit
crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia
and the rest of Europe; significant consumer of opiates

Kenya
widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit
country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North
America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa;
significant potential for money-laundering activity given the
country's status as a regional financial center; massive corruption,
and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities

Korea, North
for years, from the 1970s into the 2000s, citizens of
the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea (DPRK), many of
them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad
while trafficking in narcotics, including two in Turkey in December
2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have
linked North Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and
methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant
ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003

Kyrgyzstan
limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy
for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops;
transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the
rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates

Laos
estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares,
about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production
in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports
of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic
methamphetamine problem (2007)

Latvia
transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic
drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe,
Latin America, and neighboring Balkan countries; despite improved
legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent
enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of
offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime
(including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and
prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds

Lebanon
cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares
in 2002 despite continued significant cannabis consumption; opium
poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin American cocaine
and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way to European
markets and for Middle Eastern consumption; money laundering of drug
proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug
trafficking

Liberia
transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin
and South American cocaine for the European and US markets;
corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade
provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of
well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a
major money-laundering center

Liechtenstein
has strengthened money laundering controls, but money
laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated
offshore financial services sector

Lithuania
transshipment and destination point for cannabis, cocaine,
ecstasy, and opiates from Southwest Asia, Latin America, Western
Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of
high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis,
methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to
banking legislation

Macau
transshipment point for drugs going into mainland China;
consumer of opiates and amphetamines

Macedonia
major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and
hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for
Europe; although not a financial center and most criminal activity
is thought to be domestic, money laundering is a problem due to a
mostly cash-based economy and weak enforcement

Madagascar
illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild
varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point
for heroin

Malaysia
drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe
penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug
demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine
producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional
drug market

Malta
minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to
Western Europe

Mauritius
consumer and transshipment point for heroin from South
Asia; small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally;
significant offshore financial industry creates potential for money
laundering, but corruption levels are relatively low and the
government appears generally to be committed to regulating its
banking industry

Mexico
major drug-producing nation; cultivation of opium poppy in
2007 rose to 6,900 hectares yielding a potential production of 18
metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin,
the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United States;
marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and
yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons; government
conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in
the world; continues as the primary transshipment country for
US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual
cocaine movements toward the US stopping in Mexico; major drug
syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the
country; producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant
money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest
foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the US market
(2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
major consumer of cannabis

Moldova
limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for
CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from
Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and
possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

Montserrat
transshipment point for South American narcotics destined
for the US and Europe

Morocco
one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish;
shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit
point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe;
significant consumer of cannabis

Mozambique
southern African transit point for South Asian hashish
and heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for the
European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for local
consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa);
corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system
vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed
financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a
money-laundering center

Nepal
illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and
international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast
Asia to the West

Netherlands
major European producer of synthetic drugs, including
ecstasy, and cannabis cultivator; important gateway for cocaine,
heroin, and hashish entering Europe; major source of US-bound
ecstasy; large financial sector vulnerable to money laundering;
significant consumer of ecstasy

New Zealand
significant consumer of amphetamines

Nicaragua
transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and
transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

Nigeria
a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for
European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of
amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating
worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and
criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering
controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task
Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in
June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be
monitored by FATF

Pakistan
significant transit area for Afghan drugs, including
heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Iran, Western
markets, the Gulf States, Africa, and Asia; financial crimes related
to drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain
problems; opium poppy cultivation estimated to be 2,300 hectares in
2007 with 600 of those hectares eradicated; federal and provincial
authorities continue to conduct anti-poppy campaigns that utilizes
forced eradication, fines, and arrests

Panama
major cocaine transshipment point and primary
money-laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering
activity is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore
financial center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring
of financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains
a major problem

Papua New Guinea
major consumer of cannabis

Paraguay
major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is
consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for
Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and
Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and
money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak
anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement

Peru
until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer, Peru is now
the world's second largest producer of coca leaf, though it lags far
behind Colombia; cultivation of coca in Peru declined to 36,000
hectares in 2007; second largest producer of cocaine, estimated at
210 metric tons of potential pure cocaine in 2007; finished cocaine
is shipped out from Pacific ports to the international drug market;
increasing amounts of base and finished cocaine, however, are being
moved to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia for use in the
Southern Cone or transshipment to Europe and Africa; increasing
domestic drug consumption

Philippines
domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing
problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major
consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in
rural areas where Manila's control is limited

Poland
despite diligent counternarcotics measures and international
information sharing on cross-border crimes, a major illicit producer
of synthetic drugs for the international market; minor transshipment
point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to
Western Europe

Portugal
seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined
for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin;
transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe;
consumer of Southwest Asian heroin

Romania
major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin
transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American
cocaine bound for Western Europe; although not a significant
financial center, role as a narcotics conduit leaves it vulnerable
to laundering, which occurs via the banking system, currency
exchange houses, and casinos

Russia
limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and
producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption;
government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as
transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American
cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent
Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source
of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are
key concerns; major consumer of opiates

Saint Kitts and Nevis
transshipment point for South American drugs
destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

Saint Lucia
transit point for South American drugs destined for the
US and Europe

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
transshipment point for South
American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis
cultivation

Saudi Arabia
death penalty for traffickers; improving
anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

Senegal
transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin
and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North America;
illicit cultivator of cannabis

Serbia
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to
Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money
laundering

Singapore
drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement
efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore
is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for
money laundering

Slovakia
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for
Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market;
consumer of ecstasy

Slovenia
minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin
bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

South Africa
transshipment center for heroin, hashish, and cocaine,
as well as a major cultivator of marijuana in its own right; cocaine
and heroin consumption on the rise; world's largest market for
illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through
various east African countries, but increasingly producing its own
synthetic drugs for domestic consumption; attractive venue for money
launderers given the increasing level of organized criminal and
narcotics activity in the region and the size of the South African
economy

Spain
despite rigorous law enforcement efforts, North African, Latin
American, Galician, and other European traffickers take advantage of
Spain's long coastline to land large shipments of cocaine and
hashish for distribution to the European market; consumer for Latin
American cocaine and North African hashish; destination and minor
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering
site for Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations and organized
crime

Suriname
growing transshipment point for South American drugs
destined for Europe via the Netherlands and Brazil; transshipment
point for arms-for-drugs dealing

Switzerland
a major international financial center vulnerable to the
layering and integration stages of money laundering; despite
significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules
persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct business through
offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for
and consumer of South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and
Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and
limited ecstasy production

Syria
a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for
regional and Western markets; weak anti-money-laundering controls
and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering

Taiwan
regional transit point for heroin, methamphetamine, and
precursor chemicals; transshipment point for drugs to Japan; major
problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin;
rising problems with use of ketamine and club drugs

Tajikistan
major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for
Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited
illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption;
Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central Asia
and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw
opium); significant consumer of opiates

Tanzania
targeted by traffickers moving hashish, Afghan heroin, and
South American cocaine transported down the East African coastline,
through airports, or overland through Central Africa; Zanzibar
likely used by traffickers for drug smuggling; traffickers in the
past have recruited Tanzanian couriers to move drugs through Iran
into East Asia.

Thailand
a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit
point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market
from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of
cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring
countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication
efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in
methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer
of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government
crackdowns

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money
laundering not a significant problem

Trinidad and Tobago
transshipment point for South American drugs
destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis

Turkey
key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western
Europe and, to a lesser extent, the US - via air, land, and sea
routes; major Turkish and other international trafficking
organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert
imported morphine base into heroin exist in remote regions of Turkey
and near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas
of legal opium poppy cultivation and over output of poppy straw
concentrate; lax enforcement of money-laundering controls

Turkmenistan
transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian
and Western European markets; transit point for heroin precursor
chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Turks and Caicos Islands
transshipment point for South American
narcotics destined for the US and Europe

Ukraine
limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for
CIS consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the
West; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment
point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin
America, and Turkey to Europe and Russia; Ukraine has improved
anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the
Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and
Territories List in February 2004; Ukraine's anti-money-laundering
regime continues to be monitored by FATF

United Arab Emirates
the UAE is a drug transshipment point for
traffickers given its proximity to Southwest Asian drug-producing
countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it
vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering controls
improving, but informal banking remains unregulated

United Kingdom
producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and
synthetic precursor chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian
heroin, Latin American cocaine, and synthetic drugs;
money-laundering center

United States
world's largest consumer of cocaine (shipped from
Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean), Colombian heroin, and
Mexican heroin and marijuana; major consumer of ecstasy and Mexican
methamphetamine; minor consumer of high-quality Southeast Asian
heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants,
stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering
center

Uruguay
small-scale transit country for drugs mainly bound for
Europe, often through sea-borne containers; law enforcement
corruption; money laundering because of strict banking secrecy laws;
weak border control along Brazilian frontier; increasing consumption
of cocaine base and synthetic drugs

Uzbekistan
transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian
and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit
cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for
domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by
government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin
precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Venezuela
small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the
processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large
quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country
from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related
money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia
and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily
targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by
Colombian insurgents on border

Vietnam
minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point
for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic
opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding
crackdowns

World
cocaine: worldwide coca leaf cultivation in 2007 amounted to
232,500 hectares; Colombia produced slightly more than two-thirds of
the worldwide crop, followed by Peru and Bolivia; potential pure
cocaine production decreased 7% to 865 metric tons in 2007; Colombia
conducts an aggressive coca eradication campaign, but both Peruvian
and Bolivian Governments are hesitant to eradicate coca in key
growing areas; 551 metric tons of export-quality cocaine (85% pure)
is documented to have been seized or destroyed in 2005; US
consumption of export quality cocaine is estimated to have been in
excess of 380 metric tons
opiates: worldwide illicit opium poppy cultivation continued to
increase in 2007, with a potential opium production of 8,400 metric
tons, reaching the highest levels recorded since estimates began in
mid-1980s; Afghanistan is world's primary opium producer, accounting
for 95% of the global supply; Southeast Asia - responsible for 9% of
global opium - saw marginal increases in production; Latin America
produced 1% of global opium, but most was refined into heroin
destined for the US market; if all potential opium was processed
into pure heroin, the potential global production would be 1,000
metric tons of heroin in 2007

Zambia
transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone,
small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for southern Africa and
possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled
with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it
an unattractive venue for money launderers; major consumer of
cannabis

Zimbabwe
transit point for cannabis and South Asian heroin, mandrax,
and methamphetamines en route to South Africa

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

@2087

Field Listing :: Imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Imports

Afghanistan
$5.3 billion (2008 est.)
$4.5 billion (2007)

Albania
$4.337 billion (2010 est.)
$4.264 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
$37.07 billion (2010 est.)
$39.1 billion (2009 est.)

American Samoa
$308.8 million (FY04 est.)

Andorra
$1.801 billion (2008)
$1.789 billion (2007)

Angola
$18.1 billion (2010 est.)
$15.74 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
$143 million (2006)

Antigua and Barbuda
$522.8 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
$52.61 billion (2010 est.)
$37.14 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
$2.988 billion (2010 est.)
$2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Aruba
$1.054 billion (2006)

Australia
$200.4 billion (2010 est.)
$160.4 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
$156 billion (2010 est.)
$138.7 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$7.035 billion (2010 est.)
$6.514 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
$2.401 billion (2006)

Bahrain
$12.14 billion (2010 est.)
$9.613 billion (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$21.34 billion (2010)
$20.3 billion (2009)

Barbados
$1.586 billion (2006)

Belarus
$29.79 billion (2010 est.)
$28.31 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
$281.7 billion (2010 est.)
$261.3 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
$740 million (2010 est.)
$620.5 million (2009 est.)

Benin
$1.812 billion (2010 est.)
$1.703 billion (2009 est.)

Bermuda
$1.162 billion (2006)

Bhutan
$533 million (2008)
$320 million (2006)

Bolivia
$5.006 billion (2010 est.)
$4.095 billion (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$9.403 billion (2010 est.)
$8.788 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
$4.518 billion (2010 est.)
$4.243 billion (2009 est.)

Brazil
$187.7 billion (2010 est.)
$127.7 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
$187 million f.o.b.

Brunei
$2.61 billion (2008 est.)
$2.055 billion (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
$22.78 billion (2010 est.)
$22.22 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$1.48 billion (2010 est.)
$1.186 billion (2009 est.)

Burma
$4.532 billion (2010 est.)
$4.02 billion (2009 est.)
note: import figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of
consumer goods, diesel fuel, and other products smuggled in from
Thailand, China, Malaysia, and India

Burundi
$336 million (2010 est.)
$275 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
$6.944 billion (2010 est.)
$5.876 billion (2009 est.)

Cameroon
$4.869 billion (2010 est.)
$4.405 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
$406.4 billion (2010 est.)
$327.3 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
$858 million (2010 est.)
$835 million (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
$876.5 million (2008)
$866.9 million (2004)

Central African Republic
$237.3 million (2007 est.)

Chad
$2.631 billion (2010 est.)
$2.539 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
$54.23 billion (2010 est.)
$39.75 billion (2009 est.)

China
$1.307 trillion (2010 est.)
$954.3 billion (2009 est.)

Christmas Island
$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
$NA

Colombia
$36.26 billion (2010 est.)
$31.48 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
$143 million (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$5.2 billion (2009 est.)
$6.7 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$3.607 billion (2010 est.)
$3.259 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
$81.04 million (2005)

Costa Rica
$13.69 billion (2010 est.)
$10.87 billion (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$7.015 billion (2010 est.)
$6.318 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
$20.93 billion (2010 est.)
$21 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
$10.25 billion (2010 est.)
$8.91 billion (2009 est.)

Curacao
$1.34 billion (2008 est.)

Cyprus
$7.962 billion (2010 est.)
$7.973 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$109.2 billion (2010 est.)
$103.1 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
$90.83 billion (2010 est.)
$84.46 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
$644 million (2009 est.)
$1.555 billion (2006)

Dominica
$296 million (2006)

Dominican Republic
$14.53 billion (2010 est.)
$12.28 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
$17.65 billion (2010 est.)
$14.27 billion (2009 est.)

Egypt
$46.52 billion (2010 est.)
$45.56 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
$7.98 billion (2010 est.)
$7.255 billion (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
$5.743 billion (2010 est.)
$5.258 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
$738 million (2010 est.)
$682 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
$11.52 billion (2010 est.)
$9.783 billion (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$7.517 billion (2010 est.)
$6.946 billion (2009 est.)

European Union $1.69 trillion (2007) $1.466 trillion (2005) note: external imports, excluding intra-EU trade

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $90 million (2004 est.)

Faroe Islands $983 million (2008) $751 million (2006)

Fiji
$3.12 billion (2006)

Finland
$69.11 billion (2010 est.)
$57.68 billion (2009 est.)

France
$577.7 billion (2010 est.)
$535.8 billion (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
$1.706 billion (2005 est.)

Gabon
$2.433 billion (2010 est.)
$2.298 billion (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$306 million (2010 est.)
$280 million (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
$4.828 billion (2010 est.)
$4.293 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
$1.12 trillion (2010 est.)
$956.7 billion (2009 est.)

Ghana
$10.18 billion (2010 est.)
$8.046 billion (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
$2.967 billion (2004 est.)

Greece
$44.9 billion (2010 est.)
$64.2 billion (2009 est.)

Greenland
$867 million (2008)
$669 million (2007)

Grenada
$343 million (2006)

Guam
$701 million (2004 est.)

Guatemala
$12.65 billion (2010 est.)
$11.52 billion (2009)

Guernsey
$NA

Guinea
$1.551 billion (2010 est.)
$1.236 billion (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$200 million (2006)

Guyana
$1.366 billion (2010 est.)
$1.161 billion (2009 est.)

Haiti
$2.446 billion (2010 est.)
$2.032 billion (2009 est.)

Honduras
$8.878 billion (2010 est.)
$5.924 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$413 billion (2010 est.)
$348.7 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
$87.44 billion (2010 est.)
$76.42 billion (2009 est.)

Iceland
$3.677 billion (2010 est.)
$3.318 billion (2009 est.)

India
$327 billion (2010 est.)
$274.3 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
$111.1 billion (2010 est.)
$84.35 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
$58.97 billion (2010 est.)
$58.97 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
$42.56 billion (2010 est.)
$50 billion (2008 est.)

Ireland
$70.36 billion (2010 est.)
$62.22 billion (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
$NA

Israel
$55.6 billion (2010 est.)
$45.99 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
$459.7 billion (2010 est.)
$403.9 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
$5.378 billion (2010 est.)
$4.581 billion (2009 est.)

Japan
$636.8 billion (2010 est.)
$501.6 billion (2009 est.)

Jersey
$NA

Jordan
$12.97 billion (2010 est.)
$12.5 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$30.11 billion (2010 est.)
$28.77 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
$10.4 billion (2010 est.)
$9.715 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
$62 million (2004 est.)

Korea, North
$3.096 billion (2009)
$3.574 billion (2008)

Korea, South
$417.9 billion (2010 est.)
$317.5 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
$2.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Kuwait
$20.36 billion (2010 est.)
$17.08 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$3.075 billion (2010 est.)
$2.987 billion (2009 est.)

Laos
$1.504 billion (2010 est.)
$1.308 billion (2009 est.)

Latvia
$9.153 billion (2010 est.)
$8.906 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
$17.97 billion (2010 est.)
$15.9 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
$1.766 billion (2010 est.)
$1.572 billion (2009 est.)

Liberia
$7.143 billion (2006)

Libya
$24.47 billion (2010 est.)
$22.01 billion (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
$2.59 billion (2008)

Lithuania
$20.34 billion (2010 est.)
$17.56 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$23.67 billion (2010 est.)
$19.76 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
$4.5 billion (2009 est.)
$5.4 billion (2008 est.)

Macedonia
$5.113 billion (2010 est.)
$4.842 billion (2009 est.)

Madagascar
$1.958 billion (2010 est.)
$1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Malawi
$1.675 billion (2010 est.)
$1.502 billion (2009 est.)

Malaysia
$149.2 billion (2010 est.)
$117.3 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
$782 million (2008 est.)
$1.221 billion (2008 est.)

Mali
$2.358 billion (2006)

Malta
$4.074 billion (2010 est.)
$3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
$79.4 million (2008 est.)
$54.7 million (2000 est.)

Mauritania
$1.475 billion (2006)

Mauritius
$3.935 billion (2010 est.)
$3.499 billion (2009 est.)

Mayotte
$341 million (2005)

Mexico
$306 billion (2010 est.)
$234.4 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$132.7 million (2004)

Moldova
$3.66 billion (2010 est.)
$3.276 billion (2009 est.)

Monaco
$916.1 million (2005)
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and
rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market
system through customs union with France

Mongolia $2.131 billion (2009) $3.224 billion (2008)

Montenegro
$601.7 million (2003)

Montserrat
$17 million (2001); $17 million

Morocco
$34.19 billion (2010 est.)
$30.55 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
$3.527 billion (2010 est.)
$3.059 billion (2009 est.)

Namibia
$5.152 billion (2010 est.)
$4.519 billion (2009 est.)

Nauru
$20 million (2004 est.)

Nepal
$5.26 billion (2009)
$4.1 billion (2008)

Netherlands
$408.4 billion (2010 est.)
$371.9 billion (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
$1.998 billion (2006)

New Zealand
$30.24 billion (2010 est.)
$23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$4.7 billion (2010 est.)
$3.481 billion (2009 est.)

Niger
$800 million (2006)

Nigeria
$34.18 billion (2010 est.)
$29.05 billion (2009 est.)

Niue
$9.038 million (2004)

Norfolk Island
$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million

Northern Mariana Islands
$214.4 million (2001)

Norway
$74.02 billion (2010 est.)
$66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
$19.3 billion (2010 est.)
$16.13 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
$32.71 billion (2010 est.)
$28.53 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
$107.3 million (2004 est.)

Panama
$16.05 billion (2010 est.)
$12.93 billion (2009 est.)
note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Papua New Guinea
$3.547 billion (2010 est.)
$2.871 billion (2009 est.)

Paraguay
$9.242 billion (2010 est.)
$6.917 billion (2009 est.)

Peru
$25.74 billion (2010 est.)
$21.01 billion (2009 est.)

Philippines
$57.24 billion (2010 est.)
$46.39 billion (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
$NA

Poland
$167.4 billion (2010 est.)
$146.4 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
$68.22 billion (2010 est.)
$68.9 billion (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
$29.1 billion (2001)

Qatar
$23.38 billion (2010 est.)
$20.89 billion (2009 est.)

Romania
$59.84 billion (2010 est.)
$50.03 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
$237.3 billion (2010 est.)
$191.8 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
$1.047 billion (2010 est.)
$961 million (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$45 million (2004 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$383 million (2006)

Saint Lucia
$791 million (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$68.2 million (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$578 million (2006)

Samoa
$324 million (2006)

San Marino
$3.744 billion (2007)
$2.035 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
$99 million (2010 est.)
$80 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$99.17 billion (2010 est.)
$87.1 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
$4.474 billion (2010 est.)
$4.549 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
$15.78 billion (2010 est.)
$15.03 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
$831 million (2010 est.)
$759.1 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
$560 million (2006)

Singapore
$315.6 billion (2010 est.)
$243.2 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
$62.43 billion (2010 est.)
$53.67 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
$25.96 billion (2010 est.)
$23.5 billion (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
$256 million (2006)

Somalia
$798 million (2006)

South Africa
$77.04 billion (2010 est.)
$66.01 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
$324.6 billion (2010 est.)
$286.8 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$11.6 billion (2010 est.)
$9.186 billion (2009 est.)

Sudan
$8.483 billion (2010 est.)
$8.253 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
$1.297 billion (2006 est.)

Svalbard
$NA

Swaziland
$1.643 billion (2010 est.)
$1.585 billion (2009 est.)

Sweden
$158.6 billion (2010 est.)
$120.5 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
$220.4 billion (2010 est.)
$192.8 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
$13.57 billion (2010 est.)
$12.62 billion (2009 est.)

Taiwan
$250.2 billion (2010 est.)
$172.8 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$3.301 billion (2010 est.)
$2.77 billion (2009 est.)

Tanzania
$6.334 billion (2010 est.)
$5.834 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
$156.9 billion (2010 est.)
$118 billion (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
$202 million (2004 est.)

Togo
$1.337 billion (2010 est.)
$1.261 billion (2009 est.)

Tokelau
$969,200 (2002)

Tonga
$139 million (2006)

Trinidad and Tobago
$8.234 billion (2010 est.)
$7.161 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
$20.02 billion (2010 est.)
$18.12 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
$166.3 billion (2010 est.)
$134.5 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$4.888 billion (2010 est.)
$4.109 billion (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
$175.6 million (2000)

Tuvalu
$12.91 million (2005)

Uganda
$4.474 billion (2010 est.)
$3.844 billion (2009 est.)

Ukraine
$53.54 billion (2010 est.)
$45.05 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$159 billion (2010 est.)
$150 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$546.5 billion (2010 est.)
$483.9 billion (2009 est.)

United States
$1.903 trillion (2010 est.)
$1.575 trillion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
$8.519 billion (2010 est.)
$6.664 billion (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$9.44 billion (2010 est.)
$9.023 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$156 million (2006)

Venezuela
$31.37 billion (2010 est.)
$38.44 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
$81.73 billion (2010 est.)
$65.4 billion (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
$4.609 billion (2001)

Wallis and Futuna
$61.17 million (2004)

West Bank
$3.772 billion (2008)
$2.84 billion (2006)

Western Sahara
$NA

World
$14.68 trillion (2010)
$12.19 trillion (2009)

Yemen
$8.35 billion (2010 est.)
$7.518 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
$4.949 billion (2010 est.)
$3.735 billion (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$2.871 billion (2010 est.)
$2.413 billion (2009 est.)

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

@2088

Field Listing :: Independence

For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was
achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the
other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in
the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such
as the traditional founding date or the date of unification,
federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the
form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries,
the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process
occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several
significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation
"none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see
the Terminology note.
Country

Independence

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

Albania
28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Algeria
5 July 1962 (from France)

American Samoa
none (territory of the US)

Andorra
1278 (formed under the joint suzerainty of the French Count
of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgel)

Angola
11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

Anguilla
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
1 November 1981 (from the UK)

Argentina
9 July 1816 (from Spain)

Armenia
21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Aruba
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia
1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

Austria
12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier
dates: 976 (Margravate of Austria established); 17 September 1156
(Duchy of Austria founded); 11 August 1804 (Austrian Empire
proclaimed)

Azerbaijan
30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18
October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)

Bahamas, The
10 July 1973 (from the UK)

Bahrain
15 August 1971 (from the UK)

Bangladesh
16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March
1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December
1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation
of the state of Bangladesh

Barbados
30 November 1966 (from the UK)

Belarus
25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Belgium
4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared
independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I
ascended to the throne)

Belize
21 September 1981 (from the UK)

Benin
1 August 1960 (from France)

Bermuda
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan
1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary
king)

Bolivia
6 August 1825 (from Spain)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for
independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3
March 1992)

Botswana
30 September 1966 (from the UK)

Brazil
7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

British Virgin Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
1 January 1984 (from the UK)

Bulgaria
3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the
Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the
Ottoman Empire)

Burkina Faso
5 August 1960 (from France)

Burma
4 January 1948 (from the UK)

Burundi
1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian
administration)

Cambodia
9 November 1953 (from France)

Cameroon
1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Canada
1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11
December 1931 (recognized by UK)

Cape Verde
5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Cayman Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic
13 August 1960 (from France)

Chad
11 August 1960 (from France)

Chile
18 September 1810 (from Spain)

China
1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established);
notable earlier dates: 221 BC (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1
January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China)

Christmas Island
none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
20 July 1810 (from Spain)

Comoros
6 July 1975 (from France)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

Congo, Republic of the
15 August 1960 (from France)

Cook Islands
none (became self-governing in free association with
New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move
to full independence by unilateral action)

Costa Rica
15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Cote d'Ivoire
7 August 1960 (from France)

Croatia
25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Cuba
20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the
US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a
day of independence

Curacao
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots
proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983,
but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

Czech Republic
1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech
Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the
Czech Republic came into being, the Czechs generally consider 28
October 1918, the day the former Czechoslovakia declared its
independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as their independence
day

Denmark
ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson);
5 June 1849 (becomes a constitutional monarchy)

Djibouti
27 June 1977 (from France)

Dominica
3 November 1978 (from the UK)

Dominican Republic
27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

Ecuador
24 May 1822 (from Spain)

Egypt
28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the revolution
that began 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June
1953 and all British troops withdrawn 18 June 1956); note - it was
in ca. 3200 B.C. that the Two Lands of Upper (southern) and Lower
(northern) Egypt were first united politically

El Salvador
15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Equatorial Guinea
12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Eritrea
24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

Estonia
20 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Ethiopia
oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest
in the world - at least 2,000 years (may be traced to the Aksumite
Kingdom, which coalesced in the first centuries B.C.)

European Union
7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed
establishing the EU); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered
into force)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none (overseas territory of the
UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Fiji
10 October 1970 (from the UK)

Finland
6 December 1917 (from Russia)

France
no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes
unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia
established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July
1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French
Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

French Polynesia
none (overseas lands of France)

Gabon
17 August 1960 (from France)

Gambia, The
18 February 1965 (from the UK)

Georgia
9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Germany
18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into
four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945
following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West
Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and
French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany)
proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West
Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990; all four powers
formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates:
10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the
Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized
as the first Holy Roman Emperor)

Ghana
6 March 1957 (from the UK)

Gibraltar
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Greenland
none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of
Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but
Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating
to Greenland)

Grenada
7 February 1974 (from the UK)

Guam
none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Guernsey
none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
2 October 1958 (from France)

Guinea-Bissau
24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from
Portugal)

Guyana
26 May 1966 (from the UK)

Haiti
1 January 1804 (from France)

Holy See (Vatican City)
11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the
three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged,
among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and
established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal
States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may
be traced back to the 8th century

Honduras
15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Hong Kong
none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary
16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier
dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional
founding date); 30 March 1867 (dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary
created)

Iceland
1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish
Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

India
15 August 1947 (from the UK)

Indonesia
17 August 1945 (declared); 27 December 1949 (by the
Netherlands); note - in August 2005 the Netherlands announced that
it had recognized de facto Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945

Iran
1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable
earlier dates: ca. 625 B.C. (unification of Iran under the Medes);
ca. A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavids); 12 December 1925
(modern Iran established under the Pahlavis)

Iraq
3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British
administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional
Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi-controlled Government

Ireland
6 December 1921 (from the UK by treaty)

Isle of Man
none (British crown dependency)

Israel
14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British
administration)

Italy
17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not
finally unified until 1870)

Jamaica
6 August 1962 (from the UK)

Japan
3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji
Constitution); notable earlier dates: 660 B.C. (traditional date of
the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890
(Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy)

Jersey
none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British
administration)

Kazakhstan
16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Kenya
12 December 1963 (from the UK)

Kiribati
12 July 1979 (from the UK)

Korea, North
15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Korea, South
15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Kosovo
17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

Kuwait
19 June 1961 (from the UK)

Kyrgyzstan
31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Laos
19 July 1949 (from France)

Latvia
18 November 1918 (from the Soviet Russia)

Lebanon
22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under
French administration)

Lesotho
4 October 1966 (from the UK)

Liberia
26 July 1847

Libya
24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship)

Liechtenstein
23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein
established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire)

Lithuania
11 March 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by
the Soviet Union)

Luxembourg
1839 (from the Netherlands)

Macau
none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia
8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed
independence from Yugoslavia)

Madagascar
26 June 1960 (from France)

Malawi
6 July 1964 (from the UK)

Malaysia
31 August 1957 (from the UK)

Maldives
26 July 1965 (from the UK)

Mali
22 September 1960 (from France)

Malta
21 September 1964 (from the UK)

Marshall Islands 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Mauritania
28 November 1960 (from France)

Mauritius
12 March 1968 (from the UK)

Mayotte
none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
16 September 1810 (declared); 27 September 1821 (recognized
by Spain)

Micronesia, Federated States of
3 November 1986 (from the
US-administered UN trusteeship)

Moldova
27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Monaco
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi)

Mongolia
11 July 1921 (from China)

Montenegro
3 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

Montserrat
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
2 March 1956 (from France)

Mozambique
25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

Namibia
21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

Nauru
31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered
UN trusteeship)

Nepal
1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)

Netherlands
23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low
Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26
July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of
Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace
of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)

New Caledonia
none (overseas territory of France); note - a
referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new
referendum is scheduled for 2014

New Zealand
26 September 1907 (from the UK)

Nicaragua
15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Niger
3 August 1960 (from France)

Nigeria
1 October 1960 (from the UK)

Niue
19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary
government in free association with New Zealand)

Norfolk Island
none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
none (commonwealth in political union with
the US)

Norway
7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden
dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the
union)

Oman
1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

Pakistan
14 August 1947 (from British India)

Palau
1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Panama
3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain
28 November 1821)

Papua New Guinea
16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered
UN trusteeship)

Paraguay
14 May 1811 (from Spain)

Peru
28 July 1821 (from Spain)

Philippines
12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4
July 1946 (from the US)

Pitcairn Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

Portugal
1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910
(republic proclaimed)

Puerto Rico
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
3 September 1971 (from the UK)

Romania
9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire;
independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26
March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic
proclaimed)

Russia
24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier
dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January
1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian
Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established)

Rwanda
1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

Saint Barthelemy
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
19 September 1983 (from the UK)

Saint Lucia
22 February 1979 (from the UK)

Saint Martin
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
27 October 1979 (from the UK)

Samoa
1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

San Marino
3 September 301

Sao Tome and Principe
12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Saudi Arabia
23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

Senegal
4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence
achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

Serbia
5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

Seychelles
29 June 1976 (from the UK)

Sierra Leone
27 April 1961 (from the UK)

Singapore
9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

Sint Maarten
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech
Republic and Slovakia)

Slovenia
25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Solomon Islands
7 July 1978 (from the UK)

Somalia
1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland that became
independent from the UK on 26 June 1960 and Italian Somaliland that
became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1
July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)

South Africa
31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four
British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free
State); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority
rule)

Spain
1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of
independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in
the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the
small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost
immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this
event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is
traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

Sri Lanka
4 February 1948 (from the UK)

Sudan
1 January 1956 (from Egypt and the UK)

Suriname
25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)

Svalbard
none (territory of Norway)

Swaziland
6 September 1968 (from the UK)

Sweden
6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

Switzerland
1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)

Syria
17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French
administration)

Tajikistan
9 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Tanzania
26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December
1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became
independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with
Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and
Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

Thailand
1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Timor-Leste
28 November 1975 (independence proclaimed from
Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of international
recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia

Togo
27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Tokelau
none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

Trinidad and Tobago
31 August 1962 (from the UK)

Tunisia
20 March 1956 (from France)

Turkey
29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

Turkmenistan
27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Turks and Caicos Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
1 October 1978 (from the UK)

Uganda
9 October 1962 (from the UK)

Ukraine
24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

United Arab Emirates
2 December 1971 (from the UK)

United Kingdom
12 April 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act
establishes current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland); notable earlier dates: 927 (minor English
kingdoms united); 3 March 1284 (enactment of the Statute of Rhuddlan
uniting England and Wales); 1536 (Act of Union formally incorporates
England and Wales); 1 May 1707 (Acts of Union formally unite England
and Scotland as Great Britain); 1 January 1801 (Acts of Union
formally unite Great Britain and Ireland as the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland); 6 December 1921 (Anglo-Irish Treaty
formalizes partition of Ireland; six counties remain part of the
United Kingdom as Northern Ireland)

United States
4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

Uruguay
25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

Uzbekistan
1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Vanuatu
30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

Venezuela
5 July 1811 (from Spain)

Vietnam
2 September 1945 (from France)

Virgin Islands
none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
none (overseas territory of France)

Yemen
22 May 1990 (Republic of Yemen was established with the merger
of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the
Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen
(Aden) or South Yemen]); note - previously North Yemen became
independent in November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and became a
republic with the overthrow of the theocratic Imamate in 1962; South
Yemen became independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

Zambia
24 October 1964 (from the UK)

Zimbabwe
18 April 1980 (from the UK)

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

@2089

Field Listing :: Industrial production growth rate

This entry gives the annual percentage increase in industrial
production (includes manufacturing, mining, and construction).
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Industrial production growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
NA%

Albania
3% (2010 est.)

Algeria
4.8% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
NA%

Andorra
NA%

Angola
5% (2010 est.)

Anguilla
NA%

Antigua and Barbuda
NA%

Argentina
6.7% (2010 est.)

Armenia
8% (2010 est.)

Aruba
NA%

Australia
3% (2010 est.)

Austria
3% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
3.5% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
NA%

Bahrain
1.5% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
6.4% (2010 est.)

Barbados
-3.2% (2000 est.)

Belarus
10.5% (2010 est.)

Belgium
4% (2010 est.)

Belize
1.4% (2010 est.)

Benin
3% (2010 est.)

Bermuda
NA%

Bhutan
NA%

Bolivia
4% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
3.3% (2010 est.)

Botswana
6.9% (2010 est.)

Brazil
11.5% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
NA%

Brunei
-5.4% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
0.4% (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
5.5% (2010 est.)

Burma
4.3% (2010 est.)

Burundi
7% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
4.5% (2010 est.)

Cameroon
4% (2010 est.)

Canada
5.8% (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
4% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
NA%

Central African Republic
3% (2002)

Chad
3% (2010 est.)

Chile
3.2% (2010 est.)

China
11% (2010 est.)

Colombia
5.5% (2010 est.)

Comoros
NA%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NA%

Congo, Republic of the
12% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
1% (2002)

Costa Rica
3% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
4.5% (2010 est.)

Croatia
-0.9% (2010 est.)

Cuba
0.8% (2010 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
0.1% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
3% (2010 est.)

Denmark
4% (2010 est.)

Dominica
NA%

Dominican Republic
1.5% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
2% (2010 est.)

Egypt
5.5% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
0.9% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
1.8% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
8% (2010 est.)

Estonia
10% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
9.5% (2010 est.)

European Union
3.8% (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA%

Faroe Islands
8% (2007 est.)

Fiji
NA%

Finland
6% (2010 est.)

France
3.5% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
NA%

Gabon
4.8% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
8.9%
note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in
the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2010
est.)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
4% (2010 est.)

Germany
9% (2010 est.)

Ghana
5% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
NA%

Greece
3.2% (2010 est.)

Greenland
NA%

Guam
NA%

Guatemala
2.6% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
NA%

Guinea
3% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
4.7% (2003 est.)

Guyana
2.5% (2010 est.)

Haiti
-8% (2010 est.)

Honduras
2.4% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
-0.3% (2010 est.)

Hungary
5% (2010 est.)

Iceland
-1% (2010 est.)

India
9.7% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
4% (2010 est.)

Iran
4.3% excluding oil (2010 est.)

Iraq
4.8% (2010 est.)

Ireland
5% (2010 est.)

Israel
5.7% (2010 est.)

Italy
0.5% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
-2% (2010 est.)

Japan
7.5% (2010 est.)

Jersey
NA%

Jordan
2.7% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
7.3% (2010 est.)

Kenya
4% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
NA%

Korea, North
NA%

Korea, South
12.1% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
2.1% (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
6% (2010 est.)

Laos
12% (2010 est.)

Latvia
-1.8% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
2.1% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
3% (2010 est.)

Liberia
NA%

Libya
2.7% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
NA%

Lithuania
2.5% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
1.7% (2009 est.)

Macau
NA%

Macedonia
1.3% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
2% (2010 est.)

Malawi
17.3% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
8.5% (2010 est.)

Maldives
-0.9% (2004 est.)

Mali
NA%

Malta
NA%

Marshall Islands
NA%

Mauritania
2% (2000 est.)

Mauritius
3.3% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
NA%

Mexico
6% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA%

Moldova
4.5% (2010 est.)

Monaco
NA%

Mongolia
3% (2006 est.)

Montserrat
NA%

Morocco
4.4% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
8% (2010 est.)

Namibia
6.5% (2010 est.)

Nauru
NA%

Nepal
1.8% (FY08)

Netherlands
3.2% (2010 est.)

New Zealand
2% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
1.5% (2010 est.)

Niger
5.1% (2003 est.)

Nigeria
4% (2010 est.)

Niue
NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
NA%

Norway
0.3% (2010 est.)

Oman
4.5% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
4.9% (2010 est.)

Palau
NA%

Panama
2% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
10% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
6.5% (2010 est.)

Peru
8.5% (2010 est.)

Philippines
11.5% (2010 est.)

Poland
6.5% (2010 est.)

Portugal
0.9% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
NA%

Qatar
27.1% (2010 est.)

Romania
1.5% (2010 est.)

Russia
8.3% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
7.5% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA%

Saint Lucia
NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA%

Samoa
2.8% (2000)

San Marino
3.1% (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
7% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
3.1% (2010 est.)

Senegal
3.8% (2010 est.)

Serbia
1.3% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
2% (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
NA%

Singapore
10.2% (2010 est.)

Slovakia
7.5% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
1% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
NA%

Somalia
NA%

South Africa
3% (2010 est.)

Spain
-2% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
6.9% (2010 est.)

Sudan
3.5% (2010 est.)

Suriname
6.5% (1994 est.)

Swaziland
1% (2010 est.)

Sweden
8% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
2.7% (2010 est.)

Syria
6% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
16% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
7.5% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
7% (2010 est.)

Thailand
14.5% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
8.5% (2004 est.)

Togo
2.5% (2010 est.)

Tonga
1% (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
2.5% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
1.6% (2010 est.)

Turkey
6% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
7.3% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA%

Tuvalu
NA%

Uganda
6% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
8% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
3.2% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
1.9% (2010 est.)

United States
3.3% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
16.5% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
8% (2010 est.)

Venezuela
-8% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
7.5% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
NA%

Wallis and Futuna
NA%

West Bank
NA% (2005)

Western Sahara
NA%

World
4.6% (2010 est.)

Yemen
9% (2010 est.)

Zambia
12.1% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
4% (2010 est.)

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

@2090

Field Listing :: Industries

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

Industries

Afghanistan
small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture,
shoes, fertilizer, apparel, food-products, non-alcoholic beverages,
mineral water, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper

Albania
food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement,
chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Algeria
petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining,
electrical, petrochemical, food processing

American Samoa
tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing
vessels), handicrafts

Andorra
tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber,
banking, tobacco, furniture

Angola
petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite,
uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing;
food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship
repair

Anguilla
tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Antigua and Barbuda
tourism, construction, light manufacturing
(clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Argentina
food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables,
textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Armenia
diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools,
forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear,
hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments,
microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food
processing, brandy

Aruba
tourism, transshipment facilities

Australia
mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food
processing, chemicals, steel

Austria
construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, metals,
chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard,
communications equipment, tourism

Azerbaijan
petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield
equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals;
textiles

Bahamas, The
tourism, banking, cement, oil transshipment, salt, rum,
aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe

Bahrain
petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron
pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance,
ship repairing, tourism

Bangladesh
cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper
newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Barbados
tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for
export

Belarus
metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers,
motorcycles, televisions, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles,
radios, refrigerators

Belgium
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly,
transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and
beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Belize
garment production, food processing, tourism, construction,
oil

Benin
textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Bermuda
international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Bhutan
cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages,
calcium carbide, tourism

Bolivia
mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco,
handicrafts, clothing

Bosnia and Herzegovina
steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese,
bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden
furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil
refining

Botswana
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal,
iron ore, silver; livestock processing; textiles

Brazil
textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin,
steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and
equipment

British Virgin Islands
tourism, light industry, construction, rum,
concrete block, offshore financial center

Brunei
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas,
construction

Bulgaria
electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco;
machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke,
refined petroleum, nuclear fuel

Burkina Faso
cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap,
cigarettes, textiles, gold

Burma
agricultural processing; wood and wood products; copper, tin,
tungsten, iron; cement, construction materials; pharmaceuticals;
fertilizer; oil and natural gas; garments, jade and gems

Burundi
light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly
of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Cambodia
tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing,
wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Cameroon
petroleum production and refining, aluminum production,
food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair

Canada
transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and
unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish
products, petroleum and natural gas

Cape Verde
food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments,
salt mining, ship repair

Cayman Islands
tourism, banking, insurance and finance,
construction, construction materials, furniture

Central African Republic
gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing,
textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Chad
oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, brewing, natron (sodium
carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Chile
copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and
steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

China
world leader in gross value of industrial output; mining and
ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal;
machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum;
cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products, including
footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation
equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships,
and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch
vehicles, satellites

Christmas Island
tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
copra products and tourism

Colombia
textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear,
beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Comoros
fishing, tourism, perfume distillation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the mining (diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, zinc, tin, diamonds), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, commercial ship repair

Congo, Republic of the
petroleum extraction, cement, lumber,
brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Cook Islands
fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing,
handicrafts

Costa Rica
microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment,
textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic
products

Cote d'Ivoire
foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining,
truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials,
electricity, ship construction and repair

Croatia
chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal,
electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper,
wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding,
petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism

Cuba
sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement,
agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals

Curacao
tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment
facilities, light manufacturing

Cyprus
tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum
production, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light
chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone, and clay products

Czech Republic
motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment,
glass, armaments

Denmark
iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing,
machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing,
electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products,
shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical
equipment

Dhekelia
none

Djibouti
construction, agricultural processing

Dominica
soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement
blocks, shoes

Dominican Republic
tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold
mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

Ecuador
petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products,
chemicals

Egypt
textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light
manufactures

El Salvador
food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals,
fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Equatorial Guinea
petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Eritrea
food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light
manufacturing, salt, cement

Estonia
engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles;
information technology, telecommunications

Ethiopia
food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals,
metals processing, cement

European Union
among the world's largest and most technologically
advanced, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous
metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal,
cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation
equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction
equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power
equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems,
electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and
beverage processing, furniture, paper, textiles, tourism

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
fish and wool processing; tourism

Faroe Islands
fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and
refurbishment, handicrafts

Fiji
tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small
cottage industries

Finland
metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and
scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs,
chemicals, textiles, clothing

France
machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft,
electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

French Polynesia
tourism, pearls, agricultural processing,
handicrafts, phosphates

Gabon
petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals,
ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood,
cement

Gambia, The
processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages,
agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Gaza Strip
textiles, food processing

Georgia
steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances,
mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Germany
among the world's largest and most technologically advanced
producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery,
vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages,
shipbuilding, textiles

Ghana
mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting,
food processing, cement, small commercial ship building

Gibraltar
tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Greece
tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals,
metal products; mining, petroleum

Greenland
fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut);
gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining;
handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards

Grenada
food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations,
tourism, construction

Guam
US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services,
concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Guatemala
sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals,
petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Guernsey
tourism, banking

Guinea
bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron; alumina refining; light
manufacturing, and agricultural processing

Guinea-Bissau
agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Guyana
bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Haiti
textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light
assembly based on imported parts

Holy See (Vatican City) printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Honduras
sugar, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars

Hong Kong
textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping,
electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Hungary
mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods,
textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Iceland
fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production;
geothermal power, hydropower, tourism

India
textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation
equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software,
pharmaceuticals

Indonesia
petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear,
mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Iran
petroleum, petrochemicals, fertilizers, caustic soda, textiles,
cement and other construction materials, food processing
(particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), ferrous
and non-ferrous metal fabrication, armaments

Iraq
petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction
materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing

Ireland
steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, and gypsum
mining processing; food products, brewing, textiles, clothing;
chemicals, pharmaceuticals; machinery, rail transportation
equipment; glass and crystal; software, tourism

Isle of Man
financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Israel
high-technology products (including aviation, communications,
computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber
optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food,
beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals
products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles,
footwear

Italy
tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food
processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Jamaica
tourism, bauxite/alumina, agro processing, light
manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products,
telecommunications

Japan
among world's largest and technologically advanced producers
of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and
nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods

Jersey
tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics

Jordan
clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphate mining,
pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals,
light manufacturing, tourism

Kazakhstan
oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc,
copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron
and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric
motors, construction materials

Kenya
small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries,
textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products,
horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement,
commercial ship repair, tourism

Kiribati
fishing, handicrafts

Korea, North
military products; machine building, electric power,
chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, graphite,
copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food
processing; tourism

Korea, South
electronics, telecommunications, automobile production,
chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Kosovo
mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather,
machinery, appliances

Kuwait
petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair,
water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Kyrgyzstan
small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement,
shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold,
rare earth metals

Laos
copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power,
agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Latvia
pharmaceuticals, plastics, synthetic fibers, agricultural
machinery, fertilizers, soaps, paints, rubber, processed foods,
textiles

Lebanon
banking, tourism, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement,
textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture
products, oil refining, metal fabricating

Lesotho
food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts,
construction, tourism

Liberia
rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Libya
petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, food
processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Liechtenstein
electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products,
ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments,
tourism, optical instruments

Lithuania
metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television
sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding
(small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing,
fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic
components, computers, amber jewelry

Luxembourg
banking and financial services, iron and steel,
information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation,
food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires,
glass, aluminum, tourism

Macau
tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear,
toys

Macedonia
food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron,
steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals

Madagascar
meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries,
sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant,
paper, petroleum, tourism

Malawi
tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and
manufacturing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical
technology, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber
processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak -
agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Maldives
tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut
processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand
mining

Mali
food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Malta
tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction,
food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco,
aviation services, financial services, information technology
services

Marshall Islands
copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from
seashells, wood, and pearls)

Mauritania
fish processing, oil production, mining of iron ore,
gold, and copper
note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited

Mauritius
food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles,
clothing, mining, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment,
nonelectrical machinery, tourism

Mayotte
newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Mexico
food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel,
petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer
durables, tourism

Micronesia, Federated States of
tourism, construction; fish
processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items (from shell, wood,
and pearls)

Moldova
sugar, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural
machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing
machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Monaco
tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer
products

Mongolia
construction and construction materials; mining (coal,
copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food
and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural
fiber manufacturing

Montenegro
steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer
goods, tourism

Montserrat
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Morocco
phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing,
leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism

Mozambique
food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints),
aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos,
tobacco

Namibia
meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining
(diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Nauru
phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Nepal
tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and
oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production

Netherlands
agroindustries, metal and engineering products,
electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum,
construction, microelectronics, fishing

New Caledonia
nickel mining and smelting

New Zealand
food processing, wood and paper products, textiles,
machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism,
mining

Nicaragua
food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products,
knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution,
beverages, footwear, wood

Niger
uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food
processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Nigeria
crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood;
hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials,
food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics,
steel

Niue
handicrafts, food processing

Norfolk Island
tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Northern Mariana Islands
banking, construction, fishing, garment,
tourism, handicrafts

Norway
petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and
paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Oman
crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied
natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel,
chemicals, optic fiber

Pakistan
textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals,
construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Palau
tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction,
garment making

Panama
construction, brewing, cement and other construction
materials, sugar milling

Papua New Guinea
copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood
production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and
copper; crude oil production, petroleum refining; construction,
tourism

Paraguay
sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel,
metallurgic, electric power

Peru
mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication;
petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas; fishing and fish
processing, textiles, clothing, food processing

Philippines
electronics assembly, garments, footwear,
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing,
petroleum refining, fishing

Pitcairn Islands
postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey

Poland
machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals,
shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Portugal
textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper,
chemicals, auto-parts manufacturing, base metals, diary products,
wine and other foods, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology,
telecommunications; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism

Puerto Rico
pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products,
tourism

Qatar
liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining,
ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars,
cement, commercial ship repair

Romania
electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear,
light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction
materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Russia
complete range of mining and extractive industries producing
coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building
from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles;
defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced
electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation
equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery,
tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and
transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer
durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts

Rwanda
cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap,
furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
construction, crafts
(furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Saint Kitts and Nevis
tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing,
footwear, beverages

Saint Lucia
clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages,
corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut
processing

Saint Martin
tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy
industry

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
fish processing and supply base for
fishing fleets; tourism

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
food processing, cement, furniture,
clothing, starch

Samoa
food processing, building materials, auto parts

San Marino
tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics,
cement, wine

Sao Tome and Principe
light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish
processing, timber

Saudi Arabia
crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic
petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair,
commercial aircraft repair, construction

Senegal
agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining,
fertilizer production, petroleum refining; iron ore, zircon, and
gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair

Serbia
base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery,
chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals

Seychelles
fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla,
coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture;
beverages

Sierra Leone
diamond mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages,
textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining, small
commercial ship repair

Singapore
electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling
equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber
products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore
platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Sint Maarten
tourism, light industry, and manufacturing

Slovakia
metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity,
gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers;
machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport
vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Slovenia
ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc
smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks,
automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles,
chemicals, machine tools

Solomon Islands
fish (tuna), mining, timber

Somalia
a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles,
wireless communication

South Africa
mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold,
chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles,
iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship
repair

Spain
textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages,
metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles,
machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear,
pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Sri Lanka
processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other
agricultural commodities; telecommunications, insurance, banking;
tourism, shipping; clothing, textiles; cement, petroleum refining,
information technology services, construction

Sudan
oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar,
soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals,
armaments, automobile/light truck assembly

Suriname
bauxite and gold mining, alumina production; oil,
lumbering, food processing, fishing

Swaziland
coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles
and apparel

Sweden
iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and
telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed
foods, motor vehicles

Switzerland
machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision
instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance

Syria
petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco,
phosphate rock mining, cement, oil seeds crushing, car assembly

Taiwan
electronics, communications and information technology
products, petroleum refining, armaments, chemicals, textiles, iron
and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer
products, pharmaceuticals

Tajikistan
aluminum, zinc, lead; chemicals and fertilizers, cement,
vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and
freezers

Tanzania
agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal
twine); diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash; cement, oil
refining, shoes, apparel, wood products, fertilizer

Thailand
tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing,
beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and
electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits,
furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's
second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Timor-Leste
printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Togo
phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts,
textiles, beverages

Tokelau
small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking,
plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Tonga
tourism, construction, fishing

Trinidad and Tobago
petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied
natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products,
beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles

Tunisia
petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore),
tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Turkey
textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining (coal,
chromate, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber,
paper

Turkmenistan
natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food
processing

Turks and Caicos Islands
tourism, offshore financial services

Tuvalu
fishing, tourism, copra

Uganda
sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles; cement, steel
production

Ukraine
coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals,
machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing

United Arab Emirates
petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing,
aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction
materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

United Kingdom
machine tools, electric power equipment, automation
equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor
vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment,
metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food
processing, textiles, clothing, other consumer goods

United States
highly diversified, world leading, high-technology
innovator, second largest industrial output in world; petroleum,
steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals,
electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Uruguay
food processing, electrical machinery, transportation
equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Uzbekistan
textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy,
gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Vanuatu
food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Venezuela
petroleum, construction materials, food processing,
textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly

Vietnam
food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining,
coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper

Virgin Islands
tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum
distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Wallis and Futuna
copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

West Bank
small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap,
olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs

Western Sahara
phosphate mining, handicrafts

World
dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in
computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical
equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a
small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly
adjusting to these technological forces; the accelerated development
of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating
already grim environmental problems

Yemen
crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale
production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing;
handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial
ship repair; natural gas production

Zambia
copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs,
beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Zimbabwe
mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin, clay,
numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel; wood products,
cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs,
beverages

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

@2091

Field Listing :: Infant mortality rate

This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country. Country Comparison to the World Country

Infant mortality rate(deaths/1,000 live births)

Afghanistan
total: 151.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 155.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 147.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Albania
total: 15.11 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16.79 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Algeria
total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 29.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

American Samoa
total: 9.91 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Andorra
total: 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Angola
total: 178.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 190.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 165.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Anguilla
total: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Argentina
total: 11.11 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Armenia
total: 19.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Aruba
total: 13.34 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Australia
total: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Austria
total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 58.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
total: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bahrain
total: 14.76 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
total: 52.54 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 55.04 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Barbados
total: 12.09 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belarus
total: 6.34 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belgium
total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belize
total: 22.52 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 25.22 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Benin
total: 63.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bermuda
total: 2.46 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bhutan
total: 46.92 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bolivia
total: 43.41 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.26 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 39.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 10.18 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Botswana
total: 11.79 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Brazil
total: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 25.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
total: 14.11 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Brunei
total: 11.87 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
total: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 20.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
total: 82.98 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 90.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 75.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burma
total: 50.76 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 57.85 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 43.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burundi
total: 63.38 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 68.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 58.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cambodia
total: 56.94 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 64.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cameroon
total: 62.15 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 66.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 57.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Canada
total: 4.99 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
total: 27.89 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 31.86 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
total: 6.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
total: 101.6 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 109.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Chad
total: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 103 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 90.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Chile
total: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

China
total: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Colombia
total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 20.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Comoros
total: 64.61 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 72.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 79.36 deaths/1,000 live
births
male: 87.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 77.93 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 83.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 72.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
total: 16.33 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
total: 9.72 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 10.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 66.43 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 73.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Croatia
total: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.33 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cuba
total: 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cyprus
total: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
total: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Denmark
total: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Djibouti
total: 56.65 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 64.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 48.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Dominica
total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
total: 23.1 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 25.11 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ecuador
total: 20.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 23.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Egypt
total: 26.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

El Salvador
total: 20.97 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 23.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 79.47 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 80.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 78.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Eritrea
total: 42.33 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 36.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Estonia
total: 7.19 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
total: 78.99 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 90.08 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

European Union
total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Faroe Islands
total: 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Fiji
total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Finland
total: 3.45 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

France
total: 3.31 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
total: 7.41 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gabon
total: 50.88 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
total: 17.71 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 18.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Georgia
total: 15.67 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Germany
total: 3.95 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ghana
total: 49.89 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
total: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Greece
total: 5.08 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.58 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Greenland
total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.71 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Grenada
total: 11.76 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guam
total: 5.93 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.35 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guatemala
total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guernsey
total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guinea
total: 63.09 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 66.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 98.05 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 108.03 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 87.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guyana
total: 37.89 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Haiti
total: 54.02 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 58.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.83 deaths/1,000 live births
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
total: 21.04 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 23.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
total: 2.91 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Hungary
total: 5.38 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iceland
total: 3.21 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

India
total: 49.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Indonesia
total: 28.94 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 33.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iran
total: 43.45 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 43.93 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iraq
total: 43.16 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 38.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ireland
total: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Israel
total: 4.17 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Italy
total: 5.41 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jamaica
total: 14.91 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Japan
total: 2.79 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jersey
total: 4.02 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jordan
total: 17.03 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
total: 24.93 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 29.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 20.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kenya
total: 53.49 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 56.28 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kiribati
total: 40.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 41.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 38.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Korea, North
total: 50.15 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 57.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Korea, South
total: 4.24 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kuwait
total: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 9.35 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 30.25 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 35.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Laos
total: 61.19 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 67.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 54.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Latvia
total: 8.59 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 10.41 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lebanon
total: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lesotho
total: 56.42 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 60.78 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Liberia
total: 76.43 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 80.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Libya
total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
total: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lithuania
total: 6.37 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.61 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
total: 4.49 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Macau
total: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Macedonia
total: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Madagascar
total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 57.69 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 47.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malawi
total: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 87.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 79.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malaysia
total: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Maldives
total: 28.47 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 30.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mali
total: 113.66 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 120.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 106.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malta
total: 3.72 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
total: 24.57 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.61 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mauritania
total: 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mauritius
total: 11.85 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mayotte
total: 54.75 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mexico
total: 17.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 19.71 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total: 25.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.82 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 22.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Moldova
total: 12.77 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Monaco
total: 1.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.03 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mongolia
total: 38.56 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 41.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Montserrat
total: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Morocco
total: 28.61 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 33.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mozambique
total: 103.82 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 106.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 101.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Namibia
total: 45.52 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 48.89 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nauru
total: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.36 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nepal
total: 46 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Netherlands
total: 4.66 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
total: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

New Zealand
total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
total: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Niger
total: 114.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 119.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 109.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nigeria
total: 92.99 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 98.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 86.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Niue
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Norfolk Island
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Northern Mariana Islands
total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Norway
total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Oman
total: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Pakistan
total: 65.32 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 68.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Palau
total: 12.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.43 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Panama
total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
total: 44.59 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 48.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Paraguay
total: 23.83 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Peru
total: 27.74 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 30.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 25.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Philippines
total: 19.94 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 22.49 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Poland
total: 6.66 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Portugal
total: 4.72 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
total: 8.23 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Qatar
total: 12.24 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 13.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Romania
total: 11.32 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Russia
total: 10.32 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.83 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Rwanda
total: 65.57 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 69.21 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total: 16.98
deaths/1,000 live births
male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
total: 13.07 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Samoa
total: 23.21 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 27.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

San Marino
total: 4.79 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 54.64 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 56.75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 52.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
total: 16.73 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Senegal
total: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 64.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 50.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Serbia
total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.68 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Seychelles
total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
total: 80.16 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 89.06 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 70.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Singapore
total: 2.32 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Slovakia
total: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 7.83 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Slovenia
total: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
total: 18.41 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 20.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Somalia
total: 107.42 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 116.47 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 98.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

South Africa
total: 43.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 47.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 39.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Spain
total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.77 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
total: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 19.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sudan
total: 72.39 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 73.08 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 71.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Suriname
total: 18.19 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 21.48 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 14.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Svalbard
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Swaziland
total: 66.71 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 70.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 62.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sweden
total: 2.74 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Switzerland
total: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.58 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Syria
total: 16.14 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 18.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Taiwan
total: 5.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
total: 39.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 44.55 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 34.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tanzania
total: 68.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 75 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Thailand
total: 16.71 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
total: 39.32 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 45.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 33.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Togo
total: 53.23 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 60.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tokelau
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Tonga
total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 28.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 30.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 27.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tunisia
total: 21.75 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 23.94 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turkey
total: 24.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 25.89 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 23.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
total: 43.84 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 52.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 35.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
total: 35.52 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 38.66 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 32.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uganda
total: 63.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 67.31 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 59.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ukraine
total: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 10.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
total: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.38 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
total: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.15 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United States
total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.81 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uruguay
total: 10.99 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.37 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
total: 22.66 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 26.81 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 18.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
total: 48.17 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 50.65 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 45.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Venezuela
total: 21.07 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 24.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Vietnam
total: 21.57 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 21.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
total: 4.74 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 4.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

West Bank
total: 15.41 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.29 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
total: 61.97 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

World
total: 44.13 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 46.19 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 41.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Yemen
total: 56.77 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 61.46 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Zambia
total: 68.4 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 73.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 63.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
total: 30.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 33.44 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 28.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

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

@2092

Field Listing :: Inflation rate (consumer prices)

This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices
compared with the previous year's consumer prices.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Inflation rate (consumer prices)(%)

Afghanistan
13.3% (2009 est.)
20.7% (2008 est.)

Albania
3.4% (2010 est.)
2.2% (2009 est.)

Algeria
5% (2010 est.)
5.7% (2009 est.)

American Samoa
NA%

Andorra
2.3% (2008)
3.9% (2007)

Angola
13.3% (2010 est.)
13.7% (2009 est.)

Anguilla
5.3% (2006 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
1.5% (2007 est.)

Argentina
22% (2010 est.)
16% (2009 est.)

Armenia
6.9% (2010 est.)
3.4% (2009 est.)

Aruba
3.4% (2005)

Australia
2.9% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)

Austria
1.5% (2010 est.)
0.4% (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
5.1% (2010 est.)
1.5% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
2.4% (2007 est.)

Bahrain
3.3% (2010 est.)
2.8% (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
8.1% (2010 est.)
5.4% (2009 est.)

Barbados
5.5% (2007 est.)

Belarus
7% (2010 est.)
12.9% (2009 est.)

Belgium
2.3% (2010 est.)
0% (2009 est.)

Belize
4.1% (2010 est.)
-1.1% (2009 est.)

Benin
1.6% (2010 est.)
2.2% (2009 est.)

Bermuda
2.8% (November 2005)

Bhutan
4.3% (2008 est.)
4.9% (2007 est.)

Bolivia
2.1% (2010 est.)
3.3% (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.9% (2010 est.)
-0.4% (2009 est.)

Botswana
7.1% (2010 est.)
8.1% (2009 est.)

Brazil
4.9% (2010 est.)
4.9% (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
7.1% (2008)
2% (2005)

Brunei
2.7% (2008 est.)
0.3% (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
2.1% (2010 est.)
1.6% (2009)

Burkina Faso
1.4% (2010 est.)
2.6% (2009 est.)

Burma
9.6% (2010 est.)
1.5% (2009 est.)

Burundi
7.2% (2010 est.)
10.7% (2009 est.)

Cambodia
4.1% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)

Cameroon
1.9% (2010 est.)
3% (2009 est.)

Canada
1.6% (2010 est.)
0.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
2.5% (2010 est.)
1% (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
4.1% (2008)
4.4% (2004)

Central African Republic
0.9% (2007 est.)

Chad
4% (2010 est.)
10% (2009 est.)

Chile
1.7% (2010 est.)
1.5% (2009 est.)

China
5% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)

Colombia
2.6% (2010 est.)
4.2% (2009 est.)

Comoros
3% (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
26.2% (2010 est.)
46.2% (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
5.2% (2010 est.)
4.3% (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
2.1% (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
5.8% (2010 est.)
7.8% (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
1.4% (2010 est.)
0.9% (2009 est.)

Croatia
1.3% (2010 est.)
2.4% (2009 est.)

Cuba
0.7% (2010 est.)
-0.5% (2009 est.)

Curacao
1.7% (2009 est,)
6.8% (2008 est.)

Cyprus
2.2% (2010 est.)
0.4% (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
1.6% (2010 est.)
1% (2009 est.)

Denmark
2.2% (2010 est.)
1.3% (2009 est.)

Djibouti
6% (2009 est.) 5%

Dominica
0.1% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
6.3% (2010 est.)
1.4% (2009 est.)

Ecuador
3.6% (2010 est.)
8.4% (2008 est.)

Egypt
12.8% (2010 est.)
11.9% (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0.8% (2010 est.)
-0.2% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
8.2% (2010 est.)
7.1% (2009 est.)

Eritrea
20% (2010 est.)
20% (2009 est.)

Estonia
2.4% (2010 est.)
-0.1% (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
7% (2010 est.)
8.5% (2009 est.)

European Union
1.7% (2010 est.)
1.8% (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
3.6% (1998)

Faroe Islands -1.1% (2009) 6.4% (2008)

Fiji 4.8% (2007)

Finland
1.1% (2010 est.)
0% (2009 est.)

France
1.5% (2010 est.)
0.1% (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
1.1% (2007)
1.1% (2006 est.)

Gabon
-1.3% (2010 est.)
1.9% (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
5.5% (2010 est.)
4.6% (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip 9.9% (2009 est.) 11.5% (2008) note: includes West Bank

Georgia
5.7% (2010 est.)
1.7% (2009 est.)

Germany
1% (2010 est.)
0.3% (2009 est.)

Ghana
10.9% (2010 est.)
19.3% (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
2.6% (2006)
2.9% (2005)

Greece
4.5% (2010 est.)
1.2% (2009 est.)

Greenland
9.4% (2008 est.)
1% (2005 est.)

Grenada
3.7% (2007 est.)

Guam
2.5% (2005 est.)

Guatemala 3.9% (2010 est.) 1.9% (2009 est.)

Guernsey 3.4% (June 2006)

Guinea 15% (2010 est.) 9% (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau 3.8% (2007 est.)

Guyana
6.8% (2010 est.)
2.9% (2009 est.)

Haiti
4.6% (2010 est.)
2% (2009 est.)

Honduras
4.6% (2010 est.)
5.5% (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
2.2% (2010 est.)
-0.5% (2009 est.)

Hungary
4.5% (2010 est.)
4.2% (2009 est.)

Iceland
5.5% (2010 est.)
12% (2009 est.)

India
11.7% (2010 est.)
10.9% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
5.2% (2010 est.)
4.8% (2009 est.)

Iran
11.8% (2010 est.)
13.5% (2009 est.)
note: official Iranian estimate

Iraq
4.2% (2010 est.)
6.8% (2009 est.)

Ireland
-1.5% (2010 est.)
-4.5% (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
3.1% (December 2006 est.)

Israel
2.6% (2010 est.)
3.3% (2009 est.)

Italy
1.4% (2010 est.)
0.8% (2009 est.)

Jamaica
13% (2010 est.)
9.6% (2009 est.)

Japan
-0.9% (2010 est.)
-1.4% (2009 est.)

Jersey
3.7% (December 2006)

Jordan
4.4% (2010 est.)
-0.7% (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
6.7% (2010 est.)
7.3% (2009 est.)

Kenya
4.2% (2010 est.)
9.3% (2009 est.)

Kiribati
0.2% (2007 est.)

Korea, North
NA%

Korea, South 3% (2010 est.) 2.8% (2009 est.)

Kosovo 5.3% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
3.8% (2010 est.)
4% (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
4.8% (2010 est.)
6.9% (2009 est.)

Laos
6.2% (2010 est.)
0% (2009 est.)

Latvia
-1.2% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)

Lebanon
3.7% (2010 est.)
1.2% (2009 est.)

Lesotho
6.1% (2010 est.)
7.2% (2009 est.)

Liberia
11.2% (2007 est.)

Libya
3% (2010 est.)
2.4% (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
0.5% (2009)

Lithuania
0.9% (2010 est.)
4.5% (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
2.1% (2010 est.)
0.4% (2009 est.)

Macau
1.2% (December 2009)
8.6% (2008)

Macedonia
1.5% (2010 est.)
-0.8% (2009 est.)

Madagascar
8.1% (2010 est.)
9% (2009 est.)

Malawi
8% (2010 est.)
8.4% (2009 est.)

Malaysia 1.8% (2010 est.) 0.6% (2009 est.) note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Maldives 7.3% (2009 est.) 12.3% (2008 est.)

Mali
2.5% (2007 est.)

Malta
1.7% (2010 est.)
2.1% (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
12.9% (2008 est.)
3% (2005 est.)

Mauritania
7.3% (2007 est.)

Mauritius 2.9% (2010 est.) 2.5% (2009 est.)

Mayotte 1.7% (2005)

Mexico 4.1% (2010 est.) 3.6% (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of 2.2% (2005)

Moldova 7.3% (2010 est.) -0.1% (2009 est.)

Monaco 1.9% (2000)

Mongolia 4.2% (2009 est.) 28% (2008 est.)

Montenegro
3.4% (2007)

Montserrat
2.6% (2002 est.)

Morocco
2.5% (2010 est.)
1% (2009 est.)

Mozambique
13.5% (2010 est.)
3.3% (2009 est.)

Namibia
4.6% (2010 est.)
8.8% (2009 est.)

Nauru
NA%

Nepal
8.6% (September 2010)
13.2% (2009 est.)

Netherlands
1.1% (2010 est.)
1.2% (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
1.4% (2000 est.)

New Zealand
2.6% (2010 est.)
2.1% (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
4.7% (2010 est.)
3.7% (2009 est.)

Niger
0.1% (2007 est.)

Nigeria 13.9% (2010 est.) 11.5% (2009 est.)

Niue
4% (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands
-0.8% (2000)

Norway
2.4% (2010 est.)
2.1% (2009 est.)

Oman
4% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)

Pakistan
13.4% (2010 est.)
13.6% (2009 est.)

Palau
2.7% (2005 est.)

Panama
3.3% (2010 est.)
2.4% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
6.8% (2010 est.)
6.9% (2009 est.)

Paraguay
4.2% (2010 est.)
2.6% (2009 est.)

Peru
1.8% (2010 est.)
2.9% (2009 est.)

Philippines
4.2% (2010 est.)
3.2% (2009 est.)

Poland
2.4% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)

Portugal
1.1% (2010 est.)
-0.8% (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
6.5% (2003 est.)

Qatar
1.1% (2010 est.)
-4.9% (2009 est.)

Romania
6% (2010 est.)
5.6% (2009 est.)

Russia
6.7% (2010 est.)
11.7% (2009)

Rwanda
6.4% (2010 est.)
10.4% (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
3.2% (1997 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
4.5% (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
1.9% (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
8.1% (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.8% (2009 est.) 5.3% (2008 est.)

Samoa 6% (2007 est.)

San Marino
-3.5% (2008)
-1.5% (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
13% (2010 est.)
16.7% (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
5.7% (2010 est.)
5.1% (2009 est.)

Senegal
1.2% (2010 est.)
-1% (2009 est.)

Serbia
4.9% (2010 est.)
8.4% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
-2.2% (2010 est.)
31.8% (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
11.7% (2007 est.)

Singapore
2.6% (2010 est.)
0.6% (2009 est.)

Sint Maarten
0.7% (2009 est.)
4.6% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
1.2% (2010 est.)
1.6% (2009 est.)

Slovenia
2.1% (2010 est.)
0.9% (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
6.3% (2007 est.)

Somalia
NA%
note: businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be
easily determined

South Africa
4.5% (2010 est.)
7.2% (2009 est.)

Spain
1.3% (2010 est.)
-0.3% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
5.6% (2010 est.)
3% (2009 est.)

Sudan
11.8% (2010 est.)
11.2% (2009 est.)

Suriname
6.4% (2007 est.)

Swaziland
5% (2010 est.)
7.3% (2009 est.)

Sweden
1.4% (2010 est.)
-0.3% (2009 est.)

Switzerland
0.7% (2010 est.)
-0.5% (2009 est.)

Syria
5.9% (2010 est.)
2.6% (2009 est.)

Taiwan
1.3% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2008)

Tajikistan
5.8% (2010 est.)
6.4% (2009 est.)

Tanzania
7.2% (2010 est.)
12.1% (2009 est.)

Thailand
3.3% (2010 est.)
-0.9% (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
7.8% (2007 est.)

Togo
2.6% (2010 est.)
2% (2009 est.)

Tokelau
NA%

Tonga
5.9% (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
11.3% (2010 est.)
7% (2009 est.)

Tunisia
4.5% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)

Turkey
8.7% (2010 est.)
6.3% (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
12% (2010 est.)
10% (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
4% (1995)

Tuvalu
3.8% (2006 est.)

Uganda
9.4% (2010 est.)
14.2% (2009 est.)

Ukraine
9.8% (2010 est.)
15.9% (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.2% (2010 est.)
1.6% (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
3.3% (2010 est.)
2.2% (2009 est.)

United States
1.4% (2010 est.)
-0.3% (2009 est.)

Uruguay
6.8% (2010 est.)
7.1% (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
15% (2010 est.)
14.1% (2009 est.)
note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer
prices, inflation reached 38% in 2008

Vanuatu
3.9% (2007 est.)

Venezuela
29.8% (2010 est.)
27.1% (2009 est.)

Vietnam
11.1% (2010 est.)
7% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
2.2% (2003)

Wallis and Futuna
2.8% (2005)

West Bank
3.5% (2010 est.)
9.9% (2009 est.)
note: includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
NA%

World
developed countries 2.5%
developing countries 5.6%
note: developed countries 0% to 4% typically; developing countries
5% to 10% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in
individual cases; inflation rates have declined for most countries
for the last several years, held in check by increasing
international competition from several low wage countries, and by
soft demand as a result of the world financial crisis (2010 est.)

Yemen
12.2% (2010 est.)
5.4% (2009 est.)

Zambia
8.5% (2010 est.)
13.4% (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
5.03% (2010 est.)
5.1% (2009 est.)

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

@2093

Field Listing :: Waterways

This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and
other inland bodies of water.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Waterways(km)

Afghanistan
1,200 km; (chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up
to 500 DWT) (2008)

Albania
43 km (on the Bojana River) (2010)

Angola
1,300 km (2010)

Argentina
11,000 km (2007)

Australia
2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and
Murray-Darling river systems) (2006)

Austria
358 km (2007)

Bangladesh
8,370 km
note: includes up to 3,060 km main cargo routes; network reduced to
5,200 km in dry season (2007)

Belarus
2,500 km (use limited by location on perimeter of country
and by shallowness) (2003)

Belgium
2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2008)

Belize
825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Benin
150 km (on River Niger along northern border) (2007)

Bolivia
10,000 km (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the
northern and eastern parts of the country) (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sava River (northern border) open to shipping
but use limited (2009)

Brazil
50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population)
(2010)

Brunei
209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the
Belait, Brunei, and Tutong rivers are major transport links) (2011)

Bulgaria
470 km (2009)

Burma
12,800 km (2008)

Burundi
mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's
principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (2010)

Cambodia
2,400 km (mainly on Mekong River) (2010)

Cameroon
major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the
Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which
connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the
rainy season only to the port of Garoua (2010)

Canada
636 km
note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint
Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States (2008)

Central African Republic
2,800 km (the primary navigable river is
the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional
route for the export of products because it connected with the
Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both
sides of the River Congo from 1997, however, routes through Cameroon
became preferred by importers and exporters) (2010)

Chad
Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2010)

China
110,000 km navigable (2010)

Colombia
18,000 km (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
15,000 km (including the Congo,
its tributaries, and unconnected lakes) (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
1,120 km (commercially navigable on Congo and
Oubanqui rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the
river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the
coast is not navigable because of rapids, thereby necessitating a
rail connection to Pointe Noire; other rivers are used for local
traffic only) (2010)

Costa Rica
730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal
lagoons) (2008)

Croatia
785 km (2009)

Cuba
240 km (almost all navigable inland waterways are near the
mouths of rivers) (2010)

Czech Republic
664 km (principally on Elbe, Vltava, Oder, and other
navigable rivers, lakes, and canals) (2010)

Denmark
400 km (2008)

Ecuador
1,500 km (most inaccessible) (2010)

Egypt
3,500 km
note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway,
and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including
approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m
(2010)

El Salvador
Rio Lempa is partially navigable for small craft (2010)

Estonia
520 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2010)

European Union
52,332 km (2006)

Fiji
203 km
note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges
(2008)

Finland
7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern
part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the
summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter;
there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2010)

France
metropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km accessible to craft
of 3,000 metric tons)
French Guiana: 3,760 km (460 km navigable by small oceangoing
vessels and coastal and river steamers, 3,300 km by native craft)
(2008)

Gabon
1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2010)

Gambia, The
390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can
reach 190 km) (2008)

Germany
7,467 km
note: Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North
Sea and Black Sea (2008)

Ghana
1,293 km
note: 168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano
rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta
(2008)

Greece
6 km
note: Corinth Canal (6 km) crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; shortens
sea voyage by 325 km (2010)

Guatemala
990 km (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km
navigable during high-water season) (2010)

Guinea
1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets
and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2008)

Guyana
330 km
note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by
oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively (2010)

Honduras
465 km (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Hungary
1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2010)

India
14,500 km
note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for
mechanized vessels (2008)

Indonesia
21,579 km (2011)

Iran
850 km (on Karun River; some navigation on Lake Urmia) (2009)

Iraq
5,279 km
note: Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third
River (565 km) are principal waterways (2008)

Ireland
956 km (pleasure craft only) (2008)

Italy
2,400 km
note: used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared
to road and rail (2008)

Japan
1,770 km (seagoing vessels use inland seas) (2010)

Kazakhstan
4,000 km; on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya
(Syrdariya) River (2008)

Kenya
the only significant inland waterway in the country is the
part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the
main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania (2010)

Kiribati
5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands) (2007)

Korea, North
2,250 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Korea, South
1,608 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
600 km (2010)

Laos
4,600 km
note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are
intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2010)

Latvia
300 km (navigable year round) (2010)

Liechtenstein
28 km (2008)

Lithuania
441 km (navigable year round) (2007)

Luxembourg
37 km (on Moselle River) (2008)

Madagascar 600 km note: 432 km navigable (2008)

Malawi
700 km; (on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire River) (2010)

Malaysia
7,200 km
note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km
(2011)

Mali
1,800 km (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the
River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the
rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels) (2010)

Mauritania
some navigation possible on Senegal River (2010)

Mexico
2,900 km (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly
connected with ports on the country's east coast) (2010)

Moldova
558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers)
(2008)

Mongolia
580 km
note: only waterway in operation is Lake Hovsgol (135 km); Selenge
River (270 km) and Orhon River (175 km) are navigable but carry
little traffic; lakes and rivers freeze in winter, are open from May
to September (2010)

Mozambique
460 km (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora
Bassa Lake) (2010)

Netherlands
6,215 km (navigable for ships of 50 tons) (2007)

Nicaragua
2,220 km (navigable waterways as well as the use of the
large Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua; rivers serve only the
sparsely populated eastern part of the country) (2010)

Niger
300 km; (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya
between September and March) (2008)

Nigeria
8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and
creeks) (2009)

Norway
1,577 km (2008)

Panama
800 km (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being
widened) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
11,000 km (2006)

Paraguay
3,100 km (primarily on the Paraguay and Parana river
systems) (2010)

Peru
8,808 km
note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries on Amazon system and 208 km
on Lago Titicaca (2010)

Philippines
3,219 km; (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5
m) (2011)

Poland
3,997 km (navigable rivers and canals) (2009)

Portugal
210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008)

Romania
1,731 km
note: includes 1,075 km on Danube River, 524 km on secondary
branches, and 132 km on canals (2006)

Russia
102,000 km (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth)
note: 72,000 km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White
Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea (2009)

Rwanda
Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft
(2009)

Senegal
1,000 km (primarily on Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance
rivers) (2008)

Serbia
587 km (primarily on Danube and Sava rivers) (2009)

Sierra Leone
800 km (600 km year round) (2007)

Slovakia
172 km (on Danube River) (2009)

Slovenia
some transport on Drava River (2010)

Spain
1,000 km (2008)

Sri Lanka
160 km (primarily on rivers in southwest) (2008)

Sudan
4,068 km (1,723 km open year round on White and Blue Nile
rivers) (2008)

Suriname
1,200 km (most navigable by ships with drafts up to 7 m)
(2010)

Sweden
2,052 km (2010)

Switzerland
65 km; (Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and
Schaffhausen-Bodensee) (2008)

Syria
900 km (navigable not economically significant) (2010)

Tajikistan
200 km (along Vakhsh River) (2010)

Tanzania
Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are
principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; rivers are
not navigable (2009)

Thailand 4,000 km note: 3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m (2010)

Togo
50 km (seasonally on Mono River depending on rainfall) (2008)

Turkey
1,200 km (2008)

Turkmenistan
1,300 km (Amu Darya and Kara Kum canal are important
inland waterways) (2008)

Uganda
there are no long navigable stretches of river in Uganda;
parts of the Albert Nile that flow out of Lake Albert in the
northwestern part of the country are navigable; several lakes
including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga have substantial traffic;
Lake Albert is navigable along a 200 km stretch from its northern
tip to its southern shores (2009)

Ukraine
2,150 km (most on Dnieper River) (2009)

United Kingdom
3,200 km (620 km used for commerce) (2008)

United States
41,009 km (19,312 km used for commerce)
note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint
Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with Canada (2008)

Uruguay
1,600 km (2010)

Uzbekistan
1,100 km (2009)

Venezuela
7,100 km
note: Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by
oceangoing vessels (2010)

Vietnam
17,702 km (5,000 km navigable by vessels up to 1.8 m draft)
(2011)

World
671,886 km (2004)
top ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,693 km; Amazon (South
America) 6,436 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,238 km;
Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,981 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,569 km; Yangtze
(Asia) 5,525 km; Yellow (Asia) 4,671 km; Amur (Asia) 4,352 km; Lena
(Asia) 4,345 km; Congo (Africa) 4,344 km
note: if measured by volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the
world

Zambia
2,250 km; (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and
Luapula rivers) (2010)

Zimbabwe
on Lake Kariba (2009)

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

@2094

Field Listing :: Judicial branch

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

Judicial branch

Afghanistan
the constitution establishes a nine-member Stera Mahkama
or Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for 10-year terms
by the president with approval of the Wolesi Jirga) and subordinate
High Courts and Appeals Courts; there is also a minister of justice;
a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission established by
the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human rights abuses
and war crimes

Albania
Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by
the People's Assembly for a four-year term) and multiple appeals and
district courts

Algeria
Supreme Court

American Samoa
High Court (chief justice and associate justices are
appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)

Andorra
Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the
Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or
Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice
or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Constitutional Tribunal or
Tribunal Constitucional

Angola
Supreme Court and separate provincial courts (judges are
appointed by the president)

Anguilla
High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme
Court)

Antigua and Barbuda
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court consisting of a
High Court of Justice and a Court of Appeal (based in Saint Lucia;
two judges of the Supreme Court are residents of the islands and
preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction); Magistrates'
Courts; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice

Argentina
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the Supreme Court judges
are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate)
note: the Supreme Court has seven judges; the Argentine Congress in
2006 passed a bill to gradually reduce the number of Supreme Court
judges to five

Armenia
Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Aruba
Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges
appointed by the monarch)

Australia
High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are
appointed by the governor general acting on the advice of the
government)

Austria
Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof;
Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court
or Verfassungsgerichtshof

Azerbaijan
Supreme Court

Bahamas, The
Privy Council in London; Courts of Appeal; Supreme
(lower) Court; Magistrates' Courts

Bahrain
High Civil Appeals Court

Bangladesh
Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are
appointed by the president)

Barbados
Supreme Court of Judicature consists of a High Court and a
Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for
the Judicial and Legal Services); Caribbean Court of Justice or CCJ
is the highest court of appeal; based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago

Belarus
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president);
Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president
and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Belgium
Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or
Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the
government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice
Council)

Belize
Summary Jurisdiction Courts (criminal) and District Courts
(civil jurisdiction); Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed
by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court
of Appeal; Privy Council in the UK; member of the Caribbean Court of
Justice (CCJ)

Benin
Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court
or Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Bermuda
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Bhutan
Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges
appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes
a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal

Bolivia
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges elected by popular
vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year
terms); District Courts (one in each department); Plurinational
Constitutional Court (five primary or titulares and five alternate
or suplente magistrates elected by popular vote from list of
candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to rule on
constitutional issues); Plurinational Electoral Organ (seven members
elected by the Assembly and the president; one member must be of
indigenous origin to six-year terms); Agro-Environmental Court
(judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected
by Assembly for six-year terms; to run on agro-environmental
issues); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine
members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's
House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's
National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of
the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of 44
national judges and seven international judges and has three
divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal - having
jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and cases
initiated in the entities that question BiH's sovereignty, political
independence, or national security or with economic crimes that have
serious repercussions to BiH's economy, beyond that of an entity or
Brcko District); a War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005
note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a
number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the
Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska
has five district courts and a number of municipal courts

Botswana
High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in
each district)

Brazil
Supreme Federal Tribunal or STF (11 ministers are appointed
for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher
Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are
appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life," judges,
like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70

British Virgin Islands
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting
of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of
the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the
High Court); Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary
Jurisdiction

Brunei
Supreme Court - chief justice and judges are sworn in by
monarch for three-year terms; Judicial Committee of Privy Council in
London is final court of appeal for civil cases; Sharia courts deal
with Islamic laws (2006)

Bulgaria
independent judiciary comprised of judges, prosecutors and
investigating magistrates who are appointed, promoted, demoted, and
dismissed by a 25-member Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the
chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22
members, half of whom are elected by the National Assembly and the
other half by the bodies of the judiciary for a 5-year term in
office); three levels of case review; 182 courts of which two
Supreme Courts act as the last instance on civil and criminal cases
(the Supreme Court of Cassation) and appeals of government decisions
(the Supreme Administrative Court)

Burkina Faso
Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Burma
remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but
there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not
independent of the executive

Burundi
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; High
Court of Justice (composed of the Supreme Court and the
Constitutional Court)

Cambodia
Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the
constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower
courts) exercises judicial authority

Cameroon
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High
Court of Justice (consists of nine judges and six substitute judges;
elected by the National Assembly)

Canada
Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime
minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada;
Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named
variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queen's Bench, Superior Court,
Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)

Cape Verde
Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Cayman Islands
Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal; Summary
Court

Central African Republic
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme;
Constitutional Court (three judges appointed by the president, three
by the president of the National Assembly, and three by fellow
judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Inferior Courts

Chad
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate
Courts

Chile
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the
president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates
provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is
elected every three years by the 20-member court); Constitutional
Tribunal (eight-members - two each from the Senate, Chamber of
Deputies, Supreme Court, and National Security Council - review the
constitutionality of laws approved by Congress)

China
Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National
People's Congress); Local People's Courts (comprise higher,
intermediate, and basic courts); Special People's Courts (primarily
military, maritime, railway transportation, and forestry courts)

Christmas Island
Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Colombia
four roughly coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme
Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (highest court of
criminal law; judges are selected by their peers from the nominees
of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Council of
State (highest court of administrative law; judges are selected from
the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms);
Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the
constitution; rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the
constitution, and international treaties); Superior Judicial Council
(administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; resolves
jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are
elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms)

Comoros
Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the
president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected
by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of
the republic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Constitutional Court; Appeals
Court or Cour de Cassation; Council of State; High Military Court;
plus civil and military courts and tribunals

Congo, Republic of the
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Cook Islands
High Court

Costa Rica
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected
for renewable eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Cote d'Ivoire
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four
chambers: Judicial Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for
financial cases, Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases,
and Administrative Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit
to the number of members

Croatia
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts
are appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the
Republic, which is elected by the Assembly

Cuba
People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president,
vice presidents, and other judges are elected by the National
Assembly)

Curacao
Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges
appointed by the monarch)

Cyprus
Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president
and vice president)
note: there is also a Supreme Court in the area administered by
Turkish Cypriots

Czech Republic
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Supreme
Administrative Court; chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by
the president for a 10-year term

Denmark
Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Djibouti
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Dominica
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of
Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six
judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary
Jurisdiction)

Dominican Republic
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are
appointed by the National Judicial Council comprised of the
president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president
of the Supreme Court, and an additional non-governing party
congressional representative)

Ecuador
National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia
(according to the Constitution, justices are elected through a
procedure overseen by the Judiciary Council); Constitutional Court
or Corte Constitucional (Constitutional Court justices are appointed
by a commission composed of two delegates each from the Executive,
Legislative, and Transparency branches of government)

Egypt
Supreme Constitutional Court

El Salvador
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (15 judges are selected
by the Legislative Assembly; the 15 judges are assigned to four
Supreme Court chambers - constitutional, civil, penal, and
administrative conflict)

Equatorial Guinea
Supreme Tribunal

Eritrea
High Court - regional, subregional, and village courts; also
have military and special courts

Estonia
Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament)

Ethiopia
Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of
the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and
appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other
federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's
Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal
Judicial Administrative Council)

European Union
Court of Justice of the European Communities (ensures
that the treaties are interpreted and applied uniformly throughout
the EU; resolve constitutional issues among the EU institutions) -
27 justices (one from each member state) appointed for a six-year
term; note - for the sake of efficiency, the court can sit with 13
justices known as the "Grand Chamber"; Court of First Instance - 27
justices appointed for a six-year term

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Faroe Islands
none

Fiji
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of
Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Finland
general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include
district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein
Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative
courts

France
Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are
appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of
the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel
(three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the
president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the
president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

French Polynesia
Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First
Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative
Law or Tribunal Administratif

Gabon
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers -
Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts
of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Gambia, The
Supreme Court

Georgia
Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the
president's or chairman of the Supreme Court's recommendation);
Constitutional Court; first and second instance courts

Germany
Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht
(half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the
Bundesrat)

Ghana
Supreme Court

Gibraltar
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Greece
Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges
are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a
judicial council

Greenland
High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre
Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in
Copenhagen)

Grenada
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of a court of
Appeal and a High Court of Justice (two High Court judges are
assigned to and reside in Grenada); Itinerant Court of Appeal three
judges; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Guam
Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president);
Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by
the governor)

Guatemala
Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad is
Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected by Congress for
concurrent five-year terms); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte
Suprema de Justicia (13 members are elected by Congress to serve
concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each
year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of
Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are
named to five-year terms)

Guernsey
Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the
bailiff)

Guinea
Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance;
Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Guinea-Bissau
Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists
of nine justices appointed by the president and serve at his
pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases);
Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals
for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases
valued at more than $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not
necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases valued at less
than $1,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases)

Guyana
Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and
the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean
Court of Justice (CCJ)

Haiti
Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Holy See (Vatican City)
there are three tribunals responsible for
civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other
tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See
note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio, papal
directive, of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946

Honduras
Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (15
judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Hong Kong
Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region

Hungary
Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National
Assembly for nine-year terms)

Iceland
Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for
life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices
are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

India
Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are
appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the
age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")

Indonesia
Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung is the final court of
appeal but does not have the power of judicial review (justices are
appointed by the president from a list of candidates selected by the
legislature); in March 2004 the Supreme Court assumed administrative
and financial responsibility for the lower court system from the
Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Constitutional Court or
Mahkamah Konstitusi (invested by the president on 16 August 2003)
has the power of judicial review, jurisdiction over the results of a
general election, and reviews actions to dismiss a president from
office; Labor Court under supervision of Supreme Court began
functioning in January 2006; the Anti-Corruption Court has
jurisdiction over corruption cases brought by the independent
Corruption Eradication Commission

Iran
The Supreme Court (Qeveh Qazaieh) and the four-member High
Council of the Judiciary have a single head and overlapping
responsibilities; together they supervise the enforcement of all
laws and establish judicial and legal policies; lower courts include
a special clerical court, a revolutionary court, and a special
administrative court

Iraq
the Iraq Constitution calls for the federal judicial power to
be comprised of the Higher Judicial Council, Federal Supreme Court,
Federal Court of Cassation, Public Prosecution Department, Judiciary
Oversight Commission and other federal courts that are regulated in
accordance with the law

Ireland
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the
advice of the prime minister and cabinet)

Isle of Man
High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the
Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant
governor)

Israel
Supreme Court (justices appointed by Judicial Selection
Committee - made up of all three branches of the government;
mandatory retirement age is 70)

Italy
Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15
judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by
parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative
Supreme Courts)

Jamaica
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on
the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in
UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Japan
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after
designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the
cabinet)

Jersey
Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the
bailiff)

Jordan
Court of Cassation (Supreme Court)

Kazakhstan
Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (seven
members)

Kenya
Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president);
High Court

Kiribati
Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges
at all levels are appointed by the president

Korea, North
Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme
People's Assembly)

Korea, South
Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president with
consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices
appointed by the president based partly on nominations by National
Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)

Kosovo
Supreme Court; district courts; municipal courts
note: the Kosovo Constitution dictates that the Supreme Court of
Kosovo is the highest judicial authority, and provides for a Kosovo
Judicial Council (KJC) that proposes to the president candidates for
appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors; the KJC is
also responsible for decisions on the promotion and transfer of
judges and disciplinary proceedings against judges; at least 15
percent of Supreme Court and district court judges shall be from
non-majority communities

Kuwait
High Court of Appeal

Kyrgyzstan
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (judges of both the
Supreme and Constitutional Courts are appointed for 10-year terms by
the Jogorku Kengesh on the recommendation of the president; their
mandatory retirement age is 70 years); Higher Court of Arbitration;
Local Courts (judges appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the National Council on Legal Affairs for a
probationary period of five years, then 10 years)

Laos
People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme
Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of
the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the
People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National
Assembly Standing Committee)

Latvia
Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by
parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are
confirmed by parliament)

Lebanon
four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and
commercial cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional
Council (called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of
laws); Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and
prime minister as needed)

Lesotho
High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch acting on
the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Magistrate
Courts; customary or traditional court

Liberia
Supreme Court

Libya
Supreme Court

Liechtenstein
Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal
or Obergericht

Lithuania
Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal;
judges for all courts appointed by the president

Luxembourg
judicial courts and tribunals (three Justices of the
Peace, two district courts, and one Supreme Court of Appeals);
administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office,
administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional Court);
judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch

Macau
Court of Final Appeal in Macau Special Administrative Region

Macedonia
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Republican Judicial
Council
note: the Assembly appoints the judges

Madagascar
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court
or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle

Malawi
Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed
by the president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the
Judicial Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Malaysia
civil courts include Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High
Court of Malaya on peninsula Malaysia, and High Court of Sabah and
Sarawak in states of Borneo (judges are appointed by the king on the
advice of the prime minister); sharia courts include Sharia Appeal
Court, Sharia High Court, and Sharia Subordinate Courts at
state-level and deal with religious and family matters such as
custody, divorce, and inheritance only for Muslims; decisions of
sharia courts cannot be appealed to civil courts

Maldives
Supreme Court; Supreme Court judges are appointed by the
president with approval of voting members of the People's Council;
High Court; Trial Courts; all lower court judges are appointed by
the Judicial Service Commission

Mali
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Malta
Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance; Court of Appeal
note: magistrates and judges for the courts are appointed by the
president on the advice of the prime minister

Marshall Islands
Supreme Court; High Court; Traditional Rights Court

Mauritania
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower
courts

Mauritius
Supreme Court

Mayotte
Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Mexico
Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la
Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president with
consent of the Senate)

Micronesia, Federated States of
Supreme Court

Moldova
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for
constitutional judicature)

Monaco
Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the
monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Mongolia
Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and
provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts;
judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts and approved
by the president)

Montenegro
Constitutional Court (five judges serve nine-year terms);
Supreme Court (judges have life tenure)

Montserrat
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia,
one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and
presides over the High Court)

Morocco
Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of
the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Mozambique
Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its
professional judges are appointed by the president, and some are
elected by the Assembly); other courts include an Administrative
Court, Constitutional Court, customs courts, maritime courts, courts
marshal, labor courts

Namibia
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Nauru
Supreme Court

Nepal
Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (the president appoints the
chief justice on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the
chief justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the
Judicial Council)

Netherlands
Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for
life by the monarch)

New Caledonia
Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint
Commerce Tribunal Court; Children's Court

New Zealand
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Court; note -
judges appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (16 judges
elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly)

Niger
State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Nigeria
Supreme Court (judges recommended by the National Judicial
Council and appointed by the president); Federal Court of Appeal
(judges are appointed by the federal government from a pool of
judges recommended by the National Judicial Council)

Niue
Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Norfolk Island
Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;
Federal District Court

Norway
Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the
monarch)

Oman
Supreme Court
note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has
judges who practice secular and sharia law

Pakistan
Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president);
Federal Islamic or Sharia Court

Palau
Supreme Court; Court of Common Pleas; Land Court

Panama
Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine
judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three
courts of appeal

Papua New Guinea
Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by
the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive
Council after consultation with the minister responsible for
justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal
Services Commission)

Paraguay
Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine
judges proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la
Magistratura, and approved by the Senate and president)

Peru
Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges
are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Philippines
Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the
president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and
serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan
(special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Pitcairn Islands
Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal;
judicial officers are appointed by the governor

Poland
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an
indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by
the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Portugal
Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica); judges
appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura

Puerto Rico
Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance
composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court
(justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the
consent of the Senate)

Qatar
Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an
Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in
2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the
recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable
three-year terms

Romania
Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed
for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the
Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister
of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society
representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and
prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the
Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions
regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and
internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members
serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the
president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies

Russia
Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Arbitration
Court; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the
Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Rwanda
Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial
Courts; District Courts; mediation committees

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Supreme Court; Court
of Appeal

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of
a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges
of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the
Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Saint Lucia
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High
Court and a Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of
the Supreme Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean
Court of Justice (CCJ)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal
Superieur d'Appel

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
(consisting of a High Court and Court of Appeals; based on Saint
Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines)

Samoa
Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; District Court; Land and
Titles Court

San Marino
Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Sao Tome and Principe
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the
National Assembly)

Saudi Arabia
Supreme Council of Justice

Senegal
Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final
Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals

Serbia
courts of general jurisdiction (municipal courts, district
courts, Appellate Courts, the Supreme Court of Cassation); courts of
special jurisdiction (commercial courts, the High Commercial Court,
the High Magistrates Court, the Administrative Court)

Seychelles
Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts
are appointed by the president

Sierra Leone
Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Singapore
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president
with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by
the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Sint Maarten
Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice
(judges appointed by the monarch)

Slovakia
Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council);
Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of
nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges
elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)

Slovenia
Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly
on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court
(judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and
nominated by the president)

Solomon Islands
Court of Appeal

Somalia
following the breakdown of the central government, most
regions have reverted to local forms of conflict resolution, either
secular, traditional Somali customary law, or sharia (Islamic) law
with a provision for appeal of all sentences

South Africa
Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High
Courts; Magistrate Courts

Spain
Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Sri Lanka
Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts
are appointed by the president

Sudan
Constitutional Court of nine justices; National Supreme Court;
National Courts of Appeal; other national courts; National Judicial
Service Commission will undertake overall management of the National
Judiciary

Suriname
Cantonal Courts and a Court of Justice as an appellate
court (justices are nominated for life); member of the Caribbean
Court of Justice (CCJ)

Swaziland
High Court; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are
appointed by the monarch

Sweden
Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by
the prime minister and the cabinet)

Switzerland
Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms
by the Federal Assembly)

Syria
Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges;
headed by the president); national level - Supreme Constitutional
Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality
of laws and decrees; justices appointed for four-year terms by the
president); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts
represent an intermediate level between the Court of Cassation and
local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of
First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs Courts; specialized courts
- Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes);
Supreme State Security Court (hear cases related to national
security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to
marriage and divorce)

Taiwan
Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with
consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Tajikistan
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Tanzania
Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court
of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court
(consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the
president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts;
Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the
higher courts)

Thailand
Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and Supreme
Administrative Court; all judges are appointed by the king; the
king's appointments to the Constitutional Courtare made upon the
advice of the Senate; the nine Constitutional Court judges are drawn
from the Supreme Court of Justice and Supreme Administrative Court
as well as from among substantive experts in law and social sciences
outside the judiciary

Timor-Leste
Supreme Court of Justice - constitution calls for one
judge to be appointed by National Parliament and rest appointed by
Superior Council for Judiciary; note - until Supreme Court is
established, Court of Appeals is highest court

Togo
Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Tokelau
Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal
jurisdiction in Tokelau

Tonga
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of
Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen
and approved by Privy Council)

Trinidad and Tobago
Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the
High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is
appointed by the president after consultation with the prime
minister and the leader of the opposition; other justices are
appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal
Service Commission); the highest court of appeal is the Privy
Council in London; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Tunisia
Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Turkey
Constitutional Court; High Court of Appeals (Yargitay);
Council of State (Danistay); Court of Accounts (Sayistay); Military
High Court of Appeals; Military High Administrative Court

Turkmenistan
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Turks and Caicos Islands
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Tuvalu
High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside
over its sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of
Appeal in Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Uganda
Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and
approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by
the president)

Ukraine
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

United Arab Emirates
Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by
the president)

United Kingdom
Supreme Court of the UK (established in October 2009
taking over appellate jurisdiction formerly vested in the House of
Lords); Senior Courts of England and Wales (comprising the Court of
Appeal, the High Court of Justice, and the Crown Courts); Court of
Judicature (Northern Ireland); Scotland's Court of Session and High
Court of the Justiciary

United States
Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the
president and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate;
appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United
States District Courts; State and County Courts

Uruguay
Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and
elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Uzbekistan
Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and
confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Vanuatu
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president
after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the
opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on
the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Venezuela
Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribunal Supremo de
Justicia (32 magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a
single 12-year term)

Vietnam
Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected by the
National Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a
five-year term)

Virgin Islands
US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third
Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges
appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)

Wallis and Futuna
justice generally administered under French law by
the high administrator, but the three traditional kings administer
customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of
appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia

Yemen
Supreme Court

Zambia
Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are
appointed by the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction
to hear civil and criminal cases)

Zimbabwe
Supreme Court; High Court

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

@2095

Field Listing :: Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Labor force

Afghanistan
15 million (2004 est.)

Albania
1.1 million (2009 est.)

Algeria
9.877 million (2010 est.)

American Samoa
17,630 (2005)

Andorra
42,220 (2008)

Angola
7.977 million (2010 est.)

Anguilla
6,049 (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda
30,000 (1991)

Argentina 16.62 million note: urban areas only (2010 est.)

Armenia
1.481 million (2007 est.)

Aruba
41,500 (2004 est.)

Australia
11.62 million (2010 est.)

Austria
3.63 million (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
5.874 million (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
184,000 (2009)

Bahrain
611,000
note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national
(2010 est.)

Bangladesh
73.87 million
note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman,
Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $10.9 billion
in 2009-10 (2010 est.)

Barbados
175,000 (2007 est.)

Belarus
5 million (2009)

Belgium
5.02 million (2010 est.)

Belize
120,500
note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel
(2008 est.)

Benin
3.662 million (2007 est.)

Bermuda
38,360 (2004)

Bhutan 299,900 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Bolivia
4.614 million (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.863 million (2007)

Botswana
685,300 formal sector employees (2007)

Brazil
103.6 million (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
12,770 (2004)

Brunei
188,800 (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
2.61 million (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
6.668 million
note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to
neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2007)

Burma
31.68 million (2010 est.)

Burundi
4.245 million (2007)

Cambodia
8 million (2009 est.)

Cameroon
7.836 million (2010 est.)

Canada
18.59 million (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
196,100 (2007)

Cayman Islands 39,000 note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007)

Central African Republic
1.926 million (2007)

Chad
4.293 million (2007)

Chile
7.58 million (2010 est.)

China
819.5 million (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
21.27 million (2010 est.)

Comoros
268,500 (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
23.53 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
1.514 million (2007)

Cook Islands
6,820 (2001)

Costa Rica
2.17 million
note: this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa
Rica (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
7.617 million (2010 est.)

Croatia
1.762 million (2010 est.)

Cuba
5.164 million
note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2010 est.)

Curacao
63,000 (2008 est.)

Cyprus
400,000 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
5.37 million (2010 est.)

Denmark
2.82 million (2010 est.)

Djibouti
351,700 (2007)

Dominica
25,000 (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
4.498 million (2010 est.)

Ecuador
4.59 million (urban) (2010 est.)

Egypt
26.1 million (2010 est.)

El Salvador
2.94 million (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
195,200 NA (2007)

Eritrea
1.935 million NA (2007)

Estonia
688,000 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
37.9 million (2007)

European Union
225.2 million (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
1,724 (1996) (1996)

Faroe Islands
34,680 (November 2008)

Fiji
335,000 (2007 est.)

Finland
2.68 million (2010 est.)

France
28.21 million (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
116,000 (2007)

Gabon
712,000 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
777,100 (2007)

Gaza Strip
339,000 (2009)

Georgia
1.918 million (2007 est.)

Germany
43.35 million (2010 est.)

Ghana
10.56 million (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
12,690 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) (2001)

Greece
5.05 million (2010 est.)

Greenland
28,240 (January 2009)

Grenada
42,300 (1996)

Guam
82,950 (2007 est.)

Guatemala
4.26 million (2010 est.)

Guernsey
31,470 (March 2006)

Guinea
4.392 million (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
632,700 (2007)

Guyana
333,900 (2007 est.)

Haiti
3.643 million
note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (2007)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
3.394 million (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
3.7 million (2010 est.)

Hungary
4.17 million (2010 est.)

Iceland
188,000 (2010 est.)

India
478.3 million (2010 est.)

Indonesia
114.9 million (2010 est.)

Iran
25.7 million
note: shortage of skilled labor (2010 est.)

Iraq
8.5 million (2009 est.)

Ireland
2.18 million (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
39,690 (2001)

Israel
3.08 million (2010 est.)

Italy
25.05 million (2010 est.)

Jamaica
1.317 million (2010 est.)

Japan
65.64 million (2010 est.)

Jersey
53,560 (June 2006)

Jordan
1.719 million (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
8.718 million (2010 est.)

Kenya
17.94 million (2010 est.)

Kiribati
7,870 economically active, not including subsistence
farmers (2001 est.)

Korea, North
12.2 million
note: estimates vary widely (2009 est.)

Korea, South
24.62 million (2010 est.)

Kosovo
NA (2009 est.)

Kuwait 2.154 million note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
2.344 million (2007)

Laos
3.65 million (2009 est.)

Latvia
1.178 million (2010 est.)

Lebanon
1.481 million
note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers
(2007 est.)

Lesotho
854,600 (2007 est.)

Liberia
1.372 million (2007)

Libya
1.729 million (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
32,440 of whom 16,200 commute from Austria,
Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (2008)

Lithuania
1.633 million (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
206,000 of whom 125,400 are foreign cross-border workers
commuting primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany (2010 est.)

Macau
322,000 (2009 est.)

Macedonia
942,000 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
9.504 million (2007)

Malawi
5.747 million (2007 est.)

Malaysia
11.62 million (2010 est.)

Maldives
144,000 (2009)

Mali
3.241 million (2007 est.)

Malta
174,000 (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
14,680 (2000)

Mauritania
1.318 million (2007)

Mauritius
597,000 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
44,560 (2002)

Mexico
46.99 million (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
16,360 (2008)

Moldova
1.203 million (2010 est.)

Monaco 44,000 note: includes workers from all foreign countries (2005 est.)

Mongolia
1.068 million (2008)

Montenegro
259,100 (2004)

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
11.63 million (2010 est.)

Mozambique
9.87 million (2010 est.)

Namibia
729,000 (2010 est.)

Nepal 18 million note: severe lack of skilled labor (2009 est.)

Netherlands
7.86 million (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
102,600 (2007)

New Zealand
2.32 million (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
2.343 million (2010 est.)

Niger
4.688 million (2007)

Nigeria
48.33 million (2010 est.)

Niue
663 (2001)

Norfolk Island
978 (2006)

Northern Mariana Islands 38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.)

Norway 2.59 million (2010 est.)

Oman 968,800 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Pakistan
55.77 million
note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use
of child labor (2010 est.)

Palau
9,777 (2005)

Panama
1.49 million
note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled
labor (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
3.809 million (2010 est.)

Paraguay
3.038 million (2010 est.)

Peru
10.58 million (2010 est.)

Philippines
38.91 million (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
15 able-bodied men (2004)

Poland
17 million (2010 est.)

Portugal
5.57 million (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
1.479 million (2007)

Qatar
1.254 million (2010 est.)

Romania
9.35 million (2010 est.)

Russia
75.55 million (2010 est.)

Rwanda
4.446 million (2007)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
2,486
note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
18,170 (June 1995)

Saint Lucia
79,700 (2007)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
3,450 (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
57,520 (2007 est.)

Samoa
66,270 (2007 est.)

San Marino
22,660 (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
52,490 (2007)

Saudi Arabia 7.337 million note: about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2010 est.)

Senegal
5.53 million (2010 est.)

Serbia
3.25 million (2010 est.)

Seychelles
39,560 (2006)

Sierra Leone
2.207 million (2007 est.)

Singapore
3.09 million (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
23,200 (2008 est.)

Slovakia
2.673 million (2010 est.)

Slovenia
930,000 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
202,500 (2007)

Somalia
3.447 million (few skilled laborers) (2007)

South Africa
17.32 million economically active (2010 est.)

Spain
22.96 million (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
8.1 million (2010 est.)

Sudan
11.92 million (2007 est.)

Suriname
165,600 (2007)

Svalbard
1,234 in Norwegian settlements (2003)

Swaziland
457,900 (2007)

Sweden
4.93 million (2010 est.)

Switzerland
4.13 million (2010 est.)

Syria
5.527 million (2010 est.)

Taiwan
11.03 million (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
2.1 million (2009)

Tanzania
21.86 million (2010 est.)

Thailand
38.7 million (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
414,200 (2007)

Togo
2.595 million (2007)

Tokelau
440 (2001)

Tonga
39,960 (2007)

Trinidad and Tobago
631,000 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
3.83 million (2010 est.)

Turkey 24.73 million note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
2.3 million (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
4,848 (1990 est.)

Tuvalu
3,615 (2004 est.)

Uganda
15.51 million (2010 est.)

Ukraine
22.06 million (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates 3.908 million note: expatriates account for about 85% of the work force (2010 est.)

United Kingdom 31.45 million (2010 est.)

United States 153.9 million note: includes unemployed (2010 est.)

Uruguay
1.637 million (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
16 million (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
115,900 (2007)

Venezuela
13.3 million (2010 est.)

Vietnam
47.49 million (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
49,820 (2007 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
3,104 (2003)

West Bank
694,000 (2009)

Western Sahara
144,000 (2005 est.)

World
3.232 billion (2010 est.)

Yemen
6.832 million (2010 est.)

Zambia
5.524 million (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
3.848 million (2010 est.)

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

@2096

Field Listing :: Land boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ. Country

Land boundaries(km)

Afghanistan
total: 5,529 km
border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km,
Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km

Akrotiri
total: 47.4 km
border countries: Cyprus 47.4 km

Albania
total: 717 km
border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Montenegro 172
km, Kosovo 112 km

Algeria
total: 6,343 km
border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km,
Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km

American Samoa
0 km

Andorra
total: 120.3 km
border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Angola
total: 5,198 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of
which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province),
Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Anguilla
0 km

Antarctica 0 km note: see entry on Disputes - international

Antigua and Barbuda
0 km

Argentina
total: 9,861 km
border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,261 km, Chile 5,308 km,
Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 580 km

Armenia
total: 1,254 km
border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan
exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Aruba
0 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
0 km

Australia
0 km

Austria
total: 2,562 km
border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366
km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330
km, Switzerland 164 km

Azerbaijan
total: 2,013 km
border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia
(with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran
(with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan
exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Bahamas, The
0 km

Bahrain
0 km

Bangladesh total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Barbados
0 km

Belarus
total: 3,306 km
border countries: Latvia 171 km, Lithuania 680 km, Poland 605 km,
Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Belgium
total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,
Netherlands 450 km

Belize
total: 516 km
border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Benin
total: 1,989 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,
Togo 644 km

Bermuda
0 km

Bhutan
total: 1,075 km
border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Bolivia
total: 6,940 km
border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,423 km, Chile 860 km,
Paraguay 750 km, Peru 1,075 km

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 1,538 km
border countries: Croatia 932 km, Montenegro 249 km, Serbia 357 km

Botswana
total: 4,013 km
border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe
813 km

Bouvet Island
0 km

Brazil
total: 16,885 km
border countries: Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia
1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km,
Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

British Indian Ocean Territory
0 km

British Virgin Islands
0 km

Brunei
total: 381 km
border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Bulgaria
total: 1,808 km
border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km,
Serbia 318 km, Turkey 240 km

Burkina Faso
total: 3,193 km
border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km,
Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Burma
total: 5,876 km
border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,
Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Burundi
total: 974 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda
290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Cambodia
total: 2,572 km
border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Cameroon
total: 4,591 km
border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km,
Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298
km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Canada total: 8,893 km border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Cape Verde
0 km

Cayman Islands
0 km

Central African Republic
total: 5,203 km
border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic
Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan
1,165 km

Chad
total: 5,968 km
border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197
km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Chile
total: 6,339 km
border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

China
total: 22,117 km
border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km,
India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km,
Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km,
Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40
km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Christmas Island
0 km

Clipperton Island
0 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
0 km

Colombia
total: 6,309 km
border countries: Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km,
Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Comoros
0 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 10,730 km
border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary
of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central
African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda
217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Congo, Republic of the
total: 5,504 km
border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African
Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon
1,903 km

Cook Islands
0 km

Coral Sea Islands
0 km

Costa Rica
total: 639 km
border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 3,110 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km,
Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Croatia
total: 1,982 km
border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km,
Serbia 241 km, Montenegro 25 km, Slovenia 455 km

Cuba
total: 29 km
border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km
note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of
Cuba

Curacao
none

Cyprus
total: 150.4 km (approximately)
border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km
(approximately)

Czech Republic
total: 1,989 km
border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 815 km, Poland 615 km,
Slovakia 197 km

Denmark
total: 68 km
border countries: Germany 68 km

Dhekelia
total: 103 km (approximately)
border countries: Cyprus 103 km (approximately)

Djibouti
total: 516 km
border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Dominica
0 km

Dominican Republic
total: 360 km
border countries: Haiti 360 km

Ecuador
total: 2,010 km
border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Egypt
total: 2,665 km
border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km,
Sudan 1,273 km

El Salvador
total: 545 km
border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Equatorial Guinea
total: 539 km
border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Eritrea
total: 1,626 km
border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Estonia
total: 633 km
border countries: Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

Ethiopia
total: 5,328 km
border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km,
Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

European Union
total: 12,440.8 km
border countries: Albania 282 km, Andorra 120.3 km, Belarus 1,050
km, Croatia 999 km, Holy See 3.2 km, Liechtenstein 34.9 km,
Macedonia 394 km, Moldova 450 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Norway 2,348 km,
Russia 2,257 km, San Marino 39 km, Serbia 945 km, Switzerland 1,811
km, Turkey 446 km, Ukraine 1,257 km
note: data for European Continent only

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 km

Faroe Islands
0 km

Fiji
0 km

Finland
total: 2,654 km
border countries: Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

France
metropolitan France - total: 2,889 km
border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km,
Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,
Switzerland 573 km
French Guiana - total: 1,183 km
border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

French Polynesia
0 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
0 km

Gabon
total: 2,551 km
border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km,
Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Gambia, The
total: 740 km
border countries: Senegal 740 km

Gaza Strip
total: 62 km
border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Georgia
total: 1,461 km
border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km,
Turkey 252 km

Germany
total: 3,621 km
border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646
km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577
km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Ghana
total: 2,094 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo
877 km

Gibraltar
total: 1.2 km
border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Greece
total: 1,228 km
border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km,
Macedonia 246 km

Greenland
0 km

Grenada
0 km

Guam
0 km

Guatemala
total: 1,687 km
border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256
km, Mexico 962 km

Guernsey
0 km

Guinea
total: 3,399 km
border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km,
Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Guinea-Bissau
total: 724 km
border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Guyana
total: 2,949 km
border countries: Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Haiti
total: 360 km
border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
0 km

Holy See (Vatican City)
total: 3.2 km
border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Honduras
total: 1,520 km
border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua
922 km

Hong Kong
total: 30 km
regional border: China 30 km

Hungary
total: 2,185 km
border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km,
Serbia 166 km, Slovakia 676 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km

Iceland
0 km

India
total: 14,103 km
border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463
km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Indonesia
total: 2,830 km
border countries: Timor-Leste 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New
Guinea 820 km

Iran
total: 5,440 km
border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km,
Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq
1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Iraq
total: 3,650 km
border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi
Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Ireland total: 360 km border countries: UK 360 km

Isle of Man
0 km

Israel
total: 1,017 km
border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km,
Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Italy
total: 1,899.2 km
border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican
City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 km

Jamaica
0 km

Jan Mayen
0 km

Japan
0 km

Jersey
0 km

Jordan
total: 1,635 km
border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km,
Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Kazakhstan
total: 12,185 km
border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,224 km, Russia 6,846
km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Kenya
total: 3,477 km
border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km,
Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Kiribati
0 km

Korea, North
total: 1,673 km
border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Korea, South
total: 238 km
border countries: North Korea 238 km

Kosovo
total: 702 km
border countries: Albania 112 km, Macedonia 159 km, Montenegro 79
km, Serbia 352 km

Kuwait
total: 462 km
border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Kyrgyzstan
total: 3,051 km
border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870
km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Laos
total: 5,083 km
border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,
Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Latvia
total: 1,382 km
border countries: Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km,
Russia 292 km

Lebanon
total: 454 km
border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Lesotho
total: 909 km
border countries: South Africa 909 km

Liberia
total: 1,585 km
border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone
306 km

Libya
total: 4,348 km
border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km,
Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Liechtenstein
total: 76 km
border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Lithuania
total: 1,574 km
border countries: Belarus 680 km, Latvia 576 km, Poland 91 km,
Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Luxembourg
total: 359 km
border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Macau
total: 0.34 km
regional border: China 0.34 km

Macedonia
total: 766 km
border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km,
Kosovo 159 km, Serbia 62 km

Madagascar
0 km

Malawi
total: 2,881 km
border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Malaysia
total: 2,669 km
border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Maldives
0 km

Mali
total: 7,243 km
border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea
858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,
Senegal 419 km

Malta
0 km

Marshall Islands
0 km

Mauritania
total: 5,074 km
border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,
Western Sahara 1,561 km

Mauritius
0 km

Mayotte
0 km

Mexico total: 4,353 km border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Micronesia, Federated States of 0 km

Moldova
total: 1,390 km
border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

Monaco
total: 4.4 km
border countries: France 4.4 km

Mongolia
total: 8,220 km
border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,543 km

Montenegro
total: 625 km
border countries: Albania 172 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 225 km,
Croatia 25 km, Kosovo 79 km, Serbia 124 km

Montserrat
0 km

Morocco
total: 2,017.9 km
border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain
(Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Mozambique
total: 4,571 km
border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland
105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Namibia
total: 3,936 km
border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa
967 km, Zambia 233 km

Nauru
0 km

Navassa Island
0 km

Nepal
total: 2,926 km
border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Netherlands
total: 1,027 km
border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

New Caledonia
0 km

New Zealand
0 km

Nicaragua
total: 1,231 km
border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Niger
total: 5,697 km
border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km,
Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Nigeria
total: 4,047 km
border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger
1,497 km

Niue
0 km

Norfolk Island
0 km

Northern Mariana Islands
0 km

Norway
total: 2,542 km
border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Oman
total: 1,374 km
border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Pakistan
total: 6,774 km
border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912
km, Iran 909 km

Palau
0 km

Panama
total: 555 km
border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Papua New Guinea
total: 820 km
border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Paracel Islands
0 km

Paraguay
total: 3,995 km
border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Peru
total: 7,461 km
border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km,
Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Philippines
0 km

Pitcairn Islands
0 km

Poland
total: 3,047 km
border countries: Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 615 km, Germany 456
km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia
420 km, Ukraine 428 km

Portugal total: 1,214 km border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Puerto Rico 0 km

Qatar total: 60 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Romania
total: 2,508 km
border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km,
Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km

Russia
total: 20,241.5 km
border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China
(southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland
1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 17.5 km,
Latvia 292 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441
km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576
km

Rwanda
total: 893 km
border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Saint Barthelemy
0 km

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 km

Saint Lucia
0 km

Saint Martin total: 15 km border countries: Sint Maarten 15 km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 km

Samoa
0 km

San Marino total: 39 km border countries: Italy 39 km

Sao Tome and Principe
0 km

Saudi Arabia
total: 4,431 km
border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman
676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Senegal
total: 2,640 km
border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau
338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Serbia
total: 2,026 km
border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km,
Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km,
Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

Seychelles
0 km

Sierra Leone total: 958 km border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Singapore 0 km

Sint Maarten total: 15 km border countries: Saint Martin (France) 15 km

Slovakia
total: 1,474 km
border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 197 km, Hungary 676
km, Poland 420 km, Ukraine 90 km

Slovenia
total: 1,086 km
border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km,
Italy 199 km

Solomon Islands
0 km

Somalia
total: 2,340 km
border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

South Africa
total: 4,862 km
border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491
km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
0 km

Spain
total: 1,917.8 km
border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km,
Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Spratly Islands
0 km

Sri Lanka
0 km

Sudan
total: 7,687 km
border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km,
Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605
km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Suriname total: 1,703 km border countries: Brazil 593 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Svalbard 0 km

Swaziland
total: 535 km
border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Sweden
total: 2,233 km
border countries: Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

Switzerland
total: 1,852 km
border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km,
Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Syria
total: 2,253 km
border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon
375 km, Turkey 822 km

Taiwan
0 km

Tajikistan
total: 3,651 km
border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870
km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Tanzania
total: 3,861 km
border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217
km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Thailand
total: 4,863 km
border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km,
Malaysia 506 km

Timor-Leste
total: 228 km
border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Togo
total: 1,647 km
border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Tokelau
0 km

Tonga
0 km

Trinidad and Tobago
0 km

Tunisia
total: 1,424 km
border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Turkey
total: 2,648 km
border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km,
Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Turkmenistan
total: 3,736 km
border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379
km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 km

Tuvalu
0 km

Uganda
total: 2,698 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933
km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Ukraine
total: 4,566 km
border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 940 km,
Poland 428 km, Romania (south) 176 km, Romania (southwest) 362 km,
Russia 1,576 km, Slovakia 90 km

United Arab Emirates
total: 867 km
border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

United Kingdom
total: 360 km
border countries: Ireland 360 km

United States
total: 12,034 km
border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska),
Mexico 3,141 km
note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and
is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28 km

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
none

Uruguay
total: 1,648 km
border countries: Argentina 580 km, Brazil 1,068 km

Uzbekistan
total: 6,221 km
border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km,
Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Vanuatu
0 km

Venezuela
total: 4,993 km
border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Vietnam
total: 4,639 km
border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Virgin Islands
0 km

Wake Island
0 km

Wallis and Futuna
0 km

West Bank
total: 404 km
border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Western Sahara
total: 2,046 km
border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

World
the land boundaries in the world total 251,060 km (not
counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia,
each border 14 other countries
note: 45 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include:
Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan,
Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic,
Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,
Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal,
Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Swaziland,
Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West
Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan,
are doubly landlocked

Yemen
total: 1,746 km
border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Zambia
total: 5,664 km
border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania
338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Zimbabwe
total: 3,066 km
border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa
225 km, Zambia 797 km

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

@2097

Field Listing :: Land use

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

Land use(%)

Afghanistan
arable land: 12.13%
permanent crops: 0.21%
other: 87.66% (2005)

Albania
arable land: 20.1%
permanent crops: 4.21%
other: 75.69% (2005)

Algeria
arable land: 3.17%
permanent crops: 0.28%
other: 96.55% (2005)

American Samoa
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 15%
other: 75% (2005)

Andorra
arable land: 2.13%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.87% (2005)

Angola
arable land: 2.65%
permanent crops: 0.23%
other: 97.12% (2005)

Anguilla
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some
commercial salt ponds) (2005)

Antarctica
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (2005)

Antigua and Barbuda
arable land: 18.18%
permanent crops: 4.55%
other: 77.27% (2005)

Argentina
arable land: 10.03%
permanent crops: 0.36%
other: 89.61% (2005)

Armenia
arable land: 16.78%
permanent crops: 2.01%
other: 81.21% (2005)

Aruba
arable land: 10.53%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 89.47% (2005)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)

Australia
arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of
cultivated grassland)
permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 93.81% (2005)

Austria
arable land: 16.59%
permanent crops: 0.85%
other: 82.56% (2005)

Azerbaijan
arable land: 20.62%
permanent crops: 2.61%
other: 76.77% (2005)

Bahamas, The
arable land: 0.58%
permanent crops: 0.29%
other: 99.13% (2005)

Bahrain
arable land: 2.82%
permanent crops: 5.63%
other: 91.55% (2005)

Bangladesh
arable land: 55.39%
permanent crops: 3.08%
other: 41.53% (2005)

Barbados
arable land: 37.21%
permanent crops: 2.33%
other: 60.46% (2005)

Belarus
arable land: 26.77%
permanent crops: 0.6%
other: 72.63% (2005)

Belgium
arable land: 27.42%
permanent crops: 0.69%
other: 71.89%
note: includes Luxembourg (2005)

Belize
arable land: 3.05%
permanent crops: 1.39%
other: 95.56% (2005)

Benin
arable land: 23.53%
permanent crops: 2.37%
other: 74.1% (2005)

Bermuda
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

Bhutan
arable land: 2.3%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 97.27% (2005)

Bolivia
arable land: 2.78%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 97.03% (2005)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
arable land: 19.61%
permanent crops: 1.89%
other: 78.5% (2005)

Botswana
arable land: 0.65%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.34% (2005)

Bouvet Island
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)

Brazil
arable land: 6.93%
permanent crops: 0.89%
other: 92.18% (2005)

British Indian Ocean Territory
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

British Virgin Islands
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 6.67%
other: 73.33% (2005)

Brunei
arable land: 2.08%
permanent crops: 0.87%
other: 97.05% (2005)

Bulgaria
arable land: 29.94%
permanent crops: 1.9%
other: 68.16% (2005)

Burkina Faso
arable land: 17.66%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 82.12% (2005)

Burma
arable land: 14.92%
permanent crops: 1.31%
other: 83.77% (2005)

Burundi
arable land: 35.57%
permanent crops: 13.12%
other: 51.31% (2005)

Cambodia
arable land: 20.44%
permanent crops: 0.59%
other: 78.97% (2005)

Cameroon
arable land: 12.54%
permanent crops: 2.52%
other: 84.94% (2005)

Canada
arable land: 4.57%
permanent crops: 0.65%
other: 94.78% (2005)

Cape Verde
arable land: 11.41%
permanent crops: 0.74%
other: 87.85% (2005)

Cayman Islands
arable land: 3.85%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 96.15% (2005)

Central African Republic
arable land: 3.1%
permanent crops: 0.15%
other: 96.75% (2005)

Chad
arable land: 2.8%
permanent crops: 0.02%
other: 97.18% (2005)

Chile
arable land: 2.62%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 96.95% (2005)

China
arable land: 14.86%
permanent crops: 1.27%
other: 83.87% (2005)

Christmas Island arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)

Clipperton Island
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all coral) (2005)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Colombia
arable land: 2.01%
permanent crops: 1.37%
other: 96.62% (2005)

Comoros
arable land: 35.87%
permanent crops: 23.32%
other: 40.81% (2005)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
arable land: 2.86%
permanent crops: 0.47%
other: 96.67% (2005)

Congo, Republic of the
arable land: 1.45%
permanent crops: 0.15%
other: 98.4% (2005)

Cook Islands
arable land: 16.67%
permanent crops: 8.33%
other: 75% (2005)

Coral Sea Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)

Costa Rica
arable land: 4.4%
permanent crops: 5.87%
other: 89.73% (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
arable land: 10.23%
permanent crops: 11.16%
other: 78.61% (2005)

Croatia
arable land: 25.82%
permanent crops: 2.19%
other: 71.99% (2005)

Cuba
arable land: 27.63%
permanent crops: 6.54%
other: 65.83% (2005)

Curacao
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 90%

Cyprus
arable land: 10.81%
permanent crops: 4.32%
other: 84.87% (2005)

Czech Republic
arable land: 38.82%
permanent crops: 3%
other: 58.18% (2005)

Denmark
arable land: 52.59%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 47.22% (2005)

Djibouti
arable land: 0.04%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.96% (2005)

Dominica
arable land: 6.67%
permanent crops: 21.33%
other: 72% (2005)

Dominican Republic
arable land: 22.49%
permanent crops: 10.26%
other: 67.25% (2005)

Ecuador
arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 4.81%
other: 89.48% (2005)

Egypt
arable land: 2.92%
permanent crops: 0.5%
other: 96.58% (2005)

El Salvador
arable land: 31.37%
permanent crops: 11.88%
other: 56.75% (2005)

Equatorial Guinea
arable land: 4.63%
permanent crops: 3.57%
other: 91.8% (2005)

Eritrea
arable land: 4.78%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 95.19% (2005)

Estonia
arable land: 12.05%
permanent crops: 0.35%
other: 87.6% (2005)

Ethiopia
arable land: 10.01%
permanent crops: 0.65%
other: 89.34% (2005)

European Union
arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2005)

Faroe Islands
arable land: 2.14%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.86% (2005)

Fiji
arable land: 10.95%
permanent crops: 4.65%
other: 84.4% (2005)

Finland
arable land: 6.54%
permanent crops: 0.02%
other: 93.44% (2005)

France
arable land: 33.46%
permanent crops: 2.03%
other: 64.51%
note: French Guiana - arable land 0.13%, permanent crops 0.04%,
other 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other); Guadeloupe - arable land
11.70%, permanent crops 2.92%, other 85.38%; Martinique - arable
land 9.09%, permanent crops 10.0%, other 80.91%; Reunion - arable
land 13.94%, permanent crops 1.59%, other 84.47% (2005)

French Polynesia
arable land: 0.75%
permanent crops: 5.5%
other: 93.75% (2005)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile
Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns,
and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles
Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da
India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa
Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands;
Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut
palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other;
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush
(2005)

Gabon
arable land: 1.21%
permanent crops: 0.64%
other: 98.15% (2005)

Gambia, The
arable land: 27.88%
permanent crops: 0.44%
other: 71.68% (2005)

Gaza Strip
arable land: 29%
permanent crops: 21%
other: 50% (2002)

Georgia
arable land: 11.51%
permanent crops: 3.79%
other: 84.7% (2005)

Germany
arable land: 33.13%
permanent crops: 0.6%
other: 66.27% (2005)

Ghana
arable land: 17.54%
permanent crops: 9.22%
other: 73.24% (2005)

Gibraltar
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Greece
arable land: 20.45%
permanent crops: 8.59%
other: 70.96% (2005)

Greenland
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Grenada
arable land: 5.88%
permanent crops: 29.41%
other: 64.71% (2005)

Guam
arable land: 3.64%
permanent crops: 18.18%
other: 78.18% (2005)

Guatemala
arable land: 13.22%
permanent crops: 5.6%
other: 81.18% (2005)

Guernsey
arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Guinea
arable land: 4.47%
permanent crops: 2.64%
other: 92.89% (2005)

Guinea-Bissau
arable land: 8.31%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 84.77% (2005)

Guyana
arable land: 2.23%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 97.63% (2005)

Haiti
arable land: 28.11%
permanent crops: 11.53%
other: 60.36% (2005)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Holy See (Vatican City)
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Honduras
arable land: 9.53%
permanent crops: 3.21%
other: 87.26% (2005)

Hong Kong
arable land: 5.05%
permanent crops: 1.01%
other: 93.94% (2001)

Hungary
arable land: 49.58%
permanent crops: 2.06%
other: 48.36% (2005)

Iceland
arable land: 0.07%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.93% (2005)

India
arable land: 48.83%
permanent crops: 2.8%
other: 48.37% (2005)

Indonesia
arable land: 11.03%
permanent crops: 7.04%
other: 81.93% (2005)

Iran
arable land: 9.78%
permanent crops: 1.29%
other: 88.93% (2005)

Iraq
arable land: 13.12%
permanent crops: 0.61%
other: 86.27% (2005)

Ireland
arable land: 16.82%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 83.15% (2005)

Isle of Man
arable land: 9%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 91% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland)
(2002)

Israel
arable land: 15.45%
permanent crops: 3.88%
other: 80.67% (2005)

Italy
arable land: 26.41%
permanent crops: 9.09%
other: 64.5% (2005)

Jamaica
arable land: 15.83%
permanent crops: 10.01%
other: 74.16% (2005)

Jan Mayen
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Japan
arable land: 11.64%
permanent crops: 0.9%
other: 87.46% (2005)

Jersey
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Jordan
arable land: 3.32%
permanent crops: 1.18%
other: 95.5% (2005)

Kazakhstan
arable land: 8.28%
permanent crops: 0.05%
other: 91.67% (2005)

Kenya
arable land: 8.01%
permanent crops: 0.97%
other: 91.02% (2005)

Kiribati
arable land: 2.74%
permanent crops: 47.95%
other: 49.31% (2005)

Korea, North
arable land: 22.4%
permanent crops: 1.66%
other: 75.94% (2005)

Korea, South
arable land: 16.58%
permanent crops: 2.01%
other: 81.41% (2005)

Kuwait
arable land: 0.84%
permanent crops: 0.17%
other: 98.99% (2005)

Kyrgyzstan
arable land: 6.55%
permanent crops: 0.28%
other: 93.17%
note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut
forest (2005)

Laos
arable land: 4.01%
permanent crops: 0.34%
other: 95.65% (2005)

Latvia
arable land: 28.19%
permanent crops: 0.45%
other: 71.36% (2005)

Lebanon
arable land: 16.35%
permanent crops: 13.75%
other: 69.9% (2005)

Lesotho
arable land: 10.87%
permanent crops: 0.13%
other: 89% (2005)

Liberia
arable land: 3.43%
permanent crops: 1.98%
other: 94.59% (2005)

Libya
arable land: 1.03%
permanent crops: 0.19%
other: 98.78% (2005)

Liechtenstein
arable land: 25%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 75% (2005)

Lithuania
arable land: 44.81%
permanent crops: 0.9%
other: 54.29% (2005)

Luxembourg
arable land: 27.42%
permanent crops: 0.69%
other: 71.89% (includes Belgium) (2005)

Macau
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Macedonia
arable land: 22.01%
permanent crops: 1.79%
other: 76.2% (2005)

Madagascar
arable land: 5.03%
permanent crops: 1.02%
other: 93.95% (2005)

Malawi
arable land: 20.68%
permanent crops: 1.18%
other: 78.14% (2005)

Malaysia
arable land: 5.46%
permanent crops: 17.54%
other: 77% (2005)

Maldives
arable land: 13.33%
permanent crops: 30%
other: 56.67% (2005)

Mali
arable land: 3.76%
permanent crops: 0.03%
other: 96.21% (2005)

Malta
arable land: 31.25%
permanent crops: 3.13%
other: 65.62% (2005)

Marshall Islands
arable land: 11.11%
permanent crops: 44.44%
other: 44.45% (2005)

Mauritania
arable land: 0.2%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.79% (2005)

Mauritius
arable land: 49.02%
permanent crops: 2.94%
other: 48.04% (2005)

Mayotte
arable land: NA%
permanent crops: NA%
other: NA%

Mexico
arable land: 12.66%
permanent crops: 1.28%
other: 86.06% (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of
arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 45.71%
other: 48.58% (2005)

Moldova
arable land: 54.52%
permanent crops: 8.81%
other: 36.67% (2005)

Monaco
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Mongolia
arable land: 0.76%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.24% (2005)

Montenegro
arable land: 13.7%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 85.3%

Montserrat
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (2005)

Morocco
arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 2%
other: 79% (2005)

Mozambique
arable land: 5.43%
permanent crops: 0.29%
other: 94.28% (2005)

Namibia
arable land: 0.99%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99% (2005)

Nauru
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Navassa Island
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Nepal
arable land: 16.07%
permanent crops: 0.85%
other: 83.08% (2005)

Netherlands
arable land: 21.96%
permanent crops: 0.77%
other: 77.27% (2005)

New Caledonia
arable land: 0.32%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 99.46% (2005)

New Zealand
arable land: 5.54%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 87.54% (2005)

Nicaragua
arable land: 14.81%
permanent crops: 1.82%
other: 83.37% (2005)

Niger
arable land: 11.43%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 88.56% (2005)

Nigeria
arable land: 33.02%
permanent crops: 3.14%
other: 63.84% (2005)

Niue
arable land: 11.54%
permanent crops: 15.38%
other: 73.08% (2005)

Norfolk Island
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands
arable land: 13.04%
permanent crops: 4.35%
other: 82.61% (2005)

Norway
arable land: 2.7%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.3% (2005)

Oman
arable land: 0.12%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 99.74% (2005)

Pakistan
arable land: 24.44%
permanent crops: 0.84%
other: 74.72% (2005)

Palau
arable land: 8.7%
permanent crops: 4.35%
other: 86.95% (2005)

Panama
arable land: 7.26%
permanent crops: 1.95%
other: 90.79% (2005)

Papua New Guinea
arable land: 0.49%
permanent crops: 1.4%
other: 98.11% (2005)

Paracel Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Paraguay
arable land: 7.47%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 92.29% (2005)

Peru
arable land: 2.88%
permanent crops: 0.47%
other: 96.65% (2005)

Philippines
arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 16.67%
other: 64.33% (2005)

Pitcairn Islands
arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Poland
arable land: 40.25%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 58.75% (2005)

Portugal
arable land: 17.29%
permanent crops: 7.84%
other: 74.87% (2005)

Puerto Rico
arable land: 3.69%
permanent crops: 5.59%
other: 90.72% (2005)

Qatar
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 0.27%
other: 98.09% (2005)

Romania
arable land: 39.49%
permanent crops: 1.92%
other: 58.59% (2005)

Russia
arable land: 7.17%
permanent crops: 0.11%
other: 92.72% (2005)

Rwanda
arable land: 45.56%
permanent crops: 10.25%
other: 44.19% (2005)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
arable land: 12.9%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 87.1% (2005)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
arable land: 19.44%
permanent crops: 2.78%
other: 77.78% (2005)

Saint Lucia
arable land: 6.45%
permanent crops: 22.58%
other: 70.97% (2005)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
arable land: 12.5%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 87.5% (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
arable land: 17.95%
permanent crops: 17.95%
other: 64.1% (2005)

Samoa
arable land: 21.13%
permanent crops: 24.3%
other: 54.57% (2005)

San Marino
arable land: 16.67%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 83.33% (2005)

Sao Tome and Principe
arable land: 8.33%
permanent crops: 48.96%
other: 42.71% (2005)

Saudi Arabia
arable land: 1.67%
permanent crops: 0.09%
other: 98.24% (2005)

Senegal
arable land: 12.51%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 87.25% (2005)

Serbia
arable land: NA
permanent crops: NA
other: NA

Seychelles
arable land: 2.17%
permanent crops: 13.04%
other: 84.79% (2005)

Sierra Leone
arable land: 7.95%
permanent crops: 1.05%
other: 91% (2005)

Singapore
arable land: 1.47%
permanent crops: 1.47%
other: 97.06% (2005)

Sint Maarten
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 90%

Slovakia
arable land: 29.23%
permanent crops: 2.67%
other: 68.1% (2005)

Slovenia
arable land: 8.53%
permanent crops: 1.43%
other: 90.04% (2005)

Solomon Islands
arable land: 0.62%
permanent crops: 2.04%
other: 97.34% (2005)

Somalia
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 98.32% (2005)

South Africa
arable land: 12.1%
permanent crops: 0.79%
other: 87.11% (2005)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some
sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (2005)

Spain
arable land: 27.18%
permanent crops: 9.85%
other: 62.97% (2005)

Spratly Islands
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Sri Lanka
arable land: 13.96%
permanent crops: 15.24%
other: 70.8% (2005)

Sudan
arable land: 6.78%
permanent crops: 0.17%
other: 93.05% (2005)

Suriname
arable land: 0.36%
permanent crops: 0.06%
other: 99.58% (2005)

Svalbard
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (no trees; the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry)
(2005)

Swaziland
arable land: 10.25%
permanent crops: 0.81%
other: 88.94% (2005)

Sweden
arable land: 5.93%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 94.06% (2005)

Switzerland
arable land: 9.91%
permanent crops: 0.58%
other: 89.51% (2005)

Syria
arable land: 24.8%
permanent crops: 4.47%
other: 70.73% (2005)

Taiwan
arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 75% (2001)

Tajikistan
arable land: 6.52%
permanent crops: 0.89%
other: 92.59% (2005)

Tanzania
arable land: 4.23%
permanent crops: 1.16%
other: 94.61% (2005)

Thailand
arable land: 27.54%
permanent crops: 6.93%
other: 65.53% (2005)

Timor-Leste
arable land: 8.2%
permanent crops: 4.57%
other: 87.23% (2005)

Togo
arable land: 44.2%
permanent crops: 2.11%
other: 53.69% (2005)

Tokelau
arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Tonga
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 14.67%
other: 65.33% (2005)

Trinidad and Tobago
arable land: 14.62%
permanent crops: 9.16%
other: 76.22% (2005)

Tunisia
arable land: 17.05%
permanent crops: 13.08%
other: 69.87% (2005)

Turkey
arable land: 29.81%
permanent crops: 3.39%
other: 66.8% (2005)

Turkmenistan
arable land: 4.51%
permanent crops: 0.14%
other: 95.35% (2005)

Turks and Caicos Islands
arable land: 2.33%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.67% (2005)

Tuvalu
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 66.67%
other: 33.33% (2005)

Uganda
arable land: 21.57%
permanent crops: 8.92%
other: 69.51% (2005)

Ukraine
arable land: 53.8%
permanent crops: 1.5%
other: 44.7% (2005)

United Arab Emirates
arable land: 0.77%
permanent crops: 2.27%
other: 96.96% (2005)

United Kingdom
arable land: 23.23%
permanent crops: 0.2%
other: 76.57% (2005)

United States
arable land: 18.01%
permanent crops: 0.21%
other: 81.78% (2005)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2008)

Uruguay
arable land: 7.77%
permanent crops: 0.24%
other: 91.99% (2005)

Uzbekistan
arable land: 10.51%
permanent crops: 0.76%
other: 88.73% (2005)

Vanuatu
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 6.97%
other: 91.39% (2005)

Venezuela
arable land: 2.85%
permanent crops: 0.88%
other: 96.27% (2005)

Vietnam
arable land: 20.14%
permanent crops: 6.93%
other: 72.93% (2005)

Virgin Islands
arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 2.86%
other: 91.43% (2005)

Wake Island
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)

Wallis and Futuna
arable land: 7.14%
permanent crops: 35.71%
other: 57.15% (2005)

West Bank
arable land: 16.9%
permanent crops: 18.97%
other: 64.13% (2001)

Western Sahara
arable land: 0.02%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.98% (2005)

World
arable land: 10.57%
permanent crops: 1.04%
other: 88.39% (2005)

Yemen
arable land: 2.91%
permanent crops: 0.25%
other: 96.84% (2005)

Zambia
arable land: 6.99%
permanent crops: 0.04%
other: 92.97% (2005)

Zimbabwe
arable land: 8.24%
permanent crops: 0.33%
other: 91.43% (2005)

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

@2098

Field Listing :: Languages

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

Languages(%)

Afghanistan
Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashto (official)
35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor
languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

Akrotiri
English, Greek

Albania
Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek,
Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects

Algeria
Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

American Samoa
Samoan 90.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other
Polynesian languages), English 2.9%, Tongan 2.4%, other Pacific
islander 2.1%, other 2%
note: most people are bilingual (2000 census)

Andorra
Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Angola
Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Anguilla
English (official)

Antigua and Barbuda
English (official), local dialects

Argentina
Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French

Armenia
Armenian (official) 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other
0.4% (2001 census)

Aruba
Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%,
Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%,
other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3% (2000 census)

Australia
English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%,
Arabic 1.2%, Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2006
Census)

Austria
German (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian
2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes
Slovene, official in Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in
Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 90.3%, Lezgi 2.2%, Russian
1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified 1% (1999 census)

Bahamas, The
English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Bahrain
Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Bangladesh
Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Barbados
English

Belarus
Belarusian (official) 36.7%, Russian (official) 62.8%, other
0.5% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities)
(1999 census)

Belgium
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German
(official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Belize
Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9%
(official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown
0.2% (2000 census)

Benin
French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in
south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Bermuda
English (official), Portuguese

Bhutan
Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects,
Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Bolivia
Spanish 60.7% (official), Quechua 21.2% (official), Aymara
14.6% (official), foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian (official), Croatian (official),
Serbian

Botswana
Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English
2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)

Brazil
Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note -
less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools),
German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor
Amerindian languages

British Virgin Islands
English (official)

Brunei
Malay (official), English, Chinese

Bulgaria
Bulgarian (official) 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other
and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
French (official), native African languages belonging
to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Burma
Burmese (offical) minority ethnic groups have their own
languages

Burundi
Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake
Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Cambodia
Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Cameroon
24 major African language groups, English (official),
French (official)

Canada
English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other
19.6% (2006 Census)

Cape Verde
Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and
West African words)

Cayman Islands
English (official) 95%, Spanish 3.2%, other 1.8%
(1999 census)

Central African Republic
French (official), Sangho (lingua franca
and national language), tribal languages

Chad
French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more
than 120 different languages and dialects

Chile
Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

China
Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing
dialect) (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei
(Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects,
minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)
note: Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in
Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet)

Christmas Island
English (official), Chinese, Malay

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Colombia
Spanish (official)

Comoros
Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of
Swahili and Arabic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
French (official), Lingala (a
lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or
Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Congo, Republic of the
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba
(lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects
(of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

Cook Islands
English (official), Maori

Costa Rica
Spanish (official), English

Cote d'Ivoire
French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the
most widely spoken

Croatia
Croatian (official) 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and
undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and
German) (2001 census)

Cuba
Spanish (official)

Curacao
Papiamento 81.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English
dialect), Dutch 8% (official), Spanish 4%, English 2.9%, other 3.9%
(2001 census)

Cyprus
Greek (official), Turkish (official), English

Czech Republic
Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, unidentified 0.8%
(2001 census)

Denmark
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German
(small minority)
note: English is the predominant second language

Dhekelia
English, Greek

Djibouti
French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Dominica
English (official), French patois

Dominican Republic
Spanish (official)

Ecuador
Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Egypt
Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by
educated classes

El Salvador
Spanish (official), Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Equatorial Guinea
Spanish 67.6% (official), other 32.4% (includes
French (official), Fang, Bubi) (1994 census)

Eritrea
Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official),
Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Estonia
Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%,
unknown 0.7% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
Amarigna (Amharic) (official) 32.7%, Oromigna (official
regional) 31.6%, Tigrigna (official regional) 6.1%, Somaligna 6%,
Guaragigna 3.5%, Sidamigna 3.5%, Hadiyigna 1.7%, other 14.8%,
English (official) (major foreign language taught in schools),
Arabic (official) (1994 census)

European Union
Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian,
Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian,
Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene,
Spanish, Swedish
note: only official languages are listed; German, the major language
of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is the most widely spoken
mother tongue - over 19% of the EU population; English is the most
widely spoken language - about 49% of the EU population is
conversant with it (2007)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
English

Faroe Islands
Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Fiji
English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Finland
Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other
3.3% (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)

France
French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects
and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan,
Basque, Flemish)
overseas departments: French, Creole patois

French Polynesia
French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4%
(official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002
census)

Gabon
French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira,
Bandjabi

Gambia, The
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other
indigenous vernaculars

Gaza Strip
Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English
(widely understood)

Georgia
Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%,
other 7%
note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Germany
German

Ghana
Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%,
Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga
3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000
census)

Gibraltar
English (used in schools and for official purposes),
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Greece
Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)

Greenland
Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish, English

Grenada
English (official), French patois

Guam
English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%,
other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other
languages 3.5% (2000 census)

Guatemala
Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23
officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche,
Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Guernsey
English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country
districts

Guinea
French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own
language

Guinea-Bissau
Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Guyana
English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a
dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Haiti
French (official), Creole (official)

Holy See (Vatican City)
Italian, Latin, French, various other
languages

Honduras
Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects

Hong Kong
Cantonese 90.8% (official), English 2.8% (official),
Putonghua (Mandarin) 0.9%, other Chinese dialects 4.4%, other 1.1%
(2006 census)

Hungary
Hungarian 93.6%, other or unspecified 6.4% (2001 census)

Iceland
Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

India
Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%,
Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%,
Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%
note: English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but
is the most important language for national, political, and
commercial communication; Hindi is the most widely spoken language
and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official
languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati,
Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and
Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken
widely throughout northern India but is not an official language
(2001 census)

Indonesia
Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay),
English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is
Javanese)

Iran
Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects
26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Iraq
Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions),
Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian

Ireland
English (official) is the language generally used, Irish
(Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official) spoken mainly in areas along the
western coast

Isle of Man
English, Manx Gaelic (about 2% of the population has
some knowledge)

Israel
Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority,
English most commonly used foreign language

Italy
Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige
region are predominantly German speaking), French (small
French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene
(Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Jamaica
English, English patois

Japan
Japanese

Jersey
English 94.5% (official), Portuguese 4.6%, other 0.9% (2001
census)

Jordan
Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and
middle classes

Kazakhstan
Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official,
used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic
communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Kenya
English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous
languages

Kiribati
I-Kiribati, English (official)

Korea, North
Korean

Korea, South
Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high
school

Kosovo
Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Bosnian, Turkish,
Roma

Kuwait
Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz 64.7% (official), Uzbek 13.6%, Russian 12.5%
(official), Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Laos
Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Latvia
Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other
4.3% (2000 census)

Lebanon
Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Lesotho
Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Liberia
English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few
of which can be written or used in correspondence

Libya
Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the
major cities

Liechtenstein
German (official), Alemannic dialect

Lithuania
Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other
and unspecified 4.4% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative
language), French (administrative language)

Macau
Cantonese 85.7%, Hokkien 4%, Mandarin 3.2%, other Chinese
dialects 2.7%, English 1.5%, Tagalog 1.3%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Macedonia
Macedonian (official) 66.5%, Albanian (official) 25.1%,
Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)

Madagascar
French (official), Malagasy (official), English

Malawi
Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%,
Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other
3.6% (1998 census)

Malaysia
Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese,
Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu,
Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most
widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Maldives
Dhivehi (official) (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from
Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

Mali
French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Malta
Maltese (official) 90.2%, English (official) 6%, multilingual
3%, other 0.8% (2005 census)

Marshall Islands
Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8%
(1999 census)
note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Mauritania
Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof
(all national languages), French, Hassaniya

Mauritius
Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English
(official; spoken by less than 1% of the population), other 3.7%,
unspecified 0.3% (2000 census)

Mayotte
Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language)
spoken by 35% of the population

Mexico
Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%,
indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages
include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of
English (official and common
language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian,
Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Moldova
Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian
language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Monaco
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Mongolia
Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Montenegro
Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%,
Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2003 census)

Montserrat
English

Morocco
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the
language of business, government, and diplomacy

Mozambique
Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8%
(official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe
7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%,
other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)

Namibia
English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of
the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%,
indigenous languages 1% (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)

Nauru
Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language),
English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and
commercial purposes

Nepal
Nepali (official) 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu
(Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi
2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)
note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)

Netherlands
Dutch (official), Frisian (official)

New Caledonia
French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

New Zealand
English 91.2% (official), Maori 3.9% (official), Samoan
2.1%, French 1.3%, Hindi 1.1%, Yue 1.1%, Northern Chinese 1%, other
12.9%, New Zealand Sign Language (official)
note: shares sum to 114.6% due to multiple responses on census (2006
Census)

Nicaragua
Spanish 97.5% (official), Miskito 1.7%, other 0.8% (1995
census)
note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Niger
French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Nigeria
English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over
500 additional indigenous languages

Niue
English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely
related to Tongan and Samoan; English

Norfolk Island
English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th
century English and ancient Tahitian

Northern Mariana Islands
Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%,
Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%,
other 9.6% (2000 census)

Norway
Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official),
small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official
in six municipalities

Oman
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Pakistan
Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%,
Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%,
English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most
government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Palau
Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral
(Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are
official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official),
Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%,
Japanese 1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Panama
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians
bilingual

Papua New Guinea
Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official
languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of
the world's total)
note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood;
English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Paraguay
Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Peru
Spanish 84.1% (official), Quechua 13% (official), Aymara 1.7%,
Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages 0.7% (includes a large number
of minor Amazonian languages), other 0.2% (2007 Census)

Philippines
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English
(official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano,
Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Pitcairn Islands
English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th
century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Poland
Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002
census)

Portugal
Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally
used)

Puerto Rico
Spanish, English

Qatar
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Romania
Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy)
1.1%, other 1.2%

Russia
Russian (official), many minority languages

Rwanda
Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French
(official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in
commercial centers

Saint Barthelemy
French (primary), English

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
English

Saint Kitts and Nevis
English (official)

Saint Lucia
English (official), French patois

Saint Martin
French (official language), English, Dutch, French
Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
French (official)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
English, French patois

Samoa
Samoan (Polynesian) (official), English

San Marino
Italian

Sao Tome and Principe
Portuguese (official)

Saudi Arabia
Arabic (official)

Senegal
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Serbia
Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%,
Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census)
note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all
official in Vojvodina

Seychelles
Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%,
unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
English (official, regular use limited to literate
minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne
(principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole,
spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled
in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10%
of the population but understood by 95%)

Singapore
Mandarin (official) 35%, English (official) 23%, Malay
(official) 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil
(official) 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000
census)

Sint Maarten
English 67.5% (official), Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%,
Dutch 4.2% (official), Papiamento 2.2% (a
Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), French 1.5%, other 3.5%
(2001 census)

Slovakia
Slovak (official) 83.9%, Hungarian 10.7%, Roma 1.8%,
Ukrainian 1%, other or unspecified 2.6% (2001 census)

Slovenia
Slovenian (official) 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or
unspecified 4.4%, Italian (official) Only in municipalities where
Hungarian national communities reside, Hungarian (official) Only in
municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside (2002
census)

Solomon Islands
Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua
franca; English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the
population); 120 indigenous languages

Somalia
Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

South Africa
IsiZulu (official) 23.8%, IsiXhosa (official) 17.6%,
Afrikaans (official) 13.3%, Sepedi (offcial) 9.4%, English
(official) 8.2%, Setswana (official) 8.2%, Sesotho (official) 7.9%,
Xitsonga (official) 4.4%, other 7.2%, isiNdebele (official),
Tshivenda (official), siSwati (official) (2001 census)

Spain
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%,
Basque 2%, are official regionally

Sri Lanka
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil
(national language) 18%, other 8%
note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken
competently by about 10% of the population

Sudan
Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie,
diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages
note: program of "Arabization" in process

Suriname
Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of
Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca
among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Svalbard
Norwegian, Russian

Swaziland
English (official, government business conducted in
English), siSwati (official)

Sweden
Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking
minorities

Switzerland
German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%,
Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%,
Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch (official) 0.5%,
other 2.8% (2000 census)
note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national and
official languages

Syria
Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian
widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Taiwan
Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Tajikistan
Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and
business

Tanzania
Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili
in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,
administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in
Zanzibar), many local languages
note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people
living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili
is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety
of sources including Arabic and English; it has become the lingua
franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most
people is one of the local languages

Thailand
Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and
regional dialects

Timor-Leste
Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian,
English
note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole,
Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Togo
French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina
(the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes
spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the
north)

Tokelau
Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Tonga
Tongan (official), English (official)

Trinidad and Tobago
English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a
dialect of Hindi), French, Spanish, Chinese

Tunisia
Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce),
French (commerce)

Turkey
Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages

Turkmenistan
Turkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Turks and Caicos Islands
English (official)

Tuvalu
Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on
the island of Nui)

Uganda
English (official national language, taught in grade schools,
used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio
broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo
languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital
and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages,
Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Ukraine
Ukrainian (official) 67%, Russian 24%, other 9% (includes
small Romanian-, Polish-, and Hungarian-speaking minorities)

United Arab Emirates
Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

United Kingdom
English
note: the following are recognized regional languages: Scots (about
30% of the population of Scotland), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in
Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish
(about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some
2,000 to 3,000 in Cornwall)

United States
English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European
3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)
note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii

Uruguay
Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish
mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Uzbekistan
Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other
7.1%

Vanuatu
local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as
Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French
(official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Vietnam
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a
second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area
languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Virgin Islands
English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%,
French or French Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)

Wallis and Futuna
Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language),
Futunian 30.1%, French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)

West Bank
Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many
Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Western Sahara
Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

World
Mandarin Chinese 12.65%, Spanish 4.93%, English 4.91%, Arabic
3.31%, Hindi 2.73%, Bengali 2.71%, Portuguese 2.67%, Russian 2.16%,
Japanese 1.83%, Standard German 1.35%, Javanese 1.27% (2008 est.)
note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Yemen
Arabic (official)

Zambia
Bemba 30.1% (official), Nyanja 10.7% (official), Tonga 10.6%
(official), Lozi 5.7% (official), Chewa 4.9%, Nsenga 3.4%, Tumbuka
2.5%, Lunda 2.2% (official), Kaonde 2% (official), Lala 2%, Luvale
1.7% (official), English 1.7% (official), other 22.5% (2000 Census)

Zimbabwe
English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the
Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal
dialects

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

@2100

Field Listing :: Legal system

This entry provides the description of a country's legal system; it also includes information on acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another - is also addressed below. The following list describes these legal systems, the countries or world regions where these systems are enforced, and a brief statement on the origins and major features of each. Civil Law - The most widespread type of legal system in the world, applied in various forms in approximately 150 countries. Also referred to as European continental law, the civil law system is derived mainly from the Roman Corpus Juris Civilus, (Body of Civil Law), a collection of laws and legal interpretations compiled under the East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 528 and 565. The major feature of civil law systems is that the laws are organized into systematic written codes. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation - especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments - and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in some countries are based on more than one code. Common Law - A type of legal system, often synonymous with "English common law," which is the system of England and Wales in the UK, and is also in force in approximately 80 countries formerly part of or influenced by the former British Empire. English common law reflects Biblical influences as well as remnants of law systems imposed by early conquerors including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. Some legal scholars attribute the formation of the English common law system to King Henry II (r.1154-1189). Until the time of his reign, laws customary among England's various manorial and ecclesiastical (church) jurisdictions were administered locally. Henry II established the king's court and designated that laws were "common" to the entire English realm. The foundation of English common law is "legal precedent" - referred to as stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." In the English common law system, court judges are bound in their decisions in large part by the rules and other doctrines developed - and supplemented over time - by the judges of earlier English courts. Customary Law - A type of legal system that serves as the basis of, or has influenced, the present-day laws in approximately 40 countries - mostly in Africa, but some in the Pacific islands, Europe, and the Near East. Customary law is also referred to as "primitive law," "unwritten law," "indigenous law," and "folk law." There is no single history of customary law such as that found in Roman civil law, English common law, Islamic law, or the Napoleonic Civil Code. The earliest systems of law in human society were customary, and usually developed in small agrarian and hunter-gatherer communities. As the term implies, customary law is based upon the customs of a community. Common attributes of customary legal systems are that they are seldom written down, they embody an organized set of rules regulating social relations, and they are agreed upon by members of the community. Although such law systems include sanctions for law infractions, resolution tends to be reconciliatory rather than punitive. A number of African states practiced customary law many centuries prior to colonial influences. Following colonization, such laws were written down and incorporated to varying extents into the legal systems imposed by their colonial powers. European Union Law - A sub-discipline of international law known as "supranational law" in which the rights of sovereign nations are limited in relation to one another. Also referred to as the Law of the European Union or Community Law, it is the unique and complex legal system that operates in tandem with the laws of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Similar to federal states, the EU legal system ensures compliance from the member states because of the Union's decentralized political nature. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), established in 1952 by the Treaty of Paris, has been largely responsible for the development of EU law. Fundamental principles of European Union law include: subsidiarity - the notion that issues be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority; proportionality - the EU may only act to the extent needed to achieve its objectives; conferral - the EU is a union of member states, and all its authorities are voluntarily granted by its members; legal certainty - requires that legal rules be clear and precise; and precautionary principle - a moral and political principle stating that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. French Law - A type of civil law that is the legal system of France. The French system also serves as the basis for, or is mixed with, other legal systems in approximately 50 countries, notably in North Africa, the Near East, and the French territories and dependencies. French law is primarily codified or systematic written civil law. Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), France had no single national legal system. Laws in the northern areas of present-day France were mostly local customs based on privileges and exemptions granted by kings and feudal lords, while in the southern areas Roman law predominated. The introduction of the Napoleonic Civil Code during the reign of Napoleon I in the first decade of the 19th century brought major reforms to the French legal system, many of which remain part of France's current legal structure, though all have been extensively amended or redrafted to address a modern nation. French law distinguishes between "public law" and "private law." Public law relates to government, the French Constitution, public administration, and criminal law. Private law covers issues between private citizens or corporations. The most recent changes to the French legal system - introduced in the 1980s - were the decentralization laws, which transferred authority from centrally appointed government representatives to locally elected representatives of the people. International Law - The law of the international community, or the body of customary rules and treaty rules accepted as legally binding by states in their relations with each other. International law differs from other legal systems in that it primarily concerns sovereign political entities. There are three separate disciplines of international law: public international law, which governs the relationship between provinces and international entities and includes treaty law, law of the sea, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law; private international law, which addresses legal jurisdiction; and supranational law - a legal framework wherein countries are bound by regional agreements in which the laws of the member countries are held inapplicable when in conflict with supranational laws. At present the European Union is the only entity under a supranational legal system. The term "international law" was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 in his Principles of Morals and Legislation, though laws governing relations between states have been recognized from very early times (many centuries B.C.). Modern international law developed alongside the emergence and growth of the European nation-states beginning in the early 16th century. Other factors that influenced the development of international law included the revival of legal studies, the growth of international trade, and the practice of exchanging emissaries and establishing legations. The sources of International law are set out in Article 38-1 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice within the UN Charter. Islamic Law - The most widespread type of religious law, it is the legal system enforced in over 30 countries, particularly in the Near East, but also in Central and South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. In many countries Islamic law operates in tandem with a civil law system. Islamic law is embodied in the sharia, an Arabic word meaning "the right path." Sharia covers all aspects of public and private life and organizes them into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. The primary sources of sharia law are the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet and his works. In addition to these two primary sources, traditional Sunni Muslims recognize the consensus of Muhammad's companions and Islamic jurists on certain issues, called ijmas, and various forms of reasoning, including analogy by legal scholars, referred to as qiyas. Shia Muslims reject ijmas and qiyas as sources of sharia law. Mixed Law - Also referred to as pluralistic law, mixed law consists of elements of some or all of the other main types of legal systems - civil, common, customary, and religious. The mixed legal systems of a number of countries came about when colonial powers overlaid their own legal systems upon colonized regions but retained elements of the colonies' existing legal systems. Napoleonic Civil Code - A type of civil law, referred to as the Civil Code or Code Civil des Francais, forms part of the legal system of France, and underpins the legal systems of Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Poland, and the US state of Louisiana. The Civil Code was established under Napoleon I, enacted in 1804, and officially designated the Code Napoleon in 1807. This legal system combined the Teutonic civil law tradition of the northern provinces of France with the Roman law tradition of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The Civil Code bears similarities in its arrangement to the Roman Body of Civil Law (see Civil Law above). As enacted in 1804, the Code addressed personal status, property, and the acquisition of property. Codes added over the following six years included civil procedures, commercial law, criminal law and procedures, and a penal code. Religious Law - A legal system which stems from the sacred texts of religious traditions and in most cases professes to cover all aspects of life as a seamless part of devotional obligations to a transcendent, imminent, or deep philosophical reality. Implied as the basis of religious law is the concept of unalterability, because the word of God cannot be amended or legislated against by judges or governments. However, a detailed legal system generally requires human elaboration. The main types of religious law are sharia in Islam, halakha in Judaism, and canon law in some Christian groups. Sharia is the most widespread religious legal system (see Islamic Law), and is the sole system of law for countries including Iran, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia. No country is fully governed by halakha, but Jewish people may decide to settle disputes through Jewish courts and be bound by their rulings. Canon law is not a divine law as such because it is not found in revelation. It is viewed instead as human law inspired by the word of God and applying the demands of that revelation to the actual situation of the church. Canon law regulates the internal ordering of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Roman Law - A type of civil law developed in ancient Rome and practiced from the time of the city's founding (traditionally 753 B.C.) until the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century A.D. Roman law remained the legal system of the Byzantine (Eastern Empire) until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Preserved fragments of the first legal text, known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, dating from the 5th century B.C., contained specific provisions designed to change the prevailing customary law. Early Roman law was drawn from custom and statutes; later, during the time of the empire, emperors asserted their authority as the ultimate source of law. The basis for Roman laws was the idea that the exact form - not the intention - of words or of actions produced legal consequences. It was only in the late 6th century A.D. that a comprehensive Roman code of laws was published (see Civil Law above). Roman law served as the basis of law systems developed in a number of continental European countries. Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands. Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652. Spanish Law - A type of civil law, often referred to as the Spanish Civil Code, it is the present legal system of Spain and is the basis of legal systems in 12 countries mostly in Central and South America, but also in southwestern Europe, northern and western Africa, and southeastern Asia. The Spanish Civil Code reflects a complex mixture of customary, Roman, Napoleonic, local, and modern codified law. The laws of the Visigoth invaders of Spain in the 5th to 7th centuries had the earliest major influence on Spanish legal system development. The Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 11th through 15th centuries witnessed the development of customary law, which combined canon (religious) and Roman law. During several centuries of Hapsburg and Bourbon rule, systematic recompilations of the existing national legal system were attempted, but these often conflicted with local and regional customary civil laws. Legal system development for most of the 19th century concentrated on formulating a national civil law system, which was finally enacted in 1889 as the Spanish Civil Code. Several sections of the code have been revised, the most recent of which are the penal code in 1989 and the judiciary code in 2001. The Spanish Civil Code separates public and private law. Public law includes constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, process law, financial and tax law, and international public law. Private law includes civil law, commercial law, labor law, and international private law. United States Law - A type of common law, which is the basis of the legal system of the United States and that of its island possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This legal system has several layers, more possibly than in most other countries, and is due in part to the division between federal and state law. The United States was founded not as one nation but as a union of 13 colonies, each claiming independence from the British Crown. The US Constitution, implemented in 1789, began shifting power away from the states and toward the federal government, though the states today retain substantial legal authority. US law draws its authority from four sources: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and case law. Constitutional law is based on the US Constitution and serves as the supreme federal law. Taken together with those of the state constitutions, these documents outline the general structure of the federal and state governments and provide the rules and limits of power. US statutory law is legislation enacted by the US Congress and is codified in the United States Code. The 50 state legislatures have similar authority to enact state statutes. Administrative law is the authority delegated to federal and state executive agencies. Case law, also referred to as common law, covers areas where constitutional or statutory law is lacking. Case law is a collection of judicial decisions, customs, and general principles that began in England centuries ago, that were adopted in America at the time of the Revolution, and that continue to develop today. Country

Legal system

Afghanistan
based on mixed civil and sharia law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Akrotiri
the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court
system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to
the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws
of the Republic of Cyprus

Albania
has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International
Criminal Court for its citizens

Algeria
socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review
of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of
various public officials including several Supreme Court justices;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review
of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Angola
based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law;
modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of
free markets; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Anguilla
based on English common law

Antarctica
Antarctica is administered through annual meetings -
known as Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings - which include
consultative member nations, non-consultative member nations,
observer organizations, and expert organizations; decisions from
these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect
to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own
national laws; more generally, access to the Antarctic Treaty area,
that is to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees south latitude, is
subject to a number of relevant legal instruments and authorization
procedures adopted by the states party to the Antarctic Treaty; note
- US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US
nationals, such as murder, may apply extraterritorially; some US
laws directly apply to Antarctica; for example, the Antarctic
Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and
criminal penalties for the following activities unless authorized by
regulation of statute: the taking of native mammals or birds; the
introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into
specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants;
and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica;
violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up
to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison; the National Science
Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement
responsibilities; Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation
Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to
Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805,
Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans
to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty; for more
information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs,
National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone:
(703) 292-8030, or visit its website at www.nsf.gov

Antigua and Barbuda
based on English common law

Argentina
mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Armenia
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Aruba
based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law
influence

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
the laws of the Commonwealth of
Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia where
applicable apply

Australia
based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations; accepts International Criminal Court
jurisdiction with conditions

Austria
civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of
legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate
administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Azerbaijan
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Bahamas, The
based on English common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bahrain
based on Islamic law and English common law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bangladesh
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Barbados
English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Belarus
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Belgium
based on civil law system influenced by English
constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Belize
English law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Benin
based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bermuda
English law

Bhutan
based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bolivia
based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; the 2009 Constitution incorporates
indigenous community justice into Bolivia's judicial system

Bosnia and Herzegovina
based on civil law system; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Botswana
based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial
review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Bouvet Island
the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Brazil
based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

British Indian Ocean Territory
the laws of the UK where applicable
apply

British Virgin Islands
English law

Brunei
based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic sharia law
supersedes civil law concerning Muslim marriages and inheritance;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bulgaria
civil and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Burkina Faso
based on French civil law system and customary law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Burma
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Burundi
based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cambodia
primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes
from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)
period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature with influences
of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing
influence of common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations

Cameroon
based on French civil law system with common law influence;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Canada
based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil
law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Cape Verde
based on the legal system of Portugal; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cayman Islands
British common law and local statutes

Central African Republic
based on French law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Chad
based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Chile
based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent
codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of
legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction; note - in June 2005, Chile completed overhaul of
its criminal justice system to a US-style adversarial system

China
based on civil law system; derived from Soviet and continental
civil code legal principles; legislature retains power to interpret
statutes; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislation;
party organs exercise authority over judiciary; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Christmas Island
under the authority of the governor general of
Australia and Australian law

Clipperton Island
the laws of France where applicable apply

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
based upon the laws of Australia and local
laws

Colombia
based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US
procedures was enacted into law in 2004 and reached full
implementation in January 2008; judicial review of executive and
legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Comoros
French and Islamic law in a new consolidated code; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Congo, Democratic Republic of the civil law based on Belgian law with Napoleonic Civil Code influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Congo, Republic of the based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cook Islands
based on New Zealand law and English common law

Coral Sea Islands
the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Costa Rica
based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of
legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Cote d'Ivoire
based on French civil law system and customary law;
judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Croatia
based on Austro-Hungarian law system with Communist law
influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cuba
based on Spanish civil law and influenced by American legal
concepts with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Curacao
based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law
influence

Cyprus
based on English common law with civil law modifications;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Czech Republic
civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes;
legal code modified to bring it in line with European Union
obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Denmark
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Dhekelia
the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court
system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to
the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws
of the Republic of Cyprus

Djibouti
based on French civil law system, traditional practices,
and Islamic law; accepts ICJ compulsory jurisdiction with
reservations

Dominica
based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Dominican Republic
based on French civil codes; Criminal Procedures
Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory
system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Ecuador
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Egypt
based on Islamic and civil law (particularly Napoleonic
codes); judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State
(oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

El Salvador
based on civil and Roman law with traces of common law;
judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Equatorial Guinea
partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal
custom; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Eritrea
primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957 with
revisions; new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been
promulgated; government also issues unilateral proclamations setting
laws and policies; also relies on customary and
post-independence-enacted laws and, for civil cases involving
Muslims, Islamic law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Estonia
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Ethiopia
based on civil law; currently transitional mix of national
and regional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

European Union
comparable to the legal systems of member states;
first supranational law system

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
English common law

Faroe Islands
the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Fiji
based on British system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Finland
civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may
request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

France
civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of
administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

French Polynesia
the laws of France where applicable apply

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
the laws of France where
applicable apply

Gabon
based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme
Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gambia, The
based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law,
and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations

Georgia
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Germany
civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review
of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Ghana
based on English common law and customary law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gibraltar
the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Greece
based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil,
criminal, and administrative courts; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Greenland
the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Grenada
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Guam
modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Guatemala
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Guernsey
the laws of the UK where applicable apply; justice is
administered by the Royal Court

Guinea
based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Guinea-Bissau
based on French civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Guyana
based on English common law with certain admixtures of
Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Haiti
based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
the laws of Australia where
applicable apply

Holy See (Vatican City)
based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to
it; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Honduras
rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing
influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include
abandoning Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial
system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Hong Kong
based on English common law

Hungary
based on the German-Austrian legal system; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Iceland
civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

India
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations;
separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus, and Muslims

Indonesia
based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by
indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures and election
codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Iran
based on sharia law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Iraq
based on European civil and Islamic law under the framework
outlined in the Iraqi Constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Ireland
based on English common law substantially modified by
indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme
Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Isle of Man
the laws of the UK where applicable apply and Manx
statutes

Israel
mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations,
and in personal matters Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Italy
based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials;
judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Jamaica
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Jan Mayen
the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Japan
modeled after European civil law systems with English-American
influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Jersey
the laws of the UK where applicable apply and local statutes;
justice is administered by the Royal Court

Jordan
based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of
legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kazakhstan
based on Islamic law and Roman law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kenya
based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law,
tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; constitutional
amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in
1991

Kiribati
English common law supplemented by local, customary law;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Korea, North
based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese
influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of
legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Korea, South
combines elements of continental European civil law
systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kosovo
evolving legal system based on terms of former UN Special
Envoy Martti AHTISAARI's Plan for Kosovo's supervised independence;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kuwait
civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal
matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kyrgyzstan
based on French and Russian laws; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Laos
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and
procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Latvia
based on civil law system with traces of Socialist legal
traditions and practices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Lebanon
mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and
civil law; the constitutional court reviews laws only after they
have been passed; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Lesotho
based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial
review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Liberia
dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common
law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten
tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Libya
based on Italian and French civil law systems and Islamic law;
separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial
review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Liechtenstein
local civil and penal codes based on civil law system;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Lithuania
based on civil law system; legislative acts can be
appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Luxembourg
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Macau
based on Portuguese civil law system

Macedonia
based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Madagascar
based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy
law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Malawi
based on English common law and customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Malaysia
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the
federation; Islamic law is applied to Muslims in matters of family
law and religion; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Maldives
based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law
primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Mali
based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Malta
based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Marshall Islands
based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Mauritania
a combination of Islamic law and French civil law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Mauritius
based on French civil law system with elements of English
common law in certain areas; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
with reservations

Mayotte
the laws of France where applicable apply

Mexico
mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system;
judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Micronesia, Federated States of
based on adapted Trust Territory
laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary
laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Moldova
based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews
legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of
resolution; accepts many UN and Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Monaco
based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Mongolia
blend of Soviet and German systems that employ
"continental" or "civil" code; case-precedent may be used to inform
judges, but all decisions must refer to the law as written;
constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislative acts; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Montenegro
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Montserrat
English common law and statutory law

Morocco
based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law
systems; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional
Chamber of Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Mozambique
based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Namibia
based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Nauru
acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Navassa Island
the laws of the US where applicable apply

Nepal
based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Netherlands
based on civil law system incorporating French penal
theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the
States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

New Caledonia
based on French civil law; the 1988 Matignon Accords
grant substantial autonomy to the islands

New Zealand
based on English law, with special land legislation and
land courts for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations

Nicaragua
civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative
acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Niger
based on French civil law system and customary law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Nigeria
based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern
states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
with reservations

Niue
English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the
power to make its laws

Norfolk Island
based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and
acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either
Australian or Norfolk Island law

Northern Mariana Islands
based on US system except for customs,
wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Norway
mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law
traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature
when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Oman
based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to
the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Pakistan
based on English common law with provisions to accommodate
Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Palau
based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,
municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Panama
based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Papua New Guinea
based on English common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Paraguay
based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes;
judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Peru
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
with reservations

Philippines
based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Pitcairn Islands
local island by-laws

Poland
based on a mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and
holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced
as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review
of legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are
final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of
Justice in Strasbourg; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations

Portugal
based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal
reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Puerto Rico
based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal
system of justice

Qatar
based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of
law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being
implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Romania
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Russia
based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Rwanda
based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary
law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Barthelemy
the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
English common law and
statutes supplemented by local statutes

Saint Kitts and Nevis
based on English common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Lucia
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Martin
the laws of France where applicable apply

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the laws of France where applicable apply

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
based on English common law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Samoa
based on English common law and local customs; judicial review
of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the
citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

San Marino
based on civil law system with Italian law influences;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sao Tome and Principe
based on Portuguese legal system and customary
law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saudi Arabia
based on sharia law, several secular codes have been
introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Senegal
based on French civil law system; judicial review of
legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State
audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations

Serbia
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction with reservations; note - Serbia is working to reform
its justice sector and harmonize its judicial systems with EU
standards

Seychelles
based on English common law, French civil law, and
customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sierra Leone
based on English law and customary laws indigenous to
local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Singapore
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Sint Maarten
based on Dutch civil law system with some English
common law influence

Slovakia
civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; legal code modified
to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal
theory

Slovenia
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Solomon Islands
English common law, which is widely disregarded; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Somalia
no national system; a mixture of English common law, Italian
law, Islamic sharia, and Somali customary law; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

South Africa
based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
the laws of the UK where
applicable apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland Islands
presides over the Magistrates Court

Spain
civil law system with regional applications; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Sri Lanka
a highly complex mixture of English common law,
Roman-Dutch, Kandyan, and Jaffna Tamil law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sudan
based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January
1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic
law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of
the northern states regardless of their religion; however, the CPA
establishes some protections for non-Muslims in Khartoum; some
separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations; the southern legal system is still developing under
the CPA following the civil war; Islamic law will not apply to the
southern states

Suriname
based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal
theory; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Svalbard
the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Swaziland
based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts
and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Sweden
civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Switzerland
civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees
of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
with reservations

Syria
based on a combination of French and Ottoman civil law;
Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Taiwan
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Tajikistan
based on civil law system; no judicial review of
legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Tanzania
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Thailand
based on civil law system with influences of common law;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Timor-Leste
On 29 March 2009 the president promulgated the
Timor-Leste penal code; UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian
law remains in place for civil codes but is to be replaced by civil
codes based on Portuguese law; these have passed but have not been
promulgated; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Togo
French-based court system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
with reservations

Tokelau
New Zealand and local statutes

Tonga
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Trinidad and Tobago
based on English common law; judicial review of
legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Tunisia
based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some
judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint
session; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Turkey
civil law system derived from various European continental
legal systems; note - member of the European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR), although Turkey claims limited derogations on the ratified
European Convention on Human Rights; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Turkmenistan
transitioning to civil law system and influenced by
Islamic law tradition; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Turks and Caicos Islands
based on laws of England and Wales with a
few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas

Tuvalu
English common law supplemented by local customary law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Uganda
based on English common law and customary law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Ukraine
based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United Arab Emirates
based on a dual system of sharia and civil
courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United Kingdom
based on common law tradition with early Roman and
modern continental influences; has nonbinding judicial review of
Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

United States
federal court system based on English common law; each
state has its own unique legal system of which all but one
(Louisiana, which is still influenced by the Napoleonic Code) is
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
the laws of the US
where applicable apply

Uruguay
based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Uzbekistan
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction

Vanuatu
unified system being created from former dual French and
British systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Venezuela
open, adversarial court system; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Vietnam
based on communist legal theory and French civil law system;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Virgin Islands
based on US laws

Wake Island
the laws of the US where applicable apply

Wallis and Futuna
the laws of France where applicable apply

World
all members of the UN are parties to the statute that
established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court

Yemen
based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and
local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Zambia
based on English common law and customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Zimbabwe
mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

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

@2101

Field Listing :: Legislative branch

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

Legislative branch

Afghanistan
the bicameral National Assembly consists of the Meshrano
Jirga or House of Elders (102 seats, one-third of members elected
from provincial councils for four-year terms, one-third elected from
local district councils for three-year terms, and one-third
nominated by the president for five-year terms) and the Wolesi Jirga
or House of People (no more than 250 seats); members directly
elected for five-year terms
note: on rare occasions the government may convene a Loya Jirga
(Grand Council) on issues of independence, national sovereignty, and
territorial integrity; it can amend the provisions of the
constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of members
of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and
district councils
elections: last held on 18 September 2010 (next election expected in
2015)
election results: NA

Albania
unicameral National Assembly or Kuvendi (140 deputies; 100
deputies elected directly in single member electoral zones with an
approximate number of voters; 40 deputies elected from multi-name
lists of parties or party coalitions according to their respective
order)
elections: last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PD
68, PS 65, LSI 4, other 3

Algeria
bicameral Parliament consists of the Council of the Nation
(upper house; 144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the
president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote to serve six-year
terms; the constitution requires half the Council to be renewed
every three years) and the National People's Assembly (lower house;
389 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Council of the Nation - last held on 29 December 2009
(next to be held in December 2012); National People's Assembly -
last held on 17 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: Council of the Nation - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - NA; National People's Assembly - percent of
vote by party - NA; seats by party - FLN 136, RND 61, MSP 52, PT 26,
RCD 19, FNA 13, other 49, independents 33;

American Samoa
bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of
the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs to serve
four-year terms)and the House of Representatives (21 seats; 20
members are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting
delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008
(next to be held in November 2010); Senate - last held on 4 November
2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - independents 18
note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US
House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010
(next to be held in November 2012); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA
reelected as delegate

Andorra
unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General
de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote,
14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of
the seven parishes; to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in
March-April 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - PS 45%, Reformist
Coaliton 32%, Andorra for Change 19%, Andorran Green 4%; seats by
party - PS 14, Reformist Coalition 11, Andorra for Change 3

Angola
unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220
seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 5-6 September 2008 (next to be held in
September 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 81.6%, UNITA
10.4%, PRS 3.2%, ND 1.2%, FNLA 1.1%, other 2.5%; seats by party -
MPLA 191, UNITA 16, PRS 8, FNLA 3, ND 2

Anguilla
unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats; 7 members elected
by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed;
members serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 15 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
AUM 4, AUF 2, APP 1

Antigua and Barbuda
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17
seats; members appointed by the governor general) and the House of
Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional
representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 12 March 2009
(next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 50.9%, ALP 47.2%,
BPM 1.1%; seats by party - UPP 9, ALP 7, BPM 1

Argentina
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists
of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote;
presently one-third of the members elected every two years to serve
six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are
elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two
years to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in
2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be
held in 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA;
seats by bloc or party - FpV 8, ACyS 14, PJ disidente 2; Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or
party - FpV 45, ACyS 42, PRO 20, PJ disidente 12, other 8; note - as
of 13 January 2009, the composition of the entire legislature is as
follows: Senate - seats by bloc or party - FpV 36, ACyS 23, PJ
disidente 9, other 4; Chamber of Deputies - seats by bloc or party -
FpV 113, ACyS 77, PRO 26, PJ disidente 17, other 24

Armenia
unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov
(131 seats; members elected by popular vote, 90 members elected by
party list and 41 by direct vote; to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 12 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring
of 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - HHK 33.9%, Prosperous
Armenia 15.1%, ARF (Dashnak) 13.2%, Rule of Law 7.1%, Heritage Party
6%, other 24.7%; seats by party - HHK 64, Prosperous Armenia 18, ARF
(Dashnak) 16, Rule of Law 9, Heritage Party 7, independent 17

Aruba
unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by
direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 September 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - AVP 48%, MEP 35.9%, PDR
5.7%; seats by party - AVP 12, MEP 8, PDR 1

Australia
bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76
seats; 12 members from each of the six states and 2 from each of the
two mainland territories; one-half of state members are elected
every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms while all
territory members are elected every three years) and the House of
Representatives (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
terms of up to three-years; no state can have fewer than 5
representatives)
elections: half-Senate - last held on 21 August 2010; House of
Representatives - last held on 21 August 2010 (the latest a
simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representative elections can
be held is 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Liberal/National Party 34, Australian Labor Party 31, Greens
9, others 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -
Australian Labor Party 38.1%, Liberal Party 30.4%, Greens 11.5%,
Liberal National Party of Queensland 9.3%, independents 6.6%, The
Nationals 3.7%, Country Liberals 0.3%; seats by party - Australian
Labor Party 72, Liberal Party 44, Liberal National Party of
Queensland 21, The Nationals 7, Country Liberals 1, Greens 1,
independents 4

Austria
bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of
Federal Council or Bundesrat (62 seats; delegates appointed by state
parliaments with each state receiving 3 to 12 seats in proportion to
its population; members serve five- or six-year terms) and the
National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by
popular vote for a five-year term under a system of proportional
representation with partially-open party lists)
elections: National Council - last held on 28 September 2008 (next
to be held by September 2013)
election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe
29.3%, OeVP 26%, FPOe 17.5%, BZOe 10.7%, Greens 10.4%, other 6.1%;
seats by party - SPOe 57, OeVP 51, FPOe 34, BZOe 21, Greens 20

Azerbaijan
unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in November
2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - YAP 45.8%, CSP 1.6%,
Motherland 1.4%, independents 48.2%, other 3.1%; seats by party -
YAP 71, CSP 3, Motherland 2, Democratic Reforms 1, Great Creation 1,
Hope Party 1, Social Welfare 1, Civil Unity 1, Whole Azerbaijan
Popular Front 1, Justice 1, independents 42

Bahamas, The
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16 seats;
members appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the
prime minister and the opposition leader to serve five-year terms)
and the House of Assembly (41 seats; members elected by direct
popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve
the parliament and call elections at any time
elections: last held on 2 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - FNM 49.86%, PLP 47.02%;
seats by party - FNM 23, PLP 18

Bahrain
bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council
(40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of
Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly
elected to serve four-year terms)
elections: Council of Representatives - last held in two rounds on
23 and 30 October 2010 (next election to be held in 2014)
election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by
society - NA; seats by society - al Wifaq (Shia) 18, al Asala (Sunni
Salafi) 3, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 2, independents 17

Bangladesh
unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300
seats elected by popular vote from single territorial
constituencies; members serve five-year terms
elections: last held on 29 December 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - AL 49%, BNP 33.2%, JP
7%, JIB 4.6%, other 6.2%; seats by party - AL 230, BNP 30, JP 27,
JIB 2, other 11

Barbados
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21 seats;
members appointed by the governor general - 12 on the advice of the
Prime Minister, 2 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 7 at
his discretion) and the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are
elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held on 15 January 2008 (next to
be called in 2012)
election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - DLP
52.5%, BLP 47.3%; seats by party - DLP 20, BLP 10

Belarus
bicameral National Assembly or Natsionalnoye Sobraniye
consists of the Council of the Republic or Sovet Respubliki (64
seats; 56 members elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8
members appointed by the president, to serve four-year terms) and
the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Predstaviteley (110 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Palata Predstaviteley - last held on 28 September 2008
(next to be held in the spring of 2012); international observers
determined that despite minor improvements the election ultimately
fell short of democratic standards; pro-LUKASHENKO candidates won
every seat
election results: Sovet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - NA; Palata Predstaviteley - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - NA

Belgium
bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in
Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by
popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms)
and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in
Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members
directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June
2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS
13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo
5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS
7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1;
Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS
13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH
5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party
1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18,
sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker
1, the Popular Party 1
note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered
devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of
government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a
complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six
governments, each with its own legislative assembly

Belize
bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats;
members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the
prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and
1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and
Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce
and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National
Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to
serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats;
members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6 February 2008
(next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 56.3%, PUP 40.9%;
seats by party - UDP 25, PUP 6

Benin
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats;
members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 31 March 2007 (next to be held by March 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FCBE 35, ADD 20, PRD 10, other and independents 18

Bermuda
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats;
members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition)
and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular
vote to serve up to five-year terms)
elections: last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to
be held not later than 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%;
seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Bhutan
bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National
Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 electoral
districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated
by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members elected
by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)
elections: National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007
and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December 2012); National
Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by
March 2013)
election results: National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent
of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2

Bolivia
bicameral Plurinational Legislative Assembly or Asamblea
Legislativa Plurinacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara
de Senadores (36 seats; members are elected by proportional
representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and
Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats total; 70
uninominal deputies directly elected from a single district, 7
"special" indigenous deputies directly elected from non-contiguous
indigenous districts, and 53 plurinominal deputies elected by
proportional representation from party lists; all deputies serve
five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held
on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - MAS 26, PPB-CN 10; Chamber of Deputies -
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 89, PPB-CN 36,
UN 3, AS 2

Bosnia and Herzegovina
bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina
consists of the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak,
5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's
House of Peoples and the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to
serve four-year terms); and the state-level House of Representatives
or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika
Srpska; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
representation to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election
law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order
administrative division entity legislatures
elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007
(next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of
Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
held in October 2014)
election results: House of Peoples - percent of vote by
party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - NA; state-level
House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA;
seats by party/coalition - SDP BiH 8, SDA 7, SNSD 7, SDS 5, SBBBiH
4, HDZ-BiH 3, SBiH 2, HDZ-1990/HSP 2, other 4
note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that
consists of a House of Peoples (58 seats - 17 Bosniak, 17 Croat, 17
Serb, 7 other); last constituted February 2007; and a House of
Representatives (98 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party/coalition - SDP 28, SDA 23, SBBBiH 13, HDZ-BiH 12,
HDZ-1990/HSP 5, other 17; the Republika Srpska has a National
Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party/coalition - SNSD 37, SDS 18, PDP 7, DNS 6, SP 4, DP 3, SDP 3,
SDA 2, NDS 2 SRS-RS 1; as a result of the 2002 constitutional reform
process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council of Peoples (COP) was
established in the Republika Srpska National Assembly including 8
Croats, 8 Bosniaks, 8 Serbs, and 4 members of the smaller communities

Botswana
bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a
largely advisory 15-member body with 8 ex-officio members consisting
of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members
serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs and 3
members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly
(63 seats; 57 members directly elected by popular vote, 4 appointed
by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney General,
serve as ex-officio members; members serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly elections last held on 16 October 2009
(next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 53.3%, BNF 21.9%,
BCP 19.2%, 2.3%, other 4.3%; seats by party - BDP 45, BNF 6, BCP 4,
BAM 1, other 1

Brazil
bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of
the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each
state and federal district elected according to the principle of
majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds of
members elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of
Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by
proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for
two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for
one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3
October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)
election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7,
PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87,
PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT
28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 18

British Virgin Islands
unicameral House of Assembly (13 elected
seats and 1 non-voting ex officio member in the attorney general;
members are elected by direct popular vote, 1 member from each of
nine electoral districts, 4 at-large members; members serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - VIP 45.2%, NDP 39.6%,
independent 15.2%; seats by party - VIP 10, NDP 2, independent 1

Brunei
The Sultan appointed a Legislative Council with 29 members as
of 2 September 2005; the council has met in March of each year since
then
elections: last held in March 1962 (date of next election NA)
note: The Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first
time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; it passed
constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15
elected members; no timeframe for an election has been announced

Bulgaria
unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sabranie (240
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held in mid-2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - GERB 39.7%, BSP 17.7%,
MRF 14.4%, ATAKA 9.4%, Blue Coalition 6.8%, RZS 4.1%, other 7.9%;
seats by party - GERB 117, BSP 40, MRF 37, ATAKA 21, Blue Coalition
15, RZS 8, independents 2

Burkina Faso
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
(111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms)
elections: National Assembly election last held on 6 May 2007 (next
to be held in May 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
CDP 73, ADF-RDA 14, UPR 5, UNIR-MS 4, CFD-B 3, UPS 2, PDP-PS 2, RDB
2, PDS 2, PAREN 1, PAI 1, RPC 1, UDPS 1

Burma
bicameral, consists of the House of Nationalities [Amyotha
Hluttaw] (224 seats, 168 directly elected and 56 appointed by the
military; members serve five-year terms) and the House of
Representatives [Pythu Hluttaw] (440 seats, 330 directly elected and
110 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in December
2015)
election results: House of Nationalities - percent of vote by party
- USDP 74.8%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 25.2%; seats by
party - USDP 129, others 39; House of Representatives - percent of
vote by party - USDP 79.6%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP)
20.4%; seats by party - USDP 259, others 66

Burundi
bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate (54
seats; 34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms,
with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of
state) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100
seats, 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women;
additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral
Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in
2015); National Assembly - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be
held in 2015)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by
party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD
81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party -
CNDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

Cambodia
bicameral, consists of the Senate (61 seats; 2 members
appointed by the monarch, 2 elected by the National Assembly, and 57
elected by parliamentarians and commune councils; members serve
five-year terms) and the National Assembly (123 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in
January 2012); National Assembly - last held on 27 July 2008 (next
to be held in July 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CPP 69%,
FUNCINPEC 21%, SRP 10%; seats by party - CPP 45, FUNCINPEC 10, SRP
2; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 58%, SRP 22%,
HRP 7%; NRP 6%; FUNCINPEC 5%; others 2%; seats by party - CPP 90,
SRP 26, HRP 3, FUNCINPEC 2, NRP 2

Cameroon
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180
seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year
terms); note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term
of the legislature
elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
CPDM 140, SDF 14, UDC 4, UNDP 4, MP 1, vacant 17
note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the
legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Canada
bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or
Senat (105 seats; members appointed by the governor general on the
advice of the prime minister and serve until 75 years of age) and
the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members
elected by direct, popular vote to serve a maximum of five-year
terms)
elections: House of Commons - last held on 14 October 2008 (next to
be held no later than 15 October 2012)
election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -
Conservative Party 37.6%, Liberal Party 26.2%, New Democratic Party
18.2%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, Greens 6.8%, other 1%; seats by party -
Conservative Party 145, Liberal Party 77, New Democratic Party 37,
Bloc Quebecois 48, other 1

Cape Verde
unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held on 6
February 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 52.3%, MPD 44%,
UCID 2.7%; seats by party - PAICV 41, MPD 29, UCID 2

Cayman Islands
unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; 18 members
elected by popular vote and 2 ex officio members from The Cabinet;
to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 May 2009 (next to be held not later than
May 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
UDP 9, PPM 5, independent 1

Central African Republic
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee
Nationale (105 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 13 March 2005 and 8 May 2005 (next to be
held on 23 January 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
KNK 42, MLPC 11, RDC 8, PSD 4, FPP 2, ADP 2, LONDO 1, independents
34, other 1

Chad
unicameral National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the 1996 constitution
called for a Senate that has never been formed
elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 April 2002 (next to
be held by February 2011); note - legislative elections, originally
scheduled for 2006, were first delayed by National Assembly action
and subsequently by an accord, signed in August 2007, between
government and opposition parties
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, UNDR 5, URD 3, other 11

Chile
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of
the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to
serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the
Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held
in December 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December
2009 (next to be held in December 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CC 58
(UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC
3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2

China
unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin
Daibiao Dahui (2,987 seats; members elected by municipal, regional,
and provincial people's congresses, and People's Liberation Army to
serve five-year terms)
elections: last held in December 2007-February 2008 (date of next
election to be held in late 2012 to early 2013)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 2,987
note: only members of the CCP, its eight allied parties, and
sympathetic independent candidates are elected

Christmas Island
unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: held every two years with half the members standing for
election; last held on 17 October 2009 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire
Council (7 seats)
elections: held every two years with half the members standing for
election; last held in May 2007 (next to be held in May 2009)

Colombia
bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or
Senado (102 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de
Representantes (166 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in
March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010
(next to be held in March 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 16, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5,
other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 37, PL 36, CR 16, PIN
12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January
2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became
vacant due to a PL senator losing their seat for illegal collusion
with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat
vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

Comoros
unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 15 deputies are
selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and 18 by
universal suffrage to serve for five years);
elections: last held on 6 and 20 December 2009 (next to be held in
2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
pro-union coalition 19, autonomous coalition 4, independents 1; note
- 9 additional seats are filled by deputies from local island
assemblies

Congo, Democratic Republic of the bicameral legislature consists of a Senate (108 seats; members elected by provincial assemblies to serve five-year terms) and a National Assembly (500 seats; 61 members elected by majority vote in single-member constituencies, 439 members elected by open list proportional-representation in multi-member constituencies to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 19 January 2007 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); National Assembly - last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 22, MLC 14, FR 7, RCD 7, PDC 6, CDC 3, MSR 3, PALU 2, independents 26, others 18 (political parties that won a single seat); National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 111, MLC 64, PALU 34, MSR 27, FR 26, RCD 15, independents 63, others 160 (includes 63 political parties that won 10 or fewer seats)

Congo, Republic of the
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate
(72 seats; members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year
terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 5 August 2008 (next to be held in
2013); National Assembly - last held on 24 June and 5 August 2007
(next to be held in 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - RMP 33, FDU 23, UPADS 2, independents 7, other 7; National
Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 46,
MCDDI 11, UPADS 11, MAR 5, MSD 5, independents 37, other 22

Cook Islands
bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or
upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative
Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote
to serve four-year terms)
note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and
maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers
elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
CIP 16, Demo 8

Costa Rica
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa
(57 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February
2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
PLN 23, PAC 10, ML 9, PUSC 6, PASE 4, other 5

Cote d'Ivoire
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
(225 seats; members elected in single- and multi-district elections
by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: elections last held on 10 December 2000 with by-elections
on 14 January 2001 (elections originally scheduled for 2005 have
been repeatedly postponed by the government)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2
note: a Senate was scheduled to be created in October 2006 elections
that never took place

Croatia
unicameral Assembly or Sabor (153 seats; members elected
from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 November 2007 (next to be held by
November 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; number of seats by
party - HDZ 66, SDP 57, HNS 6, HSS 6, HDSSB 3, IDS 3, SDSS 3, other 9

Cuba
unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea
Nacional del Poder Popular (number of seats in the National Assembly
is based on population; 614 seats; members elected directly from
slates approved by special candidacy commissions to serve five-year
terms)
elections: last held on 20 January 2008 (next to be held in January
2013)
election results: Cuba's Communist Party is the only legal party,
and officially sanctioned candidates run unopposed

Curacao
unicameral parliament or Staten (21 seats; members elected
by popular vote for four year terms)
elections: last held 27 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAR 30%, MFK 21%, PS
19%, MAN 9%, FOL 7%, PNP 6%; seats by party - PAR 8, MFK 5, PS 4,
MAN 2, FOL 1, PNP 1

Cyprus
unicameral - area under government control: House of
Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the
Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned
to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots:
Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: area under government control: last held on 21 May 2006
(next to be held in May 2011); area administered by Turkish
Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: area under government control: House of
Representatives - percent of vote by party - AKEL 31.1%, DISY 30.3%,
DIKO 17.9%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 5.8%, Greens 2.0%; seats by party -
AKEL 18, DISY 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 4, EURO.KO 4, Greens 1; area
administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent
of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats
by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

Czech Republic
bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the
Senate or Senat (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber
of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected
by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held in two rounds on 15-16 and 22-23
October 2010 (next to be held by October 2012); Chamber of Deputies
- last held on 28-29 May 2010 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - CSSD 41, ODS 25, KDU-CSL 6, TOP 09 5, others 4; Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 22.1%, ODS 20.2%, TOP 09
16.7%, KSCM 11.3%, VV 10.9%; seats by party - CSSD 56, ODS 53, TOP
09 41, KSCM 26, VV 24

Denmark
unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats,
including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)
elections: last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.2%,
Social Democrats 25.5%, Danish People's Party 13.9%, Socialist
People's Party 13.0%, Conservative People's Party 10.4%, Social
Liberal Party 5.1%, New Alliance 2.8%, Red-Green Unity List 2.2%,
other 0.9%; seats by party - Liberal Party 46, Social Democrats 45,
Danish People's Party 25, Socialist People's Party 23, Conservative
People's Party 18, Social Liberal Party 9, New Alliance 5, Red-Green
Alliance 4; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and
the two seats from the Faroe Islands

Djibouti
unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms);
note - constitutional amendments in 2010 provided for the
establishment of a senate
elections: last held on 8 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP
(coalition of parties associated with President Ismail Omar GUELLAH)
65

Dominica
unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats; 9 members
appointed, 21 elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 18 December 2009 (next to be held in 2015);
note - tradition dictates that the election will be held within five
years of the last election, but technically it is five years from
the first seating of parliament (12 May 2005) plus a 90-day grace
period
election results: percent of vote by party - DLP 61.2%, UWP 34.9%;
seats by party - DLP 18, UWP 3

Dominican Republic
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional
consists of the Senate or Senado (32 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of
Representatives or Camara de Diputados (178 seats; members are
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May
2014); House of Representatives - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to
be held in May 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PLD 31, PRD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - PLD 105, PRD 75, PRSC 3

Ecuador
unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (124
seats; members are elected through a party-list proportional
representation system to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
PAIS 59, PSP 19, PSC 11, PRIAN 7, MPD 5, PRE 3, other 20; note -
defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace,
resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the
various parties

Egypt
bicameral system consists of the Advisory Council or Majlis
al-Shura (Shura Council) that traditionally functions only in a
consultative role (264 seats; 176 members elected by popular vote,
88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms;
mid-term elections for half of the elected members) and the People's
Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (518 seats; 508 members elected by
popular vote, 64 seats reserved for women, 10 appointed by the
president; members serve five-year terms)
elections: Advisory Council - last held in June 2007 (next to be
held in 2013); People's Assembly - last held in November-December
2010 in one round of voting and one run-off election (next to be
held in 2015)
election results: Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - NDP 80, Al-Geel 1, Nasserist 1, NWP 1, Tagammu 1,
Tomorrow Party 1, independents 3; People's Assembly - percent of
vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 419, NWP 6, Tagammu 5,
Democratic Peace Party 1, Social Justice Party 1, Tomorrow Party 1,
independents 71, seats undecided 4, seats appointed by president 10

El Salvador
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa
(84 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve
three-year terms)
elections: last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in March
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FMLN 35, ARENA 32, PCN 11, PDC 5, CD 1; note - as of 1 January 2011,
the current composition of the legislature by seats is as follows:
FMLN 35, ARENA 19, GANA 16, PCN 10, PDC 2, CD 1, Independent 1

Equatorial Guinea
unicameral House of People's Representatives or
Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (100 seats; members directly
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 4 May 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
PDGE 89, EC 10, CPDS 1
note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all
executive authority in the president

Eritrea
unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members elected by
direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new
constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old
Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member
Constituent Assembly, which had been established in 1997 to discuss
and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans
living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to
serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections
to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of
the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution
stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the
National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible
voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were
postponed indefinitely

Estonia
unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 4 March 2007 (next to be held in March 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party
27.8%, Center Party of Estonia 26.1%, Union of Pro Patria and Res
Publica 17.9%, Social Democratic Party 10.6%, Estonian Greens 7.1%,
Estonian People's Union 7.1%, other 5%; seats by party - Estonian
Reform Party 31, Center Party 28, Union of Pro Patria and Res
Publica 19, Social Democratic Party 10, Estonian Greens 6, Estonian
People's Union 6, independent 1

Ethiopia
bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation
(or upper chamber responsible for interpreting the constitution and
federal-regional issues) (108 seats; members chosen by state
assemblies to serve five-year terms) and the House of People's
Representatives (or lower chamber responsible for passing
legislation) (547 seats; members directly elected by popular vote
from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 23 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - EPRDF 499,
SPDP 24, BGPDP 9, ANDP 8, GPUDM 3, HNL 1, FORUM 1, APDO 1,
independent 1

European Union
two legislative bodies consisting of the Council of
the European Union (27 member-state ministers having 345 votes; the
number of votes is roughly proportional to member-states'
population) and the European Parliament (736 seats; seats allocated
among member states in proportion to population; members elected by
direct universal suffrage for a five-year term); note - the Council
is the main decision-making body of the EU; leaders of the EU member
states appointed UK Baroness Catherine Ashton to be the first High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy;
Ashton took office on 1 December 2009; her concurrent appointment as
Vice President of the European Commission - both of which are
subject to confirmation by the European Parliament - endows her
position with the policymaking influence of the Council of the EU
and the budgetary influence of the European Commission
elections: last held on 4-7 June 2009 (next to be held in June 2014)
election results: percent of vote - EPP 36%, S&D 25%, ALDE 11.4%,
Greens/EFA 7.5%, ECR 7.3%, GUE/NGL 4.8%, EFD 4.3%, independents
3.7%; seats by party - EPP 265, S&D 184, ALDE 84, Greens/EFA 55, ECR
54, GUE/NGL 35, EFD 32, independents 27

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
unicameral Legislative Assembly
(10 seats; 2 members are ex officio and 8 are elected by popular
vote; members to serve four-year terms); presided over by the
governor
elections: last held on 5 November 2009 (next to be held in November
2013)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8

Faroe Islands
unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats;
members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the
seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later
than January 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 21%, Social
Democratic Party 19.3%, Republican Party 23.3%, People's Party
20.1%, Center Party 8.4%, Independence Party 7.2%, other 0.7%; seats
by party - Republican Party 8, Union Party 7, Social Democratic
Party 6, People's Party 7, Center Party 3, Independence Party 2
note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held
on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later than November 2011);
results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican
Party 1, Union Party 1

Fiji
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14
members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great
Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the
Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1
appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of
Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians,
19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups,
1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the
whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006
(next to be held in 2011)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other
10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

Finland
unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members
elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year
terms)
elections: last held on 18 March 2007 (next to be held in April 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 23.1%, Kok 22.3%,
SDP 21.4%, VAS 8.8%, VIHR 8.5%, KD 4.9%, SFP 4.5%, True Finns 4.1%,
other 3.4%; seats by party - Kesk 51, Kok 50, SDP 45, VAS 17, VIHR
15, SFP 9, KD 7, True Finns 5, other 1 (the constituency of Aland)

France
bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or
Senat (343 seats; 321 for metropolitan France and overseas
departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre
and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for
overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members
indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms;
one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011,
15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats -
326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New
Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for
Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories,
and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will
be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year
terms with one-half elected every three years; and the National
Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; 555 for metropolitan
France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members
elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to
serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held
in September 2014); National Assembly - last held on 10 and 17 June
2007 (next to be held in June 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - UMP 151, PS 102, PCF 22, MoDem 11, NC 11, Greens 5, PG 2,
other 39; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.4%,
PS 42.2%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.5%, PCF 2.3%, NC 2.1%,
PRG 1.6%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.2%, the Greens 0.4%,
other 1.2%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous
left wing parties 15, PCF 16, miscellaneous right wing parties 9,
PRG 7, the Greens 3, other 6

French Polynesia
unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee
Territoriale (57 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10
February 2008 (second round) (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - Our Home alliance
45.2%, Union for Democracy alliance 37.2%, Popular Rally (Tahoeraa
Huiraatira) 17.2% other 0.5%; seats by party - Our Home alliance 27,
Union for Democracy alliance 20, Popular Rally 10
note: two seats were elected to the French Senate on 21 September
2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote
by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1, independent 1; two seats were
elected to the French National Assembly on 10-17 June 2007 (next to
be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - UMP 2

Gabon
bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (102 seats;
members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental
assemblies to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or
Assemblee Nationale (120 seats; members are elected by direct,
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in
January 2015); National Assembly - last held on 17 and 24 December
2006 (next to be held in December 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PDG 75, RPG 6, UGDD 3, CLR 2, PGCI 2, PSD 2, UPG 2, ADERE 1,
independents 9; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - PDG 82, RPG 8, UPG 8, UGDD 4, ADERE 3, CLR 2,
PGP-Ndaot 2, PSD 2, independents 4, others 5

Gambia, The
unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members
elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to
serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1

Georgia
unicameral Parliament or Parlamenti (also known as Supreme
Council or Umaghlesi Sabcho) (150 seats; 75 members elected by
proportional representation, 75 from single-seat constituencies;
members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 21 May 2008 (next to be held in the spring
of 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - United National
Movement 59.2%, National Council-New Rights (a Joint Opposition,
nine-party bloc) 17.7%, Christian Democratic Movement 8.8%, Labor
Party 7.4%, Republican Party 3.8%; seats by party - United National
Movement 120, National Council-New Rights 16, Christian Democratic
Movement 6, Labor Party 6, Republican Party 2

Germany
bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or
Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has
three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to
vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats;
members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system
of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of
the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional
representation and caucus recognition)
elections: Bundestag - last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be
held no later than autumn 2013); note - there are no elections for
the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the
state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the
potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election
election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU
33.8%, SPD 23%, FDP 14.6%, Left 11.9%, Greens 10.7%, other 6%; seats
by party - CDU/CSU 239, SPD 146, FDP 93, Left 76, Greens 68

Ghana
unicameral Parliament (230 seats; members elected by direct,
popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 December 2008 (next to be held on 7
December 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
NDC 114, NPP 107, PNC 2, CPP 1, independent 4, other 2

Gibraltar
unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by
popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 October 2007 (next to be held not later
than October 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 49.3%, GSLP 31.8%,
Gibraltar Liberal Party 13.6%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 4,
Gibraltar Liberal Party 3

Greece
unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats;
members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 4 October 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.9%, ND 33.5%,
KKE 7.5%, LAOS 5.6%, SYRIZA 4.6%, other 4.9%; seats by party - PASOK
160, ND 91, KKE 21, LAOS 15, SYRIZA 13; note - seats by party as of
15 December 2010 - PASOK 156, ND 86, KKE 21 LAOS 15, SYRIZA 9, DISY
5, Democratic Left 4, independents 4 (DISY and Democratic Left
entered parliament as members of ND and SYRIZA, respectively, and
the independents entered parliament as members of PASOK); only
parties supassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary
seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups,
but can retain that status if the party participated in the last
election and received the minimum 3% threshold

Greenland
unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - Inuit Ataqatigiit
43.7%, Siumut 26.5%, Demokratiit 12.7%, Atassut 10.9%;
Kattusseqatigiit 3.8%, other 2.4%; seats by party - IA 14, Siumut 9,
Demokraatiit 4, Atassut 3, Kattusseqatigiit 1
note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or
Folketing on 13 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011);
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit
Ataqatigiit 1

Grenada
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (13 seats, 10
members appointed by the government and 3 by the leader of the
opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 8 July 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - NDC 11, NNP 4

Guam
unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members elected by popular
vote to serve two-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6
note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of
Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be
held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Guatemala
unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la
Republica (158 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 9 September 2007 (next to be held in
September 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - UNE 30.4%, GANA 23.4%,
PP 18.9%, FRG 9.5%, PU 5.1%, other 12.7%; seats by party - UNE 48,
GANA 37, PP 30, FRG 15, PU 8, CASA 5, EG 4, PAN 4, UCN 4, URNG 2, UD
1

Guernsey
unicameral States of Deliberation (45 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - Alderney
and Sark have parliaments
elections: last held on 23 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Guinea
unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
Populaire (114 seats; members elected by a mixed system of direct
popular vote and proportional party lists)
elections: last held on 30 June 2002 (legislative elections first
due in 2007 have been rescheduled multiple times and are currently
unscheduled)
election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%,
other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Guinea-Bissau
unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia
Nacional Popular (100 seats; members elected by popular vote to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 16 November 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 49.8%, PRS 25.3%,
PRID 7.5%, PND 2.4%, AD 1.4%, other parties 13.6%; seats by party -
PAIGC 67, PRS 28, PRID 3, PND 1, AD 1

Guyana
unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by
popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers
and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by
the president; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August
2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - PPP/C 54.6%, PNC/R 34%,
AFC 8.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - PPP/C 36, PNC/R 22, AFC 5,
other 2

Haiti
bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of
the Senate (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber
of Deputies (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms); note - in reestablishing the Senate in 2006, the
candidate in each department receiving the most votes in the last
election serves six years, the candidate with the second most votes
serves four years, and the candidate with the third most votes
serves two years
elections: Senate - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off
elections scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next regular election, for
one third of seats, to be held in 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last
held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections schedule for 16
January 2011 (next regular election to be held in 2014)
election results: 2010 election results are not final; 2006 Senate -
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 11, FUSION
5, OPL 4, FL 3, LAAA 2, UNCRH 2, PONT 2, ALYANS 1; 2006 Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA
23, FUSION 17, FRN 12, OPL 10, ALYANS 10, LAAA 5, MPH 3, MOCHRENA 3,
other 10; results for six other seats contested on 3 December 2006
remain unknown

Holy See (Vatican City)
unicameral Pontifical Commission for Vatican
City State

Honduras
unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128
seats; members elected proportionally by department to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in
November 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
PNH 71, PL 45, PDC 5, PUD 4, PINU 3

Hong Kong
unicameral Legislative Council or LegCo (60 seats; 30
members indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 30 elected
by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)
note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand to 70 seats for the
next election; the measure was approved by the National People's
Congress Standing Committee in August 2010; the 10 new seats will be
chosen by popular vote
elections: last held on 7 September 2008 (next to be held in
September 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - pro-democracy 57%;
pro-Beijing 40%, independent 3%; seats by parties - (pro-Beijing 35)
DAB 13, Liberal Party 7, FTU 1, others 14; (pro-democracy 23)
Democratic Party 8, Civic Party 5, CTU 3, League of Social Democrats
3, ADPL 2, The Frontier 1, NWSC 1; others 11; independents and
non-voting LegCo president 2

Hungary
unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats;
members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and
direct representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 and 25 April 2010 (next to be held in
April 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote
required for parliamentary representation in the first round) -
Fidesz 52.7%, MSzP 19.3%, Jobbik 16.7%, LMP 7.5%; seats by party -
Fidesz 263, MSzP 59, Jobbik 47, LMP 16, independent 1

Iceland
unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic
Alliance 29.8%, Independence Party 23.7%, Left-Green Movement 21.7%,
Progressive Party 14.8%, Citizens' Movement 7.2%, other 2.8%; seats
by party - Social Democratic Alliance 20, Independence Party 16,
Left-Green Alliance 14, Progressive Party 9, Citizens' Movement 4
note: the Citizens' Movement disintegrated in September 2009; three
of its former MPs are now represented under the banner of The
Movement and the fourth former MP is an independent

India
bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of
States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250
members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the
remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and
territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the
People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members elected by
popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year
terms)
elections: People's Assembly - last held in five phases on 16,
22-23, 30 April and 7, 13 May 2009 (next must be held by May 2014)
election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - INC 206, BJP 116, SP 23, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC
19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61,
vacant 2; note - seats by party as November 2009 - INC 207, BJP 116,
SP 22, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11,
AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2

Indonesia
People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan
Rakyat or MPR) is the upper house; it consists of members of the DPR
and DPD and has role in inaugurating and impeaching the president
and in amending the constitution but does not formulate national
policy; House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR)
(560 seats, members elected to serve five-year terms), formulates
and passes legislation at the national level; House of Regional
Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD), constitutionally
mandated role includes providing legislative input to DPR on issues
affecting regions (132 members, four from each of Indonesia's 30
provinces, two special regions, and one special capital city
district)
elections: last held on 9 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - PD 20.9%, GOLKAR 14.5%,
PDI-P 14.0%, PKS 7.9%, PAN 6.0%, PPP 5.3%, PKB 4.9%, GERINDRA 4.5%,
HANURA 3.8%, others 18.2%; seats by party - PD 148, GOLKAR 107,
PDI-P 94, PKS 57, PAN 46, PPP 37, PKB 28, GERINDRA 26, HANURA 17
note: 29 other parties received less than 2.5% of the vote so did
not obtain any seats; because of election rules, the number of seats
won does not always follow the percentage of votes received by
parties

Iran
unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or
Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami or Majles (290 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 14 March 2008 with a runoff held on 25 April
2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party -
conservatives/Islamists 167, reformers 39, independents 74,
religious minorities 5, other 5

Iraq
unicameral Council of Representatives (325 seats consisting of
317 members elected by an optional open-list, proportional
representation system and 8 seats reserved for minorities; members
serve four-year terms); note - Iraq's Constitution calls for the
establishment of an upper house, the Federation Council
elections: last held on 7 March 2010 for an enlarged 325-seat
parliament; next election to be held in 2014
election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by
coalition - Iraqi National Movement 25.9%, State of Law coalition
25.8%, Iraqi National Alliance 19.4%, Kurdistan Alliance 15.3%,
Goran (Change) List 4.4%, Tawafuq Front 2.7%, Iraqi Unity Alliance
2.9%, Kurdistan Islamic Union 2.3%, Kurdistan Islamic Group 1.4%;
seats by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 91, State of Law
Coalition 89, Iraqi National Alliance 70, Kurdistan Alliance 43,
Goran (Change) List 8, Tawafuq Front 6, Iraqi Unity Alliance 4,
Kurdistan Islamic Union 4, Kurdistan Islamic Group 2, seats reserved
for minorities 8

Ireland
bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or
Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 49 members elected by the universities and
from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are
nominated by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and
the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held probably
in early 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2007
(next to be held probably in early 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Fianna Fail 28, Fine Gael 14, Labor Party 6, Progressive
Democrats 2, Green Party 2, Sein Fein 1, independents 7; House of
Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.6%, Fine
Gael 27.3%, Labor Party 10.1%, Sinn Fein 6.9%, Green Party 4.7%,
Progressive Democrats 2.7%, other 6.7%; seats by party - Fianna Fail
78, Fine Gael 51, Labor Party 20, Sinn Fein 4, Green Party 6,
Progressive Democrats 2, independents 4, Speaker of the Dail 1; note
- through dissertions and attrition the makeup of both houses is
greatly changed
note: on 8 November 2008, delegates voted to disband the Progressive
Democrats, and in November 2009 it officially stopped operating as a
political party

Isle of Man
bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council
(11 seats; members composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord
Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others
named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Keys - last held on 23 November 2006 (next to be
held in November 2011)
election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - Liberal Vannin Party 2, Manx Labor Party 1,
independents 21

Israel
unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected
by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional
basis; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 10 February 2009 (next scheduled election to
be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - Kadima 23.2%, Likud-Ahi
22.3%, YB 12.1%, Labor 10.2%, SHAS 8.8%, United Torah Judaism 4.5%,
United Arab List 3.5%, National Union 3.4%, Hadash 3.4%, The Jewish
Home 3%, The New Movement-Meretz 3%, Balad 2.6%; seats by party -
Kadima 28, Likud-Ahi 27, YB 15, Labor 13, SHAS 11, United Torah
Judaism 5, United Arab List 4, National Union 4, HADASH 4, The
Jewish Home 3, The New Movement-Meretz 3, Balad 3

Italy
bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or
Senato della Repubblica (315 seats; members elected by proportional
vote with the winning coalition in each region receiving 55% of
seats from that region; members to serve five-year terms; and up to
5 senators for life appointed by the president of the Republic) and
the Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; members
elected by popular vote with the winning national coalition
receiving 54% of chamber seats; members to serve five-year terms);
note - it has not been clarified if each president has the power to
designate up to five senators or if five is the number of senators
for life who might sit in the Senate
elections: Senate - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held
in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13-14 April 2008
(next to be held in April 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 174 (PdL 147, LN 25, MpA 2), W.
VELTRONI coalition 132 (PD 118, IdV 3), UdC 3, other 6; Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S.
BERLUSCONI coalition 344 (PdL 276, LN 60, MpA 8), W. VELTRONI
coalition 246 (PD 217, IdV 29), UdC 36, other 4

Jamaica
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member
body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the
prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is
allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated 8 seats) and the
House of Representatives (60 seats; members elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 3 September 2007 (next to be held no later
than October 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - JLP 50.1%, PNP 49.8%;
seats by party - JLP 33, PNP 27

Japan
bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors
or Sangi-in (242 seats - members elected for fixed six-year terms;
half reelected every three years; 146 members in multi-seat
constituencies and 96 by proportional representation) and the House
of Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for
maximum four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180
members by proportional representation in 11 regional blocs); the
prime minister has the right to dissolve the House of
Representatives at any time with the concurrence of the cabinet
elections: House of Councillors - last held on 11 July 2010 (next to
be held in July 2013); House of Representatives - last held on 30
August 2009 (next to be held by August 2013)
election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party -
DPJ 31.6%, LDP 24.1%, YP 13.6%, NK 13.1%, JCP 6.1%, SDP 3.8%, others
7.7%; seats by party - DPJ 106, LDP 84, NK 19, YP 11, JCP 6, SDP 4,
others 12
House of Representatives - percent of vote by party (by proportional
representation) - DPJ 42.4%, LDP 26.7%, NK 11.5%, JCP 7.0%, SDP
4.3%, others 8.1%; seats by party - DPJ 308, LDP 119, NK 21, JCP 9,
SDP 7, others 16 (2009)

Jersey
unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (58 seats; 55 are
voting members, of which 12 are senators elected for six-year terms,
12 are constables or heads of parishes elected for three-year terms,
29 are deputies elected for three-year terms, the bailiff and the
deputy bailiff, and 3 non-voting members include the Dean of Jersey,
the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General appointed by the
monarch)
elections: last held on 15 October 2008 for senators and 26 November
2008 for deputies (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 55

Jordan
bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of
the Senate, also called the House of Notables or Majlis al-Ayan (60
seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms)
and the Chamber of Deputies, also called the House of
Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwaab (120 seats; members elected
using a single, non-transferable vote system in multi-member
districts to serve four-year terms); note - the new electoral law
enacted in May 2010 allocated an additional 10 seats (6 seats added
to the number reserved for women, bringing the total to 12; 2
additional seats for Amman; and 1 seat each for the cities of Zarqa
and Irbid; unchanged are 9 seats reserved for Christian candidates,
9 for Bedouin candidates, and 3 for Jordanians of Chechen or
Circassian descent
elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held on 9 November 2010 (next
scheduled in 2014); note - the King dissolved the previous Chamber
of Deputies in November 2009, midway through the parliamentary term
election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - independents and other 120 (includes 12 seats
filled by women's quota and 1 woman was directly elected); note -
the IAF boycotted the election

Kazakhstan
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (47 seats; 15
members are appointed by the president; 32 members elected by local
assemblies; members serve six-year terms, but elections are
staggered with half of the members up for re-election every three
years) and the Mazhilis (107 seats; 9 out of the 107 Mazhilis
members elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a
presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the
country's ethnic minorities; non-appointed members are popularly
elected to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - (indirect) last held in October 2008 (next to be
held in 2011); Mazhilis - last held on 18 August 2007 (next to be
held in 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Nur Otan 16; Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Nur-Otan
88.1%, NSDP 4.6%, Ak Zhol 3.3%, Auyl 1.6%, Communist People's Party
1.3%, Patriots Party 0.8% Ruhaniyat 0.4%; seats by party - Nur-Otan
98; note - parties had to achieve a threshold of 7% of the
electorate to qualify for seats in the Mazhilis; changes to
electoral legislation enacted since the 2007 election now ensure
that the second-placed party will enter the Majilis at the next
parliamentary election, even if it does not clear the 7% threshold

Kenya
unicameral National Assembly or Bunge usually referred to as
Parliament (224 seats; 210 members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms, 12 nominated members appointed by the president but
selected by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote
totals, 2 ex-officio members)
elections: last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in
December 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
ODM 99, PNU 46, ODM-K 16, KANU 14 other 35; ex-officio 2; seats
appointed by the president - ODM 6, PNU 3, ODM-K 2, KANU 1

Kiribati
unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46
seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex officio member - the
attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders
(representing Banaba Island); members serve four-year terms)
elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first
round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August 2007 (next
to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
NA, other 2 (includes attorney general)

Korea, North
unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin
Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms)
elections: last held on 8 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
NA; ruling party approves a list of candidates who are elected
without opposition; a token number of seats are reserved for minor
parties

Korea, South
unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats; 245
members elected in single-seat constituencies, 54 elected by
proportional representation; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
GNP 172, UDP 83, LFP 20, PPA 8, DLP 5, RKP 1, independents 9

Kosovo
unicameral national Assembly (120 seats; 100 seats directly
elected, 10 seats guaranteed for ethnic Serbs, 10 seats guaranteed
for other ethnic minorities; members to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 17 November 2007 (next expected to be held
in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - PDK 34.3%, LDK 22.6%,
AKR 12.3%, LDD 10.0%, AAK 9.6%, other 11.2%; seats by party - PDK
37, LDK 25, AKR 13, LDD 11, AAK 10, other 4

Kuwait
unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; all
cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National
Assembly)
elections: last held on 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in
2013)
election results: percent of vote by bloc - NA; seats by bloc -
tribal MPs 25 (all Sunni Muslims, and represented primarily by the
Al-Mutairi, Al-Azmi, Al-Ajmi, and Al-Rasheedi tribes), Shia Muslims
9, liberals 7, independents 6, Salafi (Sunni) Islamists 3

Kyrgyzstan
unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 10 October 2007 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23,
Ata-Meken 18

Laos
unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by
popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's
Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 30 on April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
LPRP 113, independents 2

Latvia
unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected
by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 October 2010 (next to be held in October
2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - Unity bloc 31.2%, SC
26%, ZZS 19.7%, National Alliance 7.7%, For a Good Latvia bloc 7.7%;
seats by party - Unity Coalition 33, SC 29, ZZS 22, National
Alliance 8, For a Good Latvia 8

Lebanon
unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Nuwab (Arabic) or
Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular
vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by group - March 8 Coalition
54.7%, March 14 Coalition 45.3%; seats by group - March 14 Coalition
71; March 8 Coalition 57

Lesotho
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22
principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party)
and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by popular vote and 40 by
proportional vote; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 17 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
LCD 61, NIP 21, ABC 17, LWP 10, ACP 4, BNP 3, other 4

Liberia
bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30
seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005 elections;
members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the
House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular vote
to serve six-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in
October 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 11 October
2005 (next to be held in October 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - COTOL 7, NPP 4, CDC 3, LP 3, UP 3, APD 3, other 7; House of
Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
CDC 15, LP 9, COTOL 8, UP 8, APD 5, NPP 4, other 15; note - the UP
now holds 13 out of 30 senate seats and 16 out of 64 house seats
following a merger with several smaller parties in 2009
note: junior senators - those who received the second most votes in
each county in the 11 October 2005 election - will only serve a
six-year first term because the Liberian constitution mandates
staggered Senate elections to ensure continuity of government; all
senators will be eligible for nine-year terms thereafter

Libya
unicameral General People's Congress (760 seats; members
elected indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Liechtenstein
unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members
elected by popular vote under proportional representation to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 8 February 2009 (next to be held in February
2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - VU 47.6%, FBP 43.5%, FL
8.9%; seats by party - VU 13, FBP 11, FL 1

Lithuania
unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members
elected by popular vote, 70 elected by proportional representation;
members to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in
October 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - TS-LKD 19.7%, TPP
15.1%, TT 12.7%, LSDP 11.7%, KDP+J 9%, LRLS 5.7%, LCS 5.3%, LLRA
4.8%, LVLS 3.7%, NS 3.6%, other 8.7%; seats by faction - TS-LKD 44,
LSDP 26, TPP 16, TT 15, LRLS 11, KDP+J 10, LCS 8, LLRA 3, LVLS 3, NS
1, independent 4; note - seats by faction as of 15 March 2010 -
TS-LKD 46, LSDP 25, TT 18, Christian Party 12, LS 11, DP 10, LCS 7,
TPP 7, unaffiliated 5; note - TS-LKD, LS, LCS, and TPP form the
ruling coalition

Luxembourg
unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 38%, LSAP 21.6%, DP
15%, Green Party 11.7%, ADR 8.1%, The Left 3.3%, other 2.3%; seats
by party - CSV 26, LSAP 13, DP 9, Green Party 7, ADR 4, The Left 1
note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory
body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members
appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Macau
unicameral Legislative Assembly (29 seats; 12 members elected
by popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief
executive; members to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 September 2009 (next to be held in
September 2013)
election results: percent of vote - UPD 14.9%, ACUM 12%, APMD 11.6%,
NUDM 9.9%, UPP 9.9%, ANMD 7.8%, UMG 7.3%, MUDAR 5.5%, others 21.1%;
seats by political group - UPD 2, ACUM 2, APMD 2, NUMD 1, UPP 1,
ANMD 1, UMG 1, MUDAR 1; 10 seats filled by professional and business
groups; 7 members appointed by the chief executive

Macedonia
unicameral Assembly or Sobranie (120 seats; members
elected by popular vote from party lists based on the percentage of
the overall vote the parties gain in each of six electoral
districts; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 June and 15 June 2008 (next to be held by
July 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block
49%, SDSM-led block 24%, BDI/DUI 13%, PDSh/DPA 8%, other 6%; seats
by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 63, SDSM-led block 27, BDI/DUI 18,
PDSh/DPA 11, PEI 1

Madagascar
bicameral legislature consists of a Senate or Senat (100
seats; two-thirds of the members appointed by regional assemblies;
the remaining one-third appointed by the president; members to serve
four-year terms) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (127
seats - reduced from 160 seats by an April 2007 national referendum;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 September 2007 (next
to be held on 16 March 2011); note - a power-sharing agreement in
the summer of 2009 established a 15-month transition, concluding in
general elections
election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - TIM 106, LEADER/Fanilo 1, independents 20

Malawi
unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
DPP 114, MCP 26, UDF 17, independents 32, other 4

Malaysia
bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or
Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected
by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term
limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 8 March 2008
(next to be held by June 2013)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN
coalition 50.3%, opposition parties 46.8%, others 2.9%; seats - BN
coalition 140, opposition parties 82

Maldives
unicameral People's Council or People's Majlis (77 seats;
members elected by direct vote to serve five-year terms); note - the
Majlis in February 2009 passed legislation that increased the number
of seats to 77 from 50
elections: last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote - DRP 36.4%, MDP 33.8 %, PA 9.1%,
DQP 2.6% Republican Party 1.2%, independents 16.9%; seats by party -
DRP 28, MDP 26, PA 7, DQP 2, Republican Party 1, independents 13

Mali
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 and 22 July 2007 (next to be held in July
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
ADP coalition 113 (ADEMA 51, URD 34, MPR 8, CNID 7, UDD 3, and other
10), FDR coalition 15 (RPM 11, PARENA 4), SADI 4, independent 15

Malta
unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats;
members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament
elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party
winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the
constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be
added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections
has a majority in Parliament)
elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - PN 49.3%, PL 48.8%,
other 1.9%; seats by party - PN 35, PL 34

Marshall Islands
unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by
November 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
independents 4
note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised
of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and
practice

Mauritania
bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis
al-Shuyukh (56 seats; 53 members elected by municipal leaders and 3
members elected for Mauritanians abroad to serve six-year terms; a
portion of seats up for election every two years) and the National
Assembly or Al Jamiya Al Wataniya (95 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on November 2009; National Assembly -
last held on 19 November and 3 December 2006 (next to be held in
2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - CPM (Coalition of Majority Parties) 45, COD (Coordination of
Democratic Opposition) 7, RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4; National Assembly -
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM 63 (UPR 50, PRDR
7, UDP 3, HATEM-PMUC 2, RD 1), COD 27 (RFD 9, UFP 6, APP 6,
PNDD-ADIL 6), RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4, FP 1

Mauritius
unicameral National Assembly (70 seats; 62 members elected
by popular vote, 8 appointed by the election commission to give
representation to various ethnic minorities; members to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 5 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AF
41, MMM 18, MR 2, MSF 1; appointed seats - to be assigned 8

Mayotte
unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats;
members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)
elections: last held on 9 and 16 March 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
UMP 8, Diverse Right 4, independents 4, Citizens and Republic
Movement 1, Democratic Movement 1, Diverse Left 1; note - political
parties are the same as parties in France
note: Mayotte elects two members of the French Senate; elections
last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014);
results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UC-UDF 1,
UMP 1; Mayotte also elects one member to the French National
Assembly; elections last held 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in
2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
independent 1

Mexico
bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists
of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members elected
by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats allocated on
the basis of each party's popular vote) and the Chamber of Deputies
or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by
popular vote; remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of
each party's popular vote; members to serve three-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2006 for all of the seats
(next to be held on 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on
5 July 2009 (next to be held on 1 July 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PAN 52, PRI 33, PRD 26, PVEM 6, CD 5, PT 5, independent 1;
Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
- PRI 237, PAN 143, PRD 72, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 6, other 8; note - as
of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the Senate is: PAN 50,
PRI 33, PRD 25, PVEM 6, CD 6, PT 5, independent 3; the current
composition of the Chamber of Deputies is: PRI 237, PAN 142, PRD 69,
PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 8, other 10

Micronesia, Federated States of unicameral Congress (14 seats; 4 - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms; members elected by popular vote) elections: last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2011) election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Moldova
unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; members
elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year
terms)
elections: last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014);
note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two
years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July
2009) could not agree on a presidential candidate
election results: percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%,
PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD
15, PL 12; note - the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition, termed
the Alliance for European Integration, has 59 seats; it remains 2
votes short of the 61 needed to elect a new president

Monaco
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16
members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional
representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February
2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%,
Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3

Mongolia
unicameral State Great Hural 76 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve four-year terms
elections: last held on 29 June 2008 (next to be held in June 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
MPP 46, DP 27, others 3

Montenegro
unicameral Assembly (81 seats; members elected by direct
vote to serve four-year terms; note - seats increased from 74 seats
in 2006)
elections: last held on 29 March 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - Coalition for European
Montenegro 51.94%, SNP 16.83%, NOVA 9.22%, PZP 6.03%, other
(including Albanian minority parties) 15.98%; seats by party -
Coalition for European Montenegro 48, SNP 16, NOVA 8, PZP 5,
Albanian minority parties 4

Montserrat
unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members
popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and
financial secretary sit as ex-officio members)
elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
MCAP 6, independents 3

Morocco
bicameral Parliament consists of the Chamber of Counselors
(or upper house) (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local
councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates to serve
nine-year terms; one-third of the members are elected every three
years) and Chamber of Representatives (or lower house) (325 seats;
295 members elected by multi-seat constituencies and 30 from
national lists of women; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held on 3 October 2009 (next
to be held in 2012); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 7
September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of
vote by party - NA; seats by party - PI 52, PJD 46, MP 41, RNI 39,
USFP 38, UC 27, PPS 17, FFD 9, MDS 9, Al Ahd 8, other 39

Mozambique
unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da
Republica (250 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 74.7%, RENAMO
17.7%, MDM 3.9%, other 3.7%; seats by party - FRELIMO 191, RENAMO
51, MDM 8

Namibia
bicameral legislature consists of the National Council,
primarily an advisory body (26 seats; two members chosen from each
regional council to serve six-year terms), and the National Assembly
(72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to
determine members of the National Council held on 29-30 November
2004 (next to be held on 26-27 November 2010); National Assembly -
last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014)
election results: National Council - percent of vote by party -
SWAPO 89.7%, UDF 4.7%, NUDO 2.8%, DTA 1.9%, other 0.9%; seats by
party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote
by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%,
APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party
- SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, RP 1, COD 1, SWANU 1

Nauru
unicameral parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular
vote to serve three-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 June 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 18

Nepal
unicameral Constituent Assembly (601 seats; 240 members
elected by direct popular vote, 335 by proportional representation,
and 26 appointed by the Cabinet (Council of Ministers))
elections: last held on 10 April 2008 (next to be held NA)
election results: percent of vote by party - CPN-M 38%, NC 19%,
CPN-UML 19%,Madhesi People's Right Forum 9%, Terai Madhes Democratic
Party and Sadbhawana Party 5%, other 15%; seats by party - CPN-M
220, NC 110, CPN-UML 103, Madhesi People's Rights Forum 52, Terai
Madhes Democratic Party 20, Sadbhawana Party 9, other smaller
parties 56; note - 26 seats filled by the new Cabinet and are
included in the seat totals above

Netherlands
bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of
the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly
elected by the country's 12 provincial councils to serve four-year
terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: First Chamber - last held 29 May 2007 (next to be held in
May 2011); Second Chamber - last held 9 June 2010 (next to be held
by May 2015)
election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%;
seats by party - CDA 21, PvdA 14, VVD 14, Socialist Party 11,
Christian Union 4, Green Left Party 4, D66 2, other 5; Second
Chamber - percent of vote by party - VVD 20.5%, PvdA 19.6%, PVV,
15.4%, CDA 13.6%, SP 9.8%, D66 6.9%, GL 6.7%, CU 3.2, other 4.3%;
seats by party - VVD 31, PvdA 30, PVV 24, CDA 21, SP 15, D66 10, GL
10, CU 5, other 4

New Caledonia
elections: unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres
du territoire (54 seats; members belong to the three Provincial
Assemblies or Assemblees Provinciales elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms) last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held on
10 May 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
UMP 13, Caledonia Together 10, UC 8, UNI 8, AE 6, FLNKS 3, Labor
Party 3, other 3
note: New Caledonia holds two seats in the French Senate; elections
last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held not later than
September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - UMP 2; New Caledonia also elects two seats to the French
National Assembly; elections last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next
to be held in June 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - UMP 2

New Zealand
unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called
Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members elected by popular vote in
single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, 50
proportional seats chosen from party lists; serve three-year terms)
elections: last held on 8 November 2008 (next to be held not later
than 27 November 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 44.9%,
Labor Party 34%, Green Party 6.7%, NZ First 4%, ACT Party 3.7%,
Maori 2.4%, Progressive 0.9%, United Front 0.9%, other 6.6%; seats
by party - National Party 58, Labor Party 43, Green Party 9, ACT
Party 5, Maori 5, Progressive 1, United Front 1
note: results of 2008 election saw the total number of seats
increase to 122

Nicaragua
unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92
seats; 90 members elected by proportional representation and party
lists to serve five-year terms; 1 seat for the previous president, 1
seat for the runner-up in previous presidential election)
elections: last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November
2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FSLN 38, PLC 25, ALN 23 (22 plus one for presidential candidate
Eduardo MONTEALEGRE, runner-up in the 2006 presidential election),
MRS 5, APRE 1 (outgoing President Enrique BOLANOS); note - as of 1
May 2009: seats by party - FSLN 38, PLC 20, BDN 17, ALN 6, MRS 3,
APRE 1, Independent 7

Niger
unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
MNSD 76, RSD 15, RDP 7, PNA-Alouma 1, Alkalami 1, Nigerien Party of
the Masses for Labor 1, independents 12

Nigeria
bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (109
seats, 3 from each state plus 1 from Abuja; members elected by
popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives
(360 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held in
April 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 21 April 2007
(next to be held on 15 January 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PDP 85, ANPP 16, AC 6, PPA 1, ACCORD 1; House of
Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 65.1%, ANPP 21.6%,
AC 8.8%, PPA 0.8%, LP 0.8%; seats by party - PDP 263, ANPP 63, AC
30, PPA 3, LP 1

Niue
unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common
roll and 14 are village representatives)
elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20
independents

Norfolk Island
unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members
elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four
votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year
terms)
elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political
parties)

Northern Mariana Islands
bicameral legislature consists of the
Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in
November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November
2009 (next to be held in November 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1,
independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party
- NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4,
Democratic Party 1, independents 3
note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to
the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November
2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party -
independent 1

Norway
modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats;
members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in
September 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H
17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by
party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2
note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two
chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and
three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Oman
bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper
chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has only
advisory powers and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has
only advisory powers)
elections: last held on 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the
outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female
candidates was elected

Pakistan
bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the
Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial
assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National
Assembly to serve six-year terms; one half are elected every three
years) and the National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members elected by
popular vote; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for
non-Muslims; members serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in
March 2012); National Assembly - last held on 18 February 2008 with
by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PPPP 27, PML-Q 21, MMA 9, PML-N 7, ANP 6, MQM 6, JUI-F 4,
BNP-A 2, JWP 1, NPP 1, PKMAP 1, PML-F 1, PPP 1, independents 13;
National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party
as of October 2010 - PPPP 127, PML-N 90, PML 51, MQM 25, ANP 13,
JUI-F 8, PML-F 5, BNP-A 1, NPP 1, PPP-S 1, independents 18, unfilled
seats - 2

Palau
bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK)
consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on
a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of
Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in
November 2012); House of Delegates - last held on 4 November 2008
(next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats -
independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats -
independents 16

Panama
unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
PRD 26, Panamenista 22, CD 14, UP 4, Independent 2, MOLIRENA 2, PP 1
note: legislators from outlying rural districts chosen on a
plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and
cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based
formula

Papua New Guinea
unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89
filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national
capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats
elections: last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held
in June 2012
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA
27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU PATI 5, PDM 5, independents 19,
others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified
note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with
political parties is fluid

Paraguay
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists
of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of
Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to
be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 20 April
2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - ANR 15, PLRA 14, UNACE 9, PPQ 4, other 3;
Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
- ANR 30, PLRA 27, UNACE 15, PPQ 3, APC 2, other 3; note - as of 1
January 2010, the composition of the Chamber of Deputies is ANR 30,
PLRA 29, UNACE 15, PPQ 4, other 2

Peru
unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la
Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 9 April 2006 (next to be held in April 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 21.2%, PAP 20.6%,
UN 15.3%, AF 13.1%, FC 7.1%, PP 4.1%, RN 4.0%, other 14.6%; seats by
party - UPP 45, PAP 36, UN 17, AF 13, FC 5, PP 2, RN 2

Philippines
bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or
Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members
elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the
House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan; the House
has 287 seats including 230 members in one tier representing
districts and 57 sectoral party-list members in a second tier
representing special minorities elected on the basis of one seat for
every 2% of the total vote but are limited to three seats; a party
represented in one tier may not hold seats in the other tier; all
House members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms
note: the constitution limits the House of Representatives to 250
members; the number of members allowed was increased, however,
through legislation when in April 2009 the Philippine Supreme Court
ruled that additional party members could sit in the House of
Representatives if they received the required number of votes
elections: Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be
held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on
10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1,
independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators
because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of
Representatives - percent of vote by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 38.4%,
LP 20.3%, NPC 15.4%, NP 11.5%, independents 7.1%, others 7.3%; seats
by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 104, LP 45, NPC 31, NP 26, others 17,
independents 7, party-list 56

Pitcairn Islands
unicameral Island Council (11 seats; mayor, deputy
mayor, 4 members elected by popular vote, 1 member appointed by the
governor, 3 ex officio members including governor, deputy governor,
and commissioner; deputy mayor and elected members serve two-year
terms)
elections: last held on 24 December 2009 (next to be held on 24
December 2011)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Poland
bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, the Senate
or Senat (100 seats; members elected by a majority vote on a
provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the
Sejm (460 seats; members elected under a complex system of
proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the
designation of National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only
used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly
elections: Senate - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by
October 2011); Sejm - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held
by October 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PO 60, PiS 39, independents 1; Sejm - percent of vote by
party - PO 41.5%, PiS 32.1%, LiD 13.2%, PSL 8.9%, other 4.3%; seats
by party - PO 209, PiS 166, LiD 53, PSL 31, German minorities 1;
note - seats by party as of December 2010 - PO 203, PiS 147, SLD 44,
PSL 31, PJN 17, SPDL 4, DKP_SD 3, German minorities 1, Independents
9, Vacant 1
note: one seat is assigned to ethnic minority parties in the Sejm
only

Portugal
unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da
Republica (230 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held in fall
2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - PS 42%, PSD 35%, CDS/PP
9%, BE 7%, CDU 7%; seats by party - PS 97, PSD 81, CDS/PP 21, BE 16,
CDU 15

Puerto Rico
bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate
(at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to
serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in
November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 4 November
2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD
18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives -
percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party -
PNP 37, PPD 14
note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner
to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US
House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor,
he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last
held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results -
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1

Qatar
unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats;
members appointed)
note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there
were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their
terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force
on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member
Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect 30
members and the Amir would appoint 15; elections to the Majlis
al-Shura are tentatively scheduled for June 2010

Romania
bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or
Senat (137 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed
electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of
Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members elected by
popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to
be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 30
November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party -
PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by
alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of
Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL
32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%;
seats by alliance/party - PDL 115, PSD-PC 114, PNL 65, UDMR 22,
ethnic minorities 18

Russia
bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists
of an upper house, the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (166
seats; as of July 2000, members appointed by the top executive and
legislative officials in each of the 83 federal administrative units
- oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the
federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members to serve
four-year terms) and a lower house, the State Duma or
Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; as of 2007, all members elected by
proportional representation from party lists winning at least 7% of
the vote; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: State Duma - last held on 2 December 2007 (next to be
held in December 2011)
election results: State Duma - United Russia 64.3%, CPRF 11.5%, LDPR
8.1%, Just Russia 7.7%, other 8.4%; total seats by party - United
Russia 315, CPRF 57, LDPR 40, Just Russia 38

Rwanda
bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members
elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed
by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of
higher learning; members to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of
Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women
elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability
organizations; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional
government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last
held on 15 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%,
PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members
indirectly elected

Saint Barthelemy
unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%,
Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy
7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16,
Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1,
Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1
note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate;
election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in
September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - UMP 1

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
unicameral Legislative
Council (17 seats, including a speaker and deputy speaker, 12
elected, and three ex officio members; members elected by popular
vote to serve four-year terms)
note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils
for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
elections: last held on 4 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Saint Kitts and Nevis
unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3
appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member
constituencies; members serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 January 2010 (next to be held by 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
SKNLP 6, CCM 2, PAM 2, NRP 1

Saint Lucia
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats;
six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on
the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after
consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the
House of Assembly (17 seats; members elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held on 11 December 2006 (next
to be held in December 2011)
election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP
50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Saint Martin
unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July
2012)
election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%,
Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir
Saint-Martin 1
note: Saint Martin elects one member to the French Senate; election
last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014);
results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil
Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon;
members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
elections: elections last held on 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to
be held in March 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD
16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1
note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one member to the French
Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in
September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one member to
the French National Assembly; elections last held on, first round -
10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012);
results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left
Radical Party 1

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; representatives elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held on 13 December 2010 (next to be held in 2015) election results: percent of vote by party - ULP 51.6%, NDP 47.8%; seats by party - ULP 8, NDP 7

Samoa
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats, 47 members
elected by voters affiliated with traditional village-based
electoral districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly non-Samoan or
part-Samoan, voters who cannot, (or choose not to) establish a
village affiliation; only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to
the Fono from the 47 village-based electorates; members serve
five-year terms)
elections: election last held on 31 March 2006 (next election to be
held not later than March 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
HRPP 35, SDUP 10, independents 4

San Marino
unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande
e Generale (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by June
2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - Pact for San Marino
coalition 54.2%: PDCS 31.9%, AP 11.5%, Freedom List 6.3%, San Marino
Union of Moderates 4.2%; Reforms and Freedom coalition 45.8%: Party
of Socialists and Democrats 32%, United Left 8.6%, Democrats of the
Center 4.9%; seats by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 35: PDCS
22, AP 7, the Freedom List 4, San Marino Union of Moderates 2;
Reforms and Freedom coalition 25: Party of Socialists and Democrats
18, United Left 5, Democrats of the Center 2

Sao Tome and Principe
unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia
Nacional (55 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
ADI 26, MLSTP 21, PCD 7, MDFM 1

Saudi Arabia
Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members
and a chairman appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms);
note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its
intent to introduce elections for a third of the Majlis al-Shura
incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such
elections have been held or announced

Senegal
bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate, reinstituted
in 2007, (100 seats; 35 members indirectly elected and 65 members
appointed by the president) and the National Assembly or Assemblee
Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by direct popular vote and
60 elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve
five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 19 August 2007 (next to be held -
NA); National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held
in 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005 voted to
postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006;
legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the 25
February 2007 presidential elections and later for 3 June 2007; the
election was boycotted by 12 opposition parties, including the
former ruling Socialist Party, which resulted in a record-low 35%
voter turnout
election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - PDS 34, AJ/PADS 1, 65 appointed by the president;
National Assembly results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - SOPI Coalition 131, other 19

Serbia
unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected
according to party lists to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia
coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%,
LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia
coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP
13, other 7

Seychelles
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34
seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a
proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote;
members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%;
seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

Sierra Leone
unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected
by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate
elections; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
APC 59, SLPP 43, PMDC 10

Singapore
unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there
are up to 9 nominated members; up to three losing opposition
candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as
"nonconstituency" members
elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by February 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%,
SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Sint Maarten
unicameral parliament or Staten (15 seats; members
elected by popular vote for four year term)
elections: last held 17 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - National Alliance
45.9%, UPP 36.1%, Democratic Party 17.1%; seats by party - National
Alliance 7, UPP 6, Democratic Party 2

Slovakia
unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or
Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members elected on the
basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 12 June 2010 (next to be held in June 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - Smer 34.8%, SDKU-DS
15%, SaS 12.1%, KDH 8.5%, Most-Hid 8.1%, SNS 5.1%, other 16.2%;
seats by party - Smer 62, SDKU-DS 28, SaS 22, KDH 15, Most-Hid 14,
SNS 9

Slovenia
bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or
Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral
college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an
advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws,
ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national
referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40
members directly elected and 50 are elected on a proportional basis;
note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected
seats varies with each election; the constitution mandates 1 seat
each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 September 2008 (next
to be held on 8 October 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - SD 30.5%, SDS 29.3%,
ZARES 9.4%, DeSUS 7.5%, SNS 5.5%, SLS+SMS 5.2%, LDS 5.2%, other
7.4%; seats by party - SD 29, SDS 28, ZARES 9, DeSUS 7, SNS 5,
SLS+SMS 5, LDS 5, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

Solomon Islands
unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members
elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 4 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
Solomon Islands Democratic Party 13, Our Party 3, Reformed
Democratic Party 3, Independent Democratic Party 2, PAP 2, SIPRA 2,
Peoples Congress Party 1, Peoples Federation Party 1, Rural
Development Party 1, Rural and Urban Political Party 1, Solomon
Islands Liberal Party 1, Solomon Islands National Party 1,
independents 19

Somalia
unicameral National Assembly
note: unicameral Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA) (550 seats; 475
members appointed according to the 4.5 clan formula, with the
remaining 75 seats reserved for civil society and business persons)

South Africa
bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Council
of Provinces (90 seats; 10 members elected by each of the nine
provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special powers to
protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of cultural
and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) and the National
Assembly (400 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system
of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces -
last held on 22 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)
election results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by
party - NA; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote
by party - ANC 65.9%, DA 16.7%, COPE 7.4%, IFP 4.6%, other 5.4%;
seats by party - ANC 264, DA 67, COPE 30, IFP 18, other 21

Spain
bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National
Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (264 seats as of 2008;
208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 56 - as
of 2008 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve
four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los
Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a
minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and
Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term;
the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation
based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by
March 2012); Congress of Deputies - last held on 9 March 2008 (next
to be held by March 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - PP 101, PSOE 88, Entesa Catalona de Progress 12, CiU 4, PNV
2, CC 1, members appointed by regional legislatures 56; Congress of
Deputies - percent of vote by party - PSOE 43.6%, PP 40.1%, CiU
3.1%, PNV 1.2%, ERC 1.2%, other 10.8%; seats by party - PSOE 169, PP
154, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 8; note - seats by party in the
Congress of Deputies as of 15 December 2009 - PSOE 169, PP 153, CiU
10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 9

Sri Lanka
unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by
popular vote on the basis of an open-list, proportional
representation system by electoral district to serve six-year terms)
elections: last held on 8 April 2010 with a repoll in two
electorates held on 20 April 2010 (next to be held by April 2016)
election results: percent of vote by alliance or party - United
People's Freedom Alliance 60.93%, United National Party 29.34%,
Democratic National Alliance 5.49%, Tamil National Alliance 2.9%,
other 1.94%; seats by alliance or party - United People's Freedom
Alliance 144, United National Party 60, Tamil National Alliance 14,
Democratic National Alliance 7

Sudan
bicameral National Legislature consists of a Council of States
(50 seats; members indirectly elected by state legislatures to serve
six-year terms) and a National Assembly (450 seats; 60% from
geographic constituencies, 25% from a women's list, and 15% from
party lists; members to serve six-year terms)
elections: last held on 11-15 April 2010 (next to be held in 2016)
election results: Not available; prior to the 11-15 April 2010
election, members appointmented under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace
Agreement

Suriname
unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - Mega Combination 45.1%,
New Front 27.5%, A-Com 13.7%, People's Alliance 11.8%, DOE 1.9%;
seats by party - Mega Combination 23, New Front 14, A-Com 7,
People's Alliance 6, DOE 1

Swaziland
bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate
(30 seats; 10 members appointed by the House of Assembly and 20
appointed by the monarch; members to serve five-year terms) and the
House of Assembly (65 seats; 10 members appointed by the monarch and
55 elected by popular vote; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held on 19 September 2008 (next
to be held in 2013)
election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a
nonparty basis; candidates for election nominated by the local
council of each constituency and for each constituency the three
candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are
narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Sweden
unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are
elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to
serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in
September 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 30.7%,
Moderates 30.1%, Greens 7.3%, Liberal People's Party 7.1%, Center
Party 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats 5.6%, Left
Party 5.6%; seats by party - Social Democrats 112, Moderates 107,
Greens 25, Liberal People's Party 24, Center Party 23, Sweden
Democrats 20, Christian Democrats 19, Left Party 19

Switzerland
bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in
German), Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in
Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German),
Conseil des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian)
(46 seats; membership consists of 2 representatives from each canton
and 1 from each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the
National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in
French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
serve four-year terms)
elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons in October
2007 (each canton determines when the next election will be held);
National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in
October 2011)
election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - CVP 15, FDP 12, SVP 7, SPS 9, other 3; National
Council - percent of vote by party - SVP 29%, SPS 19.5%, FDP 15.6%,
CVP 14.6%, Greens 9.6%, other 11.7%; seats by party - SVP 62, SPS
43, FDP 31, CVP 31, Green Party 20, other small parties 13

Syria
unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
NPF 172, independents 78

Taiwan
unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members
elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of
proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political
parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations;
members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote
to qualify for at-large seats
elections: Legislative Yuan - last held on 12 January 2008 (next to
be held in December 2011 or January 2012)
election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - KMT
53.5%, DPP 38.2%, NPSU 2.4%, PFP 0.3%, others 1.6%, independents 4%;
seats by party - KMT 81, DPP 27, NPSU 3, PFP 1, independent 1; note
- following the 2008 elections, several rounds of byelections were
held to fill seats vacated as a result of corruption changes; seats
by party as of December 2010 - KMT 74, DPP 33, NPSU 3, independent
2, vacant 1

Tajikistan
bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the
National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; 25
members selected by local deputies, 8 appointed by the president; 1
seat reserved for the former president; members serve five-year
terms) and the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or
Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 28 February 2010 (next
to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last
held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)
election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - NA; Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote
by party - PDPT 71%, Islamic Revival Party 8.2%, CPT 7%, APT 5.1%,
PER 5.1%, other 3.6%; seats by party - PDPT 55, Islamic Revival
Party 2, CPT 2, APT 2, PER 2

Tanzania
unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats; 232
members elected by popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by
the president, 5 to members of the Zanzibar House of
Representatives; members serve five-year terms); note - in addition
to enacting laws that apply to the entire United Republic of
Tanzania, the Assembly enacts laws that apply only to the mainland;
Zanzibar has its own House of Representatives to make laws
especially for Zanzibar (the Zanzibar House of Representatives has
50 seats; members elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year
terms)
elections: last held on 14 December 2005 (next to be held on 31
October 2010)
election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - CCM 206, CUF 19, CHADEMA 5, other 2, women
appointed by the president 37, Zanzibar representatives 5 Zanzibar
House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - CCM 30, CUF 19; 1 seat was nullified with a rerun to take
place soon

Thailand
bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the
Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote
representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent
government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of
Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (480 seats; 400 members
elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 80 elected on
proportional party-list basis of 10 per eight zones or groupings of
provinces; members serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in
March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 23
December 2007 (next to be held by December 2011)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - PPP 233, DP 164, TNP 34, Motherland 24, Middle
Way 11, Unity 9, Royalist People's 5; following the PPP's
dissolution in December 2008, most of the party's seats were assumed
by its successor, the Phuea Thai Party
note: 74 senators were appointed on 19 February 2008 by a
seven-member committee headed by the chief of the Constitutional
Court; 76 senators were elected on 2 March 2008; elections to the
Senate are non-partisan; registered political party members are
disqualified from being senators

Timor-Leste
unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary
from 52 to 65; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms)
elections: last held on 30 June 2007 (next elections due by June
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 29%, CNRT
24.1%, ASDT-PSD 15.8%, PD 11.3%, PUN 4.5%, KOTA-PPT (Democratic
Alliance) 3.2%, UNDERTIM 3.2%, others 8.9%; seats by party -
FRETILIN 21, CNRT 18, ASDT-PSD 11, PD 8, PUN 3, KOTA-PPT 2, UNDERTIM
2

Togo
unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 14 October 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - RPT 39.4%, UFC 37.0%,
CAR 8.2%, independents 2.5%, other 12.9%; seats by party - RPT 50,
UFC 27, CAR 4

Tokelau
unicameral General Fono (20 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve three-year terms based upon proportional
representation from the three islands; Atafu has 7 seats, Fakaofo
has 7 seats, Nukunonu has 6 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act
of 1996 confers limited legislative power to the General Fono
elections: last held on 17-19 January 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: independents 20

Tonga
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for
nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote -
independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party
12, independents 5

Trinidad and Tobago
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31
seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the President,
6 by the opposition party to serve a maximum term of five years) and
the House of Representatives (41 seats; members are elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next
to be held in 2015)
election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA;
seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2
note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly with 12 members
serving four-year terms; last election held in January 2005; seats
by party - PNM 11, DAC 1

Tunisia
bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Advisors (126
seats; 85 members elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors,
and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are
presidential appointees; members serve six-year terms); and the
Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (214 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Advisors - last held on 3 July 2005 (next to
be held in July 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 25 October
2009 (next to be held in October 2014);
election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -
RCD 84.6%, MDS 4.6%, PUP 3.4%, UDU 2.6%, PSL 2.2%, PVP 1.7%,
Al-Tajdid 0.5%; seats by party - RCD 161, MDS 16, PUP 12, UDU 9, PSL
8, PVP 6, Al-Tajdid 2; voter turnout 89.4%

Turkey
unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk
Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 46.7%, CHP 20.8%,
MHP 14.3%, independents 5.2%, other 13.0%; seats by party - AKP 341,
CHP 112, MHP 71, independents 26; note - seats by party as of 15
November 2010 - AKP 335, CHP 101, MHP 70, BDP 20, DSP 6, DP 1, TP 1,
independents 7, vacant 9 (BDP entered parliament as independents;
DSP entered parliament on CHP's party list; DP and TP switched to
their respective parties after having been elected to parliament as
an independent or on the list of another party); only parties
surpassing the 10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Turkmenistan
unicameral parliament known as the National Assembly
(Mejlis) (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 14 December 2008 (next to be held in
December 2013)
election results: 100% of elected officials are members of either
the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or its pseudo-civil society
parent organization, the Revival Movement, and are preapproved by
the president
note: in 26 September 2008, a new constitution of Turkmenistan
abolished a second, 2,507-member legislative body known as the
People's Council and expanded the number of deputies in the National
Assembly from 65 to 125; the powers formerly held by the People's
Council were divided up between the president and the National
Assembly

Turks and Caicos Islands
under provisions of the Order in Council,
the unicameral House of Assembly is dissolved and all seats vacated
for a period of up to two years; in the interim, a Consultative
Forum, appointed by the governor, will be established
elections: last held on 9 February 2007 (next to be held by July
2011)
election results: under provisions of the Order in Council, all
seats in the House of Assembly are vacated

Tuvalu
unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of
Assembly (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
four-year terms)
elections: last held on 16 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 15; 10
members reelected

Uganda
unicameral National Assembly (332 seats; 215 members elected
by popular vote, 104 nominated by legally established special
interest groups [women 79, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5],
13 ex-officio members; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18
February 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
NRM 205, FDC 37, UPC 9, DP 8, CP 1, JEEMA 1, independents 37, other
34

Ukraine
unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats;
members allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain
3% or more of the national electoral vote; members to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 30 September 2007 (next must be held in 2012
or sooner if a ruling coalition cannot be formed in the Rada)
election results: percent of vote by party/bloc - Party of Regions
34.4%, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 30.7%, Our Ukraine-People's Self
Defense 14.2%, CPU 5.4%, Lytvyn Bloc 4%, other parties 11.3%; seats
by party/bloc - Party of Regions 175, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko
156, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 72, CPU 27, Lytvyn Bloc 20

United Arab Emirates
unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or
Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the
rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve
four-year terms)
elections: elections for one half of the FNC (the other half remains
appointed) held on 18-20 December 2006; the new electoral college -
a body of 6,689 Emiratis (including 1,189 women) appointed by the
rulers of the seven emirates - were the only eligible voters and
candidates; 456 candidates including 65 women ran for 20 contested
FNC seats; one female from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi won a seat and 8
women were among the 20 appointed members
note: the FNC reviews legislation but cannot change or veto

United Kingdom
bicameral Parliament consists of House of Lords (741
seats; consisting of approximately 625 life peers, 91 hereditary
peers, and 25 clergy - as of 15 December 2010) and House of Commons
(650 seats since 2010 elections; members elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier)
elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as
provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House
of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain
there; elections are held only as vacancies in the hereditary
peerage arise); House of Commons - last held on 6 May 2010 (next to
be held by June 2015)
election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -
Conservative 36.1%, Labor 29%, Liberal Democrats 23%, other 11.9%;
seats by party - Conservative 305, Labor 258, Liberal Democrat 57,
other 30
note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Assembly
(because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer
of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of
1999 and has been suspended four times, the latest occurring in
October 2002 and lasting until 8 May 2007); in 1999, the UK held the
first elections for a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly, the
most recent of which were held in May 2007

United States
bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats,
2 members elected from each state by popular vote to serve six-year
terms; one-third elected every two years) and the House of
Representatives (435 seats; members directly elected by popular vote
to serve two-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in
November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 2 November
2010 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Democratic Party 51, Republican Party 47, independent 2;
House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Democratic Party 192, Republican Party 243

Uruguay
bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of
Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; vice president has
one vote in the Senate) and Chamber of Representatives or Camara de
Representantes (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 25 October 2009 (next
to be held in October 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held
on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)
election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 16, Blanco 9, Colorado Party 5;
Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - Frente Amplio 50, Blanco 30, Colorado Party 17, Independent
Party 2

Uzbekistan
bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an
upper house or Senate (100 seats; 84 members elected by regional
governing councils and 16 appointed by the president; members to
serve five-year terms) and a lower house or Legislative Chamber (150
seats; 135 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms,
while 15 spots reserved for the new Ecological Movement of
Uzbekistan)
elections: last held on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next
to be held in December 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA;
seats by party - LDPU 53, NDP 32, National Rebirth Party 31, Adolat
19
note: all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President KARIMOV

Vanuatu
unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular
vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP
11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1,
Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent
4; note - political party associations are fluid
note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture
and language

Venezuela
unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165
seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms;
three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)
elections: last held on 26 September 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - pro-government 48.9%,
opposition coalition 47.9%, other 3.2%; seats by party -
pro-government 98, opposition 65, other 2

Vietnam
unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (493 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
CPV 450, non-party CPV-approved 42, self-nominated 1; note - 493
candidates were elected; CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates
were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front

Virgin Islands
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by
popular vote to serve two-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3
note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the
US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010
(next to be held on November 2012)

Wallis and Futuna
unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee
Territoriale (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held on 1 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
UMP 13, other 7
note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and
one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate -
elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held by
September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats -
UMP 1; French National Assembly - elections last held on 17 June
2007 (next to be held by 2012); results - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats - PS 1

Yemen
bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111
seats; members appointed by the president) and House of
Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
eight-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 April 2003 (scheduled April 2009 election
postponed for two years)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
GPC 238, Islah 47, YSP 6, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab
Socialist Ba'th Party 2, independents 5

Zambia
unicameral National Assembly (158 seats; 150 members are
elected by popular vote, 8 members appointed by the president, to
serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 28 September 2006 (next to be held in
October 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
MMD 72, PF 44, UDA 27, ULP 2, NDF 1, independents 2; seats not
determined 2

Zimbabwe
bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate (93 seats - 60
members elected by popular vote for a five-year term, 10 provincial
governors nominated by the president and the prime minister, 16
traditional chiefs elected by the Council of Chiefs, 2 seats held by
the president and deputy president of the Council of Chiefs, and 5
members appointed by the president) and a House of Assembly (210
seats - members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)
elections: last held on 28 March 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.6%,
ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.6%; seats by party - MDC 30, ZANU-PF 30;
House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.3%, ZANU-PF
45.8%, other 2.9%; seats by party - MDC 109, ZANU-PF 97, other 4

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

@2102

Field Listing :: Life expectancy at birth

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

Life expectancy at birth(years)

Afghanistan
total population: 44.65 years
male: 44.45 years
female: 44.87 years (2010 est.)

Albania
total population: 77.22 years
male: 74.65 years
female: 80.11 years (2010 est.)

Algeria
total population: 74.26 years
male: 72.57 years
female: 76.04 years (2010 est.)

American Samoa
total population: 73.97 years
male: 71.04 years
female: 77.08 years (2010 est.)

Andorra
total population: 82.36 years
male: 80.3 years
female: 84.55 years (2010 est.)

Angola
total population: 38.48 years
male: 37.48 years
female: 39.52 years (2010 est.)

Anguilla
total population: 80.77 years
male: 78.22 years
female: 83.39 years (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
total population: 75.26 years
male: 73.27 years
female: 77.35 years (2010 est.)

Argentina
total population: 76.76 years
male: 73.52 years
female: 80.17 years (2010 est.)

Armenia
total population: 72.96 years
male: 69.33 years
female: 77.07 years (2010 est.)

Aruba
total population: 75.51 years
male: 72.47 years
female: 78.61 years (2010 est.)

Australia
total population: 81.72 years
male: 79.33 years
female: 84.25 years (2010 est.)

Austria
total population: 79.65 years
male: 76.74 years
female: 82.71 years (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
total population: 67.01 years
male: 62.86 years
female: 71.67 years (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
total population: 70.84 years
male: 68.48 years
female: 73.27 years (2010 est.)

Bahrain
total population: 75.4 years
male: 72.87 years
female: 78.01 years (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
total population: 69.44 years
male: 67.64 years
female: 71.3 years (2010 est.)

Barbados
total population: 74.14 years
male: 71.88 years
female: 76.42 years (2010 est.)

Belarus
total population: 70.92 years
male: 65.26 years
female: 76.93 years (2010 est.)

Belgium
total population: 79.37 years
male: 76.21 years
female: 82.68 years (2010 est.)

Belize
total population: 68.23 years
male: 66.54 years
female: 70 years (2010 est.)

Benin
total population: 59.42 years
male: 58.21 years
female: 60.68 years (2010 est.)

Bermuda
total population: 80.6 years
male: 77.37 years
female: 83.88 years (2010 est.)

Bhutan
total population: 66.71 years
male: 65.89 years
female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Bolivia
total population: 67.23 years
male: 64.52 years
female: 70.07 years (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total population: 78.66 years
male: 75.09 years
female: 82.49 years (2010 est.)

Botswana
total population: 60.93 years
male: 61.11 years
female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)

Brazil
total population: 72.26 years
male: 68.7 years
female: 76 years (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
total population: 77.45 years
male: 76.18 years
female: 78.78 years (2010 est.)

Brunei
total population: 75.96 years
male: 73.72 years
female: 78.31 years (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
total population: 73.35 years
male: 69.74 years
female: 77.17 years (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
total population: 53.32 years
male: 51.39 years
female: 55.31 years (2010 est.)

Burma
total population: 64.52 years
male: 62.23 years
female: 66.94 years (2010 est.)

Burundi
total population: 58.29 years
male: 56.65 years
female: 59.98 years (2010 est.)

Cambodia
total population: 62.28 years
male: 59.95 years
female: 64.72 years (2010 est.)

Cameroon
total population: 54.04 years
male: 53.21 years
female: 54.9 years (2010 est.)

Canada
total population: 81.29 years
male: 78.72 years
female: 84 years (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
total population: 70.41 years
male: 68.24 years
female: 72.64 years (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
total population: 80.57 years
male: 77.91 years
female: 83.27 years (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
total population: 49.68 years
male: 48.45 years
female: 50.95 years (2010 est.)

Chad
total population: 47.99 years
male: 46.95 years
female: 49.07 years (2010 est.)

Chile
total population: 77.53 years
male: 74.26 years
female: 80.96 years (2010 est.)

China
total population: 74.51 years
male: 72.54 years
female: 76.77 years (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Colombia
total population: 74.31 years
male: 70.98 years
female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Comoros
total population: 63.83 years
male: 61.41 years
female: 66.32 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total population: 54.73 years
male: 52.93 years
female: 56.59 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
total population: 54.54 years
male: 53.27 years
female: 55.84 years (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
total population: 74.47 years
male: 71.69 years
female: 77.38 years (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
total population: 77.54 years
male: 74.93 years
female: 80.28 years (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
total population: 56.19 years
male: 55.27 years
female: 57.13 years (2010 est.)

Croatia
total population: 75.58 years
male: 71.95 years
female: 79.4 years (2010 est.)

Cuba
total population: 77.64 years
male: 75.36 years
female: 80.05 years (2010 est.)

Curacao
total: NA
males: 72.4 years
females: 80.1 years (2009)

Cyprus
total population: 77.66 years
male: 74.88 years
female: 80.57 years (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
total population: 77.01 years
male: 73.74 years
female: 80.48 years (2010 est.)

Denmark
total population: 78.47 years
male: 76.11 years
female: 80.97 years (2010 est.)

Djibouti
total population: 60.73 years
male: 58.31 years
female: 63.22 years (2010 est.)

Dominica
total population: 75.77 years
male: 72.82 years
female: 78.87 years (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
total population: 77.15 years
male: 75.01 years
female: 79.38 years (2010 est.)

Ecuador
total population: 75.52 years
male: 72.58 years
female: 78.6 years (2010 est.)

Egypt
total population: 72.4 years
male: 69.82 years
female: 75.1 years (2010 est.)

El Salvador
total population: 73.18 years
male: 69.91 years
female: 76.62 years (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
total population: 61.98 years
male: 61.05 years
female: 62.94 years (2010 est.)

Eritrea
total population: 62.15 years
male: 60.06 years
female: 64.3 years (2010 est.)

Estonia
total population: 73.08 years
male: 67.74 years
female: 78.76 years (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
total population: 55.8 years
male: 53.28 years
female: 58.39 years (2010 est.)

European Union
total population: 78.82 years
male: 75.7 years
female: 82.13 years (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Faroe Islands
total population: 79.58 years
male: 77.13 years
female: 82.21 years (2010 est.)

Fiji
total population: 71.03 years
male: 68.46 years
female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Finland
total population: 79.13 years
male: 75.64 years
female: 82.76 years (2010 est.)

France
total population: 81.09 years
male: 77.91 years
female: 84.44 years (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
total population: 76.91 years
male: 74.44 years
female: 79.5 years (2010 est.)

Gabon
total population: 52.75 years
male: 51.96 years
female: 53.58 years (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
total population: 54.07 years
male: 52.32 years
female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
total population: 73.68 years
male: 72.05 years
female: 75.4 years (2010 est.)

Georgia
total population: 76.93 years
male: 73.61 years
female: 80.64 years (2010 est.)

Germany
total population: 79.41 years
male: 76.41 years
female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Ghana
total population: 60.55 years
male: 59.36 years
female: 61.78 years (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
total population: 78.53 years
male: 75.69 years
female: 81.56 years (2010 est.)

Greece
total population: 79.8 years
male: 77.24 years
female: 82.52 years (2010 est.)

Greenland
total population: 70.67 years
male: 68.05 years
female: 73.43 years (2010 est.)

Grenada
total population: 72.79 years
male: 70.27 years
female: 75.55 years (2010 est.)

Guam
total population: 78.18 years
male: 75.14 years
female: 81.41 years (2010 est.)

Guatemala
total population: 70.59 years
male: 68.76 years
female: 72.51 years (2010 est.)

Guernsey
total population: 82.08 years
male: 79.43 years
female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Guinea
total population: 57.6 years
male: 56.13 years
female: 59.12 years (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
total population: 48.3 years
male: 46.44 years
female: 50.22 years (2010 est.)

Guyana
total population: 66.74 years
male: 62.93 years
female: 70.74 years (2010 est.)

Haiti
total population: 62.17 years
male: 60.84 years
female: 63.53 years
note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
total population: 70.51 years
male: 68.82 years
female: 72.28 years (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
total population: 81.96 years
male: 79.24 years
female: 84.88 years (2010 est.)

Hungary
total population: 74.57 years
male: 70.8 years
female: 78.55 years (2010 est.)

Iceland
total population: 80.79 years
male: 78.63 years
female: 83.04 years (2010 est.)

India
total population: 66.46 years
male: 65.46 years
female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Indonesia
total population: 71.05 years
male: 68.53 years
female: 73.69 years (2010 est.)

Iran
total population: 69.77 years
male: 68.32 years
female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Iraq
total population: 70.25 years
male: 68.88 years
female: 71.69 years (2010 est.)

Ireland
total population: 80.07 years
male: 77.86 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
total population: 80.53 years
male: 79.01 years
female: 82.18 years (2010 est.)

Israel
total population: 80.86 years
male: 78.7 years
female: 83.12 years (2010 est.)

Italy
total population: 80.33 years
male: 77.39 years
female: 83.46 years (2010 est.)

Jamaica
total population: 73.48 years
male: 71.8 years
female: 75.25 years (2010 est.)

Japan
total population: 82.17 years
male: 78.87 years
female: 85.66 years (2010 est.)

Jersey
total population: 81.28 years
male: 78.88 years
female: 83.83 years (2010 est.)

Jordan
total population: 79.92 years
male: 78.64 years
female: 81.28 years (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
total population: 68.19 years
male: 62.91 years
female: 73.78 years (2010 est.)

Kenya
total population: 58.82 years
male: 58.33 years
female: 59.32 years (2010 est.)

Kiribati
total population: 64.03 years
male: 61.68 years
female: 66.49 years (2010 est.)

Korea, North
total population: 64.13 years
male: 61.53 years
female: 66.89 years (2010 est.)

Korea, South
total population: 78.81 years
male: 75.56 years
female: 82.28 years (2010 est.)

Kuwait
total population: 77.89 years
male: 76.64 years
female: 79.18 years (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
total population: 69.74 years
male: 65.74 years
female: 73.94 years (2010 est.)

Laos
total population: 62 years
male: 60.14 years
female: 63.94 years (2010 est.)

Latvia
total population: 72.42 years
male: 67.27 years
female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Lebanon
total population: 74.79 years
male: 73.28 years
female: 76.36 years (2010 est.)

Lesotho
total population: 50.67 years
male: 50.58 years
female: 50.76 years (2010 est.)

Liberia
total population: 56.58 years
male: 55.05 years
female: 58.14 years (2010 est.)

Libya
total population: 77.47 years
male: 75.18 years
female: 79.88 years (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
total population: 80.19 years
male: 76.73 years
female: 83.66 years (2010 est.)

Lithuania
total population: 75.12 years
male: 70.23 years
female: 80.29 years (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
total population: 79.48 years
male: 76.22 years
female: 82.95 years (2010 est.)

Macau
total population: 84.38 years
male: 81.42 years
female: 87.49 years (2010 est.)

Macedonia
total population: 74.92 years
male: 72.4 years
female: 77.64 years (2010 est.)

Madagascar
total population: 63.26 years
male: 61.27 years
female: 65.3 years (2010 est.)

Malawi
total population: 50.92 years
male: 50.22 years
female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Malaysia
total population: 73.55 years
male: 70.81 years
female: 76.48 years (2010 est.)

Maldives
total population: 74.21 years
male: 72 years
female: 76.54 years (2010 est.)

Mali
total population: 52.17 years
male: 50.59 years
female: 53.8 years (2010 est.)

Malta
total population: 79.59 years
male: 77.34 years
female: 81.97 years (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
total population: 71.48 years
male: 69.41 years
female: 73.65 years (2010 est.)

Mauritania
total population: 60.75 years
male: 58.57 years
female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Mauritius
total population: 74.25 years
male: 70.77 years
female: 77.89 years (2010 est.)

Mayotte
total population: 63.28 years
male: 60.99 years
female: 65.63 years (2010 est.)

Mexico
total population: 76.26 years
male: 73.45 years
female: 79.22 years (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total population: 71.23 years
male: 69.32 years
female: 73.24 years (2010 est.)

Moldova
total population: 71.09 years
male: 67.39 years
female: 75 years (2010 est.)

Monaco
total population: 89.78 years
male: 85.81 years
female: 93.9 years (2010 est.)

Mongolia
total population: 67.98 years
male: 65.54 years
female: 70.54 years (2010 est.)

Montserrat
total population: 72.91 years
male: 74.82 years
female: 70.91 years (2010 est.)

Morocco
total population: 75.69 years
male: 72.63 years
female: 78.9 years (2010 est.)

Mozambique
total population: 41.37 years
male: 42.05 years
female: 40.68 years (2010 est.)

Namibia
total population: 51.95 years
male: 52.25 years
female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Nauru
total population: 64.99 years
male: 60.93 years
female: 68.39 years (2010 est.)

Nepal
total population: 65.81 years
male: 64.62 years
female: 67.05 years (2010 est.)

Netherlands
total population: 79.55 years
male: 76.94 years
female: 82.3 years (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
total population: 76.56 years
male: 72.46 years
female: 80.86 years (2010 est.)

New Zealand
total population: 80.48 years
male: 78.52 years
female: 82.53 years (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
total population: 71.78 years
male: 69.61 years
female: 74.05 years (2010 est.)

Niger
total population: 52.99 years
male: 51.75 years
female: 54.26 years (2010 est.)

Nigeria
total population: 47.24 years
male: 46.46 years
female: 48.08 years (2010 est.)

Niue
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Norfolk Island
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Northern Mariana Islands
total population: 76.9 years
male: 74.27 years
female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Norway
total population: 80.08 years
male: 77.42 years
female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Oman
total population: 73.97 years
male: 72.15 years
female: 75.88 years (2010 est.)

Pakistan
total population: 65.63 years
male: 63.84 years
female: 67.5 years (2010 est.)

Palau
total population: 71.51 years
male: 68.36 years
female: 74.84 years (2010 est.)

Panama
total population: 77.61 years
male: 74.85 years
female: 80.5 years (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
total population: 65.99 years
male: 63.78 years
female: 68.31 years (2010 est.)

Paraguay
total population: 75.99 years
male: 73.39 years
female: 78.71 years (2010 est.)

Peru
total population: 71.03 years
male: 69.14 years
female: 73 years (2010 est.)

Philippines
total population: 71.38 years
male: 68.45 years
female: 74.45 years (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Poland
total population: 75.85 years
male: 71.88 years
female: 80.06 years (2010 est.)

Portugal
total population: 78.38 years
male: 75.12 years
female: 81.86 years (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
total population: 78.77 years
male: 75.15 years
female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Qatar
total population: 75.51 years
male: 73.78 years
female: 77.33 years (2010 est.)

Romania
total population: 73.74 years
male: 70.26 years
female: 77.42 years (2010 est.)

Russia
total population: 66.16 years
male: 59.54 years
female: 73.17 years (2010 est.)

Rwanda
total population: 57.46 years
male: 56.06 years
female: 58.91 years (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total population: 78.6
years
male: 75.68 years
female: 81.67 years (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total population: 74.37 years
male: 72.03 years
female: 76.75 years (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
total population: 76.65 years
male: 73.97 years
female: 79.48 years (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
total population: 79.74 years
male: 77.49 years
female: 82.12 years (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total population: 73.9 years
male: 72.04 years
female: 75.82 years (2010 est.)

Samoa
total population: 72.13 years
male: 69.28 years
female: 75.13 years (2010 est.)

San Marino
total population: 82.95 years
male: 80.45 years
female: 85.68 years (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
total population: 62.73 years
male: 61.58 years
female: 63.91 years (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
total population: 73.87 years
male: 71.93 years
female: 75.9 years (2010 est.)

Senegal
total population: 59.38 years
male: 57.48 years
female: 61.34 years (2010 est.)

Serbia
total population: 74.09 years
male: 71.26 years
female: 77.1 years (2010 est.)

Seychelles
total population: 73.28 years
male: 68.6 years
female: 78.09 years (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
total population: 55.69 years
male: 53.27 years
female: 58.18 years (2010 est.)

Singapore
total population: 82.06 years
male: 79.45 years
female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
total population: NA
male: 73.1 years
female: 78.2 years (2009)

Slovakia
total population: 75.62 years
male: 71.7 years
female: 79.74 years (2010 est.)

Slovenia
total population: 77.12 years
male: 73.45 years
female: 81.03 years (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
total population: 73.94 years
male: 71.37 years
female: 76.63 years (2010 est.)

Somalia
total population: 50 years
male: 48.12 years
female: 51.94 years (2010 est.)

South Africa
total population: 49.2 years
male: 50.08 years
female: 48.29 years (2010 est.)

Spain
total population: 81.07 years
male: 78.06 years
female: 84.27 years (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
total population: 75.3 years
male: 73.22 years
female: 77.47 years (2010 est.)

Sudan
total population: 54.21 years
male: 53.04 years
female: 55.44 years (2010 est.)

Suriname
total population: 73.98 years
male: 71.24 years
female: 76.91 years (2010 est.)

Svalbard
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Swaziland
total population: 47.97 years
male: 48.14 years
female: 47.8 years (2010 est.)

Sweden
total population: 80.97 years
male: 78.69 years
female: 83.4 years (2010 est.)

Switzerland
total population: 80.97 years
male: 78.14 years
female: 83.95 years (2010 est.)

Syria
total population: 74.46 years
male: 72.1 years
female: 76.96 years (2010 est.)

Taiwan
total population: 78.15 years
male: 75.34 years
female: 81.2 years (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
total population: 65.68 years
male: 62.63 years
female: 68.88 years (2010 est.)

Tanzania
total population: 52.49 years
male: 50.99 years
female: 54.03 years (2010 est.)

Thailand
total population: 75.02 years
male: 72.94 years
female: 77.21 years (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
total population: 67.61 years
male: 65.23 years
female: 70.11 years (2010 est.)

Togo
total population: 62.25 years
male: 59.74 years
female: 64.83 years (2010 est.)

Tokelau
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Tonga
total population: 71.03 years
male: 68.46 years
female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
total population: 71.09 years
male: 68.23 years
female: 74.02 years (2010 est.)

Tunisia
total population: 75.99 years
male: 74.17 years
female: 77.94 years (2010 est.)

Turkey
total population: 72.23 years
male: 70.37 years
female: 74.19 years (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
total population: 68.2 years
male: 65.25 years
female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total population: 75.64 years
male: 73.32 years
female: 78.07 years (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
total population: 64.39 years
male: 62.36 years
female: 66.51 years (2010 est.)

Uganda
total population: 52.98 years
male: 51.92 years
female: 54.07 years (2010 est.)

Ukraine
total population: 68.46 years
male: 62.56 years
female: 74.74 years (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
total population: 76.32 years
male: 73.75 years
female: 79.01 years (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
total population: 79.92 years
male: 77.84 years
female: 82.11 years (2010 est.)

United States
total population: 78.24 years
male: 75.78 years
female: 80.81 years (2010 est.)

Uruguay
total population: 76.55 years
male: 73.3 years
female: 79.92 years (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
total population: 72.24 years
male: 69.22 years
female: 75.44 years (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
total population: 64.33 years
male: 62.7 years
female: 66.04 years (2010 est.)

Venezuela
total population: 73.77 years
male: 70.69 years
female: 77 years (2010 est.)

Vietnam
total population: 71.94 years
male: 69.48 years
female: 74.69 years (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
total population: 79.19 years
male: 76.14 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
total population: 78.83 years
male: 75.85 years
female: 81.96 years (2010 est.)

West Bank
total population: 74.78 years
male: 72.76 years
female: 76.92 years (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
total population: 60.74 years
male: 58.57 years
female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

World
total population: 66.12 years
male: 64.29 years
female: 68.07 years (2009 est.)

Yemen
total population: 63.36 years
male: 61.35 years
female: 65.47 years (2010 est.)

Zambia
total population: 52.03 years
male: 50.81 years
female: 53.28 years (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
total population: 47.55 years
male: 47.98 years
female: 47.11 years (2010 est.)

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

@2103

Field Listing :: Literacy

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

Literacy(%)

Afghanistan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 28.1%
male: 43.1%
female: 12.6% (2000 est.)

Albania
definition: age 9 and over can read and write
total population: 98.7%
male: 99.2%
female: 98.3% (2001 census)

Algeria
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 69.9%
male: 79.6%
female: 60.1% (2002 est.)

American Samoa
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97%
male: 98%
female: 97% (1980 est.)

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

Angola
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.4%
male: 82.9%
female: 54.2% (2001 est.)

Anguilla
definition: age 12 and over can read and write
total population: 95%
male: 95%
female: 95% (1984 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
definition: age 15 and over has completed five
or more years of schooling
total population: 85.8%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

Argentina
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.2%
male: 97.2%
female: 97.2% (2001 census)

Armenia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2001 census)

Aruba
definition: NA
total population: 97.3%
male: 97.5%
female: 97.1% (2000 census)

Australia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Austria
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: NA
female: NA

Azerbaijan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.8%
male: 99.5%
female: 98.2% (1999 census)

Bahamas, The
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.6%
male: 94.7%
female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Bahrain
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.5%
male: 88.6%
female: 83.6% (2001 census)

Bangladesh
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47.9%
male: 54%
female: 41.4% (2001 Census)

Barbados
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.7% (2002 est.)

Belarus
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.4% (1999 census)

Belgium
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Belize
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 76.9%
male: 76.7%
female: 77.1% (2000 census)

Benin
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 34.7%
male: 47.9%
female: 23.3% (2002 census)

Bermuda
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 99% (2005 est.)

Bhutan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47%
male: 60%
female: 34% (2003 est.)

Bolivia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.7%
male: 93.1%
female: 80.7% (2001 census)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.7%
male: 99%
female: 94.4% (2000 est.)

Botswana
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 81.2%
male: 80.4%
female: 81.8% (2003 est.)

Brazil
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 88.6%
male: 88.4%
female: 88.8% (2004 est.)

British Virgin Islands
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)
male: NA
female: NA

Brunei
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.7%
male: 95.2%
female: 90.2% (2001 census)

Bulgaria
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.2%
male: 98.7%
female: 97.7% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 21.8%
male: 29.4%
female: 15.2% (2003 est.)

Burma
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.9%
male: 93.9%
female: 86.4% (2006 est.)

Burundi
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 59.3%
male: 67.3%
female: 52.2% (2000 est.)

Cambodia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 73.6%
male: 84.7%
female: 64.1% (2004 est.)

Cameroon
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.9%
male: 77%
female: 59.8% (2001 est.)

Canada
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Cape Verde
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 76.6%
male: 85.8%
female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 98% (1970 est.)

Central African Republic
definition: age 15 and over can read and
write
total population: 48.6%
male: 64.8%
female: 33.5% (2000 est.)

Chad
definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic
total population: 25.7%
male: 40.8%
female: 12.8% (2000 est.)

Chile
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.7%
male: 95.8%
female: 95.6% (2002 census)

China
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.6%
male: 95.7%
female: 87.6% (2007)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.4%
male: 90.1%
female: 90.7% (2005 census)

Comoros
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 56.5%
male: 63.6%
female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
definition: age 15 and over can
read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba
total population: 67.2%
male: 80.9%
female: 54.1% (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 83.8%
male: 89.6%
female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Cook Islands
definition: NA
total population: 95%
male: NA
female: NA

Costa Rica
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.9%
male: 94.7%
female: 95.1% (2000 census)

Cote d'Ivoire
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.7%
male: 60.8%
female: 38.6% (2000 est.)

Croatia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.1%
male: 99.3%
female: 97.1% (2001 census)

Cuba
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.8% (2002 census)

Cyprus
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.6%
male: 98.9%
female: 96.3% (2001 census)

Czech Republic
definition: NA
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Denmark
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Djibouti
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.9%
male: 78%
female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

Dominica
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 94%
male: 94%
female: 94% (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87%
male: 86.8%
female: 87.2% (2002 census)

Ecuador
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91%
male: 92.3%
female: 89.7% (2001 census)

Egypt
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 71.4%
male: 83%
female: 59.4% (2005 est.)

El Salvador
definition: age 5 and over can read and write
total population: 81.1%
male: 82.8%
female: 79.6% (2007 census)

Equatorial Guinea
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87%
male: 93.4%
female: 80.5% (2000 est.)

Eritrea
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 58.6%
male: 69.9%
female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

Estonia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.8% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 42.7%
male: 50.3%
female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA; note - probably 99%, the same as Denmark proper

Fiji
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.7%
male: 95.5%
female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Finland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2000 est.)

France
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

French Polynesia
definition: age 14 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 98% (1977 est.)

Gabon
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 63.2%
male: 73.7%
female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

Gambia, The
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 40.1%
male: 47.8%
female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.4%
male: 96.7%
female: 88% (2004 est.)

Georgia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2004 est.)

Germany
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Ghana
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.9%
male: 66.4%
female: 49.8% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
definition: NA
total population: above 80%
male: NA
female: NA

Greece
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: 97.8%
female: 94.2% (2001 census)

Greenland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2001 est.)

Grenada
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

Guam
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (1990 est.)

Guatemala
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 69.1%
male: 75.4%
female: 63.3% (2002 census)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 29.5%
male: 42.6%
female: 18.1% (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 42.4%
male: 58.1%
female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

Guyana
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 91.8%
male: 92%
female: 91.6% (2002 Census)

Haiti
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 52.9%
male: 54.8%
female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
definition: NA
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

Honduras
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 80%
male: 79.8%
female: 80.2% (2001 census)

Hong Kong
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 93.5%
male: 96.9%
female: 89.6% (2002)

Hungary
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.5%
female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

Iceland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

India
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 61%
male: 73.4%
female: 47.8% (2001 census)

Indonesia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.4%
male: 94%
female: 86.8% (2004 est.)

Iran
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 77%
male: 83.5%
female: 70.4% (2002 est.)

Iraq
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74.1%
male: 84.1%
female: 64.2% (2000 est.)

Ireland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.1%
male: 98.5%
female: 95.9% (2004 est.)

Italy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.4%
male: 98.8%
female: 98% (2001 census)

Jamaica
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 87.9%
male: 84.1%
female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

Japan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2002)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.9%
male: 95.1%
female: 84.7% (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.5%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.3% (1999 est.)

Kenya
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 85.1%
male: 90.6%
female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99%

Korea, South
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.9%
male: 99.2%
female: 96.6% (2002)

Kosovo
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.9%
male: 96.6%
female: 87.5% (2007 Census)

Kuwait
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.3%
male: 94.4%
female: 91% (2005 census)

Kyrgyzstan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.7%
male: 99.3%
female: 98.1% (1999 census)

Laos
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 73%
male: 83%
female: 63% (2005 Census)

Latvia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2000 census)

Lebanon
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87.4%
male: 93.1%
female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

Lesotho
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.8%
male: 74.5%
female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

Liberia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.5%
male: 73.3%
female: 41.6% (2003 est.)

Libya
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 82.6%
male: 92.4%
female: 72% (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein
definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

Lithuania
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.6% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2000 est.)

Macau
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.3%
male: 95.3%
female: 87.8% (2001 census)

Macedonia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.1%
male: 98.2%
female: 94.1% (2002 census)

Madagascar
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68.9%
male: 75.5%
female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

Malawi
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 62.7%
male: 76.1%
female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

Malaysia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 88.7%
male: 92%
female: 85.4% (2000 census)

Maldives
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.8%
male: 93%
female: 94.7% (2006 Census)

Mali
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 46.4%
male: 53.5%
female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

Malta
definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 92.8%
male: 91.7%
female: 93.9% (2005 Census)

Marshall Islands
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.7%
male: 93.6%
female: 93.7% (1999)

Mauritania
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 51.2%
male: 59.5%
female: 43.4% (2000 census)

Mauritius
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.4%
male: 88.4%
female: 80.5% (2000 census)

Mayotte
86%

Mexico
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.1%
male: 86.9%
female: 85.3% (2005 Census)

Micronesia, Federated States of
definition: age 15 and over can read
and write
total population: 89%
male: 91%
female: 88% (1980 est.)

Moldova
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.1%
male: 99.7%
female: 98.6% (2005 est.)

Monaco
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Mongolia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 98%
female: 97.5% (2000 census)

Montserrat
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1970 est.)

Morocco
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 52.3%
male: 65.7%
female: 39.6% (2004 census)

Mozambique
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47.8%
male: 63.5%
female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

Namibia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 85%
male: 86.8%
female: 83.5% (2001 census)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.6%
male: 62.7%
female: 34.9% (2001 census)

Netherlands
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

New Caledonia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.2%
male: 96.8%
female: 95.5% (1996 census)

New Zealand
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Nicaragua
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 67.5%
male: 67.2%
female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

Niger
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 28.7%
male: 42.9%
female: 15.1% (2005 est.)

Nigeria
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68%
male: 75.7%
female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

Niue
definition: NA
total population: 95%
male: NA
female: NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
definition: age 15 and over can read and
write
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 96% (1980 est.)

Norway
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

Oman
definition: NA
total population: 81.4%
male: 86.8%
female: 73.5% (2003 census)

Pakistan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 49.9%
male: 63%
female: 36% (2005 est.)

Palau
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92%
male: 93%
female: 90% (1980 est.)

Panama
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.9%
male: 92.5%
female: 91.2% (2000 census)

Papua New Guinea
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 57.3%
male: 63.4%
female: 50.9% (2000 census)

Paraguay
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94%
male: 94.9%
female: 93% (2003 est.)

Peru
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.9%
male: 96.4%
female: 89.4% (2007 Census)

Philippines
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 92.5%
female: 92.7% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

Portugal
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.3%
male: 95.5%
female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.1%
male: 93.9%
female: 94.4% (2002 est.)

Qatar
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89%
male: 89.1%
female: 88.6% (2004 census)

Romania
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.3%
male: 98.4%
female: 96.3% (2002 census)

Russia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2002 census)

Rwanda
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 70.4%
male: 76.3%
female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
definition: age 20 and
over can read and write
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 98% (1987 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended
school
total population: 97.8%
male: NA
female: NA (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 90.1%
male: 89.5%
female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
definition: age 15 and over can read and
write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (1982 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
definition: age 15 and over has
ever attended school
total population: 96%
male: 96%
female: 96% (1970 est.)

Samoa
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

San Marino
definition: age 10 and over can read and write
total population: 96%
male: 97%
female: 95%

Sao Tome and Principe
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 84.9%
male: 92.2%
female: 77.9% (2001 census)

Saudi Arabia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 78.8%
male: 84.7%
female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

Senegal
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 39.3%
male: 51.1%
female: 29.2% (2002 est.)

Serbia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.4%
male: 98.9%
female: 94.1% (2003 census)
note: includes Montenegro

Seychelles
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 91.8%
male: 91.4%
female: 92.3% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
definition: age 15 and over can read and write English,
Mende, Temne, or Arabic
total population: 35.1%
male: 46.9%
female: 24.4% (2004 est.)

Singapore
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.5%
male: 96.6%
female: 88.6% (2000 census)

Slovakia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.6% (2004)

Slovenia
definition: NA
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.6%

Solomon Islands
NA

Somalia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 37.8%
male: 49.7%
female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

South Africa
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 86.4%
male: 87%
female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

Spain
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.9%
male: 98.7%
female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.7%
male: 92.3%
female: 89.1% (2001 census)

Sudan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 61.1%
male: 71.8%
female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

Suriname
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.6%
male: 92%
female: 87.2% (2004 census)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 81.6%
male: 82.6%
female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

Sweden
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Switzerland
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Syria
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 79.6%
male: 86%
female: 73.6% (2004 census)

Taiwan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.1%
male: NA
female: NA (2003)

Tajikistan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.5%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2000 census)

Tanzania
definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili
(Swahili), English, or Arabic
total population: 69.4%
male: 77.5%
female: 62.2% (2002 census)

Thailand
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 94.9%
female: 90.5% (2000 census)

Timor-Leste
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 58.6%
male: NA
female: NA (2002)

Togo
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 60.9%
male: 75.4%
female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English
total population: 98.9%
male: 98.8%
female: 99% (1999 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.6%
male: 99.1%
female: 98% (2003 est.)

Tunisia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74.3%
male: 83.4%
female: 65.3% (2004 census)

Turkey
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 87.4%
male: 95.3%
female: 79.6% (2004 est.)

Turkmenistan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.8%
male: 99.3%
female: 98.3% (1999 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
definition: age 15 and over has ever
attended school
total population: 98%
male: 99%
female: 98% (1970 est.)

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 66.8%
male: 76.8%
female: 57.7% (2002 census)

Ukraine
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.4%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.2% (2001 census)

United Arab Emirates
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 77.9%
male: 76.1%
female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

United Kingdom
definition: age 15 and over has completed five or
more years of schooling
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

United States
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Uruguay
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 97.6%
female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.3%
male: 99.6%
female: 99% (2003 est.)

Vanuatu
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74%
male: NA
female: NA (1999 census)

Venezuela
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93%
male: 93.3%
female: 92.7% (2001 census)

Vietnam
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.3%
male: 93.9%
female: 86.9% (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90-95% est.
male: NA
female: NA (2005 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 50%
male: 50%
female: 50% (1969 est.)

West Bank
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.4%
male: 96.7%
female: 88% (2004 est.)

Western Sahara
NA

World
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 82%
male: 87%
female: 77%
note: over two-thirds of the world's 785 million illiterate adults
are found in only eight countries (Bangladesh, China, Egypt,
Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan); of all the
illiterate adults in the world, two-thirds are women; extremely low
literacy rates are concentrated in three regions, the Arab states,
South and West Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where around one-third
of the men and half of all women are illiterate (2005 est.)

Yemen
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 50.2%
male: 70.5%
female: 30% (2003 est.)

Zambia
definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
total population: 80.6%
male: 86.8%
female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe
definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
total population: 90.7%
male: 94.2%
female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

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

@2105

Field Listing :: Manpower available for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Country

Manpower available for military service

Afghanistan
males age 16-49: 6,800,888
females age 16-49: 6,413,647 (2010 est.)

Albania
males age 16-49: 947,446
females age 16-49: 910,145 (2010 est.)

Algeria
males age 16-49: 10,113,472
females age 16-49: 9,959,693 (2010 est.)

Andorra
males age 16-49: 22,776 (2010 est.)

Angola
males age 16-49: 2,991,424
females age 16-49: 2,893,898 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
males age 16-49: 3,611 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
males age 16-49: 20,909
females age 16-49: 23,815 (2010 est.)

Argentina
males age 16-49: 9,934,765
females age 16-49: 9,868,008 (2010 est.)

Armenia
males age 16-49: 809,293
females age 16-49: 862,679 (2010 est.)

Aruba
males age 16-49: 24,779
females age 16-49: 26,090 (2010 est.)

Australia
males age 16-49: 5,275,667
females age 16-49: 5,082,543 (2010 est.)

Austria
males age 16-49: 1,960,781
females age 16-49: 1,926,134 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
males age 16-49: 2,336,611
females age 16-49: 2,329,275 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
males age 16-49: 84,903 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
males age 16-49: 208,365
females age 16-49: 174,375 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
males age 16-49: 36,560,110 (2010 est.)

Barbados
males age 16-49: 74,418
females age 16-49: 74,450 (2010 est.)

Belarus
males age 16-49: 2,435,318
females age 16-49: 2,466,762 (2010 est.)

Belgium
males age 16-49: 2,377,191
females age 16-49: 2,309,941 (2010 est.)

Belize
males age 16-49: 79,088
females age 16-49: 77,147 (2010 est.)

Benin
males age 16-49: 2,023,449
females age 16-49: 1,971,788 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
males age 16-49: 15,217 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
males age 16-49: 198,553
females age 16-49: 176,226 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
males age 16-49: 2,415,712
females age 16-49: 2,482,359 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
males age 16-49: 1,194,832
females age 16-49: 1,156,698 (2010 est.)

Botswana
males age 16-49: 543,097
females age 16-49: 520,896 (2010 est.)

Brazil
males age 16-49: 52,942,805
females age 16-49: 53,038,688 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
males age 16-49: 7,230 (2010 est.)

Brunei
males age 16-49: 111,166
females age 16-49: 115,071 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
males age 16-49: 1,660,930
females age 16-49: 1,646,170 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
males age 16-49: 3,608,963 (2010 est.)

Burma
males age 16-49: 14,558,921
females age 16-49: 14,539,703 (2010 est.)

Burundi
males age 16-49: 2,099,541
females age 16-49: 2,118,918 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
males age 16-49: 3,980,995
females age 16-49: 3,970,244 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
males age 16-49: 4,553,576
females age 16-49: 4,443,217 (2010 est.)

Canada
males age 16-49: 8,051,656
females age 16-49: 7,780,644 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
males age 16-49: 128,858
females age 16-49: 133,581 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
males age 16-49: 12,108 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
males age 16-49: 1,121,548
females age 16-49: 1,118,432 (2010 est.)

Chad
males age 16-49: 2,025,929
females age 16-49: 2,377,898 (2010 est.)

Chile
males age 16-49: 4,301,900
females age 16-49: 4,232,956 (2010 est.)

China
males age 16-49: 381,747,145
females age 16-49: 360,385,629 (2010 est.)

Colombia
males age 16-49: 11,556,939
females age 16-49: 11,609,122 (2010 est.)

Comoros
males age 16-49: 178,670
females age 16-49: 177,811 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
males age 16-49: 15,192,858 (2010
est.)

Congo, Republic of the
males age 16-49: 898,850
females age 16-49: 886,063 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
males age 16-49: 1,241,183
females age 16-49: 1,217,037 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
males age 16-49: 5,094,762
females age 16-49: 4,895,446 (2010 est.)

Croatia
males age 16-49: 1,021,904
females age 16-49: 1,023,465 (2010 est.)

Cuba
males age 16-49: 3,078,049
females age 16-49: 3,004,713 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):
males age 16-49: 322,807
females age 16-49: 284,386 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
males age 16-49: 2,517,268
females age 16-49: 2,418,163 (2010 est.)

Denmark
males age 16-49: 1,235,947
females age 16-49: 1,221,386 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
males age 16-49: 165,000
females age 16-49: 213,894 (2010 est.)

Dominica
males age 16-49: 18,975 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
males age 16-49: 2,514,160
females age 16-49: 2,395,804 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
males age 16-49: 3,662,176
females age 16-49: 3,781,102 (2010 est.)

Egypt
males age 16-49: 20,619,887
females age 16-49: 19,785,004 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
males age 16-49: 1,426,142
females age 16-49: 1,590,778 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
males age 16-49: 146,241
females age 16-49: 146,138 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
males age 16-49: 1,307,012
females age 16-49: 1,319,682 (2010 est.)

Estonia
males age 16-49: 297,096
females age 16-49: 308,229 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
males age 16-49: 18,485,269
females age 16-49: 19,145,307 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
males age 16-49: 11,788 (2010 est.)

Fiji
males age 16-49: 248,020
females age 16-49: 243,468 (2010 est.)

Finland
males age 16-49: 1,160,812
females age 16-49: 1,111,743 (2010 est.)

France
males age 16-49: 14,591,656
females age 16-49: 14,285,551 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
males age 16-49: 81,794 (2010 est.)

Gabon
males age 16-49: 344,147
females age 16-49: 345,292 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
males age 16-49: 402,073
females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
males age 16-49: 372,843 (2010 est.)

Georgia
males age 16-49: 1,094,390
females age 16-49: 1,140,758 (2010 est.)

Germany
males age 16-49: 19,195,804
females age 16-49: 18,159,851 (2010 est.)

Ghana
males age 16-49: 6,126,707
females age 16-49: 6,058,958 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
males age 16-49: 6,949 (2010 est.)

Greece
males age 16-49: 2,502,268
females age 16-49: 2,486,171 (2010 est.)

Greenland
males age 16-49: 15,474 (2010 est.)

Grenada
males age 16-49: 27,453 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
males age 16-49: 3,062,027
females age 16-49: 3,266,655 (2010 est.)

Guinea
males age 16-49: 2,292,338
females age 16-49: 2,264,589 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
males age 16-49: 361,785
females age 16-49: 363,488 (2010 est.)

Guyana
males age 16-49: 189,456 (2010 est.)

Haiti
males age 16-49: 2,283,915
females age 16-49: 2,250,220 (2010 est.)

Honduras
males age 16-49: 1,989,556
females age 16-49: 1,939,462 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
males age 16-49: 1,729,179
females age 16-49: 1,899,296 (2010 est.)

Hungary
males age 16-49: 2,380,381
females age 16-49: 2,319,142 (2010 est.)

Iceland
males age 16-49: 75,259 (2010 est.)

India
males age 16-49: 313,905,989
females age 16-49: 291,755,100 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
males age 16-49: 65,166,986
females age 16-49: 62,715,534 (2010 est.)

Iran
males age 16-49: 20,763,890
females age 16-49: 20,157,570 (2010 est.)

Iraq
males age 16-49: 7,541,723
females age 16-49: 7,238,553 (2010 est.)

Ireland
males age 16-49: 1,031,985
females age 16-49: 1,030,606 (2010 est.)

Israel
males age 16-49: 1,771,661
females age 16-49: 1,687,698 (2010 est.)

Italy
males age 16-49: 13,705,846
females age 16-49: 12,929,946 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
males age 16-49: 712,627
females age 16-49: 730,845 (2010 est.)

Japan
males age 16-49: 27,461,338
females age 16-49: 26,478,466 (2010 est.)

Jordan
males age 16-49: 1,646,215
females age 16-49: 1,579,268 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
males age 16-49: 4,176,999
females age 16-49: 4,202,422 (2010 est.)

Kenya
males age 16-49: 9,525,556
females age 16-49: 9,242,381 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
males age 16-49: 24,734 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
males age 16-49: 6,132,987
females age 16-49: 6,119,405 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
males age 16-49: 13,274,442
females age 16-49: 12,542,699 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
males age 16-49: 1,131,529
females age 16-49: 612,126 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
males age 16-49: 1,439,750
females age 16-49: 1,455,806 (2010 est.)

Laos
males age 16-49: 1,633,725
females age 16-49: 1,654,235 (2010 est.)

Latvia
males age 16-49: 554,943
females age 16-49: 550,700 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
males age 16-49: 1,075,503
females age 16-49: 1,112,139 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
males age 16-49: 469,509
females age 16-49: 505,707 (2010 est.)

Liberia
males age 16-49: 797,084
females age 16-49: 808,017 (2010 est.)

Libya
males age 16-49: 1,746,512
females age 16-49: 1,683,390 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
males age 16-49: 8,041 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
males age 16-49: 900,746
females age 16-49: 887,843 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
males age 16-49: 117,892
females age 16-49: 116,517 (2010 est.)

Macau
males age 16-49: 150,712 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
males age 16-49: 530,966
females age 16-49: 511,534 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
males age 16-49: 4,745,274
females age 16-49: 4,750,188 (2010 est.)

Malawi
males age 16-49: 3,402,724 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
males age 16-49: 6,692,438
females age 16-49: 6,494,413 (2010 est.)

Maldives
males age 16-49: 158,307
females age 16-49: 97,166 (2010 est.)

Mali
males age 16-49: 2,759,648
females age 16-49: 2,894,776 (2010 est.)

Malta
males age 16-49: 95,899
females age 16-49: 91,412 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
males age 16-49: 16,138 (2010 est.)

Mauritania males age 16-49: 699,028 females age 16-49: 783,108 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
males age 16-49: 343,279 (2010 est.)

Mexico
males age 16-49: 28,475,126
females age 16-49: 30,048,077 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
males age 16-49: 26,687 (2010 est.)

Moldova
males age 16-49: 1,150,585
females age 16-49: 1,168,169 (2010 est.)

Monaco
males age 16-49: 5,814 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
males age 16-49: 887,059
females age 16-49: 880,788 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
males age 16-49: 1,339 (2010 est.)

Morocco
males age 16-49: 8,167,760
females age 16-49: 8,599,418 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
males age 16-49: 4,787,832 (2010 est.)

Namibia
males age 16-49: 554,531 (2010 est.)

Nauru
males age 16-49: 3,682 (2010 est.)

Nepal
males age 16-49: 6,699,614
females age 16-49: 7,388,240 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
males age 16-49: 3,927,311
females age 16-49: 3,831,110 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
males age 16-49: 59,612 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
males age 16-49: 1,017,575
females age 16-49: 1,003,087 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
males age 16-49: 1,605,398
females age 16-49: 1,594,270 (2010 est.)

Niger
males age 16-49: 3,202,237
females age 16-49: 3,151,521 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
males age 16-49: 36,203,921
females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Norway
males age 16-49: 1,078,562
females age 16-49: 1,049,529 (2010 est.)

Oman
males age 16-49: 964,200
females age 16-49: 714,421 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
males age 16-49: 45,829,360
females age 16-49: 41,716,682 (2010 est.)

Palau
males age 16-49: 6,955 (2010 est.)

Panama
males age 16-49: 878,281 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
males age 16-49: 1,532,378
females age 16-49: 1,440,528 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
males age 16-49: 1,640,761
females age 16-49: 1,637,460 (2010 est.)

Peru
males age 16-49: 7,920,056
females age 16-49: 7,795,130 (2010 est.)

Philippines
males age 16-49: 25,079,262
females age 16-49: 24,556,912 (2010 est.)

Poland
males age 16-49: 9,597,047
females age 16-49: 9,364,939 (2010 est.)

Portugal
males age 16-49: 2,572,007
females age 16-49: 2,474,719 (2010 est.)

Qatar
males age 16-49: 387,399
females age 16-49: 163,652 (2010 est.)

Romania
males age 16-49: 5,617,144
females age 16-49: 5,487,510 (2010 est.)

Russia
males age 16-49: 34,850,217
females age 16-49: 35,693,977 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
males age 16-49: 2,573,834
females age 16-49: 2,553,707 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
males age 16-49: 13,510
females age 16-49: 13,075 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
males age 16-49: 41,177 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
males age 16-49: 27,940 (2010 est.)

Samoa
males age 16-49: 47,423 (2010 est.)

San Marino
males age 16-49: 6,893 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
males age 16-49: 38,211
females age 16-49: 38,929 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
males age 16-49: 8,752,167
females age 16-49: 6,680,315 (2010 est.)

Senegal
males age 16-49: 3,211,279
females age 16-49: 3,250,128 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
males age 16-49: 26,040
females age 16-49: 23,961 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
males age 16-49: 1,156,724 (2010 est.)

Singapore
males age 16-49: 1,266,426 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
males age 16-49: 1,413,079
females age 16-49: 1,377,754 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
males age 16-49: 483,488
females age 16-49: 470,325 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
males age 16-49: 150,987 (2010 est.)

Somalia
males age 16-49: 2,261,704
females age 16-49: 2,217,584 (2010 est.)

South Africa
males age 16-49: 13,508,255
females age 16-49: 12,541,371 (2010 est.)

Spain
males age 16-49: 9,851,306
females age 16-49: 9,574,929 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
males age 16-49: 5,493,050
females age 16-49: 5,622,632 (2010 est.)

Sudan
males age 16-49: 10,264,087
females age 16-49: 9,894,457 (2010 est.)

Suriname
males age 16-49: 133,417
females age 16-49: 133,487 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
males age 16-49: 336,436 (2010 est.)

Sweden
males age 16-49: 2,065,782
females age 16-49: 1,995,451 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
males age 16-49: 1,839,382
females age 16-49: 1,797,317 (2010 est.)

Syria
males age 16-49: 5,766,853
females age 16-49: 5,540,828 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
males age 16-49: 6,218,009
females age 16-49: 6,038,964 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
males age 16-49: 1,980,012
females age 16-49: 1,990,084 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
males age 16-49: 9,683,768 (2010 est.)

Thailand
males age 16-49: 17,650,648
females age 16-49: 17,762,077 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
males age 16-49: 299,008
females age 16-49: 286,465 (2010 est.)

Togo
males age 16-49: 1,462,206
females age 16-49: 1,463,189 (2010 est.)

Tonga
males age 16-49: 34,254
females age 16-49: 32,974 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
males age 16-49: 347,044
females age 16-49: 323,847 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
males age 16-49: 3,065,431
females age 16-49: 2,974,060 (2010 est.)

Turkey
males age 16-49: 20,832,658
females age 16-49: 20,337,037 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
males age 16-49: 1,360,898
females age 16-49: 1,368,265 (2010 est.)

Uganda
males age 16-49: 6,972,134
females age 16-49: 6,752,005 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
males age 16-49: 11,149,646
females age 16-49: 11,437,891 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates males age 16-49: 2,589,714 (includes non-nationals) females age 16-49: 950,460 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
males age 16-49: 14,732,445
females age 16-49: 14,118,320 (2010 est.)

United States
males age 16-49: 73,145,586
females age 16-49: 71,880,788 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
males age 16-49: 849,358
females age 16-49: 832,774 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
males age 16-49: 7,776,645
females age 16-49: 7,783,901 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
males age 16-49: 61,178 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
males age 16-49: 6,891,648
females age 16-49: 7,047,565 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
males age 16-49: 25,402,395
females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)

Yemen
males age 16-49: 5,458,642
females age 16-49: 5,205,387 (2010 est.)

Zambia
males age 16-49: 2,824,372
females age 16-49: 2,685,883 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
males age 16-49: 2,366,038
females age 16-49: 2,742,036 (2010 est.)

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

@2106

Field Listing :: Maritime claims

This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the mean low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states. contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea). exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof. exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g., the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles. Country

Maritime claims

Afghanistan
none (landlocked)

Albania
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Algeria
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm

American Samoa
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Andorra
none (landlocked)

Angola
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Anguilla
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Antarctica
Australia, Chile, and Argentina claim Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ) rights or similar over 200 nm extensions seaward from
their continental claims, but like the claims themselves, these
zones are not accepted by other countries; 21 of 28 Antarctic
consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory
(although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do
not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes
- international entry

Antigua and Barbuda
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Argentina
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Armenia
none (landlocked)

Aruba
territorial sea: 12 nm

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Australia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Austria
none (landlocked)

Azerbaijan
none (landlocked)

Bahamas, The
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Bahrain
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

Bangladesh
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

Barbados territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Belarus
none (landlocked)

Belgium
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
continental shelf: median line with neighbors

Belize
territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note
- from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's
territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act,
1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for
negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with
Guatemala
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Benin
territorial sea: 200 nm

Bermuda
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Bhutan
none (landlocked)

Bolivia
none (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
no data available

Botswana
none (landlocked)

Bouvet Island
territorial sea: 4 nm

Brazil
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

British Indian Ocean Territory
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

British Virgin Islands
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Brunei
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line

Bulgaria
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Burkina Faso
none (landlocked)

Burma
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Burundi
none (landlocked)

Cambodia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Cameroon
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm

Canada
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Cape Verde
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Cayman Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Central African Republic
none (landlocked)

Chad
none (landlocked)

Chile
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200/350 nm

China
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Christmas Island territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Clipperton Island
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Colombia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Comoros
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors

Congo, Republic of the
territorial sea: 200 nm

Cook Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Coral Sea Islands territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Costa Rica
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Cote d'Ivoire
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Croatia
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Cuba
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Curacao
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Cyprus
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Czech Republic
none (landlocked)

Denmark
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Djibouti
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Dominica
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Dominican Republic
measured from claimed archipelagic straight
baselines
territorial sea: 6 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Ecuador
territorial sea: 200 nm
continental shelf: 100 nm from 2,500-m isobath

Egypt
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

El Salvador territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Equatorial Guinea territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Eritrea
territorial sea: 12 nm

Estonia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with
neighboring states

Ethiopia
none (landlocked)

European Union
NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Faroe Islands
territorial sea: 3 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Fiji
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation;
rectilinear shelf claim added

Finland
territorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary
with Sweden
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

France
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean)
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

French Polynesia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses
(does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands);
Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Gabon
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Gambia, The
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: extent not specified

Gaza Strip
Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the
Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be
determined through further negotiation

Georgia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Germany
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Ghana
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Gibraltar
territorial sea: 3 nm

Greece
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Greenland
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Grenada
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guam
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guatemala
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Guernsey
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Guinea
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guinea-Bissau
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guyana
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental
margin

Haiti
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Holy See (Vatican City)
none (landlocked)

Honduras
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 nm

Hong Kong
territorial sea: 3 nm

Hungary
none (landlocked)

Iceland
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

India
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Indonesia
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Iran
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the
Persian Gulf
continental shelf: natural prolongation

Iraq
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Ireland
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Isle of Man
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Israel
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Italy
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Jamaica
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Jan Mayen
territorial sea: 4 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Japan
territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the
international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and
Eastern and Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Jersey
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Jordan
territorial sea: 3 nm

Kazakhstan
none (landlocked)

Kenya
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Kiribati
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Korea, North
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
note: military boundary line 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the
exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign
vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Korea, South
territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the
Korea Strait
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Kosovo
none (landlocked)

Kuwait
territorial sea: 12 nm

Kyrgyzstan
none (landlocked)

Laos
none (landlocked)

Latvia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Lebanon
territorial sea: 12 nm

Lesotho
none (landlocked)

Liberia
territorial sea: 200 nm

Libya
territorial sea: 12 nm
note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north
exclusive fishing zone: 62 nm

Liechtenstein
none (landlocked)

Lithuania
territorial sea: 12 nm

Luxembourg
none (landlocked)

Macau
not specified

Macedonia
none (landlocked)

Madagascar
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath

Malawi
none (landlocked)

Malaysia
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation;
specified boundary in the South China Sea

Maldives
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mali
none (landlocked)

Malta
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm

Marshall Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mauritania
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Mauritius
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Mayotte
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mexico
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Micronesia, Federated States of territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Moldova
none (landlocked)

Monaco
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Mongolia
none (landlocked)

Montenegro
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: defined by treaty

Montserrat
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Morocco
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Mozambique
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Namibia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Nauru
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Navassa Island territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Nepal none (landlocked)

Netherlands territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

New Caledonia territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

New Zealand
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Nicaragua
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: natural prolongation

Niger
none (landlocked)

Nigeria
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Niue
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Norfolk Island
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Northern Mariana Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Norway
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Oman
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Pakistan
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Palau
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Panama
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Papua New Guinea
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Paracel Islands
NA

Paraguay
none (landlocked)

Peru
territorial sea: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Philippines
territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100
nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has
also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm
in breadth
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Pitcairn Islands
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Poland
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

Portugal
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Puerto Rico
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Qatar
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or
the median line

Romania
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Russia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Rwanda
none (landlocked)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Saint Kitts and Nevis
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Saint Lucia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Saint Pierre and Miquelon territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm

Samoa
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

San Marino
none (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Saudi Arabia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: not specified

Senegal
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Serbia
none (landlocked)

Seychelles
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Sierra Leone
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Singapore
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as
defined in treaties and practice

Sint Maarten territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Slovakia
none (landlocked)

Slovenia
territorial sea: 12 nm

Solomon Islands measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm

Somalia territorial sea: 200 nm

South Africa territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Spain
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

Spratly Islands
NA

Sri Lanka
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Sudan
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Suriname
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Svalbard
territorial sea: 4 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but
not recognized by Russia

Swaziland
none (landlocked)

Sweden
territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion
of straits to high seas)
exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Switzerland
none (landlocked)

Syria
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm

Taiwan
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tajikistan
none (landlocked)

Tanzania
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Thailand
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Timor-Leste
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Togo
territorial sea: 30 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tokelau
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tonga
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Trinidad and Tobago measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Tunisia
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Turkey
territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea; 12 nm in Black Sea
and in Mediterranean Sea
exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime boundary
agreed upon with the former USSR

Turkmenistan
none (landlocked)

Turks and Caicos Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Tuvalu
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Uganda
none (landlocked)

Ukraine
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m or to the depth of exploitation

United Arab Emirates
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

United Kingdom
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in
accordance with agreed upon boundaries

United States
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: not specified

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Uruguay
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Uzbekistan
none (doubly landlocked)

Vanuatu
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Venezuela
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 15 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Vietnam
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Virgin Islands
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Wake Island
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Wallis and Futuna
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

West Bank
none (landlocked)

Western Sahara
contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

World
a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries
make the following claims measured from the mean low-tide baseline
as described in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea:
territorial sea - 12 nm, contiguous zone - 24 nm, and exclusive
economic zone - 200 nm; additional zones provide for exploitation of
continental shelf resources and an exclusive fishing zone; boundary
situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from
extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm

Yemen
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Zambia
none (landlocked)

Zimbabwe
none (landlocked)

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

@2107

Field Listing :: International organization participation

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

International organization participation

Afghanistan
ADB, CICA, CP, ECO, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Albania
BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Algeria
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-24,
G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

American Samoa
AOSIS, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC, UPU

Andorra
CE, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU,
OIF, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WTO (observer)

Angola
ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OPEC,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Anguilla
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Antigua and Barbuda
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS,
OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Argentina
AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN
(associate), FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer),
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Armenia
ADB, BSEC, CE, CIS, CSTO, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO,
GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS
(observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Aruba
Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC,
UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU

Australia
ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia
Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD,
OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer),
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Austria
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,
EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP,
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,
UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Azerbaijan
ADB, BSEC, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM
(observer), OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer),
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO (observer)

Bahamas, The
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO (observer)

Bahrain
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC,
OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bangladesh
ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO,
G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Barbados
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Belarus
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC,
EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, NSG,
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Belgium
ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members),
Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA,
EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen
Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Belize
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Benin
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WAEMU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bermuda
Caricom (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UPU,
WCO

Bhutan
ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Bolivia
CAN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bosnia and Herzegovina
BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP,
SECI, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Botswana
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Brazil
AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, CAN (associate), CPLP, FAO,
FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer),
Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

British Virgin Islands
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol
(subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Brunei
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDB, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bulgaria
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Burkina Faso
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Burma
ADB, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Burundi
ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cambodia
ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA (observer), EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cameroon
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Canada
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC,
Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS,
C, CDB, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Cape Verde
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cayman Islands
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC,
UNESCO (associate), UPU

Central African Republic
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Chad
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Chile
APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD, OPANAL,
OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

China
ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue
partner), BIS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer),
G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG,
OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO,
SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Christmas Island
none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none

Colombia
BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Comoros
ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
InOC, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, FAO,
G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Congo, Republic of the
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cook Islands
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS,
IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Costa Rica
BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM
(observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Cote d'Ivoire
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ,
G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Croatia
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD,
EU (applicant), FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer),
NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI,
UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Cuba
ACP, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since
1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cyprus
Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF
(associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Czech Republic
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Denmark
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA,
EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,
OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Djibouti
ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF,
OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Dominica
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Dominican Republic
ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), FAO, G-77,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ecuador
CAN, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Egypt
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CICA,
COMESA, D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

El Salvador
BCIE, CACM, CD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer),
MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Equatorial Guinea
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP (associate),
FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Eritrea
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Estonia
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ethiopia
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

European Union
European Union: ARF (dialogue member), ASEAN
(dialogue member), FAO, G-8, G-20, IDA, OAS (observer), PIF
(partner), SAARC (observer), UN (observer), WTO
European Commission: Australian Group, CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FATF, G-10,
IEA, LAIA WTO, ZC (observer)
European Central Bank: BIS
European Investment Bank: EBRD

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
UPU

Faroe Islands
Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO
(associate), UPU

Fiji
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Finland
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOGIP,
UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

France
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer),
CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF,
FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

French Polynesia
ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
UPU

Gabon
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Gambia, The
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Georgia
ADB, BSEC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer),
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Germany
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS,
CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5,
G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Ghana
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Gibraltar
Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Greece
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Greenland
Arctic Council, NC, NIB, UPU

Grenada
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC,
LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Guam
IOC, SPC, UPU

Guatemala
BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer),
MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe,
RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guernsey
UPU

Guinea
ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), ECOWAS (suspended), FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guinea-Bissau
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
(regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guyana
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Haiti
ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Holy See (Vatican City)
IAEA, Interpol, IOM (observer), ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto
member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, Union Latina (observer),
UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Honduras
BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC
(suspended), IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OAS (suspended), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG (suspended), SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Hong Kong
ADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC, IHO, IMF, IMO (associate),
Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC, UNWTO
(associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Hungary
Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Iceland
Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD,
EFTA, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,
OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

India
ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CD, CERN (observer), CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF,
G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW,
PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNITAR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Indonesia
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS,
FAO, G-11, G-15, G-20, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Iran
CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
PCA, SAARC (observer), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Iraq
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO (observer)

Ireland
ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC,
EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG,
OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Isle of Man
UPU

Israel
BIS, BSEC (observer), CERN (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Paris Club
(associate), PCA, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Italy
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner),
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Jamaica
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Japan
ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue
partner), Australia Group, BIS, CERN (observer), CICA (observer),
CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Jordan
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kazakhstan
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), NSG,
OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Kenya
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kiribati
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Korea, North
ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Korea, South
ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN
(dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD,
FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA,
PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO, ZC

Kosovo
IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC, MIGA

Kuwait
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU,
FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club
(associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kyrgyzstan
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM
(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Laos
ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber),
ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Latvia
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Lebanon
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Lesotho
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Liberia
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Libya
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Liechtenstein
CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention (de
facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTO

Lithuania
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG,
OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Luxembourg
ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, Benelux, CE,
EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Macau
IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO
(correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Macedonia
BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Madagascar
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF,
OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Malawi
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Malaysia
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8,
EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF
(partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Maldives
ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mali
ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
(regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Malta
Australia Group, C, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OPCW,
OSCE, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Marshall Islands
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Mauritania
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mauritius
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, CPLP (associate), FAO,
G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SAARC (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mayotte
InOC, UPU

Mexico
APEC, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB,
CSN (observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-3, G-15, G-24, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR
(observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Micronesia, Federated States of
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Moldova
BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU,
GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Monaco
CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE,
Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Mongolia
ADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW,
OSCE (partner), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Montenegro
CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Montserrat
Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Morocco
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner),
Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mozambique
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Namibia
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Nauru
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW,
PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Nepal
ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO,
NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Netherlands
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS
(observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

New Caledonia
ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU

New Zealand
ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on
11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia
Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OECD,
OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Nicaragua
BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Niger
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
(regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Nigeria
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, D-8, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Niue
ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU,
WHO, WMO

Norfolk Island
UPU

Northern Mariana Islands
SPC, UPU

Norway
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA,
ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Oman
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Pakistan
ADB, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C, CICA, CP, D-8, ECO,
FAO, G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC,
OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Palau
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
IMF, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
WHO

Panama
BCIE, CAN (observer), CSN (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNASUR
(observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Papua New Guinea
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C,
CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Paraguay
CAN (associate), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO,
Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Peru
APEC, CAN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur
(associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Philippines
ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer),
CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF
(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Pitcairn Islands
SPC, UPU

Poland
Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC
(observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG,
OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Portugal
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA,
EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen
Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary),
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIT, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Puerto Rico
Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC,
UNWTO (associate), UPU

Qatar
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA (observer), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS,
MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Romania
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC,
EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Russia
APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS,
BSEC, CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD,
FAO, FATF, G-20, G-8, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NSG,
OAS (observer), OECD (accession state), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Rwanda
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Saint Barthelemy
UPU

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
UPU

Saint Kitts and Nevis
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Saint Lucia
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Saint Martin
UPU

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
UPU, WFTU

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO,
G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS,
OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WTO

Samoa
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

San Marino
CE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Sao Tome and Principe
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Saudi Arabia
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO,
G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Senegal
ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15,
G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Serbia
BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM
(observer), OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Seychelles
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO (observer)

Sierra Leone
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Singapore
ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FATF, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW,
PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Slovakia
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE,
CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Slovenia
Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Solomon Islands
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW,
PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Somalia
ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

South Africa
ACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC,
UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Spain
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union
Latina, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Sri Lanka
ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC,
SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Sudan
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Suriname
ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW,
PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Svalbard
none

Swaziland
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Sweden
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA,
EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,
OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Switzerland
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Syria
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Taiwan
ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WTO

Tajikistan
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77,
GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA,
NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Tanzania
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, EAC, EADB, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Thailand
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO,
G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE
(partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Timor-Leste
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN (observer), CPLP, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO

Togo
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Tokelau
PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Tonga
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW,
PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Trinidad and Tobago
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-24, G-77,
IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS,
OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Tunisia
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), FAO,
G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Turkey
ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE,
CERN (observer), CICA, D-8, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EU (applicant), FAO,
FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO, ZC

Turkmenistan
ADB, CIS (associate member, has not ratified the 1993
CIS charter although it participates in meetings), EAPC, EBRD, ECO,
FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Turks and Caicos Islands
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol
(subbureau), UPU

Tuvalu
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFRCS (observer), ILO,
IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UPU, WHO

Uganda
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ukraine
Australia Group, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, CICA
(observer), CIS (participating member, has not signed the 1993 CIS
charter although it participates in meetings), EAEC (observer),
EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU,
ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS
(observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI (observer),
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

United Arab Emirates
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

United Kingdom
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, C, CBSS (observer),
CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7,
G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer),
UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

United States
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
ANZUS, APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CERN
(observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5,
G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS,
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer),
SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Uruguay
CAN (associate), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN,
UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Uzbekistan
ADB, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Vanuatu
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS
(observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Venezuela
Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS
(observer), Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
OPEC, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Vietnam
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Virgin Islands
IOC, UPU, WFTU

Wallis and Futuna
PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Western Sahara
AU, WFTU

Yemen
AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC,
OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Zambia
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA,
SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Zimbabwe
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

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

@2108

Field Listing :: Merchant marine

Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage
of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary
ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs,
etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships
by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries.
Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT
for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight
tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc.,
that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line.
GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the
entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers
and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton;
there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT.
Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo
ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers,
combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas
tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers,
petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar
carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships,
short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers.
Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong
to owners in another.
Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one
country but fly the flag of another.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Merchant marine

Albania
total: 25
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 23, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)
registered in other countries: 4 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 3)
(2010)

Algeria
total: 35
by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas
9, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 12 (UK 12) (2010)

Angola
total: 7
by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll
on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Spain 1)
registered in other countries: 15 (Bahamas 5, Liberia 1, Malta 7,
former Netherlands Antilles 2) (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
total: 1,219
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 53, cargo 703, carrier 6,
chemical tanker 4, container 412, liquefied gas 12, petroleum tanker
1, refrigerated cargo 9, roll on/roll off 16, vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 1,186 (Albania 1, Colombia 1, Denmark 20, Estonia 20,
Germany 1050, Greece 5, Iceland 9, Isle of Man 2, Latvia 16,
Lithuania 4, Mexico 2, Netherlands 18, Norway 9, NZ 2, Poland 2,
Russia 3, Slovenia 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 7, Turkey 7, US 6) (2010)

Argentina
total: 43
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, container 1,
passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 2
foreign-owned: 12 (Brazil 1, Chile 6, Spain 3, UK 2)
registered in other countries: 17 (Liberia 3, Panama 7, Paraguay 5,
Uruguay 2) (2010)

Australia
total: 45
by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 8, liquefied gas 4, passenger 6,
passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 20 (Canada 7, Germany 2, Netherlands 1, Norway 1,
Singapore 2, UK 5, US 2)
registered in other countries: 29 (Dominica 1, Fiji 2, Liberia 2,
Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 1, NZ 1, Panama 5, Singapore 11,
Tonga 1, UK 1, US 1, Vanuatu 2) (2010)

Austria
total: 2
by type: cargo 2
registered in other countries: 4 (Cyprus 1, Malta 1, Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines 2) (2010)

Azerbaijan
total: 92
by type: cargo 27, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker
48, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)
registered in other countries: 2 (Malta 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Bahamas, The
total: 1,170
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 229, cargo 191, carrier 2,
chemical tanker 80, combination ore/oil 8, container 50, liquefied
gas 78, passenger 100, passenger/cargo 29, petroleum tanker 222,
refrigerated cargo 106, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 2,
vehicle carrier 60
foreign-owned: 1,080 (Angola 5, Belgium 9, Bermuda 12, Brazil 1,
Canada 102, China 4, Croatia 1, Cyprus 14, Denmark 59, Finland 8,
France 19, Germany 39, Greece 209, Guernsey 6, Hong Kong 2,
Indonesia 2, Ireland 3, Italy 5, Japan 93, Jordan 2, Kuwait 2,
Malaysia 13, Monaco 14, Montenegro 2, Netherlands 22, Nigeria 2,
Norway 198, Poland 32, Saudi Arabia 16, Singapore 7, Slovenia 1,
Spain 9, Sweden 6, Switzerland 2, Thailand 4, Trinidad and Tobago 1,
Turkey 3, UAE 27, UK 24, US 100)
registered in other countries: 10 (Bolivia 1, Malta 1, Panama 7,
Peru 1) (2010)

Bahrain
total: 7
by type: bulk carrier 2, container 4, petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 5)
registered in other countries: 6 (Honduras 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis
1) (2010)

Bangladesh
total: 50
by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 25, container 5, petroleum tanker 4
foreign-owned: 4 (China 1, Singapore 3)
registered in other countries: 9 (Comoros 1, Malta 1, Panama 3,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 2)
(2010)

Barbados
total: 95
by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 55, chemical tanker 9, passenger 1,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 5, roll
on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 89 (Canada 13, Greece 14, Iran 4, Lebanon 2, Norway
41, Sweden 6, Syria 1, Turkey 1, UK 7)
registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Belgium
total: 81
by type: bulk carrier 21, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, container 4,
liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off
7
foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2)
registered in other countries: 104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2,
France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1,
Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1,
Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Belize
total: 231
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 37, cargo 146, chemical
tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 7,
refrigerated cargo 27, roll on/roll off 10
foreign-owned: 171 (Chile 1, China 64, Croatia 1, Cyprus 1, Estonia
1, Germany 1, Greece 2, Iceland 2, Italy 3, Japan 1, Latvia 10,
Lithuania 2, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 2, Norway 3, Peru 1, Russia 32,
Singapore 7, Spain 1, Syria 2, Turkey 18, UAE 5, UK 4, Ukraine 6)
(2010)

Bermuda
total: 139
by type: bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 15, liquefied
gas 38, passenger 26, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20,
refrigerated cargo 9
foreign-owned: 114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong
Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway
5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25)
registered in other countries: 180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3,
Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands
34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

Bolivia
total: 22
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 11, carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1,
petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 7 (Bahamas 1, Ecuador 1, Iran 1, Syria 4) (2010)

Brazil
total: 126
by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 18, chemical tanker 6, container 12,
liquefied gas 12, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 42, roll
on/roll off 7
foreign-owned: 26 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway
3, Spain 12)
registered in other countries: 27 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1,
Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3) (2010)

British Virgin Islands
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1)
(2008)

Brunei
total: 9
by type: chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 8 (2010)

Bulgaria
total: 37
by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas
2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 4,
specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 27 (Germany 25, Russia 2)
registered in other countries: 31 (Comoros 8, Malta 7, Panama 6,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10) (2010)

Burma
total: 26
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3,
specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Cyprus 1, Germany 1, Japan 1)
registered in other countries: 3 (Panama 3) (2010)

Cambodia
total: 620
by type: bulk carrier 40, cargo 526, carrier 5, chemical tanker 5,
container 5, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 7,
petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 426 (Belgium 1, Canada 2, China 203, Cyprus 8, Egypt
12, Estonia 1, French Polynesia 1, Gabon 1, Greece 2, Hong Kong 11,
Indonesia 2, Japan 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 6, Netherlands 1, Romania 1,
Russia 60, Singapore 4, South Korea 11, Syria 22, Taiwan 1, Turkey
26, UAE 2, UK 3, Ukraine 37, US 4, Vietnam 1) (2010)

Canada
total: 184
by type: bulk carrier 66, cargo 12, carrier 1, chemical tanker 14,
combination ore/oil 1, container 2, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 64,
petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 6
foreign-owned: 15 (France 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 4, US 9)
registered in other countries: 223 (Australia 7, Bahamas 102,
Barbados 13, Cambodia 2, Cyprus 2, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 70, Liberia
4, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Norway 1, Panama 5, Spain 5, US 1,
Vanuatu 5) (2010)

Cape Verde
total: 13
by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7
foreign-owned: 3 (Spain 1, UK 2) (2010)

Cayman Islands
total: 113
by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 3, chemical tanker 56, liquefied gas
1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 15
foreign-owned: 99 (Germany 6, Greece 11, Italy 6, Japan 19,
Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 54) (2010)

Chile
total: 48
by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 8, container 1,
liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 8,
roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)
registered in other countries: 48 (Argentina 6, Belize 1, Brazil 1,
Cyprus 1, Isle of Man 8, Liberia 7, Panama 17, Singapore 7) (2010)

China
total: 2,010
by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 571, cargo 639, carrier 5,
chemical tanker 98, container 204, liquefied gas 55, passenger 9,
passenger/cargo 83, petroleum tanker 271, refrigerated cargo 35,
roll on/roll off 9, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 24
foreign-owned: 18 (Germany 1, Hong Kong 15, Japan 2)
registered in other countries: 1,623 (Bahamas 4, Bangladesh 1,
Belize 64, Bermuda 13, Cambodia 203, Comoros 1, Cyprus 6, France 5,
Georgia 11, Germany 2, Honduras 2, Hong Kong 432, India 1, Indonesia
1, Kiribati 28, Liberia 10, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 16, North
Korea 1, Norway 25, Panama 574, Philippines 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis
1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 82, Sierra Leone 12, Singapore
26, South Korea 9, Thailand 1, Togo 2, Tuvalu 9, UK 7, unknown 59)
(2010)

Colombia
total: 13
by type: cargo 11, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1
registered in other countries: 3 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2)
(2010)

Comoros
total: 177
by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 102, carrier 5, chemical tanker 6,
container 2, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15,
refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 12
foreign-owned: 98 (Bangladesh 1, Bulgaria 8, China 1, Cyprus 2,
Greece 3, Kenya 1, Kuwait 1, Latvia 1, Lebanon 3, Lithuania 3,
Monaco 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 2, Pakistan 3, Russia 21, Syria 6,
Turkey 16, UAE 11, UK 1, Ukraine 10, US 2) (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 1
by type: petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
registered in other countries: 1 (Democratic
Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Cook Islands
total: 34
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 27, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 5
foreign-owned: 23 (Egypt 1, Germany 1, Latvia 1, Lithuania 2, former
Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 6, NZ 1, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey
4, UK 2) (2010)

Costa Rica
total: 1
by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Croatia
total: 75
by type: bulk carrier 24, cargo 7, chemical tanker 6,
passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1
foreign-owned: 2 (Norway 2)
registered in other countries: 33 (Bahamas 1, Belize 1, Liberia 2,
Malta 7, Marshall Islands 12, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 8) (2010)

Cuba
total: 5
by type: cargo 2, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 2
registered in other countries: 6 (Cyprus 1, former Netherlands
Antilles 1, Panama 4) (2010)

Cyprus
total: 839
by type: bulk carrier 267, cargo 173, chemical tanker 77, container
193, liquefied gas 10, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 24, petroleum
tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle
carrier 4
foreign-owned: 637 (Austria 1, Belgium 2, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, Chile
1, China 6, Cuba 1, Denmark 6, Estonia 7, France 16, Germany 189,
Greece 216, Hong Kong 2, India 2, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Israel 1,
Italy 6, Japan 19, Monaco 1, Netherlands 24, Norway 12, Philippines
1, Poland 20, Portugal 2, Russia 47, Singapore 1, Slovenia 4, Spain
7, Sweden 5, Syria 1, UAE 5, UK 7, Ukraine 2, US 7)
registered in other countries: 138 (Bahamas 14, Belize 1, Burma 1,
Cambodia 8, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 4, Hong Kong
3, Liberia 7, Malta 29, Marshall Islands 38, Norway 1, Panama 8,
Russia 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Sierra Leone 1,
Singapore 3, unknown 3) (2010)

Czech Republic
registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Denmark
total: 347
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 56, carrier 1, chemical tanker 104,
container 87, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker
38, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 6, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 32 (Germany 10, Greece 1, Iceland 3, Norway 2, Sweden
16)
registered in other countries: 592 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas
59, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 12, Georgia 1,
Gibraltar 6, Hong Kong 41, Isle of Man 26, Italy 4, Jamaica 1,
Liberia 4, Lithuania 8, Malaysia 1, Malta 41, Marshall Islands 7,
Mexico 2, Netherlands 36, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 11,
Panama 46, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19,
Singapore 125, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 15, UK 46, Uruguay 1,
US 34, Venezuela 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Dominica
total: 40
by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 20, chemical tanker 2, petroleum
tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 37 (Australia 1, Estonia 6, Germany 2, Greece 9,
India 2, Latvia 1, Norway 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 1,
Syria 2, Turkey 1, Ukraine 2)
registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1) (2010)

Dominican Republic
total: 1
by type: cargo 1
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008)

Ecuador
total: 41
by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1, passenger 9,
petroleum tanker 26, refrigerated cargo 1
registered in other countries: 7 (Bolivia 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Egypt
total: 66
by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 24, container 3, passenger/cargo 7,
petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 9
foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 1, France 1, Greece 8, Jordan 2, Lebanon
1)
registered in other countries: 52 (Cambodia 12, Cook Islands 1,
Georgia 11, Honduras 2, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 5,
Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 1,
Sierra Leone 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 4
by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1) (2010)

Eritrea
total: 4
by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Estonia
total: 24
by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum
tanker 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)
registered in other countries: 77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1,
Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16,
former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3,
Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ethiopia
total: 9
by type: cargo 8, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Faroe Islands
total: 26
by type: cargo 11, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 1,
passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

Fiji
total: 10
by type: passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

Finland
total: 93
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 26, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6,
container 3, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5,
roll on/roll off 28, vehicle carrier 3
foreign-owned: 6 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Norway 2)
registered in other countries: 52 (Bahamas 8, Germany 5, Gibraltar
2, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Netherlands 14, Norway 1, Panama 2, Sweden
16) (2010)

France
total: 167
by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 8, chemical tanker 36, container 25,
liquefied gas 12, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 44, petroleum tanker
17, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11
foreign-owned: 57 (Belgium 7, China 5, Denmark 12, French Polynesia
12, Germany 1, New Caledonia 3, Norway 1, NZ 1, Singapore 3, Spain
1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 5)
registered in other countries: 146 (Bahamas 19, Belgium 5, Bermuda
1, Canada 1, Cyprus 16, Egypt 1, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Italy 2,
Luxembourg 16, Malta 13, Morocco 4, Netherlands 2, Norway 4, Panama
13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 3, South Korea 1,
Taiwan 1, UK 33, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

French Polynesia
registered in other countries: 13 (Cambodia 1,
France 12) (2010)

Gabon
registered in other countries: 2 (Cambodia 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Gambia, The
total: 5
by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

Georgia
total: 193
by type: bulk carrier 18, cargo 151, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3,
container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 3,
refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 7, vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 132 (China 11, Denmark 1, Egypt 11, Germany 4, Greece
3, Hong Kong 4, Israel 1, Italy 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1,
Romania 7, Russia 7, Syria 35, Turkey 22, UAE 1, UK 4, Ukraine 15,
US 1)
registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Germany
total: 421
by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 7, cargo 44, carrier 1,
chemical tanker 15, container 293, liquefied gas 7, passenger 4,
passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 10 (China 2, Finland 5, Greece 1, Sweden 1,
Switzerland 1)
registered in other countries: 3,287 (Antigua and Barbuda 1050,
Australia 2, Bahamas 39, Belize 1, Bermuda 15, Brazil 6, Bulgaria
25, Burma 1, Cayman Islands 6, China 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 189,
Denmark 10, Dominica 2, Estonia 1, France 1, Georgia 4, Gibraltar
125, Hong Kong 10, Isle of Man 56, Italy 1, Jamaica 10, Liberia
1049, Luxembourg 9, Malta 127, Marshall Islands 247, Morocco 2,
Netherlands 92, former Netherlands Antilles 32, NZ 2, Panama 27,
Portugal 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 30,
Slovakia 4, Spain 5, Sri Lanka 5, Sweden 3, Turkey 1, UK 77, US 3,
Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ghana
total: 4
by type: petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3
foreign-owned: 2 (Brazil 1, South Korea 1) (2010)

Gibraltar
total: 265
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 139, chemical tanker 65, container
35, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 4,
vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 250 (Belgium 2, Cyprus 1, Denmark 6, Finland 2,
Germany 125, Greece 7, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4,
Netherlands 33, Norway 42, Singapore 1, Sweden 12, UAE 5, UK 4)
registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)

Greece
total: 886
by type: bulk carrier 263, cargo 53, carrier 1, chemical tanker 72,
container 34, liquefied gas 13, passenger 8, passenger/cargo 116,
petroleum tanker 312, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 62 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 3, Cyprus 4, Italy 5, UK 27,
US 7)
registered in other countries: 2,391 (Antigua and Barbuda 5, Bahamas
209, Barbados 14, Belize 2, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman
Islands 11, Comoros 3, Cyprus 216, Denmark 1, Dominica 9, Egypt 8,
Georgia 3, Germany 1, Gibraltar 7, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 22,
Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 57, Italy 8, Jamaica 8, Liberia 454, Malta
458, Marshall Islands 358, Mexico 1, Moldova 4, Panama 402,
Philippines 4, Portugal 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 63, Sao
Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 4, Singapore 19, Slovakia 1, Togo
1, UAE 3, UK 1, Uruguay 1, Vanuatu 4, Venezuela 4, unknown 8) (2010)

Greenland
total: 1
by type: passenger 1 (2010)

Guyana
total: 8
by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1
registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2, unknown 1) (2010)

Honduras
total: 104
by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 50, carrier 2, chemical tanker 7,
container 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 22,
refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 49 (Bahrain 5, Canada 1, China 2, Egypt 2, Greece 4,
Hong Kong 1, Israel 1, Japan 4, Lebanon 2, Mexico 1, Montenegro 2,
Panama 1, Singapore 12, South Korea 6, Taiwan 2, Tanzania 1, UK 1,
Vietnam 1) (2010)

Hong Kong
total: 1,429
by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 629, cargo 177, carrier 11,
chemical tanker 134, container 274, liquefied gas 37, passenger 4,
passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 139, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle
carrier 8
foreign-owned: 855 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 12, Canada 70, China 432,
Cyprus 3, Denmark 41, France 3, Germany 10, Greece 22, Indonesia 8,
Iran 1, Japan 84, Libya 1, Norway 49, Russia 1, Singapore 13, South
Korea 3, Taiwan 26, UAE 2, UK 27, US 31)
registered in other countries: 297 (Bahamas 2, Bermuda 5, Cambodia
11, China 15, Cyprus 2, Georgia 4, Honduras 1, India 1, Kiribati 1,
Liberia 47, Malaysia 8, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 3, former
Netherlands Antilles 1, NZ 1, Panama 125, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 4, Seychelles 1, Sierra Leone 4, Singapore 38, Thailand
1, Tuvalu 1, UK 8, unknown 11) (2010)

Iceland
total: 2
by type: passenger/cargo 2
registered in other countries: 19 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Belize 2,
Denmark 3, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Norway 3) (2010)

India
total: 324
by type: bulk carrier 94, cargo 78, chemical tanker 23, container
15, liquefied gas 11, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum
tanker 87
foreign-owned: 8 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Jersey 1, Malaysia 1, UAE 4)
registered in other countries: 56 (Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Liberia 1,
Malta 4, Marshall Islands 8, Nigeria 1, Panama 17, Singapore 19,
unknown 2) (2010)

Indonesia
total: 1,244
by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 601, chemical tanker 57, container
112, liquefied gas 17, passenger 47, passenger/cargo 76, petroleum
tanker 214, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 12, specialized
tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 61 (China 1, France 1, Greece 1, Japan 7, Malaysia 1,
Norway 4, Singapore 42, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, US 2)
registered in other countries: 87 (Bahamas 2, Cambodia 2, Hong Kong
8, Liberia 4, Mongolia 2, Panama 14, Singapore 53, unknown 2) (2010)

Iran
total: 74
by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 40, chemical tanker 5, container 9,
liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated
cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)
registered in other countries: 78 (Barbados 4, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 10,
Hong Kong 1, Malta 56, Panama 5, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Iraq
total: 2
by type: petroleum tanker 2
registered in other countries: 2 (Marshall Islands 2) (2010)

Ireland
total: 28
by type: cargo 25, chemical tanker 2, container 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Norway 3, US 2)
registered in other countries: 21 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 2, Cyprus 3,
Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 1, Netherlands 7, Panama 1,
Slovakia 1, Sweden 1) (2010)

Isle of Man
total: 292
by type: bulk carrier 45, cargo 49, chemical tanker 48, container 6,
liquefied gas 41, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 91, roll
on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned: 200 (Bermuda 7, Chile 8, Denmark 26, Germany 56,
Greece 57, Ireland 1, Japan 15, Norway 26, Singapore 1, Sweden 1, US
2) (2010)

Israel
total: 10
by type: cargo 2, container 8
registered in other countries: 51 (Bermuda 3, Cyprus 1, Georgia 1,
Honduras 1, Liberia 31, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 4,
Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

Italy
total: 667
by type: bulk carrier 81, cargo 47, carrier 1, chemical tanker 169,
container 22, liquefied gas 25, passenger 23, passenger/cargo 160,
petroleum tanker 56, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 34,
specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 34
foreign-owned: 78 (Denmark 4, France 2, Germany 1, Greece 8,
Luxembourg 12, Nigeria 1, Norway 6, Sweden 1, Switzerland 6, Taiwan
11, Turkey 3, UK 2, US 21)
registered in other countries: 213 (Bahamas 5, Belize 3, Cayman
Islands 6, Cyprus 6, Georgia 2, Gibraltar 4, Greece 5, Kiribati 1,
Liberia 48, Malta 52, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 9, Norway 3,
Panama 23, Portugal 10, Russia 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 3, Slovakia 2, Spain 1,
Sweden 5, Turkey 2, UK 4, unknown 3) (2010)

Jamaica
total: 19
by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 5, container 4, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 19 (Denmark 1, Germany 10, Greece 8) (2010)

Japan
total: 673
by type: bulk carrier 152, cargo 31, carrier 3, chemical tanker 28,
container 2, liquefied gas 63, passenger 12, passenger/cargo 120,
petroleum tanker 152, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 52,
vehicle carrier 54
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)
registered in other countries: 3,064 (Bahamas 93, Belize 1, Bermuda
2, Burma 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 19, China 2, Cyprus 19,
Honduras 4, Hong Kong 84, Indonesia 7, Isle of Man 15, Liberia 102,
Malaysia 4, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 41, Netherlands 1, Panama
2347, Philippines 82, Portugal 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 3, Singapore 146, South
Korea 15, Thailand 2, UK 4, Vanuatu 44, unknown 4) (2010)

Jersey
registered in other countries: 11 (Gibraltar 1, India 1,
Marshall Islands 9) (2010)

Jordan
total: 13
by type: cargo 5, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, roll
on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 7 (UAE 7)
registered in other countries: 20 (Bahamas 2, Egypt 2, Panama 13,
Syria 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Kazakhstan
total: 8
by type: petroleum tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized
tanker 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Ireland 1) (2010)

Kenya
total: 1
by type: petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 5 (Comoros 1, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 2, Tuvalu 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Kiribati
total: 71
by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 32, chemical tanker 6,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 15
foreign-owned: 51 (China 28, Hong Kong 1, Italy 1, Singapore 11,
South Korea 2, Taiwan 5, Turkey 3) (2010)

Korea, North
total: 158
by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 129, carrier 1, container 3,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 3, roll
on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 19 (Belgium 1, China 1, Nigeria 1, Romania 1,
Singapore 2, South Korea 1, Syria 6, UAE 6)
registered in other countries: 5 (Mongolia 1, Sierra Leone 1,
unknown 3) (2010)

Korea, South
total: 819
by type: bulk carrier 201, cargo 246, carrier 5, chemical tanker
132, container 69, liquefied gas 40, passenger 5, passenger/cargo
21, petroleum tanker 67, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 9,
vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 33 (China 9, France 1, Japan 15, US 8)
registered in other countries: 438 (Cambodia 11, Ghana 1, Honduras
6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 2, Liberia 1, Malta 3,
Marshall Islands 25, North Korea 1, Panama 366, Philippines 1,
Russia 1, Singapore 9, Tuvalu 1, unknown 6) (2010)

Kuwait
total: 30
by type: bulk carrier 1, carrier 3, container 6, liquefied gas 4,
petroleum tanker 16
registered in other countries: 47 (Bahamas 2, Bahrain 5, Comoros 1,
Libya 1, Malta 2, Panama 12, Qatar 7, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saudi
Arabia 4, UAE 10) (2010)

Laos
total: 1
by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Latvia
total: 13
by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum
tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 4 (Estonia 4)
registered in other countries: 90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize
10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1,
Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and
Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

Lebanon
total: 29
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 12, carrier 11, refrigerated cargo 1,
vehicle carrier 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Syria 3)
registered in other countries: 40 (Barbados 2, Cambodia 6, Comoros
3, Egypt 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 2, Liberia 1, Malta 7, Moldova 1,
Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Syria 2, Togo 6,
unknown 2) (2010)

Liberia
total: 2,512
by type: barge carrier 3, bulk carrier 507, cargo 136, carrier 1,
chemical tanker 232, combination ore/oil 6, container 875, liquefied
gas 93, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 509,
refrigerated cargo 109, roll on/roll off 2, specialized tanker 10,
vehicle carrier 25
foreign-owned: 2,356 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Australia 2, Belgium 1,
Bermuda 4, Brazil 20, Canada 4, Chile 7, China 10, Croatia 2, Cyprus
7, Denmark 4, Finland 2, Germany 1049, Gibraltar 5, Greece 454, Hong
Kong 47, India 1, Indonesia 4, Isle of Man 19, Israel 31, Italy 48,
Japan 102, Latvia 9, Lebanon 1, Monaco 10, Netherlands 35, Nigeria
4, Norway 42, Poland 13, Qatar 5, Romania 3, Russia 108, Saudi
Arabia 24, Singapore 27, Slovenia 5, South Korea 1, Sweden 10,
Switzerland 17, Syria 1, Taiwan 88, Turkey 15, UAE 27, UK 25,
Ukraine 16, Uruguay 1, US 39, Vietnam 3) (2010)

Libya
total: 27
by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 4, liquefied gas 3, petroleum
tanker 13, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 1, Norway 1, Syria 2, UK 1)
registered in other countries: 5 (Hong Kong 1, Malta 4) (2010)

Lithuania
total: 42
by type: cargo 22, container 1, passenger/cargo 6, refrigerated
cargo 11, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 8 (Denmark 8)
registered in other countries: 29 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Belize 2,
Comoros 3, Cook Islands 2, Norway 1, Panama 4, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 10, unknown 3) (2010)

Luxembourg
total: 47
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 16, container 10,
passenger 3, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 10
foreign-owned: 45 (Belgium 9, France 16, Germany 9, Netherlands 2,
Switzerland 1, UK 5, US 3)
registered in other countries: 16 (Italy 12, Malta 3, Panama 1)
(2010)

Madagascar
total: 8
by type: cargo 4, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2 (2010)

Malaysia
total: 321
by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 97, carrier 2, chemical tanker 45,
container 44, liquefied gas 35, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker
79, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 4
foreign-owned: 35 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 4, Nigeria 1,
Russia 2, Singapore 19)
registered in other countries: 79 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1,
Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1,
Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore
27, Thailand 3, Tuvalu 1, US 2, unknown 3) (2010)

Maldives
total: 24
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 20, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated
cargo 2
registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 3, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Malta
total: 1,571
by type: bulk carrier 522, cargo 377, carrier 1, chemical tanker
280, container 91, liquefied gas 31, passenger 45, passenger/cargo
22, petroleum tanker 141, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off
30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 15
foreign-owned: 1,401 (Angola 7, Austria 1, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 1,
Bangladesh 1, Belgium 14, Bermuda 8, Bulgaria 7, Canada 1, China 11,
Croatia 7, Cyprus 29, Denmark 41, Egypt 1, Estonia 16, Finland 2,
France 13, Germany 127, Greece 458, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 56,
Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 52, Japan 5, Kuwait 2, Latvia 11, Lebanon
7, Libya 4, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 1,
Norway 84, Poland 22, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 47, Singapore 3,
Slovenia 4, South Korea 3, Spain 10, Sweden 3, Switzerland 14, Syria
5, Turkey 211, UAE 1, UK 16, Ukraine 30, US 35)
registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2010)

Marshall Islands
total: 1,381
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 415, cargo 63, chemical
tanker 314, combination ore/oil 2, container 206, liquefied gas 83,
passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 259, refrigerated
cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7
foreign-owned: 1,284 (Australia 1, Bermuda 34, Brazil 1, Canada 4,
China 16, Croatia 12, Cyprus 38, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, Germany 247,
Greece 358, Hong Kong 3, India 8, Iraq 2, Isle of Man 2, Israel 1,
Italy 1, Japan 41, Jersey 9, Latvia 18, Malaysia 11, Mexico 4,
Monaco 21, Netherlands 16, Norway 57, Pakistan 1, Qatar 24, Romania
2, Russia 6, Singapore 28, Slovenia 6, South Korea 25, Switzerland
12, Taiwan 2, Turkey 72, UAE 17, UK 7, Ukraine 1, US 168) (2010)

Mauritius
total: 3
by type: passenger/cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2010)

Mexico
total: 60
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 3, chemical tanker 12, liquefied gas
4, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, roll on/roll off 4
foreign-owned: 5 (Denmark 2, Greece 1, South Africa 1, UAE 1)
registered in other countries: 18 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Honduras
1, Marshall Islands 4, Panama 6, Portugal 1, Spain 2, Venezuela 1,
unknown 1) (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total: 3
by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2 (2010)

Moldova
total: 107
by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 89, chemical tanker 2,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
on/roll off 6
foreign-owned: 63 (Belgium 2, Egypt 5, Greece 4, Israel 4, Lebanon
1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 3, Turkey 18, UK 6, Ukraine 12, Yemen
1) (2010)

Monaco
registered in other countries: 68 (Bahamas 14, Bermuda 2,
Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Liberia 10, Marshall Islands 21, Norway 1,
Panama 14, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Mongolia
total: 58
by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 29, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas
2, passenger/cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 44 (Indonesia 2, North Korea 1, Russia 4, Singapore
1, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, Vietnam 34) (2010)

Montenegro
total: 2
by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1
registered in other countries: 5 (Bahamas 2, Honduras 2, Slovakia 1)
(2010)

Morocco
total: 30
by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 7, passenger/cargo
15, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 6 (France 4, Germany 2)
registered in other countries: 5 (Gibraltar 4, Panama 1) (2010)

Mozambique total: 2 by type: cargo 2 foreign-owned: 2 (Belgium 2) (2010)

Namibia total: 1 by type: cargo 1 (2010)

Netherlands
total: 706
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 464, carrier 21, chemical tanker 57,
container 73, liquefied gas 19, passenger 17, passenger/cargo 15,
petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 21,
specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned: 217 (Australia 1, Denmark 36, Finland 14, France 2,
Germany 92, Ireland 7, Italy 9, Japan 1, Norway 18, Sweden 18, UAE
4, US 15)
registered in other countries: 240 (Antigua and Barbuda 18,
Australia 1, Bahamas 22, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 24,
Gibraltar 33, Liberia 35, Luxembourg 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands
16, former Netherlands Antilles 52, Panama 8, Paraguay 1,
Philippines 18, Portugal 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2,
Singapore 1, unknown 1) (2010)

New Caledonia
registered in other countries: 3 (France 3) (2010)

New Zealand
total: 14
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1,
passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 7 (Australia 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 1, South Africa
1, Switzerland 2)
registered in other countries: 6 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Cook
Islands 1, France 1, Samoa 1, UK 1) (2010)

Nigeria
total: 98
by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)
registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11,
Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1,
Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown
4) (2010)

Norway
total: 632
by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139,
combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3,
passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14,
roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46
foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark
11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1,
Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)
registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia
1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada
4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark
2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6,
Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4,
Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1,
Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands
Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK
39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Oman
total: 4
by type: chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2
registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 1) (2010)

Pakistan
total: 10
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 4, petroleum tanker 5
registered in other countries: 14 (Comoros 3, Georgia 1, Marshall
Islands 1, Panama 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 1) (2010)

Panama
total: 6,379
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 2,383, cargo 1,129, carrier
18, chemical tanker 626, combination ore/oil 3, container 751,
liquefied gas 192, passenger 42, passenger/cargo 61, petroleum
tanker 576, refrigerated cargo 212, roll on/roll off 100,
specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 282
foreign-owned: 5,244 (Albania 3, Argentina 7, Australia 5,
Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belgium 2, Bermuda 15, Brazil
3, Bulgaria 6, Burma 3, Canada 5, Chile 17, China 574, Colombia 2,
Croatia 2, Cuba 4, Cyprus 8, Denmark 46, Ecuador 6, Egypt 11,
Finland 2, France 13, Gabon 1, Germany 27, Gibraltar 1, Greece 402,
Hong Kong 125, India 17, Indonesia 14, Iran 5, Ireland 1, Isle of
Man 11, Israel 1, Italy 23, Japan 2347, Jordan 13, Kuwait 12, Latvia
4, Lebanon 2, Lithuania 4, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 12, Maldives 3,
Malta 2, Mexico 6, Monaco 14, Morocco 1, Netherlands 8, Nigeria 7,
Norway 89, Oman 8, Pakistan 5, Peru 12, Philippines 6, Poland 3,
Portugal 9, Qatar 1, Romania 2, Russia 39, Saudi Arabia 8, Singapore
79, South Korea 366, Spain 40, Sweden 1, Switzerland 22, Syria 42,
Taiwan 337, Tanzania 2, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 79, UAE 83, UK
33, Ukraine 11, US 102, Venezuela 8, Vietnam 37, Yemen 4)
registered in other countries: 1 (Honduras 1) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
total: 28
by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 24, petroleum tanker 2
foreign-owned: 7 (Malaysia 1, UAE 6) (2010)

Paraguay
total: 23
by type: cargo 15, carrier 1, container 2, passenger 1, petroleum
tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2010)

Peru
total: 13
by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, petroleum
tanker 7
foreign-owned: 1 (Bahamas 1)
registered in other countries: 13 (Belize 1, Panama 12) (2010)

Philippines
total: 428
by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 135, carrier 16, chemical tanker 26,
container 13, liquefied gas 5, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 68,
petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 12,
vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 156 (Bermuda 43, China 4, Greece 4, Japan 82,
Malaysia 1, Netherlands 18, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1,
UAE 1)
registered in other countries: 7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Poland
total: 10
by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 1
registered in other countries: 104 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Bahamas
32, Cyprus 20, Liberia 13, Malta 22, Norway 2, Panama 3, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 2, Vanuatu 7) (2010)

Portugal
total: 111
by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 33, carrier 1, chemical tanker 17,
container 8, liquefied gas 9, passenger 13, passenger/cargo 5,
petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 80 (Belgium 8, Denmark 4, Germany 13, Greece 5, Italy
10, Japan 9, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Spain 15, Sweden 6,
Switzerland 3, US 4)
registered in other countries: 14 (Cyprus 2, Malta 3, Panama 9)
(2010)

Puerto Rico
total: 3
by type: roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)
registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1) (2008)

Qatar
total: 29
by type: bulk carrier 3, chemical tanker 2, container 14, liquefied
gas 6, petroleum tanker 4
foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)
registered in other countries: 30 (Liberia 5, Marshall Islands 24,
Panama 1) (2010)

Romania
total: 15
by type: cargo 10, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll
on/roll off 1
registered in other countries: 35 (Cambodia 1, Georgia 7, Liberia 3,
Malta 8, Marshall Islands 2, Moldova 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 4, Syria 1, Togo 1,
unknown 1) (2010)

Russia
total: 1,097
by type: bulk carrier 22, cargo 634, carrier 2, chemical tanker 38,
combination ore/oil 39, container 13, passenger 15, passenger/cargo
6, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated cargo 77, roll on/roll off 11,
specialized tanker 4
foreign-owned: 145 (Belgium 4, Cyprus 11, Italy 9, South Korea 1,
Switzerland 4, Turkey 104, Ukraine 12)
registered in other countries: 443 (Antigua and Barbuda 3, Belize
32, Bulgaria 2, Cambodia 60, Comoros 21, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 47,
Dominica 6, Georgia 7, Hong Kong 1, Liberia 108, Malaysia 2, Malta
47, Marshall Islands 6, Moldova 5, Mongolia 4, Panama 39, Saint
Kitts and Nevis 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15, Sierra
Leone 6, Vanuatu 1, unknown 19) (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 160
by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 92, chemical tanker 4, combination
ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 5,
petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 94 (Bahrain 1, Belgium 1, China 1, Estonia 3, Italy
1, Japan 3, Kuwait 3, Latvia 2, Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 3,
Russia 11, Singapore 5, Syria 5, Turkey 22, UAE 17, UK 2, Ukraine
10, US 1, Yemen 1) (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 444
by type: bulk carrier 76, cargo 274, carrier 16, chemical tanker 4,
container 21, liquefied gas 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9,
petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 15,
specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 382 (Austria 2, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 6, Bermuda 1,
Bulgaria 10, China 82, Croatia 8, Cyprus 2, Czech Republic 1,
Denmark 19, Dominica 1, Egypt 4, Estonia 10, France 2, Germany 2,
Greece 63, Guyana 2, Hong Kong 4, Israel 3, Italy 5, Japan 3, Kenya
2, Latvia 15, Lebanon 4, Lithuania 10, Monaco 3, Netherlands 2,
Nigeria 1, Norway 12, Oman 1, Pakistan 1, Poland 1, Romania 1,
Russia 15, Slovenia 2, Sweden 2, Switzerland 5, Syria 13, Turkey 18,
UAE 4, UK 7, Ukraine 12, US 19, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Samoa
total: 2
by type: passenger/cargo 1, cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (NZ 1) (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 3
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Greece 1) (2010)

Saudi Arabia
total: 74
by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 22, container 4, liquefied gas 2,
passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 3, roll
on/roll off 8
foreign-owned: 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)
registered in other countries: 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 3, Liberia
24, Norway 3, Panama 8) (2010)

Senegal
total: 1
by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Seychelles
total: 9
by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)

Sierra Leone
total: 189
by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 131, carrier 1, chemical tanker 12,
container 3, liquefied gas 3, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 6,
petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3,
vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 91 (Bangladesh 1, China 12, Cyprus 1, Egypt 2,
Estonia 1, Hong Kong 4, Japan 3, Malaysia 1, North Korea 1, Romania
4, Russia 6, Singapore 5, Syria 20, Taiwan 1, Turkey 14, UAE 6, UK
1, Ukraine 5, US 1, Yemen 2) (2010)

Singapore
total: 1,422
by type: bulk carrier 183, cargo 88, carrier 6, chemical tanker 233,
container 321, liquefied gas 117, petroleum tanker 404, refrigerated
cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 52
foreign-owned: 850 (Australia 11, Bangladesh 2, Bermuda 21, Chile 7,
China 26, Cyprus 3, Denmark 125, France 3, Germany 30, Greece 19,
Hong Kong 38, India 19, Indonesia 53, Italy 3, Japan 146, Malaysia
27, Netherlands 1, Norway 132, Slovenia 1, South Africa 3, South
Korea 9, Sweden 9, Switzerland 4, Taiwan 79, Thailand 30, UAE 10, UK
6, US 33)
registered in other countries: 327 (Australia 2, Bahamas 7,
Bangladesh 3, Belize 7, Cambodia 4, Cyprus 1, Dominica 1, France 3,
Gibraltar 1, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 13, Indonesia 42, Isle of Man 1,
Kiribati 11, Liberia 27, Malaysia 19, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 28,
Mongolia 1, North Korea 2, Panama 79, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and
Nevis 5, Sierra Leone 5, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 25, US 17, unknown 6)
(2010)

Slovakia
total: 23
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, refrigerated cargo 3
foreign-owned: 21 (Germany 4, Greece 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2,
Montenegro 1, Poland 2, Slovenia 1, Turkey 2, Ukraine 7) (2010)

Slovenia
registered in other countries: 25 (Antigua and Barbuda 1,
Bahamas 1, Cyprus 4, Liberia 5, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1) (2010)

Somalia
total: 1
by type: cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1) (2008)

South Africa
total: 4
by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 3
foreign-owned: 1 (Denmark 1)
registered in other countries: 11 (Mexico 1, NZ 1, Seychelles 1,
Singapore 3, UK 5) (2010)

Spain
total: 138
by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 17, chemical tanker 12, container 8,
liquefied gas 13, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker
17, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 5
foreign-owned: 26 (Canada 5, Denmark 2, Germany 5, Italy 1, Mexico
2, Norway 10, Switzerland 1)
registered in other countries: 107 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas
9, Belize 1, Brazil 12, Cape Verde 1, Cyprus 7, France 1, Malta 10,
Nigeria 1, Panama 40, Portugal 15, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Sri Lanka
total: 22
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum
tanker 3
foreign-owned: 5 (Germany 5) (2010)

Sudan
total: 2
by type: cargo 2 (2010)

Suriname
total: 1
by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Sweden
total: 163
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 20, carrier 1, chemical tanker 31,
passenger 5, passenger/cargo 37, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll
off 32, vehicle carrier 21
foreign-owned: 46 (Denmark 15, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3,
Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)
registered in other countries: 194 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas
6, Barbados 6, Bermuda 17, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 16,
Faroe Islands 5, France 6, Germany 1, Gibraltar 12, Isle of Man 1,
Italy 1, Liberia 10, Malta 3, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands
Antilles 1, Norway 33, Panama 1, Portugal 6, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 2, Singapore 9, UK 25, US 5, unknown 1) (2010)

Switzerland
total: 35
by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 9, chemical tanker 6, container 4,
petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 109 (Antigua and Barbuda 7, Bahamas
2, Cayman Islands 1, France 5, Germany 1, Italy 6, Liberia 17,
Luxembourg 1, Malta 14, Marshall Islands 12, NZ 2, Panama 22,
Portugal 3, Russia 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore
4, Spain 1, Tonga 1, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Syria
total: 41
by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 30, carrier 3, container 1
foreign-owned: 5 (Jordan 2, Lebanon 2, Romania 1)
registered in other countries: 199 (Barbados 1, Belize 2, Bolivia 4,
Cambodia 22, Comoros 6, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Georgia 35, Lebanon 3,
Liberia 1, Libya 2, Malta 5, Moldova 3, North Korea 6, Panama 42,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13, Sierra
Leone 20, Togo 5, unknown 8) (2010)

Taiwan
total: 101
by type: bulk carrier 28, cargo 19, chemical tanker 2, container 27,
passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 7, roll
on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 2 (France 1, Vietnam 1)
registered in other countries: 574 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 2, Hong
Kong 26, Indonesia 1, Italy 11, Kiribati 5, Liberia 88, Marshall
Islands 2, Panama 337, Philippines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 79,
Thailand 1, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Tanzania
total: 72
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 43, carrier 4, chemical tanker 2,
container 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 15
foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)
registered in other countries: 3 (Honduras 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Thailand
total: 382
by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 116, chemical tanker 23, container
19, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum
tanker 120, refrigerated cargo 27
foreign-owned: 15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3,
Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)
registered in other countries: 41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore
30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Timor-Leste
total: 1
by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Togo
total: 53
by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 40, chemical tanker 2, container 2,
petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 23 (China 2, Greece 1, Lebanon 6, Romania 1, Syria 5,
Turkey 4, UAE 1, UK 3) (2010)

Tonga
total: 10
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 6, carrier 1, liquefied gas 1,
passenger/cargo 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 6
by type: passenger 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1
registered in other countries: 2 (Bahamas 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Tunisia
total: 11
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo
4, roll on/roll off 2
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2010)

Turkey
total: 645
by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 290, chemical tanker 85, combination
ore/oil 1, container 40, liquefied gas 6, passenger 1,
passenger/cargo 59, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Italy 2)
registered in other countries: 686 (Albania 1, Antigua and Barbuda
7, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 3, Barbados 1, Belize 18, Cambodia 26,
Comoros 16, Cook Islands 4, Dominica 1, Georgia 22, Italy 3,
Kiribati 3, Liberia 15, Malta 211, Marshall Islands 72, Moldova 18,
Mongolia 1, former Netherlands Antilles 8, Panama 79, Russia 104,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 22, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,
Sierra Leone 14, Slovakia 2, Tanzania 7, Togo 4, Turkmenistan 1,
Tuvalu 1, UK 1, unknown 2) (2010)

Turkmenistan
total: 9
by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1) (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1)
(2008)

Tuvalu
total: 66
by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 20, chemical tanker 16, container 3,
passenger 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated
cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 49 (Thailand 1, Vietnam 6, Turkey 1, Switzerland 1,
South Korea 1, Singapore 25, Maldives 1, Malaysia 1, Kenya 1, Hong
Kong 1, China 9, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ukraine
total: 160
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 123, chemical tanker 1, passenger 5,
passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 11,
specialized tanker 2
foreign-owned: 1 (Iran 1)
registered in other countries: 197 (Belize 6, Cambodia 37, Comoros
10, Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 15, Liberia 16, Malta 30, Marshall
Islands 1, Moldova 12, Mongolia 1, Panama 11, Russia 12, Saint Kitts
and Nevis 10, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Sierra Leone 5,
Slovakia 7, Tuvalu 1, Vanuatu 3, unknown 4) (2010)

United Arab Emirates
total: 57
by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 9, chemical tanker 7, container 7,
liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 24, roll
on/roll off 4
foreign-owned: 13 (Greece 3, Kuwait 10)
registered in other countries: 278 (Bahamas 27, Belize 5, Cambodia
2, Comoros 11, Cyprus 5, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 5, Hong Kong 2, India
4, Iran 1, Jordan 7, Liberia 27, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 17,
Mexico 1, Netherlands 4, North Korea 6, Panama 83, Papua New Guinea
6, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 17, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 6, Sierra Leone 6, Singapore 10, Tanzania
1, Togo 1, UK 9, Vanuatu 1, unknown 7) (2010)

United Kingdom
total: 527
by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 70, carrier 3, chemical tanker 71,
container 190, liquefied gas 10, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 67,
petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 29,
vehicle carrier 24
foreign-owned: 292 (US 11)
registered in other countries: 275 (Algeria 12, Antigua and Barbuda
2, Argentina 2, Australia 5, Bahamas 24, Barbados 7, Belgium 2,
Belize 4, Bermuda 11, Cambodia 3, Cape Verde 2, Cayman Islands 2,
Comoros 1, Cook Islands 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 4, Greece
27, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 27, Italy 2, Liberia 44, Libya 1,
Luxembourg 5, Malta 16, Marshall Islands 9, Moldova 6, Nigeria 2,
Panama 44, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
7, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 6, Thailand 6, Togo 3, Tonga 1, US 4,
unknown 1) (2010)

United States
total: 418
by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 58, cargo 58, carrier 3,
chemical tanker 30, container 87, passenger 18, passenger/cargo 56,
petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 27,
vehicle carrier 27
foreign-owned: 86 (Australia 1, Bermuda 5, Canada 1, Denmark 34,
France 4, Germany 3, Malaysia 2, Norway 10, Singapore 17, Sweden 5,
UK 4)
registered in other countries: 734 (Antigua and Barbuda 6, Australia
2, Bahamas 100, Belgium 2, Bermuda 25, Cambodia 4, Canada 9, Cayman
Islands 54, Comoros 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 1, Greece 7, Hong Kong 31,
Indonesia 2, Ireland 2, Isle of Man 2, Italy 21, Liberia 39,
Luxembourg 3, Malta 35, Marshall Islands 168, Netherlands 15, Norway
9, Panama 102, Portugal 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines 19, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 33, South Korea 8,
UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Uruguay
total: 18
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, passenger/cargo
7, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 9 (Argentina 2, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5)
registered in other countries: 1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

Vanuatu
total: 72
by type: bulk carrier 35, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 2,
passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 26, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan
44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

Venezuela
total: 59
by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas
5, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 16
foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 4, Mexico
1, Norway 1, Spain 1)
registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 1) (2010)

Vietnam
total: 537
by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 103, cargo 330, chemical
tanker 24, container 20, liquefied gas 7, passenger 1,
passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, refrigerated cargo 2, roll
on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1
registered in other countries: 84 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia
3, Mongolia 34, Panama 37, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6, unknown 1) (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
total: 8
by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 6
foreign-owned: 8 (France 6, French Polynesia 2) (2008)

Yemen
total: 6
by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll
on/roll off 1
registered in other countries: 14 (Moldova 1, Panama 4, Saint Kitts
and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 2, unknown 6) (2010)

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

@2109

Field Listing :: National holiday

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

National holiday

Afghanistan
Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Albania
Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Algeria
Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

American Samoa
Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Andorra
Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Angola
Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Anguilla
Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)

Antigua and Barbuda
Independence Day (National Day), 1 November
(1981)

Argentina
Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Armenia
Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Aruba
Flag Day, 18 March (1976)

Australia
Australia Day, 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorated
as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and
New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25
April (1915)

Austria
National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the
passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Azerbaijan
Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, 28 May
(1918)

Bahamas, The
Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Bahrain
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was
the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date
of independence from British protection

Bangladesh
Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971
is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is
Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of
Bangladesh

Barbados
Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Belarus
Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the
date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the
date of independence from the Soviet Union

Belgium
21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I

Belize
Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Benin
National Day, 1 August (1960)

Bermuda
Bermuda Day, 24 May

Bhutan
National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king),
17 December (1907)

Bolivia
Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
National Day, 25 November (1943)

Botswana
Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Brazil
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

British Virgin Islands
Territory Day, 1 July (1956)

Brunei
National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was
the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date
of independence from British protection

Bulgaria
Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Burkina Faso
Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates
the day that Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French
Community

Burma
Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February
(1947)

Burundi
Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Cambodia
Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Cameroon
Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Canada
Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Cape Verde
Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Cayman Islands
Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Central African Republic
Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Chad
Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Chile
Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

China
Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,
1 October (1949)

Christmas Island
Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Colombia
Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Comoros
Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Congo, Republic of the
Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Cook Islands
Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Costa Rica
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Cote d'Ivoire
Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Croatia
Independence Day, 8 October (1991); note - 25 June 1991 was
the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a
three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the
Yugoslav crisis peacefully, Parliament adopted a decision on 8
October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia

Cuba
Triumph of the Revolution, 1 January (1959)

Curacao
Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession
to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and
1980)

Cyprus
Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots
celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Czech Republic
Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Denmark
none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is
generally viewed as the National Day

Djibouti
Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Dominica
Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Dominican Republic
Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Ecuador
Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Egypt
Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

El Salvador
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Equatorial Guinea
Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Eritrea
Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Estonia
Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February
1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet
Russia; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence
from the Soviet Union

Ethiopia
National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

European Union
Europe Day 9 May (1950); note - a Union-wide holiday,
the day that Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of the European
Coal and Steel Community to achieve an organized Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Faroe Islands
Olaifest (Olavsoka ), 29 July

Fiji
Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Finland
Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

France
Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often
incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually
commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the
storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of
a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete
Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)

French Polynesia
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Gabon
Independence Day, 17 August (1960)

Gambia, The
Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Georgia
Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the
date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date
of independence from the Soviet Union

Germany
Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Ghana
Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Gibraltar
National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the
national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join
Spain

Greece
Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Greenland
June 21 (longest day)

Grenada
Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Guam
Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Guatemala
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Guernsey
Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Guinea
Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Guinea-Bissau
Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Guyana
Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Haiti
Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Holy See (Vatican City)
Election Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 19 April
(2005)

Honduras
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Hong Kong
National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's
Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is
celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment
Day

Hungary
Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Iceland
Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

India
Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Indonesia
Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Iran
Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Iraq
Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has
yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes
Republic Day

Ireland
Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Isle of Man
Tynwald Day, 5 July

Israel
Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared
independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and
the holiday may occur in April or May

Italy
Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Jamaica
Independence Day, 6 August (1962)

Japan
Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Jersey
Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Jordan
Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Kazakhstan
Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

Kenya
Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Kiribati
Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Korea, North
Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
(DPRK), 9 September (1948)

Korea, South
Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Kosovo
Independence Day, 17 February (2008)

Kuwait
National Day, 25 February (1950)

Kyrgyzstan
Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Laos
Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Latvia
Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918
was the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia;
4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21
August 1991 was the date of de facto independence from the Soviet
Union

Lebanon
Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Lesotho
Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Liberia
Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Libya
Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Liechtenstein
Assumption Day, 15 August

Lithuania
Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February
1918 was the date Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet
Russia and established its statehood; 11 March 1990 was the date it
declared its independence from the Soviet Union

Luxembourg
National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23
June; note - the actual date of birth was 23 January 1896, but the
festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a
more favorable time of year

Macau
National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's
Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is
celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Macedonia
Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as
National Day

Madagascar
Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Malawi
Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Malaysia
Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Maldives
Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Mali
Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Malta
Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13
December (1974)

Marshall Islands
Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Mauritania
Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Mauritius
Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Mayotte
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Mexico
Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Micronesia, Federated States of
Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Moldova
Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Monaco
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)

Mongolia
Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Montenegro
National Day, 13 July (1878)

Montserrat
Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June
(1926)

Morocco
Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30
July (1999)

Mozambique
Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Namibia
Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Nauru
Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Nepal
Republic Day, 29 May; Democracy Day, 24 April

Netherlands
Queen's Day (Birthday of deceased Queen-Mother JULIANA
and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30
April (1909 and 1980)

New Caledonia
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

New Zealand
Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day
(commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at
Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

Nicaragua
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Niger
Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the
founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from
France in 1960

Nigeria
Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Niue
Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Norfolk Island
Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn
Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Norway
Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Oman
Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Pakistan
Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Palau
Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Panama
Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Papua New Guinea
Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Paraguay
Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)

Peru
Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Philippines
Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898
was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was
date of independence from US

Pitcairn Islands
Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in
June (1926)

Poland
Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Portugal
Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also
called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes
(1524-80) died

Puerto Rico
US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico
Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)

Qatar
Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is
National Day, 18 December (anniversary of Al Thani family accession
to the throne)

Romania
Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December
(1918)

Russia
Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Rwanda
Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Saint Barthelemy
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday
is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Birthday of Queen
ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Saint Lucia
Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Saint Martin
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is
Schoalcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Samoa
Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January
1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered
UN trusteeship; it is observed in June

San Marino
Founding of the Republic, 3 September (AD 301)

Sao Tome and Principe
Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Saudi Arabia
Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Senegal
Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Serbia
National Day, 15 February

Seychelles
Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Sierra Leone
Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Singapore
National Day, 9 August (1965)

Sint Maarten
Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and
accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April
(1909 and 1980)

Slovakia
Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Slovenia
Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Solomon Islands
Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Somalia
Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26
June (1960) in Somaliland

South Africa
Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Spain
National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set
foot in the Americas

Sri Lanka
Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Sudan
Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Suriname
Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Swaziland
Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Sweden
Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)

Switzerland
Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Syria
Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Taiwan
Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10
October (1911)

Tajikistan
Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Tanzania
Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Thailand
Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)

Timor-Leste
Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Togo
Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Tokelau
Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Tonga
Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Trinidad and Tobago
Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Tunisia
Independence Day, 20 March (1956); also the anniversary of
BEN ALI's assumption of the presidency, 7 November (1987)

Turkey
Republic Day, 29 October (1923)

Turkmenistan
Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Turks and Caicos Islands
Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Tuvalu
Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Uganda
Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Ukraine
Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918,
the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet Russia)
and the day the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian
republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day

United Arab Emirates
Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

United Kingdom
the UK does not celebrate one particular national
holiday

United States
Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Uruguay
Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Uzbekistan
Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Vanuatu
Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Venezuela
Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Vietnam
Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Virgin Islands
Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)

Wallis and Futuna
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Yemen
Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Zambia
Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Zimbabwe
Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

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

@2110

Field Listing :: Nationality

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

Nationality

Afghanistan
noun: Afghan(s)
adjective: Afghan

Albania
noun: Albanian(s)
adjective: Albanian

Algeria
noun: Algerian(s)
adjective: Algerian

American Samoa
noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)
adjective: American Samoan

Andorra
noun: Andorran(s)
adjective: Andorran

Angola
noun: Angolan(s)
adjective: Angolan

Anguilla
noun: Anguillan(s)
adjective: Anguillan

Antigua and Barbuda
noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)
adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Argentina
noun: Argentine(s)
adjective: Argentine

Armenia
noun: Armenian(s)
adjective: Armenian

Aruba
noun: Aruban(s)
adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Australia
noun: Australian(s)
adjective: Australian

Austria
noun: Austrian(s)
adjective: Austrian

Azerbaijan
noun: Azerbaijani(s)
adjective: Azerbaijani

Bahamas, The
noun: Bahamian(s)
adjective: Bahamian

Bahrain
noun: Bahraini(s)
adjective: Bahraini

Bangladesh
noun: Bangladeshi(s)
adjective: Bangladeshi

Barbados
noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)
adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Belarus
noun: Belarusian(s)
adjective: Belarusian

Belgium
noun: Belgian(s)
adjective: Belgian

Belize
noun: Belizean(s)
adjective: Belizean

Benin
noun: Beninese (singular and plural)
adjective: Beninese

Bermuda
noun: Bermudian(s)
adjective: Bermudian

Bhutan
noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Bhutanese

Bolivia
noun: Bolivian(s)
adjective: Bolivian

Bosnia and Herzegovina
noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)
adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Botswana
noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Brazil
noun: Brazilian(s)
adjective: Brazilian

British Virgin Islands
noun: British Virgin Islander(s)
adjective: British Virgin Islander

Brunei
noun: Bruneian(s)
adjective: Bruneian

Bulgaria
noun: Bulgarian(s)
adjective: Bulgarian

Burkina Faso
noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)
adjective: Burkinabe

Burma
noun: Burmese (singular and plural)
adjective: Burmese

Burundi
noun: Burundian(s)
adjective: Burundian

Cambodia
noun: Cambodian(s)
adjective: Cambodian

Cameroon
noun: Cameroonian(s)
adjective: Cameroonian

Canada
noun: Canadian(s)
adjective: Canadian

Cape Verde
noun: Cape Verdean(s)
adjective: Cape Verdean

Cayman Islands
noun: Caymanian(s)
adjective: Caymanian

Central African Republic
noun: Central African(s)
adjective: Central African

Chad
noun: Chadian(s)
adjective: Chadian

Chile
noun: Chilean(s)
adjective: Chilean

China
noun: Chinese (singular and plural)
adjective: Chinese

Christmas Island
noun: Christmas Islander(s)
adjective: Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
noun: Cocos Islander(s)
adjective: Cocos Islander

Colombia
noun: Colombian(s)
adjective: Colombian

Comoros
noun: Comoran(s)
adjective: Comoran

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
noun: Congolese (singular and
plural)
adjective: Congolese or Congo

Congo, Republic of the
noun: Congolese (singular and plural)
adjective: Congolese or Congo

Cook Islands
noun: Cook Islander(s)
adjective: Cook Islander

Costa Rica
noun: Costa Rican(s)
adjective: Costa Rican

Cote d'Ivoire
noun: Ivoirian(s)
adjective: Ivoirian

Croatia
noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)
adjective: Croatian

Cuba
noun: Cuban(s)
adjective: Cuban

Cyprus
noun: Cypriot(s)
adjective: Cypriot

Czech Republic
noun: Czech(s)
adjective: Czech

Denmark
noun: Dane(s)
adjective: Danish

Djibouti
noun: Djiboutian(s)
adjective: Djiboutian

Dominica
noun: Dominican(s)
adjective: Dominican

Dominican Republic
noun: Dominican(s)
adjective: Dominican

Ecuador
noun: Ecuadorian(s)
adjective: Ecuadorian

Egypt
noun: Egyptian(s)
adjective: Egyptian

El Salvador
noun: Salvadoran(s)
adjective: Salvadoran

Equatorial Guinea
noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)
adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Eritrea
noun: Eritrean(s)
adjective: Eritrean

Estonia
noun: Estonian(s)
adjective: Estonian

Ethiopia
noun: Ethiopian(s)
adjective: Ethiopian

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
noun: Falkland Islander(s)
adjective: Falkland Island

Faroe Islands
noun: Faroese (singular and plural)
adjective: Faroese

Fiji
noun: Fijian(s)
adjective: Fijian

Finland
noun: Finn(s)
adjective: Finnish

France
noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
adjective: French

French Polynesia
noun: French Polynesian(s)
adjective: French Polynesian

Gabon
noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)
adjective: Gabonese

Gambia, The
noun: Gambian(s)
adjective: Gambian

Gaza Strip
noun: NA
adjective: NA

Georgia
noun: Georgian(s)
adjective: Georgian

Germany
noun: German(s)
adjective: German

Ghana
noun: Ghanaian(s)
adjective: Ghanaian

Gibraltar
noun: Gibraltarian(s)
adjective: Gibraltar

Greece
noun: Greek(s)
adjective: Greek

Greenland
noun: Greenlander(s)
adjective: Greenlandic

Grenada
noun: Grenadian(s)
adjective: Grenadian

Guam
noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Guamanian

Guatemala
noun: Guatemalan(s)
adjective: Guatemalan

Guernsey
noun: Channel Islander(s)
adjective: Channel Islander

Guinea
noun: Guinean(s)
adjective: Guinean

Guinea-Bissau
noun: Guinean(s)
adjective: Guinean

Guyana
noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Guyanese

Haiti
noun: Haitian(s)
adjective: Haitian

Holy See (Vatican City)
noun: none
adjective: none

Honduras
noun: Honduran(s)
adjective: Honduran

Hong Kong
noun: Chinese/Hong Konger
adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Hungary
noun: Hungarian(s)
adjective: Hungarian

Iceland
noun: Icelander(s)
adjective: Icelandic

India
noun: Indian(s)
adjective: Indian

Indonesia
noun: Indonesian(s)
adjective: Indonesian

Iran
noun: Iranian(s)
adjective: Iranian

Iraq
noun: Iraqi(s)
adjective: Iraqi

Ireland
noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective
plural)
adjective: Irish

Isle of Man
noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)
adjective: Manx

Israel
noun: Israeli(s)
adjective: Israeli

Italy
noun: Italian(s)
adjective: Italian

Jamaica
noun: Jamaican(s)
adjective: Jamaican

Japan
noun: Japanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Japanese

Jersey
noun: Channel Islander(s)
adjective: Channel Islander

Jordan
noun: Jordanian(s)
adjective: Jordanian

Kazakhstan
noun: Kazakhstani(s)
adjective: Kazakhstani

Kenya
noun: Kenyan(s)
adjective: Kenyan

Kiribati
noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)
adjective: I-Kiribati

Korea, North
noun: Korean(s)
adjective: Korean

Korea, South
noun: Korean(s)
adjective: Korean

Kosovo
noun: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovac (Serbian)
adjective: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovski (Serbian)
note: Kosovan, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or
adjective

Kuwait
noun: Kuwaiti(s)
adjective: Kuwaiti

Kyrgyzstan
noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)
adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Laos
noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
adjective: Lao or Laotian

Latvia
noun: Latvian(s)
adjective: Latvian

Lebanon
noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Lebanese

Lesotho
noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)
adjective: Basotho

Liberia
noun: Liberian(s)
adjective: Liberian

Libya
noun: Libyan(s)
adjective: Libyan

Liechtenstein
noun: Liechtensteiner(s)
adjective: Liechtenstein

Lithuania
noun: Lithuanian(s)
adjective: Lithuanian

Luxembourg
noun: Luxembourger(s)
adjective: Luxembourg

Macau
noun: Chinese
adjective: Chinese

Macedonia
noun: Macedonian(s)
adjective: Macedonian

Madagascar
noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)
adjective: Malagasy

Malawi
noun: Malawian(s)
adjective: Malawian

Malaysia
noun: Malaysian(s)
adjective: Malaysian

Maldives
noun: Maldivian(s)
adjective: Maldivian

Mali
noun: Malian(s)
adjective: Malian

Malta
noun: Maltese (singular and plural)
adjective: Maltese

Marshall Islands
noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)
adjective: Marshallese

Mauritania
noun: Mauritanian(s)
adjective: Mauritanian

Mauritius
noun: Mauritian(s)
adjective: Mauritian

Mayotte
noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)
adjective: Mahoran

Mexico
noun: Mexican(s)
adjective: Mexican

Micronesia, Federated States of
noun: Micronesian(s)
adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Moldova
noun: Moldovan(s)
adjective: Moldovan

Monaco
noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Mongolia
noun: Mongolian(s)
adjective: Mongolian

Montenegro
noun: Montenegrin(s)
adjective: Montenegrin

Montserrat
noun: Montserratian(s)
adjective: Montserratian

Morocco
noun: Moroccan(s)
adjective: Moroccan

Mozambique
noun: Mozambican(s)
adjective: Mozambican

Namibia
noun: Namibian(s)
adjective: Namibian

Nauru
noun: Nauruan(s)
adjective: Nauruan

Nepal
noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)
adjective: Nepalese

Netherlands
noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)
adjective: Dutch

New Caledonia
noun: New Caledonian(s)
adjective: New Caledonian

New Zealand
noun: New Zealander(s)
adjective: New Zealand

Nicaragua
noun: Nicaraguan(s)
adjective: Nicaraguan

Niger
noun: Nigerien(s)
adjective: Nigerien

Nigeria
noun: Nigerian(s)
adjective: Nigerian

Niue
noun: Niuean(s)
adjective: Niuean

Norfolk Island
noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Northern Mariana Islands
noun: NA (US citizens)
adjective: NA

Norway
noun: Norwegian(s)
adjective: Norwegian

Oman
noun: Omani(s)
adjective: Omani

Pakistan
noun: Pakistani(s)
adjective: Pakistani

Palau
noun: Palauan(s)
adjective: Palauan

Panama
noun: Panamanian(s)
adjective: Panamanian

Papua New Guinea
noun: Papua New Guinean(s)
adjective: Papua New Guinean

Paraguay
noun: Paraguayan(s)
adjective: Paraguayan

Peru
noun: Peruvian(s)
adjective: Peruvian

Philippines
noun: Filipino(s)
adjective: Philippine

Pitcairn Islands
noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)
adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Poland
noun: Pole(s)
adjective: Polish

Portugal
noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)
adjective: Portuguese

Puerto Rico
noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Puerto Rican

Qatar
noun: Qatari(s)
adjective: Qatari

Romania
noun: Romanian(s)
adjective: Romanian

Russia
noun: Russian(s)
adjective: Russian

Rwanda
noun: Rwandan(s)
adjective: Rwandan

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha noun: Saint Helenian(s) adjective: Saint Helenian note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Saint Kitts and Nevis
noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)
adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Saint Lucia
noun: Saint Lucian(s)
adjective: Saint Lucian

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
adjective: French

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or
Vincentian(s)
adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Samoa
noun: Samoan(s)
adjective: Samoan

San Marino
noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)
adjective: Sammarinese

Sao Tome and Principe
noun: Sao Tomean(s)
adjective: Sao Tomean

Saudi Arabia
noun: Saudi(s)
adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Senegal
noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)
adjective: Senegalese

Serbia
noun: Serb(s)
adjective: Serbian

Seychelles
noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)
adjective: Seychellois

Sierra Leone
noun: Sierra Leonean(s)
adjective: Sierra Leonean

Singapore
noun: Singaporean(s)
adjective: Singapore

Slovakia
noun: Slovak(s)
adjective: Slovak

Slovenia
noun: Slovene(s)
adjective: Slovenian

Solomon Islands
noun: Solomon Islander(s)
adjective: Solomon Islander

Somalia
noun: Somali(s)
adjective: Somali

South Africa
noun: South African(s)
adjective: South African

Spain
noun: Spaniard(s)
adjective: Spanish

Sri Lanka
noun: Sri Lankan(s)
adjective: Sri Lankan

Sudan
noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Sudanese

Suriname
noun: Surinamer(s)
adjective: Surinamese

Swaziland
noun: Swazi(s)
adjective: Swazi

Sweden
noun: Swede(s)
adjective: Swedish

Switzerland
noun: Swiss (singular and plural)
adjective: Swiss

Syria
noun: Syrian(s)
adjective: Syrian

Taiwan
noun: Taiwan (singular and plural)
note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan
adjective: Taiwan

Tajikistan
noun: Tajikistani(s)
adjective: Tajikistani

Tanzania
noun: Tanzanian(s)
adjective: Tanzanian

Thailand
noun: Thai (singular and plural)
adjective: Thai

Timor-Leste
noun: Timorese
adjective: Timorese

Togo
noun: Togolese (singular and plural)
adjective: Togolese

Tokelau
noun: Tokelauan(s)
adjective: Tokelauan

Tonga
noun: Tongan(s)
adjective: Tongan

Trinidad and Tobago
noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)
adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Tunisia
noun: Tunisian(s)
adjective: Tunisian

Turkey
noun: Turk(s)
adjective: Turkish

Turkmenistan
noun: Turkmen(s)
adjective: Turkmen

Turks and Caicos Islands
noun: none
adjective: none

Tuvalu
noun: Tuvaluan(s)
adjective: Tuvaluan

Uganda
noun: Ugandan(s)
adjective: Ugandan

Ukraine
noun: Ukrainian(s)
adjective: Ukrainian

United Arab Emirates
noun: Emirati(s)
adjective: Emirati

United Kingdom
noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)
adjective: British

United States
noun: American(s)
adjective: American

Uruguay
noun: Uruguayan(s)
adjective: Uruguayan

Uzbekistan
noun: Uzbekistani
adjective: Uzbekistani

Vanuatu
noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Venezuela
noun: Venezuelan(s)
adjective: Venezuelan

Vietnam
noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)
adjective: Vietnamese

Virgin Islands
noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Virgin Islander

Wallis and Futuna noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

West Bank
noun: NA
adjective: NA

Western Sahara
noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)
adjective: Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Yemen
noun: Yemeni(s)
adjective: Yemeni

Zambia
noun: Zambian(s)
adjective: Zambian

Zimbabwe
noun: Zimbabwean(s)
adjective: Zimbabwean

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

@2111

Field Listing :: Natural resources

This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and
other resources of commercial importance, such as rare earth
elements (REEs).
Country

Natural resources

Afghanistan
natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc,
barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and
semiprecious stones

Albania
petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper,
iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower

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

American Samoa
pumice, pumicite

Andorra
hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Angola
petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar,
gold, bauxite, uranium

Anguilla
salt, fish, lobster

Antarctica
iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and
other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small
uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish,
and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Antigua and Barbuda
NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Arctic Ocean
sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits,
polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals
(seals and whales)

Argentina
fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper,
iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

Armenia
small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite

Aruba
NEGL; white sandy beaches

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
fish

Atlantic Ocean
oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and
whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic
nodules, precious stones

Australia
bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver,
uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead,
zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum
note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal
accounting for 29% of global coal exports

Austria
oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc,
antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower

Azerbaijan
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals,
bauxite

Bahamas, The
salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Bahrain
oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Bangladesh
natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Barbados
petroleum, fish, natural gas

Belarus
timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural
gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Belgium
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

Belize
arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Benin
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Bermuda
limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Bhutan
timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

Bolivia
tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony,
silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Bosnia and Herzegovina
coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc,
chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand,
timber, hydropower

Botswana
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal,
iron ore, silver

Bouvet Island
none

Brazil
bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates,
platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower,
timber

British Indian Ocean Territory
coconuts, fish, sugarcane

British Virgin Islands
NEGL

Brunei
petroleum, natural gas, timber

Bulgaria
bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Burkina Faso
manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold,
phosphates, pumice, salt

Burma
petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten,
lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas,
hydropower

Burundi
nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper,
platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum,
gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone

Cambodia
oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese,
phosphates, hydropower potential

Cameroon
petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Canada
iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth
elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber,
wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

Cape Verde
salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum

Cayman Islands
fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Central African Republic
diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil,
hydropower

Chad
petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold,
limestone, sand and gravel, salt

Chile
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals,
molybdenum, hydropower

China
coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin,
tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite,
aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower
potential (world's largest)

Christmas Island
phosphate, beaches

Clipperton Island
fish

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
fish

Colombia
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold,
copper, emeralds, hydropower

Comoros
NEGL

Congo, Democratic Republic of the cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber

Congo, Republic of the petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower

Cook Islands
NEGL

Coral Sea Islands
NEGL

Costa Rica
hydropower

Cote d'Ivoire
petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore,
cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay,
cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower

Croatia
oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium,
gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Cuba
cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber,
silica, petroleum, arable land

Curacao
calcium phosphates, aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables,
tropical fruit

Cyprus
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay
earth pigment

Czech Republic
hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Denmark
petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone,
gravel and sand

Djibouti
potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone,
marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum

Dominica
timber, hydropower, arable land

Dominican Republic
nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Ecuador
petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Egypt
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese,
limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, rare earth elements, zinc

El Salvador
hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Equatorial Guinea
petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite,
diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

Eritrea
gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural
gas, fish

Estonia
oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay,
limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Ethiopia
small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural
gas, hydropower

European Union
iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead,
zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land,
timber, fish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Faroe Islands
fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Fiji
timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Finland
timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel,
gold, silver, limestone

France
metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium,
antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, fish
French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum,
clay

French Polynesia
timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
fish, crayfish
note: Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have
guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Gabon
petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium,
gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Gambia, The
fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite),
tin, zircon

Gaza Strip
arable land, natural gas

Georgia
timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper,
minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for
important tea and citrus growth

Germany
coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel,
uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land

Ghana
gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish,
rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone

Gibraltar
none

Greece
lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel,
magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

Greenland
coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold,
platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales,
hydropower, possible oil and gas

Grenada
timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Guam
aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely
undeveloped)

Guatemala
petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Guernsey
cropland

Guinea
bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish,
salt

Guinea-Bissau
fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite,
limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Guyana
bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Haiti
bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
fish

Holy See (Vatican City)
none

Honduras
timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore,
antimony, coal, fish, hydropower

Hong Kong
outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Hungary
bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Iceland
fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

India
coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore,
manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore,
chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Indian Ocean
oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel
aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Indonesia
petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite,
copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Iran
petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead,
manganese, zinc, sulfur

Iraq
petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Ireland
natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite,
gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Isle of Man
none

Israel
timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock,
magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Italy
coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice,
fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil
reserves, fish, arable land

Jamaica
bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Jan Mayen
none

Japan
negligible mineral resources, fish
note: with virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the
world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well
as the second largest importer of oil

Jersey
arable land

Jordan
phosphates, potash, shale oil

Kazakhstan
major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore,
manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead,
zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Kenya
limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc,
diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

Kiribati
phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Korea, North
coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron
ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Korea, South
coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower
potential

Kosovo
nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome,
bauxite

Kuwait
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Kyrgyzstan
abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and
rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas;
other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Laos
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Latvia
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable
land

Lebanon
limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a
water-deficit region, arable land

Lesotho
water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay,
building stone

Liberia
iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Libya
petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Liechtenstein
hydroelectric potential, arable land

Lithuania
peat, arable land, amber

Luxembourg
iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Macau
NEGL

Macedonia
low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite,
manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber,
arable land

Madagascar
graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements,
salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Malawi
limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of
uranium, coal, and bauxite

Malaysia
tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas,
bauxite

Maldives
fish

Mali
gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum,
granite, hydropower
note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are
known but not exploited

Malta
limestone, salt, arable land

Marshall Islands
coconut products, marine products, deep seabed
minerals

Mauritania
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil,
fish

Mauritius
arable land, fish

Mayotte
NEGL

Mexico
petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas,
timber

Micronesia, Federated States of
timber, marine products, deep-seabed
minerals, phosphate

Moldova
lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Monaco
none

Mongolia
oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin,
nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron

Montenegro
bauxite, hydroelectricity

Montserrat
NEGL

Morocco
phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Mozambique
coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum,
graphite

Namibia
diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium,
cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish
note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Nauru
phosphates, fish

Navassa Island
guano

Nepal
quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small
deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Netherlands
natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and
gravel, arable land

New Caledonia
nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold,
lead, copper

New Zealand
natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower,
gold, limestone

Nicaragua
gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Niger
uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum,
gypsum, salt, petroleum

Nigeria
natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone,
niobium, lead, zinc, arable land

Niue
fish, arable land

Norfolk Island
fish

Northern Mariana Islands
arable land, fish

Norway
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc,
titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Oman
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,
gypsum, natural gas

Pacific Ocean
oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and
gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Pakistan
land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum,
poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Palau
forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products,
deep-seabed minerals

Panama
copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Papua New Guinea
gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil,
fisheries

Paracel Islands
none

Paraguay
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Peru
copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,
phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Philippines
timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt,
copper

Pitcairn Islands
miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish
note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been
discovered offshore

Poland
coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber,
arable land

Portugal
fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin,
tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable
land, hydropower

Puerto Rico
some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and
offshore oil

Qatar
petroleum, natural gas, fish

Romania
petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal,
iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Russia
wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil,
natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, reserves of rare
earth elements, timber
note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder
exploitation of natural resources

Rwanda
gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore),
methane, hydropower, arable land

Saint Barthelemy
has few natural resources, its beaches being the
most important

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
fish, lobster

Saint Kitts and Nevis
arable land

Saint Lucia
forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral
springs, geothermal potential

Saint Martin
salt

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
fish, deepwater ports

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
hydropower, cropland

Samoa
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

San Marino
building stone

Sao Tome and Principe
fish, hydropower

Saudi Arabia
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Senegal
fish, phosphates, iron ore

Serbia
oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite,
gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Seychelles
fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Sierra Leone
diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold,
chromite

Singapore
fish, deepwater ports

Sint Maarten
fish, salt

Slovakia
brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper
and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Slovenia
lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower,
forests

Solomon Islands
fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead,
zinc, nickel

Somalia
uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin,
gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

South Africa
gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese,
nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem diamonds,
platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
fish

Southern Ocean
probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields
on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer
deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales,
and seals - none exploited; krill, fish

Spain
coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium,
tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite,
kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Spratly Islands
fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas
potential

Sri Lanka
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates,
clay, hydropower

Sudan
petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore,
zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Suriname
timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold,
and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Svalbard
coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish

Swaziland
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests,
small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Sweden
iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten,
uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Switzerland
hydropower potential, timber, salt

Syria
petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt,
iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Taiwan
small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and
asbestos

Tajikistan
hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,
lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Tanzania
hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds,
gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Thailand
tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead,
fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Timor-Leste
gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Togo
phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Tokelau
NEGL

Tonga
fish, fertile soil

Trinidad and Tobago
petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Tunisia
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Turkey
coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold,
barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone,
magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable
land, hydropower

Turkmenistan
petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt

Turks and Caicos Islands
spiny lobster, conch

Tuvalu
fish

Uganda
copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, gold

Ukraine
iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur,
graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber,
arable land

United Arab Emirates
petroleum, natural gas

United Kingdom
coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc,
gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica
sand, slate, arable land

United States
coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth
elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash,
silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
note: the US has the world's largest coal reserves with 491 billion
short tons accounting for 27% of the world's total

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Uruguay
arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

Uzbekistan
natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver,
copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Vanuatu
manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Venezuela
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other
minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Vietnam
phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite,
chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower

Virgin Islands
sun, sand, sea, surf

Wake Island
none

Wallis and Futuna
NEGL

West Bank
arable land

Western Sahara
phosphates, iron ore

World
the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the
depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and
plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality
(especially in some countries of Eastern Europe, the former USSR,
and China) pose serious long-term problems that governments and
peoples are only beginning to address

Yemen
petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble; small deposits of coal,
gold, lead, nickel, and copper; fertile soil in west

Zambia
copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver,
uranium, hydropower

Zimbabwe
coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron
ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

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

@2112

Field Listing :: Net migration rate

This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number
of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000
persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering
the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56
migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country
as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net
migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the
overall level of population change. The net migration rate does not
distinguish between economic migrants, refugees, and other types of
migrants nor does it distinguish between lawful migrants and
undocumented migrants.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Net migration rate(migrant(s)/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
4.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Albania
-3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Algeria
-0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

American Samoa
-6.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Andorra
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Angola
1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Anguilla
13.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Argentina
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Armenia
-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Aruba
9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Australia
6.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Austria
1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
-1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahrain
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
-2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Barbados
-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belarus
0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belgium
1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belize
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Benin
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bermuda
2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bhutan
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Bolivia
-1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Botswana
4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Brazil
-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
7.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brunei
2.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
-2.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Burma
-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Burundi
4.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cambodia
-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Cameroon
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Canada
5.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
-0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
16.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2010
est.)

Central African Republic
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Chad
-3.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chile
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

China
-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
-0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Comoros
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population NA

Croatia
1.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cuba
-1.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Curacao
1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008)

Cyprus
11.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Denmark
2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Djibouti
4.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Dominica
-5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
-2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ecuador
-0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Egypt
-0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

El Salvador
-9.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Eritrea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Estonia
-3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: repatriation of Ethiopian refugees residing in Sudan is
expected to continue for several years; some Sudanese, Somali, and
Eritrean refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting or famine
in their own countries, continue to return to their homes (2010 est.)

European Union
1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Fiji
-7.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Finland
0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

France
1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gabon
-2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Georgia
-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Germany
2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ghana
-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
-3.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greece
2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greenland
-5.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Grenada
-3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guam
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Guatemala
-2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guernsey
2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guyana
-15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Haiti
-8.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Honduras
-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
4.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hungary
1.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iceland
0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

India
-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Indonesia
-1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iran
-0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iraq
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Ireland
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
8.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Israel
2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Italy
2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jamaica
-5.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Japan
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Jersey
5.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jordan
-2.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
-3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kenya
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kiribati
-2.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Korea, North
-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, South
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kuwait
15.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
-2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Laos
-1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Latvia
-2.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lebanon
-2.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Lesotho
-8.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liberia
0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Libya
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Liechtenstein
4.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lithuania
-0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
8.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macau
3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macedonia
-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Madagascar
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Malawi
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Malaysia
-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal
immigrants from other countries in the region (2009 est.)

Maldives
-12.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mali
-5.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malta
2.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
-5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritania
-0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritius
-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mayotte
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mexico
-3.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of -21.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Moldova
-1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Monaco
-0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mongolia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Montserrat
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Morocco
-3.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mozambique
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Namibia
0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nauru
-16.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Nepal
-1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Netherlands
2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
4.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
Caledonia (2009 est.)

New Zealand
2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
-1.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niger
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nigeria
-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands -73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Norway
1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Oman
-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pakistan
-2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Palau
0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Panama
-0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Paraguay
-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Peru
-0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Philippines
-1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
-0.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Portugal
3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Qatar
-4.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Romania
-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Russia
0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Rwanda
1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Saint Kitts and Nevis
1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
-3.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010
est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-11.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population
(2010 est.)

Samoa
-11.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

San Marino
9.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
-9.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Senegal
-1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Serbia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Seychelles
1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
-4.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly
returning (2010 est.)

Singapore
4.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
14.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008)

Slovakia
0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Slovenia
0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
-1.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Somalia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

South Africa
-3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Spain
2.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sudan
0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Suriname
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Sweden
1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Switzerland
1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Syria
-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Taiwan
0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
-1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tanzania
-0.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Thailand
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Timor-Leste
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Togo
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Trinidad and Tobago
-7.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tunisia
-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkey
0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
-1.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
8.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
-7.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Uganda
-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ukraine
-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
21.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
2.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United States
4.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uruguay
-0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
-2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Venezuela
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vietnam
-0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
-5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
-5.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
Caledonia (2010 est.)

West Bank
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Yemen
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Zambia
-0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
12.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2009 est.)

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

@2113

Field Listing :: Geography - note

This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Geography - note

Afghanistan
landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast
to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the
country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan
Corridor)

Akrotiri
British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base
Area (SBA) land, 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by
the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

Albania
strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic
Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

Algeria
second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

American Samoa
Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater
harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough
seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds;
strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean

Andorra
landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in
the Pyrenees

Angola
the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the
rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla
the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser
Antilles

Antarctica
the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest
continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface
at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent
period; mostly uninhabitable

Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with
many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor

Arctic Ocean
major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern
access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic
location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link
between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating
research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover
in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean;
snow cover lasts about 10 months

Argentina
second-largest country in South America (after Brazil);
strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic
and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel,
Drake Passage); diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical
climates in the north to tundra in the far south; Cerro Aconcagua is
the Western Hemisphere's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon
is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere

Armenia
landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich
(Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

Aruba
a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches;
its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the
Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27
degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve
established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve
established in 2000

Atlantic Ocean
major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of
Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits
include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The
Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the
Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Australia
world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country;
population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts;
the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects
the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most
consistent winds in the world

Austria
landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central
Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major
river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands
because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

Azerbaijan
both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan
exclave are landlocked

Bahamas, The
strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive
island chain of which 30 are inhabited

Bahrain
close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic
location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's
petroleum must transit to reach open ocean

Bangladesh
most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers
flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main
channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually
empty into the Bay of Bengal

Barbados
easternmost Caribbean island

Belarus
landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of
Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes

Belgium
crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals
within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and
NATO

Belize
only country in Central America without a coastline on the
North Pacific Ocean

Benin
sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural
harbors, river mouths, or islands

Bermuda
consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample
rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by
the US Government from 1941 to 1995

Bhutan
landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

Bolivia
landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest
navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

Bosnia and Herzegovina
within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized
borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat
Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led
Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region
called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro, and
traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the
west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east

Botswana
landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the
country

Bouvet Island
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by
Norway

Brazil
largest country in South America; shares common boundaries
with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

British Indian Ocean Territory archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

British Virgin Islands
strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico

Brunei
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking
Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by
Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia

Bulgaria
strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land
routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

Burkina Faso
landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of
the Black, Red, and White Voltas

Burma
strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

Burundi
landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the
Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote
headstream of the White Nile

Cambodia
a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River
and Tonle Sap

Cameroon
sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout
the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of
current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest
mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

Canada
second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic
location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately
90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border

Cape Verde
strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near
major north-south sea routes; important communications station;
important sea and air refueling site

Cayman Islands
important location between Cuba and Central America

Central African Republic
landlocked; almost the precise center of
Africa

Chad
landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the
Sahel

Chile
strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage);
Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

China
world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US);
Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

Christmas Island
located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

Clipperton Island
reef 12 km in circumference

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
islands are thickly covered with coconut
palms and other vegetation; site of a World War I naval battle in
November 1914 between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and
the German raider SMS Emden; after being heavily damaged in the
engagement, the Emden was beached by her captain on North Keeling
Island

Colombia
only South American country with coastlines on both the
North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Comoros
important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

Congo, Democratic Republic of the straddles equator; has narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

Congo, Republic of the
about 70% of the population lives in
Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

Cook Islands
the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely
populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of
the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic
isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

Coral Sea Islands
important nesting area for birds and turtles

Costa Rica
four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital
of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes,
Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65

Cote d'Ivoire
most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal
region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is
sparsely populated

Croatia
controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea
and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of
Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks

Cuba
largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the
Greater Antilles

Curacao
Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group

Cyprus
the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after
Sicily and Sardinia)

Czech Republic
landlocked; strategically located astride some of
oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is
a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and
the Danube in central Europe

Denmark
controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking
Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in
greater Copenhagen

Dhekelia
British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base
Area land 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the
Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

Djibouti
strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and
close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia;
mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in
Africa

Dominica
known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its
spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected
by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the
Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and
include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in
the world

Dominican Republic
shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti

Ecuador
Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

Egypt
controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and
remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link
between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition
to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;
dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues;
prone to influxes of refugees

El Salvador
smallest Central American country and only one without a
coastline on Caribbean Sea

Equatorial Guinea
insular and continental regions widely separated

Eritrea
strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest
shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia
along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May
1993

Estonia
the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded;
offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

Ethiopia
landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost
with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue
Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in
T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are
believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and
castor bean

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
deeply indented coast provides
good natural harbors; short growing season

Faroe Islands
archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one
uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically
located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic;
precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

Fiji
includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

Finland
long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national
capital on European continent; population concentrated on small
southwestern coastal plain

France
largest West European nation

French Polynesia
includes five archipelagoes (four volcanic, one
coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great
phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba
(Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru

French Southern and Antarctic Lands islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

Gabon
a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped
Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these
circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its
pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

Gambia, The
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the
continent of Africa

Gaza Strip
strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade
routes has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of
Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history

Georgia
strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia
controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

Germany
strategic location on North European Plain and along the
entrance to the Baltic Sea

Ghana
Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

Gibraltar
strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the
North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Greece
strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern
approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an
archipelago of about 2,000 islands

Greenland
dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and
Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast;
close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk;
world's second largest ice cap

Grenada
the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is
divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

Guam
largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands
archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

Guatemala
no natural harbors on west coast

Guernsey
large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

Guinea
the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their
sources in the Guinean highlands

Guinea-Bissau
this small country is swampy along its western coast
and low-lying inland

Guyana
the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname
and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern
territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

Haiti
shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western
one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, the most recent being in 2005

Holy See (Vatican City)
landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's
smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the
Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial
authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including
the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer
residence)

Honduras
has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean
shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

Hong Kong
more than 200 islands

Hungary
landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes
between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between
Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna
(Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions

Iceland
strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost
European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in
the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental
Europe

India
dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian
Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the
world, lies on the border with Nepal

Indian Ocean
major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of
Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and
the Lombok Strait

Indonesia
archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles
equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from
Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

Iran
strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz,
which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

Iraq
strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of
the Persian Gulf

Ireland
strategic location on major air and sea routes between North
America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides
within 100 km of Dublin

Isle of Man
one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest
and is a bird sanctuary

Israel
Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater
source; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about
145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the
Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

Italy
strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as
southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

Jamaica
strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica
Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

Jan Mayen
barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

Japan
strategic location in northeast Asia

Jersey
largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of
population concentrated in Saint Helier

Jordan
strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as
the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the
occupied West Bank

Kazakhstan
landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of
territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004,
Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050

Kenya
the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful
agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on
Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography
supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic
value

Kiribati
21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island)
in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

Korea, North
strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and
Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

Korea, South
strategic location on Korea Strait

Kuwait
strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

Kyrgyzstan
landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien
Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an
average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and
high-altitude lakes

Laos
landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly
forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western
boundary with Thailand

Latvia
most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains
with some hills in the east

Lebanon
Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not
crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically
helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based
on religion, clan, and ethnicity

Lesotho
landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa;
mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level

Liberia
facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by
lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland
grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

Libya
more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

Liechtenstein
along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly
landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic
variations based on elevation

Lithuania
fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that
are ancient glacial deposits

Luxembourg
landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

Macau
essentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea
measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of
Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland
peninsula by three bridges

Macedonia
landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and
Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

Madagascar
world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along
Mozambique Channel

Malawi
landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's
most prominent physical feature

Malaysia
strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern
South China Sea

Maldives
1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited
islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with
strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

Mali
landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,
cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the
northern, arid Saharan

Malta
the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three
largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino)
being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and
Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
exploration

Marshall Islands
the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US
nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II
battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a
US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second
largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of
Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the
Pacific

Mauritania
most of the population is concentrated in the cities of
Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the
southern part of the country

Mauritius
the main island, from which the country derives its name,
is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral
reefs; home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons,
driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a
combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species

Mayotte
part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)

Mexico
strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize),
one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated
in Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of
four major island groups totaling
607 islands

Moldova
landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and
minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

Monaco
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy
See); almost entirely urban

Mongolia
landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

Montenegro
strategic location along the Adriatic coast

Montserrat
the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised
of three major volcanic centers of differing ages

Morocco
strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

Mozambique
the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most
fertile part of the country

Namibia
first country in the world to incorporate the protection of
the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is
protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

Nauru
Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and
Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

Navassa Island
strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base
at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution
holes but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands
of fig trees, scattered cactus

Nepal
landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest
and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the
borders with China and India respectively

Netherlands
located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine,
Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

New Caledonia
consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of
the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute,
and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

New Zealand
almost 90% of the population lives in cities; Wellington
is the southernmost national capital in the world

Nicaragua
largest country in Central America; contains the largest
freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

Niger
landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world;
northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna,
suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

Nigeria
the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows
southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in
the Gulf of Guinea

Niue
one of world's largest coral islands

Norfolk Island
most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost
inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one
small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is
situated

Northern Mariana Islands
strategic location in the North Pacific
Ocean

Norway
about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its
much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes
and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest
coastlines in the world

Oman
strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of
Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

Pacific Ocean
the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama
Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides
the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific
Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in
the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Pakistan
controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion
routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

Palau
westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six
island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II
battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

Panama
strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land
bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal
that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific
Ocean

Papua New Guinea
shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of
world's largest swamps along southwest coast

Paracel Islands
composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs
divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent
Group

Paraguay
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil;
population concentrated in southern part of country

Peru
shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable
lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak,
is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

Philippines
the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands;
favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water
bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea,
and Luzon Strait

Pitcairn Islands
Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger
island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural
harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger
ships stationed offshore

Poland
historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and
the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

Portugal
Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along
western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

Puerto Rico
important location along the Mona Passage - a key
shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest
and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and
high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast
relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Qatar
strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major
petroleum deposits

Romania
controls most easily traversable land route between the
Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

Russia
largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably
located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its
size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either
too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's
tallest peak

Rwanda
landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the
population predominantly rural

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena harbors
at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world;
Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns;
Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain
in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes
around southern Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat
and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide
channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball
bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in
the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape
complements that of its sister island

Saint Lucia
the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking
cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural
highlights of the Caribbean

Saint Martin
the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in
the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of
Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
vegetation scanty

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

Samoa
occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

San Marino
landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after
the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

Sao Tome and Principe
the smallest country in Africa; the two main
islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are
mountainous

Saudi Arabia
extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea
provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through
Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Senegal
westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is
almost an enclave within Senegal

Serbia
controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to
Turkey and the Near East

Seychelles
41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands

Sierra Leone
rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches)
a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western
Africa

Singapore
focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

Sint Maarten
the northern border is shared with the French overseas
collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two enties make up the
smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

Slovakia
landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous;
the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic
lakes and valleys

Slovenia
despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country
controls some of Europe's major transit routes

Solomon Islands
strategic location on sea routes between the South
Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; on 2 April 2007
an undersea earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale occurred
345 km WNW of the capital Honiara; the resulting tsunami devastated
coastal areas of Western and Choiseul provinces with dozens of
deaths and thousands dislocated; the provincial capital of Gizo was
especially hard hit

Somalia
strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern
approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

South Africa
South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost
completely surrounds Swaziland

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
the north coast of South
Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage;
reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia

Southern Ocean
the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between
South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic
Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent
of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the
Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface
waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front
and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of
60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the
far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly
winds

Spain
strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar;
Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including
the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez
de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

Spratly Islands
strategically located near several primary shipping
lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small
islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs

Sri Lanka
strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

Sudan
largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its
tributaries

Suriname
smallest independent country on South American continent;
mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna
that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new
development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast

Svalbard
northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of
nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total
area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed
Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity
Trust and the Norwegian Government

Swaziland
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Sweden
strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and
North Seas

Switzerland
landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe;
along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern
Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps

Syria
there are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites
in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.)

Taiwan
strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the
Luzon Strait

Tajikistan
landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the
Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast;
highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was
the tallest mountain in the former USSR

Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three
of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's
second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the
world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

Thailand
controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Timor-Leste
Timor comes from the Malay word for "East"; the island
of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and
easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands

Togo
the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct
geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

Tokelau
consists of three atolls (Atafu, Fakaofo, Nukunonu), each
with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying
length and rising to over 3 m above sea level

Tonga
archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

Trinidad and Tobago
Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is
the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

Tunisia
strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and
Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
exploration

Turkey
strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus,
Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount
Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's ark, is in the far
eastern portion of the country

Turkmenistan
landlocked; the western and central low-lying desolate
portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert,
which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

Turks and Caicos Islands
about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

Tuvalu
one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six
of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau,
Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya
and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

Uganda
landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and
rivers

Ukraine
strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and
Asia; second-largest country in Europe

United Arab Emirates
strategic location along southern approaches to
Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

United Kingdom
lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km
from France and linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because
of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from
tidal waters

United States
world's third-largest country by size (after Russia
and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley
is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point
on the continent

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker, Howland, and
Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses,
prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting,
roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine
wildlife; closed to the public
Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands,
which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and
East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging;
the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public
Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed
to the public
Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a NWR and open to the
public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife
observation and photography
Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make
the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island
territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach
forest

Uruguay
second-smallest South American country (after Suriname);
most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is
grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

Uzbekistan
along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly
landlocked countries in the world

Vanuatu
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller
islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

Venezuela
on major sea and air routes linking North and South
America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest
waterfall

Vietnam
extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km
across at its narrowest point

Virgin Islands
important location along the Anegada Passage - a key
shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best
natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

Wake Island
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency
landing location for transpacific flights

Wallis and Futuna
both island groups have fringing reefs

West Bank
landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's
coastal aquifers; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites
including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank and
32 sites in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
the waters off the coast are particularly rich
fishing areas

World
the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old,
just about one-third of the 13.7-billion-year age estimated for the
universe

Yemen
strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the
Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping
lanes

Zambia
landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
with Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe
landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria
Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

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

@2115

Field Listing :: Political pressure groups and leaders

This entry includes a listing of a country's political, social,
labor, or religious organizations that are involved in politics, or
that exert political pressure, but whose leaders do not stand for
legislative election. International movements or organizations are
generally not listed.
Country

Political pressure groups and leaders

Afghanistan
other: religious groups; tribal leaders; ethnically
based groups; Taliban

Albania
Citizens Advocacy Office [Kreshnik SPAHIU]; Confederation of
Trade Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot MUCO]; Front for Albanian
National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur ADILI]; Mjaft Movement [Elton
KACIDHJA]; Omonia [Ligorag KARAMELO]; Union of Independent Trade
Unions of Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA]

Algeria
The Algerian Human Rights League or LADDH [Hocine ZEHOUANE];
SOS Disparus [Nacera DUTOUR]

American Samoa
Population Pressure LAS (addresses the growing
population pressures)

Andorra
NA

Angola
Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC
[N'zita Henriques TIAGO, Antonio Bento BEMBE]
note: FLEC's small-scale armed struggle for the independence of
Cabinda Province persists despite the signing of a peace accord with
the government in August 2006

Anguilla
NA

Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William
ROBINSON]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

Argentina
Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA);
Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine
Rural Confederation or CRA (small to medium landowners'
association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners'
association); Central of Argentine Workers or CTA (a radical union
for employed and unemployed workers); General Confederation of Labor
or CGT (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); White and
Blue CGT (dissident CGT labor confederation); Roman Catholic Church
other: business organizations; Peronist-dominated labor movement;
Piquetero groups (popular protest organizations that can be either
pro or anti-government); students

Armenia
Aylentrank (Impeachment Alliance) [Nikol PASHINIAN];
Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN]

Aruba
other: environmental groups

Australia
other: business groups; environmental groups; social
groups; trade unions

Austria
Austrian Trade Union Federation or OeGB (nominally
independent but primarily Social Democratic); Federal Economic
Chamber; OeVP-oriented Association of Austrian Industrialists or IV;
Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization,
Catholic Action
other: three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or
OeVP representing business, labor, farmers, and other nongovernment
organizations in the areas of environment and human rights

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Public Forum [Eldar NAMAZOV]; Karabakh
Liberation Organization

Bahamas, The
Friends of the Environment
other: trade unions

Bahrain
Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators
other: several small leftist and other groups are active

Bangladesh
Advocacy to End Gender-based Violence through the MoWCA
(Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs)
other: environmentalists; Islamist groups; religious leaders;
teachers; union leaders

Barbados
Barbados Secondary Teachers' Union or BSTU [Patrick FROST];
Barbados Union of Teachers or BUT [Herbert GITTENS]; Congress of
Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados or CTUSAB, (includes
the BWU, NUPW, BUT, and BSTU) [Leroy TROTMAN]; Barbados Workers
Union or BWU [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David
COMISSIONG]; National Union of Public Workers [Joseph GODDARD]

Belarus
Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs (unregistered) [Sergey
MATSKEVICH]; Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions
[Aleksandr YAROSHUK]; Belarusian Association of Journalists [Zhana
LITVINA]; Belarusian Helsinki Committee [Aleh HULAK]; Belarusian
Independence Bloc (unregistered) and For Freedom movement [Aleksandr
MILINKEVICH]; Belarusian Organization of Working Women [Irina
ZHIKHAR]; BPF-Youth [Andrus KRECHKA]; Charter 97 (unregistered)
[Andrey SANNIKOV]; Perspektiva small business association [Anatol
SHUMCHENKO]; Nasha Vyasna (unregistered) ("Our Spring") human rights
center; "Tell the Truth" Movement [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; Women's
Independent Democratic Movement [Ludmila PETINA]; Young Belarus
(Malady Belarus) [Zmitser KASPYAROVICH]; Youth Front (Malady Front)
[Zmitser DASHKEVICH]

Belgium
Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation
of Belgian Industries
other: numerous other associations representing bankers,
manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical
professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests
of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi
and groups representing immigrants

Belize
Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR
[Nicole HAYLOCK]; Association of Concerned Belizeans or ACB [David
VASQUEZ]; National Trade Union Congress of Belize or NTUC/B [Rene
GOMEZ]

Benin
other: economic groups; environmentalists; political groups;
teachers' unions and other educational groups

Bermuda
Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial
Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or
BPSU [Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Bhutan
United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress
(exiled)
other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading
militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

Bolivia
Bolivian Workers Central or COR; Federation of Neighborhood
Councils of El Alto or FEJUVE; Landless Movement or MST; National
Coordinator for Change or CONALCAM; Sole Confederation of Campesino
Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB
other: Cocalero groups; indigenous organizations (including
Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Eastern Bolivia or CIDOB and
National Council of Ayullus and Markas of Quollasuyu or CONAMAQ);
labor unions (including the Central Bolivian Workers' Union or COB
and Cooperative Miners Federation or FENCOMIN)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
other: war veterans; displaced persons
associations; family associations of missing persons; private media

Botswana
First People of the Kalahari (Bushman organization); Pitso
Ya Ba Tswana; Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language
(Kalanga elites)
other: diamond mining companies

Brazil
Landless Workers' Movement or MST
other: labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations;
religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the
Catholic Church

British Virgin Islands
The Family Support Network; The Women's Desk
other: environmentalists

Brunei
NA

Bulgaria
Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or
CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation
other: numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with
various agendas

Burkina Faso
Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB [Tole
SAGNON]; Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP [Chrysigone
ZOUGMORE]; Group of 14 February [Benewende STANISLAS]; National
Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB [Laurent OUEDRAOGO];
National Organization of Free Unions or ONSL [Paul KABORE]
other: watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in
both organizations and communities

Burma
Thai border: Ethnic Nationalities Council or ENC; Federation
of Trade Unions-Burma or FTUB (exile trade union and labor
advocates); National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or
NCGUB (self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr.
SEIN WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the
People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and
joined insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government in
exile); National Council-Union of Burma or NCUB (exile coalition of
opposition groups)
Inside Burma: Kachin Independence Organization or KIO; Karen
National Union or KNU; Karenni National People's Party or KNPP;
Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (pro-regime, a
social and political mass-member organization) [HTAY OO, general
secretary] became the Union Solidarity and Development Party in
2010; United Wa State Army or UWSA; 88 Generation Students
(pro-democracy movement); several other Shan factions

Burundi
Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society or FORSC
[Pacifique NININAHAZWE] (civil society umbrella organization);
Observatoire de lutte contre la corruption et les malversations
economiques or OLUCOME [Gabriel RUFYIRI] (anti-corruption pressure
group)
other: Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

Cambodia
Cambodian Freedom Fighters or CFF; Partnership for
Transparency Fund or PTF (anti-corruption organization); Students
Movement for Democracy; The Committee for Free and Fair Elections or
Comfrel
other: human rights organizations; vendors

Cameroon
Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president];
Southern Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN]

Canada
other: agricultural sector; automobile industry; business
groups; chemical industry; commercial banks; communications sector;
energy industry; environmentalists; public administration groups;
steel industry; trade unions

Cape Verde
other: environmentalists; political pressure groups

Cayman Islands
National Trust
other: environmentalists

Central African Republic
Monam (combating gender-base violence)

Chad
rebel groups

Chile
Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such
as Opus Dei; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists
from the country's five largest labor confederations
other: revitalized university student federations at all major
universities

China
no substantial political opposition groups exist

Christmas Island
none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The Cocos Islands Youth Support Centre

Colombia
National Liberation Army or ELN; Revolutionary Armed Forces
of Colombia or FARC
note: two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia

Comoros
other: environmentalists

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
MONUC - UN organization working
with the government; FARDC (Forces Armees de la Republique
Democratique du Congo) - Army of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo which commits atrocities on citizens; FDL (Forces
Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) - Rwandan militia group

Congo, Republic of the
Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC;
General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC;
Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese
Socialist Youth or UJSC

Cook Islands
Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes)
other: various groups lobbying for political change

Costa Rica
Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD
(Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated
Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican
Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party
affiliate); Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO; Costa Rican
Solidarity Movement; Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises
or UCCAEP [Rafael CARRILLO]; Federation of Public Service Workers or
FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE;
National Association of Educators or ANDE; National Association of
Public and Private Employees or ANEP [Albino VARGAS]; Rerum Novarum
or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert BROWN]

Cote d'Ivoire
Federation of University and High School Students of
Cote d'Ivoire or FESCI [Serges KOFFI]; Rally of Houphouetists for
Democracy and Peace or RHDP [Alphonse DJEDJE MADY]; Young Patriots
[Charles BLE GOUDE]

Croatia
other: human rights groups

Cuba
Human Rights Watch; National Association of Small Farmers

Cyprus
Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West);
Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of
Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor
Federation or PEO (Communist controlled)

Czech Republic
Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions or CMKOS
[Jaroslav ZAVADIL]

Denmark
Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn
Neergaard LARSEN]; Principal DA member organizations: Confederation
of Danish Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]; Confederation of Danish
Labor Unions [President Harald BORSTING]; Danish Bankers Association
[CEO Joergen HORWITZ]; DaneAge Association [President Bjarne
HASTRUP]; Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella
Maria BISSCHOP-LARSEN]
other: humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

Djibouti
Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes
RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD
(opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, and UDJ)

Dominica
Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

Dominican Republic
Citizen Participation Group (Participacion
Ciudadania); Collective of Popular Organizations or COP; Foundation
for Institution-Building and Justice (FINJUS)

Ecuador
Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or
CONAIE [Marlon SANTI, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or
CMS [F. Napoleon SALTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of
Ecuador or FEINE [Manuel CHUGCHILAN, president]; National Federation
of Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Luis
Alberto ANDRANGO Cadena, president]

Egypt
Muslim Brotherhood (technically illegal)
note: despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties
and political activity, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood
constitutes Egypt's most potentially significant political
opposition; President MUBARAK has alternated between tolerating
limited political activity by the Brotherhood and blocking its
influence (its members compete as independents in elections but do
not currently hold any seats in the legislature); civic society
groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; only
trade unions and professional associations affiliated with the
government are officially sanctioned; Internet social networking
groups and bloggers

El Salvador
labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El
Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar
Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National
Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of
Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or
SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or
USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of
Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National
Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly
Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or
ASI

Equatorial Guinea
ASODEGUE (Madrid-based pressure group for
democratic reform); Global Witness (anti-corruption)

Eritrea
Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) [HAGOS, Mesfin]; Eritrean
Islamic Jihad or EIJ (includes Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or
EIJM also known as the Abu Sihel Movement); Eritrean Islamic
Salvation or EIS (also known as the Arafa Movement); Eritrean
Liberation Front or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National
Alliance or ENA (a coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number
of ELF factions) [HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF
[ARADOM Iyob]

Ethiopia
Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front or EPPF; Ogaden National
Liberation Front or ONLF; Oromo Liberation Front or OLF [DAOUD Ibsa]

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Falkland Islands Association
(supports freedom of the people from external causes)

Faroe Islands
conservationists

Fiji
Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH]
(for restoration of a democratic government); Viti Landowners
Association

France
Confederation francaise democratique du travail or CFDT,
left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members;
Confederation francaise de l'encadrement - Confederation generale
des cadres or CFE-CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000
members; Confederation francaise des travailleurs chretiens of CFTC,
independent labor union founded by Catholic workers that claims
132,000 members; Confederation generale du travail or CGT,
historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000
members; Confederation generale du travail - Force ouvriere or FO,
independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement
des entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000
companies as members (claimed)
French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups;
hunting pressure groups
Guadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or
KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General
Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent
Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement
Martinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union
for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of
Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP
Reunion: NA

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
NA

Gambia, The
National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace
Building Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment
Network Gambia or YENGambia
other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

Georgia
separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia

Germany
business associations and employers' organizations; trade
unions; religious, immigrant, expellee, and veterans groups

Ghana
Christian Aid (water rights); Committee for Joint Action or
CJA (education reform); National Coalition Against the Privatization
of Water or CAP (water rights); Oxfam (water rights); Public Citizen
(water rights); Students Coalition Against EPA [Kwabena Ososukene
OKAI] (education reform); Third World Network (education reform)

Gibraltar
Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives
Organization; Women's Association

Greece
Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros PAPASPYROS];
Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Dimitris DASKALOPOULOS];
General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Ioannis PANAGOPOULOS]

Greenland
other: conservationists; environmentalists

Grenada
Committee for Human Rights in Grenada or CHRG; New Jewel
Movement Support Group; The British Grenada Friendship Society; The
New Jewel 19 Committee

Guam
Guam Federation of Teachers' Union; Guam Waterworks Authority
Workers
other: activists; indigenous groups

Guatemala
Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity
or AAI; Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee
of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations
or CACIF; International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala or
CICIG; Mutual Support Group or GAM

Guernsey
Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety or STEPS; No
More Masts [Colin FALLAIZE]

Guinea
National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of
Guinean Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance (includes National
Confederation of Guinean Workers or CNTG [Rabiatou Sarah DIALLO] and
Labor Union of Guinean Workers or USTG [Dr. Ibrahima FOFANA]);
Syndicate of Guinean Teachers and Researchers or SLECG [Dr. Louis
M'Bemba SOUMAH]

Guinea-Bissau
NA

Guyana
Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association;
Guyana Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana
Public Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades
Union Congress

Haiti
Autonomous Organizations of Haitian Workers or CATH [Fignole
ST-CYR]; Confederation of Haitian Workers or CTH; Federation of
Workers Trade Unions or FOS; General Organization of Independent
Haitian Workers [Patrick NUMAS]; Grand-Anse Resistance Committee, or
KOREGA; National Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement
or MPP [Chavannes JEAN-BAPTISTE]; Popular Organizations Gathering
Power or PROP; Protestant Federation of Haiti; Roman Catholic Church

Holy See (Vatican City)
none (exclusive of influence exercised by
church officers)

Honduras
Beverage and Related Industries Syndicate or STIBYS;
Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or CODEH;
Confederation of Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating Committee of
Popular Organizations or CCOP; General Workers Confederation or CGT;
Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or COHEP; National
Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH; National Union of
Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United Confederation of
Honduran Workers or CUTH

Hong Kong
Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese
Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade
Unions or CTU (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE
Cheuk-yan, general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries;
Federation of Trade Unions or FTU (pro-China) [CHENG Yiu-tong,
executive councilor]; Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic
Democratic Movement in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and
Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG
Man-kwong, president]; Neighborhood and Workers' Service Center or
NWSC [LEUNG Yiu-chung, LegCo member] (pro-democracy); Civic Act-up
[Cyd HO Sau-lan, LegCo member] (pro-democracy)

Hungary
Air Work Group (works to reduce air pollution in towns and
cities); Company For Freedom Rights (Tarsasag a Szabadsagjogokert)
or TASZ (personal data protection); Danube Circle (protests the
building of the Gabchikovo-Nagymaros dam); Green Future (protests
the impact of lead contamination of local factory on health of the
people); environmentalists: Hungarian Ornithological and Nature
Conservation Society (Magyar Madartani Egyesulet)or MME; Green
Alternative (Zold Alternativa)

India
All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley
(separatist group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National
Socialist Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group);
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [Mohan BHAGWAT] (religious
organization); Vishwa Hindu Parishad [Ashok SINGHAL] (religious
organization)
other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations;
various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional
autonomy

Indonesia
Commission for the "Disappeared" and Victims of Violence
or KontraS; Indonesia Corruption Watch or ICW; Indonesian Forum for
the Environment or WALHI; Islamic Defenders Front or FPI; People's
Democracy Fortress or Bendera

Iran
groups that generally support the Islamic Republic: Ansar-e
Hizballah-Islamic Coalition Party (Motalefeh); Followers of the Line
of the Imam and the Leader; Islamic Engineers Society; Tehran
Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat); active pro-reform student
group: Office of Strengthening Unity (OSU); opposition groups:
Baluchistan People's Party (BPP); Freedom Movement of Iran; Green
Path movement [Mehdi KARUBI, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI]; Marz-e Por Gohar;
National Front; and various ethnic and Monarchist organizations;
armed political groups that have been repressed by the government:
Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI); Jundallah; Komala;
Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO); People's Fedayeen;
People's Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK)

Iraq
Sunni militias; Shia militias, some associated with political
parties

Ireland
Families Acting for Innocent Relatives or FAIR [Brian
MCCONNELL] (seek compensation for victims of violence); Families
Against Intimidation and Terror or FAIT (oppose terrorism);
Gaeltacht Civil Rights Campaign (Coiste Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeilge)
or CCSG (encourages the use of the Irish language and campaigns for
greater civil rights in Irish speaking areas); Iona Institute [David
QUINN] (a conservative Catholic think tank); Irish Anti-War Movement
[Richard Boyd BARRETT] (campaigns against wars around the world);
Irish Republican Army or IRA (terrorist group); Keep Ireland Open
(environmental group); Midland Railway Action Group or MRAG [Willie
ALLEN] (transportation promoters); Peace and Neutrality Alliance
[Roger COLE] (campaigns to protect Irish neutrality); Rail Users
Ireland (formerly the Platform 11 - transportation promoters); 32
Country Sovereignty Movement or 32CSM (supports a fully sovereign
Ireland); Ulster Defence Association or UDA (terrorist group)

Isle of Man
Alliance for Progressive Government or APG (a government
watchdog); Mec Vannin (political party advocating a sovereign state
and environment policies); note - has only had one member elected to
the Tynwald

Israel
B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human
rights abuses; Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, Secretary General]
supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
YESHA Council of Settlements [Danny DAYAN, Chairman] promotes
settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; Breaking the
Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, Executive Director] collects testimonies from
soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Italy
manufacturers and merchants associations - Confcommercio;
Confindustria; organized farm groups - Confcoltivatori;
Confagricoltura; Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union
confederations - Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL
[Guglielmo EPIFANI] which is left wing; Confederazione Italiana dei
Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Raffaele BONANNO], which is Roman
Catholic centrist; Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL [Luigi
ANGELETTI] which is lay centrist)

Jamaica
New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black
religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

Japan
other: business groups; trade unions

Jersey
Institute of Directors, Jersey branch (provides business
support); Jersey Hospitality Association [Robert JONES] (trade
association); Jersey Rights Association [David ROTHERHAM] (human
rights); La Societe Jersiaise (education and conservation group);
Progress Jersey [Daren O'TOOLE, Gino RISOLI] (human rights); Royal
Jersey Agriculture and Horticultural Society or RJA&HS (development
and management of the Jersey breed of cattle); Save Jersey's
Heritage (protects heritage through building preservation)

Jordan
Anti-Normalization Committee [Hamzeh MANSOUR, chairman];
Higher Coordination Committee of Opposition Parties [Hamzeh
MANZOUR]; Jordan Bar Association [Saleh al-ARMUTI, chairman];
Jordanian Press Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Jordanian
Muslim Brotherhood [Dr. Hamam SAID, controller general]

Kazakhstan
Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Almaty Helsinki Committee
[Ninel FOKINA]; Confederation of Free Trade Unions [Sergei BELKIN];
For Fair Elections [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS (jailed), Sabit ZHUSUPOV,
Sergey DUVANOV, Ibrash NUSUPBAYEV]; Kazakhstan International Bureau
on Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Pan-National
Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY];
Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman];
Republican Network of International Monitors [Dos KUSHIM];
Transparency International [Sergey ZLOTNIKOV]

Kenya
Council of Islamic Preachers of Kenya or CIPK [Sheikh Idris
MOHAMMED]; Kenya Human Rights Commission [L. Muthoni WANYEKI];
Muslim Human Rights Forum [Ali-Amin KIMATHI]; National Convention
Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition of political
parties and nongovernment organizations [Ndung'u WAINANA]; National
Muslim Leaders Forum or NAMLEF [Abdullahi ABDI]; Protestant National
Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK [Canon Peter Karanja MWANGI];
Roman Catholic and other Christian churches; Supreme Council of
Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur al-BUSAIDY]
other: labor unions

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
none

Korea, South
Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean
Trade Unions; Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National
Council of Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans'
Association; National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic
Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations;
National Federation of Student Associations

Kosovo
Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedom (human
rights); Humanitarian Law Centre (human rights); Movement for
Self-Determination; Serb National Council (SNV)

Kuwait
other: Islamists; merchants; political groups; secular
liberals and pro-governmental deputies; Shia activists; tribal groups

Kyrgyzstan
Adilet Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA]; Coalition for
Democracy and Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA]; Interbilim
[Asiya SASYKBAEVA]

Laos
NA

Latvia
Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS],
Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament
[Juris LAZDINS]

Lebanon
Maronite Church [Patriarch Nasrallah SFAYR]
other: note - most sects retain militias and a number of militant
groups operate in Palestinian refugee camps

Lesotho
Media Institute of Southern Africa, Lesotho chapter [Thabang
MATJAMA] (pushes for media freedom)

Liberia
other: demobilized former military officers

Libya
other: anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile movement; Islamic elements

Liechtenstein
NA

Luxembourg
ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector
trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural
producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union
representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of
Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL
(federation of industrialists); Greenpeace (environment protection);
LCGP (center-right trade union); Mouvement Ecologique (protection of
ecology); OGBL (center-left trade union)

Macau
Civic Power [Agnes LAM Lok-fong]; Macau New Chinese Youth
Association [LEONG Sin-man]; Macau Society of Tourism and
Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO]; Macau Worker's Union [HO
Heng-kuok]; Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]

Macedonia
Federation of Free Trade Unions [Svetlana PETROVIC];
Federation of Trade Unions [Vanco MURATOVSKI]; Trade Union of
Education, Science and Culture [Dojcin CVETANOSKI]

Madagascar
Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR;
Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National
Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

Malawi
Agri-Ecology Media (agriculture and environmental group);
Council for NGOs in Malawi or CONGOMA (human rights, democracy, and
development); Human Rights Consultative Committee or HRCC (human
rights); Malawi Law Society (human rights and law reform); Malawi
Movement for the Restoration of Democracy or MMRD (acts to restore
and maintain democracy); Public Affairs Committee or PAC (promotes
democracy, development, peace and unity)

Malaysia
Bar Council; BERSIH (electoral reform coalition); PEMBELA
(Muslim NGO coalition)
other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

Maldives
other: various unregistered political parties

Mali
other: the army; Islamic authorities; rebels in the northern
region; state-run cotton company CMDT; tuaregs

Malta
Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Maltra or ALDM (for divorce,
abortion, gay marriage, the rights existent in other EU member
states); Alleanza Nazzionali Repubblikana or ANR (for traditional
values, anti-immigration); Alternattiva Demokratika
(pro-environment); Azzjoni Nazzjonali or AN (freedom to participate
in democratic government); Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar
(pro-environment); Ghazda tal-Konsumaturi (consumer rights)
other: environmentalists

Marshall Islands
NA

Mauritania
General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CGTM
[Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary general]; Independent
Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory Ould BEYE];
Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary
general]
other: Arab nationalists; Ba'thists; Islamists

Mauritius
other: various labor unions

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
Businessmen's Coordinating Council or CCE; Confederation of
Employers of the Mexican Republic or COPARMEX; Confederation of
Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN; Confederation of Mexican Workers or
CTM; Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO;
Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations or COECE;
Dialogue for the Reconstruction of Mexico or DIA; Federation of
Unions Providing Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of
Transformation Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant
Confederation or CNC; National Small Business Chamber or CANACOPE;
National Syndicate of Education Workers or SNTE; National Union of
Workers or UNT; Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca or APPO;
Roman Catholic Church

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA

Moldova
NA

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
other: human rights groups; women's groups

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI];
General Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL];
Moroccan Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National
Labor Union of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan
Workers or UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

Mozambique
Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga Mocambicana dos
Direitos Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president]

Namibia
Earthlife Namibia [Berthchen KOHRS] (environmentalist
group); National Society for Human Rights or NSHR; The World
Information Services of Energy or WISE (group against nuclear power)

Nauru
Woman Information and News Agency (women's issues)

Nepal
other: several small armed Madhesi groups along the southern
border with India; a variety of groups advocating regional autonomy
for individual ethnic groups

Netherlands
Christian Trade Union Federation or CNV [Jaap SMIT];
Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers or VNO-NCW
[Bernard WIENTJES]; Federation for Small and Medium-sized businesses
or MKB [Loek HERMANS]; Netherlands Trade Union Federation or FNV
[Agnes JONGERIUS]; Social Economic Council or SER [Alexander RINNOOY
KAN]; Trade Union Federation of Middle and High Personnel or MHP
[Richard STEENBORG]

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL
other: apartheid groups; civil rights groups; farmers groups; Maori;
nuclear weapons groups; women's rights groups

Nicaragua
National Workers Front or FNT (a Sandinista umbrella group
of eight labor unions including: Farm Workers Association or ATC,
Health Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs
Confederation of Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National
Association of Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of
Employees or UNE, National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG,
Sandinista Workers Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of
Nicaragua or UPN); Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT (an umbrella
group of four non-Sandinista labor unions including: Autonomous
Nicaraguan Workers Central or CTN-A, Confederation of Labor
Unification or CUS, Independent General Confederation of Labor or
CGT-I, and Labor Action and Unity Central or CAUS); Nicaraguan
Workers' Central or CTN (an independent labor union); Superior
Council of Private Enterprise or COSEP (a confederation of business
groups)

Niger
The Nigerien Movement for Justice or MNJ, a predominantly
Tuareg rebel group

Nigeria
Academic Staff Union for Universities or ASUU; Campaign for
Democracy or CD; Civil Liberties Organization or CLO; Committee for
the Defense of Human Rights or CDHR; Constitutional Right Project or
CRP; Human Right Africa; National Association of Democratic Lawyers
or NADL; National Association of Nigerian Students or NANS; Nigerian
Bar Association or NBA; Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC; Nigerian
Medical Association or NMA; the press; Universal Defenders of
Democracy or UDD

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
none

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of
the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer
advocacy group)
other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

Oman
none

Pakistan
other: military (most important political force); ulema
(clergy); landowners; industrialists; small merchants

Palau
NA

Panama
Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council
of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private
Enterprise or CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar
Workers (SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or
APEDE; Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers
Confederation of the Republic of Panama or CTRP

Papua New Guinea
Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes);
Centre for Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien
ASE]; Community Coalition Against Corruption

Paraguay
Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Coordinating Board of
Campesino Organizations or MCNOC [Luis AGUAYO]; National Federation
of Campesinos or FNC [Odilon ESPINOLA]; National Workers Central or
CNT [Secretary General Juan TORRALES]; Paraguayan Workers
Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central
or CUT [Jorge Guzman ALVARENGA Malgarejo]

Peru
General Workers Confederation of Peru (Confederacion General de
Trabajadores del Peru) or CGTP [Mario HUAMAN]; Shining Path (Sendero
Luminoso) or SL [Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned), Victor QUISPE
Palomino (top leader at-large)] (leftist guerrilla group)

Philippines
ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia
BARAQUIEL]; An Waray [Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv
HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III];
Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto
PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna
[Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement
[Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and
William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel
VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and
Luzviminda ILAGAN]; KABATAAN [Raymon PALATINO]; Kilosbayan [Jovito
SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

Pitcairn Islands
none

Poland
All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Jan
GUZ]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Stanislaw DZIWISZ, Archbishop
Jozef MICHALIK]; Solidarity Trade Union [Piotr DUDA]

Portugal
the media; labor unions

Puerto Rico
Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also
known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are
considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for
National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance,
Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

Qatar
none

Romania
other: various human rights and professional associations

Russia
Association of Citizens with Initiative of Russia (TIGR);
Confederation of Labor of Russia (KTR); Federation of Independent
Labor Unions of Russia; Freedom of Choice Interregional Organization
of Automobilists; Glasnost Defense Foundation; Golos Association in
Defense of Voters' Rights; Greenpeace Russia; Human Rights Watch
(Russian chapter); Institute for Collective Action; Memorial (human
rights group); Movement Against Illegal Migration; Pamjat
(preservation of historical monuments and recording of history);
Russian Orthodox Church; Russian Federation of Car Owners;
Russian-Chechen Friendship Society; SOVA Analytical-Information
Center; Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers; World Wildlife
Fund (Russian chapter)

Rwanda
IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

Saint Barthelemy
The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
other: private sector;
unions

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
NA

Saint Martin
NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
Association of Sao Tome and Principe NGOs or
FONG
other: the media

Saudi Arabia
Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights)
other: gas companies; religious groups

Senegal
other: labor; students; Sufi brotherhoods, including the
Mourides and Tidjanes; teachers

Serbia
Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian
nationalist movement)

Seychelles
Roman Catholic Church
other: trade unions

Sierra Leone
other: student unions; trade unions

Singapore
none

Slovakia
Association of Towns and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of
Trade Unions or KOZ; Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia or ZPS;
Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic;
National Union of Employers or RUZ; Slovak Chamber of Commerce and
Industry or SOPK; Slovenska Pospolitost; The Business Alliance of
Slovakia or PAS

Slovenia
Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]
other: Catholic Church

Solomon Islands
Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM); Malaita Eagle Force
(MEF); note - these rival armed ethnic factions crippled the Solomon
Islands in a wave of violence from 1999 to 2003

Somalia
other: numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in
support and in opposition to the transitional government

South Africa
Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU
[Zwelinzima VAVI, general secretary]; South African Communist Party
or SACP [Blade NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National
Civics Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]
note: note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

Spain
Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots
organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and
supporting its victims); Basta Ya (Spanish for "Enough is Enough");
grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist
attacks and supporting its victims); Nunca Mais (Galician for "Never
Again"; formed in response to the oil Tanker Prestige oil spill);
Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller
independent Workers Syndical Union or USO; Trade Union Confederation
of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO.
other: business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free
labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

Sri Lanka
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or LTTE [P. SIVAPARAN,
Chief of International Secretariat; V. RUDRAKUMARAN, legal advisor];
note - this insurgent group suffered military defeat in May 2009;
some cadres remain scattered throughout country;
other: Buddhist clergy; labor unions; radical chauvinist Sinhalese
groups such as the National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese
Buddhist lay groups

Sudan
Umma Party [SADIQ Siddiq al-Mahdi]; Popular Congress Party or
PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Darfur rebel groups including the Justice
and Equality Movement or JEM [Khalil IBRAHIM] and the Sudan
Liberation Movement or SLM [various factional leaders]

Suriname
Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs [Ricardo PANE];
Association of Saramaccan Authorities or Maroon [Head Captain WASE];
Women's Parliament Forum or PVF [Iris GILLIAD]

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
Swaziland Democracy Campaign; Swaziland Federation of
Trade Unions; Swaziland and Solidarity Network or SSN

Sweden
Children's Rights in Society; Swedish Confederation of
Professional Employees or TCO; Swedish Federation of Trade Unions or
LO
other: media

Switzerland
NA

Syria
Arab Human Rights Organization in Syria or AHRO; Damascus
Declaration Group (a broad alliance of secular, religious, and
Kurdish opposition groups); National Salvation Front (alliance
between former Vice President Abd al-Halim KHADDAM and other small
opposition groups in exile; formerly included the Syrian Muslim
Brotherhood); Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression
[Mazin DARWISH]; Syrian Human Rights Organization [Muhanad
al-HASANI]; Syrian Human Rights Society or HRAS [Fayez FAWAZ];
Syrian Muslim Brotherhood or SMB [Muhammad Riyad al-SHAQFAH]
(operates in exile in London)

Taiwan
environmental groups; independence movement; various business
groups
note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the
mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; public opinion polls
consistently show a substantial majority of Taiwan people supports
maintaining Taiwan's status quo for the foreseeable future;
advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island
will eventually unify with mainland China; advocates of eventual
unification predicate their goal on the democratic transformation of
the mainland

Tajikistan
splinter parties recognized by the government but not by
the base of the party: Democratic Party or DPT [Masud SOBIROV]
(splintered from ISKANDAROV's DPT); Socialist Party or SPT
[Abduhalim GHAFFOROV] (splintered from NARZIEV's SPT)
unregistered political parties: Agrarian Party [Hikmatullo
NASREDDINOV]; Progressive Party [Sulton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party
[Hikmatullo SAIDOV]

Tanzania
Economic and Social Research Foundation or ESRF; Free
Zanzibar; Tanzania Media Women's Association or TAMWA

Thailand
People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD; United Front for
Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
NA

Tokelau
none

Tonga
Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev.
Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE]

Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin ABU BAKR]

Tunisia
18 October Group [collective leadership]; Tunisian League
for Human Rights or LTDH [Mokhtar TRIFI]

Turkey
Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey or
TUSKON [Rizanur MERAL}; Confederation of Public Sector Unions or
KESK [Sami EVREN]; Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or
DISK [Suleyman CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and
Businessmen's Association or MUSIAD [Omer Cihad VARDAN]; Moral
Rights Workers Union or Hak-Is [Salim USLU]; Turkish Confederation
of Employers' Unions or TISK [Tugrul KUDATGOBILIK]; Turkish
Confederation of Labor or Turk-Is [Mustafa KUMLU]; Turkish
Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen or TESK [Bendevi
PALANDOKEN]; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association
or TUSIAD [Umit BOYNER]; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and
Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat HISARCIKLIOGLU]

Turkmenistan
none

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
none

Uganda
Lord's Resistance Army or LRA [Joseph KONY]; Young
Parliamentary Association [Henry BANYENZAKI]; Parliamentary Advocacy
Forum or PAFO; National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda
or NAWOU [Florence NEKYON]; The Ugandan Coalition for Political
Accountability to Women or COPAW

Ukraine
Committee of Voters of Ukraine [Aleksandr CHERNENKO]; OPORA
[Olha AIVAZOVSKA]

United Arab Emirates
NA

United Kingdom
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of
British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

United States
environmentalists; business groups; labor unions;
churches; ethnic groups; political action committees or PAC; health
groups; education groups; civic groups; youth groups; transportation
groups; agricultural groups; veterans groups; women's groups; reform
lobbies

Uruguay
Architect's Society of Uruguay (professional organization);
Chamber of Uruguayan Industries (manufacturer's association);
Chemist and Pharmaceutical Association (professional organization);
PIT/CNT (powerful federation of Uruguayan Unions - umbrella labor
organization); Rural Association of Uruguay (rancher's association);
Uruguayan Construction League; Uruguayan Network of Political Women
other: Catholic Church; students

Uzbekistan
there are no significant opposition political parties or
pressure groups operating in Uzbekistan

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS
groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor
organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

Vietnam
8406 Bloc; Democratic Party of Vietnam or DPV; People's
Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VN; Alliance for Democracy
note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the
government

Virgin Islands
NA

Wallis and Futuna
NA

Western Sahara
none

Yemen
Muslim Brotherhood; Women National Committee
other: conservative tribal groups; Huthis, southern secessionist
groups; al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Zambia
NA

Zimbabwe
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition; National Constitutional
Assembly or NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU]; Women of Zimbabwe Arise or WOZA
[Jenny WILLIAMS]; Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions or ZCTU
[Wellington CHIBEBE]

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@2116

Field Listing :: Economy - overview

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

Economy - overview

Afghanistan
Afghanistan's economy is recovering from decades of
conflict. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of
the Taliban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of
international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector,
and service sector growth. Despite the progress of the past few
years, Afghanistan is extremely poor, landlocked, and highly
dependent on foreign aid, agriculture, and trade with neighboring
countries. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages
of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs.
Criminality, insecurity, weak governance, and the Afghan
Government's inability to extend rule of law to all parts of the
country pose challenges to future economic growth. Afghanistan's
living standards are among the lowest in the world. While the
international community remains committed to Afghanistan's
development, pledging over $67 billion at four donors' conferences
since 2002, the Government of Afghanistan will need to overcome a
number of challenges, including low revenue collection, anemic job
creation, high levels of corruption, weak government capacity, and
poor public infrastructure.

Akrotiri
Economic activity is limited to providing services to the
military and their families located in Akrotiri. All food and
manufactured goods must be imported.

Albania
Albania, a formerly closed, centrally-planned state, is
making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market
economy. Macroeconomic growth averaged around 6% between 2004-08,
but declined to about 3% in 2009-10. Inflation is low and stable.
The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and
recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large
gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is
bolstered by annual remittances from abroad representing about 15%
of GDP, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy; this
helps offset the towering trade deficit. The agricultural sector,
which accounts for over half of employment but only about one-fifth
of GDP, is limited primarily to small family operations and
subsistence farming because of lack of modern equipment, unclear
property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of
land. Energy shortages because of a reliance on hydropower, and
antiquated and inadequate infrastructure contribute to Albania's
poor business environment and lack of success in attracting new
foreign investment needed to expand the country's export base. The
completion of a new thermal power plant near Vlore has helped
diversify generation capacity, and plans to upgrade transmission
lines between Albania and Montenegro and Kosovo would help relieve
the energy shortages. Also, with help from EU funds, the government
is taking steps to improve the poor national road and rail network,
a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth.

Algeria
Algeria's economy remains dominated by the state, a legacy
of the country's socialist post-independence development model.
Gradual liberalization since the mid-1990s has opened up more of the
economy, but in recent years Algeria has imposed new restrictions on
foreign involvement in its economy and largely halted the
privatization of state-owned industries. Hydrocarbons have long been
the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget
revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. Algeria has
the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the
fourth-largest gas exporter. It ranks 16th in oil reserves. Thanks
to strong hydrocarbon revenues, Algeria has a cushion of $150
billion in foreign currency reserves and a large hydrocarbon
stabilization fund. In addition, Algeria's external debt is
extremely low at about 1% of GDP. Algeria has struggled to develop
industires outside of hydrocarbons in part because of high costs and
an inert state bureaucracy.The government's efforts to diversify the
economy by attracting foregin and domestic investment outside the
energy sector have done little to reduce high poverty and youth
unemployment rates. In 2010, Algeria began a five-year, $286 billion
development program to update the country's infrastructure and
provide jobs. The costly program will boost Algeria's economy in
2011 but worsen the country's budget deficit. Long-term economic
challenges include diversification from hydrocarbons, relaxing state
control of the economy, and providing adequate jobs for youger
Algerians.

American Samoa
American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy
in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic
activity is strongly linked to the US with which American Samoa
conducts most of its commerce. Tuna fishing and tuna processing
plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the
primary export. The two tuna canneries account for 80% of
employment. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting
tsunami devastated American Samoa and nearby Samoa, disrupting
transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200
deaths. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is overseeing a
relief program of nearly $25 million. Transfers from the US
Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well
being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader
economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited
transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism is a
promising developing sector.

Andorra
Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy,
accounts for more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11 million tourists
visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status for some
products and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative
advantage eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain
opened, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs.
The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also
contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is
limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be
imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising.
Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and
furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is
treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs)
and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

Angola
Angola's high growth rate in recent years was driven by high
international prices for its oil. Angola became a member of OPEC in
late 2006 and in late 2007 was assigned a production quota of 1.9
million barrels a day (bbl/day), somewhat less than the 2-2.5
million bbl/day Angola's government had wanted. Oil production and
its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Diamond
exports contribute an additional 5%. Subsistence agriculture
provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the
country's food is still imported. Increased oil production supported
growth averaging more than 15% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar
reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to
high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Much
of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from
the 27-year-long civil war. Land mines left from the war still mar
the countryside, even though peace was established after the death
of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI in February 2002. Since 2005, the
government has used billions of dollars in credit lines from China,
Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to rebuild Angola's
public infrastructure. The global recession temporarily stalled
economic growth. Lower prices for oil and diamonds during the global
recession led to a contraction in GDP in 2009, and many construction
projects stopped because Luanda accrued $9 billion in arrears to
foreign construction companies when government revenue fell in 2008
and 2009. Angola abandoned its currency peg in 2009, and in November
2009 signed onto an IMF Stand-By Arrangement loan of $1.4 billion to
rebuild international reserves. Although consumer inflation declined
from 325% in 2000 to under 14% in 2010, Luanda has been unable to
reduce inflation below 10%. The Angolan kwanza depreciated again in
mid 2010, which, along with higher oil prices, should boost economic
growth in all sectors. Corruption, especially in the extractive
sectors, also is a major challenge.

Anguilla
Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends
heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and
remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism
industry has spurred the growth of the construction sector
contributing to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put
substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,
which is small but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the
economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on
revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on
favorable weather conditions.

Antarctica
Scientific undertakings rather than commercial pursuits
are the predominate human activity in Antarctica. Fishing off the
coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for Antarctica's
limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries, targeting three main
species - Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus
eleginoides and D. mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus
gunnari), and krill (Euphausia superba) - reported landing 141,147
metric tons in 2008-09 (1 July - 30 June). (Estimated fishing is
from the area covered by the Convention on the Conservation of
Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly
beyond the Antarctic Treaty area.) Unregulated fishing, particularly
of Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), is a
serious problem. The CCAMLR determines the recommended catch limits
for marine species. A total of 37,858 tourists visited the Antarctic
Treaty area in the 2008-09 Antarctic summer, down from the 46,265
visitors in 2007-2008 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by
the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO);
this does not include passengers on overflights). Nearly all of them
were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several
yachts that make trips during the summer.

Antigua and Barbuda
Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and
Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of
investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is
focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water
supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages
in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type
assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts,
and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the
medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US,
Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters.
After taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government adopted an
ambitious fiscal reform program, and was successful in reducing its
public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90% in 2008. However,
the global financial crisis that began in 2008, has led to a
significant increase in the national debt, which topped 130% at the
end of 2010. The Antiguan economy experienced solid growth from 2003
to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in
hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup, but growth
dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. In 2009, Antigua's
economy was severely hit by the global economic crisis, suffering
from the collapse of its largest financial institution and a steep
decline in tourism. This decline continued in 2010 as the country
struggled with a yawning budget deficit.

Arctic Ocean
Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of
natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Argentina
Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly
literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a
diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest
countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th
century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and
current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt,
and capital flight. A severe depression, growing public and external
indebtedness, and a bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious
economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent
history. Interim President Adolfo RODRIGUEZ SAA declared a default -
the largest in history - on the government's foreign debt in
December of that year, and abruptly resigned only a few days after
taking office. His successor, Eduardo DUHALDE, announced an end to
the peso's decade-long 1-to-1 peg to the US dollar in early 2002.
The economy bottomed out that year, with real GDP 18% smaller than
in 1998 and almost 60% of Argentines under the poverty line. Real
GDP rebounded to grow by an average 8.5% annually over the
subsequent six years, taking advantage of previously idled
industrial capacity and labor, an audacious debt restructuring and
reduced debt burden, excellent international financial conditions,
and expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. Inflation also
increased, however, during the administration of President Nestor
KIRCHNER, which responded with price restraints on businesses, as
well as export taxes and restraints, and beginning in early 2007,
with understating inflation data. Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER
succeeded her husband as President in late 2007, and the rapid
economic growth of previous years began to slow sharply the
following year as government policies held back exports and the
world economy fell into recession. The economy has rebounded from
the 2009 recession, but the government's continued reliance on
expansionary fiscal and monetary policies risks exacerbating already
high inflation, which remains under-reported by official statistics.

Armenia After several years of double-digit economic growth, Armenia faced a severe economic recession with GDP declining more than 14% in 2009, despite large loans from multilateral institutions. Sharp declines in the construction sector and workers' remittances, particularly from Russia, were the main reasons for the downturn. The economy began to recover in 2010 with nearly 5% growth. Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics, in exchange for raw materials and energy. Armenia has since switched to small-scale agriculture and away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. Armenia has managed to reduce poverty, slash inflation, stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia had made progress in implementing some economic reforms, including privatization, price reforms, and prudent fiscal policies, but geographic isolation, a narrow export base, and pervasive monopolies in important business sectors have made Armenia particularly vulnerable to the sharp deterioration in the global economy and the economic downturn in Russia. The conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s and Armenia's borders with Turkey remain closed until 2010, when Turkey and Armenia signed an accord to reestablish diplomatic relations. Armenia is particularly dependent on Russian commercial and governmental support and most key Armenian infrastructure is Russian-owned and/or managed, especially in the energy sector. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002 and bought by Russia's RAO-UES in 2005. Construction of a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Armenia was completed in December 2008, and gas deliveries are slated to expand due to the April 2010 completion of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant. Armenia has some mineral deposits (copper, gold, bauxite). Pig iron, unwrought copper, and other nonferrous metals are Armenia's highest valued exports. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid, remittances from Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Armenia joined the WTO in January 2003. The government made some improvements in tax and customs administration in recent years, but anti-corruption measures have been ineffective and the current economic downturn has led to a sharp drop in tax revenue and forced the government to accept large loan packages from Russia, the IMF, and other international financial institutions. Armenia will need to pursue additional economic reforms in order to regain economic growth and improve economic competitiveness and employment opportunities, especially given its economic isolation from two of its nearest neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Aruba
Tourism is the mainstay of the small open Aruban economy,
together with offshore banking. Oil refining and storage ended in
2009. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade
has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Over
1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba with 75% of those from the
US. Construction continues to boom with hotel capacity five times
the 1985 level. Tourist arrivals rebounded strongly following a dip
after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The government has made cutting
the budget and trade deficits a high priority.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
no economic activity

Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most
heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and
Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the
exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, dredging of
aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and
natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Australia
Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract
high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of
coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable
energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40
billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas project, will significantly expand
the resources sector. Australia also has a large services sector and
is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food.
Key tenets of Australia's trade policy include support for open
trade and the successful culmination of the Doha Round of
multilateral trade negotiations, particularly for agriculture and
services. The Australian economy grew for 17 consecutive years
before the global financial crisis. Subsequently, the Rudd
government introduced a fiscal stimulus package worth over US$50
billion to offset the effect of the slowing world economy, while the
Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to historic lows. These
policies - and continued demand for commodities, especially from
China - helped the Australian economy rebound after just one quarter
of negative growth. The economy grew by 1.2% during 2009 - the best
performance in the OECD. Unemployment, originally expected to reach
8-10%, peaked at 5.7% in late 2009 and fell to 5.1% in 2010. As a
result of an improved economy, the budget deficit is expected to
peak below 4.2% of GDP and the government could return to budget
surpluses as early as 2015. Australia was one of the first advanced
economies to raise interest rates, with seven rate hikes between
October 2009 and November 2010. The GILLARD government is focused on
raising Australia's economic productivity to ensure the
sustainability of growth, and continues to manage the symbiotic, but
sometimes tense, economic relationship with China. Australia is
engaged in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and ongoing free
trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan, and Korea.

Austria
Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high
standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies,
especially Germany's. Its economy features a large service sector, a
sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed
agricultural sector. Following several years of solid foreign demand
for Austrian exports and record employment growth, the international
financial crisis and global economic downturn in 2008 led to a
recession that persisted until the third quarter of 2009. Austrian
GDP contracted 3.8% in 2009 but saw positive growth of about 2% in
2010. Unemployment has not risen as steeply in Austria as elsewhere
in Europe, partly because its government has subsidized reduced
working hour schemes to allow companies to retain employees. Such
stabilization measures, stimulus initiatives, and the government's
income tax reforms pushed the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP in 2009
and about 5% in 2010, from only about 1.3% in 2008. The
international financial crisis caused difficulties for some of
Austria's largest banks whose extensive operations in central,
eastern, and southeastern Europe faced large losses. The government
provided bank support - including in some instances, nationalization
- to prevent insolvency and possible regional contagion. In the
medium-term all large Austrian banks will need additional capital.
Even after the global economic outlook improves, Austria will need
to continue restructuring, emphasizing knowledge-based sectors of
the economy, and encouraging greater labor flexibility and greater
labor participation to offset growing unemployment and Austria's
aging population and exceedingly low fertility rate.

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's high economic growth during 2006-08 was
attributable to large and growing oil exports, but some non-export
sectors also featured double-digit growth, spurred by growth in the
construction, banking, and real estate sectors. In 2009, economic
growth remained above 9% even as oil prices moderated and growth in
the construction sector cooled. In 2010, economic growth slowed to
approximately 3.7%, although the impact of the global financial
crisis was less severe than in many other countries in the region.
The current global economic slowdown presents some challenges for
the Azerbaijani economy as oil prices remain below their mid-2008
highs, highlighting Azerbaijan's reliance on energy exports and
lackluster attempts to diversify its economy. Azerbaijan's oil
production increased dramatically in 1997, when Azerbaijan signed
the first production-sharing arrangement (PSA) with the Azerbaijan
International Operating Company. Oil exports through the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline remain the main economic driver while
efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. However,
Azerbaijan has made only limited progress on instituting
market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector
corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on
long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. Several other
obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress: the need for
stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the
continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining
in importance, while trade is building with Turkey and the nations
of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the
location of new oil and gas pipelines in the region, and
Azerbaijan's ability to manage its energy wealth to promote
sustainable growth in non-energy sectors of the economy and spur
employment.

Bahamas, The
The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean
countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore
banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and
manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of GDP and directly or
indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to
2006, a steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction
of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but
since then tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global
recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in
a contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The decline
continued in 2010 as tourism from the US and sector investment
lagged. Financial services constitute the second-most important
sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business
services, account for about 36% of GDP. However, the financial
sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of
the enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000
that caused many international businesses to relocate elsewhere.
Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a
tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives
aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run
rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector.

Bahrain
Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the
Persian Gulf. Highly developed communication and transport
facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with
business in the Gulf. As part of its diversification plans, Bahrain
implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US in August 2006,
the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state. Bahrain's economy,
however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production
and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts,
70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied
industries). Other major economic activities are production of
aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and
construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center
for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies
as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum
industries. Unemployment, especially among the young, is a long-term
economic problem Bahrain struggles to address. In 2009, to help
lower unemployment among Bahraini nationals, Bahrain reduced
sponsorship for expatriate workers, increasing the costs of
employing foreign labor. The global financial crisis caused funding
for many non-oil projects to dry up and resulted in slower economic
growth for Bahrain. Other challenges facing Bahrain include the slow
growth of government debt as a result of a large subsidy program,
the financing of large government projects, and debt restructuring,
such as the bailout of state-owned Gulf Air.

Bangladesh
The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite
political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient
power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms.
Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed
nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the
service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture
sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Bangladesh's
growth was resilient during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and
recession. Garment exports, totaling $12.3 billion in FY09 and
remittances from overseas Bangladeshis totaling $9.7 billion in FY09
accounted for almost 25% of GDP.

Barbados
Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on
sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, in recent
years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism
with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports being attributed
to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases
in construction projects and tourism revenues, reflecting its
success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining
revenues in 2009 with the global economic downturn. The country
enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore
finance and information services are important foreign exchange
earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern US
financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The
government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to
encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining
state-owned enterprises. The public debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over
100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and
financial services led to a wide budget deficit.

Belarus
Belarus has seen limited structural reform since 1995, when
President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market
socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed
administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and
expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private
enterprises. Since 2005, the government has re-nationalized a number
of private companies. In addition, businesses have been subjected to
pressure by central and local governments, including arbitrary
changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive
application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"
businessmen and factory owners. Continued state control over
economic operations hampers market entry for businesses, both
domestic and foreign. Government statistics indicate GDP growth was
strong, surpassing 10% in 2008, despite the roadblocks of a tough,
centrally directed economy with a high rate of inflation and a low
rate of unemployment. However, the global crisis pushed the country
into recession in 2009, and GDP grew only 0.2% for the year.
Slumping foreign demand hit the industrial sector hard. Minsk has
depended on a standby-agreement with the IMF to assist with balance
of payments shortfalls. In line with IMF conditions, in 2009,
Belarus devalued the ruble more than 40% and tightened some fiscal
and monetary policies. On 1 January 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and
Belarus launched a customs union, with unified trade regulations and
customs codes still under negotiation. In late January, Russia and
Belarus amended their 2007 oil supply agreement. The new terms
raised prices for above quota purchases, increasing Belarus' current
account deficit. GDP grew 4.8% in 2010, in part, on the strength of
renewed export growth. In December 2010, Belarus, Russia and
Kazakhstan signed an agreement to form a Common Economic Space and
Russia removed all Belarusian oil duties.

Belgium
This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on
its central geographic location, highly developed transport network,
and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is
concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With
few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw
materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its
economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets. Roughly
three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries. In
2009 Belgian GDP contracted by 2.7%, the unemployment rate rose
slightly, and the budget deficit worsened because of large-scale
bail-outs in the financial sector. Belgium's budget deficit widened
to 4.8% of GDP in 2010, while public debt was just over 100% of GDP.
Belgian banks have been severely affected by the international
financial crisis with three major banks receiving capital injections
from the government. An ageing population and rising social
expenditures are also increasing pressure on public finances, making
it likely the government will need to implement unpopular austerity
measures to assuage investor concerns about Belgium's ability to
restore fiscal balance.

Belize
In this small, essentially private-enterprise economy,
tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by
exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and
garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal
policies, initiated in September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth
averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 3.8% in
2008, 0% in 2009, and 1.5% in 2010 as a result of the global
slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil
discoveries in 2006 bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts
continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major
concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign
debt burden. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly
all of its public external commercial debt, which helped reduce
interest payments and relieved some of the country's liquidity
concerns. A key objective remains the reduction of poverty and
inequality with the help of international donors.

Benin
The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on
subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.
Growth in real output had averaged about 4% before the global
recession, but fell to 2.5% in 2009 and 3% in 2010. Inflation has
subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth,
Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis
on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing
systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and
communication technology. Specific projects to improve the business
climate by reforms to the land tenure system, the commercial justice
system, and the financial sector were included in Benin's $307
million Millennium Challenge Account grant signed in February 2006.
The 2001 privatization policy continues in telecommunications,
water, electricity, and agriculture. As result of these reforms,
Benin has become the most competitive country in the West African
Economic and Monetary Union, according to the World Economic Forum.
The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt
situation, with Benin benefiting from a G-8 debt reduction announced
in July 2005, while pressing for more rapid structural reforms. An
insufficient electrical supply continues to adversely affect Benin's
economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to
increase domestic power production.

Bermuda
Bermuda enjoys the third highest per capita income in the
world, more than 50% higher than that of the US; the average cost of
a house by the mid-2000s exceeded $1,000,000. Its economy is
primarily based on providing financial services for international
business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance
companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001
attacks and again after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005
contributing to the expansion of an already robust international
business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80%
of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the
island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must
be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is largely focused on
construction and agriculture is limited, with only 20% of the land
being arable.

Bhutan
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed,
is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main
livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists
largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged
mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and
other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely
aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and
dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is
technologically backward, with most production of the cottage
industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction,
rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and
environment programs are underway with support from multilateral
development organizations. Each economic program takes into account
the government's desire to protect the country's environment and
cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious
expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale,
environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and
uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade,
labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower
exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New
hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's
ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.

Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries
in Latin America. Following a disastrous economic crisis during the
early 1980s, reforms spurred private investment, stimulated economic
growth, and cut poverty rates in the 1990s. The period 2003-05 was
characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent
protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export
Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large northern
hemisphere markets. In 2005, the government passed a controversial
hydrocarbons law that imposed significantly higher royalties and
required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts
to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange
for a predetermined service fee. After higher prices for mining and
hydrocarbons exports produced a fiscal surplus in 2008, the global
recession in 2009 slowed growth. A decline in commodity prices that
began in late 2008, a lack of foreign investment in the mining and
hydrocarbon sectors, a poor infrastructure, and the suspension of
trade benefits with the United States will pose challenges for the
Bolivian economy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
The interethnic warfare in Bosnia and
Herzegovina caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995
and unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output
recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but
output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made
up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, the
country experienced negative GDP growth of almost 3% in 2009 due in
large part to a reduction in exports caused by the global economic
crisis. One of Bosnia's main economic challenges in 2010 has been to
reduce spending on public sector wages and social benefits to meet
the IMF's criteria for obtaining funding for budget shortfalls.
Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments
bureaus were shut down; foreign banks, primarily from Austria and
Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna
marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the national currency introduced in
1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the
banking sector has increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and
foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at
roughly 50% of GDP, remains high because of redundant government
offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of
state enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the
Federation where political division between ethnically-based
political parties makes agreement on economic policy more difficult.
A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain
the two most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful
implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable
source of revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market
activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but
a large share of economic activity remains unofficial and
unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the
Central European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007.

Botswana
Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic
growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth fell below 5%
in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry
falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound management,
Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the
world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $13,100 in
2010. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit
risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and
currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export
earnings, and about half of the government's revenues. Botswana's
heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in
the sharp economic contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services,
subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors.
Although unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official
reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence
of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threatens Botswana's
impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond
mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term
prospects.

Bouvet Island
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Brazil
Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural,
mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy
outweighs that of all other South American countries, and Brazil is
expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has
steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign
reserves, and reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden
toward real denominated and domestically held instruments. In 2008,
Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies
awarded investment grade status to its debt. After record growth in
2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil
in September 2008. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as
global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled and
external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first
emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and investor
confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in 2010,
boosted by an export recovery. Brazil's strong growth and high
interest rates make it an attractive destination for foreign
investors. Large capital inflows over the past year have contributed
to the rapid appreciation of its currency and led the government to
raise taxes on some foreign investments. President Dilma ROUSSEFF
has pledged to retain the previous administration's commitment to
inflation targeting by the Central Bank, a floating exchange rate,
and fiscal restraint.

British Indian Ocean Territory All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The territory earns foreign exchange by selling fishing licenses and postage stamps.

British Virgin Islands
The economy, one of the most stable and
prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism
generating an estimated 45% of the national income. More than
934,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 2008.
In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore
registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and
incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly
400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The
adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which
provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory
gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, made the British
Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business.
Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor
soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements.
Because of traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the
British Virgin Islands has used the US dollar as its currency since
1959.

Brunei
Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a
mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government
regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and
natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more
than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia,
and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income
from domestic production. The government provides for all medical
services and free education through the university level and
subsidizes rice and housing. A new monetary authority was
established in January 2011 with responsibilities that include
monetary policy, monitoring of financial institutions, and currency
trading activities. Other plans for the future include upgrading the
labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and
tourist sectors, increasing agricultural production, and, in
general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a former Communist country that entered the EU on
1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% growth from 2004 to 2008,
driven by significant amounts of foreign direct investment and
consumption. Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment
to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global
downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows,
and industrial production. GDP contracted by approximately 5% in
2009, and stagnated in 2010, despite a significant recovery in
exports. The economy is expected to grow modestly in 2011, however.
Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the
presence of organized crime remain significant challenges.

Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that relies
heavily on cotton and gold exports for revenue. The country has few
natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the
population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is
vulnerable to periodic drought. Cotton is the main cash crop. Since
1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual privatization of
state-owned enterprises and in 2004 revised its investment code to
attract foreign investment. As a result of this new code and other
legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an
upswing in gold exploration and production. By 2010, gold had become
the main source of export revenue.

Burma Burma, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, corruption, and rural poverty. Despite Burma's emergence as a natural gas exporter, socio-economic conditions have deteriorated under the regime's mismanagement, leaving most of the public in poverty, while military leaders and their business cronies exploit the country's ample natural resources. The economy suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances - including rising inflation, fiscal deficits, multiple official exchange rates that overvalue the Burmese kyat, a distorted interest rate regime, unreliable statistics, and an inability to reconcile national accounts to determine a realistic GDP figure. Burma's poor investment climate hampers the inflow of foreign investment; in recent years, foreign investors have shied away from nearly every sector except for natural gas, power generation, timber, and mining. The business climate is widely perceived as opaque, corrupt, and highly inefficient. Over 60% of the FY 2009-10 budget is allocated to state owned enterprises - most operating at a deficit. The government has recently privatized a number of state owned enterprises, but most of the benefits have accrued to regime insiders and cronies. The most productive sectors will continue to be in extractive industries - especially oil and gas, mining, and timber - with the latter two causing significant environmental degradation. Other areas, such as manufacturing, tourism and services, struggle in the face of inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable trade policies, neglected health and education systems, and endemic corruption. A major banking crisis in 2003 caused 20 private banks to close; private banks still operate under tight restrictions, limiting the private sector's access to credit. The United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia have imposed financial and economic sanctions on Burma, prohibiting most financial transactions with Burmese entities, imposing travel bans on Burmese officials and others connected to the ruling regime, and banning imports of certain Burmese products. These sanctions affected the country's fledgling garment industry, isolated the struggling banking sector, and raised the costs of doing business with Burmese companies, particularly firms tied to Burmese regime leaders. The global crisis of 2008-09 caused exports and domestic consumer demand to drop. Remittances from overseas Burmese workers - who had provided significant financial support for their families - slowed or dried up as jobs were lost and migrant workers returned home. Though the Burmese government has good economic relations with its neighbors, better investment and business climates and an improved political situation are needed to promote serious foreign investment, exports, and tourism.

Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an
underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly
agricultural which accounts for about 35% of GDP and employs more
than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and
tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though
exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export
earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on
weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The
Tutsi minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade.
An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more
than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania,
and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two children go
to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food,
medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. Burundi's GDP grew
around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of
the civil war have improved aid flows and economic activity has
increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor
education rates, a weak legal system, and low administrative
capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will
continue to remain heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and
multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal
cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's revenues and its
ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community,
which should boost Burundi's regional trade ties, and received $700
million in debt relief in 2009. Instability spilling over from
eastern Congo-Kinshasa and the ban on minerals smuggled across
Burundi's border will be the main challenges to economic growth.

Cambodia
From 2004 to 2007, the economy grew about 10% per year,
driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector, construction,
agriculture, and tourism. GDP contracted 1.5% in 2009 as a result of
the global economic slowdown, but climbed more than 4% in 1010,
driven by renewed exports. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO
Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodian textile producers were
forced to compete directly with lower-priced countries such as
China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The garment industry
currently employs more than 280,000 people - about 5% of the work
force - and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports. In
2005, exploitable oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia's
territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the
government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is
attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the
northern parts of the country. The government has said opportunities
exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a
US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA) was signed, and several rounds of discussions have been held
since 2007. Rubber exports increased about 25% in 2009 due to rising
global demand. The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly,
with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year in 2007-08,
however, economic troubles abroad dampened growth in 2009. The
global financial crisis is weakening demand for Cambodian exports,
and construction is declining due to a shortage of credit. The
long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge.
The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral
donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's
many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over
the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which
the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's
demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than
25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills,
particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from
an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

Cameroon
Because of its modest oil resources and favorable
agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed
primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces
many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries,
such as stagnate per capita income, a relatively inequitable
distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally
unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the
government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs
designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in
agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The
IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget
transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. Weak
prices for oil and cocoa led to the significant slowdown in growth
in 2009. The government is under pressure to reduce its budget
deficit, which by the government's own forecast will hit 2.8% of
GDP, but the presidential election in 2011 may make fiscal austerity
difficult.

Canada
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the
trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its
market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent
living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the
manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the
nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial
and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the
1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes
Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic
integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada
enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which absorbs about
three-fourths of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's
largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and
electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor
force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoyed solid economic
growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic
crisis, the economy dropped into a sharp recession in the final
months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009
after 12 years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged
from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in the
world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending
practices and strong capitalization. During 2010, Canada's economy
grew only 3%, because of weak exports.

Cape Verde
This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource
base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of
long-term drought and poor soil for agriculture on several of the
islands. The economy is service oriented with commerce, transport,
tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of
GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the
share of food production in GDP is low. About 82% of food must be
imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not
fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit
financed by foreign aid and remittances from its large pool of
emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Despite the
lack of resources, sound economic management has produced steadily
improving incomes. Continued economic reforms are aimed at
developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to
diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the
maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances,
and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde
became a member of the WTO in July 2008.

Cayman Islands
With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving
offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were
registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300
banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was
opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70%
of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is
aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North
America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008, with
about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer
goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest
outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the
world.

Central African Republic
Subsistence agriculture, together with
forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African
Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying
areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP.
Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the
diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic
development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor
transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy
of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between
the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic
revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal.
Grants from France and the international community can only
partially meet humanitarian needs.

Chad
Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be
boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil
sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies
on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood.
Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position,
high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on
foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private
sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has
been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1
billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also
expanding exploration efforts and are currently building a 300-km
pipleline and the country's first refinery. The nation's total oil
reserves are estimated at 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came
on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton,
cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export
earnings.

Chile Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the situation in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. In the years since then, growth has averaged 4% per year. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country. It has 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Over the past seven years, foreign direct investment inflows have quadrupled to some $15 billion in 2010, but FDI had dropped to about $7 billion in 2009 in the face of diminished investment throughout the world. The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of September 2008, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20 billion. Chile used $4 billion from this fund to finance a fiscal stimulus package to fend off recession. In December 2009, the OECD invited Chile to become a full member, after a two year period of compliance with organization mandates. The economy started to show signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter, 2009, and GDP grew more than 5% in 2010. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 was one of the top ten strongest earthquakes on record. It caused considerable damage near the epicenter, located about 70 miles from Concepcion - and about 200 miles southwest of Santiago.

China China's economy since the late 1970s has changed from a closed, centrally planned system to a more market-oriented one that plays a major role in the global economy - in 2010 China became the world's largest exporter. Reforms began with the phasing out of collectivized agriculture, and expanded to include the gradual liberalization of prices, fiscal decentralization, increased autonomy for state enterprises, creation of a diversified banking system, development of stock markets, rapid growth of the private sector, and opening to foreign trade and investment. China generally has implemented reforms in a gradualist fashion. In recent years, China has renewed its support for state-owned enterprises in sectors it considers important to "economic security," explicitly looking to foster globally competitive national champions. After keeping its currency tightly linked to the US dollar for years, in July 2005 China revalued its currency by 2.1% against the US dollar and moved to an exchange rate system that references a basket of currencies. From mid 2005 to late 2008 cumulative appreciation of the renminbi against the US dollar was more than 20%, but the exchange rate remained virtually pegged to the dollar from the onset of the global financial crisis until June 2010, when Beijing allowed resumption of a gradual appreciation. The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis that adjusts for price differences, China in 2010 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US, having surpassed Japan in 2001. The dollar values of China's agricultural and industrial output each exceeded those of the US, although China was second to the US in the value of services it produced. Still, per capita income is below the world average. The Chinese government faces numerous economic development challenges, including: (a) reducing its high domestic savings rate and correspondingly low domestic demand; (b) sustaining adequate job growth for tens of millions of migrants and new entrants to the work force; (c) reducing corruption and other economic crimes; and (d) containing environmental damage and social strife related to the economy's rapid transformation. Economic development has progressed further in coastal provinces than in the interior, and approximately 200 million rural laborers and their dependents have relocated to urban areas to find work. One demographic consequence of the "one child" policy is that China is now one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world. Deterioration in the environment - notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table, especially in the north - is another long-term problem. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. The Chinese government is seeking to add energy production capacity from sources other than coal and oil, focusing on nuclear and alternative energy development. In 2009, the global economic downturn reduced foreign demand for Chinese exports for the first time in many years, but China rebounded quickly, outperforming all other major economies in 2010 with GDP growth around 10%. The economy appears set to remain on a strong growth trajectory in 2011, lending credibility to the stimulus policies the regime rolled out during the global financial crisis. The government vows to continue reforming the economy and emphasizes the need to increase domestic consumption in order to make the economy less dependent on exports for GDP growth in the future, but China likely will make only marginal progress toward these rebalancing goals in 2011. Two economic problems China currently faces are inflation - which, late in 2010, surpassed the government's target of 3% - and local government debt, which swelled as a result of stimulus policies, and is largely off-the-books and potentially low-quality.

Christmas Island
Phosphate mining had been the only significant
economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian government
closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of
the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in
1998.

Clipperton Island
Although 115 species of fish have been identified
in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic
activity is tuna fishing.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Coconuts, grown throughout the islands, are
the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to
the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must
be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

Colombia
Colombia experienced accelerating growth between 2002 and
2007, chiefly due to improvements in domestic security, rising
commodity prices, and to President URIBE's promarket economic
policies. Foreign direct investment reached a record $10 billion in
2008, and continues to flow in, especially in the oil sector. A
series of policies enhanced Colombia's investment climate:
pro-business reforms in the oil and gas sectors and export-led
growth fueled mainly by the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug
Eradication Act. Inequality, underemployment, and narcotrafficking
remain significant challenges, and Colombia's infrastructure
requires major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Because
of the global financial crisis and weakening demand for Colombia's
exports, Colombia's economy grew only 2.7% in 2008, and 0.8% in 2009
but rebounded to around 4.5% in 2010. The government has encouraged
exporters to diversify their customer base beyond the United States
and Venezuela, traditionally Colombia's largest trading partners;
the SANTOS administration continues to pursue free trade agreements
with Asian and South American partners and awaits the approval of a
Canadian trade accord by Canada's and EU's parliaments. The business
sector remains concerned about Venezuela's trade restrictions on
Colombian exports, an appreciating domestic currency, and the
pending US Congressional approval of the US-Colombia Trade Promotion
Agreement.

Comoros
One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of
three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and
rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low
educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence
level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy
dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture,
including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP,
employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.
Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla,
cloves, and ylang-ylang and Comoros' export earnings are easily
disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not
self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts
for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by
internal political disputes - lacks a comprehensive strategy to
attract foreign investment and is struggling to upgrade education
and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial
enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote
tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. Political
problems have inhibited growth, which has averaged only about 1% in
2006-09. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement
GDP. In September 2009 the IMF approved Comoros for a three-year $21
million loan. The IMF gave generally positive reports of the
country's program performance as of October 2010. The African
Development Bank approved a $34.6 million debt-relief package loan
for Comoros in September 2010, and Comoros will attempt to qualifry
for debt relief in 2012 under the IMF and World Bank's Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
The economy of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth
- is slowly recovering from decades of decline. Systemic corruption
since independence in 1960 and conflict that began in May 1997 has
dramatically reduced national output and government revenue,
increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 5
million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign
businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome
of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating
environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the
withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. The
transitional government reopened relations with international
financial institutions and international donors, and President
KABILA began implementing reforms. Progress has been slow and the
International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at
the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic
activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected
in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of
most export income, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP
growth from 2006-2008, however, the government's review of mining
contracts that began in 2006, combined with a fall in world market
prices for the DRC's key mineral exports temporarily weakened output
in 2009, leading to a balance of payments crisis. The recovery in
mineral prices beginning in mid 2009 boosted mineral exports, and
emergency funds from the IMF boosted foreign reserves. An uncertain
legal framework, corruption, a lack of transparency in government
policy are long-term problems for the mining sector and the economy
as a whole. The global recession cut economic growth in 2009 to less
than half its 2008 level, but growth returned to 3% in 2010. The DRC
signed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF in 2009
and received $12 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief
in 2010.

Congo, Republic of the
The economy is a mixture of subsistence
agriculture, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support
services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as
the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government
revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil
revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development
projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest
rates in Africa. Characterized by budget problems and overstaffing,
the government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil
earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing
debt burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts
have been undertaken with the support of international
organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the
reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted.
Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in
October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on
economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with
international financial institutions. Economic progress was badly
hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in
December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The
current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and
faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and
reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices during the global crisis
reduced oil revenue by about 30%, but the subsequent recovery of oil
prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term prospects. In
March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
approved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo,
receiving $1.9 billion in debt relief under the program in 2010.

Cook Islands
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook
Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the
country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets,
lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural
disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing
more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the
economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit.
Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing
activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and
handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants
and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and
1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated
public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent
reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of
economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt
restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

Coral Sea Islands
no economic activity

Costa Rica
Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed
stable economic growth. The economy contracted 0.7% in 2009, but
resumed growth at more than 3% in 2010. While the traditional
agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still
the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and
specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in
recent years. High value added goods and services, including
microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to
bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity
makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain
attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high
education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the
free-trade zones; and Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest
levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America.
However, many business impediments, such as high levels of
bureaucracy, difficulty of enforcing contracts, and weak investor
protection, remain. Poverty has remained around 15-20% for nearly 20
years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place
by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints
on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America,
Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances as they only
represent about 2% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has
increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated
300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica legally and illegally are
an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place
heavy demands on the social welfare system. The US-Central
American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered
into force on 1 January 2009, after significant delays within the
Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR will likely lead to increased
foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including
the insurance and telecommunications sectors recently opened to
private investors. President CHINCHILLA is likely to push for fiscal
reform in the coming year, seeking to boost revenue, possibly
through revised tax legislation, to fund an increase in security
services and education.

Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and
related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population. Cote
d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans
and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil.
Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in
international prices for these products, and, to a lesser extent, in
climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top
export revenue earners, but the country is also producing gold.
Since the end of the civil war in 2003, political turmoil has
continued to damage the economy, resulting in the loss of foreign
investment and slow economic growth. GDP grew by more than 2% in
2008 and around 4% per year in 2009-10. Per capita income has
declined by 15% since 1999, but registered a slight improvement in
2009-10. Power cuts caused by a turbine failure in early 2010 slowed
economic activity. Cote d'Ivoire in 2010 signed agreements to
restructure its Paris Club bilateral, other bilateral, and London
Club debt. Cote d'Ivoire's long term challenges include political
instability and degrading infrastructure.

Croatia
Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics,
Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as output
collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in
Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin
Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes
began to improve slowly, with moderate but steady GDP growth between
4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer
spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the
currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult problems still
remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing
trade deficit and uneven regional development. The state retains a
large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff
public and political resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization
has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep
resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from
politicians. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and
structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy
remain strong, Croatia will face significant pressure as a result of
the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic
export sector, strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism
revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the
medium term.

Cuba
The government continues to balance the need for economic
loosening against a desire for firm political control. The
government announced it would eliminate 500,000 state jobs by March
2011 and has expanded opportunities for self-employment. President
CASTRO said such changes were needed to update the economic model to
ensure the survival of socialism. It has rolled back limited reforms
undertaken in the 1990s to increase enterprise efficiency and
alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services.
The average Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than
before the downturn of the 1990s, which was caused by the loss of
Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. Since late 2000, Venezuela
has been providing oil on preferential terms, and it currently
supplies about 100,000 barrels per day of petroleum products. Cuba
has been paying for the oil, in part, with the services of Cuban
personnel in Venezuela including some 30,000 medical professionals.

Curacao
Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the
mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the
outside world. Although GDP grew slightly during the past decade,
the island enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed
infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. Curacao
has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil
tankers. The Venezuelan state oil company leases the single refinery
on the island from the government; most of the oil for the refinery
is imported from Venezuela; most of the refined products are
exported to the US. Almost all consumer and capital goods are
imported, with the US, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico being the major
suppliers. The government is attempting to diversify its industry
and trade and has signed an Association Agreement with the EU to
expand business there. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies
hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems complicate
reform of the health and pension systems for an aging population.

Cyprus
The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control
has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts
for nearly four-fifths of GDP. Tourism, financial services, and real
estate are the most important sectors. Erratic growth rates over the
past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often
fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic
conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area
under government control has grown at a rate well above the EU
average since 2000. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate
Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national
currency on 1 January 2008. An aggressive austerity program in the
preceding years, aimed at paving the way for the euro, helped turn a
soaring fiscal deficit (6.3% in 2003) into a surplus of 1.2% in
2008, and reduced inflation to 4.7%. This prosperity came under
pressure in 2009, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of
reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial
crisis. Although Cyprus lagged its EU peers in showing signs of
stress from the global crisis, the economy tipped into recession in
mid 2009 and contracted 1.8% for the year. In addition, the budget
deficit is on the rise and reached 5.7% of GDP in 2010, a violation
of the EU's budget deficit criteria of no more than 3% of GDP. In
response to the country's deteriorating finances, Nicosia is
promising to implement measures to cut the cost of the state
payroll, curb tax evasion, and revamp social benefits. However, it
has been slow to act, lacking a consensus in parliament and among
the social partners for its proposed measures.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and
prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern
Europe. Maintaining an open investment climate has been a key
element of the Czech Republic's transition from a communist,
centrally planned economy to a functioning market economy. As a
member of the European Union, with an advantageous location in the
center of Europe, a relatively low cost structure, and a
well-qualified labor force, the Czech Republic is an attractive
destination for foreign investment. Prior to its EU accession in
2004, the Czech government harmonized its laws and regulations with
those of the European Union. The small, open, export-driven Czech
economy grew by over 6% annually from 2005-2007 and by 2.5% in 2008.
The conservative Czech financial system has remained relatively
healthy throughout 2009. Nevertheless, the real economy contracted
by 4.1% in 2009, mainly due to a significant drop in external demand
as the Czech Republic's main export markets fell into recession. GDP
is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2010, driven largely by a rebound in
external demand, particularly from Gremany.

Denmark
This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech
agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading
firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy,
and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also
characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable
distribution of income, and comfortable living standards. Denmark is
a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance
of payments surplus. After a long consumption-driven upswing,
Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing
boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global
financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through
increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer
confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish
GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.7% in 2009. Historically low levels of
unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%,
about half the level of the EU. Denmark made a modest recovery in
2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending
decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major
long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for
many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit
during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among
the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to
join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark
has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to
the euro.

Dhekelia
Economic activity is limited to providing services to the
military and their families located in Dhekelia. All food and
manufactured goods must be imported.

Djibouti
The economy is based on service activities connected with
the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in
the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the
capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scanty
rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most
food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit
port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling
center. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia
represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal.
Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation
is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help
support its balance of payments and to finance development projects.
An unemployment rate of nearly 60% in urban areas continues to be a
major problem. While inflation is not a concern, due to the fixed
tie of the Djiboutian franc to the US dollar, the artificially high
value of the Djiboutian franc adversely affects Djibouti's balance
of payments. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% between
1999 and 2006 because of recession, civil war, and a high population
growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Djibouti has
experienced relatively minimal impact from the global economic
downturn, but its reliance on diesel-generated electricity and
imported food leave average consumers vulnerable to global price
shocks.

Dominica
The Dominican economy has been dependent on agriculture -
primarily bananas - in years past, but increasingly has been driven
by tourism as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an
"ecotourism" destination. In order to diversify the island's
production base, the government also is attempting to develop an
offshore financial sector and has signed an agreement with the EU to
develop geothermal energy resources. In 2003, the government began a
comprehensive restructuring of the economy - including elimination
of price controls, privatization of the state banana company, and
tax increases - to address an economic and financial crisis and to
meet IMF requirements. This restructuring paved the way for an
economic recovery - real growth for 2006 reached a two-decade high -
and helped to reduce the debt burden, which remains at about 85% of
GDP. Hurricane Dean struck the island in August 2007 causing damages
equivalent to 20% of GDP. In 2009, growth slowed as a result of the
global recession; it picked up only slightly in 2010.

Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has long been viewed
primarily as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, but in
recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the
economy's largest employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade
zones. The economy is highly dependent upon the US, the destination
for nearly 60% of exports. Remittances from the US amount to about a
tenth of GDP, equivalent to almost half of exports and
three-quarters of tourism receipts. The country suffers from marked
income inequality; the poorest half of the population receives less
than one-fifth of GDP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of
GDP. High unemployment and underemployment remains an important
long-term challenge. The Central America-Dominican Republic Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) came into force in March 2007, boosting
investment and exports and reducing losses to the Asian garment
industry. The growth of the Dominican Republic's economy slowed in
2008-09 because of the global recession, but still remained one of
the fastest growing in the region.

Ecuador
Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum
resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's
export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent
years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe economic crisis, with
GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly,
the banking system collapsed, and Ecuador defaulted on its external
debt later that year. In March 2000, the Congress approved a series
of structural reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US
dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and
positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high
oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional exports. From
2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25
years. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth
rate of 7.2% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum
prices. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007,
defaulted on Ecuador's sovereign debt in December 2008, refusing to
make payment on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing
over 80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under
the CORREA administration - including an announcement in late 2009
terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties - have generated
economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment. The
Ecuadorian economy slowed to 0.4% growth in 2009 due to the global
financial crisis, and the sharp decline in world oil prices and
remittance flows, but picked up to a 2.4% growth rate in 2010.

Egypt
Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt
is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic
activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during
the rule of former President Gamal Abdel NASSER but has opened up
considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current
President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008
aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment
and facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed
the reform efforts. The budget deficit climbed to over 8% of GDP and
Egypt's GDP growth slowed to 4.6% in 2009, predominately due to
reduced growth in export-oriented sectors, including manufacturing
and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. In 2010, the government spent
more on infrastructure and public projects, and exports drove GDP
growth to more than 5%, but GDP growth in 2011 is unlikely to bounce
back to pre-global financial recession levels, when it stood at 7%.
Despite the relatively high levels of economic growth over the past
few years, living conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.

El Salvador
Despite being the smallest country geographically in
Central America, El Salvador has the third largest economy in the
region. The economy took a hit from the global recession and real
GDP contracted by 3.5% in 2009. The economy began a slow recovery in
2010 on the back of improved export and remittances figures.
Remittances accounted for 16% of GDP in 2009, and about a third of
all households receive these transfers. In 2006 El Salvador was the
first country to ratify the Dominican Republic-Central American Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which has bolstered the export of
processed foods, sugar, and ethanol, and supported investment in the
apparel sector amid increased Asian competition and the expiration
of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. El Salvador has promoted an
open trade and investment environment, and has embarked on a wave of
privatizations extending to telecom, electricity distribution,
banking, and pension funds. In late 2006, the government and the
Millennium Challenge Corporation signed a five-year, $461 million
compact to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the
country's northern region, the primary conflict zone during the
civil war, through investments in education, public services,
enterprise development, and transportation infrastructure. With the
adoption of the US dollar as its currency in 2001, El Salvador lost
control over monetary policy. Any counter-cyclical policy response
to the downturn must be through fiscal policy, which is constrained
by legislative requirements for a two-thirds majority to approve any
international financing.

Equatorial Guinea
The discovery and exploitation of large oil
reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth but
fluctuating oil prices have produced huge swings in GDP growth in
recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major
components of GDP. Subsistence farming is the dominate form of
livelihood. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on
cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the
rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for
agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its intention to
reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number of aid
programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off
since 1993 because of corruption and mismanagement. Government
officials and their family members own most businesses, but
corruption is rampant. Undeveloped natural resources include
titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth
remained strong in 2008, led by oil, but dropped in 2009-10, as the
price of oil fell.

Eritrea
Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced
the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country,
accentuated by the recent implementation of restrictive economic
policies. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the
sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice
(PFDJ). Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of
the population - nearly 80% - is engaged in subsistence agriculture,
but they produce only a small share of total output. Since the
conclusion of the Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 2000, the government has
maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the
military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's
development agenda. The government strictly controls the use of
foreign currency by limiting access and availability. Few private
enterprises remain in Eritrea. Eritrea's economy depends heavily on
taxes paid by members of the diaspora. Erratic rainfall and the
delayed demobilization of agriculturalists from the military
continue to interfere with agricultural production, and Eritrea's
recent harvests have been unable to meet the food needs of the
country. The Government continues to place its hope for additional
revenue on the development of several international mining projects.
Despite difficulties for international companies in working with the
Eritrean Government, a Canadian mining company signed a contract
with the government in 2007 and began mineral extraction in 2010.
Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability to master social
problems such as illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and more
importantly, on the government's willingness to support a true
market economy.

Estonia
Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern
market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels
in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive
governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda
and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms.
The current government has pursued relatively sound fiscal policies
that have resulted in balanced budgets and very low public debt. The
economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications
sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on
average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy slowed down
markedly and fell sharply into recession in mid-2008, primarily as a
result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting
of the real estate market bubble. GDP dropped nearly 15% in 2009,
among the world's highest rates of contraction. A modest recovery
began in 2010, but unemployment stands above 13%. Estonia adopted
the euro in January 2011.

Ethiopia
Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on
agriculture, accounting for almost 45% of GDP, and 85% of total
employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought
and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian
economy with exports of some $350 million in 2006, but historically
low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to supplement
income. Under Ethiopia's constitution, the state owns all land and
provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to
hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable
to use land as collateral for loans. In November 2001, Ethiopia
qualified for debt relief from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries
(HIPC) initiative, and in December 2005 the IMF forgave Ethiopia's
debt. The global economic downturn led to balance of payments
pressures, partially alleviated by recent emergency funding from the
IMF. While GDP growth has remained high, per capita inome is among
the lowest in the world.

European Union
Internally, the EU has abolished trade barriers,
adopted a common currency, and is striving toward convergence of
living standards. Internationally, the EU aims to bolster Europe's
trade position and its political and economic power. Because of the
great differences in per capita income among member states (from
$7,000 to $78,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like
inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU faces difficulties in
devising and enforcing common policies. In the wake of the global
economic crisis, the European Commission projected that the EU's
economy would shrink by 4% in 2009 and 0.1% in 2010. The EU has
recovered from the crisis faster than expected, however, and the
Commission estimates 2010 growth at 1.8%. Significant risks to
growth nevertheless remain, including, high official debts and
deficits, aging populations, over-regulation of non-financial
businesses, and doubts about the sustainability of European Economic
and Monetary Union (EMU). In June 2010, prompted by the Greek
financial crisis, the EU and the IMF set up a $1 trillion bailout
fund to rescue any EMU member in danger of default, but it has not
calmed market jitters that have diminished the value of the euro.
Eleven established EU member states introduced the euro as their
common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later),
but the UK and Denmark have 'opt-outs' that allow them to keep their
national currencies, and Sweden has not taken the steps needed to
participate. Between 2004 and 2007, the EU admitted 12 countries
that are, in general, less advanced economically than the other 15.
Of the 12 most recent member states, only Slovenia (1 January 2007),
Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008), Slovakia (1 January 2009), and
Estonia (1 January 2011) have adopted the euro; the remaining states
other than the UK and Denmark are legally required to adopt the
currency upon meeting EU's fiscal and monetary convergence criteria.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina rose in early 2010 after a UK company began oil drilling activities in the waters around the Falkland Islands but abated somewhat when the drilling operation failed to discover commercially exploitable oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.

Faroe Islands
The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which
makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts
for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the
Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and
historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy.
Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod
and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew
0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the Faroese economy followed a
strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates
averaging close to 6%, mostly a result of increased fish landings
and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its
lowest level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 3.9% in
2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced
increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public
debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing
and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to
fluctuations in world demand. In addition, budget surpluses turned
to deficits in 2008-09, and the economy at both the country and
local level is running large deficits. Initial discoveries of oil in
the Faroese area give hope for eventual oil production, which may
provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less
dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy
from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have
a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland.

Fiji
Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one
of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still
with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from
Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with
400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of
foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union
markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar
subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial
activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged
by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time.
In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job
losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a
difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the
interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term
problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights,
and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas
remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased
significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in
2006.

Finland
Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market
economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the
Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting
for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly
competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals,
engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland
excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber
and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials,
energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the
climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining
self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export
earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population.
Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU
in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the
worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit
exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing
one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of
exports stimulated economic growth in 2010, and led to a lowering of
unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government
finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget
surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge
of economic policy will be to implement a post-recession exit
strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with
general government adjustment measures. Longer-term, Finland must
address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that
threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

France
France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern
economy that has featured extensive government ownership and
intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The
government has partially or fully privatized many large companies,
banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as
Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a
strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public
transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign
tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world
and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism.
France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they
maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social
spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets
on public health and welfare. France has weathered the global
economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of
the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large
public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand
than in some other countries. Nonetheless, France's real GDP
contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the
unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The
government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in
response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a
deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget
deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in
2010, while France's public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over
the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating
tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the
budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to
highlight France's commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of
intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels.
President SARKOZY - who secured passage of pension reform in 2010 -
is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may
delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election.

French Polynesia
Since 1962, when France stationed military
personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a
subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion
of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the
tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996,
the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism
accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard
currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and
deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector
primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits
substantially from development agreements with France aimed
principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social
services.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Economic activity is limited to
servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military
bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed
on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and
Reunion.

Gabon
Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most
sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality,
a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on
timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early
1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although
the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production.
Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and
manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction
of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor
fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to
Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget
items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its
schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of
oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production
have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon
signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and
later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a
sizable portion of its Paris Club debt.

Gambia, The
The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a
limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from
workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the
population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood.
Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of
peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity
to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West
Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in
eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, The
Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic
activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly.
Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic
progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on
responsible government economic management, and on continued
technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. The
quality of fiscal management, however, is weak. The government has
promised to raise civil service wages over the next two years and
the deficit is projected to worsen.

Gaza Strip
High population density, limited land and sea access,
continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security
controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the
smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories.
Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive
after HAMAS violently took over the territory in June 2007, and
fighting between HAMAS and Israel during December 2008-January 2009,
resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector,
extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of
goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by
UNRWA - and the HAMAS-regulated black market tunnel trade that
flourishes under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. However,
chnages to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list -
in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the
crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were
allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have
recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible
in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not
permitted.

Georgia
Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in
2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment and robust
government spending. However, GDP growth slowed in 2008 following
the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and turned negative in 2009 as
foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the
wake of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2010.
Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of
agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts;
mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial
sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals,
machinery, aircraft and chemicals. Areas of recent improvement
include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining
sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and the
slowing regional economy are emerging risks. The country imports
nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It
has sizeable hydropower capacity, a growing component of its energy
supplies. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas
supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and
by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan
instead of from Russia. The construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline, the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline, and the
Kars-Akhalkalaki Railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on
Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its
role as a transit point for gas, oil and other goods. Georgia has
historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax
revenues; however, the government, since coming to power in 2004,
has simplified the tax code, improved tax administration, increased
tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption. However, the
economic downturn of 2008-09 eroded the tax base and led to a
decline in the budget surplus and an increase in public borrowing
needs. The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a
determined effort to continue to liberalize the economy by reducing
regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign
investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment
climate both domestically and internationally.

Germany
The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world
in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of
machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits
from a highly skilled labor force. Like its western European
neighbors, Germany faces significant demographic challenges to
sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and declining net
immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare
system and necessitate structural reforms. The modernization and
integration of the eastern German economy - where unemployment can
exceed 20% in some municipalities - continues to be a costly
long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting
in 2008 alone to roughly $12 billion. Reforms launched by the
government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed
necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average
growth, contributed to strong growth in 2006 and 2007 and falling
unemployment, which in 2008 reached a new post-reunification low of
7.8%. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced
working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in
unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World
War II - and its healthy decrease in 2010. GDP contracted nearly 5%
in 2009 but grew by 3.3% in 2010. Germany crept out of recession
thanks largely to rebounding manufacturing orders and exports -
primarily outside the Euro Zone - and relatively steady consumer
demand. Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and
2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second
term increased Germany's budget deficit to 3.3% in 2009 and to 3.6%
in 2010. The EU has given Germany until 2013 to get its consolidated
budget deficit below 3% of GDP. A new constitutional amendment
likewise limits the federal government to structural deficits of no
more than 0.35% of GDP per annum as of 2016.

Ghana
Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture
accounts for roughly one-third of GDP and employs more than half of
the workforce, mainly small landholders. The services sector
accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual
remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at
Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December and is expected
to boost economic growth. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in
transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for debt
relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in
2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief
Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a
three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to
improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness,
human resource development, and good governance and civic
responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high
prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008-10. In
early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high
inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

Gibraltar
Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive
shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an
international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract
foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply
reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared
with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million
visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and
duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial
sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and
25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and
e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar
has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector
economy, but changes in government spending still have a major
impact on the level of employment.

Greece Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP about two-thirds that of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2007, due partly to infrastructural spending related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and in part to an increased availability of credit, which has sustained record levels of consumer spending. But the economy went into recession in 2009 as a result of the world financial crisis, tightening credit conditions, and Athens' failure to address a growing budget deficit, which was triggered by falling state revenues, and increased government expenditures. The economy contracted by 2% in 2009, and 4.8% in 2010. Greece violated the EU's Growth and Stability Pact budget deficit criterion of no more than 3% of GDP from 2001 to 2006, but finally met that criterion in 2007-08, before exceeding it again in 2009, with the deficit reaching 15.4% of GDP. Austerity measures reduced the deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2010. Public debt, inflation, and unemployment are above the euro-zone average while per capita income is below; unemployment rose to 12% in 2010. Eroding public finances, a credibility gap stemming from inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on following through with reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis. Under intense pressure by the EU and international market participants, the government has adopted a medium-term austerity program that includes cutting government spending, reducing the size of the public sector, decreasing tax evasion, reforming the health care and pension systems, and improving competitiveness through structural reforms to the labor and product markets. Athens, however, faces long-term challenges to push through unpopular reforms in the face of often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. Greek labor unions are striking over new austerity measures, but the strikes so far have had a limited impact on the government's will to adopt reforms. An uptick in widespread unrest, however, could challenge the government's ability to implement reforms and meet budget targets, and could also lead to rioting or violence. In April 2010 a leading credit agency assigned Greek debt its lowest possible credit rating; in May, the International Monetary Fund and Eurozone governments provided Greece emergency short- and medium-term loans worth $147 billion so that the country could make debt repayments to creditors. In exchange for the largest bailout ever assembled, the government announced combined spending cuts and tax increases totaling $40 billion over three years, on top of the tough austerity measures already taken. Greece, however, struggled to boost revenues and cut spending to meet 2010 targets set by the EU and the IMF, especially after Eurostat - the EU's statistical office - revised upward Greece's deficit and debt numbers for 2009 and 2010. Greece's lenders are calling on Athens to step up efforts in 2011 to increase tax collection, shore up public enterprises, and rein in health spending, and are planning to give Greece more time to repay its EU-IMF loan. Greece responded by introducing major structural reforms, but investors still question whether Greece can sustain fiscal efforts in the face of a bleak economic outlook and public discontent.

Greenland
The economy remains critically dependent on exports of
shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in
2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of
government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned
enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in
Greenland's economy. Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as
a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned to
deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the
last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued
conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has
increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems.
The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and
exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due
to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which
account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to
foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly
active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's
western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for
oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May
2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding
with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter
and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of
Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of
mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production
has resumed in south Greenland. Tourism also offers another avenue
of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise
lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters
during the peak summer tourism season.

Grenada
Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign
exchange especially since the construction of an international
airport in 1985. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) severely
damaged the agricultural sector - particularly nutmeg and cocoa
cultivation - which had been a key driver of economic growth.
Grenada has rebounded from the devastating effects of the hurricanes
but is now saddled with the debt burden from the rebuilding process.
Public debt-to-GDP is nearly 110%, leaving the THOMAS administration
limited room to engage in public investments and social spending.
Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with
the development of tourism and an offshore financial industry, have
also contributed to growth in national output; however, economic
growth was stagnant in 2010 after a sizeable contraction in 2009,
because of the global economic slowdown's effects on tourism and
remittances.

Guam
The economy depends largely on US military spending and
tourism. Total US grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays
amounted to $1.3 billion in 2004. Over the past 30 years, the
tourist industry has grown to become the largest income source
following national defense. The Guam economy continues to experience
expansion in both its tourism and military sectors.

Guatemala
Guatemala is the most populous of the Central American
countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average
for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agricultural sector
accounts for nearly 15% of GDP and half of the labor force; key
agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, and bananas. The 1996
peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major
obstacle to foreign investment, and since then Guatemala has pursued
important reforms and macroeconomic stabilization. The Central
American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) entered into force in July
2006 spurring increased investment and diversification of exports,
with the largest increases in ethanol and non-traditional
agricultural exports. While CAFTA has helped improve the investment
climate, concerns over security, the lack of skilled workers and
poor infrastructure continue to hamper foreign direct investment.
The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest
decile comprising over 40% of Guatemala's overall consumption. More
than half of the population is below the national poverty line and
15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty among indigenous groups, which
make up 38% of the population, averages 76% and extreme poverty
rises to 28%. 43% of children under five are chronically
malnourished, one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world.
President COLOM entered into office with the promise to increase
education, healthcare, and rural development, and in April 2008 he
inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program, modeled after
programs in Brazil and Mexico, that provide financial incentives for
poor families to keep their children in school and get regular
health check-ups. Given Guatemala's large expatriate community in
the United States, it is the top remittance recipient in Central
America, with inflows serving as a primary source of foreign income
equivalent to nearly two-thirds of exports. Economic growth fell in
2009 as export demand from US and other Central American markets
fell and foreign investment slowed amid the global recession, but
the economy recovered gradually in 2010 and will likely return to
more normal growth rates by 2012. President COLOM, in his last year
in office, will likely face opposition to economic reform,
particularly over a long-delayed tax reform and an IMF-recommended
reform to strengthen the banking sector. Larger budget deficits and
increased debt can be expected in 2011.

Guernsey
Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance -
account for about 23% of employment and about 55% of total income in
this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Tourism,
manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers,
have been declining. Financial services, construction, retail, and
the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make
Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of
the EU nations is changing the environment under which Guernsey
operates.

Guinea
Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral,
hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half
of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounts for more
than 70% of exports. Long-run improvements in the management of the
economy, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country
is to move out of poverty. Investor confidence has been sapped by
rampant corruption, a lack of electricity and other infrastructure,
a lack of skilled workers, and the political uncertainty resulting
from the death of President Lansana CONTE in December 2008.
International donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World
Bank, cut their development programming significantly in response to
the coup, and international partners have said that a resumption of
aid will be contingent on a successful democratic transition with a
democratically elected president and a functioning National
Assembly. Growth rose slightly in 2006-08, primarily due to
increases in global demand and commodity prices on world markets,
but bauxite and alumina exports were negatively affected by the
global economic downturn and the economy in 2009 contracted.
International investors expressed renewed interest in Guinea's iron
ore mines in 2010.

Guinea-Bissau
One of the poorest countries in the world,
Guinea-Bissau's legal economy depends mainly on farming and fishing,
but trafficking narcotics is probably the most lucrative trade.
Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years.
Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of
peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the major crop and staple
food. However, intermittent fighting between Senegalese-backed
government troops and a military junta destroyed much of the
country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to the economy
in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that year, with
partial recovery in 1999-2002. In December 2003, the World Bank,
IMF, and UNDP were forced to step in to provide emergency budgetary
support in the amount of $107 million for 2004, representing over
80% of the total national budget. The combination of limited
economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and
favorable geography have made this West African country a way
station for drugs bound for Europe.

Guyana
The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in
recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive
industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six
commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which
represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible
to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices.
Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME)
in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily
in the raw materials sector. Economic recovery since a 2005
flood-related contraction was buoyed by increases in remittances and
foreign direct investment in the sugar and rice industries as well
as the mining sector. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled
labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a
sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public
investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank,
Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million
debt, equivalent to nearly 48% of GDP, which along with other Highly
Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the
debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana
became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led
development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in
2009-10 as a result of the world recession. The slowdown in the
domestic economy and lower import costs helped to narrow the
country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings
from exports.

Haiti
Haiti's economy suffered a severe setback when a 7.1 magnitude
earthquake damaged its capital city, Port-au-Prince, in January
2010. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80%
of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject
poverty, the damage to Port-au-Prince caused the country's GDP to
contract an estimated 8% in 2010. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend
on the agricultural sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming,
and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters,
exacerbated by the country's widespread deforestation. US economic
engagement under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through
Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, passed in December 2006, has
boosted apparel exports and investment by providing tariff-free
access to the US. Congress voted in 2010 to extend the legislation
until 2020 under the Haitian Economic Lift Act (HELP); the apparel
sector accounts for three-quarters of Haitian exports and nearly
one-tenth of GDP. Remittances are the primary source of foreign
exchange, equaling nearly a quarter of GDP and more than twice the
earnings from exports. Haiti suffers from a lack of investment
because of insecurity and limited infrastructure, and a severe trade
deficit. In 2005, Haiti paid its arrears to the World Bank, paving
the way for reengagement with the Bank. Haiti received debt
forgiveness for over $1 billion of its debt through the
Highly-Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative in 2009. The
remainder of its outstanding external debt was cancelled by donor
countries in early 2010 but has since climbed back to about $500
million. The government relies on formal international economic
assistance for fiscal sustainability.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
The islands have no indigenous
economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited
fishing in the surrounding waters.

Holy See (Vatican City)
The Holy See is supported financially by a
variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and
donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions;
these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic
missions, and media outlets. The separate Vatican City State budget
includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported
financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist
mementos; by fees for admission to museums; and by publications
sales. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and
direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund known as Peter's Pence,
which is used directly by the Pope for charity, disaster relief, and
aid to churches in developing nations. The incomes and living
standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who
work in the city of Rome.

Honduras
Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America,
suffers from extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, as well
as high underemployment. While historically dependent on the export
of bananas and coffee, Honduras has diversified its export base to
include apparel and automobile wire harnessing. Nearly half of
Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with
exports to the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for
another 20%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
came into force in 2006 and has helped foster foriegn direct
investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter
potential investors; about 70% of FDI is from US firms. The economy
registered marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient
to improve living standards for the nearly 60% of the population in
poverty. The LOBO administration inherited a difficult fiscal
position with off-budget debts accrued in previous administrations
and government salaries nearly equivalent to tax collections. His
government has displayed a commitment to improving tax collection
and cutting expenditures. This enabled Tegucigalpa to secure an IMF
Precautionary Stand-By agreement in October 2010. The IMF agreement
has helped renew multilateral and bilateral donor confidence in
Honduras following the ZELAYA administration's economic
mismanagement and the political coup.

Hong Kong Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on international trade and finance - the value of goods and services trade, including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China, through trade, tourism, and financial links, helped it recover more quickly than many observers anticipated. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts; RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is allowed. The territory far exceeded the RMB conversion quota set by Beijing for trade settlements in 2010 due to the growth of earnings from exports to the mainland. RMB deposits grew to roughly 3.6% of total system deposits in Hong Kong by October 2010, an increase of over 250% since the beginning of the year. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets and is seeking to expand the RMB quota for 2011. The mainland has long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. As a result of China's easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in 2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. In 2009 mainland Chinese companies constituted about 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and accounted for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization. During the past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009 accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009, and the economy grew nearly 6% in 2010. The Hong Kong government adopted several temporary fiscal policy support measures in response to the crisis that it may discontinue if strong growth is sustained. Credit expansion and tight housing supply conditions caused Hong Kong property prices to rise rapidly in 2010, and some lower income segments of the population are increasingly unable to afford adequate housing. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar, maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.

Hungary
Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to
a market economy, with a per capita income nearly two-thirds that of
the EU-25 average. The private sector accounts for more than 80% of
GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are
widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment worth more
than $70 billion. The government's austerity measures, imposed since
late 2006, have reduced the budget deficit from over 9% of GDP in
2006 to 3.8% in 2010. Hungary's impending inability to service its
short-term debt - brought on by the global financial crisis in late
2008 - led Budapest to obtain an IMF-arranged financial assistance
package worth over $25 billion. The global economic downturn,
declining exports, and low domestic consumption and fixed asset
accumulation, dampened by government austerity measures, resulted in
an economic contraction of 6.3% in 2009. The economy rebounded in
2010 with a big boost from exports, and growth of more than 2.5% is
expected in 2011. Unemployment remained high, at more than 11%.

Iceland Iceland's Scandinavian-type social-market economy combines a capitalist structure and free-market principles with an extensive welfare system. Prior to the 2008 crisis, Iceland had achieved high growth, low unemployment, and a remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 40% of export earnings, more than 12% of GDP, and employs 7% of the work force. It remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, particularly within the fields of software production, biotechnology, and tourism. Abundant geothermal and hydropower sources have attracted substantial foreign investment in the aluminum sector and boosted economic growth, although the financial crisis has put several investment projects on hold. Much of Iceland's economic growth in recent years came as the result of a boom in domestic demand following the rapid expansion of the country's financial sector. Domestic banks expanded aggressively in foreign markets, and consumers and businesses borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, following the privatization of the banking sector in the early 2000s. Worsening global financial conditions throughout 2008 resulted in a sharp depreciation of the krona vis-a-vis other major currencies. The foreign exposure of Icelandic banks, whose loans and other assets totaled more than 10 times the country's GDP, became unsustainable. Iceland's three largest banks collapsed in late 2008. The country secured over $10 billion in loans from the IMF and other countries to stabilize its currency and financial sector, and to back government guarantees for foreign deposits in Icelandic banks. GDP fell 6.8% in 2009, and unemployment peaked at 9.4% in February 2009. GDP fell 3.4% in 2010. Since the collapse of Iceland's financial sector, government economic priorities have included: stabilizing the krona, reducing Iceland's high budget deficit, containing inflation, restructuring the financial sector, and diversifying the economy. Three new banks were established to take over the domestic assets of the collapsed banks. Two of them have foreign majority ownership, while the State holds a majority of the shares of the third. British and Dutch authorities have pressed claims totaling over $5 billion against Iceland to compensate their citizens for losses suffered on deposits held in the failed Icelandic bank, Landsbanki Islands. Iceland agreed to new terms with the UK and the Netherlands to compensate British and Dutch depositors, but the agreement must first be approved by the Icelandic President. Iceland began EU accession negotiations with the EU in July 2010, however, public support has dropped substantially because of concern about losing control over fishing resources and in reaction to measures taken by Brussels during the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

India
India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of
its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization,
including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned
enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment,
began in the early 1990s and has served to accelerate the country's
growth, which has averaged more than 7% per year since 1997. India's
diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern
agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a
multitude of services. Slightly more than half of the work force is
in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic
growth, accounting for more than half of India's output, with only
one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large
educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of
information technology services and software workers. In 2010, the
Indian economy rebounded robustly from the global financial crisis -
in large part because of strong domestic demand - and growth
exceeded 8% year-on-year in real terms. Merchandise exports, which
account for about 15% of GDP, returned to pre-financial crisis
levels. An industrial expansion and high food prices, resulting from
the combined effects of the weak 2009 monsoon and inefficiencies in
the government's food distribution system, fueled inflation which
peaked at about 11% in the first half fo 2010, but has gradually
decreased to single digits following a series of central bank
interest rate hikes. New Delhi in 2010 reduced subsidies in fuel and
fertilizers, sold a small percentage of its shares in some
state-owned enterprises and auctioned off rights to radio bandwidth
for 3G telecommunications in part to lower the government's deficit.
The Indian Government seeks to reduce its deficit to 5.5% of GDP in
FY 2010-11, down from 6.8% in the previous fiscal year. India's long
term challenges include widespread poverty, inadequate physical and
social infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment
opportunities, insufficient access to quality basic and higher
education, and accommodiating rual-to-urban migration.

Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting
the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas.
It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum
products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its
fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries
for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia,
Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly
for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped
in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western
Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production
comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and
offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering
countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand.

Indonesia
Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, has weathered the
global financial crisis relatively smoothly because of its heavy
reliance on domestic consumption as the driver of economic growth.
Although the economy slowed significantly in 2009 from the 6%-plus
growth rate recorded in 2007 and 2008, by 2010 growth returned to a
6% rate. During the recession, Indonesia outperformed its regional
neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting
growth. The government made economic advances under the first
administration of President YUDHOYONO, introducing significant
reforms in the financial sector, including tax and customs reforms,
the use of Treasury bills, and capital market development and
supervision. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio in recent years has
declined steadily because of increasingly robust GDP growth and
sound fiscal stewardship. Indonesia still struggles with poverty and
unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex
regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among
regions. YUDHOYONO's reelection, with respected economist BOEDIONO
as his vice president, suggests broad continuity of economic policy,
although the start of their term has been marred by corruption
scandals and the departure of an internationally respected finance
minister. The government in 2010 faces the ongoing challenge of
improving Indonesia's insufficient infrastructure to remove
impediments to economic growth, while addressing climate change
mitigation and adaptation needs, particularly with regard to
conserving Indonesia's forests and peatlands, the focus of a
potentially trailblazing $1 billion REDD+ pilot project.

Iran
Iran's economy is marked by an inefficient state sector,
reliance on the oil sector, which provides the majority of
government revenues, and statist policies, which create major
distortions throughout the system. Private sector activity is
typically limited to small-scale workshops, farming, and services.
Price controls, subsidies, and other rigidities weigh down the
economy, undermining the potential for private-sector-led growth.
Significant informal market activity flourishes. The legislature in
late 2009 passed President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD's bill to reduce
subsidies, particularly on food and energy. The bill would phase out
subsidies - which benefit Iran's upper and middle classes the most -
over three to five years and replace them with cash payments to
Iran's lower classes. However, the start of the program was delayed
repeatedly throughout 2010 over fears of public reaction to higher
prices. This is the most extensive economic reform since the
government implemented gasoline rationing in 2007. The recovery of
world oil prices in the last year increased Iran's oil export
revenue by at least $10 billion over 2009, easing some of the
financial impact of the newest round of international sanctions.
Although inflation has fallen substantially since the mid-2000s,
Iran continues to suffer from double-digit unemployment and
underemployment. Underemployment among Iran's educated youth has
convinced many to seek jobs overseas, resulting in a significant
"brain drain."

Iraq An improved security environment and an initial wave of foreign investment are helping to spur economic activity, particularly in the energy, construction, and retail sectors. Broader economic improvement, long-term fiscal health, and sustained increases in the standard of living still depend on the government passing major policy reforms and on continued development of Iraq's massive oil reserves. Although foreign investors viewed Iraq with increasing interest in 2010, most are still hampered by difficulties in acquiring land for projects and by other regulatory impediments. Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides over 90% of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings. Since mid-2009, oil export earnings have returned to levels seen before Operation Iraqi Freedom and government revenues have rebounded, along with global oil prices. In 2011 Baghdad probably will increase oil exports above the current level of 1.9 million barrels per day (bbl/day) as a result of new contracts with international oil companies, but is likely to fall short of the 2.4 million bbl/day it is forecasting in its budget. Iraq is making modest progress in building the institutions needed to implement economic policy. In 2010, Bagdad signed a new agreement with both the IMF and World Bank for conditional aid programs that will help strengthen Iraq's economic institutions. Some reform-minded leaders within the Iraqi government are seeking to pass laws to strengthen the economy. This legislation includes a package of laws to establish a modern legal framework for the oil sector and a mechanism to equitably divide oil revenues within the nation, although these and other important reforms are still under contentious and sporadic negotiation. Iraq's recent contracts with major oil companies have the potential to greatly expand oil revenues, but Iraq will need to upgrade its oil processing, pipeling, and export infrastructure to enable these deals to reach their potential. The Government of Iraq is pursuing a strategy to gain additional foreign investment in Iraq's economy. This includes an amendment to the National Investment Law, multiple international trade and investment events, as well as potential participation in joint ventures with state-owned enterprises. Provincial Councils also are using their own budgets to promote and facilitate investment at the local level. However, widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient essential services, and antiquated commercial laws and regulations stifle investment and continue to constrain the growth of private, non-energy sectors. The Central Bank has successfully held the exchange rate at approximately 1,170 Iraqi dinar/US dollar since January 2009. Inflation has decreased consistently since 2006 as the security situation has improved. However, Iraqi leaders remain hard pressed to translate macroeconomic gains into improved lives for ordinary Iraqis. Unemployment remains a problem throughout the country. Reducing corruption and implementing reforms - such as bank restructuring and developing the private sector - would be important steps in this direction.

Ireland
Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland
joined 11 other EU nations in circulating the euro on 1 January
2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity has
dropped sharply since 2008 with GDP falling by over 3% in 2008,
nearly 8% in 2009, and 1% in 2010, and further contraction is
expectd in 2011. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time
in more than a decade with the onset of the world financial crisis
and subsequent severe slowdown in its domestic property and
construction markets. Agriculture, once the most important sector,
is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector,
dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of
Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled economic growth
along with strong consumer spending and business investment.
Property prices rose more rapidly in Ireland in the decade up to
2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home
prices have fallen 50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN
government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the
banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in
response to the country's economic downturn. In 2009, in an effort
to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government established
the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to acquire problem
commercial property and development loans from Irish banks. Faced
with sharply reduced revenues and a burgeoning budget deficit, the
Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian
budgets in 2009. In addition to across-the-board cuts in spending,
the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants.
These measures were not sufficient. The budget deficit reached
nearly 38% of GDP in 2010 because of additional government support
for the banking sector. In late 2010, the COWEN Government agreed to
a $112 billion loan package from the EU and IMF to help Dublin
recapitalize its banking sector and avoid defaulting on its
sovereign debt, and initiated a four-year austerity plan to cut an
additional $20 billion from its budget.

Isle of Man
Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key
sectors of the economy. The government offers low taxes and other
incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions
to locate on the island; this has paid off in expanding employment
opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture
and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in
their contributions to GDP. The Isle of Man also attracts online
gambling sites and the film industry. Trade is mostly with the UK.
The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.

Israel
Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It
depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military
equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively
developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20
years. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural
products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel
usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by large
transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of
the government's external debt is owed to the US, its major source
of economic and military aid. Israel's GDP, after contracting
slightly in 2001 and 2002 due to the Palestinian conflict and
troubles in the high-technology sector, grew about 5% per year from
2004-07. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief
recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid
fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a series
of liberalizing reforms - and a resilient banking sector, and the
economy has shown signs of an early recovery. Following GDP growth
of 4% in 2008, Israel's GDP slipped to 0.2% in 2009, but reached
3.4% in 2010, as exports rebounded. The global economic downturn
affected Israel's economy primarily through reduced demand for
Israel's exports in the United States and EU, Israel's top trading
partners. Exports account for about 25% of the country's GDP. The
Israeli Government responded to the recession by implementing a
modest fiscal stimulus package and an aggressive expansionary
monetary policy - including cutting interest rates to record lows,
purchasing government bonds, and intervening in the foreign currency
market. The Bank of Israel began raising interest rates in the
summer of 2009 when inflation rose above the upper end of the Bank's
target and the economy began to show signs of recovery.

Italy Italy has a diversified industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 15% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy has moved slowly on implementing needed structural reforms, such as reducing graft, overhauling costly entitlement programs, and increasing employment opportunities for young workers, particularly women. The international financial crisis worsened conditions in Italy's labor market, with unemployment rising from 6.2% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2010, but in the longer-term Italy's low fertility rate and quota-driven immigration policies will increasingly strain its economy. A rise in exports and investment driven by the global economic recovery nevertheless helped the economy grow by about 1% in 2010 following a 5% contraction in 2009. The Italian government has struggled to limit government spending, but Italy's exceedingly high public debt remains above 115% of GDP, and its fiscal deficit - just 1.5% of GDP in 2007 - exceeded 5% in 2009 and 2010, as the costs of servicing the country's debt rose.

Jamaica
The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which
now account for more than 60% of GDP. The country continues to
derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and
bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 15% of GDP and
exports of bauxite and alumina make up about 10%. Tourism revenues
account for roughly 10% of GDP, and both arrivals and revenues grew
in 2010, up 4% and 6% respectively. The Economic growth faces many
challenges: high crime and corruption, large-scale unemployment and
underemployment, and a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 120%.
Jamaica's onerous debt burden - the fourth highest per capita - is
the result of government bailouts to ailing sectors of the economy,
most notably to the financial sector in the mid-to-late 1990s. The
Government of Jamaica signed a $1.27 billion, 27-month Standby
Agreement with the International Monetary Fund for balance of
payment support in February 2010. Other multilaterals have also
provided millions of dollars in loans and grants. The government's
difficult fiscal position hinders spending on infrastructure and
social programs, particularly as job losses rise in a shrinking
economy. The GOLDING administration faces the difficult prospect of
having to achieve fiscal discipline in order to maintain debt
payments, while simultaneously attacking a serious and growing crime
problem that is hampering economic growth. High unemployment
exacerbates the crime problem, including gang violence that is
fueled by the drug trade.

Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural
resources, although surrounding waters contain substantial fish
stocks and potential untapped petroleum resources. Economic activity
is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and
meteorological stations on the island.

Japan
In the years following World War II, government-industry
cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a
comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan
develop a technologically advanced economy. Two notable
characteristics of the post-war economy were the close interlocking
structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as
keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial
portion of the urban labor force. Both features are now eroding
under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic
demographic change. Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent
on imported raw materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is
highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest
in the world. Usually self sufficient in rice, Japan imports about
60% of its food on a caloric basis. Japan maintains one of the
world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the
global catch. For three decades, overall real economic growth had
been spectacular - a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the
1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the
1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the after effects of
inefficient investment and an asset price bubble in the late 1980s
that required a protracted period of time for firms to reduce excess
debt, capital, and labor. The Japanese financial sector was not
heavily exposed to sub-prime mortgages or their derivative
instruments and weathered the initial effect of the recent global
credit crunch, but a sharp downturn in business investment and
global demand for Japan's exports in late 2008 pushed Japan further
into recession. Government stimulus spending helped the economy
recover in late 2009 and 2010, but Tokyo is warning that GDP growth
will slow in 2011. Prime Minister Kan's government has proposed
opening the agricultural and services sectors to greater foreign
competition and boosting exports through free-trade agreements, but
debate continues on restructuring the economy and funding new
stimulus programs in the face of a tight fiscal situation. Japan's
huge government debt, which is approaching 200 percent of GDP,
persistent deflation, and an aging and shrinking population are
major complications for the economy.

Jersey
Jersey's economy is based on international financial
services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector
accounted for about 50% of the island's output. Potatoes,
cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export
crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is
known worldwide and represents an important export income earner.
Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts
for one-quarter of GDP. In recent years, the government has
encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that
an electronics industry has developed, displacing more traditional
industries. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as
well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death
duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come
close to those of the UK.

Jordan
Jordan's economy is among the smallest in the Middle East,
with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural
resources, underlying the government's heavy reliance on foreign
assistance. Other economic challenges for the government include
chronic high rates of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and a large
budget deficit. Since assuming the throne in 1999, King ABDALLAH has
implemented significant economic reforms, such as opening the trade
regime, privatizing state-owned companies, and eliminating most fuel
subsidies, which in the past few years have spurred economic growth
by attracting foreign investment and creating some jobs. The global
economic slowdown, however, has depressed Jordan's GDP growth.
Export-oriented sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and the
transport of re-exports have been hit the hardest. The Government
approved two supplementary budgets in 2010, but sweeping tax cuts
planned for 2010 did not materialize because of Amman's need for
additional revenue to cover excess spending. The budget deficit is
likely to remain high, at 5-6% of GDP, and Amman likely will
continue to depend heavily on foreign assistance to finance the
deficit in 2011. Jordan's financial sector has been relatively
isolated from the international financial crisis because of its
limited exposure to overseas capital markets. Jordan is currently
exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls.

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, geographically the largest of the former
Soviet republics, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel
reserves and plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals, such
as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural
sector featuring livestock and grain. Kazakhstan's industrial sector
is primarily focused on the extraction and processing of these
natural resources. Kazakhstan enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01
and 8% or more per year in 2002-07 - thanks largely to its booming
energy sector but also to economic reform, good harvests, and
increased foreign investment; GDP growth slowed dramatically
following the near-collapse of the banking sector in late 2007 and
the declines in oil and metals prices associated with the global
economic downturn in 2008-09. Kazakhstan has embarked upon an
industrial policy designed to diversify the economy away from
overdependence on the oil sector as well expanding export markets
away from its historical reliance on Russia. Nevertheless, growth is
still driven by oil. The government has engaged in several disputes
with Western oil companies over the terms of production agreements,
most recently, with regard to the Kashagan project in 2007-08 and
the Karachaganak project in 2009.

Kenya
Although the regional hub for trade and finance in East
Africa, Kenya has been hampered by corruption and by reliance upon
several primary goods whose prices have remained low. In 1997, the
IMF suspended Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to
the government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption.
The IMF, which had resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through a
drought, again halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to
institute several anticorruption measures. In the key December 2002
elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign ended, and a new
opposition government took on the formidable economic problems
facing the nation. After some early progress in rooting out
corruption and encouraging donor support, the KIBAKI government was
rocked by high-level graft scandals in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the
World Bank and IMF delayed loans pending action by the government on
corruption. The international financial institutions and donors have
since resumed lending, despite little action on the government's
part to deal with corruption. Post-election violence in early 2008,
coupled with the effects of the global financial crisis on
remittance and exports, reduced GDP growth to 1.7 in 2008, but the
economy rebounded in 2009-10.

Kiribati
A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has
few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific
Islands. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at
the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now
represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has
fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is
constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure,
and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more
than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial
sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid
from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN
agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP. Remittances from
seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million
each year. Kiribati receives around $15 million annually for the
government budget from an Australian trust fund.

Korea, North
North Korea, one of the world's most centrally directed
and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems.
Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of
years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts. Large-scale
military spending draws off resources needed for investment and
civilian consumption. Industrial and power output have declined in
parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007
aggravated chronic food shortages caused by on-going systemic
problems, including a lack of arable land, collective farming
practices, and persistent shortages of tractors and fuel.
Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the
people of North Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine
threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from
prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the
government has allowed private "farmers' markets" to begin selling a
wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an
experimental basis - in an effort to boost agricultural output. In
October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies
by forbidding private sales of grains and reinstituting a
centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government
terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in
North Korea (calling instead for developmental assistance only) and
restricted the activities of remaining international and
non-governmental aid organizations. In mid-2008, North Korea began
receiving food aid under a US program to deliver 500,000 metric tons
of food via the World Food Program and US nongovernmental
organizations; but Pyongyang stopped accepting the aid in March
2009. In December 2009, North Korea carried out a redenomination of
its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be
exchanged for the new notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week
window. A concurrent crackdown on markets and foreign currency use
yielded severe shortages and inflation, forcing Pyongyang to ease
the restrictions by February 2010. Nevertheless, firm political
control remains the Communist government's overriding concern, which
likely will inhibit changes to North Korea's current economic system.

Korea, South
Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible
record of growth and global integration to become a high-tech
industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was
comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia.
In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world
economies, and currently is among the world's 20 largest economies.
Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including
directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible.
The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology
at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and
investment over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98
exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model
including high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign
borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered by 9% in
1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the
crisis, including greater openness to foreign investment and
imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and
2007. With the global economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean
GDP growth slowed to 0.2% in 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the
economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low
interest rates, and an expansionary fiscal policy, and growth
exceeded 6% in 2010. The South Korean economy's long term challenges
include a rapidly aging population, inflexible labor market, and
overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.

Kosovo
Over the past few years Kosovo's economy has shown
significant progress in transitioning to a market-based system and
maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly
dependent on the international community and the diaspora for
financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora -
located mainly in Germany and Switzerland - are estimated to account
for about 14% of GDP, and donor-financed activities and aid for
another 7.5%. Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe with an
average annual per capita income of only $2,500. Unemployment,
around 40% of the population, is a significant problem that
encourages outward migration and black market activity. Most of
Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital,
Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the
result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical
expertise. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to
privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by number, and
over 90% of SOEs by value. Minerals and metals - including lignite,
lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety
of construction materials - once formed the backbone of industry,
but output has declined because of ageing equipment and insufficient
investment. A limited and unreliable electricity supply due to
technical and financial problems is a major impediment to economic
development. Kosovo's Ministry of Energy and Mining has solicited
expressions of interest from private investors to develop a new
power plant in order to address Kosovo and the region's unmet and
growing demands for power. The official currency of Kosovo is the
euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Serb enclaves. Kosovo's
tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low. Kosovo has one
of the most open economies in the region, and continues to work with
the international community on measures to improve the business
environment and attract foreign investment. Kosovo has kept the
government budget in balance as a result of efficient value added
tax (VAT) collection at the borders and inefficient budget
execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic
structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the
Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. However, Serbia and
Bosnia have refused to recognize Kosovo's customs stamp or extend
reduced tariff privileges for Kosovo products under CEFTA. In July
2008, Kosovo received pledges of $1.9 billion from 37 countries in
support of its reform priorities. In June 2009, Kosovo joined the
World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and Kosovo began
servicing its share of the former Yugoslavia's debt.

Kuwait
Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively
open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 102
billion barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for
nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government
income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil
production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. The rise in global
oil prices throughout 2010 is reviving government consumption and
economic growth as Kuwait experiences a 20% increase in government
budget revenue. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in
part, because of this positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due
to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship
between the National Assembly and the executive branch, which has
stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the
government in May 2010 passed a privatization bill that allows the
government to sell assets to private investors, and in January
passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $130
billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil,
attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in
the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an
amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.

Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant
agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main
agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported
in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium,
natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold
exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine. Following
independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market
reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform.
Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of
the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in
production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in
December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and
exports began to increase. In 2005, the BAKIEV government and
international financial institutions initiated a comprehensive
medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Bishkek
agreed to pursue much needed tax reform and, in 2006, became
eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative.
The government made steady strides in controlling its substantial
fiscal deficit, nearly closing the gap between revenues and
expenditures in 2006, before boosting expenditures more than 20% in
2007-08. GDP grew about 8% annually in 2007-08, partly due to higher
gold prices internationally, but slowed to 2.3% in 2009. The
overthrow of President BAKIEV in April, 2010 and subsequent ethnic
clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Shrinking
trade and agricultural production, as well as political instability,
caused GDP to contract about 3.5% in 2010. The fiscal deficit
widened to 12% of GDP, reflecting significant increases in
crisis-related spending, including both rehabilitation of damaged
infrastructure and bank recapitalization. Progress in
reconstruction, fighting corruption, restructuring domestic
industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to
future growth.

Laos
The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party
Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging
private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely
low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008
except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial
crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos
remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure,
particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving,
road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications.
Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts.
Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland
areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total
employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from
international donors. Economic growth has reduced official poverty
rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited
from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and
construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US
in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade
Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade
policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal
side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in
2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues from mining
projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits
for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will improve Lao's
economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the
country's profile among investors. The World Bank has declared that
Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of
least-developed countries by 2020 is achievable. According Laotian
officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will
outline efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

Latvia
Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per
year during 2006-07 but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a
result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt
exposure amid the softening world economy. GDP plunged 18% in 2009 -
the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst
declines that year - and another 1.8% in 2010. The IMF, EU, and
other donors provided assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement
to defend the currency's peg to the euro and reduce the fiscal
deficit to about 5% of GDP over time. DOMBROVSKIS' government
enacted major speding cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 7.8% of
GDP in 2010, and plans to cut the deficit further in 2011. The
majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized,
although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large
enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization
in February 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in
May 2004.

Lebanon
Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire
commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign
investment; however, the investment climate suffers from red tape,
corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and
fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights.
The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors
include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged
Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and
all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and
banking hub. In the years since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its
war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily
- mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning
national debt, the Rafiq HARIRI government in 2000 began an
austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing
revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state
enterprises, but economic and financial reform initiatives stalled
and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2
billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors
Conference. The Israeli-Hizballah conflict in July-August 2006
caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and
prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in
recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January
2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5
billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support,
conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization
program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and
political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism,
retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in
July 2008. Political stability following the Doha Accord of May 2008
helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector,
enabled real GDP growth of 7% per year in 2009-10 despite a slowdown
in the region.

Lesotho
Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on
remittances from miners employed in South Africa, customs duties
from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and export revenue
for the majority of government revenue. However, the government has
recently strengthened its tax system to reduce dependency on customs
duties. Completion of a major hydropower facility in January 1998
permitted the sale of water to South Africa and generated royalties
for Lesotho. Lesotho produces about 90% of its own electrical power
needs. As the number of mineworkers has declined steadily over the
past several years, a small manufacturing base has developed based
on farm products that support the milling, canning, leather, and
jute industries, as well as an apparel-assembly sector. Despite
Lesotho's market-based economy being heavily tied to its neighbor
South Africa, the US is an important trade partner because of the
export sector's heavy dependence on apparel exports. Exports have
grown significantly because of the trade benefits contained in the
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The economy is still primarily
based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock, although
drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme inequality
in the distribution of income remains a major drawback. Lesotho has
signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the
IMF. In July 2007, Lesotho signed a Millennium Challenge Account
Compact with the US worth $362.5 million. Economic growth dropped in
2009, due mainly to the effects of the global economic crisis as
demand for the country's exports declined and SACU revenue fell
precipitously when South Africa - the primary contributor to the
SACU revenue pool - went into recession, but growth returned to 3.5%
in 2010.

Liberia
Liberia is a low income country heavily reliant on foreign
assistance for revenue. Civil war and government mismanagement
destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure
in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the
country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the
conclusion of fighting and the installation of a
democratically-elected government in 2006, several have returned.
Liberia has the distinction of having the highest ratio of direct
foreign investment to GDP in the world. Richly endowed with water,
mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture,
Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products,
primarily raw timber and rubber and is reviving those sectors. Local
manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope.
President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a Harvard-trained banker and
administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support
from international donors, and encourage private investment.
Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new
sources of revenue for the government and Liberia shipped its first
major timber exports to Europe in 2010. The country reached its
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative completion point in 2010
and nearly $5 billion of international debt was permanently
eliminated. This new status will enable Liberia to estabilish a
sovereign credit rating and issue bonds. Liberia's Paris Club
creditors agreed to cancel Liberia's debt as well. Rebuilding
infrastructure and raising incomes will depend on generous financial
and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment
in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power generation.

Libya
The Libyan economy depends primarily upon revenues from the
oil sector, which contribute about 95% of export earnings, 25% of
GDP, and 80% of government revenue. The weakness in world
hydrocarbon prices in 2009 reduced Libyan government tax income and
constrained economic growth. Substantial revenues from the energy
sector coupled with a small population give Libya one of the highest
per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income flows down to
the lower orders of society. Libyan officials in the past five years
have made progress on economic reforms as part of a broader campaign
to reintegrate the country into the international fold. This effort
picked up steam after UN sanctions were lifted in September 2003 and
as Libya announced in December 2003 that it would abandon programs
to build weapons of mass destruction. The process of lifting US
unilateral sanctions began in the spring of 2004; all sanctions were
removed by June 2006, helping Libya attract greater foreign direct
investment, especially in the energy sector. Libyan oil and gas
licensing rounds continue to draw high international interest; the
National Oil Corporation (NOC) set a goal of nearly doubling oil
production to 3 million bbl/day by 2012. In November 2009, the NOC
announced that that target may slip to as late as 2017. Libya faces
a long road ahead in liberalizing the socialist-oriented economy,
but initial steps - including applying for WTO membership, reducing
some subsidies, and announcing plans for privatization - are laying
the groundwork for a transition to a more market-based economy. The
non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for
more than 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly
agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals,
iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils
severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of
its food. Libya's primary agricultural water source remains the
Great Manmade River Project, but significant resources are being
invested in desalinization research to meet growing water demands.

Liechtenstein
Despite its small size and limited natural resources,
Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly
industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial
service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The
Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of
small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% -
and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to
establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state
revenues. The country participates in a customs union with
Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It
imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has
been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving
as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and
the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its
economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008,
Liechtenstein came under renewed international pressure -
particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking
and tax systems. In December 2008, Liechtenstein signed a Tax
Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's
conclusion of 12 bilateral information-sharing agreements, the OECD
in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of
countries that had yet to implement the organization's Model Tax
Convention.

Lithuania
Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade
Organization and joined the EU in May 2004. Despite Lithuania's EU
accession, Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European
neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing
percentage of total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned
utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business
support have helped in the transition from the old command economy
to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year
for the four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic
demand. However, GDP plunged nearly 15% in 2009 - during the 2008-09
crisis the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's
worst economic declines. In 2009, the government launched a
high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to attract
foreign investment and to develop export markets. The current
account deficit, which had risen to roughly 15% of GDP in 2007-08,
recovered to a surplus of 4% 2009 and 3.5% in 2010 in the wake of a
cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Nevertheless,
economic growth was flat and unemployment continued upward to 16% in
2010.

Luxembourg
This small, stable, high-income economy - benefiting from
its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - has historically
featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The
industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become
increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other
products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for
about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in
steel. Most banks are foreign owned and have extensive foreign
dealings, but Luxembourg has lost some of its advantages as a tax
haven because of OECD and EU pressure. The economy depends on
foreign and cross-border workers for about 60% of its labor force.
Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic
crisis that began in late 2008, but unemployment has trended below
the EU average. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007,
Luxembourg's economy contracted and 3.4% in 2009, but rebounded 2.6%
in 2010. The country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high
standard of living - GDP per capita ranks third in the world, after
Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in
the world financial markets and lower global demand during 2008-09
prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector
and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government
stimulus measures and support for the banking sector, however, led
to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009, however, the deficit was
cut below 3% in 2010.

Macau
Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the
global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in 2010, largely
on the back of strong tourism and gaming sectors. After opening up
its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in
2001, the territory attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign
investment, transforming Macau into one of the world's largest
gaming center. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by
China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens
wishing to visit Macau. By 2006, Macau's gaming revenue surpassed
that of the Las Vegas strip, and gaming-related taxes accounted for
more than 70% of total government revenue. In 2008, Macau introduced
measures to cool the rapidly developing sector. This city of nearly
570,000 hosted more than 21 million visitors in 2009. Almost 51%
came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry
has virtually disappeared since the termination of the Multi-Fiber
Agreement in 2005. In 2009, total exports were less than US$1
billion, while gaming receipts were almost US$15 billion. By October
2010, gross gaming revenue had already reached US$19 billion for the
year. The Macau government plans to tighten control over the opening
of new casinos and strengthen supervision of local casino operations
in 2011 and has introduced measures to diversify the economy. The
Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Macau and
mainland China that came into effect on 1 January 2004 offers
Macau-made products tariff-free access to the mainland;
nevertheless, China remains Macau's third largest goods export
market, behind Hong Kong and the United States. Macau's currency,
the Pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also
freely accepted in the territory.

Macedonia
Having a small, open economy makes Macedonia vulnerable to
economic developments in Europe and dependent on regional
integration and progress toward EU membership for continued economic
growth. At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least
developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the
total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of
Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the central government and
eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area.
An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on the downsized
Yugoslavia, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the
country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth
until 1996. Since then, Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic
stability with low inflation, but it has so far lagged the region in
attracting foreign investment and creating jobs, despite making
extensive fiscal and business sector reforms. Official unemployment
remains high at 33%, but may be overstated based on the existence of
an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20% of GDP, that
is not captured by official statistics. In the wake of the global
economic downturn, Macedonia has experienced decreased foreign
direct investment, lowered credit, and a large trade deficit, but
the financial system remained sound. Macroeconomic stability was
maintained by a prudent monetary policy, which kept the domestic
currency at the pegged level against the euro, at the expense of
raising interest rates. As a result, GDP fell in 2009. but returned
to positive in 2010.

Madagascar
After discarding socialist economic policies in the
mid-1990s, Madagascar followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of
privatization and liberalization that has been undermined since the
start of the political crisis. This strategy placed the country on a
slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level.
Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the
economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing
80% of the population. Exports of apparel have boomed in recent
years primarily due to duty-free access to the US. However,
Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) led to the termination of the
country's duty-free access in January 2010. Deforestation and
erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of
fuel, are serious concerns. Former President RAVALOMANANA worked
aggressively to revive the economy following the 2002 political
crisis, which triggered a 12% drop in GDP that year. The current
political crisis which began in early 2009 has dealt additional
blows to the economy. Tourism dropped more than 50% in 2009,
compared with the previous year, and many investors are wary of
entering the uncertain investment environment.

Malawi
Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's most densely
populated and least developed countries. The economy is
predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living
in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer
subsidies since 2006, accounts for more than one-third of GDP and
90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key
to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of
exports. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic
assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor
nations. In 2006, Malawi was approved for relief under the Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. In December 2007, the US
granted Malawi eligibility status to receive financial support
within the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative. The
government faces many challenges including developing a market
economy, improving educational facilities, facing up to
environmental problems, dealing with the rapidly growing problem of
HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors that fiscal discipline is
being tightened. Since 2005 President MUTHARIKA'S government has
exhibited improved financial discipline under the guidance of
Finance Minister Goodall GONDWE and signed a three year Poverty
Reduction and Growth Facility worth $56 million with the IMF.
Improved relations with the IMF lead other international donors to
resume aid as well. The government has announced infrastructure
projects that could yield improvements, such as a new oil pipeline,
for better fuel access, and the potential for a waterway link
through Mozambican rivers to the ocean, for better transportation
options. Since 2009, however, Malawi experienced some setbacks,
including a general shortage of foreign exchange, which has damaged
its ability to pay for imports, and fuel shortages that hinder
transportation and productivity. Investment fell 23% in 2009. The
government has failed to address barriers to investment such as
unreliable power, water shortages, poor telecommunications
infrastructure, and the high costs of services.

Malaysia
Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself
since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging
multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia
is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move
farther up the value-added production chain by attracting
investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, medical
technology, and pharmaceuticals. The NAJIB administration also is
continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and to wean the economy
off of its dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports -
particularly of electronics - remain a significant driver of the
economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from
higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic
gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with strained government
finances, has forced Kuala Lumpur to reduce government subsidies.
The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil
producer Petronas, which supplies at least 40% of government
revenue. The central bank maintains healthy foreign exchange
reserves and its well-developed regulatory regime has limited
Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global
financial crisis. Nevertheless, decreasing worldwide demand for
consumer goods hurt Malaysia's exports and economic growth in 2009,
although both showed signs of recovery in 2010. In order to attract
increased investment, NAJIB has also sought to revise the special
economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the
New Economic Policy of 1970, but he has encountered significant
opposition, especially from Malay nationalists.

Maldives
Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for
28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Over 90%
of government tax revenue comes from import duties and
tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector.
Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the
economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land
and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be
imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic reforms,
beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some
exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to allow
more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year
for more than a decade, and registered 18% in 2006, due to a rebound
in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December
2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 due to the
global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports,
combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies,
and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments
crisis, which was eased with a December 2009, $79.3 million dollar
IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and
fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment
opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the
longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion
and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the
area is 1 meter or less above sea level.

Mali
Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a
landlocked country highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural
exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with
gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest. Mali remains
dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to
the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River and about 65% of its
land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is
nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and
fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm
commodities. The government has continued an IMF-recommended
structural adjustment program that has helped the economy grow,
diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali is developing its
cotton and iron ore extraction industries to diversify its revenue
sources because gold production has started to fall. Mali has
invested in tourism but security issues are hurting the industry.
Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the
CFA franc in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a 5%
average in 1996-2010. Worker remittances and external trade routes
for the landlocked country have been jeopardized by continued unrest
in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, however, Mali is building a road
network that will connect it to all adjacent countries and it has a
railway line to Senegal. In 2010, Mali experienced a regional
drought that hurt livestock and livelihoods.

Malta
Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited
fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's
geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for
illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and
economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.
Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in
2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international
financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the
indigenous real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally,
the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed
to the stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent
risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high
electricity and water prices hurt Malta's real economy, which is
dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially electronics
and pharmaceuticals - and tourism, but growth bounced back as the
global economy recovered in 2010. Following a 1.2% contraction in
2009, GDP grew 2% in 2010.

Marshall Islands
US Government assistance is the mainstay of this
tiny island economy. The Marshall Islands received more than $1
billion in aid from the US from 1986-2002. Agricultural production,
primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most
important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale
industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The
tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing
less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future
added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports
far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free
Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the
Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made
up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts.
Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline
in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel
licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past
decade.

Mauritania
Half the population still depends on agriculture and
livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and
subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent
droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits
of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The
nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the
world but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source
of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near
Nouakchott in 1986. Before 2000, drought and economic mismanagement
resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania
qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
(HIPC) initiative and nearly all of its foreign debt has since been
forgiven. A new investment code approved in December 2001 improved
the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Mauritania and the
IMF agreed to a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility
(PRGF) arrangement in 2006. Mauritania made satisfactory progress,
but the IMF, World Bank, and other international actors suspended
assistance and investment in Mauritania after the August 2008 coup.
Since the presidential election in July 2009, donors have resumed
assistance. Oil prospects, while initially promising, have largely
failed to materialize, and the government has placed a priority on
attracting private investment to spur economic growth. The
Government also emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of
health and education, and privatization of the economy.

Mauritius
Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a
low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income
diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist
sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order
of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more
equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered
infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. The economy
rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial
services, and is expanding into fish processing, information and
communications technology, and hospitality and property development.
Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and
accounts for 15% of export earnings. The government's development
strategy centers on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of
development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than
32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South
Africa, and China. Investment in the banking sector alone has
reached over $1 billion. Mauritius, with its strong textile sector,
has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and
Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mauritius' sound economic policies and
prudent banking practices helped to mitigate negative effects from
the global financial crisis in 2008-09. GDP grew 3.6% in 2010 and
the country continues to expand its trade and investment outreach
around the globe.

Mayotte
Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural
sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self
sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements,
mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island
are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important
supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the
development of tourism.

Mexico
Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar
class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and
agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent
administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads,
telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas
distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third
that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Since
the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) in 1994, Mexico's share of US imports has increased from 7%
to 12%, and its share of Canadian imports has doubled to 5%. Mexico
has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including,
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and
Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements.
In 2007, during its first year in office, the Felipe CALDERON
administration was able to garner support from the opposition to
successfully pass pension and fiscal reforms. The administration
passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform
in 2009. Mexico's GDP plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for
exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP posted positive
growth of 5% in 2010, with export growth leading the way. The
administration continues to face many economic challenges, including
improving the public education system, upgrading infrastructure,
modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the
energy sector. CALDERON has stated that his top economic priorities
remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.

Micronesia, Federated States of
Economic activity consists primarily
of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral
deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The
potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a
lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder
development. Under the original terms of the Compact of Free
Association, the US provided $1.3 billion in grant aid during the
period 1986-2001; the level of aid has been subsequently reduced.
The Amended Compact of Free Association with the US guarantees the
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) millions of dollars in annual
aid through 2023, and establishes a Trust Fund into which the US and
the FSM make annual contributions in order to provide annual payouts
to the FSM in perpetuity after 2023. The country's medium-term
economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US
assistance but also to the current slow growth of the private sector.

Moldova
Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe
despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a
favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral
deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture,
featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import
almost all of its energy supplies. Moldova's dependence on Russian
energy was underscored at the end of 2005, when a Russian-owned
electrical station in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region cut
off power to Moldova and Russia's Gazprom cut off natural gas in
disputes over pricing. In January 2009, gas supplies were cut during
a dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's decision to ban
Moldovan wine and agricultural products, coupled with its decision
to double the price Moldova paid for Russian natural gas, have hurt
growth. The onset of the global financial crisis and poor economic
conditions in Moldova's main foreign markets, caused GDP to fall
6.5% in 2009. Unemployment almost doubled and inflation disappeared
- at -0.1%, a record low. Moldova's IMF agreement expired in May
2009. In fall 2009, the IMF allocated $186 million to Moldova to
cover its immediate budgetary needs, and the government signed an
new agreement with the IMF in January 2010 for a program worth $574
million. In 2010, an upturn in the world economy boosted GDP growth
to 3.1% and inflation to 7.3%. Economic reforms have been slow
because of corruption and strong political forces backing government
controls. Nevertheless, the government's primary goal of EU
integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. The
granting of EU trade preferences and increased exports to Russia
will encourage higher growth rates, but the agreements are unlikely
to serve as a panacea, given the extent to which export success
depends on higher quality standards and other factors. The economy
has made a modest recovery, but remains vulnerable to political
uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic
interests, higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the
skepticism of foreign investors as well as the presence of an
illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region.

Monaco
Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a
popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant
climate. The principality also is a major banking center and has
successfully sought to diversify into services and small,
high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income
tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for
individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies
that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a
tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects
stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they
can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the
principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey
list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues
to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws
and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a
number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the
postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to
those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

Mongolia
Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based
on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits,
however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper,
gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten
deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct
investment and government revenues. Soviet assistance, at its height
one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990 and 1991 at
the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. The following decade saw
Mongolia endure both deep recession, because of political inaction
and natural disasters, as well as economic growth, because of
reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization
of the formerly state-run economy. Severe winters and summer
droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero
or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for
Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to
privatization. Growth averaged nearly 9% per year in 2004-08 largely
because of high copper prices and new gold production. In 2008
Mongolia experienced a soaring inflation rate with year-to-year
inflation reaching nearly 30% - the highest inflation rate in over a
decade. By late 2008, as the country began to feel the effects of
the global financial crisis, falling commodity prices helped lower
inflation, but also reduced government revenues and forced cuts in
spending. In early 2009, the International Monetary Fund reached a
$236 million Stand-by Arrangement with Mongolia, and the country has
started to move out of the crisis. Although the banking sector
remains unstable, the government is now enforcing stricter
supervision regulations. In October 2009, the government passed
long-awaited legislation on an investment agreement to develop
Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine, considered to be one of the world's
largest untapped copper deposits. The economy grew an estimated 7%
in 2010, largely on the strength of exports to nearby countries, and
international reserves reached $1.6 billion in September, an all
time high for Mongolia. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily
influenced by its neighbors. Mongolia purchases 95% of its petroleum
products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia,
leaving it vulnerable to price increases. Trade with China
represents more than half of Mongolia's total external trade - China
receives about two-thirds of Mongolia's exports. Remittances from
Mongolians working abroad are sizable, but have fallen due to the
economic crisis; money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia
joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and seeks to expand its
participation in regional economic and trade regimes.

Montenegro
Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and
from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and maintained its own central
bank, adopted the Deutchmark, then the euro - rather than the
Yugoslav dinar - as official currency, collected customs tariffs,
and managed its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political
union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate
membership in several international financial institutions, such as
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In January
2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is
pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization and
signed a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European
Union in October 2007. The European Council granted candidate
country status to Montenegro at the December 2010 session.
Unemployment and regional disparities in development are key
political and economic problems. Montenegro has privatized its large
aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its
financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment
in the tourism sector. The global financial crisis has had a
significant negative impact on the economy, due to the ongoing
credit crunch, a decline in the real estate sector, and a fall in
aluminum exports.

Montserrat
Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has
put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in
June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic
and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled
the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited
the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the
lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops.
Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation
to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity.
The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help
reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain
uninhabitable for another decade.

Morocco
Morocco's market economy benefits from the country's
relatively low labor costs and proximity to Europe, which aid key
areas of the economy such as agriculture, light manufacturing,
tourism, and remittances. Morocco is also the world's largest
exporter of phosphate, which has long provided a source of export
earnings and economic stability. Economic policies pursued since
2003 by King MOHAMMED VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the
country with generally low inflation, improved financial
performance, and steady progress in developing the service and
industrial sectors. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in
its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU. However, poverty,
illiteracy, and unemployment rates remain high. In response to these
challenges, King MOHAMMED in 2005 launched a National Initiative for
Human Development, a $2 billion program aimed at alleviating poverty
and underdevelopment by expanding electricity to rural areas and
replacing urban slums with public and subsidized housing, among
other policies. Morocco's trade and budget deficits widened in 2010,
and reducing govenment spending and adapting to sluggish economic
growth in Europe will be challenges in 2011. Morocco's long-term
challenges include improving education and job prospects for young
Moroccans, closing the disparity in wealth between the rich and the
poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and diversifying exports
beyond phosphates and low-value-added products.

Mozambique
At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the
world's poorest countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal
civil war from 1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the
government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to
stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance
and with political stability since the multi-party elections in
1994, have led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth
rate. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added
tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the
government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains,
Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance for more than
half of its annual budget, and the majority of the population
remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture continues to
employ the vast majority of the country's work force and smallholder
agricultural productivity and productivity growth is weak. A
substantial trade imbalance persists although the opening of the
Mozal aluminum smelter, the country's largest foreign investment
project to date, has increased export earnings. At the end of 2007,
and after years of negotiations, the government took over Portugal's
majority share of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectricity (HCB) company, a
dam that was not transferred to Mozambique at independence because
of the ensuing civil war and unpaid debts. More power is needed for
additional investment projects in titanium extraction and processing
and garment manufacturing that could further close the import/export
gap. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced
through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is
now at a manageable level. In July 2007 the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) signed a Compact with Mozambique; the Compact
entered into force in September 2008 and will continue for five
years. Compact projects will focus on improving sanitation, roads,
agriculture, and the business regulation environment in an effort to
spur economic growth in the four northern provinces of the country.
Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 9% in the decade up to
2007, one of Africa's strongest performances. However, heavy
reliance on aluminum, which accounts for about one-third of exports,
subjects the economy to volatile international prices. The sharp
decline in aluminum prices during the global economic crisis lowered
GDP growth by several percentage points. Despite 8.3% GDP growth in
2010, the increasing cost of living prompted citizens to riot in
September 2010, after bread price increases were announced. In an
attempt to contain the cost of living, the government implemented
subsidies, decreased taxes and tariffs, and instituted other fiscal
measures.

Namibia
The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and
processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 8% of GDP,
but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich
alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for
gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of
nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of
uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin,
silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the
population while about 35-40% of the population depends on
subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports
about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food
shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP,
relative to the region, hides one of the world's most unequal income
distributions, as shown by Namibia's GINI coefficient. The Namibian
economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar
pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Until 2010, Namibia
drew 40% of its budget revenues from the Southern African Customs
Union (SACU). Increased payments from SACU put Namibia's budget into
surplus in 2007 for the first time since independence. SACU
allotments to Namibia increased in 2009, but will drop for 2010 and
2011 because South Africa went into recession during the global
economic crisis, reducing overall SACU income. Increased fish
production and mining of zinc, copper, uranium, and silver spurred
growth in 2003-08, but growth in recent years was undercut by poor
fish catches, higher costs of producing metals, and the global
recession.

Nauru
Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from
exports of phosphates now significantly depleted. An Australian
company in 2005 entered into an agreement intended to exploit
remaining supplies. Few other resources exist with most necessities
being imported, mainly from Australia its former occupier and later
major source of support. The rehabilitation of mined land and the
replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term
problems. Reserves of phosphates may only last until 2010 at current
mining rates. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate
deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in
trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's
economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds,
the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government
has frozen wages and reduced overstaffed public service departments.
Nauru lost further revenue in 2008 with the closure of Australia's
refugee processing center, making it almost totally dependent on
food imports and foreign aid. Housing, hospitals, and other capital
plant is deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the
government and economy afloat continues to climb. Few comprehensive
statistics on the Nauru economy exist with estimates of Nauru's GDP
varying widely.

Navassa Island
Subsistence fishing and commercial trawling occur
within refuge waters.

Nepal
Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in
the world, with almost one-quarter of its population living below
the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy,
providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and
accounting for about one-third of GDP. Industrial activity mainly
involves the processing of agricultural products, including pulses,
jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Nepal has considerable scope
for exploiting its potential in hydropower, with an estimated 42,000
MW of feasible capacity, but political instability hampers foreign
investment. Additional challenges to Nepal's growth include its
landlocked geographic location, civil strife and labor unrest, and
its susceptibility to natural disaster.

Netherlands
The Netherlands economy is noted for stable industrial
relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current
account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation
hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing,
chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly
mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force
but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and
for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners,
began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country
has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign
direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the
US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the
Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign
trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic
crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined
nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch
financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure
of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response
to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two
banks and injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent
further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the
domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering
corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding
export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts,
however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of
GDP in 2009 and 5.6% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a surplus
of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector
consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely
to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check
while promoting economic recovery.

New Caledonia
New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known
nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for
cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition
to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more
than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy.
Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the
recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic outlook for
the next several years.

New Zealand
Over the past 20 years the government has transformed
New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary
British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy
that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real
incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and
broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the
industrial sector. Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years
until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09.
Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half
of the decade, helping fuel a large balance of payments deficit that
posed a challenge for economic managers. Inflationary pressures
caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January
2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08;
international capital inflows attracted to the high rates further
strengthened the currency and housing market, however, aggravating
the current account deficit. The economy fell into recession before
the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five
consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the
central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government
developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy posted a 1.7%
decline in 2009, but pulled out of recession late in the year, and
achieved 2.1% growth in 2010. Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain
vulnerable to weak external demand. The government plans to raise
productivity growth and develop infrastructure, while reining in
government spending.

Nicaragua
Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the
second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and
poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has
been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export
opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles
and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports, but
increases in the minimum wage during the ORTEGA administration will
likely erode its comparative advantage in this industry. ORTEGA's
promotion of mixed business initiatives, owned by the Nicaraguan and
Venezuelan state oil firms, together with the weak rule of law,
could undermine the investment climate for domestic and
international private firms in the near-term. Nicaragua relies on
international economic assistance to meet internal- and
external-debt financing obligations. Foreign donors have curtailed
this funding, however, in response to November 2008 electoral fraud.
Managua has an IMF extended Credit Facility program, which could
help keep the government's fiscial deficit on target during the 2011
election year and encourage transparency in the use of Venezuelan
off-budget loans and assistance. In early 2004, Nicaragua secured
some $4.5 billion in foreign debt reduction under the Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, however, Managua still
struggles with a high public debt burden. Nicaragua is gradually
recovering from the global economic crisis as increased exports
drove positive growth in 2010. The economy is expected to grow at a
rate of about 3% in 2011.

Niger
Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy
centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's
largest uranium deposits. Drought, desertification, and strong
population growth have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common
currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank
of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West
African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified for
enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program
for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement
with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF).
Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative
significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations,
freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary
education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other
programs geared at poverty reduction. In December 2005, Niger
received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which
translates into the forgiveness of approximately US $86 million in
debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. In
2010, the Niger economy was recovering from the effects of a 2009
drought that reduced grain and cowpea production and decimated
livestock herds. The economy was also hurt when the international
community cut off non-humanitarian aid in response to TANDJA's moves
to extend his term as president. Nearly half of the government's
budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be
sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral
resources.

Nigeria
Oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by political instability,
corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic
management but in 2008 began pursuing economic reforms. Nigeria's
former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its
overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides
95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary
revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in
August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the
Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on
economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April
2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets,
making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris
Club. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a
debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for
$12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of
Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. Since 2008 the government
has begun to show the political will to implement the
market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernizing the
banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage
demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of
earnings from the oil industry. GDP rose strongly in 2007-10 because
of increased oil exports and high global crude prices in 2010.
President JONATHAN has pledged to continue the economic reforms of
his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010
JONATHAN unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes
privatization of the state-run electricity generation and
distribution facilities. The government also is working toward
developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria's
financial sector was hurt by the global financial and economic
crises and the Central Bank governor has taken measures to
strengthen that sector.

Niue
The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of
geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population.
Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall
is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are
used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government
expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The
agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening,
although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists
primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil,
honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign
collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent
years has suffered a serious loss of population because of
emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the
promotion of tourism and financial services, although the
International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination
of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in
FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in
January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in
the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

Norfolk Island
Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily
increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity
unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural
sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef,
poultry, and eggs.

Northern Mariana Islands
The economy benefits substantially from
financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined
as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist
industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for
roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual
tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but
financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown.
The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms
producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment
production is by far the most important industry with the employment
of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US
under duty and quota exemptions.

Norway
The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare
capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and
government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as
the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned
enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources -
petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly
dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of
exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's
second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has
slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway
opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994;
nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it
contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual
declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state
revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest
sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After
lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up
to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell
to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a
result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

Oman
Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on
dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has
actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification,
industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing
the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and
gas-based industries are key components of the government's
diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques,
Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more
time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices thoughout
2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest
in non-oil sectors.

Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world
economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch.
It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West,
extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals,
and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60%
of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation
of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role
in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru.
The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the
wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to
fluctuations in new drillings.

Pakistan
Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has
suffered from decades of internal political disputes and low levels
of foreign investment. Between 2001-07, however, poverty levels
decreased by 10%, as Islamabad steadily raised development spending.
Between 2004-07, GDP growth in the 5-8% range was spurred by gains
in the industrial and service sectors - despite severe electricity
shortfalls - but growth slowed in 2008-09 and unemployment rose.
Inflation remains the top concern among the public, climbing from
7.7% in 2007 to more than 13% in 2010. In addition, the Pakistani
rupee has depreciated since 2007 as a result of political and
economic instability. The government agreed to an International
Monetary Fund Standby Arrangement in November 2008 in response to a
balance of payments crisis, but during 2009-10 its current account
strengthened and foreign exchange reserves stabilized - largely
because of lower oil prices and record remittances from workers
abroad. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural
output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction
costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles
account for most of Pakistan's export earnings, but Pakistan's
failure to expand a viable export base for other manufactures has
left the country vulnerable to shifts in world demand. Other long
term challenges include expanding investment in education,
healthcare, and electricity production, and reducing dependence on
foreign donors.

Palau
The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence
agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of
the work force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US.
The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the
end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up
to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for
furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals
numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income
roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of
Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been
greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the
rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the
willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

Panama
Panama's dollarized economy rests primarily on a
well-developed services sector that accounts for three-quarters of
GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon
Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and
tourism. Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal
expansion project that began in 2007 and is scheduled to be
completed by 2014 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 25% of current
GDP. The expansion project will more than double the Canal's
capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are now too large to
transverse the transoceanic crossway, and should help to reduce the
unemployment rate. The United States and China are the top users of
the Canal. Panama also plans to construct a metro system in Panama
City, valued at $1.2 billion and scheduled to be completed by 2014.
Panama's aggressive infrastructure development projects will likely
lead the economy to continued growth in 2011. Strong economic
performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity as
Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America.
About 30% of the population lives in poverty, however, during
TORRIJOS's term poverty was reduced from 40% to 30% and unemployment
dropped from 12% to 6%. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December
2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US,
which, when implemented, will help promote the country's economic
growth. Seeking removal from the Organization of Economic
Development's gray-list of tax havens, Panama has also recently
signed various double taxation treaties with other nations.

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural
resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and
the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a
subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits,
including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of
export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 227
billion cubic meters. A consortium led by a major American oil
company is constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production
facility that could begin exporting in 2013 or 2014. As the largest
investment project in the country's history, it has the potential to
double GDP in the near-term and triple Papua New Guinea's export
revenue. The government faces the challenge of ensuring transparency
and accountability for revenues flowing from this and other large
LNG projects. The government of Prime Minister SOMARE has expended
much of its energy remaining in power. He was the first prime
minister ever to serve a full five-year term. The government has
brought stability to the national budget, largely through
expenditure control; however, it relaxed spending constraints in
2006 and 2007 as elections approached. Numerous challenges still
face the government, including providing physical security for
foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring
integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by
privatizing moribund state institutions, and balancing relations
with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural
challenges could upend the economy including an HIV/AIDS epidemic,
with the highest infection rate in all of East Asia and the Pacific,
and chronic law and order and land tenure issues. The global
financial crisis had little impact because of continued high demand
for Papua New Guinea's commodities exports.

Paracel Islands
The islands have the potential for oil and gas
development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing,
but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis.

Paraguay
Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a
large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer
goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of
thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large
percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its
living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis.
Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic
measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income
has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly between 2003
and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high
prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based
export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the
world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and
slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession.
The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity
prices caused exports to contract. The government reacted by
introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Growth resumed at
a 6.5% level in 2010. Political uncertainty, corruption, limited
progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the
main obstacles to growth.

Peru
Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal
region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering
Colombia and Brazil. Abundant mineral resources are found in the
mountainous areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent
fishing grounds. The Peruvian economy grew by more than 4% per year
during the period 2002-06, with a stable exchange rate and low
inflation. Growth jumped to 9% per year in 2007 and 2008, driven by
higher world prices for minerals and metals and the government's
aggressive trade liberalization strategies, but then fell to less
than 1% in 2009 in the face of the world recession and lower
commodity export prices. Growth resumed in 2010 at nearly 8%, due
partly to increased exports. Peru's rapid expansion has helped to
reduce the national poverty rate by about 15% since 2002, though
underemployment remains high; inflation has trended downward in
2009, to below the Central Bank's 1-3% target. Despite Peru's strong
macroeconomic performance, overdependence on minerals and metals
subjects the economy to fluctuations in world prices, and poor
infrastructure precludes the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal
areas. Not all Peruvians therefore have shared in the benefits of
growth and despite President GARCIA's pursuit of sound trade and
macroeconomic policies, persistent inequality has cost him political
support. Nevertheless, he remains committed to Peru's free-trade
path. Since 2006, Peru has signed trade deals with the United
States, Canada, Singapore, and China, concluded negotiations with
the European Union, and begun trade talks with Korea, Japan, and
others. The US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into
force 1 February 2009, opening the way to greater trade and
investment between the two economies.

Philippines
Philippine GDP grew nearly 7% in 2010. The economy
weathered the 2008-09 global recession better than its regional
peers due to minimal exposure to securities issued by troubled
global financial institutions; lower dependence on exports;
relatively resilient domestic consumption, supported by large
remittances from four-to five-million overseas Filipino workers; and
a growing business process outsourcing industry. Economic growth in
the Philippines has averaged 4.5% per year since 2001, when former
President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office. Despite this growth, poverty
worsened during the term of MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, because of a high
population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income.
MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue
measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures to address the
government's yawning budget deficit and to reduce high debt and debt
service ratios. But the government abandoned its 2008
balanced-budget goal in order to help the economy weather the global
financial and economic storm. The economy under AQUINO faces budget
shortfalls in the near term, but has had little difficulty issuing
debt both locally and internationally to finance the deficits.
AQUINO's first budget emphasizes education and other social spending
programs, relying on the private sector to finance important
infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection in recent years limits
the government's ability to address major challenges.

Pitcairn Islands
The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist
on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps.
The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits
and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas,
yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The
major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to
collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. In October
2004, more than one-quarter of Pitcairn's small labor force was
arrested, putting the economy in a bind, since their services were
required as lighter crew to load or unload passing ships.

Poland
Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since
1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition
economies. Before 2009, GDP had grown about 5% annually, based on
rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU
funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average,
but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU
membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major
boost to the economy. Unemployment fell rapidly to 6.4% in October
2008, but climbed back to 11.8% for the year 2010, exceeding the EU
average by more than 2%. In 2008 inflation reached 4.2%, more than
the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range, but
fell to 2.4% in 2010 due to global economic slowdown. Poland's
economic performance could improve over the longer term if the
country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and
rail infrastructure and its business environment. An inefficient
commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape,
burdensome tax system, and persistent low-level corruption keep the
private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising
demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system
caused the public sector budget deficit to rise to 7.9% of GDP in
2010. The PO/PSL coalition government, which came to power in
November 2007, plans to reduce the budget deficit in 2011 and has
also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms,
increase workforce participation, reduce public sector spending
growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government,
however, has moved slowly on major reforms. The legislature passed a
law significantly limiting early retirement benefits. A health-care
bill also passed through the legislature, but the legislature failed
to overturn a presidential veto.

Portugal
Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly
service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986.
Over the past two decades, successive governments have privatized
many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the
economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The
country qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and
began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU
member economies. Economic growth had been above the EU average for
much of the 1990s, but fell back in 2001-08, shrank 2.6% in 2009,
before growing 1% in 2010. GDP per capita stands at roughly
two-thirds of the EU-27 average. A poor educational system and a
rigid labor market have been obstacles to greater productivity and
growth. Portugal also has been increasingly overshadowed by
lower-cost producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for
foreign direct investment. Portugal's competitiveness problems, low
growth prospects, and high levels of public debt have made it
vulnerable to bond market turbulence. Lisbon is implementing
austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit from 9.4% of GDP in
2009 to 4.6% of GDP in 2011, but some investors have expressed
concern about Portugal's ability to achieve these targets and cover
its sovereign debt. Without the option for stimulus measures, the
government is focusing instead on boosting exports and implementing
labor market reforms to try to raise GDP growth and tackle
Portugal's competitiveness problems, which may help mitigate
investor concerns over time.

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the
Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed
agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income.
Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US
firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US
minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy
production and other livestock products as the main source of income
in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an
important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6
million tourists in 2008.

Qatar
Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar has prospered in
the last several years - in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest
growth rate. Qatari authorities throughout the crisis sought to
protect the local banking sector with direct investments into
domestic banks. GDP rebounded in 2010 largely due to the increase in
oil prices. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's
nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and
foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still
account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings,
and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the
second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein -
and likely the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil
reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at
current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas
exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and
third largest in the world. Qatar's successful 2022 world cup bid
will likely accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects such as
Qatar's metro system and the Qatar-Bahrain causeway.

Romania
Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007,
began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete
industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's
needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year
recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic
consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent
years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's
macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a
middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption
and red tape continue to handicap its business environment.
Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand
and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought
affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline.
Romania's GDP contracted markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the
country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial
markets and trade, and GDP fell more than 7% in 2009, prompting
Bucharest to seek a $26 billion emergency assistance package from
the IMF, the EU, and other international lenders. Drastic austerity
measures, as part of Romania's IMF-led agreement led to a further
1.9% GDP contraction in 2010. The economy is expected to return to
positive growth in 2011.

Russia
Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse
of the Soviet Union, moving from a globally-isolated,
centrally-planned economy to a more market-based and
globally-integrated economy. Economic reforms in the 1990s
privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy and
defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still
weak and the private sector remains subject to heavy state
interference. Russian industry is primarily split between
globally-competitive commodity producers - in 2009 Russia was the
world's largest exporter of natural gas, the second largest exporter
of oil, and the third largest exporter of steel and primary aluminum
- and other less competitive heavy industries that remain dependent
on the Russian domestic market. This reliance on commodity exports
makes Russia vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the
highly volatile swings in global commodity prices. The government
since 2007 has embarked on an ambitious program to reduce this
dependency and build up the country's high technology sectors, but
with few results so far. The economy had averaged 7% growth since
the 1998 Russian financial crisis, resulting in a doubling of real
disposable incomes and the emergence of a middle class. The Russian
economy, however, was one of the hardest hit by the 2008-09 global
economic crisis as oil prices plummeted and the foreign credits that
Russian banks and firms relied on dried up. The Central Bank of
Russia spent one-third of its $600 billion international reserves,
the world's third largest, in late 2008 to slow the devaluation of
the ruble. The government also devoted $200 billion in a rescue plan
to increase liquidity in the banking sector and aid Russian firms
unable to roll over large foreign debts coming due. The economic
decline bottomed out in mid-2009 and the economy began to grow in
the first quarter of 2010. However, a severe drought and fires in
central Russia reduced agricultural output, prompting a ban on grain
exports for part of the year, and slowed growth in other sectors
such as manufacturing and retail trade. Russia's long-term
challenges include a shrinking workforce, a high level of
corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy
companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

Rwanda
Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the
population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture and some
mineral and agro-processing. In 2008, minerals overtook coffee and
tea as Rwanda's primary foreign exchange earner. The 1994 genocide
decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the
population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the
country's ability to attract private and external investment.
However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and
rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded and
inflation has been curbed. Nonetheless, a majority still live below
the poverty line of 250 Rwandan francs per day (about US$0.43).
Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not
keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to
receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily
Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06.
Rwanda also received a Millennium Challenge Account Compact in 2008.
Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the
limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional
trade. Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its
budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners.
The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce
poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and
domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although
energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of
adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to
handicap growth. The global downturn hurt export demand and tourism,
but economic growth is recovering, driven in large part by the
services sector, and inflation has been contained. On the back of
this growth, government is gradually ending its fiscal stimulus
policy while protecting aid to the poor.

Saint Barthelemy
The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon
high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors
primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host
70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The
relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism.
The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant
investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water
resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources
and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor
from Brazil and Portugal.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
The economy depends
largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about
$27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual
budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing,
raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few
jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension
Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is
heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar,
the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following
the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after
decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for
employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to
diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of
the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and
offshore banking. More than 200,000 tourists visited the islands in
2009. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts
and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts
in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by one of
the world's highest public debt burdens equivalent to roughly 185%
of GDP, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

Saint Lucia
The island nation has been able to attract foreign
business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and
tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in
2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects.
Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be
grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of
income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is
the main source of foreign exchange, although tourism sector
revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and
European travel dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the
most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is
trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes
have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a
variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts,
natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public
debt-to-GDP ratio is about 77% and high debt servicing obligations
constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse
external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though
unemployment needs to be reduced.

Saint Martin
The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with
85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million
visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the
Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No
significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost
all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods
are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States.
Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in
the Caribbean.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
The inhabitants have traditionally earned
their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets
operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been
declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing
quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint
Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an
exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding
territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of
what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the
great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an
expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming,
crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the
local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for
development of the energy sector.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Success of the economy hinges upon seasonal variations in agriculture, tourism, and construction activity as well as remittance inflows. Much of the workforce is employed in banana production and tourism, but persistent high unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands. This lower-middle-income country is vulnerable to natural disasters - tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002. In 2008, the islands had more than 200,000 tourist arrivals, mostly to the Grenadines, a drop of nearly 20% from 2007. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector and has moved to adopt international regulatory standards. The government's ability to invest in social programs and respond to external shocks is constrained by its high public debt burden, which was over 90% of GDP at the end of 2010. Following the global downturn, St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw an economic decline in 2009, after slowing since 2006, when GDP growth reached a 10-year high of nearly 7%. The GONSALVES administration is directing government resources to infrastructure projects, including a new international airport that is expected to be completed in 2011.

Samoa
The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on
development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and
fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms.
Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90%
of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The
manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. One
factory in the Foreign Trade Zone employs 3,000 people to make
automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia.
Tourism is an expanding sector accounting for 25% of GDP; 122,000
tourists visited the islands in 2007. In late September 2009, an
earthquake and the resulting tsunami severely damaged Samoa, and
nearby American Samoa, disrupting transportation and power
generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The Samoan Government
has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement
of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same
time protecting the environment. Observers point to the flexibility
of the labor market as a basic strength for future economic
advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively healthy state, the
external debt is stable, and inflation is low.

San Marino
San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and
banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and export of
ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and
wine. The per capita level of output and standard of living are
comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which
supplies much of its food. San Marino boasts the world's longest
life expectancy for men with 80 years. The economy benefits from
foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low
taxes on interest earnings. San Marino has recently faced increased
international pressure to improve cooperation with foreign tax
authorities and transparency within its own banking sector, which
generates about one-fifth of the country's tax revenues. Italy's
implementation in October 2009 of a tax amnesty to repatriate
untaxed funds held abroad has resulted in financial outflows from
San Marino to Italy worth more than $4.5 billion. Such outflows,
combined with a money-laundering scandal at San Marino's largest
financial institution and the recent global economic downturn, have
contributed to a deep recession and growing budget deficit. However,
San Marino has no national debt, and an unemployment rate half the
size of Italy's. The San Marino government has adopted measures to
counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses. San
Marino also continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws
with EU members and international standards. In September 2009, the
OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to
fully implement global tax standards.

Sao Tome and Principe
This small, poor island economy has become
increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. Cocoa
production has substantially declined in recent years because of
drought and mismanagement. Sao Tome and Principe has to import all
fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial
amount of food. Over the years, it has had difficulty servicing its
external debt and has relied heavily on concessional aid and debt
rescheduling. Sao Tome and Principe benefited from $200 million in
debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) program, which helped bring down the country's $300
million debt burden. In August 2005, the government signed on to a
new 3-year IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program
worth $4.3 million. Considerable potential exists for development of
a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand
facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to
reduce price controls and subsidies. Potential exists for the
development of petroleum resources in Sao Tome and Principe's
territorial waters in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which are being
jointly developed in a 60-40 split with Nigeria, but any actual
production is at least several years off. The first production
licenses were sold in 2004, though a dispute over licensing with
Nigeria delayed the country's receipt of more than $20 million in
signing bonuses for almost a year.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong
government controls over major economic activities. It possesses
about 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the
largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The
petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of
GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the
growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and
to employ more Saudi nationals. Diversification efforts are focusing
on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration,
and petrochemical sectors. Almost 6 million foreign workers play an
important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and
service sectors, while Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment
among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on
employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the
education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has
substantially boosted spending on job training and education, most
recently with the opening of the King Abdallah University of Science
and Technology - Saudi Arabia's first co-educational university. As
part of its effort to attract foreign investment, Saudi Arabia
acceded to the WTO in December 2005 after many years of
negotiations. The government has begun establishing six "economic
cities" in different regions of the country to promote foreign
investment and plans to spend $373 billion between 2010 and 2014 on
social development and infrastructure projects to advance Saudi
Arabia's economic development.

Senegal
Senegal relies heavily on donor assistance. The country's
key export industries are phosphate mining, fertilizer production,
and commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and
oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold
and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the
international donor community. Government price controls and
subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy
contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important turnaround,
thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over
5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation had been pushed down
to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the
global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP growth fell below 2%. As a
member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU),
Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a
unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High
unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee
Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the
IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief program,
Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral,
multilateral, and private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF
agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program
which was completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement
from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed
in September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In
2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power cuts.
The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote
renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity, more protests
are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year,
bakers protested government price controls on bread. Foreign
investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business
environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by perceptions
of corruption.

Serbia
MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended
period of international economic sanctions, and the damage to
Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes
in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After
the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in
September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition
government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a
market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in
December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the
international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Belgrade
has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise
restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and
small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU
membership, signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with
Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim
Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also
pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Reforms needed
to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled
since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia is grappling
with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports
to Western Europe and a decline in manufacturing output.
Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political
and economic problems. Serbia signed an augmented $4 billion Stand
By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia
constrain the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while
Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability
preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Serbia's economy
grew by 1.8% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in
Western Europe began.

Seychelles
Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this
Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the
pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the
upper-middle income group of countries. Growth has been led by the
tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and
provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna
fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign
investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time,
the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by
promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale
manufacturing. GDP grew about 7-8% per year in 2006-07, driven by
tourism and a boom in tourism-related construction. The Seychelles
rupee was allowed to depreciate in 2006 after being overvalued for
years and fell by 10% in the first 9 months of 2007. Despite these
actions, the Seychelles economy has struggled to maintain its gains
and in 2008 suffered from food and oil price shocks, a foreign
exchange shortage, high inflation, large financing gaps, and the
global recession. In July 2008 the government defaulted on a Euro
amortizing note worth roughly US$80 million, leading to a
downgrading of Seychelles credit rating, but in October 2010 the EU
approved a $2.9 million grant as part of a larger four-year program
for Seychelles. In response to Seychelles successful implementation
of tighter monetary and fiscal policies, the IMF upgraded Seychelles
to a three-year exteneded fund facility (EFF) of $31 million in
December 2009. In 2008, GDP fell more than 1% due to declining
tourism, but the economy recovered in 2009-10 with a notable
increase in tourist numbers for 2010.

Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with
tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses
substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its
physical and social infrastructure has yet to recover from the civil
war, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic
development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in
subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of the
processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the
domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining remains the major source of
hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's
exports. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of
domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from
abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and
supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty
Reduction and Growth Facility program that helped stabilize economic
growth and reduce inflation and in 2010 approved a new program worth
$45 million over three years. Political stability has led to a
revival of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite
and rutile mining, which are set to benefit from planned tax
incentives. A number of offshore oil discoveries were announced in
2009 and 2010. The development on these reserves, which could be
significant, is still several years away.

Singapore
Singapore has a highly developed and successful
free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free
environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of
most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports,
particularly in consumer electronics, information technology
products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services
sector. Real GDP growth averaged 6.9% between 2004 and 2008. The
economy contracted 1.3% in 2009 as a result of the global financial
crisis, but rebounded nearly 15% in 2010, on the strength of renewed
exports. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a
new growth path that focuses on raising productivity growth, which
has sunk to 1% per year in the last decade. Singapore has attracted
major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology
production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as
Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

Sint Maarten
The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with
nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over
one million visitors come to the island each year - 1.3 million in
2008 - with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International
Airport. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's
numerous ports and harbors. No significant agriculture and limited
local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy
resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had
the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly
comprised the Netherlands Antilles.

Slovakia
Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its
separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation,
healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to
consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and
to adopt the euro in January 2009. Major privatizations are nearly
complete, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands,
and the government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom
with business friendly policies such as labor market liberalization
and a 19% flat tax. Foreign investment in the automotive and
electronic sectors has been strong. Slovakia's economic growth
exceeded expectations in 2001-08 despite the general European
slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 18% in 2003-04, dropped
to 7.7% in 2008 but remains the economy's Achilles heel. FICO's
cabinet was careful to keep a lid on spending in order to meet euro
adoption criteria and has focused on regulating energy and food
prices instead. To maintain a stable operating environment for
investors, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
advised the Slovak government to refrain from intervening in
important sectors of the economy. However, Bratislava's approach to
mitigating the economic slowdown has included substantial government
intervention and the option to nationalize strategic companies.
Slovakia was admitted to the euro zone in January 2009. RADICOVA's
government, in power since July 2010, has allowed the budget deficit
to rise slightly, to 8.2% of GDP in 2010. GDP fell nearly 5% in 2009
before gaining back 4% in 2010, and unemployment rose above 12% in
2010, as the global recession impacted many segments of the economy.

Slovenia
Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to
adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of
economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per
capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure,
a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the
Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and
the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU.
Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed
for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and
have helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became
the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to
donor partner at the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was
invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite
its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia
has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively
high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and
legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in
China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the
economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial
production - by more than 8%, and unemployment to rise above 9%.
Although growth resumed in 2010, the unemployment rate continued to
rise, topping 10%.

Solomon Islands
The bulk of the population depends on agriculture,
fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most
manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The
islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead,
zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of RAMSI, severe ethnic
violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government
treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore
law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as
the economy rebuilds.

Somalia
Despite the lack of effective national governance, Somalia
has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on
livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and
telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector with
livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and more than 50%
of export earnings. Nomads and semi-pastoralists, who are dependent
upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the
population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are
Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and
machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia's small industrial
sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has
largely been looted and the machinery sold as scrap metal. Somalia's
service sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms provide
wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest
international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a
formal banking sector, money transfer/remittance services have
sprouted throughout the country, handling up to $1.6 billion in
remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of
goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to
operate and are supported with private-security militias. Due to
armed attacks on and threats to humanitarian aid workers, the World
Food Programme partially suspended its operations in southern
Somalia in early January 2010 pending improvement in the security
situation. Somalia's arrears to the IMF have continued to grow.

South Africa
South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with
an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial,
legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock
exchange that is the 18th largest in the world; and modern
infrastructure supporting a relatively efficient distribution of
goods to major urban centers throughout the region. At the end of
2007, South Africa began to experience an electricity crisis. State
power supplier Eskom encountered problems with aged plants,
necessitating "load-shedding" cuts to residents and businesses in
the major cities. Growth was robust from 2004 to 2007 as South
Africa reaped the benefits of macroeconomic stability and a global
commodities boom, but began to slow in the second half of 2007 due
to the electricity crisis and the subsequent global financial
crisis' impact on commodity prices and demand. GDP fell nearly 2% in
2009. Unemployment remains high and outdated infrastructure has
constrained growth. Daunting economic problems remain from the
apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment
among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public
transportation. South Africa's former economic policy was fiscally
conservative, focusing on controlling inflation, and attaining a
budget surplus. The current government largely follows the same
prudent policies, but must contend with the impact of the global
crisis and is facing growing pressure from special interest groups
to use state-owned enterprises to deliver basic services to
low-income areas and to increase job growth. More than one-quarter
of South Africa's population currently receives social grants.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Southern Ocean
Fisheries in 2006-07 landed 126,976 metric tons, of
which 82% (104,586 tons) was krill (Euphausia superba) and 9.5%
(12,027 tons) Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides - also
known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 127,910 tons in 2005-06 of
which 83% (106,591 tons) was krill and 9.7% (12,396 tons) Patagonian
toothfish (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention
of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR),
which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area).
International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce
illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01
season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and
Antarctic toothfish. In the 2007-08 Antarctic summer, 45,213
tourists visited the Southern Ocean, compared to 35,552 in
2006-2007, and 29,799 in 2005-2006 (estimates provided to the
Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators (IAATO), and does not include passengers on overflights
and those flying directly in and out of Antarctica).

Spain
Spain's mixed capitalist economy is the 12th largest in the
world, and its per capita income roughly matches that of Germany and
France. However, after almost 15 years of above average GDP growth,
the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a
recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in
2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.4% in 2010,
making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global
recession. The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflects a
significant decline in the construction sector, an oversupply of
housing, falling consumer spending, and slumping exports. Government
efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended
unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp
rise in the unemployment rate, which rose from a low of about 8% in
2007 to 20% in 2010. The government budget deficit worsened from
3.8% of GDP in 2008 to about 9.7% of GDP in 2010, more than three
times the euro-zone limit. Spain's large budget deficit and poor
economic growth prospects have made it vulnerable to financial
contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone members despite the
government's efforts to cut spending, privatize industries, and
boost competitiveness through labor market reforms. Spanish banks'
high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate
market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government
intervened in one regional savings bank in 2009, and investors
remain concerned that Madrid may need to bail out more troubled
banks. The Bank of Spain, however, is seeking to boost confidence in
the financial sector by pressuring banks to come clean about their
losses and consolidate into stronger groups.

Spratly Islands
Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing.
The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins
suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is
largely unexplored. There are no reliable estimates of potential
reserves. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and
development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with
the LTTE, including increasing electricity access and rebuilding its
road and rail network. Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to reduce
poverty by using a combination of state directed policies and
private investment promotion to spur growth in disadvantaged areas,
develop small and medium enterprises, and promote increased
agriculture, High levels of government funding may be difficult, as
the government already is faced with high debt interest payments, a
bloated civil service, and historically high budget deficits. The
2008-09 global financial crisis and recession exposed Sri Lanka's
economic vulnerabilities and nearly caused a balance of payments
crisis, which was alleviated by a $2.6 billion IMF standby agreement
in July 2009. The end of the civil war and the IMF loan, however,
have largely restored investors' confidence, reflected in part by
the Sri Lankan stock market's recognition as one of the best
performing markets in the world. Sri Lankan growth rates averaged
nearly 5% in during the war, but increased government spending on
development and fighting the LTTE in the final years spurred GDP
growth to around 6-7% per year in 2006-08. After experiencing 3.5%
growth in 2009, Sri Lanka's economy is poised to achieve high growth
rates in the postwar period.

Sudan
Since 1997, Sudan has been working with the IMF to implement
macroeconomic reforms including a managed float of the exchange rate
and a large reserve of foreign exchange. A new currency, the
Sudanese Pound, was introduced in January 2007 at an initial
exchange rate of $1.00 equals 2 Sudanese Pounds. Sudan began
exporting crude oil in the last quarter of 1999 and the economy
boomed on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices,
and significant inflows of foreign direct investment until the
second half of 2008. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two
decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure
in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on
subsistence agriculture ensure much of the population will remain at
or below the poverty line for years to come despite rapid rises in
average per capita income. Sudan's real GDP expanded by 5.2% during
2010, an improvement over 2009's 4.2% growth but significantly below
the more that 10% per year growth experienced prior to the global
financial crisis in 2006 and 2007. While the oil sector continues to
drive growth, services and utilities play an increasingly important
role in the economy with agriculture production remaining important
as it employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP.
In the lead up to the referendum on southern secession, scheduled in
January 2011, Sudan saw its currency depreciate considerably on the
black market with the Central Bank's official rate also losing value
as the Sudanese people started to hoard foreign currency. The
Central Bank of Sudan intervened heavily in the currency market to
defend the value of the pound and the Sudanese government introduced
a number of measures to restrain excess local demand for hard
currency, but uncertainty ahead of the referendum has meant that
foreign exchange remained in heavy demand as 2010 came to a close.

Suriname
The economy is dominated by the mining industry, with
exports of alumina, gold, and oil accounting for about 85% of
exports and 25% of government revenues, making the economy highly
vulnerable to mineral price volatility. In 2000, the government of
Ronald VENETIAAN, returned to office and inherited an economy with
inflation of over 100% and a growing fiscal deficit. He quickly
implemented an austerity program, raised taxes, attempted to control
spending, and tamed inflation. Economic growth reached about 6% in
2007 and 2008, owing to sizeable foreign investment in mining and
oil. Suriname has received aid for projects in the bauxite and gold
mining sectors from Netherlands, Belgium, and the European
Development Fund. The economy contracted in 2009, however, as
investment waned and the country earned less from its commodity
exports when global prices for most commodities fell. Trade picked
up, boosting Suriname's economic growth in 2010, but the
government's budget remained strained, with increased social
spending during last year's election. Suriname's economic prospects
for the medium term will depend on continued commitment to
responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the introduction of
structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote competition.

Svalbard
Coal mining, tourism, and international research are the
major revenue sources on Svalbard. Coal mining is the dominant
economic activity and a treaty of 9 February 1920 gave the 41
signatories equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to
Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal
companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging
in this are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are
essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company
employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs
many of the local services, and provides most of the local
infrastructure. There is also some hunting of seal, reindeer, and
fox.

Swaziland
In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture
occupies approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing
sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp
remain important foreign exchange earners. In 2007, the sugar
industry increased efficiency and diversification efforts, in
response to a 17% decline in EU sugar prices. Mining has declined in
importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines
remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short
border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South
Africa from which it receives more than nine-tenths of its imports
and to which it sends 60% of its exports. Swaziland's currency is
pegged to the South African rand, subsuming Swaziland's monetary
policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African
Customs Union (SACU) account for two-thirds of Swaziland's
government revenues, and worker remittances from South Africa
substantially supplement domestically earned income. Customs
revenues plummeted during the global economic crisis and Swaziland
has appealed to SACU for assistance. With an estimated 40%
unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size
of small and medium enterprises and attract foreign direct
investment is acute. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and
sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than
one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2006-07
because of drought, and more than one-quarter of the adult
population has been infected by HIV/AIDS.

Sweden
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th
century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a
mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits.
It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external
communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003,
Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned
about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower,
and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily
oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for
about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector
accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for
little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was
in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased
domestic demand and strong exports. This and robust finances offered
the center-right government considerable scope to implement its
reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare
dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy.
Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish
economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth
continued downward in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions
reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities
and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove the
strong rebound in 2010.

Switzerland
Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market
economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a
per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy
benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial
services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in
high-technology, knowledge-based production. The Swiss have brought
their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's, in
order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade
protectionism remains, particularly for its small agricultural
sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn
put Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand
stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period effectively
implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the
economy and prevent appreciation of the franc. Switzerland's economy
grew 2.8% in 2010, when Bern implemented a third fiscal stimulus
program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced
significant challenges. The country's largest banks suffered sizable
losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government
rescue deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing
pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU, the US, and
international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws.
Consequently, the government agreed to conform to OECD regulations
on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion.
The government has renegotiated its double taxation agreements with
numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD
standard, and it is working with Germany and the UK to resolve
outsanding issues, particularly the possibility of imposing taxes on
bank deposits held by foreigners. Parliament passed the first five
double-taxation agreements, including that with the US, in March
2010, but the agreements are subject to public referendum. In 2009,
Swiss financial regulators ordered the country's largest bank to
reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders
suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will
have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history of bank secrecy.

Syria
Syrian economic growth slowed to 1.8% in 2009 as the global
economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key
export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented
modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting
lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of
the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized
items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the
Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In
addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage
corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue
Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the
economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run
economic constraints include declining oil production, high
unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on
water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population
growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

Taiwan Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. In keeping with this trend, some large, state-owned banks and industrial firms have been privatized. Exports, led by electronics and machinery, generate about 70% of Taiwan's GDP growth, and have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports makes the economy vulnerable to downturns in world demand. In 2009, Taiwan's GDP fell by 1.9%, due primarily to a 20% year-on-year decline in exports. GDP grew more than 8% in 2010, as exports returned to the level of previous years. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are major long-term challenges. Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, but so far Taiwan has been excluded from this greater economic integration, largely for reasons of diplomacy. Taiwan's birth rate of only 1.2 child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 10.8% of the island's total population as of the end of 2009. The island runs a large trade surplus, and its foreign reserves are the world's fourth largest, behind China, Japan, and Russia. Since President MA Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, cross-Strait economic ties have increased significantly. Since 2005 China has overtaken the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Taipei has focused much of its economic recovery effort on improving cross-Strait economic integration. Three financial memorandums of understanding, covering banking, securities, and insurance, took effect in mid-January 2010, opening the island to greater investments from the Mainland's financial firms and institutional investors, and providing new opportunities for Taiwan financial firms to operate in China. Taiwan and the mainland in June 2010 signed the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), an agreement similar to a free-trade agreement deal that will increase cross-Strait economic ties by lowering tariffs on a number of goods. Taiwan's goverment has said that the ECFA will serve as a stepping stone toward trade pacts with other regional partners and announced the beginning of negotiations on such an agreement with Singapore in August.

Tajikistan Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among the 15 former Soviet republics. Because of a lack of employment opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million. Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and obsolete infrastructure; moreover, government has encouraged a gradual transition away from cotton and towards food cultivation due to its concerns about feeding the population. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms, corruption, weak governance, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300 million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's tallest dam. The World Bank, in 2010, agreed to fund safety and feasibility studies for the Rogun Dam. Favorable reports from these studies could increase investor interest in the project, which has been stalled due to lack of funding. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While Tajikistan has experienced steady economic growth since 1997, more than half of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached 10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world recession.

Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the world's poorest economies in terms
of per capita income, however, Tanzania average 7% GDP growth per
year between 2000 and 2008 on strong gold production and tourism.
The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more
than one-fourth of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs about
60% of the work force. The World Bank, the IMF, and bilateral donors
have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's aging economic
infrastructure, including rail and port infrastructure that are
important trade links for inland countries. Recent banking reforms
have helped increase private-sector growth and investment, and the
government has increased spending on agriculture to 7% of its
budget. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies
supported a positive growth rate, despite the world recession. In
2008, Tanzania received the world's largest Millennium Challenge
Compact grant, worth $698 million. Dar es Salaam used fiscal
stimulus and loosened monitary policy to ease the impact of the
global recession. GDP growth in 2009-10 was a respectable 6% per
year due to high gold prices and increased production.

Thailand
With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise
economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export
industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2008 -
averaging more than 4% per year - as it recovered from the Asian
financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports - mostly machinery and
electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry -
continue to drive the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP.
The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand's
exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009,
the economy contracted 2.2%. In 2010, Thailand's economy expanded
7.6%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded from their
depressed 2009 level. Antigovernment protests during March-May and
the country's polarized political situation had - at most - a
temporary impact on business and consumer confidence. Although
tourism was hit hard during the protests, its quick recovery helped
boost consumer confidence to new highs. Moreover, business and
investor sentiment remained buoyant as Thailand's stock market grew
almost 5% during the three-month period. The economy probably will
continue to experience high grow well into 2011.

Timor-Leste
In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure
of Timor-Leste was laid waste by Indonesian troops and
anti-independence militias. Three hundred thousand people fled
westward. Over the next three years a massive international program,
manned by 5,000 peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police
officers, led to substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural
areas. By the end of 2005, refugees had returned or had settled in
Indonesia. The country continues to face great challenges in
rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil
administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the
work force. The development of oil and gas resources in offshore
waters has greatly supplemented government revenues. This
technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create
jobs for the unemployed because there are no production facilities
in Timor. Gas is piped to Australia. In June 2005, the National
Parliament unanimously approved the creation of a Petroleum Fund to
serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the
value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The
Fund held assets of US$5.3 billion as of October 2009. The economy
has been little impacted by the global financial crisis and
continues to recover strongly from the mid-2006 outbreak of violence
and civil unrest, which disrupted both private and public sector
economic activity. The government in 2008 resettled tens of
thousands of an estimated 100,000 internally displaced persons
(IDPs); most IDPs returned home by early 2009. The underlying
economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use
oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth
path and to reduce poverty.

Togo
This small, sub-Saharan economy suffers from anemic economic
growth and depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence
agriculture, which provides employment for 65% of the labor force.
Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and
cotton generate about 40% of export earnings with cotton being the
most important cash crop. Togo is the world's fourth-largest
producer of phosphate. The government's decade-long effort,
supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic
reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in
line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on follow
through on privatization, increased openness in government financial
operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued
support from foreign donors. Togo is on track with its IMF Extended
Credit Facility and reached a HIPC debt relief completion point in
2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Economic
growth prospects remain marginal due to declining cotton production
and underinvestment in phosphate mining.

Tokelau
Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack
of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine
agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid
from New Zealand - about $10 million annually in 2008 and 2009 - to
maintain public services. New Zealand's support amounts to 80% of
Tokelau's recurrent government budget. An international trust fund,
currently worth nearly US$32 million, was established in 2004 to
provide Tokelau an independent source of revenue. The principal
sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps,
souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families
from relatives in New Zealand.

Tonga
Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has
a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans,
and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish,
make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high
proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains
dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities
overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest
source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had
39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the
development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of
investment, and is committing increased funds for health and
education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and
well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a
continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and
rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the
government.

Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as
an excellent investment site for international businesses and has
one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin
America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly
over 8%, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for
that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then and
contracted about 3.5% in 2009, before rising more than 2% in 2010.
Growth has been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas
(LNG), petrochemicals, and steel. Additional petrochemical,
aluminum, and plastics projects are in various stages of planning.
Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and
gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources but
it also supplies manufactured goods, notably food products and
beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region. Oil and gas
account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of
employment. The country is also a regional financial center, and
tourism is a growing sector, although it is not as important
domestically as it is to many other Caribbean islands. The economy
benefits from a growing trade surplus. The previous MANNING
administration benefited from fiscal surpluses fueled by the dynamic
export sector; however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced
government revenues which will challenge the new government's
commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment.

Tunisia
Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural,
mining, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of
economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the
past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax
structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social
policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia
relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over
the past decade, declined to 4.6% in 2008 and to 3-4% in 2009-10
because of economic contraction and slowing of import demand in
Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of
non-textile manufacturing, a recovery in agricultural production,
and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the
economic effect of slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even
higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities
for an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing
population of university graduates. The challenges ahead include:
privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase
foreign investment, improving government efficiency, reducing the
trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the
impoverished south and west.

Turkey
Turkey's economy is increasingly driven by its industry and
service sectors, although its traditional agriculture sector still
accounts for about 30% of employment. An aggressive privatization
program has reduced state involvement in basic industry, banking,
transport, and communication, and an emerging cadre of middle-class
entrepreneurs is adding a dynamism to the economy. Turkey's
traditional textiles and clothing clothing sectors still account for
one-third of industrial employment, despite stiff competition in
international markets that resulted from the end of the global quota
system. Other sectors, notably the automotive, construction, and
electronics industries, are rising in importance and have surpassed
textiles within Turkey's export mix. Oil began to flow through the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in May 2006, marking a major milestone
that will bring up to 1 million barrels per day from the Caspian to
market. Several gas pipelines also are being planned to help move
Central Asian gas to Europe via Turkey, which will help address
Turkey's dependence on energy imports over the long term. After
Turkey experienced a severe financial crisis in 2001, Ankara adopted
financial and fiscal reforms as part of an IMF program. The reforms
strengthened the country's economic fundamentals and ushered in an
era of strong growth - averaging more than 6% annually until 2009,
when global economic conditions and tighter fiscal policy slowed
growth to 4.7%, reduced inflation to 6.5% - a 34-year low - and cut
the public sector debt-to-GPD ratio below 50%. Turkey's
well-regulated financial markets and banking system weathered the
global financial crisis and GDP rebounded strongly to 7.3% in 2010,
as exports returned to normal levels following the recession. The
economy, however, continues to be burdened by a high current account
deficit and remains dependent on often volatile, short-term
investment to finance its trade deficit. The stock value of FDI
stood at $174 billion at year-end 2010, but inflows have slowed
considerably in light of continuing economic turmoil in Europe, the
source of much of Turkey's FDI. Further economic and judicial
reforms and prospective EU membership are expected to boost Turkey's
attractiveness to foreign investors. However, Turkey's relatively
high current account deficit, uncertainty related to policy-making,
and fiscal imbalances leave the economy vulnerable to destabilizing
shifts in investor confidence.

Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is largely a desert country with intensive
agriculture in irrigated oases and sizeable gas and oil resources.
The two largest crops are cotton, most of which is produced for
export, and wheat, which is domestically consumed. Although
agriculture accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, it continues to employ
nearly half of the country's workforce. With an authoritarian
ex-Communist regime in power and a tribally based social structure,
Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform,
hoping to use gas and cotton export revenues to sustain its
inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain limited. From
1998-2005, Turkmenistan suffered from the continued lack of adequate
export routes for natural gas and from obligations on extensive
short-term external debt. At the same time, however, total exports
rose by an average of roughly 15% per year from 2003-08, largely
because of higher international oil and gas prices. New pipelines to
China and Iran, that began operation in late 2009 and early 2010,
have given Turkmenistan additional export routes for its gas,
although these new routes have not offset the sharp drop in export
revenue since early 2009 from decreased gas exports to Russia.
Overall prospects in the near future are discouraging because of
widespread internal poverty, endemic corruption, a poor educational
system, government misuse of oil and gas revenues, and Ashgabat's
reluctance to adopt market-oriented reforms. In the past,
Turkmenistan's economic statistics were state secrets. The new
government has established a State Agency for Statistics, but GDP
numbers and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In
particular, the rate of GDP growth is uncertain. Since his election,
President BERDIMUHAMEDOW unified the country's dual currency
exchange rate, ordered the redenomination of the manat, reduced
state subsidies for gasoline, and initiated development of a special
tourism zone on the Caspian Sea. Although foreign investment is
encouraged, numerous bureaucratic obstacles impede international
business activity.

Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos economy is based on
tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Most capital
goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the
leading source of tourists, accounting for more than three-quarters
of the 175,000 visitors that arrived in 2004. Major sources of
government revenue also include fees from offshore financial
activities and customs receipts.

Tuvalu
Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of
nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral
resources and few exports and is almost entirely dependent upon
imported food and fuel. Subsistence farming and fishing are the
primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average,
visit Tuvalu annually. Job opportunities are scarce and public
sector workers make up most of those employed. About 15% of the
adult male population work as seamen on merchant ships abroad, and
remittances are a vital source of income contributing around $2
million in 2007. Substantial income is received annually from the
Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) an international trust fund established in
1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and
South Korea. Thanks to wise investments and conservative
withdrawals, this fund grew from an initial $17 million to an
estimated value of $77 million in 2006. The TTF contributed nearly
$9 million towards the government budget in 2006 and is an important
cushion for meeting shortfalls in the government's budget. The US
Government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu because of
payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to ensure
financial stability and sustainability, the government is pursuing
public sector reforms, including privatization of some government
functions and personnel cuts. Tuvalu also derives royalties from the
lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name with revenue of more than $2
million in 2006. A minor source of government revenue comes from the
sale of stamps and coins. With merchandise exports only a fraction
of merchandise imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing
and telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas
workers, official transfers, and income from overseas investments.
Growing income disparities and the vulnerability of the country to
climatic change are among leading concerns for the nation.

Uganda
Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile
soils, regular rainfall, small deposits of copper, gold, and other
minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a
national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important sector
of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee
accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986, the government
- with the support of foreign countries and international agencies -
has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking
currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing
prices of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The
policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and
boosting production and export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms
ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued
investment in infrastructure, improved incentives for production and
exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return
of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Uganda has received about $2
billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief. In 2007 Uganda
received $10 million for a Millennium Challenge Account Threshold
Program. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports;
however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due to past
reforms and sound management of the downturn. Oil revenues and taxes
will become a larger source of government funding as oil comes on
line in the next few years. Instability in southern Sudan is the
biggest risk for the Ugandan economy in 2011 because Uganda's main
export partner is Sudan and Uganda is a key destination for Sudanese
refugees.

Ukraine After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the former USSR. Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Ukraine's dependence on Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external shocks. Ukraine depends on imports to meet about three-fourths of its annual oil and natural gas requirements and 100% of its nuclear fuel needs. After a two-week dispute that saw gas supplies cutoff to Europe, Ukraine agreed to ten-year gas supply and transit contracts with Russia in January 2009 that brought gas prices to "world" levels. The strict terms of the contracts have further hobbled Ukraine's cash-strapped state gas company, Naftohaz. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy, but more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, and improving the legislative framework. Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president until mid-2008. Real GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2006-07, fueled by high global prices for steel - Ukraine's top export - and by strong domestic consumption, spurred by rising pensions and wages. Ukraine reached an agreement with the IMF for a $16.4 billion Stand-By Arrangement in November 2008 to deal with the economic crisis, but the Ukrainian Government's lack of progress in implementing reforms has twice delayed the release of IMF assistance funds. The drop in steel prices and Ukraine's exposure to the global financial crisis due to aggressive foreign borrowing lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world; growth resumed in 2010, buoyed by exports. External conditions are likely to hamper efforts for economic recovery in 2011.

United Arab Emirates
The UAE has an open economy with a high per
capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts
at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on
oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE
more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound
transformation from an impoverished region of small desert
principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The
government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure
expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector
involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment
Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to
undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US,
however, those talks have not moved forward. The country's Free
Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are
helping to attract foreign investors. The global financial crisis,
tight international credit, and deflated asset prices slowed GDP
growth in 2010. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by
increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector.
The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed
real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt
obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency. The UAE
Central Bank and Abu Dhabi-based banks bought the largest shares. In
December 2009 Dubai received an additional $10 billion loan from the
emirate of Abu Dhabi. The economy is expected to continue a slow
rebound. Dependence on oil, a large expatriate workforce, and
growing inflation pressures are significant long-term challenges.
The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on
diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals
through improved education and increased private sector employment.

United Kingdom
The UK, a leading trading power and financial center,
is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France.
Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public
ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs.
Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by
European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than
2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil
resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and
the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Services,
particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by
far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to
decline in importance. After emerging from recession in 1992,
Britain's economy enjoyed the longest period of expansion on record
during which time growth outpaced most of Western Europe. In 2008,
however, the global financial crisis hit the economy particularly
hard, due to the importance of its financial sector. Sharply
declining home prices, high consumer debt, and the global economic
slowdown compounded Britain's economic problems, pushing the economy
into recession in the latter half of 2008 and prompting the then
BROWN government to implement a number of measures to stimulate the
economy and stabilize the financial markets; these include
nationalizing parts of the banking system, cutting taxes, suspending
public sector borrowing rules, and moving forward public spending on
capital projects. Facing burgeoning public deficits and debt levels,
the CAMERON government in 2010 initiiated a five-year austerity
program, which aims to lower London's budget deficit from over 11%
of GDP in 2010 to nearly 1% by 2015. The Bank of England
periodically coordinates interest rate moves with the European
Central Bank, but Britain remains outside the European Economic and
Monetary Union (EMU).

United States The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $47,400. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The war in March-April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq, and the subsequent occupation of Iraq, required major shifts in national resources to the military. Soaring oil prices between 2005 and the first half of 2008 threatened inflation and unemployment, as higher gasoline prices ate into consumers' budgets. Imported oil accounts for about 60% of US consumption. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $840 billion in 2008 before shrinking to $506 billion in 2009, and ramping back up to $630 billion in 2010. The global economic downturn, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, investment bank failures, falling home prices, and tight credit pushed the United States into a recession by mid-2008. GDP contracted until the third quarter of 2009, making this the deepest and longest downturn since the Great Depression. To help stabilize financial markets, the US Congress established a $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in October 2008. The government used some of these funds to purchase equity in US banks and other industrial corporations, much of which had been returned to the government by early 2011. In January 2009 the US Congress passed and President Barack OBAMA signed a bill providing an additional $787 billion fiscal stimulus to be used over 10 years - two-thirds on additional spending and one-third on tax cuts - to create jobs and to help the economy recover. Approximately two-thirds of these funds were injected into the economy by the end of 2010. In March 2010, President OBAMA signed a health insurance reform bill into law that will extend coverage to an additional 32 million American citizens by 2016, through private health insurance for the general population and Medicaid for the impoverished. In July 2010, the president signed the DODD-FRANK Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a bill designed to promote financial stability by protecting consumers from financial abuses, ending taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, dealing with troubled banks that are "too big to fail," and improving accountability and transparency in the financial system - in particular, by requiring certain financial derivatives to be traded in markets that are subject to government regulation and oversight. In late 2010, the US Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) announced that it would purchase $600 billion worth of US Government bonds by June 2011, in an attempt to keep interest rates from rising and snuffing out the nascent recovery.

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
no economic activity

Uruguay
Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented
agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of
social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during
1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn,
stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems
of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. In 2001-02, Argentine
citizens made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in Uruguayan
banks after bank deposits in Argentina were frozen, which led to a
plunge in the Uruguayan peso, a banking crisis, and a sharp economic
contraction. Real GDP fell in four years by nearly 20%, with 2002
the worst year. The unemployment rate rose, inflation surged, and
the burden of external debt doubled. Financial assistance from the
IMF helped stem the damage. Uruguay restructured its external debt
in 2003 without asking creditors to accept a reduction on the
principal. Economic growth for Uruguay resumed, and averaged 8%
annually during the period 2004-08. The 2008-09 global financial
crisis put a brake on Uruguay's vigorous growth, which decelerated
to 2.9% in 2009. Nevertheless, the country managed to avoid a
recession and keep positive growth rates, mainly through higher
public expenditure and investment, and GDP growth exceeded 7% in
2010.

Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country; 11% of the land
is intensely cultivated, in irrigated river valleys. More than 60%
of the population lives in densely populated rural communities.
Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum,
provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major
export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan is now the
world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer;
it has come under increasing international criticism for the use of
child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan
enjoyed a bumper cotton crop in 2010 amidst record high prices.
Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to
prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight
controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to
improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors
measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over
business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income
distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence.
In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the
IMF, providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict
currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the
effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that
have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often
delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods.
Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil
industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the
realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. However,
decreased demand for natural gas in Europe and Russia in the wake of
the global financial crisis could reduce energy-related revenues in
the near term. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN
and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which
included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian
businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially
in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps
to rejoin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the
Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in
2008, both organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek
authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in
Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets,
but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09. Instead, the Uzbek
Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international
corporations, offering attractive financing and tax advantages, and
has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry.
Although growth slowed in 2009-10, Uzbekistan has seen few other
effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its
relative isolation from the global financial markets.

Vanuatu
This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on
small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about
two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services,
and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are other
mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the
country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry
sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from
import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on
relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural
disasters, and long distances from main markets and between
constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government
has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center.
In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism
through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise
ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a
second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main
suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

Venezuela
Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which
account for roughly 95% of export earnings, about 55% of the federal
budget revenues, and around 30% of GDP. A nationwide strike between
December 2002 and February 2003 had far-reaching economic
consequences - real GDP declined by around 9% in 2002 and 8% in 2003
- but economic output since then has recovered strongly. Fueled by
high oil prices, record government spending helped to boost GDP by
about 10% in 2006, 8% in 2007, and nearly 5% in 2008, before a sharp
drop in oil prices caused a contraction in 2009-10. This spending,
combined with recent minimum wage hikes and improved access to
domestic credit, has created a consumption boom but has come at the
cost of higher inflation - roughly 32% in 2008, and slowing only
slightly to 30% in 2010, despite the lengthy downturn. Imports also
jumped significantly before the recession of 2009. President Hugo
CHAVEZ's continued efforts to increase the government's control of
the economy by nationalizing firms in the agribusiness, financial,
construction, oil, and steel sectors have hurt the private
investment environment, reduced productive capacity, and slowed
non-petroleum exports. In the first half of 2010 Venezuela faced the
prospect of lengthy nationwide blackouts when its main hydroelectric
power plant - which provides more than 35% of the country's
electricity - nearly shut down. In January, 2010, CHAVEZ announced a
dual exchange rate system for the bolivar and closed the unofficial
foreign exchange market - the "parallel" market - in an effort to
stem inflation and slow the currency's depreciation. The foreign
exchange system offers a 2.6 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of
essentials, including food, medicine, and industrial machinery, and
a 4.3 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of other products,
including cars and telephones.

Vietnam
Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in
the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the
loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the
rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Vietnamese authorities
have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and
international integration. They have moved to implement the
structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce
more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in
January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process.
WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market
and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Agriculture's
share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in
2000 to about 21% in 2009. Deep poverty has declined significantly
and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a
labor force that is growing by more than one million people every
year. The global recession has hurt Vietnam's export-oriented
economy with GDP growing less than the 7% per annum average achieved
during the last decade. In 2009 exports fell nearly 10%
year-on-year, prompting the government to consider adjustments to
tariffs to limit the trade deficit. The government has used stimulus
spending, including a subsidized lending program, to help the
economy through the global financial crisis. Vietnam's managed
currency, the dong, faced downward pressure during the recession and
the government devalued it by nearly 7% in December 2009. Foreign
donors pledged $8 billion in new development assistance for 2010.
Export growth resumed in 2010, driving GDP upward. However, Hanoi
has struggled to control one of the region's highest inflation
rates, which stands at 11.1% with interest hikes and multiple
devaluations of the dong. Vietnam's economy faces higher lending
rates, additional IMF scrutiny, domestic inflationary pressures, and
an underperforming stock market.

Virgin Islands
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting
for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million
visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum
refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals,
and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries
is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food
being imported. International business and financial services are
small but growing components of the economy. The islands are
vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is
working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction
projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to
reduce crime, and to protect the environment.

Wake Island
Economic activity is limited to providing services to
military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food
and manufactured goods must be imported.

Wallis and Futuna
The economy is limited to traditional subsistence
agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture
(coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing.
About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come
from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to
Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate
workers in New Caledonia.

West Bank
The West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the
Palestinian territories - experienced a high single-digit economic
growth rate in 2010 as a result of inflows of donor aid, the
Palestinian Authority's (PA) implementation of economic and security
reforms, and the easing of some movement and access restrictions by
the Israeli Government. Nevertheless, overall standard-of-living
measures remain near levels seen prior to the start of the second
intifada in 2000. The almost decade-long downturn largely has been a
result of Israeli closure policies - a steady increase in movement
and access restrictions across the West Bank in response to Israeli
security concerns which have disrupted labor and trade flows,
industrial capacity, and basic commerce, both external and internal.
Since 2008, the PA under President Mahmoud ABBAS and Prime Minister
Salam FAYYAD has implemented a largely successful campaign of
institutional reforms that has contributed to increased security and
economic performance, supported by more than $3 billion in direct
foreign donor assistance to the PA's budget since 2007. An easing of
some Israeli restrictions on West Bank movement and access since
2008 also has contributed to an uptick in retail activity in larger
cities. The biggest impediments to economic improvements in the West
Bank remain Palestinians' lack of access to land and resources in
Israeli-controlled areas, import and export restrictions, and a
high-cost capital structure. Absent robust private sector growth,
the PA will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary
needs.

Western Sahara
Western Sahara has a small market-based economy whose
main indutries are fishing, phosphate mining, and pastoral nomadism.
The territory's arid desert climate makes sedentary agriculture
difficult, and Wstern Sahara imports much of its food. The Moroccan
Government administers Western Sahara's economy and is a source of
employment, infrstructure development, and social spending in the
territory. Western Sahara's unresolved legal status makes the
exploitation of its natural resources a contentious issue between
Morocco and the Polisario. Morocco and the EU in July 2006 signed a
four-year agreement allowing European vessels to fish off the coast
of Morocco, including the disputed waters off the coast of Western
Sahara. Oil has never been found in Western Sahara in commercially
significant quantities, but Morocco and the Polisario have quarreled
over who has the right to authorize and benefit from oil exploration
in the territory. Western Sahara's main long-term economic challenge
is the development of a more diverse set of industries capable of
providing greater employment and income to the territory.

World In 2010, world output - and per capita income - began to recover from the 2008-09 recession, the first global downturn since 1946. Gross World Product (GWP) grew 4.6%, largely on the strength of rebounding exports, which rose about 20% from the level of 2009. Growth was not evenly distributed across countries, however. Lower income countries - those with per capita incomes below $30,000 per year - averaged 6.3% growth, while higher income countries - with per capita incomes above $30,000 - averaged just 2.8% growth. And countries with current account surpluses averaged 6.0% growth, while those with current account deficits averaged just 3.4% growth. Among large economies, China (+10.1%), Taiwan (+8.3%), India (+8.3%), Brazil (+7.5%), and South Korea (+6.1%) recorded the biggest GDP gains - China also became the world's largest exporter. Continuing uncertainties in mortgage and financial markets resulted in slower growth in Japan (+3.0%), the US (+2.8%), and the European Union (+1.7%). In 2010, global unemployment continued to creep upwards, reaching 8.8% - underemployment, especially in the developing world, remained much higher. Global gross fixed investment stabilized at about 23% of GWP, after a significant drop in 2009. World trade appears to be returning to pre-2009 patterns, with current account surpluses or deficits rising for a majority of countries. World external debt, however, dropped again in 2010 - about 5% from the 2009 level, as many countries reduced borrowing. Many, if not most, countries pursued expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. The global money supply, both narrowly and broadly defined, increased roughly 10%, as countries tried to keep interest rates low; the global budget deficit stablilized at roughly $3.5 trillion, as countries tried to rein in spending and slow the rise of public debt. The international financial crisis of 2008-09 presents the world economy with a major new challenge, together with several long-standing ones. The fiscal stimulus packages put in place in 2009-10 required most countries to run budget deficits - government balances have deteriorated for 14 out of every 15 countries. Treasuries issued new public debt - totaling $5.5 trillion since 2008 - to pay for the additional expenditures. To keep interest rates low, many central banks monetized that debt, injecting large sums of money into the economies. As economic activity picks up, central banks will face the difficult task of containing inflation without raising interest rates so high they snuff out further growth. At the same time, governments will face the difficult task of spurring current growth and employment without saddling their economies with so much debt that they sacrifice long-term growth and financial stability. Long-standing challenges the world faces are several. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of underemployment, pollution, waste-disposal, epidemics, water-shortages, famine, over-fishing of oceans, deforestation, desertification, and depletion of non-renewable resources. The nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, central governments often find their control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Iraq, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, central governments are losing decisionmaking powers to international bodies, most notably the EU. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because the participating nations are culturally and politically diverse and have varying levels and rates of growth of income, and hence, differing needs for monetary and fiscal policies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from an economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuated a growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan added new uncertainties to global economic prospects. Despite these challenges, the world economy also shows great promise. Technology has made possible further advances in all fields, from agriculture, to medicine, alternative energy, metallurgy, and transportation. Improved global communications have greatly reduced the costs of international trade, helping the world gain from the international division of labor, raise living standards, and reduce income disparities among nations. Much of the resilience of the world economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis resulted from government leaders around the globe working in concert to stem the financial onslaught, knowing well the lessons of past economic failures.

Yemen
Yemen is a low income country that is highly dependent on
declining oil resources for revenue. Petroleum accounts for roughly
25% of GDP and 70% of government revenue. Yemen has tried to counter
the effects of its declining oil resources by diversifying its
economy through an economic reform program initiated in 2006 that is
designed to bolster non-oil sectors of the economy and foreign
investment. In October 2009, Yemen exported its first liquefied
natural gas as part of this diversification effort. In January 2010,
the international community established the Friends of Yemen group
that aims to support Yemen's efforts towards economic and political
reform, and in August 2010 the IMF approved a three-year $370
million program to further this effort. Despite these ambitious
endeavors, Yemen continues to face difficult long term challenges,
including declining water resources and a high population growth
rate.

Zambia
Zambia's economy has experienced strong growth in recent
years, with real GDP growth in 2005-08 about 6% per year.
Privatization of government-owned copper mines in the 1990s relieved
the government from covering mammoth losses generated by the
industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining to
return to profitability and spur economic growth. Copper output has
increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and
foreign investment. In 2005, Zambia qualified for debt relief under
the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative, consisting of
approximately USD 6 billion in debt relief. Poverty remains a
significant problem in Zambia, despite a stronger economy. Declining
world commodity prices and demand slowed GDP growth in 2008, but a
sharp rebound in copper prices and a bumper maize crop helped Zambia
recover. Lack of economic diversity subjects Zambia to fluctuations
in copper prices and in the weather.

Zimbabwe
The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of
difficult economic problems. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo drained hundreds of millions of
dollars from the economy. The government's land reform program,
characterized by chaos and violence, has badly damaged the
commercial farming sector, the traditional source of exports and
foreign exchange and the provider of 400,000 jobs, turning Zimbabwe
into a net importer of food products. The EU and the US provide food
aid on humanitarian grounds. Until early 2009, the Reserve Bank of
Zimbabwe routinely printed money to fund the budget deficit, causing
hyperinflation. The power-sharing government formed in February 2009
has led to some economic improvements, including the cessation of
hyperinflation by eliminating the use of the Zimbabwe dollar and
removing price controls. The economy is registering its first growth
in a decade, but will be reliant on further political improvement
for greater growth.

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

@2117

Field Listing :: Pipelines

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

Pipelines(km)

Afghanistan
gas 466 km (2009)

Albania
gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2009)

Algeria
condensate 1,937 km; gas 14,648 km; liquid petroleum gas
2,933 km; oil 7,579 km (2009)

Angola
gas 2 km; oil 87 km (2009)

Argentina
gas 28,248 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 5,977 km;
refined products 3,636 km (2009)

Armenia
gas 2,233 km (2009)

Australia
gas 27,105 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,258 km;
oil/gas/water 1 km (2009)

Austria
gas 2,721 km; oil 663 km; refined products 157 km (2009)

Azerbaijan
condensate 1 km; gas 3,361 km; oil 1,424 km (2009)

Bahrain
gas 20 km; oil 32 km (2009)

Bangladesh
gas 2,597 km (2009)

Belarus
gas 5,250 km; oil 1,528 km; refined products 1,730 km (2009)

Belgium
gas 1,330 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2009)

Bolivia
gas 5,192 km; liquid petroleum gas 51 km; oil 2,488 km;
refined products 1,590 km (2009)

Brazil
condensate/gas 62 km; gas 9,989 km; liquid petroleum gas 353
km; oil 4,517 km; refined products 4,465 km (2009)

Brunei
gas 37 km; oil 18 km (2009)

Bulgaria
gas 2,926 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2009)

Burma
gas 2,228 km; oil 558 km (2009)

Cameroon
oil 889 km (2009)

Canada
crude and refined oil 23,564 km; liquid petroleum gas 74,980
km (2009)

Chad
oil 250 km (2009)

Chile
gas 2,673 km; liquid petroleum gas 519 km; oil 892 km; refined
products 769 km (2009)

China
gas 32,545 km; oil 20,097 km; refined products 10,915 km (2009)

Colombia
gas 4,567 km; oil 6,097 km; refined products 3,382 km (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the gas 37 km; oil 39 km; refined products 756 km (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
gas 7 km; oil 211 km (2009)

Costa Rica
refined products 796 km (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
condensate 86 km; gas 180 km; oil 92 km (2009)

Croatia
gas 1,327 km; oil 583 km (2009)

Cuba
gas 41 km; oil 230 km (2009)

Czech Republic
gas 7,010 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km
(2009)

Denmark
gas 2,858 km; oil 107 km (2009)

Ecuador
extra heavy crude 435 km; gas 5 km; oil 1,374 km; refined
products 1,301 km (2009)

Egypt
condensate 320 km; condensate/gas 13 km; gas 6,262 km; liquid
petroleum gas 956 km; oil 4,319 km; oil/gas/water 3 km; refined
products 895 km; unknown 59 km (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
gas 38 km (2009)

Estonia
gas 859 km (2009)

Finland
gas 694 km (2009)

France
gas 14,688 km; oil 2,943 km; refined products 5,080 km (2009)

Gabon
gas 240 km; oil 858 km (2009)

Georgia
gas 1,596 km; oil 1,258 km (2009)

Germany
gas 24,364 km; oil 3,379 km; refined products 3,843 km (2009)

Ghana
oil 5 km; refined products 309 km (2009)

Greece
gas 1,197 km; oil 75 km (2009)

Guatemala
oil 480 km (2009)

Hungary
gas 4,407 km; oil 987 km; refined products 335 km (2009)

India
condensate/gas 2 km; gas 7,542 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,163
km; oil 7,659 km; refined products 7,201 km (2009)

Indonesia
condensate 735 km; condensate/gas 73 km; gas 5,800 km; oil
5,721 km; oil/gas/water 12 km; refined products 1,370 km (2009)

Iran
condensate 7 km; condensate/gas 12 km; gas 19,246 km; liquid
petroleum gas 570 km; oil 7,018 km; refined products 7,936 km (2009)

Iraq
gas 2,501 km; liquid petroleum gas 918 km; oil 5,032 km;
refined products 1,637 km (2009)

Ireland
gas 1,550 km (2009)

Israel
gas 176 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2009)

Italy
gas 17,558 km; oil 1,241 km (2009)

Japan
gas 3,879 km; oil 167 km; oil/gas/water 53 km (2009)

Jordan
gas 439 km; oil 49 km (2009)

Kazakhstan
condensate 658 km; gas 11,146 km; oil 10,376 km; refined
products 1,095 km (2009)

Kenya
oil 4 km; refined products 928 km (2009)

Korea, North
oil 154 km (2009)

Korea, South
gas 1,423 km; refined products 827 km (2009)

Kuwait
gas 269 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
gas 254 km; oil 16 km (2009)

Laos
refined products 540 km (2009)

Latvia
gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2009)

Lebanon
gas 43 km (2009)

Libya
condensate 776 km; gas 2,860 km; oil 6,987 km (2009)

Liechtenstein
gas 20 km (2009)

Lithuania
gas 1,695 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Luxembourg
gas 155 km (2009)

Macedonia
gas 268 km; oil 120 km (2009)

Malaysia
condensate 3 km; gas 1,965 km; oil 31 km; refined products
114 km (2009)

Mexico
gas 22,705 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,875 km; oil 8,688 km;
oil/gas/water 228 km; refined products 6,520 km (2009)

Moldova
gas 1,906 km (2009)

Morocco
gas 830 km; oil 439 km (2009)

Mozambique
gas 918 km; refined products 278 km (2009)

Netherlands
gas 3,816 km; oil 365 km; refined products 716 km (2009)

New Zealand
condensate 331 km; gas 1,838 km; liquid petroleum gas
172 km; oil 288 km; refined products 198 km (2009)

Nicaragua
oil 54 km (2009)

Nigeria
condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km;
oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Norway
condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Oman
gas 4,209 km; oil 3,558 km; refined products 263 km (2009)

Pakistan
gas 10,402 km; oil 2,011 km; refined products 787 km (2009)

Papua New Guinea
oil 195 km (2009)

Peru
extra heavy crude 533 km; gas 1,083 km; liquid petroleum gas
677 km; oil 1,018 km; refined products 15 km (2009)

Philippines
oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2009)

Poland
gas 13,631 km; oil 1,384 km; refined products 777 km (2009)

Portugal
gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2009)

Qatar
condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 980 km; liquid
petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2009)

Romania
gas 3,588 km; oil 2,424 km (2009)

Russia
condensate 122 km; gas 159,552 km; liquid petroleum gas 127
km; oil 74,285 km; refined products 13,658 km (2009)

Saudi Arabia
condensate 212 km; gas 1,880 km; liquid petroleum gas
1,183 km; oil 4,241 km; refined products 1,148 km (2009)

Senegal
gas 43 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Serbia
gas 1,921 km; oil 323 km (2009)

Singapore
gas 106 km (2009)

Slovakia
gas 6,769 km; oil 416 km (2009)

Slovenia
gas 840 km; oil 11 km (2009)

South Africa
condensate 11 km; gas 908 km; oil 980 km; refined
products 1,379 km (2009)

Spain
gas 7,738 km; oil 560 km; refined products 3,445 km (2009)

Sudan
gas 156 km; oil 4,070 km; refined products 1,613 km (2009)

Suriname
oil 50 km (2009)

Sweden
gas 786 km (2009)

Switzerland
gas 1,662 km; oil 94 km; refined products 7 km (2009)

Syria
gas 3,101 km; oil 1,997 km (2009)

Taiwan
gas 405 km (2009)

Tajikistan
gas 549 km; oil 38 km (2009)

Tanzania
gas 254 km; oil 888 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Thailand
gas 1,348 km; refined products 323 km (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
gas 659 km; oil 336 km (2009)

Tunisia
gas 2,179 km; oil 1,285 km; refined products 372 km (2009)

Turkey
gas 10,630 km; oil 3,636 km (2009)

Turkmenistan
gas 6,417 km; oil 1,457 km (2009)

Ukraine
gas 33,327 km; oil 4,514 km; refined products 4,211 km (2009)

United Arab Emirates
condensate 458 km; gas 2,152 km; liquid
petroleum gas 220 km; oil 1,310 km; refined products 212 km (2009)

United Kingdom
condensate 43 km; gas 7,992 km; liquid petroleum gas
59 km; oil 699 km; refined products 4,417 km (2009)

United States
petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km
(2009)

Uruguay
gas 226 km; oil 155 km (2009)

Uzbekistan
gas 9,706 km; oil 868 km (2009)

Venezuela
extra heavy crude 980 km; gas 5,258 km; oil 6,695 km;
refined products 1,484 km; unknown 141 km (2009)

Vietnam
condensate/gas 42 km; gas 66 km; refined products 206 km
(2009)

Yemen
gas 423 km; liquid petroleum gas 22 km; oil 1,367 km (2009)

Zambia
oil 771 km (2009)

Zimbabwe
refined products 270 km (2009)

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

@2118

Field Listing :: Political parties and leaders

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

Political parties and leaders

Afghanistan
Afghanistan Peoples' Treaty Party [Sayyed Amir TAHSEEN];
Afghanistan's Islamic Mission Organization [Abdul Rasoul SAYYAF];
Afghanistan's Islamic Nation Party [Toran Noor Aqa Ahmad ZAI];
Afghanistan's National Islamic Party [Rohullah LOUDIN];
Afghanistan's Welfare Party [Meer Asef ZAEEFI]; Afghan Social
Democratic Party [Anwarul Haq AHADI]; Afghan Society for the Call to
the Koran and Sunna [Mawlawee Samiullah NAJEEBEE]; Comprehensive
Movement of Democracy and Development of Afghanistan Party [Sher
Mohammad BAZGAR]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Al-hajj Mohammad
Tawos ARAB]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Kabir RANJBAR];
Elites People of Afghanistan Party [Abdul Hamid JAWAD]; Freedom and
Democracy Movement of Afghanistan [Abdul Raqib Jawid KOHISTANEE];
Freedom Party of Afghanistan [Abdul MALEK]; Freedom Party of
Afghanistan [Dr. Ghulam Farooq NEJRABEE]; Hizullah-e-Afghanistan
[Qari Ahmad ALI]; Human Rights Protection and Development Party of
Afghanistan [Baryalai NASRATI]; Islamic Justice Party of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Kabir MARZBAN]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Mohammad
Ali JAWID]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Mukhtar
MUFLEH]; Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Khalid FAROOQI,
Abdul Hadi ARGHANDIWAL]; Islamic Party of the Afghan Land [Mohammad
Hassan FEROZKHEL]; Islamic People's Movement of Afghanistan [Al-haj
Said Hussain ANWARY]; Islamic Society of Afghanistan [Ustad
RABBANI]; Islamic Unity of the Nation of Afghanistan Party [Qurban
Ali URFANI]; Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Karim
KHALILI]; Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan [Haji
Mohammad MOHAQQEQ]; Labor and Progress of Afghanistan Party
[Zulfiqar OMID]; Muslim People of Afghanistan Party [Besmellah
JOYAN]; Muslim Unity Movement Party of Afghanistan [Wazir Mohammad
WAHDAT]; National and Islamic Sovereignty Movement Party of
Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah AHMADZAI]; National Congress Party of
Afghanistan [Abdul Latif PEDRAM]; National Country Party [Ghulam
MOHAMMAD]; National Development Party of Afghanistan [Dr. Assef
BAKTASH]; National Freedom Seekers Party [Abdul Hadi DABEER];
National Independence Party of Afghanistan [Taj Mohammad WARDAK];
National Islamic Fighters Party of Afghanistan [Amanat NINGARHAREE];
National Islamic Front of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Ahmad GAILANEE];
National Islamic Moderation Party of Afghanistan [Qara Baik
IZADYAR]; National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Sayed NOORULLAH]
National Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad AKBAREE];
National Movement of Afghanistan [Ahmad Wali MASOOUD]; National
Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Rashid ARYAN]; National Patch of
Afghanistan Party [Sayed Kamal SADAT]; National Peace Islamic Party
of Afghanistan [Shah Mohammood Popal ZAI]; National Peace & Islamic
Party of the Tribes of Afghanistan [Abdul Qaher SHARIATEE]; National
Peace & Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Qader IMAMI]; National
Prosperity and Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Osman
SALEKZADA]; National Prosperity Party [Mohammad Hassan JAHFAREE];
National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Eshaq
GAILANEE]; National Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Sayed Mansoor
NADREEI]; National Sovereignty Party [Sayed Mustafa KAZEMI];
National Stability Party [Mohammad Same KHAROTI]; National Stance
Party [Habibullah JANEBDAR]; National Tribal Unity Islamic Party of
Afghanistan [Mohammad Shah KHOGYANI]; National Unity Movement
[Sultan Mohammad GHAZI]; National Unity Movement of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Nadir AATASH]; National Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul
Rashid JALILI]; New Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Yunis QANUNI]; Peace
and National Welfare Activists Society [Shamsul al-Haq Noor SHAMS];
Peace Movement [Shahnawaz TANAI]; People's Aspirations Party of
Afghanistan [Ilhaj Saraj-u-din ZAFAREE]; People's Freedom Seekers
Party of Afghanistan [Feda Mohammad EHSAS]; People's Liberal Freedom
Seekers Party of Afghanistan [Ajmal SUHAIL]; People's Message Party
of Afghanistan [Noor Aqa WAINEE]; People's Movement of the National
Unity of Afghanistan [Abdul Hakim NOORZAI]; People's Party of
Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah ASAR]; People's Prosperity Party of
Afghanistan [Ustad Mohammad ZAREEF]; People's Sovereignty Movement
of Afghanistan [Hayatullah SUBHANEE]; People's Uprising Party of
Afghanistan [Sayed Zahir Qayedam Al-BELADI]; People's Welfare Party
of Afghanistan [Miagul WASIQ]; People's Welfare Party of Afghanistan
[Mohammad Zubair PAIROZ]; Progressive Democratic Party of
Afghanistan [Mohammad Wali ARYA]; Republican Party [Sebghatullah
SANJAR]; Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Khaleq NEMAT]; The
Afghanistan's Mujahid Nation's Islamic Unity Movement [Saeedullah
SAEED]; The People of Afghanistan's Democratic Movement [Mohammad
Sharif NAZARI]; Tribes Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad
Zarif NASERI]; Understanding and Democracy Party of Afghanistan
[Ahamad SHAHEEN]
United Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Wasil RAHIMEE]; United Islamic
Party of Afghanistan [Wahidullah SABAWOON]; Young Afghanistan's
Islamic Organization [Sayed Jawad HUSSINEE]; Youth Solidarity Party
of Afghanistan [Mohammad Jamil KARZAI]; note - includes only
political parties approved by the Ministry of Justice

Albania
Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Party for Justice and
Integration or PDI [Tahir MUCHEDINI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir
MEDIU]; Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Ilir META];
Socialist Party or PS [Edi RAMA]; Unity for Humen Rights Party or
PBDNJ [Vangjel DULE]

Algeria
Ahd 54 [Ali Fauzi REBAINE]; Algerian National Front or FNA
[Moussa TOUATI]; National Democratic Rally (Rassemblement National
Democratique) or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA]; National Liberation Front or
FLN [Abdelaziz BELKHADEM, secretary general]; National Reform
Movement or Islah [Ahmed ABDESLAM] (formerly MRN); Rally for Culture
and Democracy or RCD [Said SADI]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda
Movement [Fatah RABEI]; Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait
AHMED]; Society of Peace Movement or MSP [Boudjerra SOLTANI];
Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUNE]
note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted
in March 1997

American Samoa
Democratic Party [Oreta M. TOGAFAU]; Republican Party
[Tautai A. F. FAALEVAO]

Andorra
Andorra for Change [Juan Eusebio NOMEN CALVET]; Greens of
Andorra [Isabel LOZANO MUNOZ]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA [Joan
GABRIEL i ESTANY] (formerly Liberal Union or UL); New Center [Vicenc
MATEU] (formerly Andorran Democratic Center Party); Reformist
Coalition [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (includes the Liberal Party and
New Center); Social Democratic Party or PS [Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY]
(formerly part of National Democratic Group or AND)

Angola
National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [Ngola
KABANGU]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or
UNITA [Isaias SAMAKUVA] (largest opposition party); New Democracy
Electoral Union or ND [Quintino de MOREIRA]; Popular Movement for
the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS] (ruling
party in power since 1975); Social Renewal Party or PRS [Eduardo
KUANGANA]
note: nine other parties participated in the legislative election in
September 2008 but won no seats

Anguilla
Anguilla Progressive Party or APP [Roy ROGERS]; Anguilla
Strategic Alternative or ANSA [Edison BAIRD]; Anguilla United Front
or AUF [Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS] (a coalition of the Anguilla
Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA);
Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]

Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD];
Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; Barbuda People's
Movement for Change [Arthur NIBBS]; Barbudans for a Better Barbuda
[Ordrick SAMUEL]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER]
(a coalition of three parties - Antigua Caribbean Liberation
Movement or ACLM, Progressive Labor Movement or PLM, United National
Democratic Party or UNDP)

Argentina
Civic and Social Accord or ACyS (a broad center-left
alliance-including the CC, UCR, and Socialist parties-created ahead
of the 2009 legislative elections); Civic Coalition or CC (a broad
coalition loosely affiliated with Elisa CARRIO); Dissident Peronists
or PJ Disidente (a sector of the Justicialist Party opposed to the
Kirchners); Front for Victory or FpV (a broad coalition, including
elements of the UCR and numerous provincial parties) [Cristina
FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER]; Interbloque Federal or IF (a broad coalition
of approximately 12 parties including PRO); Justicialist Party or PJ
[Daniel SCIOLI]; Radical Civic Union or UCR [Ernesto SANZ];
Republican Proposal or PRO [Mauricio MACRI] (including Federal
Recreate Movement or RECREAR [Esteban BULLRICH]; Socialist Party or
PS [Ruben GIUSTINIANI]; Union For All [Patricia BULLRICH]
(associated with the Civic Coalition); numerous provincial parties

Armenia
Armenian National Congress or ANC (bloc of independent and
opposition parties) [Levon TER-PETROSSIAN]; Armenian National
Movement or ANM [Ararat ZURABIAN]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation
("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Hrant MARKARIAN]; Heritage Party [Raffi
HOVHANNISIAN]; People's Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHIAN];
Prosperous Armenia [Gagik TSARUKIAN]; Republican Party of Armenia or
HHK [Serzh SARGSIAN]; Rule of Law Party (Orinats Yerkir) [Artur
BAGHDASARIAN]

Aruba
Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]; Aruban
Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic
Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA
[Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Mike EMAN]; People's
Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; Real Democracy
or PDR [Andin BIKKER]; RED [Rudy LAMPE]; Workers Political Platform
or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF]

Australia
Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Australian Labor Party
[Julia GILLARD]; Family First Party [Steve FIELDING]; Liberal Party
[Tony ABBOTT]; The Nationals [Warren TRUSS]

Austria
Alliance for the Future of Austria or BZOe [Josef BUCHER];
Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Josef PROELL]; Freedom Party of
Austria or FPOe [Heinz Christian STRACHE]; Social Democratic Party
of Austria or SPOe [Werner FAYMANN]; The Greens [Eva GLAWISCHNIG]

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Democratic Party or ADP [Sardar JALALOGLU];
Civil Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLI]; Civil Unity
Party [Sabir HACIYEV]; Classic People's Front of Azerbaijan
[Mirmahmud MIRALI-OGLU]; Democratic Reform Party [Asim MOLLAZADE];
Great Creation Party [Fazil Gazanfaroglu MUSTAFAYEV]; Hope (Umid)
Party [Iqbal AGAZADE]; Justice Party [Ilyas ISMAYILOV]; Liberal
Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shovkat HACIYEVA]; Motherland Party
[Fazail AGAMALI]; Musavat (Equality) [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; Open
Society Party [Rasul GULIYEV, in exile in the US]; Social Democratic
Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Araz ALIZADE and Ayaz MUTALIBOV (in
exile)]; Social Welfare Party [Hussein KAZIMLI]; United Popular
Azerbaijan Front Party or AXCP [Ali KARIMLI]; Whole Azerbaijan
Popular Front Party [Gudrat HASANGULIYEV]; Yeni (New) Azerbaijan
Party or YAP [President Ilham ALIYEV]
note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Bahamas, The
Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert INGRAHAM];
Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Bahrain
political parties prohibited but political societies were
legalized per a July 2005 law

Bangladesh
Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist
Party or BCP [Manjurul A. KHAN]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP
[Khaleda ZIA]; Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh or BDB [Badrudozza
CHOWDHURY]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [multiple leaders];
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh or JIB [Matiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya
Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Liberal
Democratic Party or LDP [Oli AHMED]

Barbados
Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor
Party or DLP [Freundel STUART]; People's Empowerment Party or PEP
[David COMISSIONG]

Belarus
pro-government parties: Belarusian Agrarian Party or AP
[Mikhail SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian
Patriotic Party) or BPR [Nikolay ULAKHOVICH, chairman]; Communist
Party of Belarus or KPB [Tatsyana HOLUBEVA]; Liberal Democratic
Party or LDP [Sergey GAYDUKEVICH]; Republican Party of Labor and
Justice [Vasiliy ZADNEPRYANYY]
opposition parties: Belarusian Christian Democracy Party [Pavel
SEVERINETS] (unregistered); Belarusian Party of Communists or PKB
[Sergey KALYAKIN]; Belarusian Party of Labor [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV]
(unregistered); Belarusian Popular Front or BPF [Aleksey
YANUKEVICH]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Hramada [Stanislav
SHUSHKEVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party Hramada
("Assembly") or BSDPH [Anatoliy LEVKOVICH]; Belarusian Social
Democratic Party People's Assembly ("Narodnaya Hramada") [Nikolay
STATKEVICH] (unregistered); Belarusian Women's Party Nadzeya
("Hope") [Yelena YESKOVA, chairperson]; Christian Conservative Party
or BPF [Zyanon PAZNIAK]; European Belarus Campaign [Andrey
SANNIKOV]; Party of Freedom and Progress [Vladimir NOVOSYAD]
(unregistered); "Tell the Truth" Campaign [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV];
United Civic Party or UCP [Anatoliy LEBEDKO]

Belgium
Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV
[Wouter BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals
and Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN
BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or
N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A
[Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno
VALKENIERS]
Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX,
Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle
MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform
Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI
RUPO]; other minor parties

Belize
National Alliance for Belizean Rights or NABR; National
Reform Party or NRP [Cornelius DUECK]; People's National Party or
PNP [Wil MAHEIA]; People's United Party or PUP [John BRICENO];
United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean BARROW]; Vision Inspired by the
People or VIP [Paul MORGAN]; We the People Reform Movement or WTP
[Hipolito BAUTISTA]

Benin
African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou
FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD; Alliance of
Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO];
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie
for an Emerging Benin or FCBE; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or
IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SEHOUETO]; Movement
for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for
Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social
Democrat Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Union for Democracy and
National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or
UPR [Issa SALIFOU]
note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Bermuda
Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Ewart BROWN]; United Bermuda
Party or UBP [Kim SWAN]

Bhutan
Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or
DPT [Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering
TOBGAY]

Bolivia
Bolivia-National Convergence or PPB-CN [Manfred REYES
VILLA]; Fearless Movement or MSM [Juan DE GRANADO Cosio]; Movement
Toward Socialism or MAS [Juan Evo MORALES Ayma]; National Unity or
UN [Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana]; People or Gente [Roman LOAYZA];
Social Alliance or AS [Rene JOAQUINO]

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alliance for a Better Future of BiH or
SBB-BiH [ Fahrudin RADONCIC]; Alliance of Independent Social
Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK]; Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes
AJANOVIC]; Bosnian Patriotic Party or BPS [Sefer HALILOVIC]; Civic
Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim SPAHIC]; Croat Party of Rights or
HSP [Zvonko JURISIC]; Croat Peasants' Party-New Croat Initiative or
HSS-NHI [Ante COLAK]; Croatian Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia
and Herzegovina or HKDU [Ivan MUSA]; Croatian Democratic Union of
Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH [Dragan COVIC]; Croatian
Democratic Union 1990 or HDZ-1990 [Bozo LJUBIC]; Croatian Peoples
Union [Milenko BRKIC]; Democratic National Union or DNZ [Rifat
DOLIC]; Democratic Party or DP [Dragan CAVIC]; Democratic Peoples'
Alliance or DNS [Marko PAVIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS
[Rasim KADIC]; Nasa Stranka or NS [NA; leadership elections late
2010/early 2011]; New Socialist Party or NSP [Zdravko KRSMANOVIC];
Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina or SBiH [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Party of
Democratic Action or SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic
Progress or PDP [Mladen IVANIC]; Peoples' Party of Work for Progress
or NSRzB [Mladen IVANKOVIC-LIJANOVIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS
[Mladen BOSIC]; Serb Radical Party of the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS
[Milanko MIHAJLICA]; Serb Radical Party-Dr. Vojislav Seselj or
SRS-VS [Mirko BLAGOJEVIC]; Social Democratic Party of BiH or SDP BiH
[Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Social Democratic Union or SDU [Nermin
PECANAC]; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Botswana
Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu
SETSHWAELO]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Gilson SALESHANDO];
Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Daniel KWELAGOBE]; Botswana
National Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Peoples Party or
BPP [Bernard BALIKANI]; MELS Movement of Botswana or MELS [Themba
JOINA]; New Democratic Front or NDF [Dick BAYFORD]
note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the
BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats - includes the
United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; the Independence
Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO]; the Botswana Progressive Union
[D. K. KWELE]

Brazil
Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Federal Deputy
Michel TEMER]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Roberto JEFFERSON];
Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz];
Brazilian Republican Party or PRB [Vitor Paulo Araujo DOS SANTOS];
Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Sergio GUERRA];
Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Governor Eduardo Henrique Accioly
CAMPOS]; Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO]; Communist
Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO]; Democratic Labor
Party or PDT [Carlos Roberto LUPI]; the Democrats or DEM [Federal
Deputy Rodrigo MAIA] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); Freedom
and Socialism Party or PSOL [Heloisa HELENA]; Green Party or PV
[Jose Luiz de Franca PENNA]; Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS
[Paulo Roberto MATOS]; Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB [Luis Henrique
de Oliveira RESENDE]; Liberal Front Party or PFL (now known as the
Democrats or DEM); National Mobilization Party or PMN [Oscar Noronha
FILHO]; Party of the Republic or PR [Sergio TAMER]; Popular
Socialist Party or PPS [Federal Deputy Fernando CORUJA]; Progressive
Party or PP [Francisco DORNELLES]; Social Christian Party or PSC
[Vitor Jorge Abdala NOSSEIS]; Workers' Party or PT [Jose Eduardo
DUTRA]

British Virgin Islands
Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn
SMITH]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United
Party or UP [Gregory MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T.
O'NEAL]

Brunei
National Development Party or NDP [YASSIN Affendi]
note: Brunei National Solidarity Party or PPKB [Abdul LATIF bin
Chuchu] and People's Awareness Party or PAKAR [Awang Haji MAIDIN bin
Haji Ahmad] were deregistered in 2007; parties are small and have
limited activity

Bulgaria
Agrarian National Union or ANU [Stefan LICHEV]; ATAKA
(Attack party) [Volen SIDEROV]; Blue Coalition [Ivan KOSTOV and
Martin DIMITROV] (a coalition of center-right parties dominated by
UDF and DSB); Bulgarian New Democracy [Borislav RALCHEV]; Bulgarian
Socialist Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Citizens for the European
Development of Bulgaria or GERB [Boyko BORISSOV]; Coalition for
Bulgaria or CfB [Sergei STANISHEV] (coalition of parties dominated
by BSP); Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Ivan KOSTOV];
Gergyovden [Petar STOYANOVICH]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization or IMRO [Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Liberal Initiative for
Democratic European Development or LIDER [Khristo KOVACHKI];
Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National
Movement for Stability and Progress or NDSV [Hristina HRISTOVA]
(formerly National Movement Simeon II or NMS2); New Time [Emil
KOSHLUKOV]; Order, Law, Justice or RZS [Yane YANEV]; Union of
Democratic Forces or UDF [Martin DIMITROV]; Union of Free Democrats
or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI]; United Agrarians [Anastasia MOZER]

Burkina Faso
African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and
Federation or ADF-RDA [Gilbert OUEDRAOGO]; Citizen's Popular Rally
or RPC [Antoine QUARE]; Coalition of Democratic Forces of Burkina or
CFD-B [Amadou Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress
or CDP [Roch Marc-Christian KABORE]; Democratic and Popular Rally or
RDP [Nana THIBAUT]; Movement for Tolerance and Progress or MTP
[Nayabtigungou Congo KABORE]; Party for African Independence or PAI
[Soumane TOURE]; Party for Democracy and Progress-Socialist Party or
PDP-PS [Ali LANKOANDE]; Party for Democracy and Socialism or PDS
[Felix SOUBEIGA]; Party for National Rebirth or PAREN [Jeanne
TRAORE]; Rally for the Development of Burkina or RDB [Antoine
KARGOUGOU]; Rally of Ecologists of Burkina Faso or RDEB [Ram
OUEDRAGO]; Republican Party for Integration and Solidarity or PARIS;
Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Fidele HIEN]; Union
for Rebirth - Sankarist Movement or UNIR-MS [Benewende STANISLAS];
Union for the Republic or UPR [Toussaint Abel COULIBALY]; Union of
Sankarist Parties or UPS [Ernest Nongma OUEDRAOGO]

Burma
All Mon Region Democracy Party or AMRDP; National Democratic
Force or NDF [KHIN MAUNG SWE]; National League for Democracy or NLD
[AUNG SHWE, AUNG SAN SUU KYI]; note - the party is defunct because
it did not register for the 2010 election; National Unity Party or
NUP [TUN YE]; Rakhine Nationalities Development Party or RNDP; Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [HKUN HTUN OO]; Union
Solidarity and Development Party or USDP [THEIN SEIN]; numerous
smaller parties

Burundi
governing parties: Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU
[Leonce NGENDAKUMANA]; National Council for the Defense of Democracy
- Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Jeremie
NGENDAKUMANA]; Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Bonaventure
NIYOYANKANA]
note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are:
National Council for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD [Leonard
NYANGOMA]; National Resistance Movement for the Rehabilitation of
the Citizen or MRC-Rurenzangemero [Epitace BANYAGANAKANDI]; Party
for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]

Cambodia
Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM]; Human Rights
Party or HRP [KHEM SOKHA, also spelled KEM SOKHA]; National United
Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative
Cambodia or FUNCINPEC [KEV PUT REAKSMEI]; Nationalist Party or NP
[CHHIM SEAK LENG] (formerly the NRP); Sam Rangsi Party or SRP [SAM
RANGSI, also spelled SAM RAINSY]

Cameroon
Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA];
Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA]; Movement
for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement
for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel
YONDO]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari
BELLO BOUBA]; Progressive Movement or MP; Social Democratic Front or
SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Augustin
Frederic KODOCK]

Canada
Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Conservative Party of Canada
[Stephen HARPER] (a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the
Progressive Conservative Party); Green Party [Elizabeth MAY];
Liberal Party [Michael IGNATIEFF]; New Democratic Party [Jack LAYTON]

Cape Verde
African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV
[Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic and Independent
Cape Verdean Union or UCID [Antonio MONTEIRO]; Democratic Christian
Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD
[Victor FIDALGO]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Jorge SANTOS];
Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO]; Party
of Work and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic
Party or PSD [Joao ALEM]

Cayman Islands
People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Kurt TIBBETTS];
United Democratic Party or UDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Central African Republic
Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP
[Jacques MBOLIEDAS]; Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Andre
KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic
Forum for Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic
Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Londo Association or LONDO;
Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO];
Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC
[Ange-Felix PATASSE] (the party of deposed president); National
Convergence or KNK; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul
NGOUPANDE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA];
People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; Social
Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Chad
Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR];
National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Delwa Kassire
KOUMAKOYE]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh
KEBZABO]; Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ibni Oumar
Mahamat SALEH]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh
AHMAT, chairman]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lol
Mahamat CHOUA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal
Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]

Chile
Broad Social Movement or MAS; Clean Chile Vote Happy or CLVF
(including Broad Social Movement, Country Force, and Regionalist
Party of Independents or PRI); Coalition for Change or CC (formerly
known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including
National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], Independent Democratic
Union or UDI [Juan Antonio COLOMA Correa], and Chile First [Vlado
MIROSEVIC]); Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or
CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER],
Party for Democracy or PPD [Carolina TOHA Morales], Radical Social
Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist
Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE]); Partido Ecologista del Sur; Together
We Can Do More (including Communist Party or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER
del Valle], and Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE])

China
Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao]; eight registered
small parties controlled by CCP

Christmas Island
none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none

Colombia
Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ];
Conservative Party or PC [Fernando ARAUJO]; Green Party [Luis
GARZON]; Liberal Party or PL [Rafael PARDO]; National Integration
Party or PIN [Angel ALIRIO Moreno]; Radical Change or CR [German
VARGAS Lleras]; Social National Unity Party or U Party [Juan
Francisco LOZANO Ramirez]
note: Colombia has seven major political parties, and numerous
smaller movements

Comoros
Camp of the Autonomous Islands or CdIA (a coalition of
parties organized by the islands' presidents in opposition to the
Union President); Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC
[AZALI Assowmani]; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ [Ahmed
RACHID] (Islamic party in opposition); Mouvement pour la Democratie
et le Progress or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Parti Comorien pour la
Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE]; Rassemblement
National pour le Development or RND [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid
AFFRAITANE]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Christian Democrat Party or PDC
[Jose ENDUNDO]; Congolese Rally for Democracy or RCD [Azarias
RUBERWA]; Convention of Christian Democrats or CDC; Forces of
Renewal or FR [Mbusa NYAMWISI]; Movement for the Liberation of the
Congo or MLC [Jean-Pierre BEMBA]; People's Party for Reconstruction
and Democracy or PPRD [Joseph KABILA]; Social Movement for Renewal
or MSR [Pierre LUMBI]; Unified Lumumbist Party or PALU [Antoine
GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne
TSHISEKEDI]; Union of Mobutuist Democrats or UDEMO [MOBUTU Nzanga]

Congo, Republic of the
Action Movement for Renewal or MAR; Congolese
Labour Party or PCT; Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral
Development or MCDDI [Michel MAMPOUYA]; Movement for Solidarity and
Development or MSD; Pan-African Union for Social Development or
UPADS [Martin MBERI]; Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR
[Raymond Damasge NGOLLO]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or
RDPS [Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally of the
Presidential Majority or RMP; Union for Democracy and Republic or
UDR; United Democratic Forces or FDU [Sebastian EBAO]; many less
important parties

Cook Islands
Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA]; Democratic
Party or Demo [Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Costa Rica
Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres
LOPEZ Arias]; Citizen Action Party or PAC [Alberto CANAS Escalante];
Costa Rican Renovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez];
Democratic Force Party or PFD [Marco GONZALEZ Nunez]; Frente Amplio
[Jose MERINO del Rio]; Homeland First or PP (Patria Primero) [Juan
Jose VARGAS Fallas]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA
Guth]; National Democratic Alliance or ADN [Jose Miguel VILLALOBOS
Umana]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];
National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECO
Fernandez]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Fabio Enrique DELGADO
Hernandez]; National Union Party or PUN [Arturo ACOSTA Mora];
Patriotic Alliance [Mariano FIGUERES Olsen]; Patriotic Union or UP
[Jose Miguel CORRALES Bolanos]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTES
Araya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Luis FISHMAN
Zonzinski]; Union for Change Party or UPC [Antonio ALVAREZ Desanti]

Cote d'Ivoire
Citizen's Democratic Union or UDCY [Theodore MEL EG];
Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE];
Ivorian Popular Front or FPI [Pascale Affi N'GUESSAN]; Ivorian
Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE]; Opposition Movement of the
Future or MFA [Innocent Augustin ANAKY]; Rally of the Republicans or
RDR [Alassane OUATTARA]; Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote
d'Ivoire or UDPCI [Toikeuse MABRI]; over 144 smaller registered
parties

Croatia
Croatian Democratic Congress of Slavonia and Baranja or
HDSSB [Vladimir SISLJAGIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ
[Jadranka KOSOR]; Croatian Party of the Right or HSP [Anto DJAPIC];
Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Josip FRISCIC]; Croatian Pensioner
Party or HSU [Silvano HRELJA]; Croatian People's Party or HNS
[Radimir CACIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Darinko
KOSOR]; Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Vojislav
STANIMIROVIC]; Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC];
Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Zoran MILANOVIC]

Cuba
Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary]

Curacao
Frente Obrero Liberashon (Workers' Liberation Front) or FOL
[Anthony GODETT]; Movimentu Antiyas Nobo (New Antilles Movement) or
MAN [Charles COOPER]; Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK [Gerrit
SCHOTTE]; Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR [Emily DE JONGH-ELHAGE];
People's National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY]; Pueblo Soberano
or PS [Herman WIELS]

Cyprus
area under government control: Democratic Party or DIKO
[Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES];
European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic
Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George
PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU];
Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party)
[Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Michalis PAPAPETROU]
area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Centrist Party or HP [Rasit
PERTEV]; Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus
Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP
[Serdaer DENKTASH]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI];
National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Nationalist Justice
Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI];
Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican
Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP
[Izzet IZCAN]

Czech Republic
Association of Independent Candidates-European
Democrats or SNK-ED [Zdenka MARKOVA]; Christian Democratic
Union-Czechoslovak People's Party or KDU-CSL [Pavel BELOBRADEK];
Civic Democratic Party or ODS [Petr NECAS]; Communist Party of
Bohemia and Moravia or KSCM [Vojtech FILIP]; Czech Social Democratic
Party or CSSD [Bohuslav SOBOTKA (acting)]; Green Party [Ondrej
LISKA]; Public Affairs (VV) [Radek JOHN]; Tradice Odpovednost
Prosperita 09 or TOP 09 [Karel SCHWARZENBERG]; Union of
Freedom-Democratic Union or US-DEU [Jan CERNY]

Denmark
Christian Democrats [Bjarne Hartung KIRKEGAARD] (was
Christian People's Party); Conservative Party [Lars BARFOED]
(sometimes known as Conservative People's Party); Danish People's
Party [Pia KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Alliance [Anders SAMUELSEN]
(formerly known as New Alliance); Liberal Party [Lars Loekke
RASMUSSEN]; Red-Green Unity List (Alliance) [collective leadership]
(bloc includes Left Socialist Party, Communist Party of Denmark,
Socialist Workers' Party); Social Democratic Party [Helle
THORNING-SCHMIDT]; Social Liberal Party [Margrethe VESTAGER];
Socialist People's Party [Villy SOEVNDAL]

Djibouti
Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh];
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti
Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la
Restauration de l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD];
People's Progress Assembly or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing
party); Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon
FARAH]; Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed YOUSSOUF];
Union for a Presidential Majority or UMP [Mohamed Dileita DILEITA]
(a coalition of parties including RPP, FRUD, PND, and PPSD); Union
for Democracy and Justice or UDJ

Dominica
Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica
Labor Party or DLP [Roosevelt SKERRIT]; Dominica United Workers
Party or UWP [Earl WILLIAMS]

Dominican Republic
Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel
FERNANDEZ Reyna]; Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Ramon
ALBURQUERQUE]; National Progressive Front [Vincent CASTILLO,
Pelegrin CASTILLO]; Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC
[Enrique ANTUN]

Ecuador
Alianza PAIS movement [Rafael Vicente CORREA Delgado];
Christian Democratic Union or UDC [Luis ACOSTA Moreta]; Democratic
Left or ID [Dalton BACIGALUPO]; Ethical and Democratic Network or
RED [Martha ROLDOS]; Institutional Renewal and National Action Party
or PRIAN [Vicente TAIANO]; Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement -
New Country or MUPP-NP [Jorge GUAMAN Coronel]; Patriotic Society
Party or PSP [Lucio GUTIERREZ Borbua]; Popular Democratic Movement
or MPD [Luis VILLACIS]; Roldosist Party or PRE [Abdala BUCARAM
Pulley, director]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Pascual DEL
CIOPPO]; Socialist Party - Broad Front or PS-FA [Silvia SALGADO]

Egypt
Al-Geel; Democratic Peace Party; Nasserist Party [Ahmed
HASSAN]; National Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed
Hosni MUBARAK]; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu
[Rifaat EL-SAID]; New Wafd Party or NWP [Sayed EL-BEDAWY]; Social
Justice Party [Mohamed Abdel Al HASAN]; Tomorrow Party [Ayman NOURI]
note: formation of political parties must be approved by the
government; only parties with representation in elected bodies are
listed

El Salvador
Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER];
Democratic Convergence or CD [Oscar KATTAN] (formerly United
Democratic Center or CDU); Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front
or FMLN [Medardo GONZALEZ]; National Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro
CRUZ ZEPEDA]; Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA [Alfredo
CRISTIANI]; Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA [Andres ROVIRA]

Equatorial Guinea
Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS
[Placido MICO Abogo]; Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE
[Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO] (ruling party); Electoral Coalition
or EC; Party for Progress of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo
MOTO]; Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Avelino
MOCACHE]; Popular Union or UP

Eritrea
People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ [ISAIAS
Afworki] (the only party recognized by the government); note - a
National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in
January 2001, but the full National Assembly has yet to debate or
vote on it

Estonia
Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR];
Estonian Greens (Rohelised) [Marek STRANDBERG]; Estonian People's
Union (Rahvaliit) [Juhan AARE]; Estonian Reform Party
(Reformierakond) [Andrus ANSIP]; Social Democratic Party [Sven
MIKSER]; Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica
Liit) [Mart LAAR]

Ethiopia
Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [Mohammed KEDIR];
Arena Tigray; Argoba People's Democratic Organization or APDO;
Benishangul Gumuz People's Democratic Party or BGPDP [Mulualem
BESSE]; Coalition for Unity and Democratic Party or CUDP; Ethiopian
Federal Democatic Forum or FORUM (a UDJ-led 8-party alliance
established for the 2010 parliamentary elections); Ethiopian
People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF; Gambella Peoples
Unity Democratic Movement or GPUDM [Umod UBONG]; Gurage
Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM; Harari National League
or HNL [Murad ABDULHADI]; Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement or
OFDM [BULCHA Demeksa]; Oromo People's Congress or OPC [IMERERA
Gudina]; Somali Democratic Alliance Forces or SODAF; Somali People's
Democratic Party or SPDP; United Ethiopian Democratic Forces or UEDF
[BEYENE Petros]; Unity for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Birtukan
MEDEKSA, currently imprisoned]

European Union
Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic
Green Left or GUE/NGL [Lothar BISKY]; Europe of Freedom and
Democracy Group or EFD [Nigel FARAGE and Francesco SPERONI];
European Conservatives and Reformists Group or ECR [Michael
KAMINSKI]; Group of Greens/European Free Alliance or Greens/EFA
[Rebecca HARMS and Daniel COHN-BENDIT]; Group of the Alliance of
Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE [Guy VERHOFSTADT]; Group
of the European People's Party or EPP [Joseph DAUL]; Group of the
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European
Parliament or S&D [Martin SCHULZ]

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none; all independents

Faroe Islands
Center Party [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party [Kari
P. HOJGAARD]; People's Party [Jorgen NICLASEN]; Republican Party
[Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union
Party [Kaj Leo JOHANNESEN]

Fiji
Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic
Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat
Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or
FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily
Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN]); Fiji Labor
Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY]; General Voters Party or GVP
(became part of United General Party); Girmit Heritage Party or GHP;
Justice and Freedom Party or AIM; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR;
National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian);
Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of
National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA]; Party of the Truth or
POTT; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL
[Laisenia QARASE]; United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]

Finland
Center Party or Kesk [Mari KIVINIEMI]; Christian Democrats
or KD [Paivi RASANEN]; Green Party or VIHR [Anni SINNEMAKI]; Left
Alliance or VAS [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party or Kok
[Jyrki KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN];
Swedish People's Party or SFP [Stefan WALLIN]; True Finns [Timo
SOINI]

France
Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously
Union for French Democracy or UDF); French Communist Party or PCF
[Pierre LAURENT]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Party or PG [Jean-Luc
MELENCHON]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET]
(previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical
Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS];
National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Anticapitalist Party
or NPA [Olivier BESANCENOT]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical
Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA];
Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT];
Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union for a Popular Movement
or UMP [Jean-Francois COPE]; Worker's Struggle or LO [Nathalie
ARTHAUD]

French Polynesia
Alliance for a New Democracy or ADN(includes the
parties The New Star and This Country is Yours); New Fatherland
Party (Ai'a Api); Our Home alliance; People's Servant Party (Tavini
Huiraatira); Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira); Union for
Democracy alliance or UPD

Gabon
Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface
ASSELE]; Congress for Democracy and Justice or CDJ [Jules Aristide
Bourdes OGOULIGUENDE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE
[Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG
[Simplice Nguedet MANZELA] (former sole party); Gabonese Party for
Progress or PGP [Benoit Mouity NZAMBA]; Gabonese Union for Democracy
and Development or UGDD [Zacherie MYBOTO]; National Rally of
Woodcutters or RNB; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or
RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; Party of Development
and Social Solidarity or PDS [Seraphin Ndoat REMBOGO]; People's
Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]; Union for Democracy and
Social Integration or UDIS; Union of Gabonese Patriots or UPG
[Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]

Gambia, The
Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or
APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's
Democratic Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for
Democracy and Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National
Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation
Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for
Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United
Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]

Georgia
Christian Democratic Movement [Giorgi TARGAMADZE];
Conservative Party [Kakha KUKAVA]; Democratic Movement United
Georgia [Nino BURJANADZE]; For Fair Georgia [Zurab NOGAIDELI];
Georgian Party [Sozar SUBARI]; Georgian People's Front [Nodar
NATADZE]; Greens [Giorgi GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia
(Industrialists) or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party [Shalva
NATELASHVILI]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Bachuki KARDAVA];
National Forum [Kakhaber SHARTAVA]; New Rights [David GAMKRELIDZE];
Our Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) [Irakli ALASANIA]; People's Party
[Koba DAVITASHVILI; Republican Party [David USUPASHVILI]; Socialist
Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki ASATIANI];
United National Movement or UNM [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI]

Germany
Alliance '90/Greens [Claudia ROTH and Cem OZDEMIR];
Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social
Union or CSU [Horst SEEHOFER]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Guido
WESTERWELLE]; Left Party or Die Linke [Klaus ERNST and Gesine
LOETZSCH]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Sigmar GABRIEL]

Ghana
Convention People's Party or CPP [Ladi NYLANDER]; Democratic
Freedom Party or DFP [Alhaji Abudu Rahman ISSAKAH]; Every Ghanaian
Living Everywhere or EGLE; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP
[Dan LARTEY]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Kwabena
ADJEI]; New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter MAC-MANU]; People's
National Convention or PNC [Alhaji Amed RAMADAN]; Reform Party
[Kyeretwie OPUKU]; United Renaissance Party or URP [Charles WAYO]

Gibraltar
Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social
Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or
GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Greece
Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA
[Petros KONSTANTINOU]; Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA
[Alexis TSIPRAS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];
Democratic Left [Fotis KOUVELIS]; Democratic Alliance or DISY
[Theodora BAKOGIANNI]; Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]; Golden
Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]; New Democracy or ND [Antonis
SAMARAS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Georgios
PAPANDREOU]; Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]

Greenland
Atassut Party (Solidarity) [Gerhardt PETERSEN] (a
conservative party favoring continuing close relations with
Denmark); Demokratiit [Jens B. FREDERIKSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA
(Eskimo Brotherhood) [Kuupik KLEIST] (a leftist party favoring
complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule);
Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List) [Anthon FREDERIKSEN] (an
independent right-of-center party with no official platform); Siumut
(Forward Party) [Alega HAMMOND] (a social democratic party
advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy
from Denmark)

Grenada
Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Gloria Payne BANFIELD];
National Democratic Congress or NDC [Tillman THOMAS]; New National
Party or NNP [Keith MITCHELL]

Guam
Democratic Party [Michael PHILLIPS]; Republican Party [Philip
J. FLORES] (controls the legislature)

Guatemala
Center of Social Action or CASA [Feliz Adolfo RUANO de
Leon]; Democracy Front or FRENTE [Alfonso CABRERA]; Democratic Union
or UD [Edwin Armando MARTINEZ Herrera]; Encounter for Guatemala or
EG [Nineth MONTENGRO]; Grand National Alliance or GANA [Jaime
Antonio MARTINEZ Lohayza]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity
or URNG [Hector Alfredo NUILA Ericastilla]; Guatemalan Republican
Front or FRG [Luis Fernando PEREZ]; Independent Bloc Guatemala or BG
[Macario Efrain OLIVA Muralles]; Independent Democratic Freedom
Renewed or LIDER [Manuel BALDIZON]; National Advancement Party or
PAN [Juan GUTIERREZ]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Roberto
KESTLER Velasquez]; Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Mario ESTRADA];
Patriot Party or PP [Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias]; Unionista Party
or PU [Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]

Guernsey
none; all independents

Guinea
Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]; Guinean
Union for Democracy or UGD; New Democratic Forces or NDF [Muoctar
DIALLO]; Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Sekouba KONATE]; Rally
for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for Progress and
Renewal or UPR [Ousmane BAH]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG
[Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general]; Union of Democratic Forces of
Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]; Union of Republican Forces or
UFR [Sidya TOURE]; United Front for Democracy and Change or FUDEC
[Francois FALL]

Guinea-Bissau
African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau
and Cape Verde or PAIGC [Carlos GOMES Junior]; Democratic Alliance
or AD [Victor MANDINGA]; Democratic Social Front or FDS [Rafael
BARBOSA]; Electoral Union or UE [Joaquim BALDE]; Guinea-Bissau Civic
Forum/Social Democracy or FCGSD [Antonieta Rosa GOMES];
Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG; Guinea-Bissau Socialist
Democratic Party or PDSG [Serifo BALDE]; Labor and Solidarity Party
or PST [Lancuba INDJAI]; New Democracy Party or PND; Party for
Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Party for Renewal
and Progress or PRP; Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Kumba YALA];
Progress Party or PP; Republican Party for Independence and
Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]; Union of Guinean Patriots or
UPG [Francisca VAZ]; Union for Change or UM [Amine SAAD]; United
Platform or UP (coalition formed by PCD, FDS, FLING, and RGB-MB);
United Popular Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or
PUSD [Frnacisco FADUL]

Guyana
Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN and Khemraj
RAMJATTAN]; Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Justice for All
Party [C.N. SHARMA]; People's National Congress/Reform or PNC/R
[Robert Herman Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or
PPP/C [Bharrat JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi
DEV]; The United Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey
JAGAN]; Vision Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]; Working People's Alliance
or WPA [Rupert ROOPNARAINE]

Haiti
Artibonite in Action or LAAA [Youri LATORTUE]; Assembly of
Progressive National Democrats or RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convention
for Democratic Unity or KID [Evans PAUL]; Cooperative Action to
Build Haiti or KONBA [Evans LESCOUFALIR]; Democratic Alliance or
ALYANS [Evans PAUL] (coalition composed of KID and PPRH); Effort and
Solidarity to Create an Alternative for the People or ESKAMP [Joseph
JASME]; Fanmi Lavalas or FL [Rudy HERIVEAUX]; For Us All or PONT
[Jean-Marie CHERESTAL]; Front for Hope or L'ESPWA [Rene PREVAL]
(alliance of ESKAMP, PLB, and grass-roots organizations Grand-Anse
Resistance Committee, the Central Plateau Peasants' Group, and
Kombit Sudest); Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH [Osner
FEVRY and Marie-Denise CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic and Reform
Movement or MODEREH [Dany TOUSSAINT and Pierre Soncon PRINCE]; Heads
Together or Tet-Ansanm [Dr. Gerard BLOT]; Independent Movement for
National Reconciliation or MIRN [Luc FLEURINORD]; Justice for Peace
and National Development or JPDN [Rigaud DUPLAN]; Liberal Party of
Haiti or PLH [Gehy MICHEL]; Merging of Haitian Social Democratic
Parties or FUSION or FPSDH [Serge GILLES] (coalition of Ayiti
Capable, Haitian National Revolutionary Party, and National Congress
of Democratic Movements); Mobilization for Haiti's Development or
MPH [Samir MOURRA]; Mobilization for National Development or MDN
[Hubert de RONCERAY]; Movement for National Reconstruction or MRN
[Jean Henold BUTEAU]; Movement for the Installation of Democracy in
Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; National Christian Union for the
Reconstruction of Haiti or UNCRH [Marie Claude GERMAIN]; National
Front for the Reconstruction of Haiti or FRN [Guy PHILIPPE]; New
Christian Movement for a New Haiti or MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open
the Gate Party or PLB [Anes LUBIN]; Popular Party for the Renewal of
Haiti or PPRH [Claude ROMAIN]; Struggling People's Organization or
OPL [Edgard LEBLANC]; Union of Nationalist and Progressive Haitians
or UNITE [Edouard FRANCISQUE]

Holy See (Vatican City)
none

Honduras
Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Felicito AVILA Ordonez];
Democratic Unification Party or PUD [Cesar HAM]; Liberal Party or PL
[Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Party or PN [Antonio ALVAREZ
Arias]; Social Democratic Innovation and Unity Party or PINU [Jorge
Rafael AGUILAR Paredes]

Hong Kong
parties: Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood
or ADPL [LIU Sung Lee]; Civic Party [Audrey EU Yuet-mee]; Democratic
Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB [TAM
Yiu Cheng]; Democratic Party [Albert HO Chun-yan]; League of Social
Democrats [Raymond WONG Yuk-man]; Liberal Party [Miriam LAU
Kin-yee]; The Frontier (disbanded)
others: Confederation of Trade Unions or CTU; Federation of Trade
Unions or FTU; Neighborhood and Workers Service Center or NWSC
note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - ADPL, Civic Party,
Democratic Party, League of Social Democrats; pro-Beijing - DAB,
Liberal Party, The Professional Forum (an informal group of three
generally pro-government and pro-business LegCo members from
functional constituencies and one independent elected from a
geographic constituency); there is no political party ordinance, so
there are no registered political parties; politically active groups
register as societies or companies

Hungary
Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [5 administrators];
Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Semjen ZSOLT];
Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman];
Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian
Socialist Party or MSzP [Atilla MESTERHAZY]; Movement for a Better
Hungary or Jobbik [Gabor VONA]; Politics Can Be Different or LMP
[13-member leadership]

Iceland
Independence Party or IP [Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON]; Left-Green
Movement or LGM [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Progressive Party or PP
[Sigmundur David GUNNLAUGSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance or SDA
[Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR]; The Movement [Birgitta JONSDOTTIR]

India
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [J.
JAYALALITHAA]; All India Trinamool Congress or AITC [Mamata
BANERJEE]; Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata
Party or BJP [Nitin GADKARI]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen
PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [B. BARDHAN]; Communist
Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam or DMK [Kalaignar M.KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress
or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV];
Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Nationalist
Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Lok Dal or RLD [Ajit
SINGH]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali
Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY];
Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; note - India has
dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or
coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are
listed

Indonesia
Democrat Party or PD [Anas URANINGRUM]; Functional Groups
Party or GOLKAR [Aburizal BAKRIE]; Great Indonesia Movement Party or
GERINDRA [SUHARDI]; Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P
[MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri]; National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman
ISKANDAR]; National Mandate Party or PAN [Hatta RAJASA]; People's
Conscience Party or HANURA [WIRANTO]; Prosperous Justice Party or
PKS [Luthfi Hasan ISHAQ]; United Development Party or PPP
[Suryadharma ALI]

Iran
formal political parties are a relatively new phenomenon in
Iran and most conservatives still prefer to work through political
pressure groups rather than parties; often political parties or
coalitions are formed prior to elections and disbanded soon
thereafter; a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad
Front, which includes political parties as well as less formal
groups and organizations, achieved considerable success in elections
for the sixth Majles in early 2000; groups in the coalition included
the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF), Executives of
Construction Party (Kargozaran), Solidarity Party, Islamic Labor
Party, Mardom Salari, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution
Organization (MIRO), and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); the
coalition participated in the seventh Majles elections in early
2004; following his defeat in the 2005 presidential elections,
former MCS Secretary General and sixth Majles Speaker Mehdi KARUBI
formed the National Trust Party; a new conservative group, Islamic
Iran Developers Coalition (Abadgaran), took a leading position in
the new Majles after winning a majority of the seats in February
2004; following the 2004 Majles elections, traditional and hardline
conservatives have attempted to close ranks under the United Front
of Principlists and the Broad Popular Coalition of Principlists;
several reformist groups, such as the Mujahadin of the Islamic
Revolution, came together as a reformist coalition in advance of the
2008 Majles elections; the IIPF has repeatedly complained that the
overwhelming majority of its candidates have been unfairly
disqualified from the 2008 elections

Iraq
Badr Organization [Hadi al-AMIRI]; Da'wa al-Islamiya Party
[Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI]; Da'wa Tanzim [Hashim al-MUSAWI
branch]; Da-wa Tanzim [Abd al-Karim al-ANZI branch]; Fadilah Party
[Hashim al-HASHIMI]; Hadba Gathering [Athil al-NUJAYFI]; Iraqi
Charter Assembly [Ahmad Abd al-Ghafur al-SAMARRAI]; Iraqi
Constitutional Party [Jawad al-BULANI]; Iraqi Front for National
Dialogue [Salih al-MUTLAQ]; Iraqi Islamic Party or IIP [Usama
al-TIKRITI]; Iraqi Justice and Reform Movement [Shaykh Abdallah
al-YAWR]; Iraqi National Congress or INC [Ahmad CHALABI]; Iraqi
National Accord or INA [former Prime Minister Ayad ALLAWI]; Islamic
Supreme Council of Iraq or ISCI [Ammar al-HAKIM]; Kurdistan
Democratic Party or KDP [Kurdistan Regional Government President
Masud BARZANI]; National Gathering [Deputy Prime Minister Rafi
al-ISSAWI]; National Movement for Reform and Development [Jamal
al-KARBULI]; National Reform Trend [former Prime Minister Ibrahim
al-JAFARI]; Patriotic Union of Kurdistan or PUK [Jalal TALABANI];
Renewal List [Vice President Tariq al-HASHIMI]; Sadrist Trend
[Muqtada al-SADR]; Sahawa al-Iraq [Ahmad al-RISHAWI]; Tawafuq Front
note: numerous smaller local, tribal, and minority parties

Ireland
Fianna Fail [Brian COWEN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green
Party [John GORMLEY]; Labor Party [Eamon GILMORE]; Progressive
Democrats or PD [Noel GREALISH] (formerly dissolved on 20 November
2009); Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party [Joe HIGGINS]; The
Workers' Party [Michael FINNEGAN]

Isle of Man
Alliance for Progressive Government; Liberal Vannin
Party [Peter KARRAN]; Manx Labor Party; Manx Nationalist Party (Mec
Vannin) [Bernard MOFFATT]
note: most members sit as independents

Israel
Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]; Democratic Front for Peace and
Equality (HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]; Kadima [Tzipora "Tzipi"
LIVNI]; Labor Party [Ehud BARAK]; Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU];
National Union [Yaakov KATZ]; SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]; The Jewish Home
(HaBayit HaYehudi) [Daniel HERSCHKOWITZ]; The New Movement-Meretz
[Haim ORON]; United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]; United Torah
Judaism or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN]; Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor
LIEBERMAN]

Italy
Center-Right coalition: Lega Nord or LN [Umberto BOSSI];
Movement for Autonomy or MpA [Raffaele LOMBARDO]; People of Freedom
or PdL [Silvio BERLUSCONI]
Center-Left coalition: Democratic Party or PD [Pier Luigi BERSANI];
Italy of Values or IdV [Antonio DI PIETRO]
other non-allied parties: Future and Liberty Party or FLI
[Gianfranco FINI]; Union of the Center or UdC [Pier Ferdinando
CASINI]

Jamaica
Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Bruce GOLDING]; People's
National Party or PNP [Portia SIMPSON-MILLER]; National Democratic
Movement or NDM [Michael WILLIAMS]

Japan
Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN]; Japan Communist
Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Sadakazu
TANIGAKI]; New Komeito or NK [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI]; People's New Party
or PNP [Shizuka KAMEI]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho
FUKUSHIMA]; Your Party or YP [Yoshimi WATANABE]

Jersey
two declared parties: Centre Party; Jersey Democratic Alliance
note: all senators and deputies elected in 2008 were independents

Jordan
Arab Ba'ath Socialist Party [Fuad DABBOUR]; Ba'ath Arab
Progressive Party [Tayseer al-HAMSI]; Call Party [Mohammed Abu
BAKR]; Democratic People's Party [Ablah al-ULBAH]; Democratic
Popular Unity Party [Sa'ed DIAB]; Islamic Action Front or IAF
[Hamzeh MANSOUR]; Islamic Center Party [Marwan al-FA'OURI; Jordanian
Communist Party [Munir HAMARNEH]; Jordanian National Party [Mona Abu
BAKR]; Jordanian United Front [Amjad al-MAJALI]; Life Party [Thaher
'AMROU]; Message Party [Hazem QASHOU]; National Constitution Party
[Ahmed al-SHUNAQ]; National Current Party [Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI];
National Movement for Direct Democracy [Mohammed al-QAQ]

Kazakhstan
Adilet (Justice) [Maksut NARIKBAYEV, Zeynulla
ALSHIMBAYEV, Serik ABDRAHMANOV, Bakhytbek AKHMETZHAN, Yerkin
ONGARBAYEV, Tolegan SYDYKOV] (formerly Democratic Party of
Kazakhstan); Agrarian and Industrial Union of Workers Block or AIST
(Agrarian Party and Civic Party); Ak Zhol Party (Bright Path)
[Alikhan BAYMENOV]; Alga [Vladimir KOZLOV] (unregistered); Auyl
(Village) [Gani KALIYEV]; Azat (Freedom) Party [Bolat ABILOV]
(formerly True Ak Zhol Party); Azat NSDP [co-chaired by Bolat ABILOV
and Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Azat and NSDP united in 2009, but the
authorities have refused to register Azat NSDP as a single party;
Communist Party of Kazakhstan or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN];
Communist People's Party of Kazakhstan [Vladislav KOSAREV]; National
Social Democratic Party or NSDP [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Nur-Otan
[Bakhytzhan ZHUMAGULOV] (the Agrarian, Asar, and Civic parties
merged with Otan); Patriots' Party [Gani KASYMOV]; Rukhaniyat
(Spirituality) [Altynshash ZHAGANOVA]

Kenya
Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-Kenya
[Musikari KOMBO]; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or
FORD-People [Reuben OYONDI]; Kenya African National Union or KANU
[Uhuru KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya or NARC-Kenya
[Martha KARUA]; Orange Democratic Movement or ODM [Raila ODINGA];
Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K [Kalonzo MUSYOKA]; Party
of National Unity or PNU [Mwai KIBAKI]; Shirikisho Party of Kenya or
SPK [Chirau Ali MWAKWERE]

Kiribati
Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON];
Maneaban Te Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati
or MKP; National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]
note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties
in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups
because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party
structures

Korea, North
major party - Korean Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Jong
Il]; minor parties - Chondoist Chongu Party [RYU Mi Yong] (under KWP
control), Social Democratic Party [KIM Yong Dae] (under KWP control)

Korea, South
Democratic Party or DP [CHUNG Sye-kyun] (formerly the
United Democratic Party or UDP); Democratic Labor Party or DLP [KANG
Ki-kap]; Grand National Party or GNP [AHN Sang-soo]; Liberty Forward
Party or LFP [LEE Hoi-chang]; New Progressive Party or NPP [ROH
Hoe-chan]; Pro-Park Alliance or PPA [SUH Choung-won]; Renewal Korea
Party or RKP [SONG Yong-o]

Kosovo
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo or PShDK [Ton
MARKU]; Alliance for a New Kosovo or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI]; Alliance
for the Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ]; Alliance of
Independent Social Democrats of Kosovo and Metohija or SDSKIM
[Ljubisa ZIVIC]; Bosniak Vakat Coalition or DSV [Sadik IDRIZI];
Citizens' Initiative of Gora or GIG [Murselj HALJILJI]; Democratic
Action Party or SDA [Numan BALIC]; Democratic League of Dardania or
LDD [Nexhat DACI]; Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Fatmir
SEJDIU]; Democratic Party of Ashkali of Kosovo or PDAK [Berat
QERIMI]; Democratic Party of Bosniaks [Dzezair MURATI]; Democratic
Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim THACI]; Independent Liberal Party or
SLS [Slobadan PETROVIC]; Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party of KDTP
[Mahir YAGCILAR]; New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK
[Xhevdet NEZIRAJ]; New Democratic Party or ND [Predrag JOVIC]; New
Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behxhet PACOLLI]; Reform Party Ora [Teuta
SAHATCIA]; Serb National Party or SNS [Mihailo SCEPANOVIC]; Serbian
Democratic Party of Kosovo and Metohija or SDS KiM [Slavisa
PETKOVIC]; Serbian Kosovo and Metohija Party or SKMS [Dragisa
MIRIC]; Serbian National Council of Northern Kosovo and Metohija or
SNV [Milan IVANOVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Kosovo or PSDK
[Agim CEKU]; Socialist Party of Kosovo or PSK [Emrush XHEMAJLI];
United Roma Party of Kosovo or PREBK [Haxhi Zylfi MERXHA]

Kuwait
none; formation of political parties is in practice illegal
but is not forbidden by law

Kyrgyzstan
Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV]; Ata-Jurt
(Homeland) [Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV]; Ata-Meken
(Fatherland) [Omurbek TEKEBAEV]; Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan)
[Adakhan MADUMAROV, Miroslav NIYAZOV]; Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV];
Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

Laos
Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason];
other parties proscribed

Latvia
All For Latvia! [Irnants PARADNIEKS, Raivis DZINTARS]; Civic
Union [Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of
Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For a Good Latvia
(alliance of TP, LPP/LC); For Human Rights in a United Latvia or
PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and
Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts
ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis
URBANOVICS]; National Alliance (alliance of TB/LNNK, All For
Latvia!); New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS];
People's Party or TP [Andris SKELE]; Society for Different Politics
or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian
Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]; Unity bloc
(alliance of Civic Union, New Era, SCP)

Lebanon
14 March Coalition: Democratic Left [Ilyas ATALLAH];
Democratic Renewal Movement [Nassib LAHUD]; Future Movement Bloc
[Sa'ad al-HARIRI]; Kataeb Party [Amine GEMAYEL]; Lebanese Forces
[Samir JA'JA]; Tripoli Independent Bloc
8 March Coalition: Development and Resistance Bloc [Nabih BERRI,
leader of Amal Movement]; Free Patriotic Movement [Michel AWN];
Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc [Mohammad RA'AD] (includes Hizballah
[Hassan NASRALLAH]); Nasserite Popular Movement [Usama SAAD];
Popular Bloc [Elias SKAFF]; Syrian Ba'th Party [Sayez SHUKR]; Syrian
Social Nationalist Party [Ali QANSO]; Tashnaq [Hovig MEKHITIRIAN]
Independent: Democratic Gathering Bloc [Walid JUNBLATT, leader of
Progressive Socialist Party]; Metn Bloc [Michel MURR]

Lesotho
Alliance of Congress Parties or ACP (including the Lesotho
People's Congress or LCP [Kelebone MAOPE], the Basotholand African
Congress or BAC [Khauhelo RALITAPOLE], and a faction of the Basotho
Congress Party or BCP [Ntsukunyane MPHANYA]); All Basotho Convention
or ABC [Thomas THABANE]; Basotho Batho Democratic Party or BBDP;
Basotho Congress Party or BCP; Basotho Democratic National Party or
BDNP [Thabang NYEOE]; Basotho National Party or BNP [Maj. Gen.
Justin Metsing LEKHANYA]; Basotholand African National Congress or
BANC; Christian Democratic Party or CDP [Enerst RAMOKOENA]; Lesotho
Congress for Democracy or LCD [Pakalitha MOSISILI] (the governing
party); Lesotho Workers Party or LWP [Macaefa BILLY]; National
Independent Party or NIP [Anthony MANYELI]

Liberia
Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD [Togba-na TIPOTEH];
Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia or COTOL [H. Varney
SHERMAN]; Congress for Democratic Change or CDC [George WEAH];
Liberty Party or LP [Charles BRUMSKINE]; National Patriotic Party or
NPP [Roland MASSAQUOI]; Unity Party or UP [Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF]

Libya
none

Liechtenstein
Die Freie Liste (The Free List) or FL [Wolfgang
MARXER]; Fortschrittliche Buergerpartei (Progressive Citizens'
Party) or FBP [Alexander BATLINER]; Vaterlaendische Union
(Fatherland Union) or VU [Adolf HEEB]

Lithuania
Christian party [Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Civil Democracy
Party or PDP [Algimantas MATULEVICIUS]; Electoral Action of
Lithuanian Poles or LLRA [Valdemar TOMASZEVSKI]; Homeland Union -
Lithuanian Christian Democrats or TS-LKD [Andrius KUBILIUS]; Labor
Party or DP [Viktor USPASKICH]; Liberal and Center Union or LCS
[Gintautas BABRAVICIUS]; Liberal Movement or LS or LRLS [Eligijus
MASIULIS]; Lithuanian Farmers' Union or LVLS or VLS [ Ramunas
KARBAUSKIS]; Lithuanian People's Party (not yet officially
established) [Kazimiera PRUNSKIENE]; National Revival or TPP [Arunas
VALINSKAS]; New Union (Social Liberal) or NS [Arturas PAULAUSKAS];
Order and Justice Party or TT [Rolandas PAKSAS]; Social Democratic
Party or LSDP [Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS]

Luxembourg
Alternative Democratic Reform Party or ADR [Robert
MEHLEN]; Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Michel WOLTER]; dei
Lenk/la Gauche (the Left); Democratic Party or DP [Claude MEISCH];
Green Party [Francois BAUSCH]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party
or LSAP [Alex BODRY]; other minor parties

Macau
Alliance for Change or MUDAR; Macau Development Alliance or
NUDM [Angela LEONG On-kei]; Macau-Guangdong Union or UNG; Macau
United Citizens' Association or ACUM [CHAN Meng-kam]; New Democratic
Macau Association or APMD [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]; New Hope or NE
[Jose Maria Pereira COUTINHO]; Union for Promoting Progress or UPP
[LEONG Heng-teng]
note: there is no political party ordinance, so there are no
registered political parties; politically active groups register as
societies or companies

Macedonia
Democratic Alliance or DS [Pavle TRAJANOV]; Democratic
Party of Serbs in Macedonia [Ivan STOILJKOVIC]; Democratic Party of
the Albanians or PDSh/DPA [Menduh THACI]; Democratic Party of Turks
in Macedonia [Kenan HASIPI]; Democratic Union for Integration or
BDI/DUI [Ali AHMETI]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization—Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity
(VMRO-DPMNE) [Nikola GRUEVSKI]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
[Jovan MANSIJEVSKI]; Liberal Party [Borce STOJANOVSKI]; Movement for
Reconstruction of Macedonia or DOM [Liljana POPOVSKA]; New
Alternative [Gjorgji OROVCANEC]; New Democracy or DR [Imer SELMANI];
New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP [Tito PETKOVSKI]; Party for
Democratic Action in Macedonia or SDAM [Avdija PEPIC]; Party for
European Future or PEI [Fijat CANOSKI]; Social-Democratic Union of
Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI]; Socialist Party or SP
[Ljubisav IVANOV-ZINGO]; Union of Roma of Macedonia [Amdi BAJRAM];
United for Macedonia or OM [Ljube BOSKOVSKI]; VMRO-Macedonian
[Borislav STOJMENOV]

Madagascar
Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA
[Pierrot RAJAONARIVELO]; Democratic Party for Union in Madagascar or
PSDUM [Jean LAHINIRIKO]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action
for National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO];
Fihaonana Party or FP [Guy-Willy RAZANAMASY]; I Love Madagascar or
TIM [Marc RAVALOMANANA]; Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or
RPSD [Evariste MARSON]

Malawi
Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Dindi NYASULU]; Congress of
Democrats or CODE [Ralph KASAMBARA]; Democratic Progressive Party or
DPP [Bingu wa MUTHARIKA]; Malawi Congress Party or MCP [John TEMBO];
Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; Malawi Forum for
Unity and Development or MAFUNDE [George MNESA]; Maravi People's
Party [Uladi MUSSA]; National Unity Party or NUP [Harry CHIUME]; New
Rainbow Coalition Party [Beatrice MWALE]; New Republican Party
[Gwanda CHAKUWAMBA]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Aleke
BANDA]; People's Transformation Movement or PETRA [Kamuzu CHIBAMBO];
Republican Party or RP [Stanley MASAULI]; United Democratic Front or
UDF [Bakili MULUZI]; United Democratic Party [Kenedy KALAMBO]

Malaysia
National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (ruling coalition)
consists of the following parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or
PGRM [KOH Tsu Koon]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal
Demokratik - Sabah) or LDP [LIEW Vui Keong]; Malaysian Chinese
Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [CHUA Soi Lek];
Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC
[Govindasamy PALANIVEL]; Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah or PBRS [Joseph
KURUP]; Parti Bersatu Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti
Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu or PBB [Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Parti Rakyat
Sarawak or PRS [James MASING]; Sarawak United People's Party (Parti
Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [George CHAN Hong Nam]; United
Malays National Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak]; United
Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko
Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Bernard DOMPOK]; People's
Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia) or PPP
[M.Kayveas]; Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party or SPDP [William
MAWAN])
People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) or PR (opposition coalition)
consists of the following parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti
Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [KARPAL Singh]; Islamic Party of
Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang];
People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH
Wan Ismail]; Sarawak National Party or SNAP [Edwin DUNDANG]
independent party: Sabah Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Saban)
or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]

Maldives
Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Shaykh Hussein RASHEED
Ahmed]; Dhivehi Quamee Party or DQP [Hassan SAEED]; Dhivehi
Rayyithunge Party (Maldivian People's Party) or DRP [THASMEEN Ali];
Gaumii Ithihaad (National Alliance) or GI [Mohamed WAHEED]; Islamic
Democratic Party or IDP; Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mariya
DIDI]; Maldives National Congress or MNC; Maldives Social Democratic
Party or MSDP; People's Alliance or PA [Abdullah YAMEEN]; People's
Party or PP; Poverty Alleviation Party or PAP; Republican
(Jumhooree) Party or JP [Gasim IBRAHIM]; Social Liberal Party or SLP
[Ibrahim ISMAIL]

Mali
African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI
[Oumar MARIKO, secretary general]; Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA
[Diounconda TRAORE]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP (a
coalition of political parties including ADEMA and URD formed in
December 2006 to support the presidential candidacy of Amadou
TOURE); Alliance for Democratic Change (political group comprised
mainly of Tuareg from Mali's northern region); Convergence 2007
[Soumeylou Boubeye MAIGA]; Front for Democracy and the Republic or
FDR (a coalition of political parties including RPM and PARENA
formed to oppose the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE);
National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL];
Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Mady KONATE]; Party for
National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME]; Patriotic Movement for
Renewal or MPR [Choguel MAIGA]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT
[Amadou Ali NIANGADOU]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Boubacar
KEITA]; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou
Basir GOLOGO]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa
Balla COULIBALY]; Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Soumaila
CISSE]

Malta
Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD
[Michael BRIGUGLIO]; Azzjoni Nazzjonaili or AN [Josi MUSCAT]; Malta
Labor Party or PL [Joseph MUSCAT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence
GONZI]

Marshall Islands
traditionally there have been no formally organized
political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions
or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters,
formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings"
have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein
Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa
TOMEING]

Mauritania
Alternative or El-Badil [Mohamed Yahdhi Ould MOCTAR
HACEN]; Coalition of Majority Parties or CPM (parties supporting the
regime including PRDR, UPR, RD, HATEM-PMUC, UCD); Coordination of
Democratic Opposition or COD (coalition of opposition political
parties opposed to the government including APP, RFD, UFP,
PNDD-ADIL, Alternative or El-Badil); Democratic Renewal or RD
[Moustapha Ould ABDEIDARRAHMANE]; Mauritanian Party for Unity and
Change or HATEM-PMUC [Saleh Ould HANENA]; National Pact for
Democracy and Development or PNDD-ADIL [Yahya Ould Ahmed Ould
WAGHEF] (independents formerly supporting President Abdellahi);
National Rally for Freedom, Democracy and Equality or RNDLE;
National Rally for Reform and Development/RNRD-TAWASSOUL [Mohamed
Jamil MANSOUR] (moderate Islamists); Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih
Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progressive Alliance or APP [Messoud
Ould BOULKHEIR]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould
DADDAH]; Republican Party for Democracy and Renewal or PRDR [Mintata
Mint HDEID]; Socialist and Democratic Unity Party or PUDS; Union for
Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]; Union for the
Republic or UPR; Union of Democratic Center or UCD [Cheikh Sid'Ahmed
Ould BABA]; Union of the Forces for Progress or UFP [Mohamed Ould
MAOULOUD];

Mauritius
Alliance of the Future or AF [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]
(governing coalition - includes MLD, MMSM, MR, MSD, PMXD); Mauritian
Labor Party or MLP [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant
Movement or MMM [Paul BERENGER]; Mauritian Militant Socialist
Movement or MMSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH]; Mauritian Socialist Militant
Movement or MSMM [Madan DULLOO]; Mauritian Solidarity Front [Cehl
FAKEERMEEAH]; Mouvement Republicain or MR [Jayarama VALAYDEN]; Parti
Mauricien Xavier Duval or PMXD [Xavier Luc DUVAL]; Rodrigues
Movement or MR [Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples
Organization or OPR [Serge CLAIR]

Mayotte
Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Federation of
Mahorans or UMP-RPR [Mansour KAMARDINE]; Force of the Rally and the
Alliance for Democracy or FRAP; Mahoran Popular Movement or MPM
[Ahmed MADI]; Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM
[Mouhoutar SALIM]; Renewed Communist Party of Mayotte or MRC [Omar
SIMBA]; Socialist Party or PS [Ibrahim ABUBACAR] (local branch of
French Parti Socialiste); Union for French Democracy or UDF [Henri
JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Mexico
Convergence for Democracy or CD [Luis WALTON Aburto];
Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI [Beatriz PAREDES Rangel];
Labor Party or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]; Mexican Green
Ecological Party or PVEM [Jorge Emilio GONZALEZ Martinez]; National
Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Gustavo MADERO
Munoz]; New Alliance Party (Partido Nueva Alianza) or PNA/PANAL
[Jorge Antonio KAHWAGI Macari]; Party of the Democratic Revolution
(Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ORTEGA Martinez]

Micronesia, Federated States of
no formal parties

Moldova
represented in Parliament: Communist Party of the Republic
of Moldova or PCRM [Vladimir VORONIN]; Democratic Party or PD [Mihai
LUPU]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLDM [Vladmir FILAT]; Liberal
Party or PL [Mihai GHIMPU]
not represented in Parliament: Christian Democratic People's Party
or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Conservative Party or PC [Natalia NIRCA];
Ecological Party of Moldova "Green Alliance" or PEMAVE [Vladimir
BRAGA]; European Action Movement or MAE [Veaceslav UNTILA]; For
Nation and Country Party or PpNT [Sergiu MOCANU]; Humanist Party of
Moldova or PUM [Valeriu PASAT]; Labor Party or PM [Gheorghe SIMA];
National Liberal Party or PNL [Vitalia PAVLICENKO]; Our Moldova
Alliance or AMN [Serafim URECHEAN]; Patriots of Moldova Party or PPM
[Mihail GARBUZ]; Popular Republican Party or PPR [Nicolae ANDRONIC];
Republican Party of Moldova or PRM [Andrei STRATAN]; Roma Social
Political Movement of the Republic of Moldova or MRRM [Ion BUCUR];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor SELIN]; Social Political
Movement "Equality" or MR [Valeriy KLIMENCO]; United Moldova Party
or PMUEM [Vladimir TURCAN]

Monaco
Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union
for Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco
or UNAM)

Mongolia
Democratic Party or DP [Norov ALTANHUYAG]; Mongolian
People's Party or MPP [Sukhbaatar BATBOLD]

Montenegro
Albanian Alternative or AA [Vesel SINISHTAJ]; Coalition
for European Montenegro (bloc) [Milo DJUKANOVIC] (includes
Democratic Party of Socialists or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC], Social
Democratic Party or SDP [Ranko KRIVOKAPIC], Bosniak Party of BS
[Rafet HUSOVIC], and Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Marija
VUCINOVIC); Coalition SNP-NS-DSS (bloc) (includes Socialist People's
Party or SNP [Srdjan MILIC], People's Party of Montenegro or NS
[Predrag POPOVIC], and Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS
[Ranko KADIC]); Democratic League-Party of Democratic Prosperity or
SPP [Mehmet BARDHIJ]; Democratic Union of Albanians or DUA [Ferhat
DINOSHA]; For a Different Montenegro (bloc) [Goran BATRICEVIC]
(includes Democratic Center or DC [Goran BATRICEVIC] and Liberal
Party of Montenegro or LP [Miodrag ZIVKOVIC]); FORCA [Nazif CUNGU];
Movement for Changes or PZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]; National Coalition
(includes People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC] and
Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]); New
Serb Democracy or NOVA [Andrija MANDIC]; Socialist People's Party of
Montenegro or SNP [Srdjan MILIC]

Montserrat
Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS];
Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY];
New People's Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Morocco
Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI]; Al Ahd (The
Covenant) Party [Najib EL OUAZZANI]; Alliance des Libert'es
(Alliance of Liberty) or ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or
An-Nahj [Abdellah EL HARIF]; Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM
[Mohamed Cheikh BIADILLAH, Secretary General]; Choura et Istiqlal
(Consultation and Independence) Party or PCI [Abdelwahed MAACH];
Citizens' Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI]; Citizenship and
Development Initiative or ICD [Mohamed BENHAMOU]; Constitutional
Union Party or UC [Mohammed ABIED]; Democratic and Social Movement
or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE]; Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Touhami EL
KHIARI]; Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party or PADS [Ahmed
BENJELLOUN]; Democratic Society Party or PSD [Zhor CHEKKAFI];
Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN]; Environment and Development
Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI
[Abbas EL FASSI]; Justice and Development Party or PJD [Abdelilah
BENKIRANE]; Labor Party or PT [Abdelkrim BENATIK]; Moroccan Liberal
Party or PML [Mohamed ZIANE]; National Democratic Party or PND
[Abdallah KADIRI]; National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI
[Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National Popular Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi
AHERDANE]; National Rally of Independents or RNI [Mustapha EL
MANSOURI]; National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP [Abdellah
IBRAHIM]; Popular Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Progress and
Socialism Party or PPS [Ismail ALAOUI]; Reform and Development Party
or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV
[Mohamed KHALIDI]; Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR];
Social Center Party or PSC [Lahcen MADIH]; Socialist Democratic
Party or PSD [Aissa OUARDIGHI]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or
USFP [Abdelwahed RADI]; Unified Socialist Left Party or PGSU
[Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER]

Mozambique
Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico
de Mocambique) or MDM [Daviz SIMANGO]; Front for the Liberation of
Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Armando
Emilio GUEBUZA]; Mozambique National Resistance (Resistencia
Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Afonso DHLAKAMA]

Namibia
All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI]; Congress of
Democrats or COD [Benjamin ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of
Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurie
VILJOEN]; National Democratic Movement for Change or NamDMC;
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Kuaima RIRUAKO];
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Hidipo HAMUTENYA];
Republican Party or RP [Hendrick MUDGE]; South West Africa National
Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA]; South West Africa People's
Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA]; United Democratic Front
or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Nauru
Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]; Nauru First (Naoero Amo)
Party; Nauru Party (informal); note - loose multiparty system

Nepal
Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekata Party [Keshav Prasad MAINALI];
Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (inactive); Communist Party of
Nepal-Marxist Leninist or CPN-ML [C.P. MAINALI]; Communist Party of
Nepal-Unified [Raj Singh SHRIS]; Communist Party of Nepal-United
[Chandra Dev JOSHI]; Communist Party of Nepal-United
Marxist-Leninist or CPN-UML [Jhalanath KHANAL]; Dalit Janajati Party
[Vishwendraman PASHWAN]; Federal Democratic National Forum; Madhesi
People's Rights Forum-Democratic [Bijay Kumar GACHHADAR]; Madhesi
People's Rights Forum-Nepal [Upendra YADAV]; Nepal Loktantrik
Samajbadi Dal [Upendra GACHCHHADAR]; Nepal Pariwar Dal [Eknath
DHAKAL]; Nepal Sadbhavana Party-Anandi Devi [Sarita GIRI]; Nepal
Workers and Peasants Party or [Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE]; Nepali
Congress or NC [Sushil KOIRALA]; Nepali Janata Dal [Harish Chandra
SHA]; Newa Rastriya Party [Keshav Man SHAKYA]; Rastriya Janamorcha
[Chitra Bahadur K.C.]; Rastriya Janamukti Party [Malwar Singh
THAPA]; Rastriya Janashakti Party or RJP [Surya Bahadur THAPA];
Rastriya Prajantantra Party [Pashupati Shumsher RANA]; Rastriya
Prajantantra Party Nepal [Kamal THAPA]; Sadbhavana Party [Rajendra
MAHATO]; Samajbadi Prajatantrik Janata Party Nepal [Prem Bahadur
SINGH]; Terai Madhes Democratic Party [Mahantha THAKUR]; Unified
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) [Pushpa Kamal DAHAL, also known as
PRACHANDA]

Netherlands
Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime VERHAGEN];
Christian Union [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or D66 [Alexander
PECHTOLD]; Green Left [Jolande SAP]; Labor Party or PvdA [Job
COHEN]; Party for Freedom or PVV [Geert WILDERS]; Party for the
Animals or PvdD [Marianne THIEME]; People's Party for Freedom and
Democracy or VVD [Mark RUTTE] (Liberal); Reformed Political Party of
SGP [Kees VAN DER STAAIJ]; Socialist Party [Emile ROEMER]; plus a
few minor parties

New Caledonia
Caledonia My Country; Caledonia Together [Philippe
GOMES]; Caledonian Union or UC [Nicholas ABOUT]; Communist
Republican and Left Party or CRC-SPG [Nichole BORVO COHEN-SEAT];
Democratic and European Social Rally or R.D.S.E. [Yvon COLLIN];
Front National or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; Kanak Socialist Front for
National Liberation or FLNKS (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM);
National Union for Independence-Kanak and Socialist National
Liberation Front; Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul
NEAOUTYINE]; Renewed Caledonian Union; Socialist Group [Jean Pierre
BEL]; Socialist Kanak Liberation or LKS [Nidoish NAISSELINE]; The
Future Together or AE [Didier LEROUX]; The Rally or UMP [Gerard
LONGUET]; Union Nationale pour l'Independance or UNI; Union of
Pro-Independence Co-operation Committees [Francois BURCK]

New Zealand
ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]; Green Party [Russel
NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]; Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita
SHARPLES]; New Zealand National Party [John KEY]; New Zealand First
Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party [Phil
GOFF]; Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON];
United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]

Nicaragua
Alliance for the Republic or APRE; Conservative Party or
PC [Alejandro BOLANOS Davis]; Independent Liberal Party or PLI
[Indalecio RODRIGUEZ]; Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC [Jorge
CASTILLO Quant]; Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN [Alejandro MEJIA
Ferreti]; Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN [Daniel
ORTEGA Saavedra]; Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS [Enrique
SAENZ Navarrete]

Niger
Alkalama; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or
CDS-Rahama [Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing
Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Hama AMADOU]; Niger Social
Democratic Party or PSDN; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Social
Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni DJERMAKOYE];
Nigerien Party for Autonomy or PNA-Alouma [Sanousi JACKOU]; Nigerien
Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Issifou
MAHAMADOU]; Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor; Nigerien
Progressive Party or PPN-RDA; Rally for Democracy and Progress or
RDP-jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]; Social and Democratic Rally or
RSD-Gaskiyya [Cheiffou AMADOU]

Nigeria
Accord Party [Augustine MAZIE, acting]; Action Congress or
AC [Bisi AKANDE]; All Nigeria Peoples Party or ANPP [Edwin
UME-EZEOKE]; All Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor C.
UMEH]; Alliance for Democracy or AD [Mojisoluwa AKINFENWA];
Conference of Nigerian Political Parities or CNPP [Abdulkadir
Balarabe MUSA]; Democratic Peoples Party or DPP [Jeremiah USENI];
Fresh Democratic Party [Chris OKOTIE]; Labor Party [Dan NWANYANWU];
National Democratic Party or NDP [Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples
Democratic Party or PDP [Vincent OGBULAFOR]; Peoples Progressive
Alliance [Larry ESIN]

Niue
Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or
NPP [Young VIVIAN]

Norfolk Island
none

Northern Mariana Islands
Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL];
Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S.
REYES]

Norway
Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE];
Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn
HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor
Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG];
Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party
(Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party
(Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Oman
none

Pakistan
Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN];
Balochistan National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH];
Balochistan National Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. Hayee BALOCH];
Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL];
Jamaat-i Islami or JI [Syed Munawar HASAN]; Jamhoori Watan Party or
JWP; Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam
Fazl-ur Rehman or JUI-F [Fazl-ur REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam
Sami-ul HAQ or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]; Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP
[Shah Faridul HAQ]; Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain
AHMED]; Muttahida Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]; National
Alliance or NA [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML); National
Peoples Party or NPP; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP
[Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul
QADRI]; Pakistan Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN];
Pakistan Muslim League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Peoples Party
Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI, chairman; Asif Ali
ZARDARI, co-chairman]; Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S
[Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran
KHAN]; Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]
note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Palau
none

Panama
Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic
Revolutionary Party or PRD [Francisco SANCHEZ Cardenas]; Nationalist
Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Sergio GONZALEZ-Ruiz];
Panamenista Party [Juan Carlos VARELA Rodriguez] (formerly the
Arnulfista Party); Patriotic Union Party or UP (combination of the
Liberal National Party or PLN and the Solidarity Party or PS)[Anibal
GALINDO]; Popular Party or PP [Milton HENRIQUEZ] (formerly Christian
Democratic Party or PDC)

Papua New Guinea
National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE];
Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua
New Guinea Party or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Action Party
or PAP [Gabriel KAPRIS]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM
[Michael OGIO]; United Resources Party or URP [William DUMA]

Paraguay
Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for
Change) or APC [Fernando LUGO]; Asociacion Nacional Republicana -
Colorado Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]; Movimiento Popolar
Tekojoja or Tekojoja [Sixto PEREIRA]; Movimiento Union Nacional de
Ciudadanos Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Patria Querida
(Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL
Niella]; Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo
Ernesto SOARES Machado]; Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP
[Rafael Augusto FILIZZOLA Serra]; Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN
[Fernando CAMACHO Paredes]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or
PLRA [Amanda NUNEZ]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto
FILIZZOLA Pallares]

Peru
Alliance For Progress (Alianza Para El Progreso) [Cesar ACUNA
Peralta]; Alliance For The Future (Alianza Por El Futuro) or AF (a
coalition of pro-FUJIMORI parties including Cambio 90, Nueva
Mayoria, and Si Cumple); Central Front (Frente Del Centro) or FC (a
coalition of Accion Popular, Somos Peru, and Coordinadora Nacional
de Independientes) [Victor Andres GARCIA Belaunde]; National
Renovation Party (Partido Renovacion Nacional) [Rafael REY];
National Restoration Party (Restauracion Nacional) or RN [Humberto
LAY Sun]; National Solidarity Party (Partido Solidaridad Nacional)
or SN [Luis CASTANEDA Lossio]; Peru Possible (Peru Posible) or PP
[Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique]; Peruvian Aprista Party (Partido Aprista
Peruano) or PAP [Alan GARCIA Perez] (also referred to by its
original name Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana or APRA);
Peruvian Nationalist Party (Partido Nacionalista Peruano) or PNP
[Ollanta HUMALA Tasso]; Popular Christian Party (Partido Popular
Cristiano) or PPC [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Union for Peru (Union por
el Peru) or UPP [Aldo ESTRADA Choque]

Philippines
Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino
Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim
Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO]; Liberal Party or
LP [Manuel ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR];
Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban
[Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor
SANTIAGO]; Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine
Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar
BINAY]

Pitcairn Islands
none

Poland
Civic Platform or PO [Donald TUSK, chairman; Tomasz
TOMCZYKIEWICZ, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Caucus of
the Democratic Party (SD) or DKP SD [Bogdan LIS, parliamentary
caucus leader]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Grzegorz
NAPIERALSKI, chairman, parlimentary caucus leader]; Democratic Party
or PD [Brygida KUZNIAK, chairwoman]; Democratic Party or SD [Pawel
PISKORSKI, chairman]; German Minority of Lower Silesia or MNSO
[Richard GALL, representative]; Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw
KACZYNSKI, chairman; Mariusz BLASZCZAK, parliamentary caucus
leader]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Witold BALAZAK,
chairman]; Poland is the most important or PJN [Joanna
KLUZIK-ROSTKOWSKA, president]; Polish People's Party or PSL
[Waldemar PAWLAK, chairman; Stanislaw ZELICHOWSKI, parliamentary
caucus leader]; Samoobrona or SO [Andrzej LEPPER, chairman]; Social
Democratic Party of Poland or SDPL [Wojciech FILEMONOWICZ, chairman;
Marek BOROWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Union of Labor or UP
[Waldemar WITKOWSKI, chairman]

Portugal
Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party or CDS/PP [Paulo
PORTAS]; Socialist Party or PS [Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de
Sousa]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Pedro Manuel PASSOS COELHO];
The Left Bloc or BE [Franciso Anacleto LOUCA]; Unitarian Democratic
Coalition or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes Portuguese Communist
Party or PCP and Ecologist Party ("The Greens") or PEV)

Puerto Rico
National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National
Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive
Party or PNP [Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic
Party or PPD [Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican
Independence Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)

Qatar
none

Romania
Conservative Party or PC [Daniel CONSTANTIN] (formerly
Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC];
Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO];
National Liberal Party or PNL [Crin ANTONESCU]; National Union for
Romania's Progress or UNPR [Gabriel OPREA]; Social Democratic Party
or PSD [Victor PONTA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania
or PDSR)

Russia
A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV]; Communist Party of the
Russian Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal
Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir Volfovich
ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Patriots of Russia [Gennadiy SEMIGIN]; Right Cause
[Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN, Boris Yuriyevich TITOV, and Georgiy
Georgiyevich BOVT] (formed from merger of Civic Force, Democratic
Party of Russia, and Union of Right Forces); United Russia [Vladimir
Vladimirovich PUTIN]; Yabloko Party [Sergey Sergeyevich MITROKHIN]

Rwanda
Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA];
Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA];
Democratic Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially
banned); Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal
Party or PL [Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal
(officially banned); Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]; Solidarity and
Prosperity Party or PSP [Pheobe KANYANGE]

Saint Barthelemy
Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES];
Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth
d'Abord! or SBA [Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy
[Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
none

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance
AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's
Action Movement or PAM [Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor
Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]

Saint Lucia
National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia
Freedom Party or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or
SLP [Kenneth ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher
HUNTE]; United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Saint Martin
Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING];
Rassemblement Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON];
Reussir Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Archipelago Tomorrow or AD (affiliated
with UDF/RPR list); Cap sur l'Avenir (affiliated with PRG); Left
Radical Party or PRG; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now
UMP); Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM;
Socialist Party or PS; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim
EUSTACE]; Unity Labor Party or ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the
coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for
National Unity or MNU)

Samoa
Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi
TUILA'EPA]; Samoa Christian Party or TCP [Tuala Tiresa MALIETOA];
Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP [LE MAMEA Ropati]; Samoa Party
or SP [Su'a Rimoni Ah CHONG]; Samoa Progressive Political Party or
SPPP [Toeolesulusulu SIUEVA]

San Marino
Christian Democrats or PDCS [Pasquale VALENTINI];
Communist Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Democrats of the Center
or DdC [Giovanni LONGERNINI]; Freedom List (including NPS and We
Sammarinesi) or NS [Gabriele GATTEI]; New Socialist Party or NPS
[Augusto CASALI]; Party of Socialists and Democrats or PDS [Paride
ANDREOLI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Carlo FRANCIOSI]; Union of
Moderates (including National Alliance or ANS [Glcuco SANSOVINI] and
San Marino Populars or pop [Romeo MORRI and Angela VENTURINI];
United Left of SU [Alessandro ROSSI]

Sao Tome and Principe
Force for Change Democratic Movement or MDFM
[Tome Soares da VERA CRUZ]; Independent Democratic Action or ADI
[Patrice TROVOADA]; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and
Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Rafael BRANCO]; New
Way Movement or NR; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Delfim
NEVES]; Ue-Kedadji coalition; other small parties

Saudi Arabia
none

Senegal
African Party of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance for
the Republic-Yakaar [Macky Sall]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or
AFP [Moustapha NIASSE]; And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and
Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]; Democratic League-Labor Party
Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for Socialism and
Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE];
Gainde Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor
Party or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; Jef-Jel [Talla SYLLA]; National
Democratic Rally or RND [Madior DIOUF]; People's Labor Party or PTP
[El Hadji DIOUF]; Reform Party or PR [Abdourahim AGNE]; Rewmi Party
[Idrissa Seck]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];
Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition
[Abdoulaye WADE] (a coalition led by the PDS); Union for Democratic
Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]

Serbia
Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic
Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh
[Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav
KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI];
Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan
DINKIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad
CANAK]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR];
Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for
Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir
ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; Party of
United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; People's
Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Sandzak
Democratic Party or SDP [Resad HODZIC]; Serbian Progressive Party or
SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav
SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as
acting leader]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC];
Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Socialist
Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS
[Rajko DJURIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]

Seychelles
Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW];
People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James
MICHEL] (the governing party); Seychelles National Party or SNP
[Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)

Sierra Leone
All People's Congress or APC [Ernest Bai KOROMA]; Peace
and Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington MORRISON]; People's Movement
for Democratic Change or PMDC [Charles MARGAI]; Sierra Leone
People's Party or SLPP [Solomon BEREWA]; numerous others

Singapore
People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Reform
Party [NG Teck Siong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM
See Tong]; Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan];
Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]
note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore
National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Sint Maarten
Democratic Party or DP [Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS];
National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN]; United People's Party or
UPP [Theodore HEYLIGER]; Concordia Political Alliance or CPA
[Jeffery RICHARDSON]

Slovakia
parties in the Parliament:: Bridge or Most-Hid [Bela
BUGAR]; Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Jan FIGEL];
Direction-Social Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO]; Freedom and
Solidarity or SaS [Richard SULIK]; Slovak Democratic and Christian
Union-Democratic Party or SDKU-DS [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak
National Party or SNS [Jan SLOTA]
selected parties outside the Parliament:: Alliance for a Europe of
Nations or AZEN [Milan URBANI]; Association of Slovak Workers or ZRS
[Jan LUPTAK]; Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Peter ZAJAC]; Green
Party or SZ [Peter PILINSKY]; Party of the Democratic Left or SDL
[Marek BLAHA]; Party of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Jozsef
BERENYI]; People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia or
LS-HZDS [Vladimir MECIAR]; People's Party - Our Slovakia or LSNS
[Marian KOTLEBA]; Slovak Communist Party or KSS [Jozef HRDLICKA];
Union - Party for Slovakia or Unia [Milan CELIK]

Slovenia
Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl
ERJAVEC]; Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS [Katarina KRESAL];
New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK (acting)]; Slovene National
Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC]; Slovene People's Party or SLS
[Radovan ZERJAV]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [Darko KRANJC];
Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA]; Social Democrats or
SD [Borut PAHOR] (formerly ZLSD); ZARES [Gregor GOLOBIC]

Solomon Islands
Association of Independent Members or AIM [Thomas
CHAN]; Christian Alliance Solomon Islands or CASI [Edward RONIA];
LAFARI Party [John GARO]; National Party [Francis HILLY]; People's
Alliance Party or PAP [Sir Allan KEMAKEZA]; Social Credit Party or
SOCRED [Manasseh Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon First Party [David
QUAN]; Solomon Islands Democratic Party [Gabriel SURI]; Solomon
Islands Labor Party or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]; Solomon Islands
Liberal Party [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Party for
Rural Advancement or SIPRA [Job D. TAUSINGA]; United Party [Sir
Peter KENILOREA]
note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid
coalitions

Somalia
none

South Africa
African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth
MESHOE]; African National Congress or ANC [Jacob ZUMA]; Congress of
the People or COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA]; Democratic Alliance or DA
[Helen ZILLE]; Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter MULDER];
Independent Democrats or ID [Patricia DE LILLE]; Inkatha Freedom
Party or IFP [Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC
[Motsoko PHEKO]; United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Lucas
MANGOPE]; United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Spain
Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU
Renteria]; Canarian Coalition or CC [Claudina MORALES Rodriquez] (a
coalition of five parties); Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS
i Gavarro] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia
or CDC [Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia
or UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]); Entesa Catalonia de Progress
(a Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV,
EUA); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Guillerme VAZQUEZ Vazquez];
Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan SAURA i Laporta];
Navarra Yes or NaBai [collective leadership] (a coalition of four
Navarran parties); Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey];
Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Joan PUIGCERCOS i Boixassa];
Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis Rodriguez
ZAPATERO]; Union of People of Navarra or UPN [Yolanda BARCINA
Angulo]; Union, Progress and Democracy or UPyD [Rosa DIEZ Gonzalez];
United Left or IU [Cayo LARA Moya] (a coalition of parties including
the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Sri Lanka
Coalitions and leaders: Democratic National Alliance led
by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP [Somawansa AMARASINGHE]; Tamil
National Alliance led by Illandai Tamil Arasu Kachchi [R.
SAMPANTHAN]; United National Front led by United National Party
[Ranil WICKREMESINGHE]; United People's Freedom Alliance led by Sri
Lanka Freedom Party [Mahinda RAJAPAKSA]

Sudan
Democratic Unionist Party or DUP [Hatim al-SIR]; National
Congress Party or NCP [Umar Hassan al-BASHIR]; Popular Congress
Party or PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Sudan People's Liberation Movement
or SPLM [Salva KIIR]; elements of the National Democratic Alliance
or NDA including factions of the Democratic Union Party [Muhammad
Uthman al-MIRGHANI] and Umma Party

Suriname
A-Combination (a coalition that includes the General
Liberation and Development Party ABOP [Ronnie BRUNSWIJK], SEEKA
[Paul ABENA], Union of Brotherhood and Unity in Politics BEP
[Caprino ALENDY]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD
[Dilip SARDJOE]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or PVF
[Soedeschand JAIRAM]; Democratic Union Suriname or DUS [Japhet
DIEKO]; Mega-Combination-Ruling Coalition (a coalition that joined
with A-Combination and the PL to form a majority in Parliament in
2010 - includes the National Democratic Party or NDP [Desire
BOUTERSE] (largest party in the coalition), Progressive Worker and
Farmer's Union or PALU [Jim HOK], Party for National Unity and
Solidarity of the Highest Order or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA], DNP-2000
[Jules WIJDENBOSCH], and New Suriname or NS [Nanan PANDAY]);
National Union or NU [P. VAN LEEUWAARDE]; New Front for Democracy
and Development or NF (a coalition made up of the National Party of
Suriname or NPS [Runaldo VENETIAAN], United Reform Party or VHP
[Ramdien SARDJOE], Democratic Alternative 1991 or DA-91 - an
independent, business-oriented party [Winston JESSURUN], Surinamese
Labor Party or SPA [Siegfried GILDS]); Party for Democracy and
Development in Unity or DOE [Carl BREEVELD]; Party for the Permanent
Prosperity Republic Suriname or PVRS [NA]; People's Alliance,
Pertjaja Luhur's or PL [Paul SOMOHARDJO](includes D-21 [Soewarta
MOESTADJA] and Pendawa Lima [Raymond SAPEON], which merged with PL
in 2010)
note: BVD and PVF participated in the elections as a coalition
(BVD/PVF) in the most recent elections, but separated after the
election

Swaziland
the status of political parties, previously banned, is
unclear under the 2006 Constitution and currently being debated; the
following are considered political associations; African United
Democratic Party or AUDP [Stanley MAUNDZISA, president]; Imbokodvo
National Movement or INM; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or
NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement
or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]

Sweden
Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party
[Goran HAGGLUND]; Environment Party the Greens [no formal leader but
party spokespersons are Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left
Party or V (formerly Communist) [Lars OHLY]; Liberal People's Party
[Jan BJORKLUND]; Moderate Party [Fredrik REINFELDT]; Social
Democratic Party [Mona SAHLIN]; Sweden Democrats [Jimmie AKESSON]

Switzerland
Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti
Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I
Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La Verda) [Ueli LEUENBERGER];
Christian Democratic People's Party (Christlichdemokratische
Volkspartei der Schweiz or CVP, Parti Democrate-Chretien Suisse or
PDC, Partito Democratico-Cristiano Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida
Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra or PCD) [Christophe DARBELLAY];
Free Democratic Party or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen,
PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali) [Fulvio PELLI]; Social
Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SPS,
Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS,
Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS) [Christian LEVRAT];
Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union
Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or UDC,
Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC) [Toni BRUNNER]; and other minor
parties

Syria
legal parties: National Progressive Front or NPF [President
Bashar al-ASAD, Dr. Suleiman QADDAH] (includes Arab Socialist
Renaissance (Ba'th) Party [President Bashar al-ASAD]; Socialist
Unionist Democratic Party [Fadlallah Nasr Al-DIN]; Syrian Arab
Socialist Union or ASU [Safwan al-QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party
(two branches) [Wissal Farha BAKDASH, Yusuf Rashid FAYSAL]; Syrian
Social Nationalist Party [As'ad HARDAN]; Unionist Socialist Party
[Fayez ISMAIL])
opposition parties not legally recognized: Communist Action Party
[Fateh al-JAMOUS]; National Democratic Rally [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM,
spokesman] (includes five parties - Arab Democratic Socialist Union
Party [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM], Arab Socialist Movement, Democratic Ba'th
Party [Ibrahim MAKHOS], Democratic People's Party [Riad al TURK],
Revolutionary Workers' Party [Abdul Hafez al HAFEZ])
Kurdish parties (considered illegal): Azadi Party [Kheirudin MURAD];
Future Party [Masha'l TAMMO]; Kurdish Democratic Alliance (includes
four parties); Kurdish Democratic Front (includes three parties);
Yekiti Party [Fu'ad ALEYKO]
other parties: Syrian Democratic Party [Mustafa QALAAJI]

Taiwan
Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [TSAI Ing-wen];
Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]; Non-Partisan
Solidarity Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]; People First Party or PFP
[James SOONG]

Tajikistan
Agrarian Party of Tajikistan or APT [Amir QARAQULOV];
Democratic Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV (imprisoned October
2005); Rahmatullo VALIYEV, deputy]; Islamic Revival Party [Muhiddin
KABIRI]; Party of Economic Reform or PER [Olimjon BOBOEV]; Party of
Economic Reforms [Mahmadsharif NOZIMOV]; People's Democratic Party
of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMON]; Social Democratic Party or
SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOYIROV]; Socialist Party or SPT [Mirhuseyn
NARZIEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi SHABDOLOV]

Tanzania
Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and
Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM
(Revolutionary Party) [Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE]; Civic United Front or
CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party [Christopher MTIKLA]
(unregistered); Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine Lyatonga
MREME]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Thailand
Chat Thai Phattana Party or CP (Thai Nation Development
Party) [CHUMPON Silpa-archa]; Democrat Party or DP (Prachathipat
Party) [ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva];
Motherland Party (Phuea Phaendin Party) [CHANCHAI Chairungrueng];
Phuea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [YONGYUTH Wichaidit];
Phumjai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [CHAWARAT
Chanvirakun]; Royalist People's Party (Pracharaj) [SANOH
Thienthong]; Ruam Jai Thai Party (Thai Unity Party) [WANNARAT
Channukun]

Timor-Leste
Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de ARAUJO]; National
Congress for Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT [Xanana GUSMAO];
National Democratic Union of Timorese Resistance or UNDERTIM
[Cornelio DA Conceicao GAMA]; National Unity Party or PUN [Fernanda
BORGES]; People's Party of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER];
Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor-Leste or FRETILIN [Mari
ALKATIRI]; Social Democratic Association of Timor or ASDT [Francisco
Xavier do AMARAL]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Zacarias Albano
da COSTA]; Sons of the Mountain Warriors or KOTA [Manuel TILMAN]
(also known as Association of Timorese Heroes)

Togo
Action Committee for Renewal or CAR [Yawovi AGBOYIBO];
Democratic Convention of African Peoples or CDPA; Democratic Party
for Renewal or PDR; Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the
Believers of Peace and Equality or MOCEP; Pan-African Patriotic
Convergence or CPP; Rally for the Support for Development and
Democracy or RSDD [Harry OLYMPIO]; Rally of the Togolese People or
RPT [Faure GNASSINGBE]; Socialist Pact for Renewal or PSR; Union for
Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU]; Union of Forces
for Change or UFC [Gilchrist OLYMPIO]

Tokelau
none

Tonga
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands [Samuela 'Akilisi
POHIVA]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]; Sustainable
Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]; Tonga Democratic Labor Party
[NA]; Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]

Trinidad and Tobago
Congress of the People or COP [Winston
DOOKERAN]; Democratic Action Congress or DAC [Hochoy CHARLES] (only
active in Tobago); Democratic National Alliance or DNA [Gerald
YETMING] (coalition of NAR, DDPT, MND); Movement for National
Development or MND [Garvin NICHOLAS]; National Alliance for
Reconstruction or NAR [Dr. Carson CHARLES]; People's National
Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Tobago Organization of the People
or TOP [Ashworth JACK]; United National Congress or UNC [Kamla
PERSAD-BISSESSAR]

Tunisia
Al-Tajdid Movement [Ahmed IBRAHIM]; Constitutional
Democratic Rally Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique)
or RCD; Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties or FDTL [Mustapha
Ben JAFAAR]; Green Party for Progress or PVP [Mongi KHAMASSI];
Liberal Social Party or PSL [Mondher THABET]; Movement of Socialist
Democrats or MDS [Ismail BOULAHYA]; Popular Unity Party or PUP
[Mohamed BOUCHIHA]; Progressive Democratic Party [Maya JERIBI];
Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Ahmed INOUBLI]; note - the
Islamist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is outlawed

Turkey
Democratic Left Party or DSP [Masum TURKER]; Democratic Party
or DP [Husamettin CINDORUK]; Equality and Democracy Party or EDP
[Ziva HALIS]; Felicity Party or SP [Necmettin ERBAKAN] (sometimes
translated as Contentment Party); Freedom and Solidarity Party or
ODP [Alper TAS]; Grand Unity Party or BBP [Yalcin TOPCU]; Justice
and Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN]; Nationalist
Movement Party or MHP [Devlet BAHCELI]; Peace and Democracy Party or
BDP [Selahattin DEMIRTAS]; People's Rise Party or HSP [Numan
KURTULMUS]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Kemal KILICDAROGLU];
Turkey Party [Abdullatif SENER]
note: the parties listed above are some of the more significant of
the 61 parties that Turkey had according to the Ministry of Interior
statistics current as of May 2009

Turkmenistan
Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Gurbanguly
BERDIMUHAMEDOW is chairman; Kasymguly BABAYEW is DPT Political
Council First Secretary]
note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small
opposition movements exist abroad; the three most prominent
opposition groups-in-exile are the National Democratic Movement of
Turkmenistan (NDMT), the Republican Party of Turkmenistan, and the
Watan (Fatherland) Party; the NDMT was led by former Foreign
Minister Boris SHIKHMURADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the
wake of the 25 November 2002 attack on President NYYAZOW's motorcade

Turks and Caicos Islands
People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Floyd
SEYMOUR]; Progressive National Party or PNP [Michael Eugene MISICK]

Tuvalu
there are no political parties but members of parliament
usually align themselves in informal groupings

Uganda
Conservative Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Democratic Party or
DP [Kizito SSEBAANA]; Forum for Democratic Change or FDC [Kizza
BESIGYE]; Inter-Party Co-operation or IPC (a coalition of opposition
groups); Justice Forum or JEEMA [Muhammad Kibirige MAYANJA];
National Resistance Movement or NRM [Yoweri MUSEVENI]; Peoples
Progressive Party or PPP [Bidandi SSALI]; Ugandan People's Congress
or UPC [Miria OBOTE]
note: a national referendum in July 2005 opened the way for Uganda's
transition to a multi-party political system

Ukraine
Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko-Batkivshchyna
(BYuT-Batkivshchyna) [Yuliya TYMOSHENKO]; Communist Party of Ukraine
or CPU [Petro SYMONENKO]; European Party of Ukraine [Mykola
KATERYNCHUK]; Forward Ukraine! [Viktor MUSIYAKA]; Front of Change
[Arseniy YATSENYUK]; Lytvyn Bloc (composed of People's Party and
Labor Party of Ukraine) [Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Our Ukraine [Viktor
YUSHCHENKO]; Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs [Anatoliy
KINAKH]; Party of Regions [Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Party of the
Defenders of the Fatherland [Yuriy KARMAZIN]; People's Movement of
Ukraine (Rukh) [Borys TARASYUK]; People's Party [Volodymyr LYTVYN];
Peoples' Self-Defense [Yuriy LUTSENKO]; PORA! (It's Time!) party
[Vladyslav KASKIV]; Progressive Socialist Party [Natalya VITRENKO];
Reforms and Order Party [Viktor PYNZENYK]; Sobor [Anatoliy
MATVIYENKO]; Social Democratic Party [Yevhen KORNICHUK]; Social
Democratic Party (United) or SDPU(o) [Yuriy ZAHORODNIY]; Socialist
Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr MOROZ]; Strong Ukraine [SERHIY
TIHIPKO]; Ukrainian People's Party [Yuriy KOSTENKO]; United Center
[Viktor BALOHA]; Viche [Inna BOHOSLOVSKA]

United Arab Emirates
none; political parties are not allowed

United Kingdom
Conservative [David CAMERON]; Democratic Unionist
Party or DUP (Northern Ireland) [Peter ROBINSON]; Labor Party [Ed
MILIBAND]; Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) [Nick CLEGG]; Party of Wales
(Plaid Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn JONES]; Scottish National Party or SNP
[Alex SALMOND]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland) [Gerry ADAMS]; Social
Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern Ireland) [Margaret
RICHIE]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Tom ELLIOTT]

United States
Democratic Party [Timothy KAINE]; Green Party;
Libertarian Party [William (Bill) REDPATH]; Republican Party [Reince
PRIEBUS]

Uruguay
Broad Front (Frente Amplio) - formerly known as the
Progressive Encounter/Broad Front Coalition or EP-FA [Jorge
BROVETTO] (a broad governing coalition that includes Movement of the
Popular Participation or MPP, New Space Party (Nuevo Espacio)
[Rafael MICHELINI], Progressive Alliance (Alianza Progresista)
[Rodolfo NIN NOVOA], Socialist Party [Eduardo FERNANDEZ and Reinaldo
GARGANO], Communist Party [Eduardo LORIER], Uruguayan Assembly
(Asamblea Uruguay) [Danilo ASTORI], and Vertiente Artiguista
[Mariano ARANA]); Colorado Party (Foro Batllista) [Pedro BORDABERRY
and Julio Maria SANGUINETTI]; National Party or Blanco [Luis Alberto
LACALLE and Jorge LARRANAGA]

Uzbekistan
Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Ismoil
SAIFNAZAROV]; Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan [Boriy ALIXONOV,
chairman]; Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan or LDPU
[Muhammadjon AHMADJONOV]; National Rebirth Party (Milliy Tiklanish)
[Ahtam TURSUNOV]; People's Democratic Party or NDP (formerly
Communist Party) [Latif GULOMOV]

Vanuatu
Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum
Movement or JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP
[Barak SOPE]; Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or
NA [Paul TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI];
People's Action Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive
Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA];
Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our
Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or
VFFP [Eta RORI]; Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU];
Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican
Farmers Party or VPRFP [Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP
[Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Venezuela
A New Time or UNT [Omar BARBOZA]; Brave People's Alliance
or ABP [Oscar PEREZ]; Christian Democrats or COPEI [Luis Ignacio
PLANAS]; Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV [Oscar FIGUERA];
Democratic Action or AD [Henry RAMOS Allup]; Fatherland for All or
PPT [Jose ALBORNOZ]; For Social Democracy or PODEMOS [Ramon
MARTINEZ]; Justice First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism
or MAS [Felipe MUJICA]; United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV
[Hugo CHAVEZ]; Venezuela Project or PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Vietnam
Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH]; other
parties proscribed

Virgin Islands
Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent
Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary
SPRAUVE]

Wallis and Futuna
Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux
de Gauche or MRG; Rally for the Republic or RPR (UMP); Socialist
Party or PS; Taumu'a Lelei; Union Populaire Locale or UPL; Union
Pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Yemen
General People's Congress or GPC [Abdul-Kader BAJAMMAL];
Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah [Muhammed Abdallah AL-YADUMI];
Nasserite Unionist Party [Abd al-Malik al-MAKHLAFI]; National Arab
Socialist Ba'th Party [Dr. Qasim SALAM]; Yemeni Socialist Party or
YSP [Yasin Said NUMAN]; note - there are at least seven more active
political parties

Zambia
Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD [Edith NAWAKWI];
Heritage Party or HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Movement for Multiparty
Democracy or MMD [vacant]; Party of Unity for Democracy and
Development or PUDD [Dan PULE]; Patriotic Front or PF [Michael
SATA]; Reform Party [Nevers MUMBA]; United Democratic Alliance or
UDA (a coalition of RP, ZADECO, PUDD, and ZRP); United Liberal Party
or ULP [Sakwiba SIKOTA]; United National Independence Party or UNIP
[Tilyenji KAUNDA]; United Party for National Development or UPND
[Hakainde HICHILEMA]; Zambia Democratic Congress or ZADECO [Langton
SICHONE]; Zambian Republican Party or ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]

Zimbabwe
African National Party or ANP [Egypt DZINEMUNHENZVA];
Movement for Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI]; Movement
for Democratic Change - Mutambara or MDC-M [Arthur MUTAMBARA]
(splinter faction of the MDC); Peace Action is Freedom for All or
PAFA; United Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; United People's Party or UPP
[Daniel SHUMBA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or
ZANU-Ndonga [Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African National
Union-Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE]; Zimbabwe
African Peoples Union or ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]; Zimbabwe Youth in
Alliance or ZIYA

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

@2119

Field Listing :: Population

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

Population

Afghanistan
29,121,286
note: this is a significantly revised figure; the previous estimate
of 33,609,937 was extrapolated from the last Afghan census held in
1979, which was never completed because of the Soviet invasion; a
new Afghan census is scheduled to take place in 2010 (July 2010 est.)

Akrotiri
approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of
Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 Service and
UK-based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents

Albania
2,986,952 (July 2010 est.)

Algeria
34,586,184 (July 2010 est.)

American Samoa
66,432 (July 2010 est.)

Andorra
84,525 (July 2010 est.)

Angola
13,068,161 (July 2010 est.)

Anguilla
14,766 (July 2010 est.)

Antarctica
no indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent
and summer-only staffed research stations
note: 29 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, operate
through their National Antarctic Program a number of seasonal-only
(summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and its
nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region
covered by the Antarctic Treaty); the population doing and
supporting science or engaged in the management and protection of
the Antarctic region varies from approximately 4,400 in summer to
1,100 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel,
including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research, are
present in the waters of the treaty region; peak summer
(December-February) population - 4,490 total; Argentina 667,
Australia 200, Australia and Romania jointly 13, Belgium 20, Brazil
40, Bulgaria 18, Chile 359, China 90, Czech Republic 20, Ecuador 26,
Finland 20, France 125, France and Italy jointly 60, Germany 90,
India 65, Italy 102, Japan 125, South Korea 70, NZ 85, Norway 44,
Peru 28, Poland 40, Russia 429, South Africa 80, Spain 50, Sweden
20, Ukraine 24, UK 217, US 1,293, Uruguay 70 (2008-2009); winter
(June-August) station population - 1,106 total; Argentina 176,
Australia 62, Brazil 12, Chile 114, China 29, France 26, France and
Italy jointly 13, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 18, NZ
10, Norway 7, Poland 12, Russia 148, South Africa 10, Ukraine 12, UK
37, US 337, Uruguay 9 (2009); research stations operated within the
Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south latitude) by
National Antarctic Programs: year-round stations - 40 total;
Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 6, China 2, France 1,
France and Italy jointly 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 1, South Korea
1, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 5, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK
2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (2009); a range of seasonal-only (summer)
stations, camps, and refuges - Argentina, Australia, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland,
France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand,
Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania (with Australia), Russia, South
Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, and Uruguay (2008-2009); in
addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous
occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary
facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (May 2009
est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
86,754 (July 2010 est.)

Argentina
41,343,201 (July 2010 est.)

Armenia
2,966,802 (July 2010 est.)

Aruba
104,589
note: estimate based on a revision of the base population,
fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-99
migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is
assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent
with the 2000 census (July 2010 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only

Australia
21,515,754 (July 2010 est.)

Austria
8,214,160 (July 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
8,303,512 (July 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
310,426
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Bahrain 738,004 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
156,118,464 (July 2010 est.)

Barbados
285,653 (July 2010 est.)

Belarus
9,612,632 (July 2010 est.)

Belgium
10,423,493 (July 2010 est.)

Belize
314,522 (July 2010 est.)

Benin
9,056,010
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Bermuda
68,265 (July 2010 est.)

Bhutan
699,847
note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first
modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook
population estimates for this country, which were on the order of
three times the total population reported here, were based on
Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census
(July 2010 est.)

Bolivia
9,947,418 (July 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
4,621,598 (July 2010 est.)

Botswana
2,029,307
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Bouvet Island
uninhabited

Brazil
201,103,330
note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a
population of 169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than
projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied
underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census (July 2010 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in
the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois,
were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and
1970s; in November 2004, approximately 4,000 UK and US military
personnel and civilian contractors were living on the island of
Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
24,939 (July 2010 est.)

Brunei
395,027 (July 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
7,148,785 (July 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
16,241,811
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Burma
53,414,374
note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life
expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Burundi
9,863,117
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Cambodia
14,453,680
note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life
expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Cameroon
19,294,149
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Canada
33,759,742 (July 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
508,659 (July 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
50,209
note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
4,844,927
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Chad
10,543,464 (July 2010 est.)

Chile
16,746,491 (July 2010 est.)

China
1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.)

Christmas Island
1,402 (July 2010 est.)

Clipperton Island
uninhabited

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
596 (July 2010 est.)

Colombia
44,205,293 (July 2010 est.)

Comoros
773,407 (July 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
70,916,439
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
4,125,916
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Cook Islands
11,488 (July 2010 est.)

Coral Sea Islands
no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological
station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Costa Rica
4,516,220 (July 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
21,058,798
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Croatia
4,486,881 (July 2010 est.)

Cuba
11,477,459 (July 2010 est.)

Curacao
142,180 (est. January 2010)

Cyprus
1,102,677 (July 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
10,201,707 (July 2010 est.)

Denmark
5,515,575 (July 2010 est.)

Dhekelia
approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of
Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 service and UK
based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents

Djibouti
740,528 (July 2010 est.)

Dominica
72,813 (July 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
9,823,821 (July 2010 est.)

Ecuador
14,790,608 (July 2010 est.)

Egypt
80,471,869 (July 2010 est.)

El Salvador
6,052,064 (July 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
650,702 (July 2010 est.)

Eritrea
5,792,984 (July 2010 est.)

Estonia
1,291,170 (July 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
88,013,491
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

European Union
492,387,344 (July 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
3,140 (July 2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
49,057 (July 2010 est.)

Fiji
875,983 (July 2010 est.)

Finland
5,255,068 (July 2010 est.)

France
64,768,389
note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and its four
overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233
(July 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
291,000 (July 2010 est.)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
no indigenous inhabitants
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): has no permanent
residents but has a meteorological station
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): is uninhabited but
is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research
cabin for short stays
Iles Crozet: are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the
Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession
Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at
Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable
Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses):
a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each
possession; visited by scientists
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by
scientists

Gabon
1,545,255
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Gambia, The
1,824,158 (July 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
1,604,238 (July 2010 est.)

Georgia
4,600,825 (July 2010 est.)

Germany
82,282,988 (July 2010 est.)

Ghana
24,339,838
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Gibraltar
28,877 (July 2010 est.)

Greece
10,749,943 (July 2010 est.)

Greenland
57,637 (July 2010 est.)

Grenada
107,818 (July 2010 est.)

Guam
180,865 (July 2010 est.)

Guatemala
13,550,440 (July 2010 est.)

Guernsey
64,775 (July 2010 est.)

Guinea
10,324,025 (July 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
1,565,126 (July 2010 est.)

Guyana
748,486
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Haiti
9,719,932
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (2011
est.)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
uninhabited

Holy See (Vatican City)
829 (July 2010 est.)

Honduras
7,989,415
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Hong Kong
7,089,705 (July 2010 est.)

Hungary
9,992,339 (July 2010 est.)

Iceland
308,910 (July 2010 est.)

India
1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.)

Indonesia
242,968,342 (July 2010 est.)

Iran
76,923,300 (July 2010 est.)

Iraq
29,671,605 (July 2010 est.)

Ireland
4,622,917 (July 2010 est.)

Isle of Man
83,859 (July 2010 est.)

Israel
7,353,985 (July 2010 est.)
note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank
(2009 est.); approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan
Heights (2008 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in
East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Italy
58,090,681 (July 2010 est.)

Jamaica
2,847,232 (July 2010 est.)

Jan Mayen
no indigenous inhabitants
note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and
the weather and coastal services radio station

Japan
126,804,433 (July 2010 est.)

Jersey
93,363 (July 2010 est.)

Jordan
6,407,085 (July 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
15,460,484 (July 2010 est.)

Kenya
40,046,566
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Kiribati
99,482 (July 2010 est.)

Korea, North
22,757,275 (July 2010 est.)

Korea, South
48,636,068 (July 2010 est.)

Kosovo
1,815,048 (July 2010 est.)

Kuwait 2,789,132 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
5,508,626 (July 2010 est.)

Laos
6,368,162 (July 2010 est.)

Latvia
2,217,969 (July 2010 est.)

Lebanon
4,125,247 (July 2010 est.)

Lesotho
1,919,552
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Liberia
3,685,076 (July 2010 est.)

Libya 6,461,454 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
35,002 (July 2010 est.)

Lithuania
3,545,319 (July 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
497,538 (July 2010 est.)

Macau
567,957 (July 2010 est.)

Macedonia
2,072,086 (July 2010 est.)

Madagascar
21,281,844 (July 2010 est.)

Malawi
15,447,500
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Malaysia
28,274,729 (July 2010 est.)

Maldives
395,650 (July 2010 est.)

Mali
13,796,354 (July 2010 est.)

Malta
406,771 (July 2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
65,859 (July 2010 est.)

Mauritania
3,205,060 (July 2010 est.)

Mauritius
1,294,104 (July 2010 est.)

Mayotte
231,139 (July 2010 est.)

Mexico
112,468,855 (July 2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
107,154 (July 2010 est.)

Moldova
4,317,483 (July 2010 est.)

Monaco
30,586 (July 2010 est.)

Mongolia
3,086,918 (July 2010 est.)

Montenegro
666,730 (July 2010 est.)

Montserrat
5,118
note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the
resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned
(July 2010 est.)

Morocco
31,627,428 (July 2010 est.)

Mozambique
22,061,451
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997
Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2010
est.)

Namibia
2,128,471
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Nauru
9,267 (July 2010 est.)

Navassa Island uninhabited note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

Nepal
28,951,852 (July 2010 est.)

Netherlands
16,783,092 (July 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
252,352 (July 2010 est.)

New Zealand
4,252,277 (July 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
5,995,928 (July 2010 est.)

Niger
15,878,271 (July 2010 est.)

Nigeria
152,217,341
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Niue
1,354 (July 2010 est.)

Norfolk Island
2,155 (July 2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
48,317 (July 2010 est.)

Norway
4,676,305 (July 2010 est.)

Oman 2,967,717 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Pakistan
184,404,791 (July 2010 est.)

Palau
20,879 (July 2010 est.)

Panama
3,410,676 (July 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
6,064,515 (July 2010 est.)

Paracel Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons

Paraguay
6,375,830 (July 2010 est.)

Peru
29,907,003 (July 2010 est.)

Philippines
99,900,177 (July 2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
48 (July 2010 est.)

Poland
38,463,689 (July 2010 est.)

Portugal
10,735,765 (July 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
3,978,702 (July 2010 est.)

Qatar
840,926 (July 2010 est.)

Romania
21,959,278 (July 2010 est.)

Russia
139,390,205 (July 2010 est.)

Rwanda
11,055,976
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
7,406 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
7,670
note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are
inhabited (July 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
49,898 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
160,922 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Martin
30,235 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
5,943 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
104,217 (July 2010 est.)

Samoa
192,001
note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a
highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in
the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in
the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993
number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures
(July 2010 est.)

San Marino
31,477 (July 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
175,808 (July 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia 25,731,776 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Senegal 12,323,252 (July 2010 est.)

Serbia 7,344,847 note: does not include the population of Kosovo (July 2010 est.)

Seychelles
88,340 (July 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
5,245,695 (July 2010 est.)

Singapore
4,701,069 (July 2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
37,429 (January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
5,470,306 (July 2010 est.)

Slovenia
2,003,136 (July 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
559,198 (July 2010 est.)

Somalia
10,112,453
note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in
1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is
complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements
in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2010 est.)

South Africa
49,109,107
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001 replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

Spain
46,505,963 (July 2010 est.)

Spratly Islands
no indigenous inhabitants
note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several
claimant states

Sri Lanka
21,513,990
note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and
armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand
Tamil civilians have fled the island and more than 200,000 Tamils
have sought refuge in the West (July 2010 est.)

Sudan
43,939,598 (July 2010 est.)

Suriname
486,618 (July 2010 est.)

Svalbard
2,067 (July 2010 est.)

Swaziland
1,354,051
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Sweden
9,074,055 (July 2010 est.)

Switzerland
7,623,438 (July 2010 est.)

Syria
22,198,110 (July 2010 est.)
note: approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan
Heights (2008 est.)

Taiwan
23,024,956 (July 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
7,487,489 (July 2010 est.)

Tanzania
41,892,895
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Thailand
67,089,500
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
1,154,625
note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (July 2010 est.)

Togo
6,587,239
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Tokelau
1,400 (July 2010 est.)

Tonga
122,580 (July 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
1,228,691 (July 2010 est.)

Tunisia
10,589,025 (July 2010 est.)

Turkey
77,804,122 (July 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
4,940,916 (July 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
23,528 (July 2010 est.)

Tuvalu
10,472 (July 2010 est.)

Uganda
33,398,682
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Ukraine
45,415,596 (July 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
4,975,593
note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that
included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of
non-citizens than previous estimates (July 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
62,348,447 (July 2010 est.)

United States
310,232,863 (July 2010 est.)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
no indigenous
inhabitants
note: public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and
Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and
educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service
Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military
and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all
US government personnel had left the island
Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish
and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the
atoll
Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife
staff, and researchers

Uruguay
3,510,386 (July 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
27,865,738 (July 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
221,552 (July 2010 est.)

Venezuela
27,223,228 (July 2010 est.)

Vietnam
89,571,130 (July 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
109,750 (July 2010 est.)

Wake Island
no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors
maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities
(2009)

Wallis and Futuna
15,343 (July 2010 est.)

West Bank
2,514,845 (July 2010 est.)
note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank
(2009 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East
Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
491,519
note: estimate is based on projections by age, sex, fertility,
mortality, and migration; fertility and mortality are based on data
from neighboring countries (July 2010 est.)

World
6,768,181,146 (July 2010 est.)

Yemen
23,495,361 (July 2010 est.)

Zambia
13,460,305
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
11,651,858
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2010 est.)

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

@2120

Field Listing :: Ports and terminals

This entry lists major ports and terminals primarily on the basis of the amount of cargo tonnage shipped through the facilities on an annual basis. In some instances, the number of containers handled or ship visits were also considered. Country

Ports and terminals

Afghanistan
Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Albania
Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Algeria
Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Jijel,
Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda

American Samoa
Pago Pago

Angola
Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Namibe

Anguilla
Blowing Point, Road Bay

Antarctica
McMurdo Station; most coastal stations have sparse and
intermittent offshore anchorages; a few stations have basic wharf
facilities

Antigua and Barbuda
Saint John's

Arctic Ocean
Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)

Argentina
Arroyo Seco, Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, La Plata, Punta
Colorada, Rosario, San Lorenzo-San Martin

Aruba
Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
none; offshore anchorage only

Atlantic Ocean
Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp
(Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca
(Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal),
Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas
(Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal),
London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal
(Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran
(Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de
Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg
(Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Australia
Brisbane, Cairns, Dampier, Darwin, Fremantle, Gladstone,
Geelong, Hay Point, Hobart, Jervis Bay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port
Adelaide, Port Dalrymple, Port Hedland, Port Kembla, Port Lincoln,
Port Walcott, Sydney

Austria
Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Azerbaijan
Baku (Baki)

Bahamas, The
Freeport, Nassau, South Riding Point

Bahrain
Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Bangladesh
Chittagong, Mongla Port

Barbados
Bridgetown

Belarus
Mazyr

Belgium
cargo ports (tonnage): Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge
container ports (TEUs): Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

Belize
Belize City, Big Creek

Benin
Cotonou

Bermuda
Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Bolivia
Puerto Aguirre (inland port on the Paraguay/Parana waterway
at the Bolivia/Brazil border); Bolivia has free port privileges in
maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski
Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava River),
Orasje

Bouvet Island
none; offshore anchorage only

Brazil
cargo ports (tonnage): Ilha Grande (Gebig), Paranagua, Rio
Grande, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao
container ports (TEUs): Santos (2,677,839), Itajai (693,580)

British Indian Ocean Territory
Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
Road Harbor

Brunei
Lumut, Muara, Seria

Bulgaria
Burgas, Varna

Burma
Moulmein, Rangoon, Sittwe

Burundi
Bujumbura

Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)

Cameroon
Douala, Garoua, Limboh Terminal

Canada
Fraser River Port, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Port-Cartier,
Quebec City, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sept-Isles, Vancouver

Cape Verde
Porto Grande

Cayman Islands
Cayman Brac, George Town

Central African Republic
Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Chile
Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San
Vicente, Valparaiso

China
Dalian, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai,
Shenzhen, Tianjin

Christmas Island
Flying Fish Cove

Clipperton Island
none; offshore anchorage only

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Port Refuge

Colombia
Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Puerto Bolivar,
Santa Marta, Turbo

Comoros
Mayotte, Mutsamudu

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma,
Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Congo, Republic of the
Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo,
Pointe-Noire

Cook Islands
Avatiu

Coral Sea Islands
none; offshore anchorage only

Costa Rica
Caldera, Puerto Limon

Cote d'Ivoire
Abidjan, Espoir, San-Pedro

Croatia
Omisalj, Ploce, Rijeka, Sibernik, Split, Vukovar (on Danube
River)

Cuba
Antilla, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Havana, Matanzas, Mariel,
Nuevitas Bay, Santiago de Cuba, Tanamo

Curacao
Bullen Baai, Fuik Bay, Willemstad

Cyprus
area under government control: Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos;;
area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

Czech Republic
Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Denmark
Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia,
Kalundborg

Djibouti
Djibouti

Dominica
Portsmouth, Roseau

Dominican Republic
Andres (Boca Chica), Puerto Haina, Puerto Plata,
Santo Domingo

Ecuador
Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar

Egypt
Ayn Sukhnah, Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said,
Sidi Kurayr, Suez

El Salvador
Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco

Equatorial Guinea
Bata, Luba, Malabo (2010)

Eritrea
Assab, Massawa

Estonia
Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn

Ethiopia
Ethiopia is landlocked and uses ports of Djibouti in
Djibouti and Berbera in Somalia

European Union
Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Braila
(Romania), Bremen (Germany), Burgas (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania),
Copenhagen (Denmark), Galati (Romania), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg
(Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain),
Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille
(France), Naples (Italy), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Riga
(Latvia), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden), Talinn
(Estonia), Tulcea (Romania), Varna (Bulgaria)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Stanley

Faroe Islands
Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur

Fiji
Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Finland
Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

France
Calais, Dunkerque, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen

French Polynesia
Papeete

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
none; offshore anchorage only

Gabon
Gamba, Libreville, Lucinda, Owendo, Port-Gentil

Gambia, The
Banjul

Gaza Strip
Gaza

Georgia
Bat'umi, P'ot'i

Germany
Bremen, Bremerhaven, Duisburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Lubeck,
Neuss-Dusseldorf, Rostock, Wilhemshaven

Ghana
Takoradi, Tema

Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Greece
Agioi Theodoroi, Aspropyrgos, Pachi, Piraeus, Thessaloniki

Greenland
Sisimiut

Grenada
Saint George's

Guam
Apra Harbor

Guatemala
Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Guernsey
Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port

Guinea
Conakry, Kamsar

Guinea-Bissau
Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Guyana
Georgetown

Haiti
Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
none; offshore anchorage only

Honduras
La Ceiba, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hungary
Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs

Iceland
Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik

India
Chennai, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai
(Bombay), Sikka, Vishakhapatnam

Indian Ocean
Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban
(South Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India)
Melbourne (Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South
Africa)

Indonesia
Banjarmasin, Belawan, Kotabaru, Krueg Geukueh, Palembang,
Panjang, Sungai Pakning, Tanjung Perak, Tanjung Priok

Iran
Assaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, Bandar-e-Eman Khomeyni

Iraq
Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr

Ireland
Cork, Dublin, Shannon Foynes, Waterford

Isle of Man
Douglas, Ramsey

Israel
Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa

Italy
Augusta, Cagliari, Genoa, Livorno, Santa Panagia (Melilli),
Taranto, Trieste, Venice

Jamaica
Discovery Bay (Port Rhoades), Kingston, Montego Bay, Port
Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rocky Point

Jan Mayen
none; offshore anchorage only

Japan
Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo,
Tomakomai, Yokohama

Jersey
Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Jordan
Al 'Aqabah

Kazakhstan
Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen
(Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Kenya
Kisumu, Mombasa

Kiribati
Betio (Tarawa Atoll), Canton Island, English Harbor

Korea, North
Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Namp'o, Senbong,
Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Wonsan

Korea, South
Inch'on, P'ohang, Pusan, Ulsan, Yosu

Kuwait
Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina'
'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi

Kyrgyzstan
Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Latvia
Riga, Ventspils

Lebanon
Beirut, Tripoli

Liberia
Buchanan, Monrovia

Libya
Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Tripoli

Lithuania
Butinge, Klaipeda

Luxembourg
Mertert

Macau
Macau

Madagascar
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara
(Tulear)

Malawi
Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Malaysia
Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang
(Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

Maldives
Male

Mali
Koulikoro

Malta
Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta

Marshall Islands
Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Mauritania
Nouadhibou, Nouakchott

Mauritius
Port Louis

Mayotte
Dzaoudzi

Mexico
Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Salina
Cruz, Veracruz

Micronesia, Federated States of
Colonia (Tomil Harbor), Lele Harbor,
Pohnepi Harbor

Monaco
Monaco

Montenegro
Bar

Montserrat
Little Bay, Plymouth

Morocco
Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammedia, Safi, Tangier

Mozambique
Beira, Maputo, Nacala

Namibia
Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Nauru
Nauru

Navassa Island
none; offshore anchorage only

Netherlands
Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Moerdijk, Rotterdam, Terneuzen,
Vlissingen

New Caledonia
Noumea

New Zealand
Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point,
Tauranga, Wellington

Nicaragua
Bluefields, Corinto

Nigeria
Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Niue
Alofi

Norfolk Island
Kingston

Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Norway
Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Oman
Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Pacific Ocean
Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung
(Taiwan), Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South
Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China),
Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington
(NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Pakistan
Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Palau
Koror

Panama
Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

Papua New Guinea
Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak

Paracel Islands
small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and
Duncan Island

Paraguay
Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Peru
Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note -
Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the
Amazon and its tributaries

Philippines
Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

Pitcairn Islands
Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Poland
Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, Szczecin

Portugal
Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines

Puerto Rico
Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de
Ponce, San Juan

Qatar
Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra's Laffan

Romania
Braila, Constanta, Galati (Galatz), Mancanului (Giurgiu),
Midia, Tulcea

Russia
Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint
Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Rwanda
Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Saint Barthelemy
Gustavia

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena: Jamestown
Ascension Island: Georgetown
Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre, Charlestown

Saint Lucia
Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint-Pierre

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Kingstown

Samoa
Apia

Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome

Saudi Arabia
Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jiddah, Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Senegal
Dakar

Seychelles
Victoria

Sierra Leone
Freetown, Pepel, Sherbro Islands

Singapore
Singapore

Sint Maarten
Philipsburg

Slovakia
Bratislava, Komarno

Slovenia
Koper

Solomon Islands
Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor, Tulaghi

Somalia
Berbera, Kismaayo

South Africa
Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay,
Saldanha Bay

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Grytviken

Southern Ocean
McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica
note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the
Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in
midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker
escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research
stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or
private vessels

Spain
Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona,
Valencia (Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Spratly Islands
none; offshore anchorage only

Sri Lanka
Colombo

Sudan
Port Sudan

Suriname
Paramaribo, Wageningen

Svalbard
Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Sweden
Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo,
Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Switzerland
Basel

Syria
Baniyas, Latakia, Tartus

Taiwan
Chilung (Keelung), Kaohsiung, Hualian, Taichung

Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

Thailand
Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

Timor-Leste
Dili

Togo
Kpeme, Lome

Tokelau
none; offshore anchorage only

Tonga
Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Trinidad and Tobago
Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain,
Scarborough

Tunisia
Bizerte, Gabes, Rades, Sfax, Skhira

Turkey
Aliaga, Diliskelesi, Eregli, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Mercin
Limani, Yarimca

Turkmenistan
Turkmenbasy

Turks and Caicos Islands
Cockburn Harbour, Grand Turk, Providenciales

Tuvalu
Funafuti

Uganda
Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Ukraine
Feodosiya (Theodosia), Illichivsk, Mariupol', Mykolayiv,
Odesa, Yuzhnyy

United Arab Emirates
Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khawr
Fakkan (Khor Fakkan), Mubarraz Island, Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina'
Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah),

United Kingdom
Dover, Felixstowe, Immingham, Liverpool, London,
Southampton, Teesport (England); Forth Ports, Hound Point
(Scotland); Milford Haven (Wales)

United States
cargo ports (tonnage): Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi,
Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York,
Plaquemines, Tampa, Texas City
container ports (TEUs): Los Angeles (7,849,985), Long Beach
(6,350,125), New York/New Jersey (5,265,058), Savannah (2,616,126),
Oakland (2,236,244), Hampton Roads (2,083,278) (2008)
cruise departure ports (passengers): Miami (2,032,000), Port
Everglades (1,277,000), Port Canaveral (1,189,000), Seattle
(430,000), Long Beach (415,000) (2009)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Baker, Howland, and
Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef: none; offshore anchorage only
Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island
Midway Islands: Sand Island
Palmyra Atoll: West Lagoon

Uruguay
Montevideo

Uzbekistan
Termiz (Amu Darya)

Vanuatu
Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Venezuela
La Guaira, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Punta Cardon

Vietnam
Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My,
Quy Nhon

Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay,
Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Wake Island
none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Wallis and Futuna
Leava, Mata-Utu

Western Sahara
Ad Dakhla, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

World
top ten container ports as measured by Twenty-Foot Equivalent
Units (TEUs) throughput: Singapore - 25,866,400; Shanghai -
25,002,000; Hong Kong - 20,983,000; Shenzhen (China) - 18,250,100;
Pusan (South Korea) - 11,954,861; Guangzhou (China) - 11,190,000;
Dubai (UAE) - 11,124,082; Ningbo (China) - 10,502,800; Qingdao
(China) - 10,260,000; - Rotterdam - 9,743,290 (2009)

Yemen
Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla

Zambia
Mpulungu

Zimbabwe
Binga, Kariba

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

@2121

Field Listing :: Railways

This entry states the total route length of the railway network and
of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual.
Other gauges are listed under note.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Railways(km)

Albania total: 896 km standard gauge: 896 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Algeria
total: 3,973 km
standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2008)

Angola
total: 2,764 km
narrow gauge: 2,641 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2008)

Argentina
total: 31,409 km
broad gauge: 27,301 km 1.676-m gauge (94 km electrified)
standard gauge: 2,780 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,328 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Armenia
total: 845 km
broad gauge: 845 km 1.520-m gauge (818 km electrified)
note: some lines are out of service (2008)

Australia
total: 37,855 km
broad gauge: 142 km 1.600-m gauge
standard gauge: 24,409 km 1.435-m gauge (1,094 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 13,304 km 1.067-m gauge (1,193 km electrified) (2008)

Austria
total: 6,399 km
standard gauge: 5,927 km 1.435-m gauge (3,688 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 384 km 1.000-m gauge (15 km electrified); 88 km
0.760-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Azerbaijan
total: 2,918 km
broad gauge: 2,918 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2009)

Bangladesh
total: 2,768 km
broad gauge: 946 km 1.676-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Belarus
total: 5,537 km
broad gauge: 5,512 km 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)
standard gauge: 25 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Belgium
total: 3,233 km
standard gauge: 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2008)

Benin
total: 578 km
narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bolivia
total: 3,504 km
narrow gauge: 3,504 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 1,000 km
standard gauge: 1,000 km 1.435-m gauge (590 km electrified) (2008)

Botswana
total: 888 km
narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Brazil
total: 28,857 km
broad gauge: 5,709 km 1.600-m gauge (459 km electrified)
standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge
narrow gauge: 22,954 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bulgaria
total: 4,294 km
standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,880 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Burkina Faso
total: 622 km
narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge
note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire
(2008)

Burma
total: 3,955 km
narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Cambodia
total: 690 km
narrow gauge: 690 km 1.000-m gauge
note: under restoration (2010)

Cameroon
total: 987 km
narrow gauge: 987 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Canada
total: 46,688 km
standard gauge: 46,688 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Chile
total: 5,483 km
broad gauge: 1,706 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 3,777 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

China
total: 77,834 km
standard gauge: 77,084 km 1.435-m gauge (24,433 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 750 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Christmas Island
total: 18 km
standard gauge: 18 km 1.435-m (not in operation) (2010)

Colombia
total: 3,802 km
standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 3,652 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 4,007 km
narrow gauge: 3,882 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km
1.000-m gauge (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 795 km
narrow gauge: 795 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Costa Rica
total: 278 km
narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge
note: none of the railway network is in use (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 660 km
narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000 meter gauge
note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina
Faso (2008)

Croatia
total: 2,722 km
standard gauge: 2,722 km 1.435-m gauge (985 km electrified) (2009)

Cuba
total: 8,598 km
standard gauge: 8,322 km 1.435-m gauge (176 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 276 km 1.000-gauge
note: 4,533 km of the track is used by sugar plantations; 4,257 km
is standard gauge; 276 km is narrow gauge (2006)

Czech Republic
total: 9,620 km
standard gauge: 9,521 km 1.435-m gauge (3,013 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 99 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Denmark
total: 2,667 km
standard gauge: 2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

Djibouti
total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the 781 km Addis
Ababa-Djibouti railway)
narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge
note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is
largely inoperable (2008)

Dominican Republic
total: 1,784 km
standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,409 km 1.076-m, 0.889-m, and 0.762-m gauges
note: 1,226 km operated by sugar companies in 1.076 m, 0.889 m, and
0.762-m gauges (2008)

Ecuador
total: 965 km
narrow gauge: 965 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Egypt
total: 5,500 km
standard gauge: 5,500 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2009)

El Salvador
total: 283 km
narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge
note: railways have been inoperable since 2005 because of disuse and
high costs that led to a lack of maintenance (2008)

Eritrea
total: 306 km
narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge (2008)

Estonia
total: 1,196 km
broad gauge: 1,196 km 1.520 m/1.524-m gauge (131 km electrified)
(2008)

Ethiopia
total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the 781 km Addis
Ababa-Djibouti railroad)
narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge
note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is
largely inoperable (2008)

European Union
total: 229,450 km (2008)

Fiji
total: 597 km
narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge
note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used
to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to
December (2008)

Finland
total: 5,794 km
broad gauge: 5,794 km 1.524-m gauge (3,047 km electrified) (2008)

France
total: 29,213 km
standard gauge: 29,046 km 1.435-m gauge (15,164 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Gabon
total: 814 km
standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Georgia
total: 1,612 km
broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge (1,575 electrified)
narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (37 electrified) (2008)

Germany
total: 41,896 km
standard gauge: 41,641 km 1.435-m gauge (20,053 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 75 km 1.000-m gauge (75 km electrified); 180 km
0.750-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2008)

Ghana
total: 947 km
narrow gauge: 947 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Greece
total: 2,548 km
standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (764 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Guatemala
total: 332 km
narrow gauge: 332 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Guinea
total: 1,185 km
standard gauge: 238 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 947 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Honduras
total: 75 km
narrow gauge: 75 km 1.067-m gauge (2009)

Hungary
total: 8,057 km
broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 7,802 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

India
total: 64,015 km
broad gauge: 52,808 km 1.676-m gauge (18,172 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 8,473 km 1.000-m gauge; 2,734 km 0.762-m gauge and
0.610-m gauge (2009)

Indonesia
total: 8,529 km
narrow gauge: 8,529 km 1.067-m gauge (565 km electrified) (2008)

Iran
total: 8,442 km
broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge
standard gauge: 8,348 km 1.435-m gauge (148 km electrified) (2008)

Iraq
total: 2,272 km
standard gauge: 2,272 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Ireland
total: 3,237 km
broad gauge: 1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (37 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat
Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants)
(2008)

Isle of Man
total: 63 km
narrow gauge: 6 km 1.076-m gauge (6 km electrified); 57 km 0.914-m
gauge (29 km electrified)
note: primarily summer tourist attractions (2008)

Israel
total: 949 km
standard gauge: 949 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Italy
total: 19,729 km
standard gauge: 18,317 km 1.435-m gauge (12,458 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 123 km 1.000-m gauge (123 km electrified); 1,058 km
0.950-m gauge (151 km electrified); 231 km 0.850-m gauge (2008)

Japan
total: 26,435 km
standard gauge: 3,978 km 1.435-m gauge (3,978 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 96 km 1.372-m gauge (96 km electrified); 22,313 km
1.067-m gauge (15,235 km electrified); 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km
electrified) (2009)

Jordan
total: 507 km
narrow gauge: 507 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Kazakhstan
total: 15,082 km
broad gauge: 15,082 km 1.520-m gauge (3,700 km electrified) (2008)

Kenya
total: 2,778 km
narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Korea, North
total: 5,242 km
standard gauge: 5,242 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified) (2009)

Korea, South
total: 3,381 km
standard gauge: 3,381 km 1.435-m gauge (1,843 km electrified) (2008)

Kosovo
total: 430 km
standard gauge: 430 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 470 km
broad gauge: 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Latvia
total: 2,298 km
broad gauge: 2,265 km 1.520-m gauge
narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Lebanon
total: 401 km
standard gauge: 319 km 1.435 m
narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050 m
note: rail system unusable because of the damage done during
fighting in the 1980s and in 2006 (2008)

Liberia
total: 429 km
standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge
note: most sections of the railway are inoperable because of damage
suffered during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003 (2008)

Liechtenstein
9 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)
note: belongs to the Austrian Railway System connecting Austria and
Switzerland (2008)

Lithuania
total: 1,768 km
broad gauge: 1,746 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)
standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge (2009)

Luxembourg
total: 275 km
standard gauge: 275 km 1.435-m gauge (243 km electrified) (2008)

Macedonia
total: 699 km
standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (234 km electrified) (2009)

Madagascar
total: 854 km
narrow gauge: 854 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Malawi
total: 797 km
narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Malaysia
total: 1,849 km
standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2008)

Mali
total: 593 km
narrow gauge: 593 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Mauritania
728 km
standard gauge: 728 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Mexico
total: 17,516 km
standard gauge: 17,516 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Moldova
total: 1,138 km
broad gauge: 1,124 km 1.520-m gauge
standard gauge: 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Mongolia
total: 1,810 km
broad gauge: 1,810 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Montenegro
total: 250 km
standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 169 km) (2007)

Morocco
total: 1,907 km
standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified) (2008)

Mozambique
total: 4,787 km
narrow gauge: 4,787 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Namibia
total: 2,629 km
narrow gauge: 2,629 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Nepal
total: 59 km
narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2008)

Netherlands
total: 2,896 km
standard gauge: 2,896 km 1.435-m gauge (2,064 km electrified) (2009)

New Zealand
total: 4,128 km
narrow gauge: 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2008)

Nigeria
total: 3,505 km
narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Norway
total: 4,114 km
standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Pakistan
total: 7,791 km
broad gauge: 7,479 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 312 km 1.000-m gauge (2007)

Panama
total: 76 km
standard gauge: 76 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Paraguay
total: 36 km
standard gauge: 36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Peru
total: 1,989 km
standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 263 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Philippines
total: 897 km
narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Poland
total: 22,314 km
broad gauge: 633 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 21,681 km 1.435-m gauge (11,769 km electrified)
(2007)

Portugal
total: 2,786 km
broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Romania
total: 10,788 km
broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 10,731 km 1.435-m gauge (3,965 km electrified) (2008)

Russia
total: 87,157 km
broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)
note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve
industries (2006)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 50 km
narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Saudi Arabia
total: 1,392 km
standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and
sidings) (2008)

Senegal
total: 906 km
narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000 meter gauge (2008)

Serbia
total: 3,379 km
standard gauge: 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 1,254 km) (2006)

Slovakia
total: 3,622 km
broad gauge: 99 km 1.520-m gauge
standard gauge: 3,473 km 1.435-m gauge (1,577 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 50 km (1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge) (2008)

Slovenia
total: 1,228 km
standard gauge: 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

South Africa
total: 20,872 km
narrow gauge: 20,436 km 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified); 436 km
0.610-m gauge (2008)

Spain
total: 15,288 km
broad gauge: 11,919 km 1.668-m gauge (6,950 km electrified)
standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,949 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km
0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2008)

Sri Lanka
total: 1,449 km
broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge (2007)

Sudan
total: 5,978 km
narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge for
cotton plantations (2008)

Swaziland
total: 301 km
narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Sweden
total: 11,633 km
standard gauge: 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,531 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

Switzerland
total: 4,888 km
standard gauge: 3,397 km 1.435-m gauge (3,142 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 1,481 km 1.000-m gauge (1,378 km electrified); 10 km
0.800-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Syria
total: 2,052 km
standard gauge: 1,801 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 251 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Taiwan
total: 1,582 km
standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,091 km 1.067-m gauge; 146 km .762-m gauge
note: the 146 km of .762 gauge track belongs primarily to Taiwan
Sugar Corporation and Taiwan Forestry Bureau, some to other entities
(2008)

Tajikistan
total: 680 km
broad gauge: 680 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Tanzania
total: 3,689 km
narrow gauge: 969 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,720 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Thailand
total: 4,071 km
standard gauge: 29 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Togo
total: 532 km
narrow gauge: 532 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Tunisia
total: 2,167 km
standard gauge: 471 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,688 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
dual gauge: 8 km (2008)

Turkey
total: 8,697 km
standard gauge: 8,697 km 1.435-m gauge (1,920 km electrified) (2008)

Turkmenistan
total: 2,980 km
broad gauge: 2,980 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Uganda
total: 1,244 km
narrow gauge: 1,244 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Ukraine
total: 21,658 km
broad gauge: 21,658 km 1.524-m gauge (9,729 km electrified) (2009)

United Kingdom
total: 16,454 km
broad gauge: 303 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland)
standard gauge: 16,151 km 1.435-m gauge (5,248 km electrified) (2008)

United States
total: 226,427 km
standard gauge: 226,427 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Uruguay
total: 1,641 km (1,200 km operational)
standard gauge: 1,641 km 1.435-m gauge (2010)

Uzbekistan
total: 3,645 km
broad gauge: 3,645 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2008)

Venezuela
total: 806 km
standard gauge: 806 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Vietnam
total: 2,347 km
standard gauge: 178 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 2,169 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

World
total: 1,138,632 km (2008)

Zambia
total: 2,157 km
narrow gauge: 2,157 km 1.067-m gauge
note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority
(TAZARA) (2008)

Zimbabwe total: 3,077 km narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified) (2008)

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

@2122

Field Listing :: Religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved - for one or for all, and by whom - religious orders or laity. Basic Groupings Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity. Mormonism (including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints): Originating in 1830 in the United States under Joseph Smith, Mormonism is not characterized as a form of Protestant Christianity because it claims additional revealed Christian scriptures after the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. Mormonism believes earlier Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant reform faiths, are apostasies and that Joseph Smith's revelation of the Book of Mormon is a restoration of true Christianity. Mormons have a hierarchical religious leadership structure, and actively proselytize their faith; they are located primarily in the Americas and in a number of other Western countries. Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope. Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to state, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant Christianities include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterians), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalians), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - The third of the monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets. Sunni Islam accounts for over 75% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid. Shia Islam represents 10-20% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant. Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India, and Pakistan. Country

Religions(%)

Afghanistan
Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%

Albania
Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%
note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current
statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were
closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November
1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice

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

American Samoa
Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%,
Protestant and other 30%

Andorra
Roman Catholic (predominant)

Angola
indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15%
(1998 est.)

Anguilla
Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%,
Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or
unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)

Antigua and Barbuda
Anglican 25.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.3%,
Pentecostal 10.6%, Moravian 10.5%, Roman Catholic 10.4%, Methodist
7.9%, Baptist 4.9%, Church of God 4.5%, other Christian 5.4%, other
2%, none or unspecified 5.8% (2001 census)

Argentina
nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing),
Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Armenia
Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi
(monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%

Aruba
Roman Catholic 80.8%, Evangelist 4.1%, Protestant 2.5%,
Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%, Methodist 1.2%, Jewish 0.2%, other 5.1%,
none or unspecified 4.6%

Australia
Catholic 25.8%, Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%,
Presbyterian and Reformed 3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian
7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%,
none 18.7% (2006 Census)

Austria
Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other
3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox
2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)
note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan;
percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Bahamas, The
Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%,
Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other
Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)

Bahrain
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8%
(2001 census)

Bangladesh
Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)

Barbados
Protestant 63.4% (Anglican 28.3%, Pentecostal 18.7%,
Methodist 5.1%, other 11.3%), Roman Catholic 4.2%, other Christian
7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)

Belarus
Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic,
Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Belgium
Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%

Belize
Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%,
Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist
3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)

Benin
Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%,
other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%,
other 15.5% (2002 census)

Bermuda
Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist
Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%,
unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)

Bhutan
Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced
Hinduism 25%

Bolivia
Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%,
other 14%

Botswana
Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%,
none 20.6% (2001 census)

Brazil
Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%,
Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%,
none 7.4% (2000 census)

British Virgin Islands
Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%,
Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, other 2%, none 2%
(1991)

Brunei
Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other
(includes indigenous beliefs) 10%

Bulgaria
Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian
1.2%, other 4% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly
Roman Catholic) 10%

Burma
Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%),
Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Burundi
Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%),
indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Cambodia
Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2%
(1998 census)

Cameroon
indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Canada
Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United
Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other
Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16%
(2001 census)

Cape Verde
Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs),
Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Cayman Islands
Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%,
Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%,
Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%,
non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2%
(2007)

Central African Republic
indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%,
Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%
note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the
Christian majority

Chad
Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%,
other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1% (1993 census)

Chile
Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%,
other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

China
Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%
note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Christmas Island
Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21%
(1997)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Colombia
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Comoros
Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant
20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects
and indigenous beliefs) 10%

Congo, Republic of the
Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Cook Islands
Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic
16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints
3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3%
(2001 census)

Costa Rica
Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Cote d'Ivoire
Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none
16.7% (2008 est.)
note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim
(70%) and Christian (20%)

Croatia
Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%,
Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)

Cuba
nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power;
Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also
represented

Curacao
Roman Catholic 80.1%, Protestant 5.5%, none 4.6%,
Pentecostal 3.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses
1.7%, Jewish 0.8%, other 1.3%, not reported 0.3% (2001 census)

Cyprus
Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and
Armenian Apostolic) 4%

Czech Republic
Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant 2.1%, other 3.3%,
unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)

Denmark
Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes
Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Djibouti
Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Dominica
Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal
5.6%, Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other or
unspecified 1.6%, none 6.1% (2001 census)

Dominican Republic
Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Ecuador
Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Egypt
Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

El Salvador
Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003
est.)

Equatorial Guinea
nominally Christian and predominantly Roman
Catholic, pagan practices

Eritrea
Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Estonia
Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian
(including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic,
Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%,
none 6.1% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
Orthodox 43.5%, Muslim 33.9%, Protestant 18.6%, traditional
2.6%, Catholic 0.7%, other 0.7% (2007 Census)

European Union
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Christian 67.2%, none 31.5%, other
1.3% (2006 census)

Faroe Islands
Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified
16.2% (2006 census)

Fiji
Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly
of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other
10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified
0.3%, none 0.7% (2007 census)

Finland
Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%,
other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

France
Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim
5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
overseas departments: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim,
Buddhist, pagan

French Polynesia
Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no
religion 6%

Gabon
Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Gambia, The
Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Gaza Strip
Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Georgia
Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian
3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Germany
Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%,
unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Ghana
Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant
18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%,
other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other
Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or
unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)

Greece
Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Greenland
Evangelical Lutheran

Grenada
Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Guam
Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Guatemala
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Guernsey
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist,
Congregational, Methodist

Guinea
Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Guinea-Bissau
Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%

Guyana
Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican
6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness
1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%, other 4.3%, none 4.3%
(2002 census)

Haiti
Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal
4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%
note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Holy See (Vatican City)
Roman Catholic

Honduras
Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

Hong Kong
eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Hungary
Roman Catholic 51.9%, Calvinist 15.9%, Lutheran 3%, Greek
Catholic 2.6%, other Christian 1%, other or unspecified 11.1%,
unaffiliated 14.5% (2001 census)

Iceland
Lutheran Church of Iceland 80.7%, Roman Catholic Church
2.5%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.4%, Hafnarfjorour Free Church 1.6%,
other religions 3.6%, unaffiliated 3%, other or unspecified 6.2%
(2006 est.)

India
Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other
1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Indonesia
Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu
1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)

Iran
Muslim 98% (Shia 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian,
Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Iraq
Muslim 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Ireland
Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other
Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% (2006 census)

Isle of Man
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist,
Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Israel
Jewish 75.5%, Muslim 16.8%, Christian 2.1%, Druze 1.7%, other
3.9% (2008)

Italy
Roman Catholic 90% (approximately; about one-third
practicing), other 10% (includes mature Protestant and Jewish
communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community)

Jamaica
Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal
9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church
of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of
Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic
2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census)

Japan
Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%
note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to
both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

Jersey
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,
Methodist, Presbyterian

Jordan
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but
some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,
Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several
small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan
Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Kenya
Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous
beliefs 10%, other 2%
note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for
the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous
beliefs vary widely

Kiribati
Roman Catholic 55%, Protestant 36%, Mormon 3.1%, Bahai
2.2%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.9%, other 1.8% (2005 census)

Korea, North
traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian
and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)
note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent;
government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of
religious freedom

Korea, South
Christian 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic
6.6%), Buddhist 23.2%, other or unknown 1.3%, none 49.3% (1995
census)

Kosovo
Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Roman Catholic

Kuwait
Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shia 30%), other (includes Christian,
Hindu, Parsi) 15%

Kyrgyzstan
Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Laos
Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005
census)

Latvia
Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other
0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Lebanon
Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or
Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite
Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic,
Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt,
Protestant), other 1.3%
note: 17 religious sects recognized

Lesotho
Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Liberia
Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%,
none 1.4% (2008 Census)

Libya
Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3%

Liechtenstein
Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%,
other 6.2% (June 2002)

Lithuania
Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant
(including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other
or unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
Roman Catholic 87%, other (includes Protestant, Jewish,
and Muslim) 13% (2000)

Macau
Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none or other 35% (1997 est.)

Macedonia
Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian
0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census)

Madagascar
indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Malawi
Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998
census)

Malaysia
Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%,
Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%,
other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)

Maldives
Sunni Muslim

Mali
Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%

Malta
Roman Catholic 98%

Marshall Islands
Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman
Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian
3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Mauritania
Muslim 100%

Mauritius
Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, Muslim 16.6%, other
Christian 8.6%, other 2.5%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.4% (2000 census)

Mayotte
Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) 3%

Mexico
Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%,
Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified
13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census)

Micronesia, Federated States of
Roman Catholic 52.7%, Congregational
40.1%, Baptist 0.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 0.7%, other 3.8%, none or
unspecified 0.8% (2000 Census)

Moldova
Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5%
(2000)

Monaco
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Mongolia
Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim
4%, none 40% (2004)

Montenegro
Orthodox 74.2%, Muslim 17.7%, Catholic 3.5%, other 0.6%,
unspecified 3%, atheist 1% (2003 census)

Montserrat
Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal,
Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations

Morocco
Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique
Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%,
other 17.8%, none 23.1% (1997 census)

Namibia
Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous
beliefs 10% to 20%

Nauru
Nauru Congregational 35.4%, Roman Catholic 33.2%, Nauru
Independent Church 10.4%, other 14.1%, none 4.5%, unspecified 2.4%
(2002 census)

Nepal
Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other
0.9% (2001 census)

Netherlands
Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%,
other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006)

New Caledonia
Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

New Zealand
Anglican 13.8%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian,
Congregational, and Reformed 10%, Christian (no denomination
specified) 4.6%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Baptist 1.4%, other
Christian 3.8%, Maori Christian 1.6%, Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%,
other religions 2.2%, none 32.2%, other or unidentified 9.9% (2006
Census)

Nicaragua
Roman Catholic 58.5%, Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%,
Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census)

Niger
Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian)
20%

Nigeria
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Niue
Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely
related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints
8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Norfolk Island
Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church
in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian
5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Northern Mariana Islands
Christian (Roman Catholic majority,
although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Norway
Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%,
other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Oman
Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim,
Hindu) 25%

Pakistan
Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian
and Hindu) 5%

Palau
Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8%
(indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness
0.9%, Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4%
(2000 census)

Panama
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Papua New Guinea
Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%,
United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%,
Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other
Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000
census)

Paraguay
Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian
1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)

Peru
Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%,
unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 Census)

Philippines
Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%,
Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other
1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Poland
Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox
1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)

Portugal
Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%,
unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)

Puerto Rico
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Qatar
Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Romania
Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%,
Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and
Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and
unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)

Russia
Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2%
(2006 est.)
note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large
populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy
of over seven decades of Soviet rule

Rwanda
Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim
4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Saint Barthelemy
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Anglican (majority),
Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Saint Lucia
Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%,
Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%,
other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001
census)

Saint Martin
Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman
Catholic 13%, other (includes Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other
Protestant) 12%

Samoa
Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%,
Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist
3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%,
unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

San Marino
Roman Catholic

Sao Tome and Principe
Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New
Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)

Saudi Arabia
Muslim 100%

Senegal
Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous
beliefs 1%

Serbia
Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim
3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Seychelles
Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day
Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other
non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%

Singapore
Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%,
Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000
census)

Sint Maarten
Roman Catholic 39%, Protestant 27%, Pentecostal 11.6%,
none 6.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.2%, other 5.4%, Jewish 3.4%, not
reported 0.7% (2001 census)

Slovakia
Roman Catholic 68.9%, Protestant 10.8%, Greek Catholic
4.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%, none 13% (2001 census)

Slovenia
Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian
0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002
census)

Solomon Islands
Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South
Seas Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church
10.3%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other
2.4%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)

Somalia
Sunni Muslim

South Africa
Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%,
Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%,
Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none
15.1% (2001 census)

Spain
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Sri Lanka
Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%,
unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Sudan
Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), Christian 5% (mostly in south and
Khartoum), indigenous beliefs 25%

Suriname
Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian),
Roman Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%

Swaziland
Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous
ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes
Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%

Sweden
Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox,
Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Switzerland
Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%,
Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%,
none 11.1% (2000 census)

Syria
Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%,
Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in
Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Taiwan
mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Tajikistan
Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)

Tanzania
mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs
35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Thailand
Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%
(2000 census)

Timor-Leste
Roman Catholic 98%, Muslim 1%, Protestant 1% (2005)

Togo
Christian 29%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 51%

Tokelau
Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%,
other 2%
note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on
Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with
the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Tonga
Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Trinidad and Tobago
Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5%, Anglican 7.8%,
Baptist 7.2%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Muslim 5.8%, Seventh Day Adventist
4%, other Christian 5.8%, other 10.8%, unspecified 1.4%, none 1.9%
(2000 census)

Tunisia
Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey
Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians
and Jews)

Turkmenistan
Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Turks and Caicos Islands
Baptist 40%, Anglican 18%, Methodist 16%,
Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990)

Tuvalu
Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Uganda
Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%,
Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%, other
3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)

Ukraine
Ukrainian Orthodox - Kyiv Patriarchate 50.4%, Ukrainian
Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate 26.1%, Ukrainian Greek Catholic 8%,
Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox 7.2%, Roman Catholic 2.2%,
Protestant 2.2%, Jewish 0.6%, other 3.2% (2006 est.)

United Arab Emirates
Muslim 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes
Christian, Hindu) 4%

United Kingdom
Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian,
Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or
none 23.1% (2001 census)

United States
Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%,
other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other
or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%,
nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%,
other 1.1% (2006)

Uzbekistan
Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Vanuatu
Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%,
Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous
beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%,
unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Vietnam
Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%,
Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

Virgin Islands
Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%,
other 7%

Wallis and Futuna
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

West Bank
Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian
and other 8%

Western Sahara
Muslim

World
Christians 33.32% (of which Roman Catholics 16.99%,
Protestants 5.78%, Orthodox 3.53%, Anglicans 1.25%), Muslims 21.01%,
Hindus 13.26%, Buddhists 5.84%, Sikhs 0.35%, Jews 0.23%, Baha'is
0.12%, other religions 11.78%, non-religious 11.77%, atheists 2.32%
(2007 est.)

Yemen
Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia), small
numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Zambia
Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous
beliefs 1%

Zimbabwe
syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%,
Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

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

@2123

Field Listing :: Suffrage

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

Suffrage

Afghanistan
18 years of age; universal

Albania
18 years of age; universal

Algeria
18 years of age; universal

American Samoa
18 years of age; universal

Andorra
18 years of age; universal

Angola
18 years of age; universal

Anguilla
18 years of age; universal

Antigua and Barbuda
18 years of age; universal

Argentina
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Armenia
18 years of age; universal

Aruba
18 years of age; universal

Australia
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Austria
16 years of age; universal; note - reduced from 18 years of
age in 2007

Azerbaijan
18 years of age; universal

Bahamas, The
18 years of age; universal

Bahrain
20 years of age; universal

Bangladesh
18 years of age; universal

Barbados
18 years of age; universal

Belarus
18 years of age; universal

Belgium
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Belize
18 years of age; universal

Benin
18 years of age; universal

Bermuda
18 years of age; universal

Bhutan
18 years of age; universal

Bolivia
18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21
years of age, universal and compulsory (single)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Botswana
18 years of age; universal

Brazil
voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70;
compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age; note - military
conscripts do not vote

British Virgin Islands
18 years of age; universal

Brunei
18 years of age for village elections; universal

Bulgaria
18 years of age; universal

Burkina Faso
18 years of age; universal

Burma
18 years of age; universal

Burundi
18 years of age; universal (adult)

Cambodia
18 years of age; universal

Cameroon
20 years of age; universal

Canada
18 years of age; universal

Cape Verde
18 years of age; universal

Cayman Islands
18 years of age; universal

Central African Republic
21 years of age; universal

Chad
18 years of age; universal

Chile
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

China
18 years of age; universal

Christmas Island
18 years of age

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
18 years of age

Colombia
18 years of age; universal

Comoros
18 years of age; universal

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Congo, Republic of the
18 years of age; universal

Cook Islands
18 years of age; universal (adult)

Costa Rica
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Cote d'Ivoire
18 years of age; universal

Croatia
18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Cuba
16 years of age; universal

Curacao
18 years of age; universal

Cyprus
18 years of age; universal

Czech Republic
18 years of age; universal

Denmark
18 years of age; universal

Djibouti
18 years of age; universal

Dominica
18 years of age; universal

Dominican Republic
18 years of age, universal and compulsory;
married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed
forces and national police cannot vote

Ecuador
16 years of age; universal, compulsory for persons ages
18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Egypt
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

El Salvador
18 years of age; universal

Equatorial Guinea
18 years of age; universal

Eritrea
18 years of age; universal

Estonia
18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Ethiopia
18 years of age; universal

European Union
18 years of age; universal

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
18 years of age; universal

Faroe Islands
18 years of age; universal

Fiji
21 years of age; universal

Finland
18 years of age; universal

France
18 years of age; universal

French Polynesia
18 years of age; universal

Gabon
21 years of age; universal

Gambia, The
18 years of age; universal

Georgia
18 years of age; universal

Germany
18 years of age; universal

Ghana
18 years of age; universal

Gibraltar
18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have
been residents six months or more

Greece
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Greenland
18 years of age; universal

Grenada
18 years of age; universal

Guam
18 years of age; universal; US citizens but do not vote in US
presidential elections

Guatemala
18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of
the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks
on election day

Guernsey
16 years of age; universal

Guinea
18 years of age; universal

Guinea-Bissau
18 years of age; universal

Guyana
18 years of age; universal

Haiti
18 years of age; universal

Holy See (Vatican City)
limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Honduras
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Hong Kong
direct election - 18 years of age for half the legislature
and a majority of seats in 18 district councils; universal for
permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the
past seven years
indirect election - limited to about 220,000 members of functional
constituencies for the other half of the legislature and an
800-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from
broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, and municipal
organizations

Hungary
18 years of age; universal

Iceland
18 years of age; universal

India
18 years of age; universal

Indonesia
17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless
of age

Iran
18 years of age; universal

Iraq
18 years of age; universal

Ireland
18 years of age; universal

Isle of Man
16 years of age; universal

Israel
18 years of age; universal

Italy
18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections,
where minimum age is 25)

Jamaica
18 years of age; universal

Japan
20 years of age; universal

Jersey
16 years of age; universal

Jordan
18 years of age; universal

Kazakhstan
18 years of age; universal

Kenya
18 years of age; universal

Kiribati
18 years of age; universal

Korea, North
17 years of age; universal

Korea, South
19 years of age; universal

Kosovo
18 years of age; universal

Kuwait
21 years of age; universal (adult); note - males in the
military or police are not allowed to vote; adult females were
allowed to vote as of 16 May 2005; all voters must have been
citizens for 20 years

Kyrgyzstan
18 years of age; universal

Laos
18 years of age; universal

Latvia
18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Lebanon
21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for
women at age 21 with elementary education; excludes military
personnel

Lesotho
18 years of age; universal

Liberia
18 years of age; universal

Libya
18 years of age; universal and technically compulsory

Liechtenstein
18 years of age; universal

Lithuania
18 years of age; universal

Luxembourg
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Macau
direct election 18 years of age for some non-executive
positions, universal for permanent residents living in Macau for the
past seven years; indirect election limited to organizations
registered as "corporate voters" (257 are currently registered) and
a 300-member Election Committee drawn from broad regional groupings,
municipal organizations, and central government bodies

Macedonia
18 years of age; universal

Madagascar
18 years of age; universal

Malawi
18 years of age; universal

Malaysia
21 years of age; universal

Maldives
18 years of age; universal

Mali
18 years of age; universal

Malta
18 years of age; universal

Marshall Islands
18 years of age; universal

Mauritania
18 years of age; universal

Mauritius
18 years of age; universal

Mayotte
18 years of age; universal

Mexico
18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Micronesia, Federated States of
18 years of age; universal

Moldova
18 years of age; universal

Monaco
18 years of age; universal

Mongolia
18 years of age; universal

Montenegro
18 years of age; universal

Montserrat
18 years of age; universal

Morocco
18 years of age; universal

Mozambique
18 years of age; universal

Namibia
18 years of age; universal

Nauru
20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Nepal
18 years of age; universal

Netherlands
18 years of age; universal

New Caledonia
18 years of age; universal

New Zealand
18 years of age; universal

Nicaragua
16 years of age; universal

Niger
18 years of age; universal

Nigeria
18 years of age; universal

Niue
18 years of age; universal

Norfolk Island
18 years of age; universal

Northern Mariana Islands 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Norway
18 years of age; universal

Oman
21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and
security forces are not allowed to vote

Pakistan
18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved
parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Palau
18 years of age; universal

Panama
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Papua New Guinea
18 years of age; universal

Paraguay
18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Peru
18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70

Philippines
18 years of age; universal

Pitcairn Islands 18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Poland
18 years of age; universal

Portugal
18 years of age; universal

Puerto Rico
18 years of age; universal; island residents are US
citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Qatar
18 years of age; universal

Romania
18 years of age; universal

Russia
18 years of age; universal

Rwanda
18 years of age; universal

Saint Barthelemy
18 years of age, universal

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
18 years of age; universal

Saint Lucia
18 years of age; universal

Saint Martin
18 years of age, universal

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
18 years of age; universal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
18 years of age; universal

Samoa
21 years of age; universal

San Marino
18 years of age; universal

Sao Tome and Principe
18 years of age; universal

Saudi Arabia
21 years of age; male

Senegal
18 years of age; universal

Serbia
18 years of age; universal

Seychelles
17 years of age; universal

Sierra Leone
18 years of age; universal

Singapore
21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Sint Maarten
18 years of age; universal

Slovakia
18 years of age; universal

Slovenia
18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Solomon Islands
21 years of age; universal

Somalia
18 years of age; universal

South Africa
18 years of age; universal

Spain
18 years of age; universal

Sri Lanka
18 years of age; universal

Sudan
17 years of age; universal

Suriname
18 years of age; universal

Swaziland
18 years of age

Sweden
18 years of age; universal

Switzerland
18 years of age; universal

Syria
18 years of age; universal

Taiwan
20 years of age; universal

Tajikistan
18 years of age; universal

Tanzania
18 years of age; universal

Thailand
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Timor-Leste
17 years of age; universal

Togo
18 years of age; universal (adult)

Tokelau
21 years of age; universal

Tonga
21 years of age; universal

Trinidad and Tobago
18 years of age; universal

Tunisia
18 years of age; universal except for active government
security forces (including the police and the military), people with
mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months
in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended
sentence of more than six months

Turkey
18 years of age; universal

Turkmenistan
18 years of age; universal

Turks and Caicos Islands
18 years of age; universal

Tuvalu
18 years of age; universal

Uganda
18 years of age; universal

Ukraine
18 years of age; universal

United Arab Emirates
none

United Kingdom
18 years of age; universal

United States
18 years of age; universal

Uruguay
18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Uzbekistan
18 years of age; universal

Vanuatu
18 years of age; universal

Venezuela
18 years of age; universal

Vietnam
18 years of age; universal

Virgin Islands
18 years of age; universal; island residents are US
citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Wallis and Futuna
18 years of age; universal

Western Sahara
none; (residents of Moroccan-controlled Western
Sahara participate in Moroccan elections)

Yemen
18 years of age; universal

Zambia
18 years of age; universal

Zimbabwe
18 years of age; universal

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

@2124

Field Listing :: Telephone system

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

Telephone system

Afghanistan
general assessment: limited fixed-line telephone
service; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular
phone networks
domestic: aided by the presence of multiple providers,
mobile-cellular telephone service continues to improve rapidly
international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide
international and domestic voice and data connectivity (2009)

Albania
general assessment: despite new investment in fixed lines
teledensity remains low with roughly 10 fixed lines per 100 people;
mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective;
combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is now exceeds
100 per 100 persons
domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity,
mobile-cellular phone service has been available since 1996; by
2003, two companies were providing mobile services at a greater
teledensity than some of Albania's neighbors; Internet broadband
services initiated in 2005; Internet cafes are popular in Tirana and
have started to spread outside the capital
international: country code - 355; submarine cable provides
connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; the Trans-Balkan Line, a
combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides
additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey;
international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when
necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to
Italy and Greece (2009)

Algeria
general assessment: privatization of Algeria's
telecommunications sector began in 2000; three mobile cellular
licenses have been issued and, in 2005, a consortium led by Egypt's
Orascom Telecom won a 15-year license to build and operate a
fixed-line network in Algeria; the license will allow Orascom to
develop high-speed data and other specialized services and
contribute to meeting the large unfulfilled demand for basic
residential telephony; Internet broadband services began in 2003
domestic: a limited network of fixed lines with a teledensity of
less than 10 telephones per 100 persons is offset by the rapid
increase in mobile-cellular subscribership; in 2009, combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity was roughly 100
telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 213; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4
fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Italy, France,
Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia;
participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 51 (Intelsat,
Intersputnik, and Arabsat) (2009)

American Samoa
general assessment: NA
domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile, and cellular telephone
services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station
international: country code - 1-684; satellite earth station - 1
(Intelsat-Pacific Ocean)

Andorra
general assessment: NA
domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections
between exchanges
international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and
Spain

Angola
general assessment: limited system; state-owned telecom had
monopoly for fixed-lines until 2005; demand outstripped capacity,
prices were high, and services poor; Telecom Namibia, through an
Angolan company, became the first private licensed operator in
Angola's fixed-line telephone network; by 2010, the number of
fixed-line providers had expanded to 5; Angola Telecom established
mobile-cellular service in Luanda in 1993 and the network has been
extended to larger towns; a privately-owned, mobile-cellular service
provider began operations in 2001
domestic: only about two fixed-lines per 100 persons; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 telephones per
100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 244; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 29 (2009)

Anguilla
general assessment: NA
domestic: modern internal telephone system
international: country code - 1-264; landing point for the East
Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other
islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin
Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay to island of Saint
Martin/Sint Maarten (2007)

Antarctica
general assessment: local systems at some research
stations
domestic: commercial cellular networks operating in a small number
of locations
international: country code - none allocated; via satellite
(including mobile Inmarsat and Iridium systems) to and from all
research stations, ships, aircraft, and most field parties (2007)

Antigua and Barbuda
general assessment: NA
domestic: good automatic telephone system
international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the East
Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN)
submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern
Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad;
satellite earth stations - 2; tropospheric scatter to Saba
(Netherlands) and Guadeloupe (France) (2007)

Argentina
general assessment: the "Telecommunications Liberalization
Plan of 1998" opened the telecommunications market to competition
and foreign investment encouraging the growth of modern
telecommunications technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are
being installed between all major cities; major networks are
entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is
improving
domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic
satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network;
fixed-line teledensity is increasing gradually and mobile-cellular
subscribership is increasing rapidly; broadband Internet services
are gaining ground
international: country code - 54; landing point for the Atlantis-2,
UNISUR, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin American
Nautilus submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe,
Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations
- 112; 2 international gateways near Buenos Aires (2009)

Armenia
general assessment: telecommunications investments have made
major inroads in modernizing and upgrading the outdated
telecommunications network inherited from the Soviet era; now 100%
privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion;
mobile-cellular services monopoly terminated in late 2004 and a
second provider began operations in mid-2005
domestic: reliable modern fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
are available across Yerevan in major cities and towns; significant
but ever-shrinking gaps remain in mobile-cellular coverage in rural
areas
international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the
Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional
international service is available by microwave radio relay and
landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of
Independent States, through the Moscow international switch, and by
satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 3
(2008)

Aruba
general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications
system
domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3
mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed
international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM
submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US
Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the
west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio
relay links (2007)

Australia
general assessment: excellent domestic and international
service
domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of
radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of
mobile telephones
international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the
Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber optic submarine
cable provides links to New Zealand and the United States; satellite
earth stations - 19 (10 Intelsat - 4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific
Ocean, 2 Inmarsat - Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, 2 Globalstar,
5 other) (2007)

Austria
general assessment: highly developed and efficient
domestic: fixed-line subscribership has been in decline since the
mid-1990s with mobile-cellular subscribership eclipsing it by the
late 1990s; the fiber-optic net is very extensive; all telephone
applications and Internet services are available
international: country code - 43; satellite earth stations - 15; in
addition, there are about 600 VSATs (very small aperture terminals)
(2007)

Azerbaijan
general assessment: requires considerable expansion and
modernization; fixed-line telephony and a broad range of other
telecom services are controlled by a state-owned telecommunications
monopoly and growth has been stagnant; more competition exists in
the mobile-cellular market with four providers in 2009
domestic: teledensity of 17 fixed lines per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity has increased and is rapidly approaching
100 telephones per 100 persons; satellite service connects Baku to a
modern switch in its exclave of Nakhchivan
international: country code - 994; the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE)
fiber-optic link transits Azerbaijan providing international
connectivity to neighboring countries; the old Soviet system of
cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite earth stations -
2 (2009)

Bahamas, The
general assessment: modern facilities
domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed; the Bahamas
Domestic Submarine Network links 14 of the islands and is designed
to satisfy increasing demand for voice and broadband internet
services
international: country code - 1-242; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic submarine cable
that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the
Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 (2007)

Bahrain
general assessment: modern system
domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network
with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones
international: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides
links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; tropospheric scatter to
Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite
earth station - 1 (2007)

Bangladesh
general assessment: inadequate for a modern country;
introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF
microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities
domestic: fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been
increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4
fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6;
international radiotelephone communications and landline service to
neighboring countries (2009)

Barbados
general assessment: island-wide automatic telephone system
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 50 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular telephone density approaching 125 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-246; landing point for the East
Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other
islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin
Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat
-Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia
(2009)

Belarus
general assessment: Belarus lags behind its neighbors in
upgrading telecommunications infrastructure; modernization of the
network progressing with roughly two-thirds of switching equipment
now digital
domestic: state-owned Beltelcom is the sole provider of fixed-line
local and long distance service; fixed-line teledensity is improving
although rural areas continue to be underserved; multiple GSM
mobile-cellular networks are experiencing rapid growth;
mobile-cellular teledensity reached 100 telephones per 100 persons
in 2009
international: country code - 375; Belarus is a member of the
Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line,
and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic
segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and
Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this
infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat,
Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations (2008)

Belgium
general assessment: highly developed, technologically
advanced, and completely automated domestic and international
telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive
cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of
submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

Belize
general assessment: above-average system; trunk network
depends primarily on microwave radio relay
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of 10 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 55 per 100 persons
international: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic
telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and
Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth
station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2008)

Benin
general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire, microwave
radio relay, and cellular connections; fixed-line network
characterized by aging, deteriorating equipment
domestic: fixed-line teledensity only about 2 per 100 persons;
spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers,
cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly
international: country code - 229; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; long distance fiber-optic links with Togo, Burkina Faso,
Niger, and Nigeria; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat-Atlantic
Ocean) (2008)

Bermuda
general assessment: good
domestic: fully automatic digital telephone system; fiber optic
trunk lines
international: country code - 1-441; landing points for the
GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1
(CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2007)

Bhutan
general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters
have telecommunications services
domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in
rural areas; mobile-cellular service available since 2003
international: country code - 975; international telephone and
telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2009)

Bolivia
general assessment: privatization begun in 1995; primary
trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave
radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; overall
reliability has steadily improved
domestic: most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other
cities; mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and, in
2009, teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons; fixed-line teledensity
is low at less than 10 per 100 persons
international: country code - 591; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
general assessment: post-war reconstruction
of the telecommunications network, aided by a internationally
sponsored program under EBRD, resulting in sharp increases in the
number of fixed telephone lines available
domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 22 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly and, in
2009, reached 70 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations (2009)

Botswana
general assessment: Botswana is participating in regional
development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic
cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a
system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and
radiotelephone communication stations
domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and
now stands at roughly 7 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
subscribership is rapidly approaching a teledensity of 100
telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 267; international calls are made via
satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international
exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Indian Ocean) (2008)

Brazil
general assessment: good working system including an
extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite
system with 64 earth stations; mobile-cellular usage has more than
tripled in the past 5 years
domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in
recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive
mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding
telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population
with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 90 per 100 persons in
2009
international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of
submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2,
GlobeNet, South Amrica-1, South American Crossing/Latin American
Nautilius, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and
Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe;
satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat
(Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to
Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2009)

British Indian Ocean Territory general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

British Virgin Islands
general assessment: worldwide telephone
service
domestic: fixed line connections exceed 80 per 100 persons and
mobile cellular subscribership is approaching 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-284; connected via submarine cable
to Bermuda; the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable
provides connectivity to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean
(2008)

Brunei
general assessment: service throughout the country is good;
international service is good to Southeast Asia, Middle East,
Western Europe, and the US
domestic: every service available
international: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway
submarine cable network, scheduled for completion by late 2008, will
provide new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Bulgaria
general assessment: inherited an extensive but antiquated
telecommunications network from the Soviet era; quality has improved
with a modern digital trunk line now connecting switching centers in
most of the regions; remaining areas are connected by digital
microwave radio relay
domestic: the Bulgaria Telecommunications Company's fixed-line
monopoly terminated in 2005 in an effort to upgrade fixed-line
services; mobile-cellular teledensity, fostered by multiple service
providers, approached 150 telephones per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 359; submarine cable provides
connectivity to Ukraine and Russia; a combination submarine cable
and land fiber-optic system provides connectivity to Italy, Albania,
and Macedonia; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intersputnik in the
Atlantic Ocean region, 2 Intelsat in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean
regions) (2009)

Burkina Faso
general assessment: system includes microwave radio
relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone communication stations; in 2006
the government sold a 51 percent stake in the national telephone
company and ultimately plans to retain only a 23 percent stake in
the company
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular usage, fostered by multiple providers, is
increasing rapidly from a low base
international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Burma
general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and
intercity service for business and government
domestic: system barely capable of providing basic service;
mobile-cellular phone system is grossly underdeveloped with a
subscribership base of only 1 per 100 persons
international: country code - 95; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2,
Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and ShinSat (2009)

Burundi
general assessment: sparse system of open-wire,
radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio
relays
domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world;
fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at a meager 10 per
100 persons
international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Cambodia
general assessment: adequate fixed-line and/or cellular
service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; mobile-cellular
phone systems are widely used in urban areas to bypass deficiencies
in the fixed-line network; mobile-phone coverage is rapidly
expanding in rural areas
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular usage, aided by increasing competition
among service providers, is increasing and stands at 40 per 100
persons
international: country code - 855; adequate but expensive landline
and cellular service available to all countries from Phnom Penh and
major provincial cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik
(Indian Ocean region) (2009)

Cameroon
general assessment: system includes cable, microwave radio
relay, and tropospheric scatter; Camtel, the monopoly provider of
fixed-line service, provides connections for only about 1 per 100
persons; equipment is old and outdated, and connections with many
parts of the country are unreliable
domestic: mobile-cellular usage, in part a reflection of the poor
condition and general inadequacy of the fixed-line network, has
increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of 40 per 100
persons
international: country code - 237; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Canada
general assessment: excellent service provided by modern
technology
domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations
international: country code - 1; submarine cables provide links to
the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4
Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean, and 2 Intersputnik - Atlantic
Ocean region) (2007)

Cape Verde
general assessment: effective system, extensive
modernization from 1996-2000 following partial privatization in 1995
domestic: major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT);
fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing
Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in
1998; broadband services launched in 2004
international: country code - 238; landing point for the Atlantis-2
fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to
South America, Senegal, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and
Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
(2007)

Cayman Islands
general assessment: reasonably good system
domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of
competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004
international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the MAYA-1,
Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber
System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of
Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Central African Republic
general assessment: network consists
principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered
radiotelephone communication
domestic: limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line
connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple
mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from
a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services
are concentrated in Bangui
international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Chad
general assessment: inadequate system of radiotelephone
communication stations with high costs and low telephone density
domestic: fixed-line connections for only about 1 per 1000 persons
coupled with mobile-cellular subscribership base of only about 25
per 100 persons
international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Chile
general assessment: privatization begun in 1988; most advanced
telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system
based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic
satellite system with 3 earth stations
domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent
years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching a
level of 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan
American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America
Nautilius submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central
and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic
Ocean) (2009)

China
general assessment: domestic and international services are
increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed
domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and
many towns; China continues to develop its telecommunications
infrastructure, and is partnering with foreign providers to expand
its global reach; China in the summer of 2008 began a major
restructuring of its telecommunications industry, resulting in the
consolidation of its six telecom service operators to three, China
Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom, each providing both
fixed-line and mobile services
domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular
telephone systems have been installed; mobile-cellular
subscribership is increasing rapidly; the number of Internet users
exceeded 250 million by summer 2008; a domestic satellite system
with 55 earth stations is in place
international: country code - 86; a number of submarine cables
provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US;
satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Pacific Ocean and 1
Indian Ocean; 1 Intersputnik - Indian Ocean region; and 1 Inmarsat -
Pacific and Indian Ocean regions) (2008)

Christmas Island
general assessment: service provided by the
Australian network
domestic: GSM mobile-cellular telephone service replaced older
analog system in February 2005
international: country code - 61-8; satellite earth station - 1
(Intelsat provides telephone and telex service) (2005)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
general assessment: connected within
Australia's telecommunication system; a local mobile-cellular
network is in operation
domestic: NA
international: country code - 61; telephone, telex, and facsimile
communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; satellite
earth station - 1 (Intelsat) (2001)

Colombia
general assessment: modern system in many respects with a
nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system
with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities;
telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple
providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons;
mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 90 per 100
persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting
in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to
the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services
international: country code - 57; landing points for the ARCOS,
Colombia-Florida Subsea Fiber (CFX-1), Maya-1, Pan American, and the
South America-1 submarine cables providing links to the US, parts of
the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth
stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized
international switching centers) (2009)

Comoros
general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay
and HF radiotelephone communication stations
domestic: fixed-line connections only about 3 per 100 persons;
mobile cellular usage about 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 269; HF radiotelephone communications
to Madagascar and Reunion

Congo, Democratic Republic of the general assessment: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations; inadequate fixed line infrastructure domestic: state-owned operator providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 1000 persons; given the backdrop of a wholly inadequate fixed-line infrastructure, the use of mobile-cellular services has surged and subscribership in 2009 exceeded 10 million - roughly 15 per 100 persons international: country code - 243; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
general assessment: primary network consists
of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely
adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville,
Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order
domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate providing less than 1
connection per 100 persons; in the absence of an adequate fixed line
infrastructure, mobile-cellular subscribership has surged and now
exceeds 50 per 100 persons
international: country code - 242; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Cook Islands
general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers
international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex
domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of
satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF
radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small
exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and
fiber-optic cable
international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Costa Rica
general assessment: good domestic telephone service in
terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the
state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to
competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed
by the nation's telecommunications regulator.
domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave,
fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is
available
international: country code - 506; landing points for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan American
Crossing submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central
American Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
general assessment: well developed by African
standards; telecommunications sector privatized in late 1990s and
operational fixed-lines have increased since that time with two
fixed-line providers operating over open-wire lines, microwave radio
relay, and fiber-optics; 90% digitalized
domestic: with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing
in the market, usage has increased sharply to roughly 65 per 100
persons
international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1
Indian Ocean) (2009)

Croatia
general assessment: the telecommunications network has
improved steadily since the mid-1990s; local lines are digital
domestic: fixed-line teledensity holding steady at about 40 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions exceed the
population
international: country code - 385; digital international service is
provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in
the Trans-Asia-Europe (TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of 2
fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk
line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik; the ADRIA-1 submarine cable
provides connectivity to Albania and Greece (2009)

Cuba
general assessment: greater investment beginning in 1994 and
the establishment of a new Ministry of Information Technology and
Communications in 2000 has resulted in improvements in the system;
national fiber-optic system under development; 95% of switches
digitized by end of 2006; mobile-cellular telephone service is
expensive and must be paid in convertible pesos, which effectively
limits subscribership
domestic: fixed-line density remains low at less than 10 per 100
inhabitants; mobile-cellular service expanding but remains less than
5 per 100 persons
international: country code - 53; fiber-optic cable laid to but not
linked to US network; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik
(Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Cyprus
general assessment: excellent in both area under government
control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots
domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay
international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish
Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of
submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide
connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1
Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1
Arabsat)

Czech Republic
general assessment: privatization and modernization
of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but is
advancing steadily; virtually all exchanges now digital; existing
copper subscriber systems enhanced with Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line (ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other
digital signals; trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and
microwave radio relay
domestic: access to the fixed-line telephone network expanded
throughout the 1990s but the number of fixed line connections has
been dropping since then; mobile telephone usage increased sharply
beginning in the mid-1990s and the number of cellular telephone
subscriptions now greatly exceeds the population
international: country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2
Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1
Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar) (2009)

Denmark
general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph
services
domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form
trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems
international: country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine
cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth
stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat
(Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station
and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2008)

Djibouti
general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of
Djibouti are adequate, as are the microwave radio relay connections
to outlying areas of the country
domestic: Djibouti Telecom is the sole provider of
telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio
relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural
areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile
cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around
Djibouti city
international: country code - 253; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the
Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat -
Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat); Medarabtel regional microwave radio
relay telephone network (2009)

Dominica
general assessment: fully automatic network
domestic: Fixed-line teledensity is roughly 25 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity approached 150 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 1-767; landing points for the East
Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network
(GCN) submarine cables providing connectivity to other islands in
the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to
Trinidad; microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to
Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint
Lucia

Dominican Republic
general assessment: relatively efficient system
based on island-wide microwave radio relay network
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons;
multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership
of roughly 75 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-809; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), Antillas 1, and the
Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Ecuador
general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded
domestic: fixed-line services provided by multiple
telecommunications operators; fixed-line teledensity stands at about
14 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular use has surged and
subscribership reached about 95 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 593; landing points for the PAN-AM and
South America-1 submarine cables that provide links to the west
coast of South America, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and extending
onward to Aruba and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Egypt
general assessment: underwent extensive upgrading during
1990s; principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah,
Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and
microwave radio relay
domestic: largest fixed-line system in the region; as of 2010 there
were three mobile-cellular networks with a total of more than 55
million subscribers
international: country code - 20; landing point for Aletar, the
SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks, Link Around
the Globe (FLAG) Falcon and FLAG FEA; satellite earth stations - 4
(2 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, 1 Arabsat, and 1
Inmarsat); tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to
Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (2009)

El Salvador
general assessment: multiple mobile-cellular providers
are expanding services rapidly and in 2009 teledensity exceeded 100
per 100 persons; growth in fixed-line services has slowed in the
face of mobile-cellular competition
domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system
international: country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave
System (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
general assessment: digital fixed-line network in
most major urban areas and good mobile coverage
domestic: fixed-line density is about 2 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing and in 2009 stood
at about 70 percent of the population
international: country code - 240; international communications from
Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth
station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Eritrea
general assessment: inadequate; most telephones are in
Asmara; government is seeking international tenders to improve the
system (2002)
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership is
only about 3 per 100 persons (2009)
international: country code - 291; note - international connections
exist

Estonia
general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint
business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide
range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available
domestic: substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV,
and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely
available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a
large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online,
and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local
elections
international: country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland,
Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched
service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

Ethiopia
general assessment: inadequate telephone system with the
Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) maintaining a
monopoly over telecommunication services; open-wire, microwave radio
relay; radio communication in the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; 2
domestic satellites provide the national trunk service
domestic: the number of fixed lines and mobile telephones is
increasing from a small base; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
teledensity is only about 5 per 100 persons
international: country code - 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti;
microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth
stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
general assessment: NA
domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB
radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all
points on both islands
international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other
countries

Faroe Islands
general assessment: good international communications;
good domestic facilities
domestic: conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT
(analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed
international: country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1
Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands,
linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic
submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

Fiji
general assessment: modern local, interisland, and
international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose
telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio
communications center
domestic: telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited
islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone
exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons
international: country code - 679; access to important cable links
between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite
earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Finland
general assessment: modern system with excellent service
domestic: digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive
mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs
international: country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to
Estonia and Sweden; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat
transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1
Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares
the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

France
general assessment: highly developed
domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use
of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system
international: country code - 33; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US;
satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5
antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA
Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone
communications with more than 20 countries
overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; Guadeloupe
- 590; Martinique - 596; Reunion - 262

French Polynesia
general assessment: NA
domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular density is roughly 90
per 100 persons
international: country code - 689; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Gabon
general assessment: adequate system of cable, microwave radio
relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations,
and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations
domestic: a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers
is making telephone service more widely available; subscribership
reached 90 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 241; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Gambia, The
general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and
open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially
privatized in 2007
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided
by multiple mobile-cellular providers, approached 85 per 100 persons
in 2009
international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to
Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to
Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion
in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Gaza Strip
general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage
to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009
domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL
are responsible for fixed line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL
company provides cellular services
international: country code - 970 (2009)

Georgia
general assessment: fixed-line telecommunications network
has only limited coverage outside Tbilisi; long list of people
waiting for fixed line connections; multiple mobile-cellular
providers provide services to an increasing subscribership
throughout the country
domestic: cellular telephone networks cover the entire country;
mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 60 per 100 people; urban
fixed-line telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural
telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities
include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi;
nationwide pager service is available
international: country code - 995; the Georgia-Russia fiber optic
submarine cable provides connectivity to Russia; international
service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through
the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service
are available

Germany
general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most
technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of
intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly
backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to
World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the
western part
domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic
telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic
cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic
satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available,
expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign
countries
international: country code - 49; Germany's international service is
excellent worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable
facilities as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat,
Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2001)

Ghana
general assessment: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless
local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line
infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra
domestic: competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has
spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 60 per 100 persons
and rising
international: country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC,
Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide
connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth
stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link
to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors (2009)

Gibraltar
general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system
and adequate international facilities
domestic: automatic exchange facilities
international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio
relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Greece
general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all
areas; good mobile telephone and international service
domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire
connections; submarine cable to offshore islands
international: country code - 30; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
Europe, Middle East, and Asia; a number of smaller submarine cables
provide connectivity to various parts of Europe, the Middle East,
and Cyprus; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2
Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1
Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region)

Greenland
general assessment: adequate domestic and international
service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay;
totally digital since 1995
domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite
international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12
Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)

Grenada
general assessment: automatic, island-wide telephone system
domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links
international: country code - 1-473; landing point for the East
Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13
other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British
Virgin Islands to Trinidad; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and
Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Guam
general assessment: modern system, integrated with US
facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers
domestic: digital system, including mobile-cellular service and
local access to the Internet
international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for
submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a trans-Pacific
communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia);
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Guatemala
general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the
city of Guatemala
domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the
late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity
roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being
concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular
teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 502; landing point for both the
Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber
optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to
South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US;
connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth
station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Guernsey
general assessment: NA
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available;
combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100
persons
international: country code - 44; 1 submarine cable

Guinea
general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire lines,
small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio
relay system
domestic: Conakry reasonably well served; coverage elsewhere remains
inadequate and large companies tend to rely on their own systems for
nationwide links; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding and exceeded 50
per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Guinea-Bissau
general assessment: small system including a
combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines,
radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications
domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity reached 35 per 100 in 2009
international: country code - 245 (2008)

Guyana
general assessment: fair system for long-distance service;
microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack
fixed-line telephone services
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons; ;
mobile-cellular teledensity about 35 per 100 persons in 2005
international: country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Haiti
general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is among
the least developed in Latin America and the Caribbean; domestic
facilities barely adequate; international facilities slightly better
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone services are expanding rapidly
due, in part, to the introduction of low-cost GSM phones;
mobile-cellular teledensity reached 40 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 509; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Holy See (Vatican City)
general assessment: automatic digital
exchange
domestic: connected via fiber optic cable to Telecom Italia network
international: country code - 39; uses Italian system

Honduras
general assessment: the number of fixed-line connections
are increasing but still limited; competition among multiple
providers of mobile-cellular services is contributing to a sharp
increase in the number of subscribers
domestic: beginning in 2003, private sub-operators allowed to
provide fixed-lines in order to expand telephone coverage
contributing to an increase in fixed-line teledensity to roughly 10
per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership reached 100 per 100
persons in 2009
international: country code - 504; landing point for both the
Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 fiber
optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to
South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US;
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to
Central American Microwave System

Hong Kong
general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent
domestic and international services
domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic
network
international: country code - 852; multiple international submarine
cables provide connections to Asia, US, Australia, the Middle East,
and Western Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific
Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China

Hungary
general assessment: the telephone system has been
modernized; the system is digital and highly automated; trunk
services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave
radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was
initiated in 1996
domestic: competition among mobile-cellular service providers has
led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since
2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections
international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable
connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch
is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic
Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture
terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals

Iceland
general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is
modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations,
fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network
domestic: liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning
in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the
mobile services segment of the market
international: country code - 354; the CANTAT-3 and FARICE-1
submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Canada, the Faroe
Islands, UK, Denmark, and Germany; a planned new section of the
Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable will provide additional
connectivity to Canada, US, and Ireland; satellite earth stations -
2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean
regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the
other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

India
general assessment: supported by recent deregulation and
liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies, India has
emerged as one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world;
total telephone subscribership base reached 700 million, an overall
teledensity of 60%, and subscribership is currently growing more
than 15 million per month; urban teledensity has reached 100% and
rural teledensity is about 20% and steadily growing
domestic: mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized
nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each
with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned
service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added
in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest
domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system
(INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture
terminals (VSAT)
international: country code - 91; a number of major international
submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at
Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at
Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing
site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a
landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore
with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata
Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a
significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and
data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); 9 gateway exchanges operating
from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai
(Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam
(2010)

Indonesia
general assessment: domestic service includes an
interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic
satellite communications system; international service good
domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by
use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas;
mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly
international: country code - 62; landing point for both the
SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide
links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth
stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Iran
general assessment: currently being modernized and expanded
with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and increasing
the volume of the urban service but also bringing telephone service
to several thousand villages, not presently connected
domestic: the addition of new fiber cables and modern switching and
exchange systems installed by Iran's state-owned telecom company
have improved and expanded the fixed-line network greatly;
fixed-line availability has more than doubled to nearly 26 million
lines since 2000; additionally, mobile-cellular service has
increased dramatically serving more than 50 million subscribers in
2009; combined fixed and mobile-cellular subscribership now exceeds
100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 98; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE
with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG);
Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan
through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion
to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to
Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria,
Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9
Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat) (2009)

Iraq
general assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely
disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international
connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and
international communications through fiber optic links are in
progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly and its
subscribership base is expected to continue increasing rapidly
domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003
continue; additional switching capacity is improving access;
mobile-cellular service is available and centered on 3 GSM networks
which are being expanded beyond their regional roots, improving
country-wide connectivity; wireless local loop is available in some
metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the
hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure
international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2
Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik -
Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave
radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and
Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been
established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kuwait with planned
connections to Iran and Jordan; a link to the Fiber-Optic Link
Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine fiber-optic cable is planned (2009)

Ireland
general assessment: modern digital system using cable and
microwave radio relay
domestic: system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly
operator; increasing levels of broadband access
international: country code - 353; landing point for the
Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and
UK; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Isle of Man
general assessment: NA
domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system
international: country code - 44; fiber-optic cable, microwave radio
relay, satellite earth station, submarine cable

Israel
general assessment: most highly developed system in the
Middle East although not the largest
domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay;
all systems are digital; four privately-owned mobile-cellular
service providers with countrywide coverage
international: country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to
Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth
stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Italy
general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully
automated telephone, telex, and data services
domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks
international: country code - 39; a series of submarine cables
provide links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and US;
satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas -
3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic
Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat

Jamaica
general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone
network
domestic: the 1999 agreement to open the market for
telecommunications services resulted in rapid growth in
mobile-cellular telephone usage while the number of fixed-lines in
use has declined; combined mobile-cellular teledensity exceeded 110
per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 1-876; the Fibralink submarine cable
network provides enhanced delivery of business and broadband traffic
and is linked to the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1)
submarine cable in the Dominican Republic; the link to ARCOS-1
provides seamless connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean,
Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Japan
general assessment: excellent domestic and international
service
domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of
every kind
international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1
Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 3 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian
Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2008)

Jersey
general assessment: state-owned, partially-competitive
market; increasingly modern, with some broadband access
domestic: digital telephone system launch announced in 2006 and
currently being implemented; fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular density exceeds
100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 44; submarine cable connectivity to
Guernsey, the UK, and France (2008)

Jordan
general assessment: service has improved recently with
increased use of digital switching equipment; microwave radio relay
transmission and coaxial and fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk
lines; growing mobile-cellular usage in both urban and rural areas
is reducing use of fixed-line services; Internet penetration remains
modest and slow-growing
domestic: 1995 telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line
services to private competition; in 2005, monopoly over fixed-line
services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was
opened to competition; currently multiple mobile-cellular providers
with subscribership rapidly approaching 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 962; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
Link Around the Globe (FLAG) FEA and FLAG Falcon submarine cable
networks; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and
29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals); fiber-optic cable to Saudi
Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria;
participant in Medarabtel (2010)

Kazakhstan
general assessment: inherited an outdated
telecommunications network from the Soviet era requiring
modernization
domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of
fixed-line connections is gradually increasing and fixed-line
teledensity now roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is
increasing and the subscriber base now is roughly 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 7; international traffic with other
former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave
radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the
Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations
- 2 Intelsat (2008)

Kenya
general assessment: inadequate; fixed-line telephone system is
small and inefficient; trunks are primarily microwave radio relay;
business data commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal
(VSAT) system
domestic: sole fixed-line provider, Telkom Kenya, is slated for
privatization; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of
the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with
teledensity reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 254; The East Africa Marine System
(TEAMS) and the SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable systems; satellite
earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Kiribati
general assessment: generally good quality national and
international service
domestic: wire line service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati
(Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF
radiotelephone; wireless service available in Tarawa since 1999
international: country code - 686; Kiribati is being linked to the
Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which should
improve telephone service; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Pacific Ocean)

Korea, North
general assessment: adequate system; nationwide
fiber-optic network; mobile-cellular service expanding beyond
Pyongyang
domestic: fiber-optic links installed down to the county level;
telephone directories unavailable; mobile-cellular service,
initiated in 2002, suspended in 2004; Orascom Telecom, an Egyptian
company, launched mobile service on December 15, 2008 for the
Pyongyang area with plans to expand nationwide
international: country code - 850; satellite earth stations - 2 (1
Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Russian - Indian Ocean region); other
international connections through Moscow and Beijing (2009)

Korea, South
general assessment: excellent domestic and
international services featuring rapid incorporation of new
technologies
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available
with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 140 per 100
persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications
technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce
international: country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
satellite earth stations - 66

Kuwait
general assessment: the quality of service is excellent
domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new
subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay,
coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a
mobile-cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the
country is well supplied with pay telephones
international: country code - 965; linked to international submarine
cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); linked to Bahrain,
Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG) cable; coaxial cable and
microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6
(3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat -
Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat)

Kyrgyzstan
general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is
being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network,
digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links
domestic: fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in
urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing
coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership exceeded 80 per 100 persons
in 2009
international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS
countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other
countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway
switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1
Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the
Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Laos
general assessment: service to general public is poor but
improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to
communicate with remote areas
domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing
very rapidly
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1
Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by
China (2008)

Latvia
general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing
competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed
lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands
domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly
since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100
persons
international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now
connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden
(2008)

Lebanon
general assessment: repair of the telecommunications system,
severely damaged during the civil war, now complete
domestic: two mobile-cellular networks provide good service;
combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 55
per 100 persons
international: country code - 961; submarine cable links to Cyprus,
Egypt, and Syria; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian
Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean); coaxial cable to Syria (2009)

Lesotho
general assessment: rudimentary system consisting of a
modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system,
and a small radiotelephone communication system; mobile-cellular
telephone system is expanding
domestic: privatized in 2001, Telecom Lesotho was tasked with
providing an additional 50,000 fixed-line connections within five
years, a target not met; mobile-cellular service dominates the
market and is expanding with a subscribership exceeding 30 per 100
persons in 2009; rural services are scant
international: country code - 266; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Liberia
general assessment: the limited services available are found
almost exclusively in the capital Monrovia; fixed-line service
stagnant and extremely limited; telephone coverage extended to a
number of other towns and rural areas by four mobile-cellular
network operators
domestic: mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity
reached 25 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 231; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Libya
general assessment: telecommunications system is state-owned
and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state
retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone
system became operational in 1996
domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is
growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4
Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France
and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric
scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Liechtenstein
general assessment: automatic telephone system
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available;
combined telephone service subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable
and microwave radio relay (2008)

Lithuania
general assessment: adequate; being modernized to provide
improved international capability and better residential access
domestic: rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted
in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections;
mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 140 per 100 persons
international: country code - 370; major international connections
to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by submarine cable for further
transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland
(2008)

Luxembourg
general assessment: highly developed, completely
automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables
domestic: fixed line teledensity over 50 per 100 persons; nationwide
mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular
phones virtually saturated
international: country code - 352 (2008)

Macau
general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities
maintained for domestic and international services
domestic: termination of monopoly over mobile-cellular telephone
services in 2001 spurred sharp increase in subscriptions with
mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 200 per 100 persons in 2010;
fixed-line subscribership appears to have peaked and is now in
decline
international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle
East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2010)

Macedonia
general assessment: competition from the mobile-cellular
segment of the telecommunications market has led to a drop in
fixed-line telephone subscriptions
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
subscribership about 115 per 100 persons
international: country code - 389 (2009)

Madagascar
general assessment: system is above average for the
region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the
late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is
poorly developed; have been adding fixed line connections since 2005
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about
30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 261; SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable
and the Lion undersea cable connecting to Reunion and Mauritius;
satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1
Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Malawi
general assessment: rudimentary; privatization of Malawi
Telecommunications (MTL), a necessary step in bringing improvement
to telecommunications services, completed in 2006
domestic: limited fixed-line subscribership of about 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular services are expanding but network coverage
is limited and is based around the main urban areas; mobile-cellular
subscribership about 15 per 100 persons
international: country code - 265; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Malaysia
general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity
service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio
relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network
between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent
domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 135 per 100 persons
international: country code - 60; landing point for several major
international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to
Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
(1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Maldives
general assessment: telephone services have improved;
interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited
islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service
domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there
are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership
that exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine
cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth
station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Mali
general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving;
increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to
remote areas
domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to
nearly 30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 223; satellite communications center
and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth
stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Malta
general assessment: automatic system featuring submarine cable
and microwave radio relay between islands
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership
exceeds 165 per 100 persons
international: country code - 356; submarine cable connects to
Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Marshall Islands
general assessment: digital switching equipment;
modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international
calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits
domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular,
seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by
high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)
and mini-satellite telephones
international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications
system on Kwajalein (2005)

Mauritania
general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire
lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone
communications stations; mobile-cellular services expanding rapidly
domestic: Mauritel, the national telecommunications company, was
privatized in 2001 but remains the monopoly provider of fixed-line
services; fixed-line teledensity 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of
70 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic
satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional
capitals
international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 3 (1
Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat); optical-fiber and Asymmetric
Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cables for internet access (2008)

Mauritius
general assessment: small system with good service
domestic: monopoly over fixed-line services terminated in 2005;
fixed-line teledensity roughly 30 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
services launched in 1989 with teledensity in 2009 reaching 85 per
100 persons
international: country code - 230; landing point for the SAFE
submarine cable that provides links to Asia and South Africa where
it connects to the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable that provides further
links to parts of East Africa, and Europe; satellite earth station -
1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF
radiotelephone links to several countries (2009)

Mayotte
general assessment: small system administered by French
Department of Posts and Telecommunications
domestic: NA
international: country code - 262; microwave radio relay and HF
radiotelephone communications to Comoros

Mexico
general assessment: adequate telephone service for business
and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular
availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line
subscribers; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations;
extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of
fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable
domestic: despite the opening to competition in January 1997, Telmex
remains dominant; Fixed-line teledensity is less than 20 per 100
persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons in
2009
international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine
cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain,
and Italy; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and
the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central
America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US;
satellite earth stations - 120 (32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad (giving
Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much
of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 1 Panamsat,
numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American
Microwave System of trunk connections (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of general assessment: adequate system domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes), satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap international: country code - 691; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)

Moldova
general assessment: poor service outside Chisinau; some
modernization is under way
domestic: depending on location, new subscribers may face long wait
for service; multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular
telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a
CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 90 per 100 persons
international: country code - 373; service through Romania and
Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3
(Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2009)

Monaco
general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the
country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services
to residential and business customers
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
exceeds 100%
international: country code - 377; no satellite earth stations;
connected by cable into the French communications system

Mongolia
general assessment: network is improving with international
direct dialing available in many areas; a fiber-optic network has
been installed that is improving broadband and communication
services between major urban centers with multiple companies
providing inter-city fiber-optic cable services
domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity; there are multiple
mobile- cellular providers and subscribership is increasing rapidly;
international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7

Montenegro
general assessment: modern telecommunications system with
access to European satellites
domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple
providers with national coverage, is growing
international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect
the national system

Montserrat
general assessment: modern and fully digitalized
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone systems available
international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East
Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13
other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British
Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Morocco
general assessment: good system composed of open-wire lines,
cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers
are Casablanca and Rabat; national network nearly 100% digital using
fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio
relay; Internet available but expensive
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 10 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular subscribership approached 75 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas
Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Euroafrica, Spain-Morocco, and
SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optical telecommunications undersea cables that
provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite
earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat;
microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara;
coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in
Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable link from Agadir to Algeria and
Tunisia (2009)

Mozambique
general assessment: a fair telecommunications system that
is shackled with a heavy state presence, lack of competition, and
high operating costs and charges
domestic: stagnation in the fixed-line network contrasts with rapid
growth in the mobile-cellular network; mobile-cellular coverage now
includes all the main cities and key roads, including those from
Maputo to the South African and Swaziland borders, the national
highway through Gaza and Inhambane provinces, the Beira corridor,
and from Nampula to Nacala; extremely low fixed-line teledensity;
despite significant growth in mobile-cellular services, teledensity
remains low at about 25 per 100 persons
international: country code - 258; satellite earth stations - 5
Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); landing point for
the SEACOM fiber-optic cable

Namibia
general assessment: good system; core fiber-optic network
links most centers and connections are now digital
domestic: multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined
subscribership of nearly 60 telephones per 100 persons; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 per 100 persons
international: country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South
Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to
other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East
(SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth
stations - 4 Intelsat (2008)

Nauru
general assessment: adequate local and international
radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities
domestic: NA
international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Nepal
general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair
radiotelephone communication service and mobile-cellular telephone
network
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone service
subscribership base only about 30 per 100 persons
international: country code - 977; radiotelephone communications;
microwave landline to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Indian Ocean) (2008)

Netherlands
general assessment: highly developed and well maintained
domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular
telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third
generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet
Protocol (VoIP) services
international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to
the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1
Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (2007)

New Caledonia
general assessment: a submarine cable network
connection between New Caledonia and Australia, completed in 2007,
is expected to significantly increase network capacity and improve
high-speed connectivity and access to international networks
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
subscribership exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 687; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

New Zealand
general assessment: excellent domestic and international
systems
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable
system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite
earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other)

Nicaragua
general assessment: system being upgraded by foreign
investment; nearly all installed telecommunications capacity now
uses digital technology, owing to investments since privatization of
the formerly state-owned telecommunications company
domestic: since privatization, access to fixed-line and
mobile-cellular services has improved but teledensity still lags
behind other Central American countries; fixed-line teledensity
roughly 5 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership
is increasing and reached 55 per 100 persons in 2009; connected to
Central American Microwave System
international: country code - 505; the Americas Region Caribbean
Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic submarine cable provides
connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean,
and the US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic
Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Niger
general assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio
telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links
concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
remains less than 20 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing
cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth
stations and 1 planned
international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Nigeria
general assessment: further expansion and modernization of
the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains
a problem
domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002
resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1
per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part
responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple
cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching
50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1
Indian Ocean) (2009)

Niue
domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on
island
international: country code - 683 (2001)

Norfolk Island
general assessment: adequate
domestic: free local calls
international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with
Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Northern Mariana Islands
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Norway
general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most
advanced telecommunications networks in Europe
domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of
rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems
international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems;
submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe;
satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic
Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -
Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic
countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Oman
general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire,
microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited
coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both
increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced
to remote villages using wireless local loop systems
international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the
Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide
connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth
stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2008)

Pakistan
general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure
is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in
fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of
microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular,
and satellite networks;
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding
100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have
cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access
to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the
country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen
only marginally over the same period and there are still
difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia,
the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat
(1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international
gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio
relay to neighboring countries (2009)

Palau
general assessment: NA
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a
combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Panama
general assessment: domestic and international facilities
well developed
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased
rapidly
international: country code - 507; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), the MAYA-1, and PAN-AM
submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and
parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America;
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to
the Central American Microwave System (2008)

Papua New Guinea
general assessment: services are minimal;
facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio,
aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services
domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available;
combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 15 per
100 persons
international: country code - 675; submarine cables to Australia and
Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean);
international radio communication service (2009)

Paraguay
general assessment: the fixed-line market is a state
monopoly and fixed-line telephone service is meager; principal
switching center is in Asuncion
domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have
resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered
by competition among multiple providers
international: country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Peru
general assessment: adequate for most requirements; nationwide
microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12
earth stations
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 10 per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple
providers, has increased to roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and
Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts
of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth
stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Philippines
general assessment: good international radiotelephone
and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service
adequate
domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations;
mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 80 telephones per
100 persons
international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables
together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and
Europe; multiple international gateways (2009)

Pitcairn Islands
general assessment: satellite phone services
domestic: domestic communication via radio (CB)
international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1
(Inmarsat)

Poland
general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications
network has accelerated with market-based competition; fixed-line
service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by
the growth in mobile-cellular services
domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided
by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning
operations in late 2006; coverage is generally good with some gaps
in the east; fixed-line service lags in rural areas
international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with
automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to
Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2009)

Portugal
general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a
state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities
domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave
radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations
international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables
provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa,
the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3
Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;
tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)

Puerto Rico
general assessment: modern system integrated with that
of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with
high-speed data capability
domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services
international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide
connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

Qatar
general assessment: modern system centered in Doha
domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone
subscribership exceeds 300 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides
links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter
to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE;
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian
Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2009)

Romania
general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being
expanded and modernized; domestic and international service
improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services
domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic;
fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons;
mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 115
telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System
provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth
stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate
in Bucharest (2009)

Russia
general assessment: the telephone system is experiencing
significant changes; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed to
offer communication services; access to digital lines has improved,
particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail services are
improving; Russia has made progress toward building the
telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy;
the estimated number of mobile subscribers jumped from fewer than 1
million in 1998 to some 230 million in 2009; a large demand for
fixed line service remains unsatisfied
domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint
Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the
telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital
infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are
available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are
still outdated, inadequate, and low density
international: country code - 7; Russia is connected internationally
by undersea fiber optic cables; digital switches in several cities
provide more than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite
earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat,
Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2008)

Rwanda
general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system
primarily serves business, education, and government
domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the
provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular
telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF
radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
density has increased to about 25 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 250; international connections employ
microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite
communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations -
1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax
service)

Saint Barthelemy
general assessment: fully integrated access
domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable
provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
general assessment:
can communicate worldwide
domestic: automatic digital network
international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island)
- 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data
communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4,
Saint Helena - 1)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
general assessment: good interisland and
international connections
domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable;
construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in
November 2004
international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by
the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean
fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Saint Lucia
general assessment: adequate system
domestic: system is automatically switched
international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic
System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF)
submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls
internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique
and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to
Barbados

Saint Martin
general assessment: fully integrated access
domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable
provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
general assessment: adequate
domestic: NA
international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with
most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French
domestic satellite system

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
general assessment: adequate system
domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF
radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the
Grenadines; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 telephones per
100 persons
international: country code - 1-784; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic
System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF)
submarine cables carry international calls; connectivity also
provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados;
SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat
earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Samoa
general assessment: adequate
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons; coverage extended to roughly
95 percent of the country
international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

San Marino
general assessment: automatic telephone system completely
integrated into Italian system
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 150
telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 378; connected to Italian
international network

Sao Tome and Principe
general assessment: local telephone network of
adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
roughly 35 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Saudi Arabia
general assessment: modern system including a
combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and
fiber-optic cables
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly
international: country code - 966; landing point for the
international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe
(FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable
networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and
US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE,
Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite
earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1
Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Senegal
general assessment: good system with microwave radio relay,
coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system
domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network;
nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a
call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services
in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly
international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber optic cable
provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides
connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Serbia
general assessment: replacements of, and upgrades to,
telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has
resulted in a modern telecommunications system more than 95%
digitalized in 2009
domestic: wireless service, available through multiple providers
with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best
telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile
network launched in 2007
international: country code - 381 (2009)

Seychelles
general assessment: effective system
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 130
telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between
islands in the archipelago
international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone
communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal
countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Sierra Leone
general assessment: marginal telephone service with
poor infrastructure
domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects
Freetown to Bo and Kenema; while mobile-cellular service is growing
rapidly from a small base, service area coverage remains limited
international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Singapore
general assessment: excellent service
domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless
service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular
teledensity is more than 180 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2008)

Sint Maarten
general assessment: generally adequate facilities
domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links
international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean
Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems
provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and
the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean)

Slovakia
general assessment: Slovakia has a modern
telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent
years with the growth in cellular services
domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is
being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger
cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services
international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in
Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is
participating in several international telecommunications projects
that will increase the availability of external services

Slovenia
general assessment: well-developed telecommunications
infrastructure
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 386

Solomon Islands
general assessment: NA
domestic: mobile-cellular telephone density is about 5 telephones
per 100 persons
international: country code - 677; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Somalia
general assessment: the public telecommunications system was
almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war;
private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private
wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging
the lowest international rates on the continent
domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in
Mogadishu and in several other population centers
international: country code - 252; international connections are
available from Mogadishu by satellite

South Africa
general assessment: the system is the best developed
and most modern in Africa
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
roughly 105 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped
open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links,
fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and
wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town,
Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria
international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber
optic cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia;
satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic
Ocean)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Spain
general assessment: well developed, modern facilities;
fixed-line teledensity is roughly 50 per 100 persons
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is
nearly 175 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 34; submarine cables provide
connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth
stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA
Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Sri Lanka
general assessment: telephone services have improved
significantly and are available in most parts of the country
domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital
microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area
and fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is
strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership
is increasing
international: country code - 94; the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4
submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, Australia, Middle
East, Europe, US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian
Ocean)

Sudan
general assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards
and being upgraded; cellular communications started in 1996 and have
expanded substantially with wide coverage of most major cities
domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic,
radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic
satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: country code - 249; linked to international submarine
cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth
stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2000)

Suriname
general assessment: international facilities are good
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
roughly 175 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 597; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Svalbard
general assessment: probably adequate
domestic: local telephone service
international: country code - 47-790; satellite earth station - 1 of
unknown type (for communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Swaziland
general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced
system
domestic: single source for mobile-cellular service with a
geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscribership base;
combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity exceeded 60
telephones per 100 persons in 2009; telephone system consists of
carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio
relay
international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Sweden
general assessment: highly developed telecommunications
infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line,
mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration
domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice
traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some
additional telephone channels
international: country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to
other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and
Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth
station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
and Norway)

Switzerland
general assessment: highly developed telecommunications
infrastructure with excellent domestic and international services
domestic: ranked among leading countries for fixed-line teledensity
and infrastructure; mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 120 per
100 persons; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks
international: country code - 41; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean)

Syria
general assessment: fair system currently undergoing
significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic
technology and expansion of the network to rural areas
domestic: the number of fixed-line connections has increased
markedly since 2000; mobile-cellular service growing with telephone
subscribership reaching nearly 50 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 963; submarine cable connection to
Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat
(Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); coaxial
cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and
Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Taiwan
general assessment: provides telecommunications service for
every business and private need
domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized
international: country code - 886; roughly 15 submarine fiber cables
cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East,
Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2

Tajikistan
general assessment: foreign investment in the telephone
system has resulted in major improvements; conversion of the
existing fixed network from analogue to digital more than 90%
complete by 2009
domestic: fixed line availability has not changed significantly
since 1998 while mobile cellular subscribership, aided by
competition among multiple operators, has expanded rapidly; coverage
now extends to all major cities and towns
international: country code - 992; linked by cable and microwave
radio relay to other CIS republics and by leased connections to the
Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to
international gateway switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth
stations - 3 (2 Intelsat and 1 Orbita) (2009)

Tanzania
general assessment: telecommunications services are
marginal; system operating below capacity and being modernized for
better service; small aperture terminal (VSAT) system under
construction
domestic: fixed-line telephone network inadequate with less than 1
connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service, aided by
multiple providers, is increasing rapidly; trunk service provided by
open-wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and
fiber-optic cable; some links being made digital
international: country code - 255; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Thailand
general assessment: high quality system, especially in
urban areas like Bangkok
domestic: fixed line system provided by both a government owned and
commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly
international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable
systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East,
Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian
Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

Timor-Leste
general assessment: rudimentary service limited to urban
areas
domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence
associated with independence; extremely limited fixed-line services;
mobile-cellular services and coverage limited primarily to urban
areas
international: country code - 670; international service is
available in major urban centers

Togo
general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave
radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a
mobile-cellular system
domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional
system; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly
40 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating
international: country code - 228; satellite earth stations - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie

Tokelau
general assessment: modern satellite-based communications
system
domestic: radiotelephone service between islands
international: country code - 690; radiotelephone service to Samoa;
government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth
stations - 3

Tonga
general assessment: competition between Tonga
Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications
Tonga (SCT) is accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT
granted approval to introduce high-speed digital service for
telephone, Internet, and television while TCC has exclusive rights
to operate the mobile-phone network; international telecom services
are provided by government-owned Tonga Telecommunications
International (TTI)
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about
70 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network
international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
general assessment: excellent international
service; good local service
domestic: mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 185 telephones per 100
persons
international: country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide
connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America;
satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric
scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Tunisia
general assessment: above the African average and continuing
to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis;
telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available
throughout the country
domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line
network, the government has awarded a concession to build and
operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas
are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two
mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation
and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third
mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and will begin
offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to
include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone
services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall
fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 100 telephones
per 100 persons
international: country code - 216; a landing point for the
SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio
relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2
international gateway digital switches

Turkey
general assessment: comprehensive telecommunications network
undergoing rapid modernization and expansion especially in
mobile-cellular services
domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid
increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of
technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both
fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay, is facilitating
communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a
domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to
mobile-cellular telephone service is growing rapidly
international: country code - 90; international service is provided
by the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable and by submarine fiber-optic
cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas that link Turkey with
Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia; satellite
earth stations - 12 Intelsat; mobile satellite terminals - 328 in
the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Turkmenistan
general assessment: telecommunications network remains
underdeveloped and progress toward improvement is slow; strict
government control and censorship inhibits liberalization and
modernization
domestic: Turkmentelekom, in cooperation with foreign partners, has
installed high speed fiber-optic lines and has upgraded most of the
country's telephone exchanges and switching centers with new digital
technology; mobile telephone usage is expanding with Russia's Mobile
Telesystems (MTS) the primary service provider; combined fixed-line
and mobile teledensity is about 40 per 100 persons
international: country code - 993; linked by fiber-optic cable and
microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and to other countries
by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; an
exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey
via Intelsat; satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat
(2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
general assessment: fully digital system
with international direct dialing
domestic: full range of services available; GSM wireless service
available
international: country code - 1-649; the Americas Region Caribbean
Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic telecommunications submarine cable
provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the
Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean)

Tuvalu
general assessment: serves particular needs for internal
communications
domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands
international: country code - 688; international calls can be made
by satellite

Uganda
general assessment: mobile cellular service is increasing
rapidly, but the number of main lines is still deficient; work
underway on a national backbone information and communications
technology infrastructure; international phone networks and Internet
connectivity provided through satellite and VSAT applications
domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and
radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile-cellular
systems for short-range traffic; mobile-cellular teledensity about
30 per 100 persons in 2009
international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and
Tanzania

Ukraine
general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development
plan emphasizes improving domestic trunk lines, international
connections, and the mobile-cellular system
domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a
telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair;
more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be
satisfied; telephone density is rising and the domestic trunk system
is being improved; about one-third of Ukraine's networks are digital
and a majority of regional centers now have digital switching
stations; improvements in local networks and local exchanges
continue to lag; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion
has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market which has
reached 120 mobile phones per 100 people
international: country code - 380; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a
part of the fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and 3
Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic
Trans-European Lines (TEL) project that connects 18 countries;
additional international service is provided by the
Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and
by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat,
and Intersputnik satellite systems

United Arab Emirates
general assessment: modern fiber-optic
integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of
mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai
domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable
international: country code - 971; linked to the international
submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing
point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable
networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;
microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom
general assessment: technologically advanced domestic
and international system
domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and
fiber-optic systems
international: country code - 44; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US;
satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3
Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat;
at least 8 large international switching centers

United States
general assessment: a large, technologically advanced,
multipurpose communications system
domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio
relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of
telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile
telephone traffic throughout the country
international: country code - 1; multiple ocean cable systems
provide international connectivity; satellite earth stations - 61
Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5 Intersputnik
(Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and Atlantic Ocean
regions) (2000)

Uruguay
general assessment: fully digitalized
domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new
nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and
mobile-cellular teledensity is 135 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system
provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite
earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Uzbekistan
general assessment: digital exchanges in large cities but
still antiquated and inadequate in rural areas
domestic: the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbektelecom,
owner of the fixed line telecommunications system, has used loans
from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to
upgrade fixed-line services including conversion to digital
exchanges; mobile-cellular services are growing rapidly, with the
subscriber base exceeding 16 million in 2009
international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or
microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries
by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch;
after the completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe
(TAE) fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan plans to establish a fiber-optic
connection to Afghanistan (2009)

Vanuatu
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Venezuela
general assessment: modern and expanding
domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent
substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas;
substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines;
installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of
digital multimedia services; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
telephone subscribership 130 per 100 persons
international: country code - 58; submarine cable systems provide
connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US;
satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1
PanAmSat; participating with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in
the construction of an international fiber-optic network (2009)

Vietnam
general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort
into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system
domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to
Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or
microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and
the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly
international: country code - 84; a landing point for the
SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable
systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, scheduled
for completion by the end of 2008, will provide new access links to
Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian
Ocean region)

Virgin Islands
general assessment: modern system with total digital
switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: full range of services available
international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to
US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth
stations - NA

Wake Island
general assessment: satellite communications; 2 DSN
circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the
Hawaii area code - 808
domestic: NA
international: NA

Wallis and Futuna
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 681

West Bank
general assessment: continuing political and economic
instability has impeded significant liberalization of the
telecommunications industry
domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL
are responsible for fixed line services; PALTEL plans to establish a
fiber-optic connection to Jordan to route domestic mobile calls; the
Palestinian JAWWAL company and WATANIYA PALESTINE provide cellular
services
international: country code - 970; 1 international switch in
Ramallah (2009) (2009)

Western Sahara
general assessment: sparse and limited system
domestic: NA
international: country code - 212; tied into Morocco's system by
microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and satellite;
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to
Rabat, Morocco

World
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: NA

Yemen
general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have
been made to create a national telecommunications network
domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay,
cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone
systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains low by
regional standards
international: country code - 967; landing point for the
international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe
(FLAG); satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1
Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2
Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Zambia
general assessment: among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa
domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger
towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation
and network coverage is improving; domestic satellite system being
installed to improve telephone service in rural areas; Internet
service is widely available; very small aperture terminal (VSAT)
networks are operated by private firms
international: country code - 260; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 3 owned by Zamtel

Zimbabwe
general assessment: system was once one of the best in
Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance
domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines,
radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop
installations, and a substantial mobile-cellular network; Internet
connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns
and for some of the smaller ones
international: country code - 263; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat; 2 international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and
Gweru)

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

@2125

Field Listing :: Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.
Country

Terrain

Afghanistan
mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Albania
mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Algeria
mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow,
discontinuous coastal plain

American Samoa
five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited
coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Andorra
rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Angola
narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Anguilla
flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Antarctica
about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock,
with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain
ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include
parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic
Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers
form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice
shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Antigua and Barbuda
mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands,
with some higher volcanic areas

Arctic Ocean
central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar
icepack that, on average, is about 3 meters thick, although pressure
ridges may be three times that thickness; clockwise drift pattern in
the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from
the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between
Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas
during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter
and extends to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about
50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the
remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges
(Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Argentina
rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to
rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western
border

Armenia
Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast
flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Aruba
flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
low with sand and coral

Atlantic Ocean
surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea,
Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October
to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of
currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre
in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire
Atlantic basin

Australia
mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Austria
in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the
eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Azerbaijan
large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much
of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north,
Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron
Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Bahamas, The
long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Bahrain
mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central
escarpment

Bangladesh
mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Barbados
relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Belarus
generally flat and contains much marshland

Belgium
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills,
rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Belize
flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Benin
mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Bermuda
low hills separated by fertile depressions

Bhutan
mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Bolivia
rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano),
hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Bosnia and Herzegovina
mountains and valleys

Botswana
predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari
Desert in southwest

Bouvet Island
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Brazil
mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,
mountains, and narrow coastal belt

British Indian Ocean Territory
flat and low (most areas do not
exceed two meters in elevation)

British Virgin Islands
coral islands relatively flat; volcanic
islands steep, hilly

Brunei
flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland
in west

Bulgaria
mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Burkina Faso
mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in
west and southeast

Burma
central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Burundi
hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some
plains

Cambodia
mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Cameroon
diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau
in center, mountains in west, plains in north

Canada
mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Cape Verde
steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Cayman Islands
low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Central African Republic
vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau;
scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Chad
broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in
northwest, lowlands in south

Chile
low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in
east

China
mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains,
deltas, and hills in east

Christmas Island
steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central
plateau

Clipperton Island
coral atoll

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
flat, low-lying coral atolls

Colombia
flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes
Mountains, eastern lowland plains

Comoros
volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low
hills

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
vast central basin is a low-lying
plateau; mountains in east

Congo, Republic of the
coastal plain, southern basin, central
plateau, northern basin

Cook Islands
low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in
south

Coral Sea Islands
sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Costa Rica
coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including
over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Cote d'Ivoire
mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in
northwest

Croatia
geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border,
low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Cuba
mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains
in the southeast

Curacao
generally low, hilly terrain

Cyprus
central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered
but significant plains along southern coast

Czech Republic
Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains,
hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east
consists of very hilly country

Denmark
low and flat to gently rolling plains

Djibouti
coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Dominica
rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Dominican Republic
rugged highlands and mountains with fertile
valleys interspersed

Ecuador
coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands
(sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Egypt
vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

El Salvador
mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central
plateau

Equatorial Guinea
coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are
volcanic

Eritrea
dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending
highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the
northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling
plains

Estonia
marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Ethiopia
high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great
Rift Valley

European Union
fairly flat along the Baltic and Atlantic coast;
mountainous in the central and southern areas

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
rocky, hilly, mountainous with
some boggy, undulating plains

Faroe Islands
rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of
coast

Fiji
mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Finland
mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes
and low hills

France
metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling
hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially
Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small
mountains
Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior
mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the
seven other islands are volcanic in origin
Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

French Polynesia
mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with
reefs

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul): a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the
center floor of the volcano is a large plateau
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): triangular in
shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs
on the eastern side; has active thermal springs
Iles Crozet: a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is
divided into two groups of islands
Iles Kerguelen: the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is
composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and
plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll, awash at high tide; shallow
(15 m) lagoon
Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island: low, flat, and
sandy
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic
seamount

Gabon
narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Gambia, The
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Gaza Strip
flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Georgia
largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the
north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi
(Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River
Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains,
foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Germany
lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Ghana
mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Gibraltar
a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Greece
mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as
peninsulas or chains of islands

Greenland
flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow,
mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Grenada
volcanic in origin with central mountains

Guam
volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat
coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep
coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in
center, mountains in south

Guatemala
mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling
limestone plateau

Guernsey
mostly level with low hills in southwest

Guinea
generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Guinea-Bissau
mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Guyana
mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Haiti
mostly rough and mountainous

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Holy See (Vatican City)
urban; low hill

Honduras
mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Hong Kong
hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Hungary
mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on
the Slovakian border

Iceland
mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields;
coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

India
upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain
along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Indian Ocean
surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad,
circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique
reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low
atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer
air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast
winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from
cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and
northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated
by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian
Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Indonesia
mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior
mountains

Iran
rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts,
mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Iraq
mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in
south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran
and Turkey

Ireland
mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged
hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Isle of Man
hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Israel
Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central
mountains; Jordan Rift Valley

Italy
mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Jamaica
mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Jan Mayen
volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Japan
mostly rugged and mountainous

Jersey
gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Jordan
mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great
Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Kazakhstan
vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to
the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western
Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the
south

Kenya
low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift
Valley; fertile plateau in west

Kiribati
mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Korea, North
mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow
valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Korea, South
mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west
and south

Kosovo
flat fluvial basin with an elevation of 400-700 m above sea
level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of
2,000 to 2,500 m

Kuwait
flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Kyrgyzstan
peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins
encompass entire nation

Laos
mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Latvia
low plain

Lebanon
narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates
Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Lesotho
mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Liberia
mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling
plateau and low mountains in northeast

Libya
mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Liechtenstein
mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western
third

Lithuania
lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Luxembourg
mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow
valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope
down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast

Macau
generally flat

Macedonia
mountainous territory covered with deep basins and
valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country
bisected by the Vardar River

Madagascar
narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Malawi
narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills,
some mountains

Malaysia
coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Maldives
flat, with white sandy beaches

Mali
mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna
in south, rugged hills in northeast

Malta
mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal
cliffs

Marshall Islands
low coral limestone and sand islands

Mauritania
mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central
hills

Mauritius
small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains
encircling central plateau

Mayotte
generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic
peaks

Mexico
high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus;
desert

Micronesia, Federated States of islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Moldova
rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Monaco
hilly, rugged, rocky

Mongolia
vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains
in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Montenegro
highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain
backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus

Montserrat
volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal
lowland

Morocco
northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas
of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Mozambique
mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus
in northwest, mountains in west

Namibia
mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari
Desert in east

Nauru
sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs
with phosphate plateau in center

Navassa Island
raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to
undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Nepal
Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill
region, rugged Himalayas in north

Netherlands
mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders);
some hills in southeast

New Caledonia
coastal plains with interior mountains

New Zealand
predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Nicaragua
extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central
interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by
volcanoes

Niger
predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling
plains in south; hills in north

Nigeria
southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus;
mountains in southeast, plains in north

Niue
steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Norfolk Island
volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Northern Mariana Islands
southern islands are limestone with level
terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Norway
glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken
by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply
indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Oman
central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Pacific Ocean
surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated
by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents)
and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre;
in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of
Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica
reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the
eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the
western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana
Trench, which is the world's deepest

Pakistan
flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;
Balochistan plateau in west

Palau
varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of
Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier
reefs

Panama
interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland
plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Papua New Guinea
mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling
foothills

Paracel Islands
mostly low and flat

Paraguay
grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran
Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the
river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Peru
western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center
(sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Philippines
mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal
lowlands

Pitcairn Islands
rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with
cliffs

Poland
mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Portugal
mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in
south

Puerto Rico
mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north;
mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most
coastal areas

Qatar
mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and
gravel

Romania
central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian
Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and
separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian
Alps

Russia
broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous
forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern
border regions

Rwanda
mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with
altitude declining from west to east

Saint Barthelemy
hilly, almost completely surrounded by
shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
the islands of this
group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic
Mid-Ocean Ridge
Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44
dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east
Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly
circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply
dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the
coastal cliffs

Saint Kitts and Nevis
volcanic with mountainous interiors

Saint Lucia
volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
mostly barren rock

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
volcanic, mountainous

Samoa
two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands
and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky,
rugged mountains in interior

San Marino
rugged mountains

Sao Tome and Principe
volcanic, mountainous

Saudi Arabia
mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Senegal
generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in
southeast

Serbia
extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the
east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient
mountains and hills

Seychelles
Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky,
hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Sierra Leone
coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country,
upland plateau, mountains in east

Singapore
lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water
catchment area and nature preserve

Sint Maarten
low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin

Slovakia
rugged mountains in the central and northern part and
lowlands in the south

Slovenia
a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain
region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys
with numerous rivers to the east

Solomon Islands
mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Somalia
mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

South Africa
vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow
coastal plain

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
most of the islands, rising
steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is
largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South
Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Southern Ocean
the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 m over
most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the
Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep,
its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m);
the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million
sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than
a sixfold increase in area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
(21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward; it is the world's
largest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of
water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers

Spain
large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills;
Pyrenees in north

Spratly Islands
flat

Sri Lanka
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in
south-central interior

Sudan
generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south,
northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Suriname
mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Svalbard
wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west
coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and
north coasts

Swaziland
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Sweden
mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Switzerland
mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with
a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Syria
primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain;
mountains in west

Taiwan
eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently
rolling plains in west

Tajikistan
Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western
Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Tanzania
plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north,
south

Thailand
central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains
elsewhere

Timor-Leste
mountainous

Togo
gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern
plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Tokelau
low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Tonga
most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral
formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Trinidad and Tobago
mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Tunisia
mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south
merges into the Sahara

Turkey
high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain;
several mountain ranges

Turkmenistan
flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to
mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran;
borders Caspian Sea in west

Turks and Caicos Islands low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Tuvalu
low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Uganda
mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Ukraine
most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and
plateaus, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians),
and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

United Arab Emirates
flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling
sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east

United Kingdom
mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to
rolling plains in east and southeast

United States
vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low
mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in
Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
low and nearly level
sandy coral islands with narrow fringing reefs that have developed
at the top of submerged volcanic mountains, which in most cases rise
steeply from the ocean floor

Uruguay
mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Uzbekistan
mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad,
flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya,
Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east
surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral
Sea in west

Vanuatu
mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow
coastal plains

Venezuela
Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest;
central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Vietnam
low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands;
hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest

Virgin Islands
mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little
level land

Wake Island
atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and
Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former
crater, islands are part of the rim

Wallis and Futuna
volcanic origin; low hills

West Bank
mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west,
but barren in east

Western Sahara
mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or
sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast

World
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in
the Pacific Ocean

Yemen
narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged
mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the
desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Zambia
mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Zimbabwe
mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high
veld); mountains in east

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

@2127

Field Listing :: Total fertility rate

This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that
would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their
childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility
rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct
measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since
it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential
for population change in the country. A rate of two children per
woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting
in relative stability in terms of total numbers. Rates above two
children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age
is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for
families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and
for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children
indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global
fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most
pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe,
where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the
next 50 years.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Total fertility rate(children born/woman)

Afghanistan
5.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Albania
1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Algeria
1.76 children born/woman (2010 est.)

American Samoa
3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Andorra
1.34 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Angola
6.05 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Anguilla
1.75 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Argentina
2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Armenia
1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Aruba
1.85 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Australia
1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Austria
1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bahrain
2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Barbados
1.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belarus
1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belgium
1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belize
3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Benin
5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bermuda
1.98 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bhutan
2.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bolivia
3.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.26 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Botswana
2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Brazil
2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Brunei
1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
6.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burma
2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burundi
6.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cambodia
2.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cameroon
4.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Canada
1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
4.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Chad
5.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Chile
1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

China
1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Comoros
4.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.11 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
5.77 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
4.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Croatia
1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cuba
1.61 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Curacao
2.1 children born/woman (2009)

Cyprus
1.45 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Denmark
1.74 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Djibouti
2.79 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Dominica
2.08 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ecuador
2.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Egypt
3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

El Salvador
2.12 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Eritrea
4.6 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Estonia
1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

European Union
1.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Fiji
2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Finland
1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

France
1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gabon
4.62 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
4.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Georgia
1.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Germany
1.42 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ghana
3.57 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Greece
1.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Greenland
2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Grenada
2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guam
2.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guatemala
3.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guernsey
1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guinea
5.15 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
4.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guyana
2.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Haiti
3.07 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Honduras
3.17 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
1.04 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Hungary
1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iceland
1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

India
2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Indonesia
2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iran
1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iraq
3.76 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ireland
2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Israel
2.72 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Italy
1.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jamaica
2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Japan
1.2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jersey
1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jordan
3.42 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
1.87 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kenya
4.38 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kiribati
2.86 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Korea, North
1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Korea, South
1.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kuwait
2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
2.64 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Laos
3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Latvia
1.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lebanon
1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lesotho
3 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Liberia
5.24 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Libya
3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lithuania
1.24 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Macau
0.91 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Macedonia
1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Madagascar
5.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malawi
5.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malaysia
2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Maldives
1.83 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mali
6.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malta
1.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
3.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mauritania
4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mauritius
1.8 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mayotte
5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mexico
2.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
2.8 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Moldova
1.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Monaco
1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mongolia
2.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Montserrat
1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Morocco
2.23 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mozambique
5.13 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Namibia
2.57 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nauru
3.13 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nepal
2.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Netherlands
1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

New Zealand
2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
2.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Niger
7.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nigeria
4.82 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Norway
1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Oman
2.87 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Pakistan
3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Palau
1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Panama
2.48 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
3.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Paraguay
2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Peru
2.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Philippines
3.23 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Portugal
1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
1.62 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Qatar
2.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Romania
1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Russia
1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Rwanda
4.99 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 1.56 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
1.79 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
1.82 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Samoa
3.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

San Marino
1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
5.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
2.35 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Senegal
4.86 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Serbia
1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Seychelles
1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
4.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Singapore
1.1 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
1.7 children born/woman (2009)

Slovakia
1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Slovenia
1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
3.67 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Somalia
6.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

South Africa
2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Spain
1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sudan
4.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Suriname
1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
3.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sweden
1.67 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Switzerland
1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Syria
3.02 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Taiwan
1.15 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
2.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tanzania
4.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Thailand
1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
3.2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Togo
4.74 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
1.72 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tunisia
1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turkey
2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
2.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
3.14 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uganda
6.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ukraine
1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United States
2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uruguay
1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Venezuela
2.45 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Vietnam
1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
1.84 children born/woman (2010 est.)

West Bank
3.12 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

World
2.56 children born/woman (2009 est.)

Yemen
4.81 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Zambia
6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
3.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

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

@2128

Field Listing :: Government type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. Country

Government type

Afghanistan
Islamic republic

Albania
republic

Algeria
republic

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as
its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the
president of France and bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain, who are
represented in Andorra by the coprinces' representatives

Angola
republic; multiparty presidential regime

Anguilla
NA

Antarctica Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty System; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Recommendations and Measures adopted at meetings of Antarctic Treaty countries, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the 33rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in May 2010; at these periodic meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations; by April 2010, there were 48 treaty member nations: 28 consultative and 20 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 21 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments; a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through six specific annexes: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management and 6) liability arising from environmental emergencies; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Antigua and Barbuda constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and a Commonwealth realm

Argentina
republic

Armenia
republic

Aruba
parliamentary democracy

Australia
federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Austria
federal republic

Azerbaijan
republic

Bahamas, The
constitutional parliamentary democracy and a
Commonwealth realm

Bahrain
constitutional monarchy

Bangladesh
parliamentary democracy

Barbados
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Belarus
republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship

Belgium
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional
monarchy

Belize
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Benin
republic

Bermuda
parliamentary; self-governing territory

Bhutan
constitutional monarchy

Bolivia
republic; note - the new constitution defines Bolivia as a
"Social Unitarian State"

Bosnia and Herzegovina
emerging federal democratic republic

Botswana
parliamentary republic

Brazil
federal republic

British Virgin Islands
NA

Brunei
constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic
Monarchy)

Bulgaria
parliamentary democracy

Burkina Faso
parliamentary republic

Burma
military regime

Burundi
republic

Cambodia
multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Cameroon
republic; multiparty presidential regime

Canada
a parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional
monarchy

Cape Verde
republic

Cayman Islands
parliamentary democracy

Central African Republic
republic

Chad
republic

Chile
republic

China
Communist state

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Comoros
republic

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
republic

Congo, Republic of the
republic

Cook Islands
self-governing parliamentary democracy

Costa Rica
democratic republic

Cote d'Ivoire
republic; multiparty presidential regime established
1960
note: the government is currently operating under a power-sharing
agreement mandated by international mediators

Croatia
presidential/parliamentary democracy

Cuba
Communist state

Curacao
parliamentary

Cyprus
republic
note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the
island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this
separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in
July 1974 that followed a Greek military-junta-supported coup
attempt that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the
north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized
government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf
DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), which is recognized only by
Turkey

Czech Republic
parliamentary democracy

Denmark
constitutional monarchy

Djibouti
republic

Dominica
parliamentary democracy

Dominican Republic
democratic republic

Ecuador
republic

Egypt
republic

El Salvador
republic

Equatorial Guinea
republic

Eritrea
transitional government
note: following a successful referendum on independence for the
Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National
Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and
Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a
Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a
constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the
transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997,
did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential
elections; parliamentary elections were scheduled in December 2001
but were postponed indefinitely; currently the sole legal party is
the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ)

Estonia
parliamentary republic

Ethiopia
federal republic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
republic

Finland
republic

France
republic

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
republic; multiparty presidential regime

Gambia, The
republic

Georgia
republic

Germany
federal republic

Ghana
constitutional democracy

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
parliamentary republic

Greenland
parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Grenada
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Guam
NA

Guatemala
constitutional democratic republic

Guernsey
parliamentary democracy

Guinea
republic

Guinea-Bissau
republic

Guyana
republic

Haiti
republic

Holy See (Vatican City)
ecclesiastical

Honduras
democratic constitutional republic

Hong Kong
limited democracy

Hungary
parliamentary democracy

Iceland
constitutional republic

India
federal republic

Indonesia
republic

Iran
theocratic republic

Iraq
parliamentary democracy

Ireland
republic, parliamentary democracy

Isle of Man
parliamentary democracy

Israel
parliamentary democracy

Italy
republic

Jamaica
constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth
realm

Japan
a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy

Jersey
parliamentary democracy

Jordan
constitutional monarchy

Kazakhstan
republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little
power outside the executive branch

Kenya
republic

Kiribati
republic

Korea, North
Communist state one-man dictatorship

Korea, South
republic

Kosovo
republic

Kuwait
constitutional emirate

Kyrgyzstan
republic

Laos
Communist state

Latvia
parliamentary democracy

Lebanon
republic

Lesotho
parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Liberia
republic

Libya
Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the
populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state

Liechtenstein
constitutional monarchy

Lithuania
parliamentary democracy

Luxembourg
constitutional monarchy

Macau
limited democracy

Macedonia
parliamentary democracy

Madagascar
republic

Malawi
multiparty democracy

Malaysia
constitutional monarchy
note: nominally headed by paramount ruler (commonly referred to as
the King) and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a nonelected
upper house and an elected lower house; all Peninsular Malaysian
states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans)
except Melaka and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with
Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by
government; powers of state governments are limited by federal
constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain
certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their
own immigration controls)

Maldives
republic

Mali
republic

Malta
republic

Marshall Islands
constitutional government in free association with
the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21
October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Mauritania
military junta

Mauritius
parliamentary democracy

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
federal republic

Micronesia, Federated States of constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Moldova
republic

Monaco
constitutional monarchy

Mongolia
parliamentary

Montenegro
republic

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
constitutional monarchy

Mozambique
republic

Namibia
republic

Nauru
republic

Nepal
federal democratic republic

Netherlands
constitutional monarchy

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Nicaragua
republic

Niger
republic

Nigeria
federal republic

Niue
self-governing parliamentary democracy

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Norway
constitutional monarchy

Oman
monarchy

Pakistan
federal republic

Palau
constitutional government in free association with the US; the
Compact of Free Association entered into force on 1 October 1994

Panama
constitutional democracy

Papua New Guinea
constitutional parliamentary democracy and a
Commonwealth realm

Paraguay
constitutional republic

Peru
constitutional republic

Philippines
republic

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
republic

Portugal
republic; parliamentary democracy

Puerto Rico
commonwealth

Qatar
emirate

Romania
republic

Russia
federation

Rwanda
republic; presidential, multiparty system

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Saint Lucia
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
parliamentary democracy and a
Commonwealth realm

Samoa
parliamentary democracy

San Marino
republic

Sao Tome and Principe
republic

Saudi Arabia
monarchy

Senegal
republic

Serbia
republic

Seychelles
republic

Sierra Leone
constitutional democracy

Singapore
parliamentary republic

Sint Maarten
parliamentary

Slovakia
parliamentary democracy

Slovenia
parliamentary republic

Solomon Islands
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Somalia
no permanent national government; transitional,
parliamentary federal government

South Africa
republic

Spain
parliamentary monarchy

Sri Lanka
republic

Sudan
Government of National Unity (GNU) - the National Congress
Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a
power-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace
Agreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in
1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulated national
elections in 2009, but these were subsequently rescheduled for April
2010

Suriname
constitutional democracy

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
monarchy

Sweden
constitutional monarchy

Switzerland
formally a confederation but similar in structure to a
federal republic

Syria
republic under an authoritarian regime

Taiwan
multiparty democracy

Tajikistan
republic

Tanzania
republic

Thailand
constitutional monarchy

Timor-Leste
republic

Togo
republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
constitutional monarchy

Trinidad and Tobago
parliamentary democracy

Tunisia
republic

Turkey
republican parliamentary democracy

Turkmenistan
defines itself as a secular democracy and a
presidential republic; in actuality displays authoritarian
presidential rule, with power concentrated within the presidential
administration

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Uganda
republic

Ukraine
republic

United Arab Emirates
federation with specified powers delegated to
the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member
emirates

United Kingdom
constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm

United States
Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic
tradition

Uruguay
constitutional republic

Uzbekistan
republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little
power outside the executive branch

Vanuatu
parliamentary republic

Venezuela
federal republic

Vietnam
Communist state

Virgin Islands
NA

Wallis and Futuna
NA

Western Sahara
legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty
unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front
(Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de
Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a
government-in-exile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),
near Tindouf, Algeria, led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory
partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976 when Spain
withdrew, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania,
under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to
its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector
shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control;
the Polisario's government-in-exile was seated as an Organization of
African Unity (OAU) member in 1984; Morocco between 1980 and 1987
built a fortified sand berm delineating the roughly 80 percent of
Western Sahara west of the barrier that currently is controlled by
Morocco; guerrilla activities continued sporadically until a
UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented on 6 September 1991
(Security Council Resolution 690) by the United Nations Mission for
the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

Yemen
republic

Zambia
republic

Zimbabwe
parliamentary democracy

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

@2129

Field Listing :: Unemployment rate

This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without
jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Unemployment rate(%)

Afghanistan 35% (2008 est.) 40% (2005 est.)

Albania
12.7% (2010 est.)
12.8% (2009 est.)
note: these are official rates, but actual rates may exceed 30% due
to preponderance of near-subsistence farming

Algeria 9.9% (2010 est.) 10.2% (2009 est.)

American Samoa 29.8% (2005)

Andorra 7% (2008) 0% (2007)

Angola
NA

Anguilla
8% (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda
11% (2001 est.)

Argentina 7.9% (2010 est.) 8.7% (2009 est.) note: based on official data, which may understate unemployment

Armenia
7.1% (2007 est.)

Aruba
6.9% (2005 est.)

Australia
5.1% (2010 est.)
5.6% (2009 est.)

Austria
4.6% (2010 est.)
4.8% (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
0.9% (2010 est.)
6% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
7.6% (2006 est.)

Bahrain
15% (2005 est.)

Bangladesh
5.1% (2010 est.)
5.1% (2009 est.)
note: about 40% of the population is underemployed; many
participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low
wages

Barbados
10.7% (2003 est.)

Belarus
1% (2009 est.)
1.6% (2005)
note: official registered unemployed; large number of underemployed
workers

Belgium
8.1% (2010 est.)
7.9% (2009 est.)

Belize
13.1% (2009)
8.2% (2008)

Benin
NA%

Bermuda
2.1% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
4% (2009)
2.5% (2004)

Bolivia
8.3% (2010 est.)
7.7% (2009 est.)
note: data are for urban areas; widespread underemployment

Bosnia and Herzegovina
27.2% (2010 est.)
24.1% (2009 est.)
note: official rate

Botswana
7.5% (2007 est.)

Brazil 7% (2010 est.) 8.1% (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands 3.6% (1997)

Brunei
3.7% (2008)
4% (2006)

Bulgaria
9.5% (2010 est.)
6.3% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
77% (2004)

Burma
5.7% (2010 est.)
4.9% (2009 est.)

Burundi
NA%

Cambodia 3.5% (2007 est.) 2.5% (2000 est.)

Cameroon 30% (2001 est.)

Canada 8% (2010 est.) 8.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde 21% (2000 est.)

Cayman Islands
4% (2008)
4.4% (2004)

Central African Republic
8% (2001 est.)
note: 23% unemployment for Bangui

Chad
NA% est.)

Chile
8.7% (2010 est.)
9.6% (2009 est.)

China
4.3% (September 2009 est.)
4.2% (December 2008 est.)
note: official data for urban areas only; including migrants may
boost total unemployment to 9%; substantial unemployment and
underemployment in rural areas

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
60% (2000 est.)

Colombia 11.2% (2010 est.) 12% (2009 est.)

Comoros
20% (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NA%

Congo, Republic of the
NA%

Cook Islands
13.1% (2005)

Costa Rica
6.6% (2010 est.)
7.8% (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
NA
note: unemployment may have climbed to 40-50% as a result of the
civil war

Croatia
17.6% (2010 est.)
16.1% (2009 est.)

Cuba
2% (2010 est.)
1.7% (2009 est.)

Curacao
10.3% (2008 est.)

Cyprus
6% (2010 est.)
5.3% (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
9.3% (2010 est.)
8.1% (2009 est.)

Denmark
4.2% (2010 est.)
4.3% (2009 est.)

Djibouti
59% (2007 est.)
note: data are for urban areas, 83% in rural areas

Dominica
23% (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
14.2% (2010 est.)
14.9% (2009 est.)

Ecuador
7.6% (2010 est.)
8.5% (2009 est.)

Egypt
9.7% (2010 est.)
9.4% (2009 est.)

El Salvador
7% (2010 est.)
7.2% (2009 est.)
note: data are official rates; but the economy has much
underemployment

Equatorial Guinea
30% (1998 est.)

Eritrea
NA%

Estonia
13.5% (2010 est.)
13.8% (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
NA%

European Union
9.5% (2010 est.)
9% (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA%

Faroe Islands 3.9% (2009) 1.2% (2008)

Fiji 7.6% (1999)

Finland
7.9% (2010 est.)
8.2% (2009 est.)

France
9.5% (2010 est.)
9.1% (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
11.7% (2005)

Gabon
21% (2006 est.); NA%

Gambia, The
NA%

Gaza Strip
40% (2010 est.)
40% (2009 est.)

Georgia
16.4% (2009 est.)
13.6% (2006 est.)

Germany
7.1% (2010 est.)
7.5% (2009 est.)
note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated rate
for international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Office
estimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.8%

Ghana
11% (2000 est.)

Gibraltar
3% (2005 est.)

Greece
12% (2010 est.)
9.4% (2009 est.)

Greenland
6.8% (2007 est.)
7.3% (2006 est.)

Grenada
12.5% (2000)

Guam
11.4% (2002 est.)

Guatemala
3.2% (2005 est.)

Guernsey
0.9% (March 2006 est.)

Guinea
NA% est.)

Guinea-Bissau
NA%

Guyana
11% (2007)

Haiti
NA% est.)
note: widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than
two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs

Honduras
5.1% (2010 est.)
3.2% (2009 est.)
note: about 36% are unemployed or underemployed

Hong Kong
4.6% (2010 est.)
5.2% (2009 est.)

Hungary
11.5% (2010 est.)
10% (2009 est.)

Iceland
8.6% (2010 est.)
8% (2009 est.)

India
10.8% (2010 est.)
10.7% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
7.1% (2010 est.)
8.1% (2009 est.)

Iran
14.6% (2010 est.)
10.3% (2008 est.)
note: data are according to the Iranian Government

Iraq
15.3% (2009 est.)
15.2% (2008 est.)

Ireland
13.7% (2010 est.)
11.8% (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
1.8% (October 2010 est.)
1.5% (December 2006 est.)

Israel
6.4% (2010 est.)
7.6% (2009 est.)

Italy
8.4% (2010 est.)
7.8% (2009 est.)

Jamaica
12.9% (2010 est.)
11.4% (2009 est.)

Japan
5.2% (2010 est.)
5.1% (2009 est.)

Jersey
2.2% (2006 est.)

Jordan
13.4% (2010 est.)
12.9% (2009 est.)
note: official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30%

Kazakhstan
5.5% (2010 est.)
6.3% (2009 est.)

Kenya
40% (2008 est.)
40% (2001 est.)

Kiribati
2% (1992 est.)

Korea, North
NA%

Korea, South 3.7% (2010 est.) 3.7% (2009 est.)

Kosovo
16.6% (2009 est.); 14%

Kuwait
2.2% (2004 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
18% (2004 est.)

Laos
2.5% (2009 est.)
2.4% (2005 est.)

Latvia
19.1% (2010 est.)
17.1% (2009 est.)

Lebanon
NA%

Lesotho
45% (2002)

Liberia
85% (2003 est.)

Libya
30% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein
1.5% (31 December 2007)
1.3% (September 2002)

Lithuania
16% (2010 est.)
13.7% (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
5.5% (2010 est.)
5.7% (2009 est.)

Macau
3.6% (2009)
3% (2008)

Macedonia
33.1% (2010 est.)
32.2% (2009 est.)

Malawi
NA%

Malaysia 3.5% (2010 est.) 3.7% (2009 est.)

Maldives
14.4% (2006 est.)

Mali
30% (2004 est.)

Malta
7% (2009 est.)
6% (2008 est.)

Marshall Islands
36% (2006 est.)
30.9% (2000 est.)

Mauritania
30% (2008 est.)
20% (2004 est.)

Mauritius
7.5% (2010 est.)
7.3% (2009 est.)

Mayotte
25.4% (2005)

Mexico
5.6% (2010 est.)
5.5% (2009 est.)
note: underemployment may be as high as 25%

Micronesia, Federated States of
22% (2000 est.)

Moldova 3.4% (2010 est.) 3.1% (2009 est.)

Monaco 0% (2005)

Mongolia 2.8% (2008) 3% (2007)

Montenegro
14.7% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
6% (1998 est.)

Morocco 9.8% (2010 est.) 9.1% (2009 est.)

Mozambique 21% (1997 est.)

Namibia 51.2% (2008 est.) 36.7% (2004 est.)

Nauru
90% (2004 est.)

Nepal
46% (2008 est.)
42% (2004 est.)

Netherlands
5.5% (2010 est.)
4.8% (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
17.1% (2004)

New Zealand 6.5% (2010 est.) 6.2% (2009 est.)

Nicaragua 8% (2010 est.) 8.2% (2009 est.) note: underemployment was 46.5% in 2008

Niger
NA%

Nigeria
4.9% (2007 est.)

Niue
12% (2001)

Northern Mariana Islands
8% (2005 est.)
3.9% (2001)

Norway
3.7% (2010 est.)
3.2% (2009 est.)

Oman
15% (2004 est.)

Pakistan 15% (2010 est.) 14% (2009 est.) note: substantial underemployment exists

Palau 4.2% (2005 est.)

Panama 4.4% (2010 est.) 6.7% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea 1.8% (2004)

Paraguay 6.9% (2010 est.) 7.9% (2009 est.)

Peru
6.7% (2010 est.)
8.1% (2009 est.)
note: data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment

Philippines
7.5% (2010 est.)
7.5% (2009 est.)

Poland
11.8% (2010 est.)
11% (2009 est.)

Portugal
10.7% (2010 est.)
9.5% (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
12% (2002)

Qatar
0.5% (2010 est.)
0.5% (2009 est.)

Romania
8.2% (2010 est.)
7.8% (2009 est.)

Russia
7.6% (2010 est.)
8.4% (2009)

Rwanda
NA%

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
14% (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
4.5% (1997)

Saint Lucia
20% (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
10.3% (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
15% (2001 est.)

Samoa
NA%

San Marino
3.1% (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
NA%

Saudi Arabia
10.8% (2010 est.)
10.5% (2009 est.)
note: data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some
estimates range as high as 25%)

Senegal
48% (2007 est.)

Serbia
17.2% (2010 est.); 16.6% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
2% (2006 est.)

Sierra Leone
NA%

Singapore 2.3% (2010 est.) 3% (2009 est.)

Sint Maarten 10.6% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
12.5% (2010 est.)
11.4% (2009 est.)

Slovenia
10.6% (2010 est.)
9.2% (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
NA%

Somalia
NA%

South Africa
23.3% (2010 est.)
24% (2009 est.)

Spain
20% (2010 est.)
18.1% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
5.4% (2010 est.)
5.9% (2009 est.)

Sudan
18.7% (2002 est.)

Suriname
9.5% (2004)

Swaziland
40% (2006 est.)

Sweden
8.3% (2010 est.)
8.3% (2009 est.)

Switzerland
3.9% (2010 est.)
3.7% (2009 est.)

Syria
8.3% (2010 est.)
8.5% (2009 est.)

Taiwan
5.2% (2010 est.)
5.9% (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
2.2% (2009 est.)
2.3% (2008 est.)
note: official rates; actual unemployment is higher

Tanzania
NA%

Thailand
1.2% (2010 est.)
1.5% (2009)

Timor-Leste
20% (2006 est.)
note: data are for rural areas, unemployment rises to more than 40%
among urban youth

Togo
NA%

Tokelau
NA%

Tonga
13% (FY03/04 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
6.4% (2010 est.)
5.8% (2009 est.)

Tunisia
14% (2010 est.)
13.3% (2009 est.)

Turkey
12.4% (2010 est.)
14.1% (2009 est.)
note: underemployment amounted to 4% in 2008

Turkmenistan
60% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
10% (1997 est.)

Tuvalu
NA%

Uganda
NA%

Ukraine
8.4% (2010 est.)
8.8% (2009 est.)
note: officially registered; large number of unregistered or
underemployed workers

United Arab Emirates
2.4% (2001)

United Kingdom
7.9% (2010 est.)
7.6% (2009 est.)

United States
9.6% (2010 est.)
9.3% (2009 est.)

Uruguay
7.4% (2010 est.)
7.6% (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
1.1% (2010 est.)
1.1% (2009 est.)
note: officially measured by the Ministry of Labor, plus another 20%
underemployed

Vanuatu
1.7% (1999)

Venezuela
12.1% (2010 est.)
7.9% (2009 est.)

Vietnam
6.4% (2010 est.)
6.5% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
6.2% (2004)

Wallis and Futuna
15.2% (2003)

West Bank
16.5% (2010 est.)
19% (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
NA%

World
8.8% (2010 est.)
8.2% (2009 est.)
note: 30% (2007 est.) combined unemployment and underemployment in
many non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically
4%-12% unemployment

Yemen
35% (2003 est.)

Zambia
50% (2000 est.)

Zimbabwe 95% (2009 est.) 80% (2005 est.)

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

@2137

Field Listing :: Military - note

This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Military - note

Akrotiri
Akrotiri has a full RAF base, Headquarters for British
Forces Cyprus, and Episkopi Support Unit

American Samoa
defense is the responsibility of the US

Andorra
defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Anguilla
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Antarctica
the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military
nature, such as the establishment of military bases and
fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the
testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military
personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other
peaceful purposes

Argentina
the Argentine military is a well-organized force
constrained by the country's prolonged economic hardship; the
country has recently experienced a strong recovery, and the military
is implementing a modernization plan aimed at making the ground
forces lighter and more responsive (2008)

Aruba
defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
defense is the responsibility of
Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal
Australian Air Force

Barbados
the Royal Barbados Defense Force includes a land-based
Troop Command and a small Coast Guard; the primary role of the land
element is to defend the island against external aggression; the
Command consists of a single, part-time battalion with a small
regular cadre that is deployed throughout the island; it
increasingly supports the police in patrolling the coastline to
prevent smuggling and other illicit activities (2007)

Bermuda
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Bouvet Island
defense is the responsibility of Norway

British Indian Ocean Territory
defense is the responsibility of the
UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

British Virgin Islands
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Cayman Islands
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Christmas Island
defense is the responsibility of Australia

Clipperton Island
defense is the responsibility of France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
defense is the responsibility of Australia;
the territory has a five-person police force

Cook Islands
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in
consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Coral Sea Islands
defense is the responsibility of Australia

Cuba
the collapse of the Soviet Union deprived the Cuban military of
its major economic and logistic support and had a significant impact
on the state of Cuban equipment; the army remains well trained and
professional in nature; while the lack of replacement parts for its
existing equipment has increasingly affected operational
capabilities, Cuba remains able to offer considerable resistance to
any regional power (2010)

Curacao
defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands

Dhekelia
includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station
connected by a roadway

European Union
the five-nation Eurocorps - created in 1992 by
France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg - has deployed
troops and police on peacekeeping missions to Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and assumed
command of the ISAF in Afghanistan in August 2004; Eurocorps
directly commands the 5,000-man Franco-German Brigade, the
Multinational Command Support Brigade, and EUFOR in Bosnia and
Herzegovina; in November 2004, the EU Council of Ministers formally
committed to creating 13 1,500-man battle groups by the end of 2007,
to respond to international crises on a rotating basis; 22 of the
EU's 27 nations have agreed to supply troops; France, Italy, and the
UK formed the first of three battle groups in 2005; Norway, Sweden,
Estonia, and Finland established the Nordic Battle Group effective 1
January 2008; nine other groups are to be formed; a rapid-reaction
naval EU Maritime Task Group was stood up in March 2007 (2007)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) defense is the responsibility of the UK

Faroe Islands
defense is the responsibility of Denmark

French Polynesia
defense is the responsibility of France

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
defense is the responsibility of
France

Georgia
a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in
the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer
group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Gibraltar
defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal
Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces
in 1992

Greenland
defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Guam
defense is the responsibility of the US

Guernsey
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
defense is the responsibility of
Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Holy See (Vatican City) defense is the responsibility of Italy; ceremonial and limited security duties performed by Pontifical Swiss Guard

Hong Kong
defense is the responsibility of China

Iceland
Iceland has no standing military force; under a 1951
bilateral agreement - still valid - its defense was provided by the
US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik;
however, all US military forces in Iceland were withdrawn as of
October 2006; although wartime defense of Iceland remains a NATO
commitment, in April 2007, Iceland and Norway signed a bilateral
agreement providing for Norwegian aerial surveillance and defense of
Icelandic airspace (2008)

Isle of Man
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Jan Mayen
defense is the responsibility of Norway

Jersey
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Kiribati
Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance
is provided by Australia and NZ

Laos
serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao
People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and
ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal
security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups;
together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the
government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state
machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil
unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has
upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no
perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong
ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)

Lesotho
Lesotho's declared policy is maintenance of its independent
sovereignty and preservation of internal security; in practice,
external security is guaranteed by South Africa; restructuring of
the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and Ministry of Defense and Public
Service over the past five years has focused on subordinating the
defense apparatus to civilian control and restoring the LDF's
cohesion; the restructuring has considerably improved capabilities
and professionalism, but the LDF is disproportionately large for a
small, poor country; the government has outlined a reduction to a
planned 1,500-man strength, but these plans have met with vociferous
resistance from the political opposition and from inside the LDF
(2008)

Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein has no military forces but is interested
in European security policy and is an active member of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Macau
defense is the responsibility of China

Maldives
the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small
size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent
external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the
Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive
economic zone (2008)

Marshall Islands
defense is the responsibility of the US

Mayotte
defense is the responsibility of France; a small contingent
of French forces is stationed on the island

Micronesia, Federated States of
defense is the responsibility of the
US

Monaco
defense is the responsibility of France

Montserrat
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Nauru
Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal
agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

Navassa Island
defense is the responsibility of the US

New Caledonia
defense is the responsibility of France

Niue
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Norfolk Island
defense is the responsibility of Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
defense is the responsibility of the US

Palau
defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of
Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is
granted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationed
any military forces there (2008)

Panama
on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA
abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by
creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's
Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting
the creation of a standing military force but allowing the temporary
establishment of special police units to counter acts of "external
aggression"

Paracel Islands
occupied by China

Pitcairn Islands
defense is the responsibility of the UK

Puerto Rico
defense is the responsibility of the US

Saint Barthelemy
defense is the responsibility of France

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha defense is the responsibility of the UK

Saint Martin
defense is the responsibility of France

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
defense is the responsibility of France

Samoa
Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces;
informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider
any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

San Marino
defense is the responsibility of Italy

Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny force
with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly
ineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is considered
simple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment or
replacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay, working
conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have
been problems in the past, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003 coups;
these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance aimed at
improving the army and its focus on realistic security concerns;
command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of
Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff (2005)

Sint Maarten
defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands

South Africa
with the end of apartheid and the establishment of
majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and
ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National
Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was
considered complete

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
defense is the
responsibility of the UK

Spratly Islands
Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small
islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by
China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Svalbard
Svalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty
on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to
fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard

Tokelau
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Turkey
a "National Security Policy Document" adopted in October 2005
increases the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) role in internal security,
augmenting the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie
General Command (Jandarma); the TSK leadership continues to play a
key role in politics and considers itself guardian of Turkey's
secular state; in April 2007, it warned the ruling party about any
pro-Islamic appointments; despite on-going negotiations on EU
accession since October 2005, progress has been limited in
establishing required civilian supremacy over the military; primary
domestic threats are listed as fundamentalism (with the definition
in some dispute with the civilian government), separatism (the
Kurdish problem), and the extreme left wing; Ankara strongly opposed
establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region; an overhaul of the
Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) taking place under the "Force
2014" program is to produce 20-30% smaller, more highly trained
forces characterized by greater mobility and firepower and capable
of joint and combined operations; the TLFC has taken on increasing
international peacekeeping responsibilities, and took charge of a
NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) command in
Afghanistan in April 2007; the Turkish Navy is a regional naval
power that wants to develop the capability to project power beyond
Turkey's coastal waters; the Navy is heavily involved in NATO,
multinational, and UN operations; its roles include control of
territorial waters and security for sea lines of communications; the
Turkish Air Force adopted an "Aerospace and Missile Defense Concept"
in 2002 and has initiated project work on an integrated missile
defense system; Air Force priorities include attaining a modern
deployable, survivable, and sustainable force structure, and
establishing a sustainable command and control system (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
defense is the responsibility of the UK

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges defense is the responsibility of the US

Virgin Islands
defense is the responsibility of the US

Wake Island
defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air
Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the
island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by
the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Wallis and Futuna
defense is the responsibility of France

Yemen
a Coast Guard was established in 2002

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

@2138

Field Listing :: Communications - note

This entry includes miscellaneous communications information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Communications - note

Afghanistan
Internet access is growing through Internet cafes as
well as public "telekiosks" in Kabul (2005)

Bouvet Island
automatic meteorological station

Coral Sea Islands there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

French Southern and Antarctic Lands one or more meteorological stations on each possession; note - meteorological station on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) is important for forecasting cyclones

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

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

@2140

Field Listing :: Government - note

This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Government - note

French Polynesia
under certain acts of France, French Polynesia has
acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police and
justice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and
defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are
fashioned after those of the French prime minister

New Zealand
while not an official symbol, the Kiwi, a small native
flightless bird, represents New Zealand

Solomon Islands
by the end of 2007, the Regional Assistance Mission
to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - originally made up of police and
troops from Australia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga - had
been scaled back to 303 police officers, 197 civilian technical
advisers, and 72 military advisers from 15 countries across the
region

Somalia
although an interim government was created in 2004, other
regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control
various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic
of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State
of Puntland in northeastern Somalia

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

@2141

Field Listing :: Group

Country

Group

Afghanistan
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Akrotiri
All, Europe, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Albania
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Algeria
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

American Samoa
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Andorra
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Angola
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Anguilla
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Antarctica
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
America

Arctic Ocean
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Argentina
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Armenia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Aruba
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia
- Oceania

Atlantic Ocean
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Australia
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Austria
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Azerbaijan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Bahamas, The
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Bahrain
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Bangladesh
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Barbados
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Belarus
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

Belgium
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Belize
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Benin
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Bermuda
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, North America

Bhutan
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Bolivia
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Bosnia and Herzegovina
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Botswana
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Bouvet Island
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Antarctica

Brazil
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

British Indian Ocean Territory
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, South
Asia

British Virgin Islands
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
America

Brunei
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Bulgaria
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Burkina Faso
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Burma
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Burundi
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Cambodia
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Cameroon
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Canada
All, APLAA, Eurasia/North America, North America

Cape Verde
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Cayman Islands
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Central African Republic
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Chad
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Chile
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

China
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Christmas Island
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Clipperton Island
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, North
America

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia -
Oceania

Colombia
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Comoros
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa,
Africa

Congo, Republic of the
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Cook Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Coral Sea Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Costa Rica
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Cote d'Ivoire
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Croatia
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Cuba
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Cyprus
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Czech Republic
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Denmark
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Dhekelia
All, Europe, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Djibouti
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Dominica
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Dominican Republic
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
America

Ecuador
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Egypt
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

El Salvador
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Equatorial Guinea
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Eritrea
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Estonia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Ethiopia
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

European Union
All, Europe, Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
All, APLAA, South America/Global,
South America

Faroe Islands
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Fiji
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Finland
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

France
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

French Polynesia
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
All, OREA, Europe/French
Dependencies, Antarctica

Gabon
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Gambia, The
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Gaza Strip
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Georgia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Germany
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Ghana
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Gibraltar
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Greece
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Greenland
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, North America

Grenada
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Guam
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Guatemala
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Guernsey
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Guinea
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Guinea-Bissau
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Guyana
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Haiti
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania,
Antarctica

Holy See (Vatican City)
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Honduras
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Hong Kong
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Hungary
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Iceland
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

India
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Indian Ocean
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Indonesia
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Iran
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Iraq
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Ireland
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Isle of Man
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Israel
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Italy
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Jamaica
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Jan Mayen
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Japan
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Jersey
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Jordan
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Kazakhstan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Kenya
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Kiribati
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Korea, North
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Korea, South
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Kosovo
All, Europe

Kuwait
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Kyrgyzstan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Laos
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Latvia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Lebanon
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Lesotho
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Liberia
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Libya
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Liechtenstein
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Lithuania
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Luxembourg
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
Europe

Macau
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Macedonia
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Madagascar
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malawi
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malaysia
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Maldives
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Mali
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malta
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Marshall Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Mauritania
All, NESA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Mauritius
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Mayotte
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Africa

Mexico
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, North America

Micronesia, Federated States of
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania,
Australia - Oceania

Moldova
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

Monaco
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Mongolia
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Montenegro
All, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Montserrat
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Morocco
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Mozambique
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Namibia
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Nauru
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Navassa Island
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Nepal
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Netherlands
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
Europe

New Caledonia
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
Oceania

New Zealand
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Nicaragua
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Niger
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Nigeria
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Niue
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Norfolk Island
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Northern Mariana Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia -
Oceania

Norway
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Oman
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Pacific Ocean
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Pakistan
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Palau
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Panama
All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Papua New Guinea
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Paracel Islands
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Paraguay
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Peru
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Philippines
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Pitcairn Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Poland
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Portugal
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
Europe

Puerto Rico
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Qatar
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Romania
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Russia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Rwanda
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saint Barthelemy
All, Central America

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
All, APLAA,
Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
America

Saint Lucia
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Saint Martin
All, Central America

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies,
North America

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
All, APLAA, North
America/Caribbean, Central America

Samoa
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

San Marino
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Sao Tome and Principe
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saudi Arabia
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Senegal
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Serbia
All, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Seychelles
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Sierra Leone
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Singapore
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Slovakia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Slovenia
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Solomon Islands
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Somalia
All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

South Africa
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
All, APLAA, South
America/Global

Southern Ocean
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Spain
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Spratly Islands
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Sudan
All, NESA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Suriname
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Svalbard
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Swaziland
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Sweden
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Switzerland
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Syria
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Taiwan
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Tajikistan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Tanzania
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Thailand
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Togo
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Tokelau
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Tonga
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Trinidad and Tobago
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
America

Tunisia
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Turkey
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Middle East

Turkmenistan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Turks and Caicos Islands
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean,
Central America

Tuvalu
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Uganda
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Ukraine
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

United Arab Emirates
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

United Kingdom
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European
Union, Europe

United States
All, APLAA, Eurasia/North America, North America

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
All, Australia -
Oceania

Uruguay
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Uzbekistan
All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Vanuatu
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Venezuela
All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Vietnam
All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Virgin Islands
All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Wake Island
All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Wallis and Futuna
All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
Oceania

West Bank
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Western Sahara
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

World
All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Yemen
All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Zambia
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Zimbabwe
All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

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

@2142

Field Listing :: Country name

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

Country name

Afghanistan
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
conventional short form: Afghanistan
local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestan
local short form: Afghanestan
former: Republic of Afghanistan

Akrotiri
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Akrotiri

Albania
conventional long form: Republic of Albania
conventional short form: Albania
local long form: Republika e Shqiperise
local short form: Shqiperia
former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Algeria
conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of
Algeria
conventional short form: Algeria
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash
Sha'biyah
local short form: Al Jaza'ir

American Samoa
conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa
conventional short form: American Samoa
abbreviation: AS

Andorra
conventional long form: Principality of Andorra
conventional short form: Andorra
local long form: Principat d'Andorra
local short form: Andorra

Angola
conventional long form: Republic of Angola
conventional short form: Angola
local long form: Republica de Angola
local short form: Angola
former: People's Republic of Angola

Anguilla
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Anguilla

Antarctica
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina
conventional long form: Argentine Republic
conventional short form: Argentina
local long form: Republica Argentina
local short form: Argentina

Armenia
conventional long form: Republic of Armenia
conventional short form: Armenia
local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
local short form: Hayastan
former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, Armenian Republic

Aruba
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional long form: Territory of
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Australia
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia
conventional short form: Australia

Austria
conventional long form: Republic of Austria
conventional short form: Austria
local long form: Republik Oesterreich
local short form: Oesterreich

Azerbaijan
conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan
conventional short form: Azerbaijan
local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi
local short form: Azarbaycan
former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Bahamas, The
conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
conventional short form: The Bahamas

Bahrain
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
conventional short form: Bahrain
local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
local short form: Al Bahrayn
former: Dilmun

Bangladesh
conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh
conventional short form: Bangladesh
local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh
local short form:
former: East Bengal, East Pakistan

Barbados
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Barbados

Belarus
conventional long form: Republic of Belarus
conventional short form: Belarus
local long form: Respublika Byelarus'
local short form: Byelarus'
former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Belgium
conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie
local short form: Belgique/Belgie

Belize
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Belize
former: British Honduras

Benin
conventional long form: Republic of Benin
conventional short form: Benin
local long form: Republique du Benin
local short form: Benin
former: Dahomey

Bermuda
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bermuda
former: Somers Islands

Bhutan
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
conventional short form: Bhutan
local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
local short form: Druk Yul

Bolivia
conventional long form: Plurinational State of Bolivia
conventional short form: Bolivia
local long form: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
local short form: Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: none local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana
conventional long form: Republic of Botswana
conventional short form: Botswana
local long form: Republic of Botswana
local short form: Botswana
former: Bechuanaland

Bouvet Island
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Brazil
conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil
conventional short form: Brazil
local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil
local short form: Brasil

British Indian Ocean Territory
conventional long form: British
Indian Ocean Territory
conventional short form: none
abbreviation: BIOT

British Virgin Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: British Virgin Islands
abbreviation: BVI

Brunei
conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam
conventional short form: Brunei
local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam
local short form: Brunei

Bulgaria
conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria
conventional short form: Bulgaria
local long form: Republika Balgariya
local short form: Balgariya

Burkina Faso
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Burkina Faso
local long form: none
local short form: Burkina Faso
former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Burma
conventional long form: Union of Burma
conventional short form: Burma
local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the
US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of
Myanmar)
local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw
former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the
name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; the US
Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the
Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Burundi
conventional long form: Republic of Burundi
conventional short form: Burundi
local long form: Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi
local short form: Burundi
former: Urundi

Cambodia
conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia
conventional short form: Cambodia
local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phonetic
pronunciation)
local short form: Kampuchea
former: Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of
Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Cameroon
conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon
conventional short form: Cameroon
local long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon
local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon
former: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of
Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon

Canada
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Canada

Cape Verde
conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde
conventional short form: Cape Verde
local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde
local short form: Cabo Verde

Cayman Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Central African Republic
conventional long form: Central African
Republic
conventional short form: none
local long form: Republique Centrafricaine
local short form: none
former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire
abbreviation: CAR

Chad
conventional long form: Republic of Chad
conventional short form: Chad
local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad
local short form: Tchad/Tshad

Chile
conventional long form: Republic of Chile
conventional short form: Chile
local long form: Republica de Chile
local short form: Chile

China
conventional long form: People's Republic of China
conventional short form: China
local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
local short form: Zhongguo
abbreviation: PRC

Christmas Island
conventional long form: Territory of Christmas
Island
conventional short form: Christmas Island

Clipperton Island conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia
conventional long form: Republic of Colombia
conventional short form: Colombia
local long form: Republica de Colombia
local short form: Colombia

Comoros
conventional long form: Union of the Comoros
conventional short form: Comoros
local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian); Union des Comores
(French); Jumhuriyat al Qamar al Muttahidah (Arabic)
local short form: Komori (Comorian); Comores (French); Juzur al
Qamar (Arabic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo conventional short form: DRC local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo local short form: RDC former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire abbreviation: DRC

Congo, Republic of the conventional long form: Republic of the Congo conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) local long form: Republique du Congo local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Cook Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cook Islands
former: Harvey Islands

Coral Sea Islands
conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Costa Rica
conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire
conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire
local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire
local short form: Cote d'Ivoire
note: pronounced coat-div-whar
former: Ivory Coast

Croatia
conventional long form: Republic of Croatia
conventional short form: Croatia
local long form: Republika Hrvatska
local short form: Hrvatska
former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia

Cuba
conventional long form: Republic of Cuba
conventional short form: Cuba
local long form: Republica de Cuba
local short form: Cuba

Curacao
Dutch long form: Land Curacao
Dutch short form: Curacao
Papiamentu long form: Pais Korsou
Papiamentu short form: Korsou
former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Cyprus
conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus
conventional short form: Cyprus
local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti
local short form: Kypros/Kibris
note: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern
part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC")

Czech Republic
conventional long form: Czech Republic
conventional short form: Czech Republic
local long form: Ceska Republika
local short form: Cesko

Denmark
conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
conventional short form: Denmark
local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
local short form: Danmark

Dhekelia
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Dhekelia

Djibouti
conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti
conventional short form: Djibouti
local long form: Republique de Djibouti/Jumhuriyat Jibuti
local short form: Djibouti/Jibuti
former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Dominica
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica
conventional short form: Dominica

Dominican Republic
conventional long form: Dominican Republic
conventional short form: The Dominican
local long form: Republica Dominicana
local short form: La Dominicana

Ecuador
conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador
conventional short form: Ecuador
local long form: Republica del Ecuador
local short form: Ecuador

Egypt
conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt
conventional short form: Egypt
local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
local short form: Misr
former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

El Salvador
conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador
conventional short form: El Salvador
local long form: Republica de El Salvador
local short form: El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea
conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial
Guinea
conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea
local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial/Republique de Guinee
equatoriale
local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial/Guinee equatoriale
former: Spanish Guinea

Eritrea
conventional long form: State of Eritrea
conventional short form: Eritrea
local long form: Hagere Ertra
local short form: Ertra
former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Estonia
conventional long form: Republic of Estonia
conventional short form: Estonia
local long form: Eesti Vabariik
local short form: Eesti
former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Ethiopia
conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia
conventional short form: Ethiopia
local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik
local short form: Ityop'iya
former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa
abbreviation: FDRE

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Faroe Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Faroe Islands
local long form: none
local short form: Foroyar

Fiji
conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands
conventional short form: Fiji
local long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands/Matanitu ko Viti
local short form: Fiji/Viti

Finland
conventional long form: Republic of Finland
conventional short form: Finland
local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland
local short form: Suomi/Finland

France
conventional long form: French Republic
conventional short form: France
local long form: Republique francaise
local short form: France

French Polynesia
conventional long form: Overseas Lands of French
Polynesia
conventional short form: French Polynesia
local long form: Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise
local short form: Polynesie Francaise
former: French Colony of Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
conventional long form:
Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands
local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques
Francaises
local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
abbreviation: TAAF

Gabon
conventional long form: Gabonese Republic
conventional short form: Gabon
local long form: Republique Gabonaise
local short form: Gabon

Gambia, The
conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
conventional short form: The Gambia

Gaza Strip
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Gaza Strip
local long form: none
local short form: Qita' Ghazzah

Georgia
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Georgia
local long form: none
local short form: Sak'art'velo
former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Germany
conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany
conventional short form: Germany
local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
local short form: Deutschland
former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Ghana
conventional long form: Republic of Ghana
conventional short form: Ghana
former: Gold Coast

Gibraltar
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Gibraltar

Greece
conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
conventional short form: Greece
local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia
local short form: Ellas or Ellada
former: Kingdom of Greece

Greenland
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Greenland
local long form: none
local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Grenada
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Grenada

Guam
conventional long form: Territory of Guam
conventional short form: Guam
local long form: Guahan
local short form: Guahan

Guatemala
conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala
conventional short form: Guatemala
local long form: Republica de Guatemala
local short form: Guatemala

Guernsey
conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey
conventional short form: Guernsey

Guinea
conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
conventional short form: Guinea
local long form: Republique de Guinee
local short form: Guinee
former: French Guinea

Guinea-Bissau
conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau
local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau
local short form: Guine-Bissau
former: Portuguese Guinea

Guyana
conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
conventional short form: Guyana
former: British Guiana

Haiti
conventional long form: Republic of Haiti
conventional short form: Haiti
local long form: Republique d'Haiti/Repiblik d' Ayiti
local short form: Haiti/Ayiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional long form: Territory
of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
abbreviation: HIMI

Holy See (Vatican City) conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City) conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City) local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Honduras
conventional long form: Republic of Honduras
conventional short form: Honduras
local long form: Republica de Honduras
local short form: Honduras

Hong Kong
conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region
conventional short form: Hong Kong
local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu
local short form: Xianggang
abbreviation: HK

Hungary
conventional long form: Republic of Hungary
conventional short form: Hungary
local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag
local short form: Magyarorszag

Iceland
conventional long form: Republic of Iceland
conventional short form: Iceland
local long form: Lydveldid Island
local short form: Island

India
conventional long form: Republic of India
conventional short form: India
local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya
local short form: India/Bharat

Indonesia
conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia
conventional short form: Indonesia
local long form: Republik Indonesia
local short form: Indonesia
former: Netherlands East Indies, Dutch East Indies

Iran
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran
conventional short form: Iran
local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
local short form: Iran
former: Persia

Iraq
conventional long form: Republic of Iraq
conventional short form: Iraq
local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq
local short form: Al Iraq

Ireland
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Ireland
local long form: none
local short form: Eire

Isle of Man
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Isle of Man
abbreviation: I.O.M.

Israel
conventional long form: State of Israel
conventional short form: Israel
local long form: Medinat Yisra'el
local short form: Yisra'el

Italy
conventional long form: Italian Republic
conventional short form: Italy
local long form: Repubblica Italiana
local short form: Italia
former: Kingdom of Italy

Jamaica
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jamaica

Jan Mayen
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Japan
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Japan
local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku
local short form: Nihon/Nippon

Jersey
conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey
conventional short form: Jersey

Jordan
conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
conventional short form: Jordan
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah
local short form: Al Urdun
former: Transjordan

Kazakhstan
conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan
conventional short form: Kazakhstan
local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy
local short form: Qazaqstan
former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Kenya
conventional long form: Republic of Kenya
conventional short form: Kenya
local long form: Republic of Kenya/Jamhuri ya Kenya
local short form: Kenya
former: British East Africa

Kiribati
conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati
conventional short form: Kiribati
local long form: Republic of Kiribati
local short form: Kiribati
note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss
former: Gilbert Islands

Korea, North
conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of
Korea
conventional short form: North Korea
local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk
local short form: Choson
abbreviation: DPRK

Korea, South
conventional long form: Republic of Korea
conventional short form: South Korea
local long form: Taehan-min'guk
local short form: Han'guk
abbreviation: ROK

Kosovo
conventional long form: Republic of Kosovo
conventional short form: Kosovo
local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Republika Kosovo)
local short form: Kosova (Kosovo)

Kuwait
conventional long form: State of Kuwait
conventional short form: Kuwait
local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt
local short form: Al Kuwayt

Kyrgyzstan
conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
local short form: Kyrgyzstan
former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Laos
conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Latvia
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
conventional short form: Latvia
local long form: Latvijas Republika
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Lebanon
conventional long form: Lebanese Republic
conventional short form: Lebanon
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah
local short form: Lubnan
former: Greater Lebanon

Lesotho
conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
conventional short form: Lesotho
local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
local short form: Lesotho
former: Basutoland

Liberia
conventional long form: Republic of Liberia
conventional short form: Liberia

Libya
conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya
conventional short form: Libya
local long form: Al Jamahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah
al Ishtirakiyah al Uthma
local short form: none

Liechtenstein
conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein
conventional short form: Liechtenstein
local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein
local short form: Liechtenstein

Lithuania
conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania
conventional short form: Lithuania
local long form: Lietuvos Respublika
local short form: Lietuva
former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Luxembourg
conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
conventional short form: Luxembourg
local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg
local short form: Luxembourg

Macau
conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region
conventional short form: Macau
local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao
Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)
local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Macedonia
conventional long form: Republic of Macedonia
conventional short form: Macedonia
local long form: Republika Makedonija
local short form: Makedonija
note: the provisional designation used by the UN, EU, and NATO is
the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM)
former: People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of
Macedonia

Madagascar
conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar
conventional short form: Madagascar
local long form: Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara
local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara
former: Malagasy Republic

Malawi
conventional long form: Republic of Malawi
conventional short form: Malawi
local long form: Dziko la Malawi
local short form: Malawi
former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland
Protectorate, Nyasaland

Malaysia
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Malaysia
local long form: none
local short form: Malaysia
former: Federation of Malaya

Maldives
conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
conventional short form: Maldives
local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

Mali
conventional long form: Republic of Mali
conventional short form: Mali
local long form: Republique de Mali
local short form: Mali
former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Malta
conventional long form: Republic of Malta
conventional short form: Malta
local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
local short form: Malta

Marshall Islands
conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall
Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
local short form: Marshall Islands
abbreviation: RMI
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands
District

Mauritania
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah

Mauritius
conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius
conventional short form: Mauritius
local long form: Republic of Mauritius
local short form: Mauritius

Mayotte
conventional long form: Department Collectivity of Mayotte
conventional short form: Mayotte

Mexico
conventional long form: United Mexican States
conventional short form: Mexico
local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
local short form: Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of
conventional long form: Federated
States of Micronesia
conventional short form: none
local long form: Federated States of Micronesia
local short form: none
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and
Yap Districts
abbreviation: FSM

Moldova
conventional long form: Republic of Moldova
conventional short form: Moldova
local long form: Republica Moldova
local short form: Moldova
former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet
Socialist Republic

Monaco
conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form: Monaco
local long form: Principaute de Monaco
local short form: Monaco

Mongolia
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Mongolia
local long form: none
local short form: Mongol Uls
former: Outer Mongolia

Montenegro
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montenegro
local long form: none
local short form: Crna Gora
former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of
Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro

Montserrat
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat

Morocco
conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco
conventional short form: Morocco
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
local short form: Al Maghrib

Mozambique
conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique
conventional short form: Mozambique
local long form: Republica de Mocambique
local short form: Mocambique
former: Portuguese East Africa

Namibia
conventional long form: Republic of Namibia
conventional short form: Namibia
local long form: Republic of Namibia
local short form: Namibia
former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Nauru
conventional long form: Republic of Nauru
conventional short form: Nauru
local long form: Republic of Nauru
local short form: Nauru
former: Pleasant Island

Navassa Island
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Navassa Island

Nepal
conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
conventional short form: Nepal
local long form: Sanghiya Loktantrik Ganatantra Nepal
local short form: Nepal

Netherlands
conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands
conventional short form: Netherlands
local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
local short form: Nederland

New Caledonia
conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and
Dependencies
conventional short form: New Caledonia
local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances
local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

New Zealand
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: New Zealand
abbreviation: NZ

Nicaragua
conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua
conventional short form: Nicaragua
local long form: Republica de Nicaragua
local short form: Nicaragua

Niger
conventional long form: Republic of Niger
conventional short form: Niger
local long form: Republique du Niger
local short form: Niger

Nigeria
conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria
conventional short form: Nigeria

Niue
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Niue
note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like
new-wee
former: Savage Island

Norfolk Island
conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands abbreviation: CNMI former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Norway
conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway
conventional short form: Norway
local long form: Kongeriket Norge
local short form: Norge

Oman
conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman
conventional short form: Oman
local long form: Saltanat Uman
local short form: Uman
former: Muscat and Oman

Pakistan
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
conventional short form: Pakistan
local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan
local short form: Pakistan
former: West Pakistan

Palau
conventional long form: Republic of Palau
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Panama
conventional long form: Republic of Panama
conventional short form: Panama
local long form: Republica de Panama
local short form: Panama

Papua New Guinea
conventional long form: Independent State of Papua
New Guinea
conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
local short form: Papuaniugini
former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG

Paracel Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Paraguay
conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
conventional short form: Paraguay
local long form: Republica del Paraguay
local short form: Paraguay

Peru
conventional long form: Republic of Peru
conventional short form: Peru
local long form: Republica del Peru
local short form: Peru

Philippines
conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form: Philippines
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form: Pilipinas

Pitcairn Islands
conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie,
and Oeno Islands
conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Poland
conventional long form: Republic of Poland
conventional short form: Poland
local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska
local short form: Polska

Portugal
conventional long form: Portuguese Republic
conventional short form: Portugal
local long form: Republica Portuguesa
local short form: Portugal

Puerto Rico
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Qatar
conventional long form: State of Qatar
conventional short form: Qatar
local long form: Dawlat Qatar
local short form: Qatar
note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls
between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Romania
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Romania
local long form: none
local short form: Romania

Russia
conventional long form: Russian Federation
conventional short form: Russia
local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya
local short form: Rossiya
former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Rwanda
conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda
conventional short form: Rwanda
local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda
local short form: Rwanda
former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Saint Barthelemy
conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of
Saint Barthelemy
conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy
local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy
local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
conventional long
form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
conventional short form: none

Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Saint Lucia conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Saint Martin
conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint
Martin
conventional short form: Saint Martin
local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin
local short form: Saint-Martin

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
conventional long form: Territorial
Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa
conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa
conventional short form: Samoa
local long form: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa
local short form: Samoa
former: Western Samoa

San Marino
conventional long form: Republic of San Marino
conventional short form: San Marino
local long form: Repubblica di San Marino
local short form: San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Saudi Arabia
conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
conventional short form: Saudi Arabia
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Senegal
conventional long form: Republic of Senegal
conventional short form: Senegal
local long form: Republique du Senegal
local short form: Senegal
former: Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Serbia
conventional long form: Republic of Serbia
conventional short form: Serbia
local long form: Republika Srbija
local short form: Srbija
former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Seychelles
conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
conventional short form: Seychelles
local long form: Republic of Seychelles
local short form: Seychelles

Sierra Leone
conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
conventional short form: Sierra Leone
local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
local short form: Sierra Leone

Singapore
conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
conventional short form: Singapore
local long form: Republic of Singapore
local short form: Singapore

Sint Maarten
Dutch long form: Land Sint Maarten
Dutch short form: Sint Maarten
English long form: Country of Sint Maarten
English short form: Sint Maarten
former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Slovakia
conventional long form: Slovak Republic
conventional short form: Slovakia
local long form: Slovenska Republika
local short form: Slovensko

Slovenia
conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia
conventional short form: Slovenia
local long form: Republika Slovenija
local short form: Slovenija
former: People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Solomon Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Solomon Islands
local long form: none
local short form: Solomon Islands
former: British Solomon Islands

Somalia
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Somalia
local long form: Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed
local short form: Soomaaliya
former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

South Africa
conventional long form: Republic of South Africa
conventional short form: South Africa
former: Union of South Africa
abbreviation: RSA

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
conventional long form:
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
conventional short form: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
abbreviation: SGSSI

Spain
conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain
conventional short form: Spain
local long form: Reino de Espana
local short form: Espana

Spratly Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka
conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of
Sri Lanka
conventional short form: Sri Lanka
local long form: Shri Lamka Prajatantrika Samajaya di
Janarajaya/Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu
local short form: Shri Lamka/Ilankai
former: Serendib, Ceylon

Sudan
conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan
conventional short form: Sudan
local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan
local short form: As-Sudan
former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Suriname
conventional long form: Republic of Suriname
conventional short form: Suriname
local long form: Republiek Suriname
local short form: Suriname
former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Svalbard
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as
Spitzbergen)

Swaziland
conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
conventional short form: Swaziland
local long form: Umbuso weSwatini
local short form: eSwatini

Sweden
conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden
conventional short form: Sweden
local long form: Konungariket Sverige
local short form: Sverige

Switzerland
conventional long form: Swiss Confederation
conventional short form: Switzerland
local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German);
Confederation Suisse (French); Confederazione Svizzera (Italian);
Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)
local short form: Schweiz (German); Suisse (French); Svizzera
(Italian); Svizra (Romansh)

Syria
conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic
conventional short form: Syria
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah
local short form: Suriyah
former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Taiwan
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Taiwan
local long form: none
local short form: Taiwan
former: Formosa

Tajikistan
conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan
conventional short form: Tajikistan
local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston
local short form: Tojikiston
former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Tanzania
conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania
conventional short form: Tanzania
local long form: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania
local short form: Tanzania
former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Thailand
conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand
conventional short form: Thailand
local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai
local short form: Prathet Thai
former: Siam

Timor-Leste
conventional long form: Democratic Republic of
Timor-Leste (pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay)
conventional short form: Timor-Leste
local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum];
Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]
local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]
former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor

Togo
conventional long form: Togolese Republic
conventional short form: Togo
local long form: Republique togolaise
local short form: none
former: French Togoland

Tokelau
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tokelau

Tonga
conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga
conventional short form: Tonga
local long form: Pule'anga Tonga
local short form: Tonga
former: Friendly Islands

Trinidad and Tobago
conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago
conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia
conventional long form: Tunisian Republic
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis

Turkey
conventional long form: Republic of Turkey
conventional short form: Turkey
local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti
local short form: Turkiye

Turkmenistan
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turkmenistan
local long form: none
local short form: Turkmenistan
former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Turks and Caicos Islands
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands
abbreviation: TCI

Tuvalu
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tuvalu
local long form: none
local short form: Tuvalu
former: Ellice Islands
note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight" referring to the country's
eight traditionally inhabited islands

Uganda
conventional long form: Republic of Uganda
conventional short form: Uganda

Ukraine
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Ukraine
local long form: none
local short form: Ukrayina
former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian
Soviet Socialist Republic

United Arab Emirates
conventional long form: United Arab Emirates
conventional short form: none
local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
local short form: none
former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States
abbreviation: UAE

United Kingdom
conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland; note - Great Britain includes England,
Scotland, and Wales
conventional short form: United Kingdom
abbreviation: UK

United States
conventional long form: United States of America
conventional short form: United States
abbreviation: US or USA

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
conventional long
form: none
conventional short form: Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis
Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Palmyra Atoll

Uruguay
conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
conventional short form: Uruguay
local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay
local short form: Uruguay
former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

Uzbekistan
conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan
conventional short form: Uzbekistan
local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi
local short form: Ozbekiston
former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Vanuatu
conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu
conventional short form: Vanuatu
local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
local short form: Vanuatu
former: New Hebrides

Venezuela
conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
conventional short form: Venezuela
local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela
local short form: Venezuela

Vietnam
conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
conventional short form: Vietnam
local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
local short form: Viet Nam
abbreviation: SRV

Virgin Islands
conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
conventional short form: Virgin Islands
former: Danish West Indies
abbreviation: USVI

Wake Island
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Wake Island

Wallis and Futuna
conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis
and Futuna Islands
conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna
local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna
local short form: Wallis et Futuna

West Bank
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: West Bank

Western Sahara
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Western Sahara
former: Rio de Oro, Saguia el Hamra, Spanish Sahara

Yemen
conventional long form: Republic of Yemen
conventional short form: Yemen
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah
local short form: Al Yaman
former: Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]

Zambia
conventional long form: Republic of Zambia
conventional short form: Zambia
former: Northern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe
conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe
conventional short form: Zimbabwe
former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

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

@2144

Field Listing :: Location

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

Location

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

Akrotiri
Eastern Mediterranean, peninsula on the southwest coast of
Cyprus

Albania
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian
Sea, between Greece in the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the
north

Algeria
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Morocco and Tunisia

American Samoa
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,
about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Andorra
Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Angola
Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North
Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Antarctica
continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Antigua and Barbuda
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and
the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Arctic Ocean
body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America,
mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Argentina
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic
Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Armenia
Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Aruba
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian
Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island

Atlantic Ocean
body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern
Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere

Australia
Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South
Pacific Ocean

Austria
Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Azerbaijan
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between
Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus
range

Bahamas, The
Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic
Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Bahrain
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi
Arabia

Bangladesh
Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma
and India

Barbados
Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of
Venezuela

Belarus
Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Belgium
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and
the Netherlands

Belize
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between
Guatemala and Mexico

Benin
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria
and Togo

Bermuda
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean,
east of South Carolina (US)

Bhutan
Southern Asia, between China and India

Bolivia
Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic
Sea and Croatia

Botswana
Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Bouvet Island
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the
Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Brazil
Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

British Indian Ocean Territory
archipelago in the Indian Ocean,
south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia

British Virgin Islands
Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Brunei
Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Bulgaria
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between
Romania and Turkey

Burkina Faso
Western Africa, north of Ghana

Burma
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of
Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Burundi
Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cambodia
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between
Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos

Cameroon
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between
Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria

Canada
Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on
the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on
the north, north of the conterminous US

Cape Verde
Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic
Ocean, west of Senegal

Cayman Islands
Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman
Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268
km northwest of Jamaica

Central African Republic
Central Africa, north of Democratic
Republic of the Congo

Chad
Central Africa, south of Libya

Chile
Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
between Argentina and Peru

China
Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow
Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Christmas Island
Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean,
south of Indonesia

Clipperton Island
Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean,
1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the
Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia
to Sri Lanka

Colombia
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea,
between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between Ecuador and Panama

Comoros
Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of
the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern
Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Congo, Republic of the
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic
Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Cook Islands
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,
about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Coral Sea Islands
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of
Australia

Costa Rica
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Cote d'Ivoire
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Ghana and Liberia

Croatia
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia

Cuba
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Curacao
Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea - located 56.35 km
off the coast of Venezuela

Cyprus
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Czech Republic
Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia,
and Austria

Denmark
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,
on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major
islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Dhekelia
Eastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus
near Famagusta

Djibouti
Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea,
between Eritrea and Somalia

Dominica
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and
Tobago

Dominican Republic
Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of
Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,
east of Haiti

Ecuador
Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the
Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Egypt
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and
includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

El Salvador
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between Guatemala and Honduras

Equatorial Guinea
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra,
between Cameroon and Gabon

Eritrea
Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and
Sudan

Estonia
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of
Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Ethiopia
Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

European Union
Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west
and Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Southern South America, islands in
the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Faroe Islands
Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Iceland and
Norway

Fiji
Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Finland
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

France
metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of
Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of
the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain
French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic
Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico
Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
Madagascar

French Polynesia
Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean
about half way between South America and Australia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Gabon
Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator,
between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Gambia, The
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and
Senegal

Gaza Strip
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Egypt and Israel

Georgia
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey
and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending
into Europe

Germany
Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,
between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Ghana
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote
d'Ivoire and Togo

Gibraltar
Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar,
which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on
the southern coast of Spain

Greece
Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and
the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Greenland
Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean
and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Grenada
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Guam
Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about
three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Guatemala
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras
(Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Guernsey
Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest
of France

Guinea
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Guinea and Senegal

Guyana
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Suriname and Venezuela

Haiti
Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola,
between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the
Dominican Republic

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
islands in the Indian Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica

Holy See (Vatican City)
Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Honduras
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between
Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North
Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Hong Kong
Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Hungary
Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Iceland
Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom

India
Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of
Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Indian Ocean
body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia,
and Australia

Indonesia
Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean
and the Pacific Ocean

Iran
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and
the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Iraq
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Ireland
Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of
Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Isle of Man
Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great
Britain and Ireland

Israel
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt
and Lebanon

Italy
Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central
Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Jamaica
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Jan Mayen
Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the
Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland

Japan
Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and
the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Jersey
Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of
France

Jordan
Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Kazakhstan
Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of
the Ural (Zhayyq) River in eastern-most Europe

Kenya
Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia
and Tanzania

Kiribati
Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean,
straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about half way between
Hawaii and Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed
that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert
Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line
Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the
International Date Line

Korea, North
Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula
bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and
South Korea

Korea, South
Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula
bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Kosovo
Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Kuwait
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and
Saudi Arabia

Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia, west of China

Laos
Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Latvia
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and
Lithuania

Lebanon
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel
and Syria

Lesotho
Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Liberia
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Libya
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Egypt and Tunisia

Liechtenstein
Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Lithuania
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia
and Russia

Luxembourg
Western Europe, between France and Germany

Macau
Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Macedonia
Southeastern Europe, north of Greece

Madagascar
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
Mozambique

Malawi
Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Malaysia
Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and
northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia,
Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Maldives
Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean,
south-southwest of India

Mali
Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Malta
Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of
Sicily (Italy)

Marshall Islands
Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29
atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands
in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and
Australia

Mauritania
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Senegal and Western Sahara

Mauritius
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
Madagascar

Mayotte
Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel,
about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Mexico
Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of
Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North
Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States

Micronesia, Federated States of
Oceania, island group in the North
Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to
Indonesia

Moldova
Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Monaco
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the
southern coast of France, near the border with Italy

Mongolia
Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Montenegro
Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia

Montserrat
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of
Puerto Rico

Morocco
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Mozambique
Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel,
between South Africa and Tanzania

Namibia
Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Angola and South Africa

Nauru
Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the
Marshall Islands

Navassa Island
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 35 miles west
of Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti

Nepal
Southern Asia, between China and India

Netherlands
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium
and Germany

New Caledonia
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
Australia

New Zealand
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast
of Australia

Nicaragua
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Niger
Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Nigeria
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin
and Cameroon

Niue
Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Norfolk Island
Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
Oceania, islands in the North Pacific
Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Norway
Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Oman
Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and
Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Pacific Ocean
body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia,
Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Pakistan
Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on
the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Palau
Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean,
southeast of the Philippines

Panama
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Papua New Guinea
Oceania, group of islands including the eastern
half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South
Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Paracel Islands
Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs
in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central
Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Paraguay
Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Peru
Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
between Chile and Ecuador

Philippines
Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine
Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Pitcairn Islands
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
midway between Peru and New Zealand

Poland
Central Europe, east of Germany

Portugal
Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
west of Spain

Puerto Rico
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Qatar
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi
Arabia

Romania
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between
Bulgaria and Ukraine

Russia
Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part
of Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North
Pacific Ocean

Rwanda
Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Saint Barthelemy
located approximately 125 miles northwest of
Guadeloupe

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
islands in the South
Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa;
Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da
Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about
one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Lucia
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Martin
island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Northern North America, islands in the
North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Caribbean, islands between the
Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Samoa
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

San Marino
Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Sao Tome and Principe
Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea,
straddling the Equator, west of Gabon

Saudi Arabia
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red
Sea, north of Yemen

Senegal
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Serbia
Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Seychelles
archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Sierra Leone
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Guinea and Liberia

Singapore
Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Sint Maarten
Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern)
group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean
Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands

Slovakia
Central Europe, south of Poland

Slovenia
Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea,
between Austria and Croatia

Solomon Islands
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific
Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea

Somalia
Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian
Ocean, east of Ethiopia

South Africa
Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent
of Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Southern South America,
islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Southern Ocean
body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and
Antarctica

Spain
Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay,
Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains,
southwest of France

Spratly Islands
Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the
South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam
to the southern Philippines

Sri Lanka
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Sudan
Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and
Eritrea

Suriname
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between French Guiana and Guyana

Svalbard
Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents
Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Swaziland
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Sweden
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Switzerland
Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Syria
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon
and Turkey

Taiwan
Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea,
Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the
Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Tajikistan
Central Asia, west of China

Tanzania
Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya
and Mozambique

Thailand
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf
of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Timor-Leste
Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser
Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note
- Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the
Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of
Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Togo
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and
Ghana

Tokelau
Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean,
about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Tonga
Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and
the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Tunisia
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Algeria and Libya

Turkey
Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of
Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe),
bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering
the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Turkmenistan
Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran
and Kazakhstan

Turks and Caicos Islands
Caribbean, two island groups in the North
Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Tuvalu
Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the
South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to
Australia

Uganda
Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Ukraine
Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland,
Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east

United Arab Emirates
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the
Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom
Western Europe, islands including the northern
one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean
and the North Sea, northwest of France

United States
North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean
and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Oceania
Baker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,830 nm (3,389 km)
southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 1,815 nm (3,361
km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and
Australia
Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 1,305 nm (2,417 km)
south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Cook Islands
Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 nm (1,328 km)
southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the
Marshall Islands
Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 930 nm (1,722 km)
south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa
Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,260 nm (2,334 km)
northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago,
about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo
Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 960 nm (1,778 km)
south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Uruguay
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean,
between Argentina and Brazil

Uzbekistan
Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Vanuatu
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Venezuela
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and
the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Vietnam
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of
Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Virgin Islands
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Wake Island
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Wallis and Futuna
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

West Bank
Middle East, west of Jordan

Western Sahara
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Mauritania and Morocco

Yemen
Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red
Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Zambia
Southern Africa, east of Angola

Zimbabwe
Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

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

@2145

Field Listing :: Map references

This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. Note that boundary representations on these maps are not necessarily authoritative. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries. Country

Map references

Afghanistan
Asia

Akrotiri
Middle East

Albania
Europe

Algeria
Africa

American Samoa
Oceania

Andorra
Europe

Angola
Africa

Anguilla
Central America and the Caribbean

Antarctica
Antarctic Region

Antigua and Barbuda
Central America and the Caribbean

Arctic Ocean
Arctic Region

Argentina
South America

Armenia
Asia

Aruba
Central America and the Caribbean

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Southeast Asia

Atlantic Ocean
Political Map of the World

Australia
Oceania

Austria
Europe

Azerbaijan
Asia

Bahamas, The
Central America and the Caribbean

Bahrain
Middle East

Bangladesh
Asia

Barbados
Central America and the Caribbean

Belarus
Europe

Belgium
Europe

Belize
Central America and the Caribbean

Benin
Africa

Bermuda
North America

Bhutan
Asia

Bolivia
South America

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Europe

Botswana
Africa

Bouvet Island
Antarctic Region

Brazil
South America

British Indian Ocean Territory
Political Map of the World

British Virgin Islands
Central America and the Caribbean

Brunei
Southeast Asia

Bulgaria
Europe

Burkina Faso
Africa

Burma
Southeast Asia

Burundi
Africa

Cambodia
Southeast Asia

Cameroon
Africa

Canada
North America

Cape Verde
Political Map of the World

Cayman Islands
Central America and the Caribbean

Central African Republic
Africa

Chad
Africa

Chile
South America

China
Asia

Christmas Island
Southeast Asia

Clipperton Island
Political Map of the World

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Southeast Asia

Colombia
South America

Comoros
Africa

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Africa

Congo, Republic of the
Africa

Cook Islands
Oceania

Coral Sea Islands
Oceania

Costa Rica
Central America and the Caribbean

Cote d'Ivoire
Africa

Croatia
Europe

Cuba
Central America and the Caribbean

Curacao
Central America and the Caribbean

Cyprus
Middle East

Czech Republic
Europe

Denmark
Europe

Dhekelia
Middle East

Djibouti
Africa

Dominica
Central America and the Caribbean

Dominican Republic
Central America and the Caribbean

Ecuador
South America

Egypt
Africa

El Salvador
Central America and the Caribbean

Equatorial Guinea
Africa

Eritrea
Africa

Estonia
Europe

Ethiopia
Africa

European Union
Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
South America

Faroe Islands
Europe

Fiji
Oceania

Finland
Europe

France
metropolitan France: Europe
French Guiana: South America
Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean
Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean
Reunion: World

French Polynesia
Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Antarctic Region, Africa

Gabon
Africa

Gambia, The
Africa

Gaza Strip
Middle East

Georgia
Asia

Germany
Europe

Ghana
Africa

Gibraltar
Europe

Greece
Europe

Greenland
Arctic Region

Grenada
Central America and the Caribbean

Guam
Oceania

Guatemala
Central America and the Caribbean

Guernsey
Europe

Guinea
Africa

Guinea-Bissau
Africa

Guyana
South America

Haiti
Central America and the Caribbean

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Antarctic Region

Holy See (Vatican City)
Europe

Honduras
Central America and the Caribbean

Hong Kong
Southeast Asia

Hungary
Europe

Iceland
Arctic Region

India
Asia

Indian Ocean
Political Map of the World

Indonesia
Southeast Asia

Iran
Middle East

Iraq
Middle East

Ireland
Europe

Isle of Man
Europe

Israel
Middle East

Italy
Europe

Jamaica
Central America and the Caribbean

Jan Mayen
Arctic Region

Japan
Asia

Jersey
Europe

Jordan
Middle East

Kazakhstan
Asia

Kenya
Africa

Kiribati
Oceania

Korea, North
Asia

Korea, South
Asia

Kosovo
Europe

Kuwait
Middle East

Kyrgyzstan
Asia

Laos
Southeast Asia

Latvia
Europe

Lebanon
Middle East

Lesotho
Africa

Liberia
Africa

Libya
Africa

Liechtenstein
Europe

Lithuania
Europe

Luxembourg
Europe

Macau
Southeast Asia

Macedonia
Europe

Madagascar
Africa

Malawi
Africa

Malaysia
Southeast Asia

Maldives
Asia

Mali
Africa

Malta
Europe

Marshall Islands
Oceania

Mauritania
Africa

Mauritius
Political Map of the World

Mayotte
Africa

Mexico
North America

Micronesia, Federated States of
Oceania

Moldova
Europe

Monaco
Europe

Mongolia
Asia

Montenegro
Europe

Montserrat
Central America and the Caribbean

Morocco
Africa

Mozambique
Africa

Namibia
Africa

Nauru
Oceania

Navassa Island
Central America and the Caribbean

Nepal
Asia

Netherlands
Europe

New Caledonia
Oceania

New Zealand
Oceania

Nicaragua
Central America and the Caribbean

Niger
Africa

Nigeria
Africa

Niue
Oceania

Norfolk Island
Oceania

Northern Mariana Islands
Oceania

Norway
Europe

Oman
Middle East

Pacific Ocean
Political Map of the World

Pakistan
Asia

Palau
Oceania

Panama
Central America and the Caribbean

Papua New Guinea
Oceania

Paracel Islands
Southeast Asia

Paraguay
South America

Peru
South America

Philippines
Southeast Asia

Pitcairn Islands
Oceania

Poland
Europe

Portugal
Europe

Puerto Rico
Central America and the Caribbean

Qatar
Middle East

Romania
Europe

Russia
Asia

Rwanda
Africa

Saint Barthelemy
Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Lucia
Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Martin
Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
North America

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Central America and the Caribbean

Samoa
Oceania

San Marino
Europe

Sao Tome and Principe
Africa

Saudi Arabia
Middle East

Senegal
Africa

Serbia
Europe

Seychelles
Africa

Sierra Leone
Africa

Singapore
Southeast Asia

Sint Maarten
Central America and the Caribbean

Slovakia
Europe

Slovenia
Europe

Solomon Islands
Oceania

Somalia
Africa

South Africa
Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Antarctic Region

Southern Ocean
Antarctic Region

Spain
Europe

Spratly Islands
Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka
Asia

Sudan
Africa

Suriname
South America

Svalbard
Arctic Region

Swaziland
Africa

Sweden
Europe

Switzerland
Europe

Syria
Middle East

Taiwan
Southeast Asia

Tajikistan
Asia

Tanzania
Africa

Thailand
Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste
Southeast Asia

Togo
Africa

Tokelau
Oceania

Tonga
Oceania

Trinidad and Tobago
Central America and the Caribbean

Tunisia
Africa

Turkey
Middle East

Turkmenistan
Asia

Turks and Caicos Islands
Central America and the Caribbean

Tuvalu
Oceania

Uganda
Africa

Ukraine
Asia, Europe

United Arab Emirates
Middle East

United Kingdom
Europe

United States
North America

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
Oceania

Uruguay
South America

Uzbekistan
Asia

Vanuatu
Oceania

Venezuela
South America

Vietnam
Southeast Asia

Virgin Islands
Central America and the Caribbean

Wake Island
Oceania

Wallis and Futuna
Oceania

West Bank
Middle East

Western Sahara
Africa

World
Physical Map of the World, Political Map of the World,
Standard Time Zones of the World

Yemen
Middle East

Zambia
Africa

Zimbabwe
Africa

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

@2146

Field Listing :: Irrigated land

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

Irrigated land(sq km)

Afghanistan
27,200 sq km (2003)

Albania
3,530 sq km (2003)

Algeria
5,690 sq km (2003)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
NA

Angola
800 sq km (2003)

Anguilla
NA

Antigua and Barbuda
NA

Argentina
15,500 sq km (2003)

Armenia
2,860 sq km (2003)

Aruba
0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
0 sq km

Australia
25,450 sq km (2003)

Austria
40 sq km (2003)

Azerbaijan
14,550 sq km (2003)

Bahamas, The
10 sq km (2003)

Bahrain
40 sq km (2003)

Bangladesh
47,250 sq km (2003)

Barbados
50 sq km (2003)

Belarus
1,310 sq km (2003)

Belgium
400 sq km (2003)

Belize
30 sq km (2003)

Benin
120 sq km (2003)

Bermuda
NA

Bhutan
400 sq km (2003)

Bolivia
1,320 sq km (2003)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
30 sq km (2003)

Botswana
10 sq km (2003)

Bouvet Island
0 sq km

Brazil
29,200 sq km (2003)

British Indian Ocean Territory
0 sq km

British Virgin Islands
NA

Brunei
10 sq km (2003)

Bulgaria
5,880 sq km (2003)

Burkina Faso
250 sq km (2003)

Burma
18,700 sq km (2003)

Burundi
210 sq km (2003)

Cambodia
2,700 sq km (2003)

Cameroon
260 sq km (2003)

Canada
7,850 sq km (2003)

Cape Verde
30 sq km (2003)

Cayman Islands
NA

Central African Republic
20 sq km (2003)

Chad
300 sq km (2003)

Chile
19,000 sq km (2003)

China
545,960 sq km (2003)

Christmas Island
NA

Clipperton Island
0 sq km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
9,000 sq km (2003)

Comoros
NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
110 sq km (2003)

Congo, Republic of the
20 sq km (2003)

Cook Islands
NA

Coral Sea Islands
0 sq km

Costa Rica
1,080 sq km (2003)

Cote d'Ivoire
730 sq km (2003)

Croatia
110 sq km (2003)

Cuba
8,700 sq km (2003)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
400 sq km (2003)

Czech Republic
240 sq km (2003)

Denmark
4,490 sq km (2003)

Djibouti
10 sq km (2003)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
2,750 sq km (2003)

Ecuador
8,650 sq km (2003)

Egypt
34,220 sq km (2003)

El Salvador
450 sq km (2003)

Equatorial Guinea
NA

Eritrea
210 sq km (2003)

Estonia
40 sq km (2003)

Ethiopia
2,900 sq km (2003)

European Union
168,050 sq km (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
0 sq km

Fiji
30 sq km (2003)

Finland
640 sq km (2003)

France
total: 26,190 sq km;
metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2003)

French Polynesia
10 sq km (2003)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
0 sq km

Gabon
70 sq km (2003)

Gambia, The
20 sq km (2003)

Gaza Strip
155 sq km; (note - includes West Bank) (2003)

Georgia
4,690 sq km (2003)

Germany
4,850 sq km (2003)

Ghana
310 sq km (2003)

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
14,530 sq km (2003)

Greenland
NA

Grenada
NA

Guam
NA

Guatemala
1,300 sq km (2003)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
950 sq km (2003)

Guinea-Bissau
250 sq km (2003)

Guyana
1,500 sq km (2003)

Haiti
920 sq km (2003)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
0 sq km

Holy See (Vatican City)
0 sq km

Honduras
800 sq km (2003)

Hong Kong
20 sq km (1998 est.)

Hungary
2,300 sq km (2003)

Iceland
NA

India
558,080 sq km (2003)

Indonesia
45,000 sq km (2003)

Iran
76,500 sq km (2003)

Iraq
35,250 sq km (2003)

Ireland
NA

Isle of Man
0 sq km

Israel
1,940 sq km (2003)

Italy
27,500 sq km (2003)

Jamaica
250 sq km (2002)

Jan Mayen
0 sq km

Japan
25,920 sq km (2003)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
750 sq km (2003)

Kazakhstan
35,560 sq km (2003)

Kenya
1,030 sq km (2003)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
14,600 sq km (2003)

Korea, South
8,780 sq km (2003)

Kuwait
130 sq km (2003)

Kyrgyzstan
10,720 sq km (2003)

Laos
1,750 sq km (2003)

Latvia
200 sq km
note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not
irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land
has been improved by drainage (2003)

Lebanon
1,040 sq km (2003)

Lesotho
30 sq km (2003)

Liberia
30 sq km (2003)

Libya
4,700 sq km (2003)

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
70 sq km (2003)

Luxembourg
NA

Macau
NA

Macedonia
550 sq km (2003)

Madagascar
10,860 sq km (2003)

Malawi
560 sq km (2003)

Malaysia
3,650 sq km (2003)

Maldives
NA

Mali
2,360 sq km (2003)

Malta
20 sq km (2003)

Marshall Islands
0 sq km

Mauritania
490 sq km (2002)

Mauritius
220 sq km (2003)

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
63,200 sq km (2003)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA

Moldova
3,000 sq km (2003)

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
840 sq km (2003)

Montenegro
NA

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
14,450 sq km (2003)

Mozambique
1,180 sq km (2003)

Namibia
80 sq km (2003)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
11,700 sq km (2003)

Netherlands
5,650 sq km (2003)

New Caledonia
100 sq km (2003)

New Zealand
2,850 sq km (2003)

Nicaragua
610 sq km (2003)

Niger
730 sq km (2003)

Nigeria
2,820 sq km (2003)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
1,270 sq km (2003)

Oman
720 sq km (2003)

Pakistan
182,300 sq km (2003)

Palau
NA

Panama
430 sq km (2003)

Papua New Guinea
NA

Paracel Islands
0 sq km

Paraguay
670 sq km (2003)

Peru
12,000 sq km (2003)

Philippines
15,500 sq km (2003)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
1,000 sq km (2003)

Portugal
6,500 sq km (2003)

Puerto Rico
400 sq km (2003)

Qatar
130 sq km (2002)

Romania
30,770 sq km (2003)

Russia
46,000 sq km (2003)

Rwanda
90 sq km (2003)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
30 sq km (2003)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
10 sq km (2003)

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
100 sq km (2003)

Saudi Arabia
16,200 sq km (2003)

Senegal
1,200 sq km (2003)

Serbia
NA

Seychelles
NA

Sierra Leone
300 sq km (2003)

Singapore
NA

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
1,830 sq km (2003)

Slovenia
30 sq km (2003)

Solomon Islands
NA

Somalia
2,000 sq km (2003)

South Africa
14,980 sq km (2003)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
0 sq km

Spain
37,800 sq km (2003)

Spratly Islands
0 sq km

Sri Lanka
7,430 sq km (2003)

Sudan
18,630 sq km (2003)

Suriname
510 sq km (2003)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
500 sq km (2003)

Sweden
1,150 sq km (2003)

Switzerland
250 sq km (2003)

Syria
13,330 sq km (2003)

Taiwan
NA

Tajikistan
7,220 sq km (2003)

Tanzania
1,840 sq km (2003)

Thailand
49,860 sq km (2003)

Timor-Leste
1,065 sq km (2003)

Togo
70 sq km (2003)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
NA

Trinidad and Tobago
40 sq km (2003)

Tunisia
3,940 sq km (2003)

Turkey
52,150 sq km (2003)

Turkmenistan
18,000 sq km (2003)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
90 sq km (2003)

Ukraine
22,080 sq km (2003)

United Arab Emirates
760 sq km (2003)

United Kingdom
1,700 sq km (2003)

United States
223,850 sq km (2003)

Uruguay
2,100 sq km (2003)

Uzbekistan
42,810 sq km (2003)

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
5,750 sq km (2003)

Vietnam
30,000 sq km (2003)

Virgin Islands
NA

Wake Island
0 sq km

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
150 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip (2003)

Western Sahara
NA

World
2,770,980 sq km (2003)

Yemen
5,500 sq km (2003)

Zambia
1,560 sq km (2003)

Zimbabwe
1,740 sq km (2003)

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

@2147

Field Listing :: Area

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

Area(sq km)

Afghanistan total: 652,230 sq km land: 652,230 sq km water: 0 sq km

Akrotiri total: 123 sq km note: includes a salt lake and wetlands

Albania
total: 28,748 sq km
land: 27,398 sq km
water: 1,350 sq km

Algeria
total: 2,381,741 sq km
land: 2,381,741 sq km
water: 0 sq km

American Samoa total: 199 sq km land: 199 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Andorra
total: 468 sq km
land: 468 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Angola
total: 1,246,700 sq km
land: 1,246,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Anguilla
total: 91 sq km
land: 91 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Antarctica
total: 14 million sq km
land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km
ice-covered) (est.)
note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North
America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the
subcontinent of Europe

Antigua and Barbuda total: 442.6 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) land: 442.6 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

Arctic Ocean
total: 14.056 million sq km
note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea,
East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara
Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Argentina
total: 2,780,400 sq km
land: 2,736,690 sq km
water: 43,710 sq km

Armenia
total: 29,743 sq km
land: 28,203 sq km
water: 1,540 sq km

Aruba
total: 180 sq km
land: 180 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
total: 5 sq km
land: 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and
Cartier Island

Atlantic Ocean
total: 76.762 million sq km
note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,
Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador
Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the
Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Australia
total: 7,741,220 sq km
land: 7,682,300 sq km
water: 58,920 sq km
note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

Austria
total: 83,871 sq km
land: 82,445 sq km
water: 1,426 sq km

Azerbaijan
total: 86,600 sq km
land: 82,629 sq km
water: 3,971 sq km
note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the
Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by
Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Bahamas, The
total: 13,880 sq km
land: 10,010 sq km
water: 3,870 sq km

Bahrain
total: 760 sq km
land: 760 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Bangladesh
total: 143,998 sq km
land: 130,168 sq km
water: 13,830 sq km

Barbados
total: 430 sq km
land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Belarus
total: 207,600 sq km
land: 202,900 sq km
water: 4,700 sq km

Belgium
total: 30,528 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km

Belize
total: 22,966 sq km
land: 22,806 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Benin
total: 112,622 sq km
land: 110,622 sq km
water: 2,000 sq km

Bermuda
total: 54 sq km
land: 54 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Bhutan
total: 38,394 sq km
land: 38,394 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Bolivia
total: 1,098,581 sq km
land: 1,083,301 sq km
water: 15,280 sq km

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 51,197 sq km
land: 51,187 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Botswana
total: 581,730 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km

Bouvet Island
total: 49 sq km
land: 49 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Brazil
total: 8,514,877 sq km
land: 8,459,417 sq km
water: 55,460 sq km
note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas,
Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao
Paulo

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 54,400 sq km land: 60 sq km; Diego Garcia 44 sq km water: 54,340 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands

British Virgin Islands
total: 151 sq km
land: 151 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited
islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda,
Jost van Dyke

Brunei
total: 5,765 sq km
land: 5,265 sq km
water: 500 sq km

Bulgaria
total: 110,879 sq km
land: 108,489 sq km
water: 2,390 sq km

Burkina Faso
total: 274,200 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km

Burma
total: 676,578 sq km
land: 653,508 sq km
water: 23,070 sq km

Burundi
total: 27,830 sq km
land: 25,680 sq km
water: 2,150 sq km

Cambodia
total: 181,035 sq km
land: 176,515 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km

Cameroon
total: 475,440 sq km
land: 472,710 sq km
water: 2,730 sq km

Canada
total: 9,984,670 sq km
land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km

Cape Verde
total: 4,033 sq km
land: 4,033 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Cayman Islands
total: 264 sq km
land: 264 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Central African Republic
total: 622,984 sq km
land: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Chad
total: 1.284 million sq km
land: 1,259,200 sq km
water: 24,800 sq km

Chile
total: 756,102 sq km
land: 743,812 sq km
water: 12,290 sq km
note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

China
total: 9,596,961 sq km
land: 9,569,901 sq km
water: 27,060 sq km

Christmas Island
total: 135 sq km
land: 135 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Clipperton Island
total: 6 sq km
land: 6 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
total: 14 sq km
land: 14 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Colombia
total: 1,138,910 sq km
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

Comoros
total: 2,235 sq km
land: 2,235 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 2,344,858 sq km
land: 2,267,048 sq km
water: 77,810 sq km

Congo, Republic of the
total: 342,000 sq km
land: 341,500 sq km
water: 500 sq km

Cook Islands
total: 236 sq km
land: 236 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Coral Sea Islands total: less than 3 sq km land: less than 3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important

Costa Rica total: 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 322,463 sq km
land: 318,003 sq km
water: 4,460 sq km

Croatia
total: 56,594 sq km
land: 55,974 sq km
water: 620 sq km

Cuba
total: 110,860 sq km
land: 109,820 sq km
water: 1,040 sq km

Curacao
total: 444 sq km
land: 444 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Cyprus
total: 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)
land: 9,241 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Czech Republic
total: 78,867 sq km
land: 77,247 sq km
water: 1,620 sq km

Denmark
total: 43,094 sq km
land: 42,434 sq km
water: 660 sq km
note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest
of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major
islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and
Greenland

Dhekelia
total: 130.8 sq km
note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves

Djibouti
total: 23,200 sq km
land: 23,180 sq km
water: 20 sq km

Dominica
total: 751 sq km
land: 751 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Dominican Republic
total: 48,670 sq km
land: 48,320 sq km
water: 350 sq km

Ecuador
total: 283,561 sq km
land: 276,841 sq km
water: 6,720 sq km
note: includes Galapagos Islands

Egypt
total: 1,001,450 sq km
land: 995,450 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

El Salvador
total: 21,041 sq km
land: 20,721 sq km
water: 320 sq km

Equatorial Guinea
total: 28,051 sq km
land: 28,051 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Eritrea
total: 117,600 sq km
land: 101,000 sq km
water: 16,600 sq km

Estonia
total: 45,228 sq km
land: 42,388 sq km
water: 2,840 sq km
note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Ethiopia
total: 1,104,300 sq km
land: 1 million sq km
water: 104,300 sq km

European Union
total: 4,324,782 sq km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) total: 12,173 sq km land: 12,173 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Faroe Islands
total: 1,393 sq km
land: 1,393 sq km
water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Fiji
total: 18,274 sq km
land: 18,274 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Finland
total: 338,145 sq km
land: 303,815 sq km
water: 34,330 sq km

France
total: 643,427 sq km; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France)
land: 640,053 sq km; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)
water: 3,374 sq km; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)
note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French
Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion

French Polynesia
total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)
land: 3,827 sq km
water: 340 sq km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km;
land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0
sq km
Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km;
water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)
Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km;
water - 0 sq km
Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km;
water - 0 sq km
Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq
km; water - 0 sq km
Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km;
water - 0 sq km
note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in
Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon
total: 267,667 sq km
land: 257,667 sq km
water: 10,000 sq km

Gambia, The
total: 11,295 sq km
land: 10,000 sq km
water: 1,295 sq km

Gaza Strip
total: 360 sq km
land: 360 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Georgia
total: 69,700 sq km
land: 69,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Germany
total: 357,022 sq km
land: 348,672 sq km
water: 8,350 sq km

Ghana
total: 238,533 sq km
land: 227,533 sq km
water: 11,000 sq km

Gibraltar
total: 6.5 sq km
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Greece
total: 131,957 sq km
land: 130,647 sq km
water: 1,310 sq km

Greenland
total: 2,166,086 sq km
land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km
ice-covered)

Grenada
total: 344 sq km
land: 344 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Guam
total: 544 sq km
land: 544 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Guatemala
total: 108,889 sq km
land: 107,159 sq km
water: 1,730 sq km

Guernsey
total: 78 sq km
land: 78 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other
smaller islands

Guinea
total: 245,857 sq km
land: 245,717 sq km
water: 140 sq km

Guinea-Bissau
total: 36,125 sq km
land: 28,120 sq km
water: 8,005 sq km

Guyana
total: 214,969 sq km
land: 196,849 sq km
water: 18,120 sq km

Haiti
total: 27,750 sq km
land: 27,560 sq km
water: 190 sq km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
total: 412 sq km
land: 412 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Holy See (Vatican City)
total: 0.44 sq km
land: 0.44 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Honduras
total: 112,090 sq km
land: 111,890 sq km
water: 200 sq km

Hong Kong
total: 1,104 sq km
land: 1,054 sq km
water: 50 sq km

Hungary
total: 93,028 sq km
land: 89,608 sq km
water: 3,420 sq km

Iceland
total: 103,000 sq km
land: 100,250 sq km
water: 2,750 sq km

India
total: 3,287,263 sq km
land: 2,973,193 sq km
water: 314,070 sq km

Indian Ocean
total: 68.556 million sq km
note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,
Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,
Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of
Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Indonesia
total: 1,904,569 sq km
land: 1,811,569 sq km
water: 93,000 sq km

Iran
total: 1,648,195 sq km
land: 1,531,595 sq km
water: 116,600 sq km

Iraq
total: 438,317 sq km
land: 437,367 sq km
water: 950 sq km

Ireland
total: 70,273 sq km
land: 68,883 sq km
water: 1,390 sq km

Isle of Man
total: 572 sq km
land: 572 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Israel
total: 22,072 sq km
land: 21,642 sq km
water: 430 sq km

Italy
total: 301,340 sq km
land: 294,140 sq km
water: 7,200 sq km
note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

Jamaica
total: 10,991 sq km
land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Jan Mayen
total: 377 sq km
land: 377 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Japan
total: 377,915 sq km
land: 364,485 sq km
water: 13,430 sq km
note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto,
Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and
Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

Jersey
total: 116 sq km
land: 116 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Jordan
total: 89,342 sq km
land: 88,802 sq km
water: 540 sq km

Kazakhstan
total: 2,724,900 sq km
land: 2,699,700 sq km
water: 25,200 sq km

Kenya
total: 580,367 sq km
land: 569,140 sq km
water: 11,227 sq km

Kiribati
total: 811 sq km
land: 811 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands,
Phoenix Islands

Korea, North
total: 120,538 sq km
land: 120,408 sq km
water: 130 sq km

Korea, South
total: 99,720 sq km
land: 96,920 sq km
water: 2,800 sq km

Kosovo
total: 10,887 sq km
land: 10,887 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Kuwait
total: 17,818 sq km
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Kyrgyzstan
total: 199,951 sq km
land: 191,801 sq km
water: 8,150 sq km

Laos
total: 236,800 sq km
land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Latvia
total: 64,589 sq km
land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km

Lebanon
total: 10,400 sq km
land: 10,230 sq km
water: 170 sq km

Lesotho
total: 30,355 sq km
land: 30,355 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Liberia
total: 111,369 sq km
land: 96,320 sq km
water: 15,049 sq km

Libya
total: 1,759,540 sq km
land: 1,759,540 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Liechtenstein
total: 160 sq km
land: 160 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Lithuania
total: 65,300 sq km
land: 62,680 sq km
water: 2,620 sq km

Luxembourg
total: 2,586 sq km
land: 2,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Macau
total: 28.2 sq km
land: 28.2 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Macedonia
total: 25,713 sq km
land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km

Madagascar
total: 587,041 sq km
land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,501 sq km

Malawi
total: 118,484 sq km
land: 94,080 sq km
water: 24,404 sq km

Malaysia
total: 329,847 sq km
land: 328,657 sq km
water: 1,190 sq km

Maldives
total: 298 sq km
land: 298 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Mali
total: 1,240,192 sq km
land: 1,220,190 sq km
water: 20,002 sq km

Malta
total: 316 sq km
land: 316 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Marshall Islands
total: 181 sq km
land: 181 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and
includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro,
Rongelap, and Utirik

Mauritania
total: 1,030,700 sq km
land: 1,030,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Mauritius
total: 2,040 sq km
land: 2,030 sq km
water: 10 sq km
note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint
Brandon), and Rodrigues

Mayotte
total: 374 sq km
land: 374 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Mexico
total: 1,964,375 sq km
land: 1,943,945 sq km
water: 20,430 sq km

Micronesia, Federated States of total: 702 sq km land: 702 sq km water: 0 sq km (fresh water only) note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)

Moldova
total: 33,851 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km

Monaco
total: 2 sq km
land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Mongolia
total: 1,564,116 sq km
land: 1,553,556 sq km
water: 10,560 sq km

Montenegro
total: 13,812 sq km
land: 13,452 sq km
water: 360 sq km

Montserrat
total: 102 sq km
land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Morocco
total: 446,550 sq km
land: 446,300 sq km
water: 250 sq km

Mozambique
total: 799,380 sq km
land: 786,380 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km

Namibia
total: 824,292 sq km
land: 823,290 sq km
water: 1,002 sq km

Nauru
total: 21 sq km
land: 21 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Navassa Island
total: 5.4 sq km
land: 5.4 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Nepal
total: 147,181 sq km
land: 143,351 sq km
water: 3,830 sq km

Netherlands
total: 41,543 sq km
land: 33,893 sq km
water: 7,650 sq km

New Caledonia
total: 18,575 sq km
land: 18,275 sq km
water: 300 sq km

New Zealand
total: 267,710 sq km
land: 267,710 sq km
water: NA
note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands,
Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Nicaragua
total: 130,370 sq km
land: 119,990 sq km
water: 10,380 sq km

Niger
total: 1.267 million sq km
land: 1,266,700 sq km
water: 300 sq km

Nigeria
total: 923,768 sq km
land: 910,768 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km

Niue
total: 260 sq km
land: 260 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Norfolk Island
total: 36 sq km
land: 36 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Northern Mariana Islands total: 464 sq km land: 464 sq km water: 0 sq km note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Norway
total: 323,802 sq km
land: 304,282 sq km
water: 19,520 sq km

Oman
total: 309,500 sq km
land: 309,500 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Pacific Ocean
total: 155.557 million sq km
note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East
China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of
Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other
tributary water bodies

Pakistan
total: 796,095 sq km
land: 770,875 sq km
water: 25,220 sq km

Palau
total: 459 sq km
land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Panama
total: 75,420 sq km
land: 74,340 sq km
water: 1,080 sq km

Papua New Guinea
total: 462,840 sq km
land: 452,860 sq km
water: 9,980 sq km

Paracel Islands
total: NA sq km
land: NA sq km
water: 0 sq km

Paraguay
total: 406,752 sq km
land: 397,302 sq km
water: 9,450 sq km

Peru
total: 1,285,216 sq km
land: 1,279,996 sq km
water: 5,220 sq km

Philippines
total: 300,000 sq km
land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km

Pitcairn Islands
total: 47 sq km
land: 47 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Poland
total: 312,685 sq km
land: 304,255 sq km
water: 8,430 sq km

Portugal
total: 92,090 sq km
land: 91,470 sq km
water: 620 sq km
note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Puerto Rico
total: 13,790 sq km
land: 8,870 sq km
water: 4,921 sq km

Qatar
total: 11,586 sq km
land: 11,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Romania
total: 238,391 sq km
land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km

Russia
total: 17,098,242 sq km
land: 16,377,742 sq km
water: 720,500 sq km

Rwanda
total: 26,338 sq km
land: 24,668 sq km
water: 1,670 sq km

Saint Barthelemy
21 sq km

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total: 308 sq km
land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km;
Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis
93 sq km)
land: 261 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Saint Lucia
total: 616 sq km
land: 606 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Saint Martin
total: 54.4 sq km
land: 54.4 sq km
water: NEGL

Saint Pierre and Miquelon total: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344
sq km)
land: 389 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Samoa
total: 2,831 sq km
land: 2,821 sq km
water: 10 sq km

San Marino
total: 61 sq km
land: 61 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 964 sq km
land: 964 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Saudi Arabia
total: 2,149,690 sq km
land: 2,149,690 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Senegal
total: 196,722 sq km
land: 192,530 sq km
water: 4,192 sq km

Serbia
total: 77,474 sq km
land: 77,474 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Seychelles
total: 455 sq km
land: 455 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Sierra Leone
total: 71,740 sq km
land: 71,620 sq km
water: 120 sq km

Singapore
total: 697 sq km
land: 687 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Sint Maarten total: 34 sq km land: 34 sq km water: 0 sq km note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin

Slovakia
total: 49,035 sq km
land: 48,105 sq km
water: 930 sq km

Slovenia
total: 20,273 sq km
land: 20,151 sq km
water: 122 sq km

Solomon Islands
total: 28,896 sq km
land: 27,986 sq km
water: 910 sq km

Somalia
total: 637,657 sq km
land: 627,337 sq km
water: 10,320 sq km

South Africa
total: 1,219,090 sq km
land: 1,214,470 sq km
water: 4,620 sq km
note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince
Edward Island)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
total: 3,903 sq km
land: 3,903 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia
Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist
of 11 islands

Southern Ocean
total: 20.327 million sq km
note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake
Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and
other tributary water bodies

Spain
total: 505,370 sq km
land: 498,980 sq km
water: 6,390 sq km
note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17
autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary
Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of
Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez
de la Gomera

Spratly Islands
total: less than 5 sq km
land: less than 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts
scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South
China Sea

Sri Lanka
total: 65,610 sq km
land: 64,630 sq km
water: 980 sq km

Sudan
total: 2,505,813 sq km
land: 2.376 million sq km
water: 129,813 sq km

Suriname
total: 163,820 sq km
land: 156,000 sq km
water: 7,820 sq km

Svalbard
total: 62,045 sq km
land: 62,045 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Swaziland
total: 17,364 sq km
land: 17,204 sq km
water: 160 sq km

Sweden
total: 450,295 sq km
land: 410,335 sq km
water: 39,960 sq km

Switzerland
total: 41,277 sq km
land: 39,997 sq km
water: 1,280 sq km

Syria
total: 185,180 sq km
land: 183,630 sq km
water: 1,550 sq km
note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

Taiwan
total: 35,980 sq km
land: 32,260 sq km
water: 3,720 sq km
note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy islands

Tajikistan
total: 143,100 sq km
land: 141,510 sq km
water: 2,590 sq km

Tanzania
total: 947,300 sq km
land: 885,800 sq km
water: 61,500 sq km
note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Thailand
total: 513,120 sq km
land: 510,890 sq km
water: 2,230 sq km

Timor-Leste
total: 14,874 sq km
land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Togo
total: 56,785 sq km
land: 54,385 sq km
water: 2,400 sq km

Tokelau
total: 12 sq km
land: 12 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Tonga
total: 747 sq km
land: 717 sq km
water: 30 sq km

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 5,128 sq km
land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Tunisia
total: 163,610 sq km
land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km

Turkey
total: 783,562 sq km
land: 769,632 sq km
water: 13,930 sq km

Turkmenistan
total: 488,100 sq km
land: 469,930 sq km
water: 18,170 sq km

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 948 sq km
land: 948 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Tuvalu
total: 26 sq km
land: 26 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Uganda
total: 241,038 sq km
land: 197,100 sq km
water: 43,938 sq km

Ukraine
total: 603,550 sq km
land: 579,330 sq km
water: 24,220 sq km

United Arab Emirates
total: 83,600 sq km
land: 83,600 sq km
water: 0 sq km

United Kingdom
total: 243,610 sq km
land: 241,930 sq km
water: 1,680 sq km
note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

United States
total: 9,826,675 sq km
land: 9,161,966 sq km
water: 664,709 sq km
note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
total - 6,959.41 sq
km; emergent land - 22.41 sq km; submerged - 6,937 sq km
Baker Island: total - 129.1 sq km; emergent land - 2.1 sq km;
submerged - 127 sq km
Howland Island: total - 138.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km;
submerged - 136 sq km
Jarvis Island: total - 152 sq km; emergent land - 5 sq km; submerged
- 147 sq km
Johnston Atoll: total - 276.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km;
submerged - 274 sq km
Kingman Reef: total - 1,958.01 sq km; emergent land - 0.01 sq km;
submerged - 1,958 sq km
Midway Islands: total - 2,355.2 sq km; emergent land - 6.2 sq km;
submerged - 2,349 sq km
Palmyra Atoll: total - 1,949.9 sq km; emergent land - 3.9 sq km;
submerged - 1,946 sq km

Uruguay
total: 176,215 sq km
land: 175,015 sq km
water: 1,200 sq km

Uzbekistan
total: 447,400 sq km
land: 425,400 sq km
water: 22,000 sq km

Vanuatu
total: 12,189 sq km
land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

Venezuela
total: 912,050 sq km
land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km

Vietnam
total: 331,210 sq km
land: 310,070 sq km
water: 21,140 sq km

Virgin Islands
total: 1,910 sq km
land: 346 sq km
water: 1,564 sq km

Wake Island
total: 6.5 sq km
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Wallis and Futuna total: 142 sq km land: 142 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

West Bank
total: 5,860 sq km
land: 5,640 sq km
water: 220 sq km
note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter
of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and
Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of
depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

Western Sahara
total: 266,000 sq km
land: 266,000 sq km
water: 0 sq km

World
total: 510.072 million sq km
land: 148.94 million sq km
water: 361.132 million sq km
note: 70.9% of the world's surface is water, 29.1% is land

Yemen
total: 527,968 sq km
land: 527,968 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR
or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of
Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

Zambia
total: 752,618 sq km
land: 743,398 sq km
water: 9,220 sq km

Zimbabwe
total: 390,757 sq km
land: 386,847 sq km
water: 3,910 sq km

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

@2149

Field Listing :: Diplomatic representation in the US

This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations. Country

Diplomatic representation in the US

Afghanistan
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Khojesta F. EBRAHIMKHEL
chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-6410
FAX: [1] (202) 483-6488
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Akrotiri
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Albania
chief of mission: Ambassador Gilbert GALANXHI
chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942
FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342
consulate(s) general: New York

Algeria
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah BAALI
chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174

American Samoa
none (territory of the US)

Andorra
chief of mission: Ambassador Narcis CASAL Fonsdeviela
chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064
FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

Angola
chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKITE
chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Anguilla
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah Mae LOVELL chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Argentina
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400
FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York

Armenia
chief of mission: Ambassador Tatoul MARKARIAN
chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Aruba
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note -
Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy
of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Australia
chief of mission: Ambassador Kim Christian BEAZLEY
chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000
FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New
York, San Francisco

Austria
chief of mission: Ambassador Christian PROSL
chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035
telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700
FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Azerbaijan
chief of mission: Ambassador Yashar ALIYEV
chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911
Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Bahamas, The
chief of mission: Ambassador Cornelius A. SMITH
chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Bahrain
chief of mission: Ambassador Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
consulate(s) general: New York

Bangladesh
chief of mission: Ambassador Akramul QADER
chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
FAX: [1] (202) 244-7830/2771
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Barbados
chief of mission: Ambassador John BEALE
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
consulate(s): Los Angeles

Belarus
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Oleg KRAVCHENKO
chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
consulate(s) general: New York

Belgium
chief of mission: Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN
chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

Belize
chief of mission: Ambassador Nestor MENDEZ
chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636
FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Benin
chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN
chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996

Bermuda
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan
none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has
consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the
UN is Daw PENJO; address: 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017;
telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551
consulate(s) general: New York

Bolivia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Erika Angela DUENAS Loayza
chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410
FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
note: as of September 2008, the US has expelled the Bolivian
ambassador to the US

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Mitar KUJUNDZIC chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500 FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502 consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Botswana
chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA
chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

Brazil
chief of mission: Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA
chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
note: temporary address - 1025 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Suite 300 W,
Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 238-2805
FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York, San Francisco

British Indian Ocean Territory
none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
chief of mission: Ambassador Yusoff Abd HAMID
chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838
FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Bulgaria
chief of mission: Ambassador Elena POPTODOROVA
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Burkina Faso
chief of mission: Ambassador Paramanga Ernest YONLI
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

Burma
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires HAN
THU - note: Burma does not have an ambassador to the United States
chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-3344
FAX: [1] (202) 332-4351
consulate(s) general: none; Burma has a Mission to the UN in New York

Burundi
chief of mission: Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE
chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574
FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

Cambodia
chief of mission: Ambassador HENG HEM
chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742
FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

Cameroon
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph FOE-ATANGANA
chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790
FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

Canada
chief of mission: Ambassador Gary DOER
chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740
FAX: [1] (202) 682-7701
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas,
Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix,
San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson
consulate(s): Anchorage, Houston, Philadelphia, Princeton (New
Jersey), Raleigh, San Jose (California), Tucson

Cape Verde
chief of mission: Ambassador Fatima Lima VEIGA
chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820
FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207
consulate(s) general: Boston

Cayman Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas
MOUSSA-KEMBE
chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800
FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Chad
chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Adam BECHIR
chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Chile
chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo FERNANDOIS Vohringer
chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746
FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New
York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

China
chief of mission: Ambassador ZHANG Yesui
chancery: 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 495-2266
FAX: [1] (202) 495-2190
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco

Christmas Island
none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel SILVA Lujan
chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338
FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico),
Washington, DC

Comoros
chief of mission: Representative to the UN and Ambassador to
the US Mohamed TOIHIRI
chancery: Mission to the US, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 418,
New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
chief of mission: Ambassador Faida
MITIFU
chancery: Suite 601, 1726 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690 through 7691
FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Congo, Republic of the
chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI
chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

Cook Islands
none (self-governing in free association with New
Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica
chief of mission: Ambassador Meta Shanon FIGUERES Boggs
chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 or 2946
FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Cote d'Ivoire
chief of mission: Ambassador Yao Charles KOFFI
chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300
FAX: [1] (202) 244-3088

Croatia
chief of mission: Ambassador Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC
chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899
FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Cuba
none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss
Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Jorge BOLANOS Suarez; address:
Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW,
Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518; FAX: [1] (202)
797-8521

Curacao
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
chief of mission: Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES
chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873
FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710
consulate(s) general: New York
note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the US is
Hilmi AKIL; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone
[1] (202) 887-6198

Czech Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
d'Affaires Daniel KOSTOVAL
chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Denmark
chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN
chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Dhekelia
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Djibouti
chief of mission: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE Oudine
chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270
FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

Dominica
chief of mission: Ambassador Hubert J. CHARLES
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
consulate(s) general: New York

Dominican Republic
chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto B. SALADIN
Selin
chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280
FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Boston, Chicago, Mayaguez (Puerto
Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Sun
Valley (California)

Ecuador
chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Benigno GALLEGOS Chiriboga
chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New
Orleans, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

Egypt
chief of mission: Ambassador Sameh Hassan SHOUKRY
chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

El Salvador
chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Robert ALTSCHUL
Fuentes
chancery: Suite 100, 1400 16th Street, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671
FAX: [1] (202) 234-3763
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Dallas, Duluth (Georgia), Houston,
Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (2), Nogales (Arizona),
Santa Ana (California), San Francisco, Washington (DC), Woodbridge
(Virginia)
consulate(s): Boston, Elizabeth (New Jersey)

Equatorial Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Purificacion ANGUE
ONDO
chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700
FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

Eritrea
chief of mission: Ambassador GHIRMAI Ghebremariam
chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991
FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304
consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

Estonia
chief of mission: Ambassador Vaino REINART
chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
consulate(s) general: New York

Ethiopia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Tesfaye YILMA Sabo
chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200
FAX: [1] (202) 587-0195
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

European Union
chief of mission: Ambassador Joao P. Castanheira do
VALE DE ALMEIDA
chancery: 2300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 862-9500
FAX: [1] (202) 429-1766

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none (overseas territory of the
UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
none (self-governing overseas administrative division
of Denmark)

Fiji
chief of mission: Ambassador Winston THOMPSON
chancery: 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 466-8320
FAX: [1] (202) 466-8325

Finland
chief of mission: Ambassador Pekka LINTU
chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800
FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

France
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

French Polynesia
none (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
none (overseas territory of
France)

Gabon
chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Victor BOUNGOU
chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668
consulate(s): New York

Gambia, The
chief of mission: Ambassador Alieu Momodou NGUM
chancery: Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Georgia
chief of mission: Ambassador Temur IAKOBASHVILI
chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390
FAX: [1] (202) 393-4537
consulate(s) general: New York

Germany
chief of mission: Ambassador Klaus SCHARIOTH
chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000
FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Ghana
chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Ohene AGYEKUM
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
consulate(s) general: New York

Gibraltar
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
chief of mission: Ambassador Vassilis KASKARELIS
chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco, Tampa
consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans

Greenland
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of
Denmark)

Grenada
chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian M.S. BRISTOL
chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561
FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468
consulate(s) general: New York

Guam
none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco VILLAGRAN de Leon
chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952
FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Providence, San Francisco

Guernsey
none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Mory Karamoko KABA
chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

Guinea-Bissau
chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not
have official representation in Washington, DC

Guyana
chief of mission: Ambassador Bayney KARRAN
chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
consulate(s) general: New York

Haiti
chief of mission: Ambassador Louis Harold JOSEPH
chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090
FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Juan
(Puerto Rico)
consulate(s): Orlando (Florida)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)
chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio
Archbishop Pietro SAMBI
chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121
FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036

Honduras
chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge Ramon HERNANDEZ Alcerro
chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604
FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco
honorary consulate(s): Jacksonville

Hong Kong
none (special administrative region of China); Hong Kong
Economic and Trade Office carries out normal liaison and
communication with the US Government and other US entities
representative: Donald TONG
office: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] 202 331-8947
FAX: [1] 202 331-0318
NKETO offices: New York, San Francisco

Hungary
chief of mission: Ambassador Bela SZOMBATI
chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Iceland
chief of mission: Ambassador Hjalmar W. HANNESSON
chancery: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW #509, Washington, DC
20007
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653
FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656
consulate(s) general: New York

India
chief of mission: Ambassador Meera SHANKAR
chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note -
Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000
FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Indonesia
chief of mission: Ambassador Dino Patti DJALAL
chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200
FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco

Iran
none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani
Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209
Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202)
965-4990; FAX [1] (202) 965-1073

Iraq
chief of mission: Ambassador Samir Shakir al-SUMAYDI
chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 742-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 333-1129

Ireland
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael COLLINS
chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Isle of Man
none (British crown dependency)

Israel
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael OREN
chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500
FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

Italy
chief of mission: Ambassador Giulio TERZI di Sant' Agata
chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400
FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los
Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco
consulate(s): Detroit

Jamaica
chief of mission: Ambassador Audrey P. MARKS
chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Japan
chief of mission: Ambassador Ichiro FUJISAKI
chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit,
Agana (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,
Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Seattle
consulate(s): Anchorage, Nashville

Jersey
none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
chief of mission: Ambassador Alia Hatough BOURAN
chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664
FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110

Kazakhstan
chief of mission: Ambassador Yerlan IDRISSOV
chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Kenya
chief of mission: Ambassador Elkanah Odembo ABSALOM
chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101
FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Kiribati
Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an
honorary consulate in Honolulu

Korea, North
none; North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in
New York

Korea, South
chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Duck-soo
chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600
FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205
consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Kosovo
chief of mission: Ambassador Avni SPAHIU
chancery: 1101 30th Street NW, Suites 330/340, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: 202-380-3581
FAX: 202-380-3628
consulate(s) general: New York

Kuwait
chief of mission: Ambassador SALIM al-Abdallah al-Jabir
al-Sabah
chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
FAX: [1] (202) 364-2868
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Kyrgyzstan
chief of mission: Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV
chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822
FAX: [1] (202) 386-7550
consulate(s): New York

Laos
chief of mission: Ambassador SENG Soukhathivong
chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416
FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Latvia
chief of mission: Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS
chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

Lebanon
chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine CHEDID
chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324
consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles

Lesotho
chief of mission: Ambassador David Mohlomi RANTEKOA
chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

Liberia
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Edwin F. SELE
chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437
FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436
consulate(s) general: New York

Libya
chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Suleiman AUJALI
chancery: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601
FAX: [1] (202) 944-9060

Liechtenstein
chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE
chancery: 2900 K Street, NW, Suite 602B, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 331-0590
FAX: [1] (202) 331-3221

Lithuania
chief of mission: Ambassador Zygimantas PAVILIONIS
chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860
FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Luxembourg
chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Paul SENNINGER
chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 through 72
FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco

Macau
none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia
chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran JOLEVSKI
chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2131
consulate(s) general: Southfield (Michigan), Chicago

Madagascar
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Eulalie N. RAVELOSOA
chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 through 5526
FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Malawi
chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen D. Tennyson MATENJE
chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 721-0270
FAX: [1] (202) 721-0288

Malaysia
chief of mission: Ambassador JAMALUDDIN Jarjis
chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700
FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Maldives
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed
chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6195
FAX: [1] (212) 661-6405

Mali
chief of mission: Ambassador Mamadou TRAORE
chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950
FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603

Malta
chief of mission: Ambassador Mark MICELI-FARRUGIA
chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611 through 3612
FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470
consulate(s): New York

Marshall Islands
chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DEBRUM
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
consulate(s) general: Honolulu

Mauritania
chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Lemine EL HAYCEN
chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700 through 5701
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

Mauritius
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
Joyker NAYECK
chancery: 1709 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491 through 1492
FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Mayotte
none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo SARUKHAN Casamitjana
chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,
Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Raleigh (North Carolina),
Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San
Juan (Puerto Rico)
consulate(s): Albuquerque, Anchorage (Alaska), Boise (Idaho),
Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Del Rio (Texas),
Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California),
Indianapolis (Indiana), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo (Texas), Las
Vegas, Little Rock (Arkansas), McAllen (Texas), New Orleans, Omaha,
Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),
Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, Santa Ana
(California), Seattle, Tucson, Washington DC, Yuma (Arizona); note -
Washington DC Consular Section located in a separate building from
the Mexican Embassy and has jurisdiction over DC, parts of Virginia,
Maryland, and West Virginia

Micronesia, Federated States of
chief of mission: Ambassador Yosiwo
GEORGE
chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Tamuning (Guam)

Moldova
chief of mission: Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204

Monaco
chief of mission: Ambassador Gilles NOGHES
chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC
20008
telephone: (202) 234-1530
FAX: (202) 244-7656
consulate(s) general: New York

Mongolia
chief of mission: Ambassador Khasbazar BEKHBAT
chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117
FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227
consulate(s) general: New York

Montenegro
chief of mission: Ambassador Srdjan DARMANOVIC
chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109
consulate(s) general: New York

Montserrat
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR
chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979
FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161
consulate(s) general: New York

Mozambique
chief of mission: Ambassador Amelia Matos SUMBANA
chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146
FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245

Namibia
chief of mission: Ambassador Martin ANDJABA
chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

Nauru
chief of mission: Ambassador Marlene I. MOSES
chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074
FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079
consulate(s): Agana (Guam)

Nepal
chief of mission: Ambassador Shankar Prasad SHARMA
chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550
FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534
consulate(s) general: New York

Netherlands
chief of mission: Ambassador Regina "Renee" JONES-BOS
chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300, [1] 877-388-2443
FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
consulate(s): Boston

New Caledonia
none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael K. MOORE
chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800
FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227
consulate(s) general: New York, Santa Monica

Nicaragua
chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Obadiah CAMPBELL
Hooker
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570, 6573
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San
Francisco

Niger
chief of mission: Ambassador Aminata Djibrilla Maiga TOURE
chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227
FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Nigeria
chief of mission: Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE
chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400
FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York

Niue
none (self-governing territory in free association with New
Zealand)

Norfolk Island
none (territory of Australia)

Norway
chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN
chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Oman
chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad
al-MUGHAIRI
chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980
FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Pakistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI
chancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500
FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544
consulate(s) general: Boston (Honorary Consulate General), Chicago,
Houston, Los Angeles, New York
consulate(s): Chicago, Houston

Palau
chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC
20006
telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)

Panama
chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime Eduardo ALEMAN Healy
chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407
FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New
York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa

Papua New Guinea
chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI
chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC
20036
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Paraguay
chief of mission: Ambassador Rigoberto GAUTO Vielman
chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962
FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
consulate(s) general: Kansas City (Kansas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
York

Peru
chief of mission: Ambassador Luis VALDIVIESO Montano
chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869
FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver,
Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New
Jersey), San Francisco

Philippines
chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA
chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York,
Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Pitcairn Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI
chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802
FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Portugal
chief of mission: Ambassador Joao DE VALLERA
chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610
FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726
consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San
Francisco
consulate(s): New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island)

Puerto Rico
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI
chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603
FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061
consulate(s) general: Houston

Romania
chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA
chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Russia
chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Ivanovich KISLYAK
chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708
FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Rwanda
chief of mission: Ambassador James KIMONYO
chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Saint Barthelemy
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
none (overseas
territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal
WILLIAMS
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636
FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740
consulate(s) general: New York

Saint Lucia
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Saint Martin
none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
none (territorial overseas collectivity of
France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines chief of mission: Ambassador La Celia A. PRINCE chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 consulate(s) general: New York

Samoa
chief of mission: Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi ELISAIA
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196 through 6197
FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797
consulate(s) general: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

San Marino
chief of mission: Ambassador Paolo RONDELLI
chancery: 888 27th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: 202-337-2260

Sao Tome and Principe
chief of mission: Ambassador Ovidio PEQUENO
chancery: 1211 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 775-2075, 2076
FAX: [1] (202) 775-2077

Saudi Arabia
chief of mission: Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR
chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800
FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Senegal
chief of mission: Ambassador Fatou Danielle DIAGNE
chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Serbia
chief of mission: Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC
chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333
FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Seychelles
chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Sierra Leone
chief of mission: Ambassador Bockari Kortu STEVENS
chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263
FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Singapore
chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100
FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
consulate(s): New York

Sint Maarten
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
chief of mission: Ambassador Peter BURIAN
chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054
FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Slovenia
chief of mission: Ambassador Roman KIRN
chancery: 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 386-6601
FAX: [1] (202) 386-6633
consulate(s) general: Cleveland, New York

Solomon Islands
chief of mission: Ambassador Collin David BECK
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193
FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Somalia
Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased
operations on 8 May 1991); note - the Transitional Federal
Government is represented in the United States through its Permanent
Mission to the United Nations

South Africa
chief of mission: Ambassador Ebrahim RASOOL
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
none (overseas territory of
the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain
chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge DEZCALLAR de Mazarredo
chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340
FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Sri Lanka
chief of mission: Ambassador Jaliya Chitran WICKRAMASURIYA
chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 through 4028
FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York

Sudan
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Akec
Khoc ACIEW Khoc
chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

Suriname
chief of mission: Ambassador Jacques Ruben Constantijn KROSS
chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488
FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878
consulate(s) general: Miami

Swaziland
chief of mission: Ambassador Abednigo Mandla NTSHANGASE
chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002
FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254

Sweden
chief of mission: Ambassador Jonas HAFSTROM
chancery: The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600
FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699
consulate(s) general: New York

Switzerland
chief of mission: Ambassador Manuel SAGER
chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900
FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco
consulate(s): Boston

Syria
chief of mission: Ambassador Imad MOUSTAPHA
chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313
FAX: [1] (202) 265-4585

Taiwan
none; commercial and cultural relations with the people in
the United States are maintained through an unofficial
instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative
Office in the United States (TECRO), a private nonprofit corporation
that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at
diplomatic posts
representative: Jason C. YUAN
office: 4201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] 202 895-1800
Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (branch offices): Atlanta,
Boston, Chicago, Guam, Houston, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Tajikistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdujabbor SHIRINOV
chancery: 1005 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090
FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

Tanzania
chief of mission: Ambassador Mwandaidi Sinare MAAJAR
chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125
FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

Thailand
chief of mission: Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG
chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600
FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Timor-Leste
chief of mission: Ambassador Constancio da Conceicao
PINTO
chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504,Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202
FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205

Togo
chief of mission: Ambassador Kadangha Limbiya BARIKI
chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190

Tokelau
none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi
TAUMOEPEAU-TUPOU
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Trinidad and Tobago
chief of mission: Ambassador vacant; Charge
d'Affaires Donna HENRY
chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490
FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Tunisia
chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Salah TEKAYA
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

Turkey
chief of mission: Ambassador Namik TAN
chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700
FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Turkmenistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Meret Bairamovich ORAZOW
chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

Turks and Caicos Islands
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's
only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN
office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017,
telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534, fax: [1] (212) 937-0692

Uganda
chief of mission: Ambassador Perezi Karukubiro KAMUNANWIRE
chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

Ukraine
chief of mission: Ambassador Oleksandr MOTSYK
chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 333-0606
FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817
consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, San Francisco

United Arab Emirates
chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mani bin
Said al-UTAYBA
chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC
20008
telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400
FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

United Kingdom
chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Nigel E. SHEINWALD
chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500
FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Orlando

Uruguay
chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois
chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316
FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
consulate(s): San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Uzbekistan
chief of mission: Ambassador Ilxamdjan NEMATOV
chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 887-5300
FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804
consulate(s) general: New York

Vanuatu
Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does,
however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN

Venezuela
chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ Herrera
chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214
FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820
consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans,
New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Vietnam
chief of mission: Ambassador Le Cong PHUNG
chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737
FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Virgin Islands
none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara
none

Yemen
chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahab Abdallah al-HAJRI
chancery: 2319 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760
FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017

Zambia
chief of mission: Ambassador Shelia Z. SIWELA
chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

Zimbabwe
chief of mission: Ambassador Machivenyika MAPURANGA
chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100
FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

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

@2150

Field Listing :: Telephones - main lines in use

This entry gives the total number of main telephone lines in use.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Telephones - main lines in use

Afghanistan
129,300 (2009)

Albania
363,000 (2009)

Algeria
2.576 million (2009)

American Samoa
10,400 (2009)

Andorra
37,900 (2009)

Angola
303,200 (2009)

Anguilla
6,300 (2009)

Antarctica
0; note - information for US bases only (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda
37,400 (2009)

Argentina
9.764 million (2009)

Armenia
630,000 (2009)

Aruba
38,300 (2009)

Australia
9.02 million (2009)

Austria
3.253 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
1.397 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
129,000 (2009)

Bahrain
238,400 (2009)

Bangladesh
1.522 million (2009)

Barbados
135,700 (2009)

Belarus
3.969 million (2009)

Belgium
4,255 (2009)

Belize
31,200 (2009)

Benin
127,100 (2009)

Bermuda
57,700 (2009)

Bhutan
26,300 (2009)

Bolivia
810,200 (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
998,600 (2009)

Botswana
144,200 (2009)

Brazil
41.497 million (2009)

British Indian Ocean Territory
NA

British Virgin Islands
20,100 (2009)

Brunei
80,500 (2009)

Bulgaria
2.164 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
167,000 (2009)

Burma
812,000 (2009)

Burundi
31,500 (2009)

Cambodia
54,200 (2009)

Cameroon
323,800 (2009)

Canada
18.251 million (2009)

Cape Verde
72,200 (2009)

Cayman Islands
38,000 (2009)

Central African Republic
12,000 (2009)

Chad
13,000 (2009)

Chile
3.575 million (2009)

China
313.68 million (2009)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
287 (1992)

Colombia
7.5 million (2009)

Comoros
25,400 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
40,000 (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
24,300 (2009)

Cook Islands
6,900 (2009)

Costa Rica
1.493 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
282,100 (2009)

Croatia
1.859 million (2009)

Cuba
1.168 million (2009)

Cyprus
area under government control: 414,500 (2009); area
administered by Turkish Cypriots: 86,228 (2002)

Czech Republic
2.092 million (2009)

Denmark
2.062 million (2009)

Djibouti
16,800 (2009)

Dominica
17,500 (2009)

Dominican Republic
965,400 (2009)

Ecuador
2.004 million (2009)

Egypt
10.313 million (2009)

El Salvador
1.099 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
10,000 (2009)

Eritrea
48,500 (2009)

Estonia
492,800 (2009)

Ethiopia
915,100 (2009)

European Union
238 million (2005)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
2,000 (2009)

Faroe Islands
20,900 (2009)

Fiji
136,800 (2009)

Finland
1.43 million (2009)

France
36.431 million; 35.5 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
54,300 (2009)

Gabon
26,500 (2009)

Gambia, The
49,000 (2009)

Gaza Strip
360,400 (includes West Bank) (2010)

Georgia
620,000 (2009)

Germany
48.7 million (2009)

Ghana
267,400 (2009)

Gibraltar
24,000 (2009)

Greece
5.93 million (2009)

Greenland
22,000 (2009)

Grenada
28,600 (2009)

Guam
65,500 (2009)

Guatemala
1.413 million (2009)

Guernsey
45,100 (2009)

Guinea
22,000 (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
4,800 (2009)

Guyana
130,000 (2009)

Haiti
108,300 (2009)

Holy See (Vatican City)
5,120 (2005)

Honduras
830,000 (2009)

Hong Kong
4.188 million (2009)

Hungary
3.069 million (2009)

Iceland
185,200 (2009)

India
35.77 million (2010)

Indonesia
33.958 million (2009)

Iran
25.804 million (2009)

Iraq
1.108 million (2009)

Ireland
2.08 million (2009)

Isle of Man
51,000 (1999)

Israel
3.25 million (2009)

Italy
21.3 million (2009)

Jamaica
302,300 (2009)

Japan
44.364 million (2009)

Jersey
73,900 (2009)

Jordan
501,200 (2009)

Kazakhstan
3.763 million (2009)

Kenya
664,100 (2009)

Kiribati
4,000 (2009)

Korea, North
1.18 million (2008)

Korea, South
19.289 million (2009)

Kosovo
106,300 (2006)

Kuwait
553,500 (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
498,300 (2009)

Laos
132,200 (2009)

Latvia
644,000 (2009)

Lebanon
750,000 (2009)

Lesotho
40,000 (2009)

Liberia
2,000 (2009)

Libya
1.101 million (2009)

Liechtenstein
19,600 (2009)

Lithuania
747,400 (2009)

Luxembourg
273,600 (2009)

Macau
168,903 (2010)

Macedonia
442,200 (2009)

Madagascar
181,200 (2009)

Malawi
175,000 (2009)

Malaysia
4.312 million (2009)

Maldives
49,913 (2009)

Mali
81,000 (2009)

Malta
252,700 (2009)

Marshall Islands
4,400 (2009)

Mauritania
74,500 (2009)

Mauritius
379,100 (2009)

Mayotte
10,000 (2009)

Mexico
19.425 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
8,700 (2009)

Moldova
1.139 million (2009)

Monaco
35,400 (2009)

Mongolia
188,900 (2009)

Montenegro
366,600 (2009)

Montserrat
2,700 (2009)

Morocco
3.516 million (2009)

Mozambique
82,400 (2009)

Namibia
142,100 (2009)

Nauru
1,900 (2009)

Nepal
820,500 (2009)

Netherlands
7.32 million (2009)

New Caledonia
65,900 (2009)

New Zealand
1.87 million (2009)

Nicaragua
255,000 (2009)

Niger
65,000 (2009)

Nigeria
1.419 million (2009)

Niue
1,100 (2009)

Norfolk Island
2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital
(32) circuits (2004)

Northern Mariana Islands
25,100 (2009)

Norway
1.9 million (2009)

Oman
300,100 (2009)

Pakistan
4.058 million (2009)

Palau
7,100 (2009)

Panama
537,100 (2009)

Papua New Guinea
60,000 (2009)

Paraguay
387,300 (2009)

Peru
2.965 million (2009)

Philippines
4.1 million (2009)

Pitcairn Islands 1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line); (2004)

Poland
9.556 million (2009)

Portugal
4.049 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
870,100 (2009)

Qatar
285,300 (2009)

Romania
5.313 million (2009)

Russia
44.802 million (2009)

Rwanda
33,500 (2009)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
2,900 (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
20,500 (2009)

Saint Lucia
41,000 (2009)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
4,800 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
23,000 (2009)

Samoa
31,900 (2009)

San Marino
21,500 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
7,800 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
4.171 million (2009)

Senegal
278,800 (2009)

Serbia
3.106 million (2009)

Seychelles
22,100 (2009)

Sierra Leone
32,800 (2009)

Singapore
1.852 million (2009)

Sint Maarten
5,153 (2001)

Slovakia
1.022 million (2009)

Slovenia
1.034 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
8,200 (2009)

Somalia
100,000 (2009)

South Africa
4.32 million (2009)

Spain
20.057 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
3.523 million (2010)

Sudan
370,400 (2009)

Suriname
83,700 (2009)

Svalbard
NA

Swaziland
44,000 (2009)

Sweden
5.146 million (2009)

Switzerland
4.65 million (2009)

Syria
3.871 million (2009)

Taiwan
14.596 million (2009)

Tajikistan
290,000 (2009)

Tanzania
173,552 (2010)

Thailand
7.024 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
2,400 (2009)

Togo
178,700 (2009)

Tokelau
300 (2009)

Tonga
31,000 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
314,800 (2009)

Tunisia
1.279 million (2009)

Turkey
16.534 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
478,000 (2009)

Turks and Caicos Islands
3,700 (2009)

Tuvalu
1,700 (2009)

Uganda
233,500 (2009)

Ukraine
13.026 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
1.561 million (2009)

United Kingdom
32.117 million (2009)

United States
141 million (2009)

Uruguay
953,400 (2009)

Uzbekistan
1.857 million (2009)

Vanuatu
7,200 (2009)

Venezuela
6.867 million (2009)

Vietnam
17.427 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
75,000 (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
3,000 (2009)

West Bank
360,400 (includes Gaza Strip) (2010)

Western Sahara
about 2,000 (1999 est.)

World
1.268 billion (2008)

Yemen
997,000 (2009)

Zambia
90,300 (2009)

Zimbabwe
385,100 (2009)

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

@2151

Field Listing :: Telephones - mobile cellular

This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephone
subscribers.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Telephones - mobile cellular

Afghanistan
12 million (2009)

Albania
4.162 million (2009)

Algeria
32.73 million (2009)

American Samoa
2,200 (2004)

Andorra
64,500 (2009)

Angola
8.109 million (2009)

Anguilla
27,000 (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
134,900 (2009)

Argentina
51.891 million (2009)

Armenia
2.62 million (2009)

Aruba
128,000 (2009)

Australia
24.22 million (2009)

Austria
11.773 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
7.757 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
358,800 (2009)

Bahrain
1.578 million (2009)

Bangladesh
50.4 million (2009)

Barbados
337,100 (2009)

Belarus
9.686 million (2009)

Belgium
12.419 million (2009)

Belize
161,800 (2009)

Benin
5.033 million (2009)

Bermuda
85,000 (2009)

Bhutan
327,100 (2009)

Bolivia
7.148 million (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
3.257 million (2009)

Botswana
1.874 million (2009)

Brazil
173.959 million (2009)

British Virgin Islands
24,000 (2009)

Brunei
425,000 (2009)

Bulgaria
10.617 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
3.299 million (2009)

Burma
448,000 (2009)

Burundi
838,400 (2009)

Cambodia
5.593 million (2009)

Cameroon
7.397 million (2009)

Canada
23.081 million (2009)

Cape Verde
392,000 (2009)

Cayman Islands
33,800 (2004)

Central African Republic
168,000 (2009)

Chad
2.686 million (2009)

Chile
16.45 million (2009)

China
747 million (2009)

Colombia
42.16 million (2009)

Comoros
100,000 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
10.163 million (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
2.171 million (2009)

Cook Islands
7,000 (2009)

Costa Rica
1.95 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
13.346 million (2009)

Croatia
6.035 million (2009)

Cuba
443,000 (2009)

Cyprus
area under government control: 977,500 (2009); area
administered by Turkish Cypriots: 147,522 (2002)

Czech Republic
14.258 million (2009)

Denmark
7.406 million (2009)

Djibouti
128,800 (2009)

Dominica
106,000 (2009)

Dominican Republic
8.63 million (2009)

Ecuador
13.635 million (2009)

Egypt
55.352 million (2009)

El Salvador
7.566 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
445,000 (2009)

Eritrea
141,100 (2009)

Estonia
2.72 million (2009)

Ethiopia
4.052 million (2009)

European Union
466 million (2005)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
3,300 (2009)

Faroe Islands
57,000 (2009)

Fiji
640,000 (2009)

Finland
7.7 million (2009)

France
60.95 million; 59.543 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
208,300 (2009)

Gabon
1.373 million (2009)

Gambia, The
1.433 million (2009)

Gaza Strip
2.405 million (includes West Bank) (2010)

Georgia
2.837 million (2009)

Germany
105 million (2009)

Ghana
15.109 million (2009)

Gibraltar
28,600 (2009)

Greece
13.295 million (2009)

Greenland
53,500 (2009)

Grenada
64,000 (2009)

Guam
98,000 (2004)

Guatemala
17.308 million (2009)

Guernsey
43,800 (2004)

Guinea
5.607 million (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
560,300 (2009)

Guyana
281,400 (2005)

Haiti
3.648 million (2009)

Honduras
7.714 million (2009)

Hong Kong
12.207 million (2009)

Hungary
11.793 million (2009)

Iceland
349,000 (2009)

India
670 million (2010)

Indonesia
159.248 million (2009)

Iran
52.555 million (2009)

Iraq
19.722 million (2009)

Ireland
4.871 million (2009)

Israel
9.022 million (2009)

Italy
90.613 million (2009)

Jamaica
2.971 million (2009)

Japan
114.917 million (2009)

Jersey
83,900 (2004)

Jordan
6.014 million (2009)

Kazakhstan
14.995 million (2009)

Kenya
19.365 million (2009)

Kiribati
1,000 (2009)

Korea, South
47.944 million (2009)

Kosovo
562,000 (2007)

Kuwait
3.876 million (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
4.487 million (2009)

Laos
3.235 million (2009)

Latvia
2.243 million (2009)

Lebanon
1.526 million (2009)

Lesotho
661,000 (2009)

Liberia
842,000 (2009)

Libya
5.004 million (2009)

Liechtenstein
35,000 (2009)

Lithuania
4.962 million (2009)

Luxembourg
719,000 (2009)

Macau
1.109 million (2010)

Macedonia
1.943 million (2009)

Madagascar
5.997 million (2009)

Malawi
2.4 million (2009)

Malaysia
30.379 million (2009)

Maldives
461,149 (2009)

Mali
3.742 million (2009)

Malta
422,100 (2009)

Marshall Islands
1,000 (2009)

Mauritania
2.182 million (2009)

Mauritius
1.087 million (2009)

Mayotte
48,100 (2005)

Mexico
83.528 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
38,000 (2009)

Moldova
2.785 million (2009)

Monaco
23,000 (2009)

Mongolia
2.249 million (2009)

Montenegro
752,000 (2009)

Montserrat
3,000 (2008)

Morocco
25.311 million (2009)

Mozambique
5.971 million (2009)

Namibia
1.217 million (2009)

Nauru
1,500 (2002)

Nepal
7.618 million (2009)

Netherlands
21.182 million (2009)

New Caledonia
208,000 (2009)

New Zealand
4.7 million (2009)

Nicaragua
3.204 million (2009)

Niger
2.599 million (2009)

Nigeria
73.099 million (2009)

Niue
600 (2004)

Norfolk Island
0 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands
20,500 (2004)

Norway
5.336 million (2009)

Oman
3.971 million (2009)

Pakistan
103 million (2009)

Palau
13,200 (2009)

Panama
5.677 million (2009)

Papua New Guinea
900,000 (2009)

Paraguay
5.619 million (2009)

Peru
24.7 million (2009)

Philippines
74.489 million (2009)

Poland
44.553 million (2009)

Portugal
15.178 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
2.716 million (2009)

Qatar
2.472 million (2009)

Romania
25.377 million (2009)

Russia
230.5 million (2009)

Rwanda
2.429 million (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
83,000 (2009)

Saint Lucia
176,000 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
121,100 (2009)

Samoa
151,000 (2009)

San Marino
24,000 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
64,000 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
44.864 million (2009)

Senegal
6.902 million (2009)

Serbia
9.912 million (2009)

Seychelles
92,300 (2009)

Sierra Leone
1.16 million (2009)

Singapore
6.652 million (2009)

Slovakia
5.498 million (2009)

Slovenia
2.1 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
30,000 (2009)

Somalia
641,000 (2009)

South Africa
46.436 million (2009)

Spain
50.991 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
15.868 million (2010)

Sudan
15.34 million (2009)

Suriname
763,900 (2009)

Swaziland
656,000 (2009)

Sweden
11.426 million (2009)

Switzerland
9.255 million (2009)

Syria
9.697 million (2009)

Taiwan
26.959 million (2009)

Tajikistan
4.9 million (2009)

Tanzania
17.677 million (2010)

Thailand
83.057 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
116,000 (2009)

Togo
2.187 million (2009)

Tonga
53,000 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
1.97 million (2009)

Tunisia
9.754 million (2009)

Turkey
62.78 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
1.5 million (2009)

Turks and Caicos Islands
25,100 (2004)

Tuvalu
2,000 (2009)

Uganda
9.384 million (2009)

Ukraine
55.333 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
10.672 million (2009)

United Kingdom
80.375 million (2009)

United States
286 million (2009)

Uruguay
3.802 million (2009)

Uzbekistan
16.418 million (2009)

Vanuatu
126,500 (2009)

Venezuela
28.124 million (2009)

Vietnam
98.224 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
80,300 (2005)

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
2.405 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2010)

Western Sahara
0 (1999)

World
5.3 billion (2010)

Yemen
8.313 million (2009)

Zambia
4.407 million (2009)

Zimbabwe
2.991 million (2009)

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

@2152

Field Listing ::

Country

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

@2153

Field Listing :: Internet users

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

Internet users

Afghanistan
1 million (2009)

Albania
1.3 million (2009)

Algeria
4.7 million (2009)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
67,100 (2009)

Angola
606,700 (2009)

Anguilla
3,700 (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
65,000 (2009)

Argentina
13.694 million (2009)

Armenia
208,200 (2009)

Aruba
24,000 (2009)

Australia
15.81 million (2009)

Austria
6.143 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
2.42 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
115,800 (2009)

Bahrain
419,500 (2009)

Bangladesh
617,300 (2009)

Barbados
188,000 (2008)

Belarus
2.643 million (2009)

Belgium
8.113 million (2009)

Belize
36,000 (2009)

Benin
200,100 (2009)

Bermuda
54,000 (2009)

Bhutan
50,000 (2009)

Bolivia
1.103 million (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.422 million (2009)

Botswana
120,000 (2009)

Brazil
75.982 million (2009)

British Virgin Islands
4,000 (2002)

Brunei
314,900 (2009)

Bulgaria
3.395 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
178,100 (2009)

Burma
110,000 (2009)

Burundi
157,800 (2009)

Cambodia
78,500 (2009)

Cameroon
749,600 (2009)

Canada
26.96 million (2009)

Cape Verde
150,000 (2009)

Cayman Islands
23,000 (2008)

Central African Republic
22,600 (2009)

Chad
168,100 (2009)

Chile
7.009 million (2009)

China
389 million (2009)

Christmas Island
464 (2001)

Colombia
22.538 million (2009)

Comoros
24,300 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
290,000 (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
245,200 (2009)

Cook Islands
6,000 (2009)

Costa Rica
1.485 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
967,300 (2009)

Croatia
2.234 million (2009)

Cuba
1.606 million
note: private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or
accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may
access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls;
some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take
advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the
government-controlled "intranet" (2009)

Cyprus
433,900 (2009)

Czech Republic
6.681 million (2009)

Denmark
4.75 million (2009)

Djibouti
25,900 (2009)

Dominica
28,000 (2009)

Dominican Republic
2.701 million (2009)

Ecuador
3.352 million (2009)

Egypt
20.136 million (2009)

El Salvador
746,000 (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
14,400 (2009)

Eritrea
200,000 (2008)

Estonia
971,700 (2009)

Ethiopia
447,300 (2009)

European Union
247 million (2006)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
2,900 (2009)

Faroe Islands
37,500 (2009)

Fiji
114,200 (2009)

Finland
4.393 million (2009)

France
45.262 million; 44.625 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
120,000 (2009)

Gabon
98,800 (2009)

Gambia, The
130,100 (2009)

Gaza Strip
1.379 million (includes West Bank) (2009)

Georgia
1.3 million (2009)

Germany
65.125 million (2009)

Ghana
1.297 million (2009)

Gibraltar
20,200 (2009)

Greece
4.971 million (2009)

Greenland
36,000 (2009)

Grenada
25,000 (2009)

Guam
90,000 (2009)

Guatemala
2.279 million (2009)

Guernsey
48,300 (2009)

Guinea
95,000 (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
37,100 (2009)

Guyana
189,600 (2009)

Haiti
1 million (2009)

Honduras
731,700 (2009)

Hong Kong
4.873 million (2009)

Hungary
6.176 million (2009)

Iceland
301,600 (2009)

India
61.338 million (2009)

Indonesia
20 million (2009)

Iran
8.214 million (2009)

Iraq
325,900 (2009)

Ireland
3.042 million (2009)

Israel
4.525 million (2009)

Italy
29.235 million (2009)

Jamaica
1.581 million (2009)

Japan
99.182 million (2009)

Jersey
29,500 (2009)

Jordan
1.642 million (2009)

Kazakhstan
5.299 million (2009)

Kenya
3.996 million (2009)

Kiribati
7,800 (2009)

Korea, South
39.4 million (2009)

Kuwait
1.1 million (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
2.195 million (2009)

Laos
300,000 (2009)

Latvia
1.504 million (2009)

Lebanon
1 million (2009)

Lesotho
76,800 (2009)

Liberia
20,000 (2009)

Libya
353,900 (2009)

Liechtenstein
23,000 (2009)

Lithuania
1.964 million (2009)

Luxembourg
424,500 (2009)

Macau
270,200 (2009)

Macedonia
1.057 million (2009)

Madagascar
319,900 (2009)

Malawi
716,400 (2009)

Malaysia
15.355 million (2009)

Maldives
86,400 (2009)

Mali
249,800 (2009)

Malta
240,600 (2009)

Marshall Islands
2,200 (2009)

Mauritania
75,000 (2009)

Mauritius
290,000 (2009)

Mexico
31.02 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
17,000 (2009)

Moldova
1.333 million (2009)

Monaco
23,000 (2009)

Mongolia
330,000 (2008)

Montenegro
280,000 (2009)

Montserrat
1,200 (2009)

Morocco
13.213 million (2009)

Mozambique
613,600 (2009)

Namibia
127,500 (2009)

Nepal
577,800 (2009)

Netherlands
14.872 million (2009)

New Caledonia
85,000 (2009)

New Zealand
3.4 million (2009)

Nicaragua
199,800 (2009)

Niger
115,900 (2009)

Nigeria
43.989 million (2009)

Niue
1,100 (2009)

Norway
4.431 million (2009)

Oman
1.465 million (2009)

Pakistan
20.431 million (2009)

Panama
959,800 (2009)

Papua New Guinea
125,000 (2009)

Paraguay
1.105 million (2009)

Peru
9.158 million (2009)

Philippines
8.278 million (2009)

Poland
22.452 million (2009)

Portugal
5.168 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
1 million (2009)

Qatar
563,800 (2009)

Romania
7.787 million (2009)

Russia
40.853 million (2009)

Rwanda
450,000 (2009)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
900 (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
17,000 (2009)

Saint Lucia
142,900 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
76,000 (2009)

Samoa
9,000 (2009)

San Marino
17,000 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
26,700 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
9.774 million (2009)

Senegal
1.818 million (2009)

Serbia
4.107 million (2009)

Seychelles
32,000 (2008)

Sierra Leone
14,900 (2009)

Singapore
3.235 million (2009)

Slovakia
4.063 million (2009)

Slovenia
1.298 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
10,000 (2009)

Somalia
106,000 (2009)

South Africa
4.42 million (2009)

Spain
28.119 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
1.777 million (2009)

Sudan
4.2 million (2008)

Suriname
163,000 (2009)

Swaziland
90,100 (2009)

Sweden
8.398 million (2009)

Switzerland
6.152 million (2009)

Syria
4.469 million (2009)

Taiwan
16.147 million (2009)

Tajikistan
700,000 (2009)

Tanzania
678,000 (2009)

Thailand
17.483 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
2,100 (2009)

Togo
356,300 (2009)

Tokelau
800 (2008)

Tonga
8,400 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
593,000 (2009)

Tunisia
3.5 million (2009)

Turkey
27.233 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
80,400 (2009)

Tuvalu
4,200 (2008)

Uganda
3.2 million (2009)

Ukraine
7.77 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
3.449 million (2009)

United Kingdom
51.444 million (2009)

United States
245 million (2009)

Uruguay
1.405 million (2009)

Uzbekistan
4.689 million (2009)

Vanuatu
17,000 (2009)

Venezuela
8.918 million (2009)

Vietnam
23.382 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
30,000 (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
1,300 (2009)

West Bank
1.379 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2009)

World
2.1 billion (2010)

Yemen
2.349 million (2009)

Zambia
816,200 (2009)

Zimbabwe
1.423 million (2009)

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

@2154

Field Listing :: Internet country code

This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166
Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
(IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).
Country

Internet country code

Afghanistan
.af

Albania
.al

Algeria
.dz

American Samoa
.as

Andorra
.ad

Angola
.ao

Anguilla
.ai

Antarctica
.aq

Antigua and Barbuda
.ag

Argentina
.ar

Armenia
.am

Aruba
.aw

Australia
.au

Austria
.at

Azerbaijan
.az

Bahamas, The
.bs

Bahrain
.bh

Bangladesh
.bd

Barbados
.bb

Belarus
.by

Belgium
.be

Belize
.bz

Benin
.bj

Bermuda
.bm

Bhutan
.bt

Bolivia
.bo

Bosnia and Herzegovina
.ba

Botswana
.bw

Bouvet Island
.bv

Brazil
.br

British Indian Ocean Territory
.io

British Virgin Islands
.vg

Brunei
.bn

Bulgaria
.bg

Burkina Faso
.bf

Burma
.mm

Burundi
.bi

Cambodia
.kh

Cameroon
.cm

Canada
.ca

Cape Verde
.cv

Cayman Islands
.ky

Central African Republic
.cf

Chad
.td

Chile
.cl

China
.cn

Christmas Island
.cx

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
.cc

Colombia
.co

Comoros
.km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
.cd

Congo, Republic of the
.cg

Cook Islands
.ck

Costa Rica
.cr

Cote d'Ivoire
.ci

Croatia
.hr

Cuba
.cu

Cyprus
.cy

Czech Republic
.cz

Denmark
.dk

Djibouti
.dj

Dominica
.dm

Dominican Republic
.do

Ecuador
.ec

Egypt
.eg

El Salvador
.sv

Equatorial Guinea
.gq

Eritrea
.er

Estonia
.ee

Ethiopia
.et

European Union
.eu; note - see country entries of member states for
individual country codes

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
.fk

Faroe Islands
.fo

Fiji
.fj

Finland
.fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

France
metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe -
.gp; Martinique - .mq; Reunion - .re

French Polynesia
.pf

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
.tf

Gabon
.ga

Gambia, The
.gm

Gaza Strip
.ps; note - same as West Bank

Georgia
.ge

Germany
.de

Ghana
.gh

Gibraltar
.gi

Greece
.gr

Greenland
.gl

Grenada
.gd

Guam
.gu

Guatemala
.gt

Guernsey
.gg

Guinea
.gn

Guinea-Bissau
.gw

Guyana
.gy

Haiti
.ht

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
.hm

Holy See (Vatican City)
.va

Honduras
.hn

Hong Kong
.hk

Hungary
.hu

Iceland
.is

India
.in

Indonesia
.id

Iran
.ir

Iraq
.iq

Ireland
.ie

Isle of Man
.im

Israel
.il

Italy
.it

Jamaica
.jm

Japan
.jp

Jersey
.je

Jordan
.jo

Kazakhstan
.kz

Kenya
.ke

Kiribati
.ki

Korea, North
.kp

Korea, South
.kr

Kuwait
.kw

Kyrgyzstan
.kg

Laos
.la

Latvia
.lv

Lebanon
.lb

Lesotho
.ls

Liberia
.lr

Libya
.ly

Liechtenstein
.li

Lithuania
.lt

Luxembourg
.lu

Macau
.mo

Macedonia
.mk

Madagascar
.mg

Malawi
.mw

Malaysia
.my

Maldives
.mv

Mali
.ml

Malta
.mt

Marshall Islands
.mh

Mauritania
.mr

Mauritius
.mu

Mayotte
.yt

Mexico
.mx

Micronesia, Federated States of
.fm

Moldova
.md

Monaco
.mc

Mongolia
.mn

Montenegro
.me

Montserrat
.ms

Morocco
.ma

Mozambique
.mz

Namibia
.na

Nauru
.nr

Nepal
.np

Netherlands
.nl

New Caledonia
.nc

New Zealand
.nz

Nicaragua
.ni

Niger
.ne

Nigeria
.ng

Niue
.nu

Norfolk Island
.nf

Northern Mariana Islands
.mp

Norway
.no

Oman
.om

Pakistan
.pk

Palau
.pw

Panama
.pa

Papua New Guinea
.pg

Paraguay
.py

Peru
.pe

Philippines
.ph

Pitcairn Islands
.pn

Poland
.pl

Portugal
.pt

Puerto Rico
.pr

Qatar
.qa

Romania
.ro

Russia
.ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy
domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being
phased out

Rwanda
.rw

Saint Barthelemy
.bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for
Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might
also be encountered

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
.sh; note - Ascension
Island assigned .ac

Saint Kitts and Nevis
.kn

Saint Lucia
.lc

Saint Martin
.mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for
Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might
also be encountered

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
.pm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
.vc

Samoa
.ws

San Marino
.sm

Sao Tome and Principe
.st

Saudi Arabia
.sa

Senegal
.sn

Serbia
.rs

Seychelles
.sc

Sierra Leone
.sl

Singapore
.sg

Slovakia
.sk

Slovenia
.si

Solomon Islands
.sb

Somalia
.so

South Africa
.za

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
.gs

Spain
.es

Sri Lanka
.lk

Sudan
.sd

Suriname
.sr

Svalbard
.sj

Swaziland
.sz

Sweden
.se

Switzerland
.ch

Syria
.sy

Taiwan
.tw

Tajikistan
.tj

Tanzania
.tz

Thailand
.th

Timor-Leste
.tl

Togo
.tg

Tokelau
.tk

Tonga
.to

Trinidad and Tobago
.tt

Tunisia
.tn

Turkey
.tr

Turkmenistan
.tm

Turks and Caicos Islands
.tc

Tuvalu
.tv

Uganda
.ug

Ukraine
.ua

United Arab Emirates
.ae

United Kingdom
.uk

United States
.us

Uruguay
.uy

Uzbekistan
.uz

Vanuatu
.vu

Venezuela
.ve

Vietnam
.vn

Virgin Islands
.vi

Wallis and Futuna
.wf

West Bank
.ps; note - same as Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
.eh

Yemen
.ye

Zambia
.zm

Zimbabwe
.zw

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

@2155

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

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

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate(%)

Afghanistan
0.01% (2001 est.)

Albania
NA

Algeria
0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
NA

Angola
2.1% (2007 est.)

Anguilla
NA

Antigua and Barbuda
NA

Argentina
0.5% (2007 est.)

Armenia
0.1% (2007 est.)

Aruba
NA

Australia
0.2% (2007 est.)

Austria
0.2% (2007 est.)

Azerbaijan
less than 0.2% (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
3% (2007 est.)

Bahrain
0.2% (2001 est.)

Bangladesh
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Barbados
1.2% (2007 est.)

Belarus
0.2% (2007 est.)

Belgium
0.2% (2007 est.)

Belize
2.1% (2007 est.)

Benin
1.2% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
0.3% (2005)

Bhutan
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Bolivia
0.2% (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Botswana
23.9% (2007 est.)

Brazil
0.6% (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
NA

Brunei
less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
1.6% (2007 est.)

Burma
0.7% (2007 est.)

Burundi
2% (2007 est.)

Cambodia
0.8% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
5.1% (2007 est.)

Canada
0.4% (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
0.04% (2001 est.)

Cayman Islands
NA

Central African Republic
6.3% (2007 est.)

Chad
3.5% (2007 est.)

Chile
0.3% (2007 est.)

China
0.1% (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
0.6% (2007 est.)

Comoros
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
4.2% (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
3.5% (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
NA

Costa Rica
0.4% (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
3.9% (2007 est.)

Croatia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Cuba
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
0.1% (2003 est.)

Czech Republic
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Denmark
0.2% (2007 est.)

Djibouti
3.1% (2007 est.)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
1.1% (2007 est.)

Ecuador
0.3% (2007 est.)

Egypt
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

El Salvador
0.8% (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
3.4% (2007 est.)

Eritrea
1.3% (2007 est.)

Estonia
1.3% (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
2.1% (2007 est.)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
0.1% (2007 est.)

Finland
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

France
0.4% (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
5.9% (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
0.9% (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
NA

Georgia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Germany
0.1% (2007 est.)

Ghana
1.9% (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
0.2% (2007 est.)

Greenland
NA

Grenada
NA

Guam
NA

Guatemala
0.8% (2007 est.)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
1.6% (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
1.8% (2007 est.)

Guyana
2.5% (2007 est.)

Haiti
2.2% (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
0.7% (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
0.1% (2003 est.)

Hungary
0.1% (2007 est.)

Iceland
0.2% (2007 est.)

India
0.3% (2007 est.)

Indonesia
0.2% (2007 est.)

Iran
0.2% (2007 est.)

Iraq
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Ireland
0.2% (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
0.1% (2007 est.)

Italy
0.4% (2007 est.)

Jamaica
1.6% (2007 est.)

Japan
less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan
0.1% (2007 est.)

Kenya
6.7% (2003 est.)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
NA

Korea, South
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
0.1% (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Laos
0.2% (2007 est.)

Latvia
0.8% (2007 est.)

Lebanon
0.1% (2007 est.)

Lesotho
23.2% (2007 est.)

Liberia
1.7% (2007 est.)

Libya
0.3% (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
0.1% (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
0.2% (2007 est.)

Macau
NA

Macedonia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Madagascar
0.1% (2007 est.)

Malawi
11.9% (2007 est.)

Malaysia
0.5% (2007 est.)

Maldives
0.1% (2001 est.)

Mali
1.5% (2007 est.)

Malta
0.1% (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
NA

Mauritania
0.8% (2007 est.)

Mauritius
1.7% (2007 est.)

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
0.3% (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA

Moldova
0.4% (2007 est.)

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
0.1% (2007 est.)

Mozambique
12.5% (2007 est.)

Namibia
15.3% (2007 est.)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
0.5% (2007 est.)

Netherlands
0.2% (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
0.1% (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
0.2% (2007 est.)

Niger
0.8% (2007 est.)

Nigeria
3.1% (2007 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
0.1% (2007 est.)

Oman
0.1% (2001 est.)

Pakistan
0.1% (2007 est.)

Palau
NA

Panama
1% (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
1.5% (2007 est.)

Paraguay
0.6% (2007 est.)

Peru
0.5% (2007 est.)

Philippines
less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.)

Portugal
0.5% (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
NA

Qatar
0.1% (2001 est.)

Romania
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Russia
1.1% (2007 est.)

Rwanda
2.8% (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
NA

Saudi Arabia
0.01% (2001 est.)

Senegal
1% (2007 est.)

Serbia
0.1% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
NA

Sierra Leone
1.7% (2007 est.)

Singapore
0.2% (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Slovenia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
NA

Somalia
0.5% (2007 est.)

South Africa
18.1% (2007 est.)

Spain
0.5% (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Sudan
1.4% (2007 est.)

Suriname
2.4% (2007 est.)

Svalbard
0% (2001)

Swaziland
26.1% (2007 est.)

Sweden
0.1% (2007 est.)

Switzerland
0.6% (2007 est.)

Syria
less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Taiwan
NA

Tajikistan
less than 0.3% (2007 est.)

Tanzania
6.2% (2007 est.)

Thailand
1.4% (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
3.3% (2007 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
NA

Trinidad and Tobago
1.5% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Turkey
less than 0.1%; note - no country specific models provided
(2001 est.)

Turkmenistan
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
5.4% (2007 est.)

Ukraine
1.6% (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
0.2% (2001 est.)

United Kingdom
0.2% (2007 est.)

United States
0.6% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
0.6% (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
0.7%; note - no country specific models provided (2001
est.)

Vietnam
0.5% (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
NA

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
NA

Western Sahara
NA

World
0.8% (2007 est.)

Yemen
0.1% (2001 est.)

Zambia
15.2% (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
15.3% (2007 est.)

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

@2156

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS. Country Comparison to the World Country

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Afghanistan
NA

Albania
NA

Algeria
21,000 (2007 est.)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
NA

Angola
190,000 (2007 est.)

Anguilla
NA

Antigua and Barbuda
NA

Argentina
120,000 (2007 est.)

Armenia
2,400 (2007 est.)

Aruba
NA

Australia
18,000 (2007 est.)

Austria
9,800 (2007 est.)

Azerbaijan
7,800 (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
6,200 (2007 est.)

Bahrain
fewer than 600 (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
12,000 (2007 est.)

Barbados
2,200 (2007 est.)

Belarus
13,000 (2007 est.)

Belgium
15,000 (2007 est.)

Belize
3,600 (2007 est.)

Benin
64,000 (2007 est.)

Bermuda
163 (2005)

Bhutan
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Bolivia
8,100 (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
900 (2007 est.)

Botswana
300,000 (2007 est.)

Brazil
730,000 (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
NA

Brunei
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
346 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
130,000 (2007 est.)

Burma
240,000 (2007 est.)

Burundi
110,000 (2007 est.)

Cambodia
75,000 (2007 est.)

Cameroon
540,000 (2007 est.)

Canada
73,000 (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
775 (2001)

Cayman Islands
NA

Central African Republic
160,000 (2007 est.)

Chad
200,000 (2007 est.)

Chile
31,000 (2007 est.)

China
700,000 (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
170,000 (2007 est.)

Comoros
NA (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
1.1 million (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
79,000 (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
NA

Costa Rica
9,700 (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
480,000 (2007 est.)

Croatia
200 (2007 est.)

Cuba
6,200 (2007 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
1,500 (2007 est.)

Denmark
4,800 (2007 est.)

Djibouti
16,000 (2007 est.)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
62,000 (2007 est.)

Ecuador
26,000 (2007 est.)

Egypt
9,200 (2007 est.)

El Salvador
35,000 (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
11,000 (2007 est.)

Eritrea
38,000 (2007 est.)

Estonia
9,900 (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
980,000 (2007 est.)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
600 (2003 est.)

Finland
2,400 (2007 est.)

France
140,000 (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
49,000 (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
8,200 (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
NA

Georgia
2,700 (2007 est.)

Germany
53,000 (2007 est.)

Ghana
260,000 (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
11,000 (2007 est.)

Greenland
100 (1999)

Grenada
NA

Guam
NA

Guatemala
59,000 (2007 est.)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
87,000 (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
16,000 (2007 est.)

Guyana
13,000 (2007 est.)

Haiti
120,000 (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
28,000 (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
2,600 (2003 est.)

Hungary
3,300 (2007 est.)

Iceland
220 (2007 est.)

India
2.4 million (2007 est.)

Indonesia
270,000 (2007 est.)

Iran
86,000 (2007 est.)

Iraq
fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Ireland
5,500 (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
5,100 (2007 est.)

Italy
150,000 (2007 est.)

Jamaica
27,000 (2007 est.)

Japan
9,600 (2007 est.)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
600 (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
12,000 (2007 est.)

Kenya
1.2 million (2003 est.)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
NA

Korea, South
13,000 (2007 est.)

Kuwait
NA (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
4,200 (2007 est.)

Laos
5,500 (2007 est.)

Latvia
10,000 (2007 est.)

Lebanon
3,000 (2007 est.)

Lesotho
270,000 (2007 est.)

Liberia
35,000 (2007 est.)

Libya
10,000 (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
2,200 (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Macau
NA

Macedonia
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Madagascar
14,000 (2007 est.)

Malawi
930,000 (2007 est.)

Malaysia
80,000 (2007 est.)

Maldives
fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Mali
100,000 (2007 est.)

Malta
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
NA

Mauritania
14,000 (2007 est.)

Mauritius
13,000 (2007 est.)

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
200,000 (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA

Moldova
8,900 (2007 est.)

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
21,000 (2007 est.)

Mozambique
1.5 million (2007 est.)

Namibia
200,000 (2007 est.)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
70,000 (2007 est.)

Netherlands
18,000 (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
1,400 (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
7,700 (2007 est.)

Niger
60,000 (2007 est.)

Nigeria
2.6 million (2007 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
3,000 (2007 est.)

Oman
1,300 (2001 est.)

Pakistan
96,000 (2007 est.)

Palau
NA

Panama
20,000 (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
54,000 (2007 est.)

Paraguay
21,000 (2007 est.)

Peru
76,000 (2007 est.)

Philippines
8,300 (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
20,000 (2007 est.)

Portugal
34,000 (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
7,397 (1997)

Qatar
NA

Romania
15,000 (2007 est.)

Russia
940,000 (2007 est.)

Rwanda
150,000 (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
NA

Saudi Arabia
NA

Senegal
67,000 (2007 est.)

Serbia
6,400 (2009 est.)

Seychelles
NA

Sierra Leone
55,000 (2007 est.)

Singapore
4,200 (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Slovenia
280 (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
NA

Somalia
24,000 (2007 est.)

South Africa
5.7 million (2007 est.)

Spain
140,000 (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
3,800 (2007 est.)

Sudan
320,000 (2007 est.)

Suriname
6,800 (2007 est.)

Svalbard
0 (2001)

Swaziland
190,000 (2007 est.)

Sweden
6,200 (2007 est.)

Switzerland
25,000 (2007 est.)

Syria
fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Taiwan
NA

Tajikistan
10,000 (2007 est.)

Tanzania
1.4 million (2007 est.)

Thailand
610,000 (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
130,000 (2007 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
NA

Trinidad and Tobago
14,000 (2007 est.)

Tunisia
3,700 (2007 est.)

Turkey
NA (2007 est.)

Turkmenistan
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
940,000 (2007 est.)

Ukraine
440,000 (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
NA

United Kingdom
77,000 (2007 est.)

United States
1.2 million (2007 est.)

Uruguay
10,000 (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
16,000 (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
110,000 (1999 est.)

Vietnam
290,000 (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
NA

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
NA

Western Sahara
NA

World
33 million (2007 est.)

Yemen
12,000 (2001 est.)

Zambia
1.1 million (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
1.3 million (2007 est.)

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

@2157

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - deaths

This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children
who died of AIDS during a given calendar year.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

HIV/AIDS - deaths

Afghanistan
NA

Albania
NA

Algeria
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
NA

Angola
11,000 (2007 est.)

Anguilla
NA

Antigua and Barbuda
NA

Argentina
7,000 (2007 est.)

Armenia
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Aruba
NA

Australia
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Austria
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Bahrain
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bangladesh
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Barbados
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Belarus
1,100 (2007 est.)

Belgium
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Belize
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Benin
3,300 (2007 est.)

Bermuda
392 (2005)

Bhutan
NA

Bolivia
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
100 (2001 est.)

Botswana
11,000 (2007 est.)

Brazil
15,000 (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
NA

Brunei
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
100 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
9,200 (2007 est.)

Burma
25,000 (2007 est.)

Burundi
11,000 (2007 est.)

Cambodia
6,900 (2007 est.)

Cameroon
39,000 (2007 est.)

Canada
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
225 (as of 2001)

Cayman Islands
NA

Central African Republic
11,000 (2007 est.)

Chad
14,000 (2007 est.)

Chile
1,100 (2007 est.)

China
39,000 (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA

Colombia
9,800 (2007 est.)

Comoros
NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
100,000 (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
6,400 (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
NA

Costa Rica
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
38,000 (2007 est.)

Croatia
fewer than 10 (2001 est.)

Cuba
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
NA

Czech Republic
fewer than 10 (2001 est.)

Denmark
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Djibouti
1,100 (2007 est.)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
4,100 (2007 est.)

Ecuador
1,400 (2007 est.)

Egypt
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

El Salvador
1,700 (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
370 (2001 est.)

Eritrea
2,600 (2007 est.)

Estonia
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
67,000 (2007 est.)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA

Faroe Islands
NA

Fiji
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Finland
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

France
1,600 (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
2,300 (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
600 (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip
NA

Georgia
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Germany
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Ghana
21,000 (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Greenland
NA

Grenada
NA

Guam
NA

Guatemala
3,900 (2007 est.)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
4,500 (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
1,100 (2007 est.)

Guyana
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Haiti
7,200 (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
NA

Honduras
1,900 (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Hungary
fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Iceland
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

India
310,000 (2001 est.)

Indonesia
8,700 (2007 est.)

Iran
4,300 (2007 est.)

Iraq
NA

Ireland
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Italy
1,900 (2007 est.)

Jamaica
1,500 (2007 est.)

Japan
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Kenya
150,000 (2003 est.)

Kiribati
NA

Korea, North
NA

Korea, South
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Kuwait
NA

Kyrgyzstan
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Laos
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Latvia
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Lebanon
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Lesotho
18,000 (2007 est.)

Liberia
2,300 (2007 est.)

Libya
NA

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Macau
NA

Macedonia
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Madagascar
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Malawi
68,000 (2007 est.)

Malaysia
3,900 (2007 est.)

Maldives
NA

Mali
5,800 (2007 est.)

Malta
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands
NA

Mauritania
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Mauritius
fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
11,000 (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
NA

Moldova
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Monaco
NA

Mongolia
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Montserrat
NA

Morocco
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Mozambique
81,000 (2007 est.)

Namibia
5,100 (2007 est.)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
5,000 (2007 est.)

Netherlands
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
NA

New Zealand
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Nicaragua
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Niger
4,000 (2007 est.)

Nigeria
170,000 (2007 est.)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Oman
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Pakistan
5,100 (2007 est.)

Palau
NA

Panama
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Paraguay
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Peru
3,300 (2007 est.)

Philippines
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
NA

Poland
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Portugal
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
NA

Qatar
NA

Romania
350 (2001 est.)

Russia
40,000 (2007 est.)

Rwanda
7,800 (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA

Saint Lucia
NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA

Samoa
NA

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
NA

Saudi Arabia
NA

Senegal
1,800 (2007 est.)

Serbia
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

Seychelles
NA

Sierra Leone
3,300 (2007 est.)

Singapore
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
NA

Slovakia
fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Slovenia
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
NA

Somalia
1,600 (2007 est.)

South Africa
350,000 (2007 est.)

Spain
2,300 (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Sudan
25,000 (2007 est.)

Suriname
fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Svalbard
0 (2001)

Swaziland
10,000 (2007 est.)

Sweden
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Switzerland
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Syria
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Taiwan
NA

Tajikistan
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Tanzania
96,000 (2007 est.)

Thailand
30,000 (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
NA

Togo
9,100 (2007 est.)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
NA

Trinidad and Tobago
1,900 (2003 est.)

Tunisia
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Turkey
NA

Turkmenistan
fewer than 100 (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
77,000 (2007 est.)

Ukraine
19,000 (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
NA

United Kingdom
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

United States
22,000 (2007 est.)

Uruguay
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
NA

Venezuela
4,100 (2003 est.)

Vietnam
24,000 (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
NA

Wallis and Futuna
NA

West Bank
NA

Western Sahara
NA

World
2 million (2007 est.)

Yemen
NA

Zambia
56,000 (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
140,000 (2007 est.)

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

@2158

Field Listing ::

Country

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

@2172

Field Listing :: Distribution of family income - Gini index

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

Distribution of family income - Gini index

Albania
26.7 (2005)

Algeria
35.3 (1995)

Argentina
45.7 (2009)

Armenia
37 (2006)
44.4 (1996)

Australia
30.5 (2006)
35.2 (1994)

Austria
26 (2007)
31 (1995)

Azerbaijan
36.5 (2001)
36 (1995)

Bangladesh
33.2 (2005)
33.6 (1996)

Belarus
27.9 (2005)
21.7 (1998)

Belgium
28 (2005)
28.7 (1996)

Benin
36.5 (2003)

Bolivia 58.2 (2009) 44.7 (1999)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
56.2 (2007)

Botswana
63 (1993)

Brazil
56.7 (2005)
60.7 (1998)

Bulgaria
29.8 (2008)
26.4 (2001)

Burkina Faso
39.5 (2007)
48.2 (1994)

Burundi
42.4 (1998)

Cambodia
43 (2007 est.)
40 (2004 est.)

Cameroon
44.6 (2001)
47.7 (1996)

Canada
32.1 (2005)
31.5 (1994)

Central African Republic
61.3 (1993)

Chile
54.9 (2003)
57.1 (2000)

China
41.5 (2007)
40 (2001)

Colombia
58.5 (2009)
53.8 (1996)

Costa Rica
48 (2008)
45.9 (1997)

Cote d'Ivoire
44.6 (2002)
36.7 (1995)

Croatia
29 (2008)
29 (1998)

Cyprus
29 (2005)

Czech Republic
26 (2005)
25.4 (1996)

Denmark
29 (2007)
24.7 (1992)

Dominican Republic
49.9 (2005)
47.4 (1998)

Ecuador 47.9 (2009) 50.5 (2006) note: data are for urban households

Egypt 34.4 (2001)

El Salvador
52.4 (2002)
52.5 (2001)

Estonia
34 (2008)
37 (1999)

Ethiopia
30 (2000)
40 (1995)

European Union
31 (2005 est.)
31.2 (1996 est.)

Finland
29.5 (2007)
25.6 (1991)

France
32.7 (2008)
32.7 (1995)

Gambia, The
50.2 (1998)

Georgia
40.8 (2009)
37.1 (1996)

Germany
27 (2006)
30 (1994)

Ghana
39.4 (2005-06)
40.7 (1999)

Greece
33 (2005)
35.4 (1998)

Guatemala
55.1 (2007)
55.8 (1998)

Guinea
38.1 (2006)
40.3 (1994)

Guyana
43.2 (1999)

Haiti
59.2 (2001)

Honduras 53.8 (2003) 56.3 (1998)

Hong Kong 53.3 (2007)

Hungary
28 (2005)
24.4 (1998)

Iceland
28 (2006)
25 (2005)

India
36.8 (2004)
37.8 (1997)

Indonesia
39.4 (2005)
37 (2001)

Iran
44.5 (2006)

Ireland
30.7 (2008)
35.9 (1987)

Israel
39.2 (2008)
35.5 (2001)

Italy
32 (2006)
27.3 (1995)

Jamaica
45.5 (2004)
37.9 (2000)

Japan
38.1 (2002)
24.9 (1993)

Jordan
39.7 (2007)
36.4 (1997)

Kazakhstan
28.8 (2008)
31.5 (2003)

Kenya
42.5 (2008 est.)
44.9 (1997)

Korea, South
31.4 (2009)
35.8 (2000)

Kosovo
30 (FY05/06)

Kyrgyzstan
30.3 (2003)
29 (2001)

Laos
34.6 (2002)
37 (1997)

Latvia
36 (2005)
32 (1999)

Lesotho
63.2 (1995)
56 (1986-87)

Lithuania
36 (2005)
34 (1999)

Luxembourg
26 (2005)

Macedonia
39 (2003)

Madagascar 47.5 (2001) 38.1 (1999)

Malawi 39 (2004)

Malaysia
46.1 (2002)
49.2 (1997)

Mali
40.1 (2001)
50.5 (1994)

Malta
26 (2007)

Mauritania
39 (2000)
37.3 (1995)

Mauritius
39 (2006 est.)
37 (1987 est.)

Mexico
48.2 (2008)
53.1 (1998)

Moldova
33.2 (2003)
40.6 (1997)

Mongolia
32.8 (2002)
44 (1998)

Montenegro
30 (2003)

Morocco
40.9 (2005 est.)
39.5 (1999 est.)

Mozambique
47.3 (2002)
39.6 (1997)

Namibia
70.7 (2003)

Nepal
47.2 (2008)
36.7 (1996)

Netherlands
30.9 (2007)
32.6 (1994)

New Zealand
36.2 (1997)

Nicaragua 43.1 (2001) 60.3 (1998)

Niger 50.5 (1995)

Nigeria
43.7 (2003)
50.6 (1997)

Norway
25 (2008)
25.8 (1995)

Pakistan
30.6 (FY07/08)
41 (FY98/99)

Panama
56.1 (2003)
48.5 (1997)

Papua New Guinea
50.9 (1996)

Paraguay
53.2 (2009)
57.7 (1998)

Peru
49.6 (2009)
46.2 (1996)

Philippines
45.8 (2006)
46.6 (2003)

Poland
34.9 (2005)
31.6 (1998)

Portugal
38.5 (2007)
35.6 (1995)

Romania
32 (2008)
28.8 (2003)

Russia
42.2 (2009)
39.9 (2001)

Rwanda
46.8 (2000)
28.9 (1985)

Senegal
41.3 (2001)
41.3 (1995)

Serbia
26 (2008)
30 (2003)

Sierra Leone
62.9 (1989)

Singapore
48.1 (2008)

Slovakia
26 (2005)
26.3 (1996)

Slovenia
28.4 (2008)
23.8 (2004)

South Africa
65 (2005)
59.3 (1994)

Spain
32 (2005)
32.5 (1990)

Sri Lanka
49 (2007)
46 (1995)

Swaziland
50.4 (2001)

Sweden
23 (2005)
25 (1992)

Switzerland
33.7 (2008)
33.1 (1992)

Tajikistan
32.6 (2006)
34.7 (1998)

Tanzania
34.6 (2000)
38.2 (1993)

Thailand
43 (2006)
42 (2002)

Timor-Leste
38 (2002 est.)

Tunisia
40 (2005 est.)
41.7 (1995 est.)

Turkey
41 (2007)
43.6 (2003)

Turkmenistan
40.8 (1998)

Uganda
45.7 (2002)
37.4 (1996)

Ukraine
31 (2006)
29 (1999)

United Kingdom
34 (2005)
36.8 (1999)

United States
45 (2007)
40.8 (1997)

Uruguay
45.2 (2006)
44.8 (1999)

Uzbekistan
36.8 (2003)
44.7 (1998)

Venezuela
41 (2009)
49.5 (1998)

Vietnam
37 (2004)
36.1 (1998)

Yemen
37.7 (2005)
33.4 (1998)

Zambia
50.8 (2004)
52.6 (1998)

Zimbabwe
50.1 (2006)
50.1 (1995)

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

@2173

Field Listing :: Oil - production

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

Oil - production(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Albania
5,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Algeria
2.125 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

American Samoa
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Angola
1.948 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Argentina
796,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Armenia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Aruba
2,235 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Australia
589,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Austria
25,410 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
1.011 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
48,560 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
5,733 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Barbados
765 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belarus
31,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belgium
11,220 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belize
3,990 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Benin
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bermuda
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bhutan
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bolivia
47,050 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Botswana
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brazil
2.572 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brunei
146,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
3,227 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burma
18,880 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burundi
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cambodia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cameroon
77,310 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Canada
3.289 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chad
115,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chile
10,850 bbl/day (2009 est.)

China
3.991 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Colombia
686,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Comoros
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
16,360 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
274,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
58,950 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Croatia
23,960 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cuba
48,340 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cyprus
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
10,970 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Denmark
262,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Djibouti
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominica
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ecuador
485,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
680,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
346,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Eritrea
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Estonia
7,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

European Union
2.383 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Fiji
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Finland
8,718 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
70,820 bbl/day (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gabon
241,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
See entry for West Bank

Georgia
995 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Germany
156,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ghana
7,081 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greece
6,779 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greenland
NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Grenada
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guam
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guatemala
13,530 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guyana
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Haiti
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Honduras
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hungary
35,580 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iceland
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

India
878,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Indonesia
1.023 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iran
4.172 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
2.399 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
3,806 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Italy
146,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jamaica
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Japan
132,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jordan
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
1.54 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Kiribati
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, North
118 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, South
48,180 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Kosovo
0 bbl/day (2007)

Kuwait
2.494 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
979 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Laos
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Latvia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lebanon
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lesotho
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Liberia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Libya
1.79 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lithuania
6,333 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macau
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malawi
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malaysia
693,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Maldives
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malta
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
16,510 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritius
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mexico
3.001 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mongolia
5,100 bbl/day (2009)

Montenegro
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montserrat
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Morocco
4,053 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mozambique
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Namibia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nauru
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nepal
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Netherlands
57,190 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Zealand
61,150 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Niger
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nigeria
2.211 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niue
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Norway
2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oman
816,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Pakistan
59,140 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Panama
2 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
35,090 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Paraguay
31 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
148,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Philippines
25,290 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Poland
34,140 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Portugal
4,721 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
1,783 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Qatar
1.213 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Romania
117,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Russia
10.12 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Rwanda
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Samoa
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
9.764 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Senegal
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Serbia
12,170 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Seychelles
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
29 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Singapore
9,667 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovakia
4,114 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovenia
5 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Somalia
108 bbl/day (2009 est.)

South Africa
191,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Spain
27,230 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sudan
486,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Suriname
15,190 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Swaziland
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sweden
4,833 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Switzerland
3,488 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Syria
400,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Taiwan
276,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
221 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tanzania
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Thailand
380,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
96,270 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tonga
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
151,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tunisia
91,380 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkey
52,980 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
197,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uganda
NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ukraine
99,930 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.798 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
1.502 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United States
9.056 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uruguay
997 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
70,910 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Venezuela
2.472 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vietnam
338,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.)

West Bank
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

World
84.24 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Yemen
288,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zambia
160 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

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

@2174

Field Listing :: Oil - consumption

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

Oil - consumption(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Albania
36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Algeria
325,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

American Samoa
4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Angola
70,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Argentina
622,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Armenia
49,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Aruba
8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Australia
946,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Austria
273,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
136,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
96,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Barbados
9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belarus
173,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belgium
608,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belize
7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Benin
23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bermuda
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bhutan
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bolivia
59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Botswana
15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brazil
2.46 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brunei
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
125,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burma
42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burundi
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cambodia
4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cameroon
26,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Canada
2.151 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chad
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chile
277,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

China
8.2 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Colombia
288,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Comoros
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
44,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Croatia
106,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cuba
169,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cyprus
59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
207,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Denmark
166,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Djibouti
12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominica
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
118,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ecuador
181,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
683,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
46,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Eritrea
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Estonia
30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

European Union
13.68 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Fiji
11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Finland
206,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
1.875 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gabon
14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
See entry for West Bank

Georgia
13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Germany
2.437 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ghana
57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greece
414,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greenland
4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Grenada
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guam
10,620 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guatemala
79,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea
9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guyana
10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Haiti
12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Honduras
56,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
359,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hungary
158,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iceland
18,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

India
2.98 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Indonesia
1.115 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iran
1.7 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
687,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
164,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Israel
231,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Italy
1.537 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jamaica
77,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Japan
4.363 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jordan
108,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
241,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
76,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kiribati
NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, North
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, South
2.185 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Kosovo
NA bbl/day

Kuwait
320,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Laos
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Latvia
40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lebanon
90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lesotho
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Liberia
4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Libya
280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lithuania
74,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
50,720 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macau
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malawi
8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malaysia
536,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Maldives
6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malta
19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritius
23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mexico
2.078 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mongolia
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montenegro
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montserrat
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Morocco
187,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mozambique
18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Namibia
22,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nauru
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nepal
18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Netherlands
922,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Zealand
154,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
29,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niger
6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nigeria
280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niue
NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Norway
204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oman
84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Pakistan
373,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Panama
93,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Paraguay
27,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
157,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Philippines
313,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Poland
545,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Portugal
272,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
164,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Qatar
142,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Romania
214,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Russia
2.74 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Rwanda
6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Lucia
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Samoa
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
2.43 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Senegal
39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Serbia
90,000 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Seychelles
7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Singapore
878,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovakia
79,930 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovenia
60,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Somalia
5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

South Africa
579,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Spain
1.482 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sudan
84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Suriname
14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Swaziland
4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sweden
328,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Switzerland
280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Syria
252,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Taiwan
910,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tanzania
34,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Thailand
356,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
2,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tonga
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
43,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tunisia
89,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkey
579,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
120,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uganda
13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ukraine
348,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
435,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
1.669 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United States
18.69 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uruguay
40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
145,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Venezuela
740,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vietnam
302,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.)

West Bank
24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

World
83.62 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Yemen
155,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zambia
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

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

@2175

Field Listing :: Oil - imports

This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day),
including both crude oil and oil products.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Oil - imports(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
4,404 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Albania
24,080 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Algeria
14,320 bbl/day (2007 est.)

American Samoa
4,140 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Angola
28,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
4,690 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Argentina
52,290 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Armenia
45,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Aruba
236,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Australia
716,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Austria
298,400 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
2,848 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
20,560 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
228,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
87,660 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Barbados
10,390 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belarus
444,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belgium
1.12 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Belize
7,204 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Benin
28,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bermuda
4,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bhutan
1,250 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Bolivia
6,172 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
25,990 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Botswana
15,180 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brazil
632,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
691 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brunei
238 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
189,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burkina Faso
8,283 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burma
18,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burundi
2,495 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cambodia
30,970 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cameroon
45,520 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Canada
1.192 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
1,619 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
3,294 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
2,203 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chad
1,571 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chile
311,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

China
4.393 million bbl/day (2008)

Colombia
16,540 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Comoros
766 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
11,350 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
2,136 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
495 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
47,860 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
80,960 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Croatia
122,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cuba
104,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cyprus
58,930 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
219,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Denmark
173,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Djibouti
8,476 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominica
838 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
116,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ecuador
54,190 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Egypt
48,450 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
46,310 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
1,114 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Eritrea
4,790 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Estonia
30,590 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
33,590 bbl/day (2007 est.)

European Union
8.613 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
271 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
4,922 bbl/day (2008)

Fiji
20,340 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Finland
337,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
2.386 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
6,701 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gabon
4,185 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
See entry for West Bank

Georgia
16,590 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Germany
2.862 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ghana
45,380 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
25,610 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Greece
520,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Greenland
5,172 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Grenada
1,923 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guam
14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guatemala
72,440 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea
8,674 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
2,545 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guyana
10,550 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Haiti
12,280 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Honduras
46,130 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
440,000 bbl/day (2009)

Hungary
181,800 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iceland
16,390 bbl/day (2008 est.)

India
2.9 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Indonesia
671,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Iran
162,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
116,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
192,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
318,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Italy
1.911 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jamaica
77,720 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Japan
5.033 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jordan
108,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
164,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kenya
80,530 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kiribati
261 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, North
13,890 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, South
3.074 million bbl/day (2009)

Kuwait
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
12,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Laos
3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Latvia
43,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lebanon
86,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lesotho
1,553 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Liberia
4,263 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Libya
575 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lithuania
204,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
59,210 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Macau
9,294 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
16,940 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malawi
6,960 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malaysia
314,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Maldives
5,490 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Mali
4,402 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malta
17,910 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritania
20,610 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritius
22,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mexico
521,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Moldova
14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mongolia
0 bbl/day (2009)

Montenegro
6,093 bbl/day (2005)

Montserrat
521 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Morocco
195,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mozambique
13,760 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Namibia
19,120 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nauru
1,026 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nepal
16,920 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Netherlands
2.426 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
14,430 bbl/day (2007 est.)

New Zealand
143,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
29,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niger
5,367 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nigeria
170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niue
31 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Norway
107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oman
17,290 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Pakistan
319,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Panama
87,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
14,380 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Paraguay
25,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
133,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Philippines
342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Poland
553,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Portugal
323,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Qatar
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Romania
217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Russia
42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Rwanda
5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
80 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
564 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1,451 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Samoa
1,105 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
726 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
79,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Senegal
42,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Serbia
72,570 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Seychelles
7,653 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
8,316 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Singapore
2.109 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Slovakia
144,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Slovenia
57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
1,323 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Somalia
6,387 bbl/day (2007 est.)

South Africa
490,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Spain
1.716 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
90,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sudan
11,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Suriname
6,296 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Swaziland
4,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sweden
589,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Switzerland
269,400 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Syria
58,710 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Taiwan
931,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
10,100 bbl/day (2008)

Tanzania
28,070 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Thailand
1.695 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
15,270 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tonga
1,173 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
92,480 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tunisia
87,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Turkey
734,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
80 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uganda
13,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ukraine
147,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
192,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
1.491 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

United States
11.31 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Uruguay
52,730 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
35,810 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
654 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Venezuela
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vietnam
134,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

West Bank
22,150 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
1,702 bbl/day (2007 est.)

World
63.77 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Yemen
65,860 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zambia
14,730 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
13,830 bbl/day (2007 est.)

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

@2176

Field Listing :: Oil - exports

This entry is the total oil exported in barrels per day (bbl/day),
including both crude oil and oil products.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Oil - exports(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Albania
749 bbl/day (2005 est.)

Algeria
1.891 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

American Samoa
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Angola
1.407 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
219 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Argentina
314,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Armenia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Aruba
231,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Australia
311,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Austria
52,970 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
528,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
transshipments of 41,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahrain
238,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
2,612 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Barbados
1,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belarus
303,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belgium
433,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Belize
2,260 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Benin
8,770 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bermuda
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bhutan
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Bolivia
10,950 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
192 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Botswana
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brazil
570,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brunei
152,900 bbl/day (2007)

Bulgaria
76,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burma
2,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burundi
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cambodia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cameroon
107,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Canada
2.001 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chad
157,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chile
49,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

China
388,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Colombia
294,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Comoros
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
20,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
241,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
2,117 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
115,700 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Croatia
43,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cuba
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cyprus
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
29,670 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Denmark
268,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Djibouti
19 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominica
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ecuador
327,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
89,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
1,927 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
362,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Eritrea
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Estonia
7,280 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

European Union
2.196 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 bbl/day (2008)

Fiji
2,455 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Finland
130,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
597,800 bbl/day (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gabon
227,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
42 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
See entry for West Bank

Georgia
1,486 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Germany
536,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ghana
4,843 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Greece
153,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Greenland
1,183 bbl/day (2008)

Grenada
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guam
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guatemala
21,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guyana
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Haiti
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Honduras
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
160,000 bbl/day (2009)

Hungary
69,650 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iceland
1,915 bbl/day (2008 est.)

India
738,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Indonesia
85,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iran
2.21 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
1.91 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
22,410 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
69,580 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Italy
586,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jamaica
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Japan
380,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jordan
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
1.345 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
7,270 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kiribati
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, North
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, South
907,100 bbl/day
note: exports consist of oil derivatives (gasoline, light oil, and
diesel), not crude oil (2009)

Kuwait
2.349 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
1,890 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Laos
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Latvia
5,873 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lebanon
0 bbl/day (2009)

Lesotho
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Liberia
23 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Libya
1.542 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lithuania
137,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
63 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Macau
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
4,672 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
365 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malawi
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malaysia
511,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Maldives
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malta
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
30,620 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritius
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mexico
1.225 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
36 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mongolia
5,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montenegro
314 bbl/day (2005)

Montserrat
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Morocco
17,420 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mozambique
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Namibia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nauru
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nepal
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Netherlands
1.66 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
645 bbl/day (2007 est.)

New Zealand
54,560 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
213 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niger
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nigeria
2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niue
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Norway
2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oman
593,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Pakistan
30,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Panama
4,803 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
32,490 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Paraguay
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
68,640 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Philippines
36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Poland
65,280 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Portugal
53,660 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Qatar
753,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Romania
115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Russia
5.43 million bbl/day (2009)

Rwanda
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Samoa
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
8.728 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Senegal
5,653 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Serbia
5,045 bbl/day (2008)

Seychelles
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
502 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Singapore
1.289 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Slovakia
75,110 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Slovenia
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Somalia
1,475 bbl/day (2007 est.)

South Africa
128,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Spain
218,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sudan
303,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Suriname
4,308 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Swaziland
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sweden
248,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Switzerland
12,230 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Syria
155,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Taiwan
359,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
349 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tanzania
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Thailand
269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
100,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Togo
1,547 bbl/day (2005)

Tonga
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
248,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tunisia
77,130 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Turkey
133,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
38,360 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uganda
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ukraine
154,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
2.7 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
1.393 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

United States
1.704 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Uruguay
7,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
6,104 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Venezuela
2.182 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vietnam
29,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

West Bank
511 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

World
61.37 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Yemen
274,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zambia
275 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

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

@2177

Field Listing :: Median age

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

Median age(years)

Afghanistan
total: 18 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Albania
total: 30 years
male: 28.9 years
female: 31.1 years (2010 est.)

Algeria
total: 27.1 years
male: 26.8 years
female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

American Samoa
total: 23.4 years
male: 23.3 years
female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Andorra
total: 39.9 years
male: 40.2 years
female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Angola
total: 18 years
male: 18 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Anguilla
total: 33 years
male: 31.6 years
female: 34.3 years (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
total: 30 years
male: 28.5 years
female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Argentina
total: 30.3 years
male: 29.2 years
female: 31.3 years (2010 est.)

Armenia
total: 31.9 years
male: 29.1 years
female: 34.7 years (2010 est.)

Aruba
total: 38 years
male: 36.2 years
female: 39.7 years (2010 est.)

Australia
total: 37.5 years
male: 36.8 years
female: 38.3 years (2010 est.)

Austria
total: 42.6 years
male: 41.5 years
female: 43.6 years (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
total: 28.5 years
male: 26.9 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
total: 29.9 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 31 years (2010 est.)

Bahrain
total: 30.4 years
male: 33.5 years
female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
total: 22.9 years
male: 22.4 years
female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Barbados
total: 36.2 years
male: 35.1 years
female: 37.2 years (2010 est.)

Belarus
total: 38.8 years
male: 35.8 years
female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Belgium
total: 42 years
male: 40.7 years
female: 43.3 years (2010 est.)

Belize
total: 20.7 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.9 years (2010 est.)

Benin
total: 17.3 years
male: 16.9 years
female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Bermuda
total: 41.6 years
male: 40.2 years
female: 43.1 years (2010 est.)

Bhutan
total: 24.3 years
male: 25 years
female: 23.7 years (2010 est.)

Bolivia
total: 22.2 years
male: 21.5 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 40.3 years
male: 39.1 years
female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Botswana
total: 22 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Brazil
total: 28.9 years
male: 28.1 years
female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
total: 32.6 years
male: 32.7 years
female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Brunei
total: 28.1 years
male: 28 years
female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
total: 41.6 years
male: 39.4 years
female: 43.9 years (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
total: 16.8 years
male: 16.6 years
female: 17 years (2010 est.)

Burma
total: 26.5 years
male: 26 years
female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Burundi
total: 16.8 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Cambodia
total: 22.6 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 23.3 years (2010 est.)

Cameroon
total: 19.3 years
male: 19.2 years
female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Canada
total: 40.7 years
male: 39.6 years
female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
total: 22.3 years
male: 21.4 years
female: 23.1 years (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
total: 38.4 years
male: 38 years
female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
total: 19.1 years
male: 18.7 years
female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Chad
total: 16.6 years
male: 15.5 years
female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Chile
total: 31.7 years
male: 30.7 years
female: 32.8 years (2010 est.)

China
total: 35.2 years
male: 34.5 years
female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Colombia
total: 27.6 years
male: 26.7 years
female: 28.6 years (2010 est.)

Comoros
total: 18.9 years
male: 18.6 years
female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 16.5 years
male: 16.3 years
female: 16.7 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 16.9 years
male: 16.7 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
total: 31.2 years
male: 30.5 years
female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
total: 28.4 years
male: 27.9 years
female: 28.9 years (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 19.4 years
male: 19.6 years
female: 19.3 years (2010 est.)

Croatia
total: 41.2 years
male: 39.3 years
female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Cuba
total: 37.8 years
male: 37.1 years
female: 38.6 years (2010 est.)

Cyprus
total: 34.5 years
male: 33.2 years
female: 36.3 years (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
total: 40.4 years
male: 38.9 years
female: 42.2 years (2010 est.)

Denmark
total: 40.7 years
male: 39.8 years
female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Djibouti
total: 21.4 years
male: 19.8 years
female: 22.8 years (2010 est.)

Dominica
total: 30.3 years
male: 29.8 years
female: 30.8 years (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
total: 25.8 years
male: 25.6 years
female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Ecuador
total: 25.3 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.9 years (2010 est.)

Egypt
total: 24 years
male: 23.8 years
female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

El Salvador
total: 23.9 years
male: 22.5 years
female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 19 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 19.6 years (2010 est.)

Eritrea
total: 18.5 years
male: 18.2 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Estonia
total: 40.2 years
male: 36.7 years
female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
total: 16.8 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

European Union
note - see individual country entries of member
states (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
total: 37.1 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 37.9 years (2010 est.)

Fiji
total: 26.6 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Finland
total: 42.3 years
male: 40.7 years
female: 44 years (2010 est.)

France
total: 39.7 years
male: 38.2 years
female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
total: 29.5 years
male: 29.8 years
female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Gabon
total: 18.6 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
total: 18 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
total: 17.5 years
male: 17.4 years
female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Georgia
total: 38.8 years
male: 36.3 years
female: 41.3 years (2010 est.)

Germany
total: 44.3 years
male: 43 years
female: 45.6 years (2010 est.)

Ghana
total: 21.1 years
male: 20.8 years
female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
total: 33.1 years
male: 32.2 years
female: 34.1 years (2010 est.)

Greece
total: 42.2 years
male: 41.1 years
female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Greenland
total: 33.5 years
male: 34.9 years
female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Grenada
total: 28.2 years
male: 28.2 years
female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Guam
total: 29.3 years
male: 28.9 years
female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Guatemala
total: 19.7 years
male: 19.1 years
female: 20.4 years (2010 est.)

Guernsey
total: 41.9 years
male: 40.9 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Guinea
total: 18.5 years
male: 18.3 years
female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 19.4 years
male: 18.8 years
female: 19.9 years (2010 est.)

Guyana
total: 23.6 years
male: 22.9 years
female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Haiti
total: 21.1 years
male: 20.9 years
female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Honduras
total: 20.7 years
male: 20.3 years
female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
total: 42.8 years
male: 42.4 years
female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Hungary
total: 40 years
male: 37.8 years
female: 42.6 years (2010 est.)

Iceland
total: 35.4 years
male: 34.9 years
female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

India
total: 25.9 years
male: 25.4 years
female: 26.6 years (2010 est.)

Indonesia
total: 27.9 years
male: 27.4 years
female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Iran
total: 26.3 years
male: 26 years
female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Iraq
total: 20.6 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Ireland
total: 34.5 years
male: 34.1 years
female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
total: 42.3 years
male: 41.6 years
female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Israel
total: 29.3 years
male: 28.6 years
female: 30 years (2010 est.)

Italy
total: 43.7 years
male: 42.3 years
female: 45.3 years (2010 est.)

Jamaica
total: 23.9 years
male: 23.4 years
female: 24.5 years (2010 est.)

Japan
total: 44.6 years
male: 42.9 years
female: 46.5 years (2010 est.)

Jersey
total: 40.1 years
male: 38.5 years
female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Jordan
total: 21.8 years
male: 21.6 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
total: 29.9 years
male: 28.4 years
female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Kenya
total: 18.8 years
male: 18.7 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Kiribati
total: 22.2 years
male: 21.4 years
female: 23 years (2010 est.)

Korea, North
total: 33.9 years
male: 32.5 years
female: 35.2 years (2010 est.)

Korea, South
total: 37.9 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 39.1 years (2010 est.)

Kosovo
total: 26.3 years
male: 25.8 years
female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Kuwait
total: 26.4 years
male: 28.2 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 24.7 years
male: 23.8 years
female: 25.6 years (2010 est.)

Laos
total: 20.7 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 21 years (2010 est.)

Latvia
total: 40.4 years
male: 37.4 years
female: 43.5 years (2010 est.)

Lebanon
total: 29.4 years
male: 28.3 years
female: 30.5 years (2010 est.)

Lesotho
total: 22.6 years
male: 22.6 years
female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Liberia
total: 18.4 years
male: 18.3 years
female: 18.4 years (2010 est.)

Libya
total: 24.2 years
male: 24.3 years
female: 24.2 years (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
total: 41.4 years
male: 40.8 years
female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Lithuania
total: 39.7 years
male: 37.1 years
female: 42.3 years (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
total: 39.3 years
male: 38.3 years
female: 40.3 years (2010 est.)

Macau
total: 35.6 years
male: 36.3 years
female: 35 years (2010 est.)

Macedonia
total: 35.4 years
male: 34.4 years
female: 36.5 years (2010 est.)

Madagascar
total: 18.1 years
male: 17.8 years
female: 18.3 years (2010 est.)

Malawi
total: 17.1 years
male: 17 years
female: 17.3 years (2010 est.)

Malaysia
total: 26.5 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Maldives
total: 25.9 years
male: 26.6 years
female: 24.7 years (2010 est.)

Mali
total: 16.2 years
male: 15.8 years
female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Malta
total: 39.7 years
male: 38.5 years
female: 41.1 years (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
total: 21.5 years
male: 21.5 years
female: 21.5 years (2010 est.)

Mauritania
total: 19.3 years
male: 18.5 years
female: 20.2 years (2010 est.)

Mauritius
total: 32.3 years
male: 31.4 years
female: 33.2 years (2010 est.)

Mayotte
total: 17.3 years
male: 18.1 years
female: 16.5 years (2010 est.)

Mexico
total: 26.7 years
male: 25.6 years
female: 27.7 years (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
total: 22.4 years
male: 21.8 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Moldova
total: 35 years
male: 33.1 years
female: 37.1 years (2010 est.)

Monaco
total: 48.9 years
male: 48 years
female: 49.9 years (2010 est.)

Mongolia
total: 25.8 years
male: 25.3 years
female: 26.2 years (2010 est.)

Montenegro
total: 37.2 years
male: 35.9 years
female: 38.8 years (2010 est.)

Montserrat
total: 29.1 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Morocco
total: 26.5 years
male: 25.9 years
female: 27 years (2010 est.)

Mozambique
total: 17.5 years
male: 17.1 years
female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Namibia
total: 21.4 years
male: 21.3 years
female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Nauru
total: 23.8 years
male: 24 years
female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Nepal
total: 21.2 years
male: 20.2 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Netherlands
total: 40.8 years
male: 40 years
female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
total: 29.8 years
male: 29.3 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

New Zealand
total: 36.8 years
male: 36 years
female: 37.6 years (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
total: 22.5 years
male: 22.1 years
female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Niger
total: 15.2 years
male: 15 years
female: 15.4 years (2010 est.)

Nigeria
total: 19.1 years
male: 19 years
female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
total: 29.3 years
male: 29.9 years
female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Norway
total: 39.7 years
male: 38.8 years
female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Oman
total: 23.9 years
male: 25.4 years
female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Pakistan
total: 21.2 years
male: 21.2 years
female: 21.2 years (2010 est.)

Palau
total: 32.4 years
male: 32.2 years
female: 33 years (2010 est.)

Panama
total: 27.2 years
male: 26.9 years
female: 27.6 years (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
total: 21.6 years
male: 21.9 years
female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Paraguay
total: 24.9 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.1 years (2010 est.)

Peru
total: 26.4 years
male: 26.1 years
female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Philippines
total: 22.7 years
male: 22.2 years
female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Poland
total: 38.2 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Portugal
total: 39.7 years
male: 37.6 years
female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
total: 36.8 years
male: 35 years
female: 38.5 years (2010 est.)

Qatar
total: 30.8 years
male: 32.9 years
female: 25.4 years (2010 est.)

Romania
total: 38.4 years
male: 36.9 years
female: 39.9 years (2010 est.)

Russia
total: 38.5 years
male: 35.3 years
female: 41.7 years (2010 est.)

Rwanda
total: 18.6 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
total: 39.8 years
male: 39.9 years
female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
total: 38.2 years
male: 38.2 years
female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 31.5 years
male: 31.5 years
female: 31.5 years (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
total: 30.3 years
male: 29.3 years
female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
total: 30.8 years
male: 29.7 years
female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
total: 42 years
male: 41.6 years
female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 29.5 years
male: 29.6 years
female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Samoa
total: 21.8 years
male: 21.7 years
female: 21.9 years (2010 est.)

San Marino
total: 42.1 years
male: 41.3 years
female: 42.8 years (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 17.5 years
male: 17 years
female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
total: 24.9 years
male: 26 years
female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Senegal
total: 17.9 years
male: 17.1 years
female: 18.7 years (2010 est.)

Serbia
total: 41.1 years
male: 39.4 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Seychelles
total: 32 years
male: 31.5 years
female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
total: 19 years
male: 18.6 years
female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Singapore
total: 39.6 years
male: 39.1 years
female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Slovakia
total: 37.3 years
male: 35.7 years
female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Slovenia
total: 42.1 years
male: 40.4 years
female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
total: 20.6 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Somalia
total: 17.6 years
male: 17.4 years
female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

South Africa
total: 24.7 years
male: 24.4 years
female: 25 years (2010 est.)

Spain
total: 40.1 years
male: 38.9 years
female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
total: 31.3 years
male: 30.3 years
female: 32.2 years (2010 est.)

Sudan
total: 18.4 years
male: 18 years
female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Suriname
total: 28.3 years
male: 27.9 years
female: 28.7 years (2010 est.)

Swaziland
total: 20.1 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 20.5 years (2010 est.)

Sweden
total: 41.7 years
male: 40.6 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Switzerland
total: 41.3 years
male: 40.3 years
female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Syria
total: 21.5 years
male: 21.3 years
female: 21.7 years (2010 est.)

Taiwan
total: 37 years
male: 36.4 years
female: 37.7 years (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
total: 22.2 years
male: 21.7 years
female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Tanzania
total: 18.3 years
male: 18 years
female: 18.5 years (2010 est.)

Thailand
total: 34 years
male: 33.2 years
female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
total: 22.2 years
male: 22.2 years
female: 22.2 years (2010 est.)

Togo
total: 19.2 years
male: 18.9 years
female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Tonga
total: 22.7 years
male: 22.3 years
female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 32.6 years
male: 32.1 years
female: 33.1 years (2010 est.)

Tunisia
total: 29.7 years
male: 29.1 years
female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Turkey
total: 28.1 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
total: 24.8 years
male: 24.4 years
female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 28 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
total: 23.9 years
male: 22.4 years
female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Uganda
total: 15 years
male: 14.9 years
female: 15.1 years (2010 est.)

Ukraine
total: 39.7 years
male: 36.5 years
female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
total: 30.2 years
male: 32.1 years
female: 24.8 years (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
total: 39.8 years
male: 38.6 years
female: 40.9 years (2010 est.)

United States
total: 36.8 years
male: 35.5 years
female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Uruguay
total: 33.7 years
male: 32.3 years
female: 35.1 years (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
total: 25.2 years
male: 24.7 years
female: 25.8 years (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
total: 24.6 years
male: 24.5 years
female: 24.6 years (2010 est.)

Venezuela
total: 25.8 years
male: 25.1 years
female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Vietnam
total: 27.4 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 28.5 years (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
total: 39.8 years
male: 39.2 years
female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
total: 27.9 years
male: 26.8 years
female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

West Bank
total: 20.9 years
male: 20.7 years
female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
total: 20.1 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 20.6 years (2010 est.)

World
total: 28.4 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 29 years (2009 est.)

Yemen
total: 17.9 years
male: 17.8 years
female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Zambia
total: 16.5 years
male: 16.5 years
female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
total: 17.8 years
male: 16.7 years
female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

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

@2178

Field Listing :: Oil - proved reserves

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

Oil - proved reserves(bbl)

Afghanistan
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Albania
199.1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Algeria
13.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

American Samoa
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Angola
13.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Argentina
2.386 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Armenia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Aruba
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Australia
3.318 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Austria
50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahrain
124.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
28 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Barbados
1.79 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belarus
198 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belgium
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belize
6.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Benin
8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bermuda
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bhutan
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bolivia
465 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Botswana
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Brazil
13.2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Brunei
1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burma
50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burundi
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cambodia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cameroon
200 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Canada
175.2 billion bbl
note: includes oil sands (1 January 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Chad
1.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Chile
150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

China
20.35 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Colombia
2.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Comoros
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 180 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
1.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Costa Rica
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
250 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Croatia
73.35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cuba
178.9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cyprus
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Denmark
1.06 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Djibouti
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominica
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ecuador
6.542 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Egypt
4.3 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

El Salvador
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Eritrea
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Estonia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
430,000 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

European Union
5.414 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Fiji
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Finland
NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

France
101.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gabon
2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
NA bbl NA bbl

Georgia
35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Germany
276 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ghana
15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Greece
10 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Greenland
NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Grenada
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guam
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guatemala
83.07 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guyana
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Haiti
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Honduras
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Hungary
26.57 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Iceland
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

India
5.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Indonesia
4.05 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Iran
137.6 billion bbl based on Iranian claims
note: Iran has about 10% of world reserves (1 January 2010 est.)

Iraq
115 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ireland
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Israel
1.94 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Italy
423.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Jamaica
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Japan
44.12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Jordan
1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
30 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kenya
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kiribati
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, North
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, South
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kosovo
NA bbl

Kuwait
104 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
40 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Laos
NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Latvia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lebanon
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lesotho
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Liberia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Libya
47 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lithuania
12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Macau
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Macedonia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Madagascar
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malawi
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malaysia
2.9 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Maldives
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mali
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malta
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritania
100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritius
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mexico
12.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Moldova
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mongolia
NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Montenegro
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Montserrat
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Morocco
100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mozambique
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Namibia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nauru
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nepal
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Netherlands
100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

New Zealand
60 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Niger
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nigeria
37.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Niue
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Norway
6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Oman
5.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Pakistan
436.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Panama
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
170 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Paraguay
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Peru
470.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Philippines
138.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Poland
96.38 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Portugal
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Qatar
25.41 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Romania
600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Russia
74.2 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Rwanda
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Samoa
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
264.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Senegal
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Serbia
77.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Seychelles
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Singapore
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Somalia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

South Africa
15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Spain
150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sudan
6.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Suriname
79.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Swaziland
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sweden
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Switzerland
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Syria
2.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Taiwan
2.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tanzania
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Thailand
430 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
553.8 million bbl (1 January 2008)

Togo
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tonga
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
728.3 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tunisia
425 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkey
262.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uganda
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ukraine
395 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
3.084 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United States
19.12 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uruguay
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
594 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Venezuela
97.77 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Vietnam
4.7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

West Bank
NA bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Western Sahara
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

World
1.378 trillion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Yemen
3.16 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Zambia
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

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

@2179

Field Listing :: Natural gas - proved reserves

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

Natural gas - proved reserves(cu m)

Afghanistan
49.55 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Albania
849.5 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Algeria
4.502 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

American Samoa
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Angola
271.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Argentina
398.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Armenia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Aruba
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Australia
3.115 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Austria
16.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Bahrain
92.03 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
195.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Barbados
113.3 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belarus
2.832 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belgium
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belize
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Benin
1.133 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bermuda
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bhutan
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bolivia
750.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Botswana
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Brazil
364.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Brunei
390.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burma
283.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burundi
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cambodia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cameroon
135.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Canada
1.754 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Chad
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Chile
97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

China
3.03 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Colombia
112 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Comoros
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
90.61 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Costa Rica
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Croatia
30.58 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cuba
70.79 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cyprus
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
3.964 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Denmark
61.3 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Djibouti
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominica
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ecuador
7.985 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Egypt
1.656 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

El Salvador
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
36.81 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Eritrea
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Estonia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
24.92 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

European Union
2.242 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Fiji
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Finland
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

France
7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gabon
28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Georgia
8.495 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Germany
175.6 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ghana
22.65 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Greece
991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Greenland
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Grenada
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guam
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guatemala
2.96 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Guinea
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guyana
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Haiti
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Honduras
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Hungary
8.098 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iceland
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

India
1.075 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Indonesia
3.001 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iran
29.61 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iraq
3.17 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ireland
9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Israel
30.44 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Italy
69.83 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Jamaica
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Japan
20.9 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Jordan
6.031 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
2.407 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kenya
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kiribati
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, North
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, South
50 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Kosovo
NA cu m

Kuwait
1.798 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Laos
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lebanon
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lesotho
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Liberia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Libya
1.539 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lithuania
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Macau
300,000 cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Macedonia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Madagascar
0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Malawi
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Malaysia
2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Maldives
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mali
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Malta
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritania
28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritius
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mexico
359.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Moldova
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mongolia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Montenegro
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Montserrat
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Morocco
1.501 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mozambique
127.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Namibia
62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nauru
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nepal
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Netherlands
1.416 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

New Zealand
33.98 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Niger
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nigeria
5.246 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Niue
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Norway
2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Oman
849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Pakistan
840.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Panama
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
226.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Paraguay
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Peru
334.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Philippines
98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Poland
164.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Portugal
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Qatar
25.47 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Romania
63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Russia
47.57 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Rwanda
56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Samoa
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
7.461 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Senegal
NA cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Serbia
48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Seychelles
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Singapore
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
14.16 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Somalia
5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

South Africa
27.16 million cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Spain
2.548 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sudan
84.95 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Suriname
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Swaziland
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sweden
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Switzerland
NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Syria
240.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Taiwan
6.229 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tanzania
6.513 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Thailand
342 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
200 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Togo
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tonga
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
436.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tunisia
65.13 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkey
6.088 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
7.504 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uganda
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ukraine
1.104 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
6.071 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
292 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United States
6.928 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uruguay
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
1.841 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Venezuela
4.983 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Vietnam
610 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

West Bank
0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Western Sahara
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

World
187.8 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Yemen
478.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Zambia
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

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

@2180

Field Listing :: Natural gas - production

This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Natural gas - production(cu m)

Afghanistan
30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
86.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
680 million cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
41.36 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
42.33 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
1.668 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
23 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
29.17 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
152 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belgium
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belize
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
14.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
10.28 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
13.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
218 million cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
12.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
20 million cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
161.3 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
1.65 billion cu m (2008 est.)

China
82.94 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
180 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
2.847 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
400 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
176 million cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
8.398 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
260 million cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
62.7 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
6.67 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
181.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
NA (2008 est.)

France
877 million cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
90 million cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
8 million cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
15.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
9 million cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
2.603 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
38.65 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
70 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
200 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
1.88 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
392 million cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
8.119 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
3.539 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
250 million cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
35.61 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kenya
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
651 million cu m (2009 est.)

Kosovo
0 cu m (2007)

Kuwait
12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Lesotho
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
15.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Macau
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
57.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
60.35 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
50 million cu m (2007 est.)

Mongolia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
60 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
3.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
79.58 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
4.305 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
24 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
5.842 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
NA (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
583.6 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Senegal
50 million cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
230 million cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
103 million cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
3.25 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
13 million cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Switzerland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Syria
6.04 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
360 million cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
16.1 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
560.7 million cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
28.76 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
39.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
1.014 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
34 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
21.2 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
50.24 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
58.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
593.4 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
67.6 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
23.06 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
7.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
3.127 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
454,700 cu m (2009 est.)

Zambia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

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

@2181

Field Listing :: Natural gas - consumption

This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Natural gas - consumption(cu m)

Afghanistan
30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
26.83 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
680 million cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
43.14 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
26.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
8.232 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
10.12 billion cu m (2008)

Bahamas, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
29.17 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belgium
16.87 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belize
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
2.41 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
310 million cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
18.72 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
4.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
3.35 billion cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
3.85 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
20 million cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
94.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
2.34 billion cu m (2008 est.)

China
87.08 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
180 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
3.205 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
400 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
8.182 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
4.41 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
470 million cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
260 million cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
42.5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
1.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
489.4 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
4.289 billion cu m (2009)

France
44.84 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
90 million cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
1.73 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
96.26 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
3.528 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
11.32 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
51.27 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
36.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
140 billion cu m
note: excludes injection and flaring (2008 est.)

Iraq
9.454 billion cu m
note: 1.48 billion cu m were flared (2008 est.)

Ireland
5.112 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
78.12 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
33.68 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kenya
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
34.09 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kosovo
0 cu m (2007)

Kuwait
12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
750 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lesotho
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
1.268 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Macau
91.3 million cu m (2009)

Macedonia
80 million cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
26.27 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
59.8 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montenegro
NA cu m

Montserrat
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
560 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
48.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
4.32 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
13.46 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
16.33 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
4.846 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
806.6 million cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
439.6 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Senegal
50 million cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
2.61 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
8.27 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
6.493 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
6.45 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
33.88 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Switzerland
3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Syria
6.18 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
12.44 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
266.1 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
560.7 million cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
37.31 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
21.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
4.22 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
35.07 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
20 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
52 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
59.42 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
87.45 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
646.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
70 million cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
52.6 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
24.86 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
3.073 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zambia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

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

@2182

Field Listing :: Natural gas - imports

This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m).
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Natural gas - imports(cu m)

Afghanistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
0 cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
2.66 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
6.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
10.96 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
17.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belgium
16.78 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belize
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
310 million cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
8.44 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
3.48 billion cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
16.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
690 million cu m (2008 est.)

China
7.462 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
1.22 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
9.683 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
0 cu m (2008)

Djibouti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
470 million cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
0 cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
NA cu m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
4.289 billion cu m (2009)

France
45.85 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
1.72 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
94.57 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
3.556 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
9.708 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
12.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
5.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
4.723 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
69.24 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
90.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
2.72 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
3.72 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kenya
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
32.69 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kuwait
300 million cu m (2009 est.)
note: Kuwait signed a deal with ?XX? to import 2 billion cu m per
year in 2010 and beyond (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
720 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lesotho
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
1.263 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Macau
97.8 million cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
82 million cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
11.84 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
500 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
24.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
NA (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Oman
350 million cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
9.954 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
4.895 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
806.6 million cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
35.1 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Senegal
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
2.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore 8.27 billion cu m note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2008 est.)

Slovakia
6.974 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
34.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Sudan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Switzerland
3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Syria
140 million cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
12.08 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
250 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
1.25 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
35.77 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
26.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
16.75 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
41.06 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
106.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
70 million cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
1.8 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
380,000 cu m (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
947.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zambia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

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

@2183

Field Listing :: Natural gas - exports

This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m).
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Natural gas - exports(cu m)

Afghanistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
59.67 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
890 million cu m (2008 est.)

Armenia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
22.3 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
3.961 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
5.564 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
0 cu m (2009)

Belgium
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belize
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
11.79 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
NA (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
9.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
0 cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
0 cu m (2008 est.)

China
3.32 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
900 million cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
695.5 million cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
1.111 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
3.98 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
8.55 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
5.17 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
NA cu m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

France
1.931 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
12.64 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greenland
0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
85 million cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Indonesia
33.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
4.246 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Israel
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
124 million cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Jordan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
17.66 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kenya
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Kuwait
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Lesotho
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
10.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Macau
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
31.03 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
688 million cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
55.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
20.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
10.89 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
NA
note: in 2010 Peru became a net exporter of LNG (2008 est.)

Philippines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
40 million cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
56.78 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
179.1 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Senegal
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
15 million cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
975 million cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Switzerland
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Syria
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
17.36 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
708 million cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
14 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
7.567 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
12.17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
30.35 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
15 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Vietnam
0 cu m (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
949.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
454,700 cu m (2009 est.)

Zambia
0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
0 cu m (2008 est.)

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

@2184

Field Listing :: Internet hosts

This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a
country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the
Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is
a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an
institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the
Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone
line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host
computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of
Internet connectivity.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Internet hosts

Afghanistan
46 (2010)

Albania
15,098 (2010)

Algeria
572 (2010)

American Samoa
1,676 (2010)

Andorra
26,773 (2010)

Angola
3,717 (2010)

Anguilla
271 (2010)

Antarctica
7,765 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
9,795 (2010)

Argentina
6.025 million (2010)

Armenia
65,279 (2010)

Aruba
25,080 (2010)

Australia
13.361 million (2010)

Austria
3.266 million (2010)

Azerbaijan
22,737 (2010)

Bahamas, The
21,939 (2010)

Bahrain
53,944 (2010)

Bangladesh
68,224 (2010)

Barbados
1,508 (2010)

Belarus
147,311 (2010)

Belgium
4.465 million (2010)

Belize
2,880 (2010)

Benin
1,286 (2010)

Bermuda
19,855 (2010)

Bhutan
9,147 (2010)

Bolivia
125,462 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
95,234 (2010)

Botswana
2,739 (2010)

Bouvet Island
6 (2010)

Brazil
19.316 million (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
827 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
497 (2010)

Brunei
50,997 (2010)

Bulgaria
785,546 (2010)

Burkina Faso
1,877 (2010)

Burma
172 (2010)

Burundi
201 (2010)

Cambodia
5,452 (2010)

Cameroon
90 (2010)

Canada
7.77 million (2010)

Cape Verde
26 (2010)

Cayman Islands
21,910 (2010)

Central African Republic
20 (2010)

Chad
5 (2010)

Chile
1.056 million (2010)

China
15.251 million (2010)

Christmas Island
2,542 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
35,312 (2010)

Colombia
2.527 million (2010)

Comoros
14 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
3,006 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
42 (2010)

Cook Islands
2,521 (2010)

Costa Rica
34,024 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
9,865 (2010)

Croatia
1.287 million (2010)

Cuba
3,025 (2010)

Cyprus
187,881 (2010)

Czech Republic
3.494 million (2010)

Denmark
4.145 million (2010)

Djibouti
195 (2010)

Dominica
718 (2010)

Dominican Republic
283,298 (2010)

Ecuador
67,975 (2010)

Egypt
187,197 (2010)

El Salvador
13,849 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
9 (2010)

Eritrea
1,241 (2010)

Estonia
729,534 (2010)

Ethiopia
151 (2010)

European Union
140,277; note - this sum reflects the number of
internet hosts assigned the .eu internet country code (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
91 (2010)

Faroe Islands
8,936 (2010)

Fiji
17,088 (2010)

Finland
4.394 million (2010)

France
15.182 million; 15.161 million (metropolitan France) (2010)

French Polynesia
36,056 (2010)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
44 (2010)

Gabon
90 (2010)

Gambia, The
1,453 (2010)

Georgia
110,680 (2010)

Germany
21.729 million (2010)

Ghana
41,082 (2010)

Gibraltar
2,053 (2010)

Greece
2.574 million (2010)

Greenland
15,668 (2010)

Grenada
52 (2010)

Guam
24 (2010)

Guatemala
196,870 (2010)

Guernsey
197 (2010)

Guinea
14 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
82 (2010)

Guyana
8,840 (2010)

Haiti
273 (2010)

Holy See (Vatican City)
68 (2010)

Honduras
16,075 (2010)

Hong Kong
817,701 (2010)

Hungary
2.655 million (2010)

Iceland
344,748 (2010)

India
4.536 million (2010)

Indonesia
1.269 million (2010)

Iran
119,947 (2010)

Iraq
9 (2010)

Ireland
1.339 million (2010)

Isle of Man
765 (2010)

Israel
1.689 million (2010)

Italy
23.16 million (2010)

Jamaica
3,099 (2010)

Japan
54.846 million (2010)

Jersey
237 (2010)

Jordan
42,412 (2010)

Kazakhstan
53,984 (2010)

Kenya
47,676 (2010)

Kiribati
31 (2010)

Korea, North
3 (2010)

Korea, South
291,329 (2010)

Kuwait
2,485 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
97,976 (2010)

Laos
1,468 (2010)

Latvia
289,478 (2010)

Lebanon
51,451 (2010)

Lesotho
632 (2010)

Liberia
8 (2010)

Libya
12,432 (2010)

Liechtenstein
9,418 (2010)

Lithuania
1.17 million (2010)

Luxembourg
244,225 (2010)

Macau
252 (2010)

Macedonia
60,533 (2010)

Madagascar
27,606 (2010)

Malawi
870 (2010)

Malaysia
344,452 (2010)

Maldives
2,164 (2010)

Mali
524 (2010)

Malta
24,941 (2010)

Marshall Islands
3 (2010)

Mauritania
23 (2010)

Mauritius
36,653 (2010)

Mayotte
1 (2010)

Mexico
12.854 million (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
3,097 (2010)

Moldova
492,181 (2010)

Monaco
23,621 (2010)

Mongolia
7,942 (2010)

Montenegro
6,247 (2010)

Montserrat
552 (2010)

Morocco
277,793 (2010)

Mozambique
21,172 (2010)

Namibia
76,020 (2010)

Nauru
4,158 (2010)

Nepal
43,928 (2010)

Netherlands
12.607 million (2010)

New Caledonia
22,456 (2010)

New Zealand
2.47 million (2010)

Nicaragua
157,162 (2010)

Niger
172 (2010)

Nigeria
1,378 (2010)

Niue
397,270 (2010)

Norfolk Island
93 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
9 (2010)

Norway
3.352 million (2010)

Oman
9,114 (2010)

Pakistan
330,466 (2010)

Palau
3 (2010)

Panama
9,585 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
4,285 (2010)

Paraguay
167,281 (2010)

Peru
268,225 (2010)

Philippines
394,990 (2010)

Pitcairn Islands
20 (2010)

Poland
10.51 million (2010)

Portugal
3.267 million (2010)

Puerto Rico
482 (2010)

Qatar
822 (2010)

Romania
2.464 million (2010)

Russia
10.382 million (2010)

Rwanda
815 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
6,873 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
51 (2010)

Saint Lucia
106 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
0 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
211 (2010)

Samoa
17,044 (2010)

San Marino
8,895 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
1,514 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
488,598 (2010)

Senegal
241 (2010)

Serbia
528,253 (2010)

Seychelles
256 (2010)

Sierra Leone
281 (2010)

Singapore
992,786 (2010)

Slovakia
1.133 million (2010)

Slovenia
137,494 (2010)

Solomon Islands
4,065 (2010)

Somalia
3 (2010)

South Africa
3.751 million (2010)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
320 (2010)

Spain
3.822 million (2010)

Sri Lanka
8,865 (2010)

Sudan
70 (2010)

Suriname
171 (2010)

Swaziland
2,335 (2010)

Sweden
4.396 million (2010)

Switzerland
4.816 million (2010)

Syria
8,114 (2010)

Taiwan
6.336 million (2010)

Tajikistan
1,504 (2010)

Tanzania
24,182 (2010)

Thailand
1.335 million (2010)

Timor-Leste
206 (2010)

Togo
860 (2010)

Tokelau
526 (2010)

Tonga
20,847 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
168,876 (2010)

Tunisia
490 (2010)

Turkey
3.433 million (2010)

Turkmenistan
794 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
8,969 (2010)

Tuvalu
109,478 (2010)

Uganda
19,927 (2010)

Ukraine
1.098 million (2010)

United Arab Emirates
379,309 (2010)

United Kingdom
7.03 million (2010)

United States
439 million (2010); note - the US Internet total host
count includes the following top level domain host addresses: .us,
.com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .net, and .org

Uruguay
765,525 (2010)

Uzbekistan
47,718 (2010)

Vanuatu
1,347 (2010)

Venezuela
238,665 (2010)

Vietnam
129,318 (2010)

Virgin Islands
8,933 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
1,734 (2010)

Yemen
255 (2010)

Zambia
14,771 (2010)

Zimbabwe
29,866 (2010)

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

@2185

Field Listing :: Investment (gross fixed)

This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital. Country Comparison to the World Country

Investment (gross fixed)(% of GDP)

Albania
29.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Algeria
27.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Angola
15.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Argentina
22% of GDP (2010 est.)

Armenia
33.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Australia
27.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Austria
21% of GDP (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
17.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bahrain
26.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
23.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belarus
36% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belgium
20.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belize
26.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Benin
18.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bolivia
17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Botswana
28.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Brazil
18.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
19.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burma
15.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burundi
25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cambodia
20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cameroon
21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Canada
22.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
36.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Chad
14.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Chile
23.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

China
47.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Colombia
22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
41.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
20.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
9.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Croatia
22.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cuba
10.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cyprus
19.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
22.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Denmark
17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
15.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ecuador
23.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Egypt
18.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

El Salvador
13.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
29.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Eritrea
10.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Estonia
22.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
25.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

European Union
18.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Finland
18.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

France
19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Gabon
28.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
28% of GDP (2010 est.)

Georgia
14.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Germany
18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ghana
39.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Greece
14.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guatemala
13.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guinea
14.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guyana
34.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Haiti
28.9% of GDP (2008 est.)

Honduras
23.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
22.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Hungary
19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Iceland
12.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

India
32% of GDP (2010 est.)

Indonesia
30.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Iran
27.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ireland
12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Israel
16.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Italy
19.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Jamaica
25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Japan
20.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Jordan
30.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
27.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kenya
21.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Korea, South
28.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kosovo
15.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kuwait
13.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Latvia
15.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lebanon
30.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lesotho
21.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Libya
13.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lithuania
15.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
16.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Macedonia
22.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Madagascar
34.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malawi
27.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malaysia
20.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malta
14.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mauritius
23.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mexico
21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Moldova
21.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Montenegro
30.5% of GDP (2006 est.)

Morocco
30.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mozambique
17.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Namibia
24% of GDP (2010 est.)

Netherlands
18% of GDP (2010 est.)

New Zealand
19.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Nigeria
11.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Norway
18.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Oman
26.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Pakistan
15% of GDP (2010 est.)

Panama
26.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
17.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Paraguay
17.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Peru
25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Philippines
14.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Poland
19.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Portugal
19% of GDP (2010 est.)

Qatar
33% of GDP (2010 est.)

Romania
21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Russia
18.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Rwanda
20% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
41% of GDP (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
24.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Senegal
25.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Serbia
25.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Seychelles
36.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Singapore
27.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Slovakia
22.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Slovenia
18.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

South Africa
19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Spain
22.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
23.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sudan
20.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Swaziland
12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sweden
18.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Switzerland
19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Syria
16.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Taiwan
21.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tanzania
17.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Thailand
24.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Togo
18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
11.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tunisia
26.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Turkey
18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
12.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Uganda
20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ukraine
16.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
26.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
14.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

United States
12.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Uruguay
19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Venezuela
16.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Vietnam
35.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

World
23.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
23.1% of GDP (2009 est.) (2010 est.)

Yemen
19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Zambia
20.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
21% of GDP (2010 est.)

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

@2186

Field Listing :: Public debt

This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings. Country Comparison to the World Country

Public debt(% of GDP)

Albania
59.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
58.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Algeria
25.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
20% of GDP (2009 est.)

Angola
20.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
21.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Argentina
50.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
48.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Aruba
46.3% of GDP (2005)

Australia
22.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
22.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Austria
68.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
66.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
4.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
6.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bahrain
59.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
38.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
39.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
39.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Barbados
NA (2009)

Belgium
102.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
101% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bhutan
57.8% of GDP (2009)
81.4% of GDP (2004)

Bolivia
40.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
39% of GDP (2010 est.)
35% of GDP (2009 est.)

Botswana
22.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
18.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Brazil
60.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
59.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
14.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cameroon
16.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
16.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Canada
82.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
82.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Chile
6.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
6.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

China
17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
16.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Colombia
44.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
45.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
44.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
42% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
63.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
66.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Croatia
55% of GDP (2010 est.)
46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cuba
34.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
34.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cyprus
61.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
40% of GDP (2010 est.)
34% of GDP (2009 est.)

Denmark
46.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
41.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Dominica
78% of GDP (2009 est.)
85% of GDP (2006 est.) (2006 est.)

Dominican Republic
41.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
40.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ecuador
23.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
19.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Egypt
80.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
80.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

El Salvador
55% of GDP (2010 est.)
52.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
4.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
5.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Estonia
7.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
7.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
39.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
35.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Finland
45.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

France
83.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
77.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Gabon
25.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
27.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Germany
74.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
73.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ghana
59.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
55.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
15.5% of GDP (2006)
15.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Greece
144% of GDP (2010 est.)
126.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Guatemala
29.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
27.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Guyana
57% of GDP (2010 est.)

Honduras
26.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
23.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
37.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Hungary
72.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
78% of GDP (2009 est.)

Iceland
123.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
113.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

India
55.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Indonesia
26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
27.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Iran
16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
16.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ireland
98.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
64.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Israel
77.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
77.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Italy
118.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
115.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Jamaica
123.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
124.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Japan
196.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
192.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Jordan
61.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
64.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
15.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
14.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kenya
50.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Korea, South
23.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
23.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kosovo
NA% of GDP

Kuwait
12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
13.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Latvia
46.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
36.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Lebanon
150.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
154.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Libya
3.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
3.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Lithuania
36.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
29.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
14.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Macedonia
25.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
32.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malawi
40.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malaysia
52.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
53.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malta
72.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
69% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mauritius
60.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
62.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mexico
41.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
39.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Moldova
25% of GDP (2010 est.)
25.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Montenegro
38% of GDP (2006)

Morocco
58.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
56.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mozambique
40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
33.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Namibia
20% of GDP (2010 est.)
15.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Netherlands
64.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
60.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

New Zealand
25.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
22.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
78% of GDP (2010 est.)
63% of GDP (2009 est.)

Nigeria
13.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
11.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Norway
47.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Oman
4.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
5.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Pakistan
49.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
49.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Panama
40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
27.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Paraguay
22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Peru
23.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
25% of GDP (2009 est.)

Philippines
55.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Poland
50.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Portugal
83.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
76.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Qatar
10.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
14% of GDP (2009 est.)

Romania
34.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Russia
9.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
8.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
185% of GDP (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
16.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
22.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Senegal
32.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
29.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Serbia
37.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Seychelles
58.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
58.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Singapore
102.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
110% of GDP (2009 est.)
note: for Singapore, public debt consists largely of Singapore
Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident
Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution
pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are
non-tradeable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit
expenditures since the 1980s

Slovakia
41% of GDP (2010 est.)
35.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Slovenia
35.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

South Africa
33.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Spain
63.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
53.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
86.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
85.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sudan
94.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
105.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sweden
40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
41.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Switzerland
39.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
40.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Syria
29.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
28.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Taiwan
31.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
33% of GDP (2009 est.)

Tanzania
23.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
21.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Thailand
42.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
44.9% of GDP (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
29% of GDP (2009 est.)

Tunisia
49.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
47.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Turkey
48.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Uganda
20.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
20.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ukraine
38.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
30% of GDP (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
44.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
48.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
76.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
68.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

United States
58.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
53.5% of GDP (2009 est.)
note: data cover only what the United States Treasury denotes as
"Debt Held by the Public," which includes all debt instruments
issued by the Treasury that are owned by non-US Government entities;
the data include Treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data
exclude debt issued by individual US states, as well as
intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of
Treasury borrowings from surpluses in the trusts for Federal Social
Security, Federal Employees, Hospital Insurance (Medicare and
Medicaid), Disability and Unemployment, and several other smaller
trusts; if data for intra-government debt were added, "Gross Debt"
would increase by about 30% of GDP

Uruguay
52.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
60% of GDP (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
9% of GDP (2010 est.)
9.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Venezuela
25.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
18% of GDP (2009 est.)

Vietnam
53.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
52.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
5.6% of GDP (2004 est.)

World
58.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Yemen
39.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
36.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Zambia
24.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
25.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
241.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
282.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

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

@2187

Field Listing :: Current account balance

This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Current account balance

Afghanistan
-$2.475 billion (2009 est.)
$85 million (2008 est.)

Albania
-$1.245 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.845 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
$3.959 billion (2010 est.)
-$4.185 billion (2009 est.)

Angola
$2.089 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.668 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
-$42.87 million (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
-$211 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
$6.976 billion (2010 est.)
$11.29 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
-$1.138 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.326 billion (2009 est.)

Australia
-$35.23 billion (2010 est.)
-$41.33 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
$8.012 billion (2010 est.)
$8.73 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$15.96 billion (2010 est.)
$10.18 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
-$283.2 million (2009 est.)
-$1.442 billion (2007 est.)

Bahrain
$589 million (2010 est.)
$560.2 million (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$3.734 billion (2010)
$2.416 billion (2009)

Barbados
-$254 million (2007 est.)

Belarus
-$5.062 billion (2010 est.)
-$6.402 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
-$1.129 billion (2010 est.)
$1.251 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
-$151 million (2010 est.)
-$93.3 million (2009 est.)

Benin
-$582 million (2010 est.)
-$644 million (2009 est.)

Bhutan
$164 million (2008 est.)
$116 million (2007 est.)

Bolivia
$878 million (2010 est.)
$800.7 million (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
-$887 million (2010 est.)
-$1.283 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
-$552 million (2010 est.)
-$762 million (2009 est.)

Brazil
-$52.73 billion (2010 est.)
-$24.3 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
$134.3 million (1999)

Brunei
$7.024 billion (2008 est.)
$7.101 billion (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
-$1.528 billion (2010 est.)
-$4.348 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
-$486 million (2010 est.)
-$330 million (2009 est.)

Burma
$652 million (2010 est.)
$705 million (2009 est.)

Burundi
-$136 million (2010 est.)
-$127 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
-$918 million (2010 est.)
-$865.7 million (2009 est.)

Cameroon
-$826 million (2010 est.)
-$1.137 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
-$40.21 billion (2010 est.)
-$38.08 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
-$286 million (2010 est.)
-$319 million (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
-$77 million (2007 est.)

Chad
-$2.6 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.305 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
$1.033 billion (2010 est.)
$4.217 billion (2009 est.)

China
$272.5 billion (2010 est.)
$297.1 billion (2009 est.)

Colombia
-$5.946 billion (2010 est.)
-$4.991 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
$8 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
-$1.47 billion (2007 est.)
-$402 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
-$569 million (2010 est.)
-$1.195 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
$26.67 million (2005)

Costa Rica
-$1.469 billion (2010 est.)
-$537 million (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$534 million (2010 est.)
$1.67 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
-$2.312 billion (2010 est.)
-$3.247 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
-$87 million (2010 est.)
$539 million (2009 est.)

Cyprus
-$2.5 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.915 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
-$5.956 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.146 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
$14.35 billion (2010 est.)
$12.43 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
-$352 million (2009 est.)
-$212 million (2007 est.)

Dominica
-$72 million (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
-$3.862 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
-$692 million (2010 est.)
-$337.4 million (2009 est.)

Egypt
$270 million (2010 est.)
-$3.195 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
-$907 million (2010 est.)
-$374 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
-$1.477 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.883 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
-$212 million (2010 est.)
-$188 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
$265 million (2010 est.)
$898.7 million (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
-$2.232 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.996 billion (2009 est.)

European Union
$NA (2009)
$51.4 billion (2009 est.)

Fiji
-$507 million (2007 est.)

Finland
$4.696 billion (2010 est.)
$3.444 billion (2009 est.)

France
-$53.29 billion (2010 est.)
-$51.86 billion (2009 est.)

Gabon
$591 million (2010 est.)
$887 million (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
-$90 million (2010 est.)
-$81 million (2009 est.)

Georgia
-$1.404 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.259 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
$162.3 billion (2010 est.)
$168.1 billion (2009 est.)

Ghana
-$1.871 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.199 billion (2009 est.)

Greece
-$17.1 billion (2010 est.)
-$34.43 billion (2009 est.)

Grenada
-$138 million (2007 est.)

Guatemala
-$1.345 billion (2010 est.)
-$267.4 million (2009 est.)

Guinea
-$434 million (2010 est.)
-$538 million (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
-$6 million (2007 est.)

Guyana
-$311 million (2010 est.)
-$265 million (2009 est.)

Haiti
-$781 million (2010 est.)
-$627 million (2009 est.)

Honduras
-$1.048 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.327 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$18.07 billion (2010 est.)
$18.28 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
-$631 million (2010 est.)
$441 million (2009 est.)

Iceland
-$42 million (2010 est.)
-$440 million (2009 est.)

India
-$26.91 billion (2010 est.)
-$26.63 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
$8.532 billion (2010 est.)
$10.75 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
$9.76 billion (2010 est.)
$1.913 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
$2.715 billion (2010 est.)
-$19.9 billion (2009 est.)

Ireland
-$3.191 billion (2010 est.)
-$6.762 billion (2009 est.)

Israel
$6.269 billion (2010 est.)
$7.637 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
-$61.98 billion (2010 est.)
-$66.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
-$1.382 billion (2010 est.)
-$876 million (2009 est.)

Japan
$182.3 billion (2010 est.)
$142.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jordan
-$975 million (2010 est.)
-$1.27 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$6.993 billion (2010 est.)
-$3.405 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
-$1.414 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.611 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
-$21 million (2007 est.)

Korea, South
$36.35 billion (2010 est.)
$42.67 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
-$2.716 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.408 billion (2009 est.)

Kuwait
$38.2 billion (2010 est.)
$28.61 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
-$210 million (2010 est.)
$184 million (2009 est.)

Laos
-$23 million (2010 est.)
-$356 million (2009 est.)

Latvia
$1.62 billion (2010 est.)
$2.53 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
-$6.972 billion (2010 est.)
-$7.555 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
-$125 million (2010 est.)
$194 million (2009 est.)

Liberia
-$224 million (2007)

Libya
$15.53 billion (2010 est.)
$10.06 billion (2009 est.)

Lithuania
$1.231 billion (2010 est.)
$1.492 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$3.396 billion (2010 est.)
$2.985 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
$NA

Macedonia
-$328 million (2010 est.)
-$645.6 million (2009 est.)

Madagascar
-$600 million (2010 est.)
-$561 million (2009 est.)

Malawi
-$315 million (2010 est.)
-$332 million (2009 est.)

Malaysia
$34.83 billion (2010 est.)
$34.08 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
-$370 million (2009 est.)
-$638 million (2008 est.)

Mali
-$446 million (2007 est.)

Malta
-$403 million (2010 est.)
-$491 million (2009 est.)

Mauritania
-$184 million (2007 est.)

Mauritius
-$949 million (2010 est.)
-$674.6 million (2009 est.)

Mexico
-$7 billion (2010 est.)
-$6.23 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
-$34.3 million (FY05 est.)

Moldova
-$565 million (2010 est.)
-$464.6 million (2009 est.)

Mongolia
-$228.7 million (2009 est.)
-$710 million (2008 est.)

Montenegro
-$1.102 billion (2007 est.)

Morocco
-$7.922 billion (2010 est.)
-$4.958 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
-$1.028 billion (2010 est.)
-$866 million (2009 est.)

Namibia
-$187 million (2010 est.)
-$160.9 million (2009 est.)

Nepal
-$449 million (2010)
$537 million (2009)

Netherlands
$46.69 billion (2010 est.)
$39.58 billion (2009 est.)

New Zealand
-$4.504 billion (2010 est.)
-$3.693 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
-$819 million (2010 est.)
-$841.1 million (2009 est.)

Niger
-$321 million (2007 est.)

Nigeria
$27.77 billion (2010 est.)
$22.89 billion (2009 est.)

Norway
$60.23 billion (2010 est.)
$53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
$2.724 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.143 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
-$2.641 billion (2010 est.)
-$3.583 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
$15.09 million (FY03/04)

Panama
-$813 million (2010 est.)
-$2.33 billion (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
-$99 million (2010 est.)
-$446.4 million (2009 est.)

Paraguay
-$391 million (2010 est.)
-$149.2 million (2009 est.)

Peru
-$333 million (2010 est.)
$246.3 million (2009 est.)

Philippines
$8.575 billion (2010 est.)
$8.552 billion (2009 est.)

Poland
-$12.33 billion (2010 est.)
-$9.598 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
-$19.03 billion (2010 est.)
-$23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Qatar
$20.11 billion (2010 est.)
$809 million (2009 est.)

Romania
-$7.934 billion (2010 est.)
-$7.139 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
$68.85 billion (2010 est.)
$48.97 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
-$489 million (2010 est.)
-$379 million (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
-$163 million (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
-$199 million (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-$149 million (2007 est.)

Samoa
-$24 million (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
-$73 million (2010 est.)
-$49 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$52.03 billion (2010 est.)
$22.77 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
-$1.046 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
-$1.046 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
-$351 million (2010 est.)
-$284.2 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
-$63 million (2007 est.)

Singapore
$40.44 billion (2010 est.)
$32.63 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
-$1.93 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.819 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
-$598 million (2010 est.)
-$732.4 million (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
-$143 million (2007 est.)

South Africa
-$16.51 billion (2010 est.)
-$11.3 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
-$66.74 billion (2010 est.)
-$80.38 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
-$1.784 billion (2010 est.)
-$291 million (2009 est.)

Sudan
-$2.595 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
$24 million (2007 est.)

Swaziland
-$374 million (2010 est.)
-$213 million (2009 est.)

Sweden
$21.68 billion (2010 est.)
$30.23 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
$49.35 billion (2010 est.)
$54.01 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
$649 million (2010 est.)
$394 million (2009 est.)

Taiwan
$39 billion (2010 est.)
$42.92 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
-$330 million (2010 est.)
-$179.9 million (2009 est.)

Tanzania
-$1.523 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.746 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
$12.29 billion (2010 est.)
$21.86 billion (2009)

Timor-Leste
$1.161 billion (2007 est.)

Togo
-$339 million (2010 est.)
-$236 million (2009 est.)

Tonga
-$23 million (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
$3.363 billion (2010 est.)
$1.702 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
-$1.389 billion (2010 est.)
-$1.234 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
-$38.82 billion (2010 est.)
-$13.94 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$3.081 billion (2010 est.)
$1.065 billion (2009 est.)

Tuvalu
-$11.68 million (2003)

Uganda
-$784 million (2010 est.)
-$451 million (2009 est.)

Ukraine
$603 million (2010 est.)
-$1.732 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$3.409 billion (2010 est.)
$7.871 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
-$40.34 billion (2010 est.)
-$23.65 billion (2009 est.)

United States
-$561 billion (2010 est.)
-$378.4 billion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
-$377 million (2010 est.)
$258.8 million (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$5.588 billion (2010 est.)
$3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
-$60 million (2007 est.)

Venezuela
$22.07 billion (2010 est.)
$8.561 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
-$9.622 billion (2010 est.)
-$7.44 billion (2009 est.)

Yemen
-$2.181 billion (2010 est.)
-$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
-$99 million (2010 est.)
-$174 million (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
-$414.2 million (2010 est.)
-$807.5 million (2009 est.)

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

@2188

Field Listing :: Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial
assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use
in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date
of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign
currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing
Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position
in the Fund.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

Albania
$1.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Algeria
$150.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$149.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
$16.89 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
$53.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$48.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
$2.247 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.004 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
$38.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.05 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$6.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.364 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
$3.766 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$10.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
$620 million (2007)

Belarus
$5.755 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.831 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$23.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belize
$219 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$213.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
$1.254 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bolivia
$8.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.581 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.245 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
$7.834 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.704 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
$290.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$238.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
$15.07 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$1.588 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.296 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
$3.762 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.561 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
$320 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$323 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
$3.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
$4.023 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.676 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$54.36 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
$296 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$284 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chad
$868 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$685 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
$26.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$25.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
$2.622 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.426 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$26.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$24.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$1.01 billion (March 2010 est.)
$1 billion (December 2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$4.123 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.806 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
$4.584 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.066 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$3.985 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.267 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
$13.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$4.847 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.647 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$38.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$76.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
$2.705 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.905 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$3.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.792 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$35.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$2.819 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.985 billion (31 December 2009)

Equatorial Guinea
$4.086 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.252 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
$104 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$88 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
$3.641 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.981 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$1.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.781 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
$NA

Finland
$9.128 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$133.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gabon
$2.602 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$203 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$224 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Georgia
$2.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$180.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
$3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.165 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.546 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guatemala
$5.709 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.973 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$51 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guyana
$506 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$631.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
$1.021 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$790 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
$2.302 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.127 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$262.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$255.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
$45.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$4.206 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
$284.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$274.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$83.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$66.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$75.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$81.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
$45.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.154 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
$66.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$60.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$132.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jamaica
$1.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.024 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
$12.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$32.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$23.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$4.585 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$270 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
$NA

Kuwait
$22.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$1.615 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.585 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
$756 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$712.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
$7.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$41.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$39.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
$893 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$988 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Libya
$107.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$104.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
$6.418 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$810 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Macau
$NA

Macedonia
$2.127 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
$1.038 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.136 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
$301 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$163.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
$104.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$96.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
$522 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$538.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritius
$2.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.304 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
$116.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$99.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
$1.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Montenegro
$NA

Morocco
$24.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
$1.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.829 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$1.961 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.051 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Netherlands
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$39.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
$17.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$1.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.573 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nigeria
$43.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
$14 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
$16.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
$3.525 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.028 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
$3.017 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
$4.082 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.862 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
$37.27 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$33.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$49.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.24 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$99.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$79.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
$22.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
$50.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$483.1 billion (30 November 2010)
$439.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
$816 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$742.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Samoa
$70.15 million (FY03/04)

Sao Tome and Principe
$46 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$39 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$456.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$410.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
$2.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.123 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$16.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
$193 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$190.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Singapore
$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$187.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.16 billion (31 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.08 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
$45.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$39.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$28.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$5.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.358 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
$2.063 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$897 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
$263.3 million (2006)

Swaziland
$708 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$959 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$47.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$135.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Syria
$17.96 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
$382.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$353 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$303 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$227 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
$3.687 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
note: excludes gold

Thailand
$176.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$138.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Togo
$686 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$703.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
$40.83 million (FY04/05)

Trinidad and Tobago
$9.659 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
$11.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$78 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$10.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.551 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
$3.743 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
note: excludes gold

Ukraine
$32.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$26.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$39.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$36.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$66.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$130.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
$7.407 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$10.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$40.54 million (2003)

Venezuela
$29.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$16.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
$5.744 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$2.287 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.892 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$376 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$351 million (31 December 2009 est.)

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

@2189

Field Listing :: Union name

Country

Union name

European Union conventional long form: European Union abbreviation: EU

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

@2190

Field Listing :: Political structure

Country

Political structure

European Union
a hybrid intergovernmental and supranational
organization

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

@2191

Field Listing :: Member states

Country

Member states

European Union
27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, UK; note - candidate countries: Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia,
Montenegro, Turkey

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

@2192

Field Listing :: Preliminary statement

Country

Preliminary statement

European Union
The evolution of the European Union (EU) from a
regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to
today's supranational organization of 27 countries across the
European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the
annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation
were long the norm in Europe. On a few occasions even country-level
unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the
Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples - but for such a large number
of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching
entity is truly unique.
Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far
more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN, NAFTA, or
Mercosur, and it has many of the attributes associated with
independent nations: its own flag, anthem, founding date, and
currency, as well as an incipient common foreign and security policy
in its dealings with other nations.
In the future, many of these nation-like characteristics are likely
to be expanded. Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has
been deemed appropriate as a new, separate entity in The World
Factbook. However, because of the EU's special status, this
description is placed after the regular country entries.

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

@2193

Field Listing :: Major infectious diseases

This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. The diseases listed do not necessarily represent the total disease burden experienced by the local population. The risk to an individual traveler varies considerably by the specific location, visit duration, type of activities, type of accommodations, time of year, and other factors. Consultation with a travel medicine physician is needed to evaluate individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures such as vaccines. Diseases are organized into the following six exposure categories shown in italics and listed in typical descending order of risk. Note: The sequence of exposure categories listed in individual country entries may vary according to local conditions. food or waterborne diseases acquired through eating or drinking on the local economy: Hepatitis A - viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, principally in areas of poor sanitation; victims exhibit fever, jaundice, and diarrhea; 15% of victims will experience prolonged symptoms over 6-9 months; vaccine available. Hepatitis E - water-borne viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; most commonly spread through fecal contamination of drinking water; victims exhibit jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark colored urine. Typhoid fever - bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage; victims exhibit sustained high fevers; left untreated, mortality rates can reach 20%. vectorborne diseases acquired through the bite of an infected arthropod: Malaria - caused by single-cell parasitic protozoa Plasmodium; transmitted to humans via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito; parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia; death due to damage to vital organs and interruption of blood supply to the brain; endemic in 100, mostly tropical, countries with 90% of cases and the majority of 1.5-2.5 million estimated annual deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments; manifests as sudden onset of fever and severe headache; occasionally produces shock and hemorrhage leading to death in 5% of cases. Yellow fever - mosquito-borne viral disease; severity ranges from influenza-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever; occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases are reported; fatality rate is less than 20%. Japanese Encephalitis - mosquito-borne (Culex tritaeniorhynchus) viral disease associated with rural areas in Asia; acute encephalitis can progress to paralysis, coma, and death; fatality rates 30%. African Trypanosomiasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma; transmitted to humans via the bite of bloodsucking Tsetse flies; infection leads to malaise and irregular fevers and, in advanced cases when the parasites invade the central nervous system, coma and death; endemic in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa; cattle and wild animals act as reservoir hosts for the parasites. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa leishmania; transmitted to humans via the bite of sandflies; results in skin lesions that may become chronic; endemic in 88 countries; 90% of cases occur in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru; wild and domesticated animals as well as humans can act as reservoirs of infection. Plague - bacterial disease transmitted by fleas normally associated with rats; person-to-person airborne transmission also possible; recent plague epidemics occurred in areas of Asia, Africa, and South America associated with rural areas or small towns and villages; manifests as fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes; disease progresses rapidly and without antibiotic treatment leads to pneumonic form with a death rate in excess of 50%. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - tick-borne viral disease; infection may also result from exposure to infected animal blood or tissue; geographic distribution includes Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe; sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches followed by hemorrhaging in the bowels, urine, nose, and gums; mortality rate is approximately 30%. Rift Valley fever - viral disease affecting domesticated animals and humans; transmission is by mosquito and other biting insects; infection may also occur through handling of infected meat or contact with blood; geographic distribution includes eastern and southern Africa where cattle and sheep are raised; symptoms are generally mild with fever and some liver abnormalities, but the disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease; fatality rates are low at about 1% of cases. Chikungunya - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments, similar to Dengue Fever; characterized by sudden onset of fever, rash, and severe joint pain usually lasting 3-7 days, some cases result in persistent arthritis. water contact diseases acquired through swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers: Leptospirosis - bacterial disease that affects animals and humans; infection occurs through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by animal urine; symptoms include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea; untreated, the disease can result in kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or respiratory distress; fatality rates are low but left untreated recovery can take months. Schistosomiasis - caused by parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma; fresh water snails act as intermediate host and release larval form of parasite that penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water; worms mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines releasing eggs, which become trapped in tissues triggering an immune response; may manifest as either urinary or intestinal disease resulting in decreased work or learning capacity; mortality, while generally low, may occur in advanced cases usually due to bladder cancer; endemic in 74 developing countries with 80% of infected people living in sub-Saharan Africa; humans act as the reservoir for this parasite. aerosolized dust or soil contact disease acquired through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine: Lassa fever - viral disease carried by rats of the genus Mastomys; endemic in portions of West Africa; infection occurs through direct contact with or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or fecal matter containing virus particles; fatality rate can reach 50% in epidemic outbreaks. respiratory disease acquired through close contact with an infectious person: Meningococcal meningitis - bacterial disease causing an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; one of the most important bacterial pathogens is Neisseria meningitidis because of its potential to cause epidemics; symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, and vomiting; bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and facilitated by close and prolonged contact resulting from crowded living conditions, often with a seasonal distribution; death occurs in 5-15% of cases, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms; highest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in the hyperendemic region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "Meningitis Belt" which stretches from Senegal east to Ethiopia. animal contact disease acquired through direct contact with local animals: Rabies - viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs; virus affects the central nervous system causing brain alteration and death; symptoms initially are non-specific fever and headache progressing to neurological symptoms; death occurs within days of the onset of symptoms. Country

Major infectious diseases

Afghanistan
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Angola
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping
sickness)
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Argentina
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Bangladesh
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in
some locations
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Belize
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Benin
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Bhutan
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Bolivia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Botswana
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Burkina Faso
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Burma
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Burundi
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Cambodia
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and
malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Cameroon
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Central African Republic
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Chad
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

China
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever
soil contact disease: hantaviral hemorrhagic fever with renal
syndrome (HFRS)
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Colombia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis
(sleeping sickness)
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping
sickness)
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Costa Rica
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Croatia
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Cuba
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Djibouti
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Dominican Republic
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Ecuador
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Egypt
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

El Salvador
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Eritrea
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Estonia
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Ethiopia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Gabon
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and chikungunya
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Gambia, The
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Ghana
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Guatemala
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Guinea
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Guyana
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Haiti
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Honduras
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Hungary
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

India
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese
encephalitis, and malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Indonesia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Iran
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Iraq
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Kenya
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Laos
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008)
(2009)

Latvia
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Liberia
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Lithuania
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Madagascar
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Malawi
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Malaysia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Mali
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2009)

Mauritania
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and Rift Valley fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Mexico
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Montenegro
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (2009)

Mozambique
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Namibia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nepal
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and dengue
fever (2009)

Nicaragua
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Niger
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nigeria
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly
endemic areas for Lassa fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Pakistan
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Panama
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Papua New Guinea
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Paraguay
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Peru
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial, hepatitis A, and typhoid
fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Philippines
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese
encephalitis
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Poland
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Russia
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Rwanda
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Senegal
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever,
malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Serbia
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Sierra Leone
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Somalia
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Rift Valley fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

South Africa
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Sri Lanka
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and chikungunya
water contact disease: leptospirosis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Sudan
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis
(sleeping sickness)
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Suriname
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: dengue fever, Mayaro virus, and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Swaziland
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Tajikistan
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Tanzania
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Thailand
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and
malaria
animal contact disease: rabies
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Timor-Leste
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Togo
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Uganda
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis
(sleeping sickness)
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Venezuela
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Vietnam
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis,
and plague
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Yemen
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Zambia
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague are high risks in some
locations
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Zimbabwe
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

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

@2194

Field Listing :: Refugees and internally displaced persons

This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state. Country

Refugees and internally displaced persons

Afghanistan
IDPs: 132,246 (mostly Pashtuns and Kuchis displaced in
south and west due to drought and instability) (2007)

Algeria
refugees (country of origin): 90,000 (Western Saharan
Sahrawi, mostly living in Algerian-sponsored camps in the
southwestern Algerian town of Tindouf)
IDPs: undetermined (civil war during 1990s) (2007)

Angola
refugees (country of origin): 12,615 (Democratic Republic of
Congo)
IDPs: 61,700 (27-year civil war ending in 2002; 4 million IDPs
already have returned) (2007)

Armenia
refugees (country of origin): 113,295 (Azerbaijan)
IDPs: 8,400 (conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh,
majority have returned home since 1994 ceasefire) (2007)

Azerbaijan
refugees (country of origin): 2,400 (Russia)
IDPs: 580,000-690,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh)
(2007)

Bangladesh
refugees (country of origin): 26,268 (Burma)
IDPs: 65,000 (land conflicts, religious persecution) (2007)

Benin
refugees (country of origin): 9,444 (Togo) (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
refugees (country of origin): 7,269 (Croatia)
IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks displaced in
1992-95 war) (2007)

Burma
IDPs: 503,000 (government offensives against ethnic insurgent
groups near the eastern borders; most IDPs are ethnic Karen,
Karenni, Shan, Tavoyan, and Mon) (2007)

Burundi
refugees (country of origin): 9,849 (Democratic Republic of
the Congo)
IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most
IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)

Cameroon
refugees (country of origin): 20,000-30,000 (Chad); 3,000
(Nigeria); 24,000 (Central African Republic) (2007)

Central African Republic
refugees (country of origin): 7,900
(Sudan); 3,700 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); note - UNHCR
resumed repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees in 2006
IDPs: 197,000 (ongoing unrest following coup in 2003) (2007)

Chad
refugees (country of origin): 234,000 (Sudan); 54,200 (Central
African Republic)
IDPs: 178,918 (2007)

China
refugees (country of origin): 300,897 (Vietnam); estimated
30,000-50,000 (North Korea)
IDPs: 90,000 (2007)

Colombia
IDPs: 1.8-3.5 million (conflict between government and
illegal armed groups and drug traffickers) (2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
refugees (country of origin):
132,295 (Angola); 37,313 (Rwanda); 17,777 (Burundi); 13,904
(Uganda); 6,181 (Sudan); 5,243 (Republic of Congo)
IDPs: 1.4 million (fighting between government forces and rebels
since mid-1990s; most IDPs are in eastern provinces) (2007)

Congo, Republic of the
refugees (country of origin): 46,341
(Democratic Republic of Congo); 6,564 (Rwanda)
IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic
Lari) (2007)

Costa Rica
refugees (country of origin): 9,699-11,500 (Colombia)
(2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
refugees (country of origin): 25,615 (Liberia)
IDPs: 709,000 (2002 coup; most IDPs are in western regions) (2007)

Croatia
IDPs: 2,900-7,000 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-95
war) (2007)

Cyprus
IDPs: 210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many
displaced for over 30 years) (2007)

Djibouti
refugees (country of origin): 8,642 (Somalia) (2007)

Ecuador
refugees (country of origin): 11,526 (Colombia); note -
UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Columbians are seeking asylum in
Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of
deportation (2007)

Egypt
refugees (country of origin): 60,000 - 80,000 (Iraq); 70,198
(Palestinian Territories); 12,157 (Sudan) (2007)

Eritrea
IDPs: 32,000 (border war with Ethiopia from 1998-2000; most
IDPs are near the central border region) (2007)

Ethiopia
refugees (country of origin): 66,980 (Sudan); 16,576
(Somalia); 13,078 (Eritrea)
IDPs: 200,000 (border war with Eritrea from 1998-2000, ethnic
clashes in Gambela, and ongoing Ethiopian military counterinsurgency
in Somali region; most IDPs are in Tigray and Gambela Provinces)
(2007)

Gabon
refugees (country of origin): 7,178 (Republic of Congo) (2007)

Gambia, The
refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)

Gaza Strip
refugees (country of origin): 1.017 million (Palestinian
Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

Georgia
refugees (country of origin): 1,100 (Russia)
IDPs: 220,000-240,000 (displaced from Abkhazia and South Ossetia)
(2007)

Ghana
refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo)
(2007)

Guatemala
IDPs: undetermined (the UN does not estimate there are any
IDPs, although some NGOs estimate over 200,000 IDPs as a result of
over three decades of internal conflict that ended in 1996) (2007)

Guinea
refugees (country of origin): 21,856 (Liberia); 5,259 (Sierra
Leone); 3,900 (Cote d'Ivoire)
IDPs: 19,000 (cross-border incursions from Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia,
Sierra Leone) (2007)

Guinea-Bissau
refugees (country of origin): 7,454 (Senegal) (2007)

India
refugees (country of origin): 77,200 (Tibet/China); 69,609
(Sri Lanka); 9,472 (Afghanistan)
IDPs: at least 600,000 (about half are Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu
and Kashmir) (2007)

Indonesia
IDPs: 200,000-350,000 (government offensives against
rebels in Aceh; most IDPs in Aceh, Central Kalimantan, Central
Sulawesi Provinces, and Maluku) (2007)

Iran
refugees (country of origin): 914,268 (Afghanistan); 54,024
(Iraq) (2007)

Iraq
refugees (country of origin): 10,000-15,000 (Palestinian
Territories); 11,773 (Iran); 16,832 (Turkey)
IDPs: 2.4 million (ongoing US-led war and ethno-sectarian violence)
(2007)

Israel
IDPs: 150,000-420,000 (Arab villagers displaced from homes in
northern Israel) (2007)

Jordan
refugees (country of origin): 1,835,704 (Palestinian Refugees
(UNRWA)); 500,000 (Iraq)
IDPs: 160,000 (1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Kazakhstan
refugees (country of origin): 3,700 (Russia); 508
(Afghanistan) (2007)

Kenya
refugees (country of origin): 173,702 (Somalia); 73,004
(Sudan); 16,428 (Ethiopia)
IDPs: 250,000-400,000 (2007 post-election violence; KANU attacks on
opposition tribal groups in 1990s) (2007)

Korea, North
IDPs: undetermined (flooding in mid-2007 and famine
during mid-1990s) (2007)

Kosovo
IDP's: 21,000 (2007)

Lebanon
refugees (country of origin): 405,425 (Palestinian refugees
(UNRWA)); 50,000-60,000 (Iraq)
IDPs: 17,000 (1975-90 civil war, Israeli invasions); 200,000
(July-August 2006 war) (2007)

Liberia
refugees (country of origin): 12,600 (Cote d'Ivoire)
IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in
November 2004) (2007)

Libya
refugees (country of origin): 8,000 (Palestinian Territories)
(2007)

Macedonia
IDPs: fewer than 1,000 (ethnic conflict in 2001) (2007)

Malaysia
refugees (country of origin): 15,174 (Indonesia); 21,544
(Burma) (2007)

Maldives
IDPs: 1,000-10,000 (December 2004 tsunami victims) (2007)

Mali
refugees (country of origin): 6,300 (Mauritania) (2007)

Mexico
IDPs: 5,500-10,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista
uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region) (2007)

Montenegro
refugees (country of origin): 7,000 (Kosovo); note -
mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999
IDPs: 16,192 (ethnic conflict in 1999 and riots in 2004) (2007)

Namibia
refugees (country of origin): 4,700 (Angola) (2007)

Nepal
refugees (country of origin): 107,803 (Bhutan); 20,153
(Tibet/China)
IDPs: 50,000-70,000 (remaining from ten-year Maoist insurgency that
officially ended in 2006; displacement spread across the country)
(2007)

Nigeria
refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)
IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims
since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly
short-term) (2007)

Pakistan
refugees (country of origin): 1,043,984 (Afghanistan)
IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in South
Waziristan); 34,000 (October 2005 earthquake; most of those
displaced returned to their home villages in the spring of 2006)
(2007)

Papua New Guinea
refugees (country of origin): 10,177 (Indonesia)
(2007)

Peru
IDPs: 60,000-150,000 (civil war from 1980-2000; most IDPs are
indigenous peasants in Andean and Amazonian regions) (2007)

Philippines
IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and
MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Russia
IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North
Ossetia) (2007)

Rwanda
refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of
the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

Saudi Arabia
refugees (country of origin): 240,015 (Palestinian
Territories) (2007)

Senegal
refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)
IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in
2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes between
government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)

Serbia
refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414
(Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic
Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

Sierra Leone
refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)

Solomon Islands
IDPs: 5,400 (displaced by tsunami on 2 April 2007)
(2007)

Somalia
IDPs: 1.1 million (civil war since 1988, clan-based
competition for resources) (2007)

South Africa
refugees (country of origin): 10,772 (Democratic
Republic of Congo); 7,818 (Somalia); 5,759 (Angola) (2007)

Sri Lanka
IDPs: 460,000 (both Tamils and non-Tamils displaced due to
long-term civil war between the government and the separatist
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) (2007)

Sudan
refugees (country of origin): 157,220 (Eritrea); 25,023
(Chad); 11,009 (Ethiopia); 7,895 (Uganda); 5,023 (Central African
Republic)
IDPs: 5.3 - 6.2 million (civil war 1983-2005; ongoing conflict in
Darfur region) (2007)

Syria
refugees (country of origin): 1-1.4 million (Iraq); 522,100
(Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA))
IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967
Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Tanzania
refugees (country of origin): 352,640 (Burundi); 127,973
(Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2007)

Thailand
refugees (country of origin): 132,241 (Burma) (2007)

Timor-Leste
IDPs: 100,000 (2007)

Togo
refugees (country of origin): 5,000 (Ghana)
IDPs: 1,500 (2007)

Turkey
IDPs: 1-1.2 million (fighting 1984-99 between Kurdish PKK and
Turkish military; most IDPs in southeastern provinces) (2007)

Turkmenistan
refugees (country of origin): 11,173 (Tajikistan); less
than 1,000 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Uganda
refugees (country of origin): 215,700 (Sudan); 28,880
(Democratic Republic of Congo); 24,900 (Rwanda)
IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing
peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the
Government of Uganda) (2007)

United States
refugees (country of origin): the US admitted 62,643
refugees during FY04/05 including; 10,586 (Somalia); 8,549 (Laos);
6,666 (Russia); 6,479 (Cuba); 3,100 (Haiti); 2,136 (Iran) (2006)

Uzbekistan
refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan); 1,060
(Afghanistan)
IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages
near Tajikistan border) (2007)

West Bank
refugees (country of origin): 722,000 (Palestinian
Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

World
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
estimated that in December 2006 there was a global population of 8.8
million registered refugees and as many as 24.5 million IDPs in more
than 50 countries; the actual global population of refugees is
probably closer to 10 million given the estimated 1.5 million Iraqi
refugees displaced throughout the Middle East (2007)

Yemen
refugees (country of origin): 91,587 (Somalia) (2007)

Zambia
refugees (country of origin): 42,565 (Angola); 60,874
(Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,100 (Rwanda) (2007)

Zimbabwe
refugees (country of origin): 2,500 (Democratic Republic of
Congo)
IDPs: 569,685 (MUGABE-led political violence, human rights
violations, land reform, and economic collapse) (2007)

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

@2195

Field Listing :: GDP (official exchange rate)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at official exchange rates (OER) is the home-currency-denominated annual GDP figure divided by the bilateral average US exchange rate with that country in that year. The measure is simple to compute and gives a precise measure of the value of output. Many economists prefer this measure when gauging the economic power an economy maintains vis-a-vis its neighbors, judging that an exchange rate captures the purchasing power a nation enjoys in the international marketplace. Official exchange rates, however, can be artificially fixed and/or subject to manipulation - resulting in claims of the country having an under- or over-valued currency - and are not necessarily the equivalent of a market-determined exchange rate. Moreover, even if the official exchange rate is market-determined, market exchange rates are frequently established by a relatively small set of goods and services (the ones the country trades) and may not capture the value of the larger set of goods the country produces. Furthermore, OER-converted GDP is not well suited to comparing domestic GDP over time, since appreciation/depreciation from one year to the next will make the OER GDP value rise/fall regardless of whether home-currency-denominated GDP changed. Country

GDP (official exchange rate)

Afghanistan
$16.63 billion (2010 est.)

Albania
$11.58 billion (2010 est.)

Algeria
$159 billion (2010 est.)

American Samoa
$462.2 million (2005)

Andorra
$NA

Angola
$85.81 billion (2010 est.)

Anguilla
$175.4 million (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
$1.099 billion (2010 est.)

Argentina
$351 billion (2010 est.)

Armenia
$8.83 billion (2010 est.)

Aruba
$2.258 billion (2005 est.)

Australia
$1.22 trillion (2010 est.)

Austria
$366.3 billion (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
$52.17 billion (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
$7.538 billion (2010 est.)

Bahrain
$21.73 billion (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
$105.4 billion (2010 est.)

Barbados
$3.963 billion (2010 est.)

Belarus
$52.89 billion (2010 est.)

Belgium
$461.3 billion (2010 est.)

Belize
$1.431 billion (2010 est.)

Benin
$6.494 billion (2010 est.)

Bermuda
$NA

Bhutan
$1.397 billion (2010 est.)

Bolivia
$19.18 billion (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$16.2 billion (2010 est.)

Botswana
$12.5 billion (2010 est.)

Brazil
$2.024 trillion (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
$1.095 billion (2008)

Brunei
$11.96 billion (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
$44.84 billion (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
$8.672 billion (2010 est.)

Burma
$35.65 billion (2010 est.)

Burundi
$1.469 billion (2010 est.)

Cambodia
$11.36 billion (2010 est.)

Cameroon
$21.88 billion (2010 est.)

Canada
$1.564 trillion (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
$1.573 billion (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
$2.25 billion (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
$2.113 billion (2010 est.)

Chad
$7.592 billion (2010 est.)

Chile
$199.2 billion (2010 est.)

China
$5.745 trillion
note: because China's exchange rate is determine by fiat, rather
than by market forces, the official exchange rate measure of GDP is
not an accurate measure of China's output; GDP at the official
exchange rate substantially understates the actual level of China's
output vis-a-vis the rest of the world; in China's situation, GDP at
purchasing power parity provides the best measure for comparing
output across countries (2010 est.)

Colombia
$283.1 billion (2010 est.)

Comoros
$557 million (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$12.6 billion (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$11.88 billion (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
$183.2 million (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
$35.02 billion (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$22.38 billion (2010 est.)

Croatia
$59.92 billion (2010 est.)

Cuba
$57.49 billion (2010 est.)

Curacao
$5.08 billion (2008 est.)

Cyprus
$22.75 billion (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
$195.2 billion (2010 est.)

Denmark
$304.6 billion (2010 est.)

Djibouti
$1.139 billion (2010 est.)

Dominica
$375 million (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
$50.87 billion (2010 est.)

Ecuador
$61.49 billion (2010 est.)

Egypt
$216.8 billion (2010 est.)

El Salvador
$21.8 billion (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
$14.55 billion (2010 est.)

Eritrea
$2.254 billion (2010 est.)

Estonia
$19.22 billion (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
$30.94 billion (2010 est.)

European Union
$15.9 trillion (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$105.1 million (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
$2.45 billion (2008 est.)

Fiji
$3.154 billion (2010 est.)

Finland
$232 billion (2010 est.)

France
$2.555 trillion (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
$6.1 billion (2004)

Gabon
$12.56 billion (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
$1.04 billion (2010 est.)

Georgia
$11.23 billion (2010 est.)

Germany
$3.306 trillion (2010 est.)

Ghana
$18.06 billion (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
$1.106 billion (2006 est.)

Greece
$302 billion (2010 est.)

Greenland
$2.03 billion (2008)

Grenada
$645 million (2010 est.)

Guam
$2.773 billion (2001)

Guatemala
$40.77 billion (2010 est.)

Guernsey
$2.742 billion (2005)

Guinea
$4.344 billion (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$825 million (2010 est.)

Guyana
$2.197 billion (2010 est.)

Haiti
$6.495 billion (2010 est.)

Honduras
$15.34 billion (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
$226.5 billion (2010 est.)

Hungary
$132.3 billion (2010 est.)

Iceland
$12.77 billion (2010 est.)

India
$1.43 trillion (2010 est.)

Indonesia
$695.1 billion (2010 est.)

Iran
$337.9 billion (2010 est.)

Iraq
$84.14 billion (2010 est.)

Ireland
$204.1 billion (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
$2.719 billion (2005 est.)

Israel
$201.3 billion (2010 est.)

Italy
$2.037 trillion (2010 est.)

Jamaica
$13.74 billion (2010 est.)

Japan
$5.391 trillion (2010 est.)

Jersey
$5.1 billion (2005 est.)

Jordan
$27.13 billion (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
$129.8 billion (2010 est.)

Kenya
$32.42 billion (2010 est.)

Kiribati
$152 million (2010 est.)

Korea, North
$28 billion (2009 est.)

Korea, South
$986.3 billion (2010 est.)

Kosovo
$3.237 billion (2007 est.)

Kuwait
$117.3 billion (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$4.444 billion (2010 est.)

Laos
$6.341 billion (2010 est.)

Latvia
$23.39 billion (2010 est.)

Lebanon
$39.15 billion (2010 est.)

Lesotho
$1.799 billion (2010 est.)

Liberia
$977 million (2010 est.)

Libya
$77.91 billion (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
$4.603 billion (2007)

Lithuania
$35.73 billion (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
$52.43 billion (2010 est.)

Macau
$22.1 billion (2009 est.)

Macedonia
$9.58 billion (2010 est.)

Madagascar
$8.33 billion (2010 est.)

Malawi
$5.035 billion (2010 est.)

Malaysia
$219 billion (2010 est.)

Maldives
$1.433 billion (2010 est.)

Mali
$9.077 billion (2010 est.)

Malta
$7.801 billion (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
$161.7 million (2008 est.)

Mauritania
$3.486 billion (2010 est.)

Mauritius
$9.427 billion (2010 est.)

Mayotte
$NA

Mexico
$1.004 trillion (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$238.1 million (2008)

Moldova
$5.357 billion (2010 est.)

Monaco
$NA

Mongolia
$5.807 billion (2010 est.)

Montenegro
$3.884 billion (2010 est.)

Montserrat
$NA

Morocco
$91.7 billion (2010 est.)

Mozambique
$10.21 billion (2010 est.)

Namibia
$11.45 billion (2010 est.)

Nauru
$NA

Nepal
$15.11 billion (2010 est.)

Netherlands
$770.3 billion (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
$3.3 billion (2003 est.)

New Zealand
$138 billion (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
$6.375 billion (2010 est.)

Niger
$5.603 billion (2010 est.)

Nigeria
$206.7 billion (2010 est.)

Niue
$10.01 million (2003)

Northern Mariana Islands
$633.4 million (2000)

Norway
$413.5 billion (2010 est.)

Oman
$53.78 billion (2010 est.)

Pakistan
$174.8 billion (2010 est.)

Palau
$164 million (2008)

Panama
$27.2 billion (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
$8.809 billion (2010 est.)

Paraguay
$17.17 billion (2010 est.)

Peru
$153.5 billion (2010 est.)

Philippines
$189.1 billion (2010 est.)

Poland
$438.9 billion (2010 est.)

Portugal
$223.7 billion (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
$93.52 billion (2010 est.)

Qatar
$126.5 billion (2010 est.)

Romania
$158.4 billion (2010 est.)

Russia
$1.477 trillion (2010 est.)

Rwanda
$5.693 billion (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
$NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$562 million (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
$1 billion (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$583 million (2010 est.)

Samoa
$550 million (2010 est.)

San Marino
$1.048 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
$187 million (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$434.4 billion (2010 est.)

Senegal
$12.66 billion (2010 est.)

Serbia
$38.92 billion (2010 est.)

Seychelles
$919 million (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
$1.901 billion (2010 est.)

Singapore
$217.4 billion (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
$794.7 million (2008)

Slovakia
$86.26 billion (2010 est.)

Slovenia
$46.44 billion (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
$674 million (2010 est.)

Somalia
$2.372 billion (2010 est.)

South Africa
$354.4 billion (2010 est.)

Spain
$1.375 trillion (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
$48.24 billion (2010 est.)

Sudan
$65.93 billion (2010 est.)

Suriname
$3.297 billion (2010 est.)

Swaziland
$3.165 billion (2010 est.)

Sweden
$444.6 billion (2010 est.)

Switzerland
$522.4 billion (2010 est.)

Syria
$59.63 billion (2010 est.)

Taiwan
$427 billion (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
$5.578 billion (2010 est.)

Tanzania
$22.43 billion (2010 est.)

Thailand
$312.6 billion (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
$616 million (2010 est.)

Togo
$3.074 billion (2010 est.)

Tokelau
$NA

Tonga
$301 million (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
$21.2 billion (2010 est.)

Tunisia
$43.86 billion (2010 est.)

Turkey
$729.1 billion (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
$27.96 billion (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
$NA

Tuvalu
$14.94 million (2002)

Uganda
$17.12 billion (2010 est.)

Ukraine
$136.6 billion (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$239.7 billion (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
$2.259 trillion (2010 est.)

United States
$14.62 trillion (2010 est.)

Uruguay
$40.71 billion (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
$37.72 billion (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
$721 million (2010 est.)

Venezuela
$285.2 billion (2010 est.)

Vietnam
$102 billion (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
$NA

Wallis and Futuna
$NA

West Bank
$6.641 billion (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
$NA

World
GWP (gross world product): $62.22 trillion (2010 est.)

Yemen
$30.02 billion (2010 est.)

Zambia
$15.69 billion (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
$5.574 billion
note: in 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar was taken out of circulation,
making Zimbabwe's GDP at the official exchange rate a highly
inaccurate statistic (2010 est.)

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

@2196

Field Listing :: Trafficking in persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide are enslaved in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized in 2003 and 2005, which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report as Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions. Country

Trafficking in persons

Algeria
current situation: Algeria is a transit country for men and
women trafficked from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe for the purposes
of commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude;
criminal networks of sub-Saharan nationals in southern Algeria
facilitate transit by arranging transportation, forged documents,
and promises of employment
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Algeria is placed on the Tier 2
Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking, however, it is making
significant efforts to do so; in January 2009, the government
approved new legislation that criminalizes trafficking in persons
for the purposes of labor and sexual exploitation representing an
important step toward complying with international standards;
despite these efforts, the government did not show overall progress
in punishing trafficking crimes and protecting trafficking victims
and continued to lack adequate measures to protect victims and
prevent trafficking (2009)

Azerbaijan
current situation: Azerbaijan is primarily a source and
transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; women
and some children from Azerbaijan are trafficked to Turkey and the
UAE for the purpose of sexual exploitation; men and boys are
trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor; Azerbaijan
serves as a transit country for victims from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan,
Kazakhstan, and Moldova trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for sexual
exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Azerbaijan is on the Tier 2 Watch
List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
combat trafficking in persons, particularly efforts to investigate,
prosecute, and punish traffickers; to address complicity among law
enforcement personnel; and to adequately identify and protect
victims in Azerbaijan; the government has yet to develop a
much-needed mechanism to identify potential trafficking victims and
refer them to safety and care; poor treatment of trafficking victims
in courtrooms continues to be a problem (2008)

Bangladesh
current situation: Bangladesh is a source and transit
country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; a significant share
of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work
overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently
exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage; children
are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation,
bonded labor, and forced labor; women and children from Bangladesh
are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Bangladesh is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it
does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination
of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so,
including some progress in addressing sex trafficking; the
government did not demonstrate sufficient progress in criminally
prosecuting and convicting labor trafficking offenders, particularly
those responsible for the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for the
purpose of labor trafficking (2009)

Belize
current situation: Belize is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the
most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex
trafficking of minors; some Central American men, women, and
children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador,
migrate voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently
subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution
tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does
not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so;
despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and
provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government
did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing
trafficking offenders last year (2009)

Burma
current situation: Burma is a source country for women,
children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and
commercial sexual exploitation; Burmese women and children are
trafficked to East and Southeast Asia for commercial sexual
exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor; Burmese children
are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Thailand as hawkers
and beggars; women are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation
to Malaysia and China; some trafficking victims transit Burma from
Bangladesh to Malaysia and from China to Thailand; Burma's internal
trafficking remains the most serious concern occurring primarily
from villages to urban centers and economic hubs for labor in
industrial zones, agricultural estates, and commercial sexual
exploitation; the Burmese military continues to engage in the
unlawful conscription of child soldiers, and continues to be the
main perpetrator of forced labor inside Burma; ethnic insurgent
groups also used compulsory labor of adults and unlawful recruitment
of children; the regime's widespread use of and lack of
accountability in forced labor and recruitment of child soldiers is
particularly worrying and represents the top causal factor for
Burma's significant trafficking problem
tier rating: Tier 3 - serious problems remain in Burma, and in some
areas, most notably in the area of forced labor, the Government of
Burma is not making significant efforts to comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking, warranting a ranking
of Tier 3; in other areas, particularly with regard to international
sex trafficking of women and girls, the Government of Burma is
making significant efforts (2010)

Cameroon
current situation: Cameroon is a source, transit, and
destination country for women and children trafficked for the
purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; most
victims are children trafficked within country, with girls primarily
trafficked for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; both boys
and girls are also trafficked within Cameroon for forced labor in
sweatshops, bars, restaurants, and on tea and cocoa plantations;
children are trafficked into Cameroon from neighboring states for
forced labor in agriculture, fishing, street vending, and
spare-parts shops; Cameroon is a transit country for children
trafficked between Gabon and Nigeria, and from Nigeria to Saudi
Arabia; it is a source country for women transported by
sex-trafficking rings to Europe
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cameroon is on the Tier 2 Watch
List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts
to prosecute and convict trafficking offenders; while Cameroon
reported some arrests of traffickers, none of them were prosecuted
or punished; the government does not identify trafficking victims
among vulnerable populations nor does it monitor the number of
victims it intercepts (2008)

Central African Republic
current situation: Central African Republic
is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and
children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual
exploitation; the majority of victims are children trafficked within
the country for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, street
vending, and forced agricultural, mine, market and restaurant labor;
to a lesser extent, children are trafficked from the Central African
Republic to Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo;
rebels conscript children into armed forces within the country
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Central African Republic is on the
Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year for its failure to
show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in 2007;
efforts to address trafficking through vigorous law enforcement
measures and victim protection efforts were minimal, though
awareness about trafficking appeared to be increasing in the
country; the government does not actively investigate cases, work to
identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, or rescue
and provide care to victims; the government has not taken measures
to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

Chad
current situation: Chad is a source, transit, and destination
country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and
commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of children are
trafficked within Chad for involuntary domestic servitude, forced
cattle herding, forced begging, forced labor in petty commerce or
the fishing industry, or for commercial sexual exploitation; to a
lesser extent, Chadian children are also trafficked to Cameroon, the
Central African Republic, and Nigeria for cattle herding; children
may also be trafficked from Cameroon and the Central African
Republic to Chad's oil producing regions for sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Chad does not
fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so;
although facing resource constraints, the government has the
capacity to conduct basic anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts,
yet did not do so during the last year; it showed no results in
enforcing government policy prohibiting the recruitment of child
soldiers; Chad has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

China
current situation: China is a source, transit, and destination
country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
sexual exploitation and forced labor; the majority of trafficking in
China occurs within the country's borders, but there is also
considerable international trafficking of Chinese citizens to
Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North
America; Chinese women are lured abroad through false promises of
legitimate employment, only to be forced into commercial sexual
exploitation, largely in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan;
women and children are trafficked to China from Mongolia, Burma,
North Korea, Russia, and Vietnam for forced labor, marriage, and
prostitution; some North Korean women and children seeking to leave
their country voluntarily cross the border into China and are then
sold into prostitution, marriage, or forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - China is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for the fourth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence
of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in
terms of punishment of trafficking crimes and the protection of
Chinese and foreign victims of trafficking; victims are sometimes
punished for unlawful acts that were committed as a direct result of
their being trafficked, such as violations of prostitution or
immigration/emigration controls; the Chinese Government continued to
treat North Korean victims of trafficking solely as economic
migrants, routinely deporting them back to horrendous conditions in
North Korea; additional challenges facing the Chinese Government
include the enormous size of its trafficking problem and the
significant level of corruption and complicity in trafficking by
some local government officials (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the current situation: Democratic Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and forced prostitution; the majority of this trafficking is internal, and much of it is perpetrated by armed groups and government forces outside government control within the country's unstable eastern provinces tier rating: Tier 3 - Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of progress in prosecuting and punishing labor or sex trafficking offenders, including members of its own armed forces; providing protective services for the vast majority of trafficking victims; or raising public awareness of human trafficking; in addition, the government's anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts decreased during the reporting period (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
current situation: Republic of the Congo is a
source and destination country for children trafficked for the
purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls
are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial
sexual exploitation, forced street vending, and domestic servitude;
children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic
servitude, forced market vending, and forced labor in the fishing
industry
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the
Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing
efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to
recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the
Republic of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is
handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for
trafficking activity nor provides specialized anti-trafficking
training for law enforcement officials; the government does not
encourage victims to assist in trafficking investigations or
prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for
commercial sex acts in the Republic of the Congo (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire is a source, transit, and destination
country for women and children trafficked for forced labor and
commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking within the country is
more prevalent than international trafficking and the majority of
victims are children; women and girls are trafficked from northern
areas to southern cities for domestic servitude, restaurant labor,
and sexual exploitation; boys are trafficked internally for
agricultural and service labor and transnationally for forced labor
in agriculture, mining, construction, and in the fishing industry;
women and girls are trafficked to and from other West and Central
African countries for domestic servitude and forced street vending
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cote d'Ivoire is on the Tier 2
Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
to eliminate trafficking in 2007, particularly with regard to its
law enforcement efforts and protection of sex trafficking victims;
in addition, Ivoirian law does not prohibit all forms of
trafficking, and Cote d'Ivoire has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP
Protocol (2008)

Cuba
current situation: Cuba is principally a source country for
children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically
commercial sexual exploitation within the country; the scope of
trafficking within Cuba is difficult to gauge due to the closed
nature of the government and sparse non-governmental or independent
reporting
tier rating: Tier 3 - Cuba does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
significant efforts to do so; in a positive step, the Government of
Cuba shared information about human trafficking and its efforts to
address the issue; the government did not prohibit all forms of
trafficking during the reporting period, nor did it provide specific
evidence that it prosecuted and punished trafficking offenders,
protected victims of all forms of trafficking, or implemented victim
protection policies or programs to prevent human trafficking (2010)

Dominican Republic
current situation: the Dominican Republic is a
source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and
children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual
exploitation and forced labor; a large number of Dominican women are
trafficked into prostitution and sexual exploitation in Western
Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Caribbean
destinations; a significant number of women, boys, and girls are
trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation and domestic
servitude
tier rating: Tier 3 - for its failure to show evidence of increasing
efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of not
adequately investigating and prosecuting public officials who may be
complicit with trafficking activity, and inadequate government
efforts to protect trafficking victims; the government has taken
measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts with children
through criminal prosecutions (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
current situation: Equatorial Guinea is primarily
a destination country for children trafficked for the purpose of
forced labor and possibly for the purpose of sexual exploitation;
children have been trafficked from nearby countries for domestic
servitude, market labor, ambulant vending, and possibly sexual
exploitation; women may also be trafficked to Equatorial Guinea from
Cameroon, Benin, other neighboring countries, and China for sexual
exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Equatorial Guinea is on the Tier 2
Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
to eliminate trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting
and convicting trafficking offenders and failing to formalize
mechanisms to provide assistance to victims; although the government
made some effort to enforce laws against child labor exploitation,
it failed to report any trafficking prosecutions or convictions in
2007; the government continued to lack shelters or formal procedures
for providing care to victims (2008)

Eritrea
current situation: Eritrea is a source country for men,
women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and
commercial sexual exploitation; each year, large numbers of migrant
workers depart Eritrea in search of work, particularly in the Gulf
States, where some likely become victims of forced labor, including
in domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation; thousands
of Eritreans flee the country illegally, mostly to Sudan, Ethiopia,
and Kenya where their illegal status makes them vulnerable to
situations of human trafficking; the government remains complicit in
conscripting children into military service
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Eritrea does not fully
comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
and is not making significant efforts to do so; the Eritrean
government does not operate with transparency and published neither
data nor statistics regarding its efforts to combat human
trafficking; it did not respond to requests to provide information
for this report; the government made no known progress in
prosecuting and punishing trafficking crimes over the reporting
period and did not appear to provide any significant assistance to
victims of trafficking during the reporting period (2009)

Fiji
current situation: Fiji is a source country for children
trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and a
destination country for a small number of women from China and India
trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual
exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Fiji does not fully comply with the
minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated
no action to investigate or prosecute traffickers, assist victims,
take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support
any anti-trafficking information or education campaigns; Fiji has
not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

Gabon
current situation: Gabon is predominantly a destination
country for children trafficked from other African countries for the
purpose of forced labor; girls are primarily trafficked for domestic
servitude, forced market vending, forced restaurant labor, and
sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced street
hawking and forced labor in small workshops
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Gabon is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat
human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to
convict and punish trafficking offenders; the government has not
reported the convictions or sentences of any trafficking offenders;
the government did not take steps to reduce demand for commercial
sex acts (2008)

Guatemala
current situation: Guatemala is a source, transit, and
destination country for Guatemalans and Central Americans trafficked
for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor;
human trafficking is a significant and growing problem in the
country; Guatemalan women and children are trafficked within the
country for commercial sexual exploitation, primarily to Mexico and
the United States; Guatemalan men, women, and children are also
trafficked within the country, and to Mexico and the United States,
for forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year,
Guatemala is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide
evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons,
particularly with respect to ensuring that trafficking offenders are
appropriately prosecuted for their crimes; while prosecutors
initiated trafficking prosecutions, they continued to face problems
in court with application of Guatemala's comprehensive
anti-trafficking law; the government made modest improvements to its
protection efforts, but assistance remained inadequate overall in
2007 (2008)

Guinea
current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of
victims are children, and internal trafficking is more prevalent
than transnational trafficking; within the country, girls are
trafficked primarily for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation,
while boys are trafficked for forced agricultural labor, and as
forced beggars, street vendors, shoe shiners, and laborers in gold
and diamond mines; some Guinean men are also trafficked for
agricultural labor within Guinea; transnationally, girls are
trafficked into Guinea for domestic servitude and likely also for
sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
eliminate trafficking over 2006; Guinea demonstrated minimal law
enforcement efforts for a second year in a row, while protection
efforts diminished over efforts in 2006; the government did not
report any trafficking convictions in 2007; due to a lack of
resources, the government does not provide shelter services for
trafficking victims; the government took no measures to reduce the
demand for commercial sexual exploitation (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country
for children trafficked primarily for forced begging and forced
agricultural labor to other West African countries
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for the second year in a row,
Guinea-Bissau is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to combat
severe forms of trafficking in persons, as evidenced by the
continued failure to pass an anti-trafficking law and inadequate
efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking crimes or convict
and punish trafficking offenders (2008)

Guyana
current situation: Guyana is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; most
trafficking appears to take place in remote mining camps in the
country's interior; some women and girls are trafficked from
northern Brazil; reporting from other nations suggests Guyanese
women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to
neighboring countries and Guyanese men and boys are subject to labor
exploitation in construction and agriculture; trafficking victims
from Suriname, Brazil, and Venezuela transit Guyana en route to
Caribbean destinations
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year,
Guyana is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence
of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the
area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders; the
government has yet to produce an anti-trafficking conviction under
the comprehensive Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which
became law in 2005; the government operates no shelters for
trafficking victims, but did include limited funding for
anti-trafficking NGOs in its 2008 budget; the government did not
make any effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007
(2008)

India
current situation: India is a source, destination, and transit
country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; internal forced
labor may constitute India's largest trafficking problem; men,
women, and children are held in debt bondage and face forced labor
working in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery
factories; women and girls are trafficked within the country for the
purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced marriage;
children are subjected to forced labor as factory workers, domestic
servants, beggars, and agriculture workers, and have been used as
armed combatants by some terrorist and insurgent groups; India is
also a destination for women and girls from Nepal and Bangladesh
trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Indian
women are trafficked to the Middle East for commercial sexual
exploitation; men and women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked
through India for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation in
the Middle East
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - India is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of
increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007; despite the
reported extent of the trafficking crisis in India, government
authorities made uneven efforts to prosecute traffickers and protect
trafficking victims; government authorities continued to rescue
victims of commercial sexual exploitation and forced child labor and
child armed combatants, and began to show progress in law
enforcement against these forms of trafficking; a critical challenge
overall is the lack of punishment for traffickers, effectively
resulting in impunity for acts of human trafficking; India has not
ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Iran
current situation: Iran is a source, transit, and destination
country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; Iranian women are
trafficked internally for the purpose of forced prostitution and for
forced marriages to settle debts; Iranian and Afghan children living
in Iran are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced
marriages, commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude
as beggars or laborers to pay debts, provide income or support drug
addiction of their families; press reports indicate that criminal
organizations play a significant role in human trafficking to and
from Iran, in connection with smuggling of migrants, drugs, and arms
tier rating: Tier 3 - Iran did not provide evidence of law
enforcement activities against trafficking, and credible reports
indicate that Iranian authorities' response is not sufficient to
penalize offenders, protect victims, and eliminate trafficking; some
aspects of Iranian law and policy hinder efforts to combat
trafficking including punishment of victims and legal obstacles to
punishing offenders; Iran has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol
(2009)

Korea, North
current situation: North Korea is a source country for
men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor
and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of
trafficking involves North Korean women and girls who cross the
border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and
girls are lured out of North Korea to escape poor social and
economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only
to be forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor
arrangements once in China
tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge
the existence of human rights abuses in the country or recognize
trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North
Korea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Kuwait
current situation: Kuwait is a destination country for men
and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for
domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of
involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions of
physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the
home, and withholding of passports to restrict their freedom of
movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East
Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq; some of these
workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this
work, and others are subjected to conditions of involuntary
servitude in Iraq
tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to
define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will
to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human
trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private
residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti
citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human
trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of
trafficking (2009)

Libya
current situation: Libya is a transit and destination country
for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trafficked for
the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Libya is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to address
trafficking in persons in 2007 when compared to 2006, particularly
in the area of investigating and prosecuting trafficking offenses;
Libya did not publicly release any data on investigations or
punishment of any trafficking offenses (2008)

Malaysia
current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a
lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children
trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, and
men, women, and children for forced labor; Malaysia is mainly a
destination country for men, women, and children who migrate
willingly from South and Southeast Asia to work, some of whom are
subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by Malaysian
employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation,
and industrial sectors; to a lesser extent, some Malaysian women,
primarily of Chinese ethnicity, are trafficked abroad for commercial
sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Malaysia does not
fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, despite
some progress in enforcing the 2007 comprehensive anti-trafficking
law; it has yet to fully address labor trafficking in Malaysia;
there are credible allegations of involvement of Malaysian
immigration officials in trafficking and extorting Burmese refugees;
the government did not develop mechanisms to effectively screen
victims of trafficking in vulnerable groups and condones the
confiscation of passports of migrant workers by employers (2009)

Mauritania
current situation: Mauritania is a source and destination
country for children trafficked for forced labor and sexual
exploitation; slavery-related practices, rooted in ancestral
master-slave relationships, continue to exist in isolated parts of
the country; Mauritanian boys called talibe are trafficked within
the country by religious teachers for forced begging; children are
also trafficked by street gangs within the country that force them
to steal, beg, and sell drugs; girls are trafficked internally for
domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; women and children from
neighboring states are trafficked into Mauritania for purposes of
forced begging, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Mauritania does not fully
comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did
not show evidence of overall progress in prosecuting and punishing
trafficking offenders, protecting trafficking victims, and
preventing new incidents of trafficking during the past year;
progress that the previous government demonstrated in 2007 through
enactment of strengthened anti-slavery legislation and deepened
political will to eliminate slavery and trafficking has stalled; law
enforcement efforts to address human trafficking including
traditional slavery practices decreased (2009)

Moldova
current situation: Moldova is a major source and, to a
lesser extent, a transit country for women and girls trafficked for
the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Moldovan women are
trafficked to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe;
girls and young women are trafficked within the country from rural
areas to Chisinau; children are also trafficked to neighboring
countries for forced labor and begging; labor trafficking of men to
work in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors of Russia
is increasingly a problem; according to an ILO report, Moldova's
national Bureau of Statistics estimated that there were likely over
25,000 Moldovan victims of trafficking for forced labor in 2008
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Government of Moldova does not
fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so;
despite initial efforts to combat trafficking-related complicity
since the government's reassessment on the Tier 2 Watch List in
September 2008, and increased victim assistance, the government did
not demonstrate sufficiently meaningful efforts to curb
trafficking-related corruption, which is a government-acknowledged
problem in Moldova; the government improved victim protection
efforts, deployed more law-enforcement officers in the effort and
contributed direct financial assistance toward victim protection and
assistance for the first time (2010)

Niger
current situation: Niger is a source, transit, and destination
country for children and women trafficked for forced labor and
sexual exploitation; caste-based slavery practices, rooted in
ancestral master-slave relationships, continue in isolated areas of
the country - an estimated 8,800 to 43,000 Nigeriens live under
conditions of traditional slavery; children are trafficked within
Niger for forced begging, forced labor in gold mines, domestic
servitude, sexual exploitation, and possibly for forced labor in
agriculture and stone quarries; women and children from neighboring
states are trafficked to and through Niger for domestic servitude,
sexual exploitation, forced labor in mines and on farms, and as
mechanics and welders
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Niger does not
fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; the
government demonstrated marginal efforts to combat human
trafficking, including traditional slavery, during the last year
(2009)

Papua New Guinea
current situation: Papua New Guinea is a country of
destination for women and children from Malaysia, the Philippines,
Thailand, and China trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual
exploitation; internal trafficking of women and children for the
purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude
occurs as well
tier rating: Tier 3 - Papua New Guinea does not fully comply with
the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
making significant efforts to do so; the current legal framework
does not contain elements of crimes that characterize trafficking;
the government lacks victim protection services or a systematic
procedure to identify victims of trafficking; the government did not
prosecute anyone in 2007 for trafficking; Papua New Guinea has not
ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Qatar
current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and
women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are
subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic
workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual
exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept
worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited;
other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay,
restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental,
and sexual abuse
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Qatar does not
fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in
February 2009, Qatar enacted a new migrant worker sponsorship law
that criminalizes some practices commonly used by trafficking
offenders, and it announced plans to use that law effectively to
prevent human trafficking; punishment for offenses related to
trafficking in persons remains lower than that for crimes such as
rape and kidnapping, and the Qatari government has yet to take
significant action to investigate, prosecute, and punish trafficking
offenses; the government continues to lack formal victim
identification procedures and, as a result, victims of trafficking
are likely punished for acts committed as a direct result of being
trafficked (2009)

Russia
current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for
various purposes; it remains a significant source of women
trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation;
Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women
trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to
Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of
forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a
problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban
centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked
internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the
construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common
among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List
for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of
increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year,
particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking;
comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would
address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since
2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Saudi Arabia
current situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination
country for workers from South and Southeast Asia who are subjected
to conditions that constitute involuntary servitude including being
subjected to physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages,
confinement, and withholding of passports as a restriction on their
movement; domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because some
are confined to the house in which they work unable to seek help;
Saudi Arabia is also a destination country for Nigerian, Yemeni,
Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Malian, and Sudanese children trafficked
for forced begging and involuntary servitude as street vendors; some
Nigerian women were reportedly trafficked into Saudi Arabia for
commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the
minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
making significant efforts to do so; the government continues to
lack adequate anti-trafficking laws and, despite evidence of
widespread trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal
prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking
crimes committed against foreign domestic workers (2008)

Sri Lanka
current situation: Sri Lanka is a source and destination
country for men and women trafficked for the purposes of involuntary
servitude and commercial sexual exploitation; Sri Lankan men and
women migrate willingly to the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and East
Asia to work as construction workers, domestic servants, or garment
factory workers, where some find themselves in situations of
involuntary servitude when faced with restrictions on movement,
withholding of passports, threats, physical or sexual abuse, and
debt bondage; children are trafficked internally for commercial
sexual exploitation and, less frequently, for forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a fourth consecutive year, Sri
Lanka is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of
increasing efforts to combat severe forms of human trafficking,
particularly in the area of law enforcement; the government failed
to arrest, prosecute, or convict any person for trafficking offenses
and continued to punish some victims of trafficking for crimes
committed as a result of being trafficked; Sri Lanka has not
ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Sudan
current situation: Sudan is a source country for men, women,
and children trafficked internally for the purposes of forced labor
and sexual exploitation; Sudan is also a transit and destination
country for Ethiopian women trafficked abroad for domestic
servitude; Sudanese women and girls are trafficked within the
country as well as possibly to Middle Eastern countries for domestic
servitude; the terrorist rebel organization, Lord's Resistance Army,
continues to harbor small numbers of Sudanese and Ugandan children
in the southern part of the country for use as cooks, porters, and
combatants; some of these children are also trafficked across
borders into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo; militia
groups in Darfur, some of which are linked to the government, abduct
women for short periods of forced labor and to perpetrate sexual
violence; during the two decades-long north-south civil war,
thousands of Dinka women and children were abducted and subsequently
enslaved by members of the Missiriya and Rezeigat tribes; while
there have been no known new abductions of Dinka by members of
Baggara tribes in the last few years, inter-tribal abductions
continue in southern Sudan
tier rating: Tier 3 - Sudan does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
significant efforts to do so; combating human trafficking through
law enforcement or prevention measures was not a priority for the
government in 2007 (2008)

Swaziland
current situation: Swaziland is a source, destination, and
transit country for women and children trafficked internally and
transnationally for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation,
domestic servitude, and forced labor in agriculture; Swazi girls,
particularly orphans, are trafficked internally for commercial
sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, as well as to South
Africa and Mozambique; Swazi boys are trafficked for forced labor in
commercial agriculture and market vending; some Swazi women are
forced into prostitution in South Africa and Mozambique after
voluntarily migrating to these countries in search of work
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the government of Swaziland does
not comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the
government believes that trafficking probably does occur, but does
not know the extent of the problem; the government does not judge
trafficking to be an "important" problem and chooses to direct its
limited resources towards other issues, a judgment which
significantly limited the government's current efforts to eliminate
human trafficking, or to plan anti-trafficking activities or
initiatives for the future (2010)

Syria
current situation: Syria is a destination and transit country
for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation
and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the
large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly
forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in
some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the
Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in
Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary
servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding
of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or
sexual abuse
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Syria again failed to report any
law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in
addition, the government did not offer protection services to
victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or
deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations;
Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Tajikistan
current situation: Tajikistan is a source country for
women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey,
and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men
are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose of forced
labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries;
boys and girls are trafficked internally for various purposes,
including forced labor and forced begging
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch
List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate,
prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence of
low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the
government did not punish any public officials for trafficking
complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination
between government institutions remained key obstacles to effective
anti-trafficking efforts (2008)

Uzbekistan
current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for
women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and
Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are
trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in
the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are
also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude,
forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and
for commercial sexual exploitation
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch
List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not
amend its criminal code to increase penalties for convicted
traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on
minimum age of employment and on the elimination of the worst forms
of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the
government also demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat
trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive
anti-trafficking law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP
Protocol (2008)

Venezuela
current situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor;
Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for
sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and
tourist areas; child prostitution in urban areas and child sex
tourism in resort destinations appear to be growing; Venezuelan
women and girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to
Western Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Venezuela is placed on the Tier 2
Watch List, up from Tier 3, as it showed greater resolve to address
trafficking through law enforcement measures and prevention efforts
in 2007, although stringent punishment of offenders and victim
assistance remain lacking (2008)

World
current situation: approximately 800,000 people, mostly women
and children, are trafficked annually across national borders, not
including millions trafficked within their own countries; at least
80% of the victims are female and up to 50% are minors; 75% of all
victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation; almost
two-thirds of the global victims are trafficked intra-regionally
within East Asia and the Pacific (260,000 to 280,000 people) and
Europe and Eurasia (170,000 to 210,000 people)
Tier 2 Watch List: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Federated
States of Micronesia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya,
Mali, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar,
Republic of the Congo, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen
Tier 3: Burma, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Zimbabwe (2009)

Zimbabwe
current situation: Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and
destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; large scale
migration of Zimbabweans to surrounding countries - as they flee a
progressively more desperate situation at home - has increased;
rural Zimbabwean men, women, and children are trafficked internally
to farms for agricultural labor and domestic servitude and to cities
for domestic labor and commercial sexual exploitation; NGOs believe
internal trafficking increased during the year, largely due to the
closure of schools, worsening political violence, and a faltering
economy; young men and boys are trafficked to South Africa for farm
work, often laboring for months in South Africa without pay before
"employers" have them arrested and deported as illegal immigrants;
young women and girls are lured abroad with false employment offers
that result in involuntary domestic servitude or commercial sexual
exploitation; men, women, and children from neighboring states are
trafficked through Zimbabwe en route to South Africa
tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Zimbabwe does not fully
comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made
minimal progress in combating trafficking in 2008, and members of
its military and the former ruling party's youth militias
perpetrated acts of trafficking on local populations;
anti-trafficking efforts were further weakened as it failed to
address Zimbabwe's economic and social problems during the reporting
period, thus increasing the population's vulnerability to
trafficking within and outside of the country (2009)

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

@2198

Field Listing :: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in the home country made directly by residents - primarily companies - of other countries as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

Algeria
$19.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
$91.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$79.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
$86.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$80.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
$329.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$295.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$290.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$286.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$8.918 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.318 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
$15.77 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$6.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.617 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
$741.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$705.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bermuda
$NA

Bolivia
$NA (31 December 2009)
$5.998 billion (31 December 2008)

Brazil
$349.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$319.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
$51.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$49.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$528.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$494.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
$NA

Chad
$NA (31 December 2010)
$4.5 billion (2006 est.)

Chile
$136.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$121.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
$574.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$473.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$84.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$75.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
$13.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$NA

Croatia
$34.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$32.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
$29.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$26.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$126.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$121.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$149.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$144.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
$19.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$12.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$72.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$66.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$7.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.132 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
$17.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
$NA

Fiji
$NA

Finland
$87.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$85.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
$1.207 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.151 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.054 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
$NA

Greece
$48.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$44.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$962.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$912.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
$72.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$70.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$NA (31 December 2010)
$9.2 billion (#REF!)

India
$191.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$157.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$81.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$72.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$16.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
$221.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$198.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
$64.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$58.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
$405.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$368.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$161.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
$22.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$83.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$69.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$2.337 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.129 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
$112.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$110.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
$21.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$21.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kuwait
$1.281 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
$11.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$NA

Liberia
$NA

Libya
$18.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)
$11.21 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
$13.6 billion (2008 est.)
$11.1 billion (#REF! est.)

Macedonia
$3.528 billion (31 October 2009 est.)
$3.357 billion (2007 est.)

Madagascar
$NA

Malawi
$NA

Malaysia
$77.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$74.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
$8.24 billion (31 December 2009)

Mauritius
$NA

Mexico
$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$308.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
$NA (31 December 2010)
$1.813 billion (2008)

Mongolia
$NA

Morocco
$42.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$40.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$NA

Nepal
$NA

Netherlands
$687.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$654.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
$67.18 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$66.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nigeria
$67.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$61.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
$132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
$NA

Pakistan
$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$28.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
$NA

Papua New Guinea
$NA

Paraguay
$2.153 million (31 December 2008)
$2.057 million (31 December 2007)

Peru
$43.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$36.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$24.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$22.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$198.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$182.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$105.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$102.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
$26.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
$80.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$73.96 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$306.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$256.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$204.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$167 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$23.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Singapore
$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$260.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$52.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$50.26 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
$15.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
$83.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$73.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
$668.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$664 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$NA

Swaziland
$NA

Sweden
$321.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$304.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
$514 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$496.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
$65.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$107.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$100.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$93.05 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Tanzania
$NA

Thailand
$117.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$109.6 billion (31 December 2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
$102 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$12.44 billion (2007)

Tunisia
$33.56 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$31.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$84.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$174 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Uganda
$NA

Ukraine
$52.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$46.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$76.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$70.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.125 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
$2.581 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.41 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
$NA (31 December 2010)
$4.19 billion (2007)

Uzbekistan
$NA

Venezuela
$37.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$59.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$49.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

World
$17.53 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.51 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
$NA

Zambia
$NA

Zimbabwe
$NA

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

@2199

Field Listing :: Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments
in foreign countries made directly by residents - primarily
companies - of the home country, as of the end of the time period
indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of
shares.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

Algeria
$1.844 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.644 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
$4.883 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.933 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
$30.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$29.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
$245.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$221.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$297.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$290.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$6.058 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.558 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
$8.399 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$82 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$81 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
$632.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$595.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bermuda
$NA

Bolivia
$NA (31 December 2010)
$63.8 million (31 December 2008)

Brazil
$131 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$117.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
$1.372 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.194 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$602.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$576.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
$NA

Chad
$NA

Chile
$51.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
$278.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$229.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$19.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
$547 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$539 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$NA

Croatia
$6.334 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.934 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$4.138 billion (2006 est.)

Cyprus
$16.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$15.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$186.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$59 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$NA (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.019 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$4.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.272 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$273 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$333 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
$7.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.534 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Fiji
$NA

Finland
$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$118.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
$1.837 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.711 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
$1.484 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.46 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
$NA

Greece
$38.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$40.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$873.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$834.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
$20.48 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$NA
$8.8 billion (31 December 2008)

India
$89.04 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$76.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$33.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$30.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$2.075 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.825 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
$192.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$180.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
$58.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$55.02 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
$601.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$555.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$831.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$738.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
$NA

Kazakhstan
$7.208 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.708 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$338 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$288 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
$115.6 billion (31 December 2009)
$74.6 billion (30 June 2008)

Kuwait
$44.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$34.73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$NA

Latvia
$1.097 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.037 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$NA

Liberia
$NA

Libya
$15.32 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
$2.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$NA

Macau
$980 million (2009 est.)
$1 billion (2008 est.)

Macedonia
$NA

Madagascar
$NA

Malawi
$NA

Malaysia
$82.65 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$75.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
$NA

Mauritius
$NA

Mexico
$62.93 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
$NA

Mongolia
$NA

Morocco
$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.333 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$NA

Nepal
$NA

Netherlands
$950.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$932.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
$NA (31 December 2009)
$59.08 billion (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
$6.071 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.821 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
$226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
$NA

Pakistan
$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.017 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
$NA

Papua New Guinea
$NA

Paraguay
$NA

Peru
$2.12 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$6.591 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.191 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$30.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$26.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$63.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$63.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
$19.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14.27 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
$1.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.731 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$260.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$224.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$18 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$NA

Singapore
$172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$167.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$2.643 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.743 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
$9.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.901 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
$53.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$51.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
$641 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$634.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$NA

Swaziland
$NA

Sweden
$383.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$367.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
$814.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$806.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
$122.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$145.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$18.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
$NA

Thailand
$20.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
$3.829 billion (2007)

Tunisia
$251 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$233 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$16.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
$NA

Ukraine
$2.327 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.067 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$54.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$51.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$1.705 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.652 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
$3.597 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.367 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
$156 million (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
$NA

Venezuela
$20.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$NA (31 December 2008)

World
$18.19 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.28 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$NA

Zimbabwe
$NA

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

@2200

Field Listing :: Market value of publicly traded shares

This entry gives the value of shares issued by publicly traded companies at a price determined in the national stock markets on the final day of the period indicated. It is simply the latest price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares, cumulated over all companies listed on the particular exchange. Country Comparison to the World Country

Market value of publicly traded shares

Afghanistan
$NA

Albania
$NA

Algeria
$NA

Argentina
$48.93 billion (31 December 2009)
$52.31 billion (31 December 2008)
$86.68 billion (31 December 2007)

Armenia
$140.5 million (31 December 2009)
$176 million (31 December 2008)
$105 million (31 December 2007)

Australia
$1.258 trillion (31 December 2009)
$675.6 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.298 trillion (31 December 2007)

Austria
$53.58 billion (31 December 2009)
$72.3 billion (31 December 2008)
$228.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Azerbaijan
$NA

Bahamas, The
$NA

Bahrain
$16.93 billion (31 December 2009)
$21.18 billion (31 December 2008)
$28.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Bangladesh
$7.068 billion (31 December 2009)
$6.671 billion (31 December 2008)
$6.793 billion (31 December 2007)

Barbados
$NA (31 December 2009)
$4.964 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.599 billion (31 December 2007)

Belarus
$NA

Belgium
$261.4 billion (31 December 2009)
$167.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$386.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Belize
$NA

Benin
$NA

Bermuda
$1.36 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.912 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.731 billion (31 December 2007)

Bhutan
$NA

Bolivia
$2.792 billion (31 December 2009)
$2.672 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.263 billion (31 December 2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$NA

Botswana
$3.991 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.556 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.887 billion (31 December 2007)

Brazil
$1.167 trillion (31 December 2009)
$589.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.37 trillion (31 December 2007)

Brunei
$NA

Bulgaria
$7.103 billion (31 December 2009)
$8.858 billion (31 December 2008)
$21.79 billion (31 December 2007)

Burkina Faso
$NA

Burma
$NA

Burundi
$NA

Cambodia
$NA

Cameroon
$NA

Canada
$1.681 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.002 trillion (31 December 2008)
$2.187 trillion (31 December 2007)

Cayman Islands
$NA (31 December 2008)
$183.5 million (31 December 2007)
$188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Central African Republic
$NA

Chad
$NA

Chile
$209.5 billion (31 December 2009)
$132.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$212.9 billion (31 December 2007)

China
$5.008 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$2.794 trillion (31 December 2008)
$6.226 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Colombia
$133.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$87.03 billion (31 December 2008)
$102 billion (31 December 2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$NA

Congo, Republic of the
$NA

Costa Rica
$1.452 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.887 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.035 billion (31 December 2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
$6.141 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.071 billion (31 December 2008)
$8.353 billion (31 December 2007)

Croatia
$25.64 billion (31 December 2009)
$26.79 billion (31 December 2008)
$65.98 billion (31 December 2007)

Cyprus
$4.993 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.955 billion (31 December 2008)
$29.48 billion (31 December 2007)

Czech Republic
$52.69 billion (31 December 2009)
$48.85 billion (31 December 2008)
$73.42 billion (31 December 2007)

Denmark
$186.9 billion (31 December 2009)
$131.5 billion (31 December 2008)
$277.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Dominican Republic
$NA

Ecuador
$4.248 billion (31 December 2009)
$4.562 billion (31 December 2008)
$4.266 billion (31 December 2007)

Egypt
$89.95 billion (31 December 2009)
$85.89 billion (31 December 2008)
$139.3 billion (31 December 2007)

El Salvador
$4.432 billion (31 December 2009)
$4.656 billion (31 December 2008)
$6.743 billion (31 December 2007)

Estonia
$2.654 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.95 billion (31 December 2008)
$6.037 billion (31 December 2007)

Ethiopia
$NA

European Union
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)
$7.564 trillion (31 December 2008)
$15.57 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Fiji
$NA (31 December 2009)
$568.2 million (31 December 2008)
$522.2 million (31 December 2007)

Finland
$91.02 billion (31 December 2009)
$154.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$369.2 billion (31 December 2007)

France
$1.972 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.492 trillion (31 December 2008)
$2.771 trillion (31 December 2007)

French Polynesia
$NA

Gabon
$NA

Gambia, The
$NA

Georgia
$733.3 million (31 December 2009)
$327.3 million (31 December 2008)
$1.389 billion (31 December 2007)

Germany
$1.298 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.108 trillion (31 December 2008)
$2.106 trillion (31 December 2007)

Ghana
$2.508 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.394 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Greece
$54.72 billion (31 December 2009)
$90.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$264.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Grenada
$NA

Guatemala
$NA

Guinea
$NA

Guinea-Bissau
$NA

Guyana
$NA (31 December 2009)
$289.9 million (31 December 2008)
$262.4 million (31 December 2007)

Haiti
$NA

Honduras
$NA

Hong Kong
$2.292 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.32 trillion (31 December 2008)
$1.163 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Hungary
$28.29 billion (31 December 2009)
$18.58 billion (31 December 2008)
$47.65 billion (31 December 2007)

Iceland
$1.128 billion (31 December 2009)
$5.557 billion (31 December 2008)
$40.56 billion (31 December 2007)

India
$1.179 trillion (31 December 2009)
$645.5 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.819 trillion (31 December 2007)

Indonesia
$178.2 billion (31 December 2009)
$98.76 billion (31 December 2008)
$211.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Iran
$63.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$49.04 billion (31 December 2008)
$45.57 billion (31 December 2007)

Iraq
$2.6 billion (31 July 2010)
$2 billion (31 July 2009)
$1.878 billion (31 March 2008)

Ireland
$29.88 billion (31 December 2009)
$49.4 billion (31 December 2008)
$144 billion (31 December 2007)

Isle of Man
$NA

Israel
$182.1 billion (31 December 2009)
$134.5 billion (31 December 2008)
$236.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Italy
$317.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$520.9 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.073 trillion (31 December 2007)

Jamaica
$6.201 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.513 billion (31 December 2008)
$12.33 billion (31 December 2007)

Japan
$3.378 trillion (31 December 2009)
$3.22 trillion (31 December 2008)
$4.453 trillion (31 December 2007)

Jersey
$NA

Jordan
$31.86 billion (31 December 2009)
$35.85 billion (31 December 2008)
$41.22 billion (31 December 2007)

Kazakhstan
$57.66 billion (31 December 2009)
$31.08 billion (31 December 2008)
$41.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Kenya
$10.76 billion (31 December 2009)
$10.92 billion (31 December 2008)
$13.39 billion (31 December 2007)

Kiribati
$NA

Korea, South
$836.5 billion (31 December 2009)
$494.6 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.124 trillion (31 December 2007)

Kuwait
$95.94 billion (31 December 2009)
$107.2 billion (31 December 2008)
$188 billion (31 December 2007)

Kyrgyzstan
$71.84 million (31 December 2009)
$93.79 million (31 December 2008)
$121 million (31 December 2007)

Latvia
$1.824 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.609 billion (31 December 2008)
$3.111 billion (31 December 2007)

Lebanon
$12.89 billion (31 December 2009)
$9.641 billion (31 December 2008)
$10.86 billion (31 December 2007)

Liberia
$NA

Libya
$NA

Liechtenstein
$NA

Lithuania
$4.477 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.625 billion (31 December 2008)
$10.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Luxembourg
$105.6 billion (31 December 2009)
$66.46 billion (31 December 2008)
$166.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Macau
$2.3 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$413.1 million (2004 est.)

Macedonia
$2.859 billion (31 December 2009)
$823.5 million (31 December 2008)
$2.715 billion (31 December 2007)

Madagascar
$NA

Malawi
$NA (31 December 2009)
$1.771 billion (31 December 2008)
$587.2 million (31 December 2006)

Malaysia
$256 billion (31 December 2009)
$187.1 billion (31 December 2008)
$325.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Maldives
$NA

Mali
$NA

Malta
$1.982 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.572 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.633 billion (31 December 2007)

Mauritania
$NA

Mauritius
$4.74 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.443 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.666 billion (31 December 2007)

Mayotte
$NA

Mexico
$340.6 billion (31 December 2009)
$232.6 billion (31 December 2008)
$397.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Moldova
$NA (2004)
$573.9 million (2004)

Monaco
$NA

Mongolia
$430.2 million (31 December 2009)
$407 million (31 December 2008)
$612.2 million (31 December 2007)

Montenegro
$4.289 billion (31 December 2009)
$2.863 billion (31 December 2008)
$3.699 billion (31 December 2007)

Morocco
$62.91 billion (31 December 2009)
$65.75 billion (31 December 2008)
$75.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Mozambique
$NA

Namibia
$846.3 million (31 December 2009)
$618.7 million (31 December 2008)
$702 million (31 December 2007)

Nepal
$5.2 billion (31 December 2010)
$5.485 billion (31 December 2009)
$4.894 billion (31 December 2008)

Netherlands
$542.5 billion (31 December 2009)
$387.9 billion (31 December 2008)
$956.5 billion (31 December 2007)

New Caledonia
$NA

New Zealand
$67.06 billion (31 December 2009)
$24.17 billion (31 December 2008)
$47.45 billion (31 December 2007)

Nicaragua
$NA

Niger
$NA

Nigeria
$33.32 billion (31 December 2009)
$49.8 billion (31 December 2008)
$86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

Norway
$227.2 billion (31 December 2009)
$125.9 billion (31 December 2008)
$357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Oman
$17.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$14.91 billion (31 December 2008)
$23.06 billion (31 December 2007)

Pakistan
$33.24 billion (31 December 2009)
$23.49 billion (31 December 2008)
$70.26 billion (31 December 2007)

Palau
$NA

Panama
$8.048 billion (31 December 2009)
$6.568 billion (31 December 2008)
$6.219 billion (31 December 2007)

Papua New Guinea
$NA (31 December 2008)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$6.632 billion (31 December 2006)

Paraguay
$NA (31 December 2008)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$409.1 million (31 December 2006)

Peru
$69.75 billion (31 December 2009)
$55.63 billion (31 December 2008)
$106 billion (31 December 2007)

Philippines
$80.13 billion (31 December 2009)
$85.63 billion (31 December 2008)
$172.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Poland
$135.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$90.23 billion (31 December 2008)
$207.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Portugal
$98.65 billion (31 December 2009)
$68.71 billion (31 December 2008)
$132.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Puerto Rico
$NA

Qatar
$87.86 billion (31 December 2009)
$76.31 billion (31 December 2008)
$95.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Romania
$30.32 billion (31 December 2009)
$19.92 billion (31 December 2008)
$44.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Russia
$861.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$1.322 trillion (31 December 2008)
$1.503 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Rwanda
$NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$648 million (31 December 2009)
$595.2 million (31 December 2008)
$439.7 million (31 December 2007)

Samoa
$NA

San Marino
$NA

Sao Tome and Principe
$NA

Saudi Arabia
$318.8 billion (31 December 2009)
$246.3 billion (31 December 2008)
$515.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Senegal
$NA

Serbia
$11.52 billion (31 December 2009)
$12.17 billion (31 December 2008)
$23.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Seychelles
$NA

Sierra Leone
$NA

Singapore
$474.8 billion (31 December 2009)
$268.6 billion (31 December 2008)
$353.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Slovakia
$4.672 billion (31 December 2009)
$5.079 billion (31 December 2008)
$6.971 billion (31 December 2007)

Slovenia
$11.77 billion (31 December 2009)
$22.1 billion (31 December 2008)
$28.96 billion (31 December 2007)

South Africa
$704.8 billion (31 December 2009)
$491.3 billion (31 December 2008)
$833.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Spain
$1.297 trillion (31 December 2009)
$946.1 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.8 trillion (31 December 2007)

Sri Lanka
$11.5 billion (December 2010)
$8.133 billion (31 December 2009)
$4.326 billion (31 December 2008)

Sudan
$NA

Suriname
$NA

Swaziland
$NA (31 December 2009)
$203.1 million (31 December 2007)
$199.9 million (31 December 2006)

Sweden
$432.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$252.5 billion (31 December 2008)
$612.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Switzerland
$1.071 trillion (31 December 2009)
$862.7 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.275 trillion (31 December 2007)

Syria
$NA

Taiwan
$657.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$354.7 billion (31 December 2008)
$654 billion (28 December 2007)

Tajikistan
$NA

Tanzania
$NA (31 December 2009)
$1.293 billion (31 December 2008)
$541.1 million (31 December 2006)

Thailand
$138.2 billion (31 December 2009)
$102.6 billion (31 December 2008)
$196 billion (31 December 2007)

Timor-Leste
$NA

Togo
$NA

Tonga
$NA

Trinidad and Tobago
$11.15 billion (31 December 2009)
$12.16 billion (31 December 2008)
$15.61 billion (31 December 2007)

Tunisia
$9.12 billion (31 December 2009)
$6.374 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.355 billion (31 December 2007)

Turkey
$225.7 billion (31 December 2009)
$117.9 billion (31 December 2008)
$286.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Turkmenistan
$NA

Uganda
$NA (31 December 2009)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$116.3 million (31 December 2006)

Ukraine
$16.79 billion (31 December 2009)
$24.36 billion (31 December 2008)
$111.8 billion (31 December 2007)

United Arab Emirates
$109.6 billion (31 December 2009)
$97.85 billion (31 December 2008)
$224.7 billion (31 December 2007)

United Kingdom
$2.796 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.852 trillion (31 December 2008)
$3.859 trillion (31 December 2007)

United States
$15.08 trillion (31 December 2009)
$11.74 trillion (31 December 2008)
$19.95 trillion (31 December 2007)

Uruguay
$NA (31 December 2008)
$159 million (31 December 2007)
$125.1 million (31 December 2006)

Uzbekistan
$NA (31 December 2009)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$715.3 million (31 December 2006)

Vanuatu
$NA

Venezuela
$NA (31 December 2008)
$NA (31 December 2007)
$8.251 billion (31 December 2006)

Vietnam
$21.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$9.589 billion (31 December 2008)
$19.54 billion (31 December 2007)

West Bank
$NA (31 December 2009)
$2.123 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.475 billion (31 December 2007)

World
$48.85 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$36.41 trillion (31 December 2008)
$64.6 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Yemen
$NA

Zambia
$NA (31 December 2008)
$2.346 billion (31 December 2007)
$1.186 billion (31 December 2006)

Zimbabwe
$NA (31 December 2008)
$5.333 billion (31 December 2007)
$26.56 billion (31 December 2006)

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

@2201

Field Listing :: Total renewable water resources

This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a
country in cubic kilometers of precipitation, recharged ground
water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries. The values
have been adjusted to account for overlap resulting from surface
flow recharge of groundwater sources. Total renewable water
resources provides the water total available to a country but does
not include water resource totals that have been reserved for
upstream or downstream countries through international agreements.
Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect
the total available in any given year. Annual available resources
can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and
weather variations.
Country

Total renewable water resources(cu km)

Afghanistan
65 cu km (1997)

Albania
41.7 cu km (2001)

Algeria
14.3 cu km (1997)

Angola
184 cu km (1987)

Antigua and Barbuda
0.1 cu km (2000)

Argentina
814 cu km (2000)

Armenia
10.5 cu km (1997)

Australia
398 cu km (1995)

Austria
84 cu km (2005)

Azerbaijan
30.3 cu km (1997)

Bahamas, The
NA

Bahrain
0.1 cu km (1997)

Bangladesh
1,210.6 cu km (1999)

Barbados
0.1 cu km (2003)

Belarus
58 cu km (1997)

Belgium
20.8 cu km (2005)

Belize
18.6 cu km (2000)

Benin
25.8 cu km (2001)

Bhutan
95 cu km (1987)

Bolivia
622.5 cu km (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
37.5 cu km (2003)

Botswana
14.7 cu km (2001)

Brazil
8,233 cu km (2000)

Brunei
8.5 cu km (1999)

Bulgaria
19.4 cu km (2005)

Burkina Faso
17.5 cu km (2001)

Burma
1,045.6 cu km (1999)

Burundi
3.6 cu km (1987)

Cambodia
476.1 cu km (1999)

Cameroon
285.5 cu km (2003)

Canada
3,300 cu km (1985)

Cape Verde
0.3 cu km (1990)

Central African Republic
144.4 cu km (2003)

Chad
43 cu km (1987)

Chile
922 cu km (2000)

China
2,829.6 cu km (1999)

Colombia
2,132 cu km (2000)

Comoros
1.2 cu km (2003)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
1,283 cu km (2001)

Congo, Republic of the
832 cu km (1987)

Costa Rica
112.4 cu km (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire
81 cu km (2001)

Croatia
105.5 cu km (1998)

Cuba
38.1 cu km (2000)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
0.4 cu km (2005)

Czech Republic
16 cu km (2005)

Denmark
6.1 cu km (2003)

Djibouti
0.3 cu km (1997)

Dominica
NA

Dominican Republic
21 cu km (2000)

Ecuador
432 cu km (2000)

Egypt
86.8 cu km (1997)

El Salvador
25.2 cu km (2001)

Equatorial Guinea
26 cu km (2001)

Eritrea
6.3 cu km (2001)

Estonia
21.1 cu km (2005)

Ethiopia
110 cu km (1987)

Fiji
28.6 cu km (1987)

Finland
110 cu km (2005)

France
189 cu km (2005)

Gabon
164 cu km (1987)

Gambia, The
8 cu km (1982)

Georgia
63.3 cu km (1997)

Germany
188 cu km (2005)

Ghana
53.2 cu km (2001)

Greece
72 cu km (2005)

Grenada
NA

Guatemala
111.3 cu km (2000)

Guinea
226 cu km (1987)

Guinea-Bissau
31 cu km (2003)

Guyana
241 cu km (2000)

Haiti
14 cu km (2000)

Honduras
95.9 cu km (2000)

Hungary
120 cu km (2005)

Iceland
170 cu km (2005)

India
1,907.8 cu km (1999)

Indonesia
2,838 cu km (1999)

Iran
137.5 cu km (1997)

Iraq
96.4 cu km (1997)

Ireland
46.8 cu km (2003)

Israel
1.7 cu km (2001)

Italy
175 cu km (2005)

Jamaica
9.4 cu km (2000)

Japan
430 cu km (1999)

Jordan
0.9 cu km (1997)

Kazakhstan
109.6 cu km (1997)

Kenya
30.2 cu km (1990)

Korea, North
77.1 cu km (1999)

Korea, South
69.7 cu km (1999)

Kuwait
0.02 cu km (1997)

Kyrgyzstan
46.5 cu km (1997)

Laos
333.6 cu km (2003)

Latvia
49.9 cu km (2005)

Lebanon
4.8 cu km (1997)

Lesotho
5.2 cu km (1987)

Liberia
232 cu km (1987)

Libya
0.6 cu km (1997)

Lithuania
24.5 cu km (2005)

Luxembourg
1.6 cu km (2005)

Macedonia
6.4 cu km (2001)

Madagascar
337 cu km (1984)

Malawi
17.3 cu km (2001)

Malaysia
580 cu km (1999)

Maldives
0.03 cu km (1999)

Mali
100 cu km (2001)

Malta
0.07 cu km (2005)

Mauritania
11.4 cu km (1997)

Mauritius
2.2 cu km (2001)

Mexico
457.2 cu km (2000)

Moldova
11.7 cu km (1997)

Mongolia
34.8 cu km (1999)

Morocco
29 cu km (2003)

Mozambique
216 cu km (1992)

Namibia
45.5 cu km (1991)

Nepal
210.2 cu km (1999)

Netherlands
89.7 cu km (2005)

New Zealand
397 cu km (1995)

Nicaragua
196.7 cu km (2000)

Niger
33.7 cu km (2003)

Nigeria
286.2 cu km (2003)

Norway
381.4 cu km (2005)

Oman
1 cu km (1997)

Pakistan
233.8 cu km (2003)

Panama
148 cu km (2000)

Papua New Guinea
801 cu km (1987)

Paraguay
336 cu km (2000)

Peru
1,913 cu km (2000)

Philippines
479 cu km (1999)

Poland
63.1 cu km (2005)

Portugal
73.6 cu km (2005)

Qatar
0.1 cu km (1997)

Romania
42.3 cu km (2003)

Russia
4,498 cu km (1997)

Rwanda
5.2 cu km (2003)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.02 cu km (2000)

Saudi Arabia
2.4 cu km (1997)

Senegal
39.4 cu km (1987)

Serbia
208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Sierra Leone
160 cu km (1987)

Singapore
0.6 cu km (1975)

Slovakia
50.1 cu km (2003)

Slovenia
32.1 cu km (2005)

Solomon Islands
44.7 cu km (1987)

Somalia
15.7 cu km (1997)

South Africa
50 cu km (1990)

Spain
111.1 cu km (2005)

Sri Lanka
50 cu km (1999)

Sudan
154 cu km (1997)

Suriname
122 cu km (2003)

Swaziland
4.5 cu km (1987)

Sweden
179 cu km (2005)

Switzerland
53.3 cu km (2005)

Syria
46.1 cu km (1997)

Taiwan
67 cu km (2000)

Tajikistan
99.7 cu km (1997)

Tanzania
91 cu km (2001)

Thailand
409.9 cu km (1999)

Togo
14.7 cu km (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago
3.8 cu km (2000)

Tunisia
4.6 cu km (2003)

Turkey
234 cu km (2003)

Turkmenistan
60.9 cu km (1997)

Uganda
66 cu km (1970)

Ukraine
139.5 cu km (1997)

United Arab Emirates
0.2 cu km (1997)

United Kingdom
160.6 cu km (2005)

United States
3,069 cu km (1985)

Uruguay
139 cu km (2000)

Uzbekistan
72.2 cu km (2003)

Venezuela
1,233.2 cu km (2000)

Vietnam
891.2 cu km (1999)

Yemen
4.1 cu km (1997)

Zambia
105.2 cu km (2001)

Zimbabwe
20 cu km (1987)

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

@2202

Field Listing :: Freshwater withdrawal

(domestic/industrial/agricultural)

This entry provides the annual quantity of water in cubic kilometers removed from available sources for use in any purpose. Water drawn-off is not necessarily entirely consumed and some portion may be returned for further use downstream. Domestic sector use refers to water supplied by public distribution systems. Note that some of this total may be used for small industrial and/or limited agricultural purposes. Industrial sector use is the quantity of water used by self-supplied industries not connected to a public distribution system. Agricultural sector use includes water used for irrigation and livestock watering, and does not account for agriculture directly dependent on rainfall. Included are figures for total annual water withdrawal and per capita water withdrawal. Country

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)()

Afghanistan
total: 23.26 cu km/yr (2%/0%/98%)
per capita: 779 cu m/yr (2000)

Albania
total: 1.71 cu km/yr (27%/11%/62%)
per capita: 546 cu m/yr (2000)

Algeria
total: 6.07 cu km/yr (22%/13%/65%)
per capita: 185 cu m/yr (2000)

Angola
total: 0.35 cu km/yr (23%/17%/60%)
per capita: 22 cu m/yr (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda
total: 0.005 cu km/yr (60%/20%/20%)
per capita: 63 cu m/yr (1990)

Argentina
total: 29.19 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)
per capita: 753 cu m/yr (2000)

Armenia
total: 2.95 cu km/yr (30%/4%/66%)
per capita: 977 cu m/yr (2000)

Australia
total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%)
per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000)

Austria
total: 3.67 cu km/yr (35%/64%/1%)
per capita: 448 cu m/yr (1999)

Azerbaijan
total: 17.25 cu km/yr (5%/28%/68%)
per capita: 2,051 cu m/yr (2000)

Bahrain
total: 0.3 cu km/yr (40%/3%/57%)
per capita: 411 cu m/yr (2000)

Bangladesh
total: 79.4 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)
per capita: 560 cu m/yr (2000)

Barbados
total: 0.09 cu km/yr (33%/44%/22%)
per capita: 333 cu m/yr (2000)

Belarus
total: 2.79 cu km/yr (23%/47%/30%)
per capita: 286 cu m/yr (2000)

Belgium
total: 7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%)
per capita: 714 cu m/yr (1998)

Belize
total: 0.15 cu km/yr (7%/73%/20%)
per capita: 556 cu m/yr (2000)

Benin
total: 0.13 cu km/yr (32%/23%/45%)
per capita: 15 cu m/yr (2001)

Bhutan
total: 0.43 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)
per capita: 199 cu m/yr (2000)

Bolivia
total: 1.44 cu km/yr (13%/7%/81%)
per capita: 157 cu m/yr (2000)

Botswana
total: 0.19 cu km/yr (41%/18%/41%)
per capita: 107 cu m/yr (2000)

Brazil
total: 59.3 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)
per capita: 318 cu m/yr (2000)

Brunei
total: 0.09
per capita: 243 cu m/yr (1994)

Bulgaria
total: 6.92 cu km/yr (3%/78%/19%)
per capita: 895 cu m/yr (2003)

Burkina Faso
total: 0.8 cu km/yr (13%/1%/86%)
per capita: 60 cu m/yr (2000)

Burma
total: 33.23 cu km/yr (1%/1%/98%)
per capita: 658 cu m/yr (2000)

Burundi
total: 0.29 cu km/yr (17%/6%/77%)
per capita: 38 cu m/yr (2000)

Cambodia
total: 4.08 cu km/yr (1%/0%/98%)
per capita: 290 cu m/yr (2000)

Cameroon
total: 0.99 cu km/yr (18%/8%/74%)
per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Canada
total: 44.72 cu km/yr (20%/69%/12%)
per capita: 1,386 cu m/yr (1996)

Cape Verde
total: 0.02 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)
per capita: 39 cu m/yr (2000)

Central African Republic
total: 0.03 cu km/yr (80%/16%/4%)
per capita: 7 cu m/yr (2000)

Chad
total: 0.23 cu km/yr (17%/0%/83%)
per capita: 24 cu m/yr (2000)

Chile
total: 12.55 cu km/yr (11%/25%/64%)
per capita: 770 cu m/yr (2000)

China
total: 549.76 cu km/yr (7%/26%/68%)
per capita: 415 cu m/yr (2000)

Colombia
total: 10.71 cu km/yr (50%/4%/46%)
per capita: 235 cu m/yr (2000)

Comoros
total: 0.01 cu km/yr (48%/5%/47%)
per capita: 13 cu m/yr (1999)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 0.36 cu km/yr (53%/17%/31%)
per capita: 6 cu m/yr (2000)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 0.03 cu km/yr (59%/29%/12%)
per capita: 8 cu m/yr (2000)

Costa Rica
total: 2.68 cu km/yr (29%/17%/53%)
per capita: 619 cu m/yr (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 0.93 cu km/yr (24%/12%/65%)
per capita: 51 cu m/yr (2000)

Cuba
total: 8.2 cu km/yr (19%/12%/69%)
per capita: 728 cu m/yr (2000)

Curacao
NA

Cyprus
total: 0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%)
per capita: 250 cu m/yr (2000)

Czech Republic
total: 1.91 cu km/yr (41%/57%/2%)
per capita: 187 cu m/yr (2002)

Denmark
total: 0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)
per capita: 123 cu m/yr (2002)

Djibouti
total: 0.02 cu km/yr (84%/0%/16%)
per capita: 25 cu m/yr (2000)

Dominica
total: 0.02 cu km/yr
per capita: 213 cu m/yr (1996)

Dominican Republic
total: 3.39 cu km/yr (32%/2%/66%)
per capita: 381 cu m/yr (2000)

Ecuador
total: 16.98 cu km/yr (12%/5%/82%)
per capita: 1,283 cu m/yr (2000)

Egypt
total: 68.3 cu km/yr (8%/6%/86%)
per capita: 923 cu m/yr (2000)

El Salvador
total: 1.28 cu km/yr (25%/16%/59%)
per capita: 186 cu m/yr (2000)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 0.11 cu km/yr (83%/16%/1%)
per capita: 220 cu m/yr (2000)

Eritrea
total: 0.3 cu km/yr (3%/0%/97%)
per capita: 68 cu m/yr (2000)

Estonia
total: 1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%)
per capita: 1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

Ethiopia
total: 5.56 cu km/yr (6%/0%/94%)
per capita: 72 cu m/yr (2002)

Fiji
total: 0.07 cu km/yr (14%/14%/71%)
per capita: 82 cu m/yr (2000)

Finland
total: 2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)
per capita: 444 cu m/yr (1999)

France
total: 33.16 cu km/yr (16%/74%/10%)
per capita: 548 cu m/yr (2000)

Gabon
total: 0.12 cu km/yr (50%/8%/42%)
per capita: 87 cu m/yr (2000)

Gambia, The
total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)
per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)

Georgia
total: 3.61 cu km/yr (20%/21%/59%)
per capita: 808 cu m/yr (2000)

Germany
total: 38.01 cu km/yr (12%/68%/20%)
per capita: 460 cu m/yr (2001)

Ghana
total: 0.98 cu km/yr (24%/10%/66%)
per capita: 44 cu m/yr (2000)

Greece
total: 8.7 cu km/yr (16%/3%/81%)
per capita: 782 cu m/yr (1997)

Guatemala
total: 2.01 cu km/yr (6%/13%/80%)
per capita: 160 cu m/yr (2000)

Guinea
total: 1.51 cu km/yr (8%/2%/90%)
per capita: 161 cu m/yr (2000)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 0.18 cu km/yr (13%/5%/82%)
per capita: 113 cu m/yr (2000)

Guyana
total: 1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)
per capita: 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

Haiti
total: 0.99 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)
per capita: 116 cu m/yr (2000)

Honduras
total: 0.86 cu km/yr (8%/12%/80%)
per capita: 119 cu m/yr (2000)

Hungary
total: 21.03 cu km/yr (9%/59%/32%)
per capita: 2,082 cu m/yr (2001)

Iceland
total: 0.17 cu km/yr (34%/66%/0%)
per capita: 567 cu m/yr (2003)

India
total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%)
per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)

Indonesia
total: 82.78 cu km/yr (8%/1%/91%)
per capita: 372 cu m/yr (2000)

Iran
total: 72.88 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)
per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Iraq
total: 42.7 cu km/yr (3%/5%/92%)
per capita: 1,482 cu m/yr (2000)

Ireland
total: 1.18 cu km/yr (23%/77%/0%)
per capita: 284 cu m/yr (1994)

Israel
total: 2.05 cu km/yr (31%/7%/62%)
per capita: 305 cu m/yr (2000)

Italy
total: 41.98 cu km/yr (18%/37%/45%)
per capita: 723 cu m/yr (1998)

Jamaica
total: 0.41 cu km/yr (34%/17%/49%)
per capita: 155 cu m/yr (2000)

Japan
total: 88.43 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)
per capita: 690 cu m/yr (2000)

Jordan
total: 1.01 cu km/yr (21%/4%/75%)
per capita: 177 cu m/yr (2000)

Kazakhstan
total: 35 cu km/yr (2%/17%/82%)
per capita: 2,360 cu m/yr (2000)

Kenya
total: 1.58 cu km/yr (30%/6%/64%)
per capita: 46 cu m/yr (2000)

Korea, North
total: 9.02 cu km/yr (20%/25%/55%)
per capita: 401 cu m/yr (2000)

Korea, South
total: 18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%)
per capita: 389 cu m/yr (2000)

Kuwait
total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%)
per capita: 164 cu m/yr (2000)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 10.08 cu km/yr (3%/3%/94%)
per capita: 1,916 cu m/yr (2000)

Laos
total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%)
per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Latvia
total: 0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)
per capita: 108 cu m/yr (2003)

Lebanon
total: 1.38 cu km/yr (33%/1%/67%)
per capita: 385 cu m/yr (2000)

Lesotho
total: 0.05 cu km/yr (40%/40%/20%)
per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Liberia
total: 0.11 cu km/yr (27%/18%/55%)
per capita: 34 cu m/yr (2000)

Libya
total: 4.27 cu km/yr (14%/3%/83%)
per capita: 730 cu m/yr (2000)

Lithuania
total: 3.33 cu km/yr (78%/15%/7%)
per capita: 971 cu m/yr (2003)

Luxembourg
total: 0.06 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%)
per capita: 121 cu m/yr (1999)

Macedonia
total: 2.27
per capita: 1,118 cu m/yr (2000)

Madagascar
total: 14.96 cu km/yr (3%/2%/96%)
per capita: 804 cu m/yr (2000)

Malawi
total: 1.01 cu km/yr (15%/5%/80%)
per capita: 78 cu m/yr (2000)

Malaysia
total: 9.02 cu km/yr (17%/21%/62%)
per capita: 356 cu m/yr (2000)

Maldives
total: 0.003 cu km/yr (98%/2%/0%)
per capita: 9 cu m/yr (1987)

Mali
total: 6.55 cu km/yr (9%/1%/90%)
per capita: 484 cu m/yr (2000)

Malta
total: 0.02 cu km/yr (74%/1%/25%)
per capita: 50 cu m/yr (2000)

Mauritania
total: 1.7 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)
per capita: 554 cu m/yr (2000)

Mauritius
total: 0.61 cu km/yr (25%/14%/60%)
per capita: 488 cu m/yr (2000)

Mexico
total: 78.22 cu km/yr (17%/5%/77%)
per capita: 731 cu m/yr (2000)

Moldova
total: 2.31 cu km/yr (10%/58%/33%)
per capita: 549 cu m/yr (2000)

Mongolia
total: 0.44 cu km/yr (20%/27%/52%)
per capita: 166 cu m/yr (2000)

Morocco
total: 12.6 cu km/yr (10%/3%/87%)
per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Mozambique
total: 0.63 cu km/yr (11%/2%/87%)
per capita: 32 cu m/yr (2000)

Namibia
total: 0.3 cu km/yr (24%/5%/71%)
per capita: 148 cu m/yr (2000)

Nepal
total: 10.18 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)
per capita: 375 cu m/yr (2000)

Netherlands
total: 8.86 cu km/yr (6%/60%/34%)
per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

New Zealand
total: 2.11 cu km/yr (48%/9%/42%)
per capita: 524 cu m/yr (2000)

Nicaragua
total: 1.3 cu km/yr (15%/2%/83%)
per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Niger
total: 2.18 cu km/yr (4%/0%/95%)
per capita: 156 cu m/yr (2000)

Nigeria
total: 8.01 cu km/yr (21%/10%/69%)
per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Norway
total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)
per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Oman
total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)
per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Pakistan
total: 169.39 cu km/yr (2%/2%/96%)
per capita: 1,072 cu m/yr (2000)

Panama
total: 0.82 cu km/yr (67%/5%/28%)
per capita: 254 cu m/yr (2000)

Papua New Guinea
total: 0.1 cu km/yr (56%/43%/1%)
per capita: 17 cu m/yr (1987)

Paraguay
total: 0.49 cu km/yr (20%/8%/71%)
per capita: 80 cu m/yr (2000)

Peru
total: 20.13 cu km/yr (8%/10%/82%)
per capita: 720 cu m/yr (2000)

Philippines
total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)
per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Poland
total: 11.73 cu km/yr (13%/79%/8%)
per capita: 304 cu m/yr (2002)

Portugal
total: 11.09 cu km/yr (10%/12%/78%)
per capita: 1,056 cu m/yr (1998)

Qatar
total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)
per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Romania
total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)
per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)

Russia
total: 76.68 cu km/yr (19%/63%/18%)
per capita: 535 cu m/yr (2000)

Rwanda
total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)
per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Saint Lucia
total: 0.01
per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 0.01
per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Saudi Arabia
total: 17.32 cu km/yr (10%/1%/89%)
per capita: 705 cu m/yr (2000)

Senegal
total: 2.22 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)
per capita: 190 cu m/yr (2002)

Sierra Leone
total: 0.38 cu km/yr (5%/3%/92%)
per capita: 69 cu m/yr (2000)

Singapore
total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)
per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)

Slovakia
total: 1.04
per capita: 193 cu m/yr (2003)

Slovenia
total: 0.9
per capita: 457 cu m/yr (2002)

Somalia
total: 3.29 cu km/yr (0%/0%/100%)
per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

South Africa
total: 12.5 cu km/yr (31%/6%/63%)
per capita: 264 cu m/yr (2000)

Spain
total: 37.22 cu km/yr (13%/19%/68%)
per capita: 864 cu m/yr (2002)

Sri Lanka
total: 12.61 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)
per capita: 608 cu m/yr (2000)

Sudan
total: 37.32 cu km/yr (3%/1%/97%)
per capita: 1,030 cu m/yr (2000)

Suriname
total: 0.67 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)
per capita: 1,489 cu m/yr (2000)

Swaziland
total: 1.04 cu km/yr (2%/1%/97%)
per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2000)

Sweden
total: 2.68 cu km/yr (37%/54%/9%)
per capita: 296 cu m/yr (2002)

Switzerland
total: 2.52 cu km/yr (24%/74%/2%)
per capita: 348 cu m/yr (2002)

Syria
total: 19.95 cu km/yr (3%/2%/95%)
per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Tajikistan
total: 11.96 cu km/yr (4%/5%/92%)
per capita: 1,837 cu m/yr (2000)

Tanzania
total: 5.18 cu km/yr (10%/0%/89%)
per capita: 135 cu m/yr (2000)

Thailand
total: 82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)
per capita: 1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

Togo
total: 0.17 cu km/yr (53%/2%/45%)
per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 0.31 cu km/yr (68%/26%/6%)
per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Tunisia
total: 2.64 cu km/yr (14%/4%/82%)
per capita: 261 cu m/yr (2000)

Turkey
total: 39.78 cu km/yr (15%/11%/74%)
per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Turkmenistan
total: 24.65 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)
per capita: 5,104 cu m/yr (2000)

Uganda
total: 0.3 cu km/yr (43%/17%/40%)
per capita: 10 cu m/yr (2002)

Ukraine
total: 37.53 cu km/yr (12%/35%/52%)
per capita: 807 cu m/yr (2000)

United Arab Emirates
total: 2.3 cu km/yr (23%/9%/68%)
per capita: 511 cu m/yr (2000)

United Kingdom
total: 11.75 cu km/yr (22%/75%/3%)
per capita: 197 cu m/yr (1994)

United States
total: 477 cu km/yr (13%/46%/41%)
per capita: 1,600 cu m/yr (2000)

Uruguay
total: 3.15 cu km/yr (2%/1%/96%)
per capita: 910 cu m/yr (2000)

Uzbekistan
total: 58.34 cu km/yr (5%/2%/93%)
per capita: 2,194 cu m/yr (2000)

Venezuela
total: 8.37 cu km/yr (6%/7%/47%)
per capita: 313 cu m/yr (2000)

Vietnam
total: 71.39 cu km/yr (8%/24%/68%)
per capita: 847 cu m/yr (2000)

Yemen
total: 6.63 cu km/yr (4%/1%/95%)
per capita: 316 cu m/yr (2000)

Zambia
total: 1.74 cu km/yr (17%/7%/76%)
per capita: 149 cu m/yr (2000)

Zimbabwe
total: 4.21 cu km/yr (14%/7%/79%)
per capita: 324 cu m/yr (2002)

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

@2203

Field Listing :: Geographic overview

Country

Geographic overview

World
The surface of the earth is approximately 70.9% water and
29.1% land. The former portion is divided into large water bodies
termed oceans. The World Factbook recognizes and describes five
oceans, which are in decreasing order of size: the Pacific Ocean,
Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.
The land portion is generally divided into several, large, discrete
landmasses termed continents. Depending on the convention used, the
number of continents can vary from five to seven. The most common
classification recognizes seven, which are (from largest to
smallest): Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica,
Europe, and Australia. Asia and Europe are sometimes lumped together
into a Eurasian continent resulting in six continents.
Alternatively, North and South America are sometimes grouped as
simply the Americas, resulting in a continent total of six (or five,
if the Eurasia designation is used).
North America is commonly understood to include the island of
Greenland, the isles of the Caribbean, and to extend south all the
way to the Isthmus of Panama. The easternmost extent of Europe is
generally defined as being the Ural Mountains and the Ural River; on
the southeast the Caspian Sea; and on the south the Caucasus
Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean. Portions of
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey fall within both
Europe and Asia, but in every instance the larger section is in
Asia. These countries are considered part of both continents.
Armenia and Cyprus, which lie completely in Western Asia, are
geopolitically European countries.
Asia usually incorporates all the islands of the Philippines,
Malaysia, and Indonesia. The islands of the Pacific are often lumped
with Australia into a "land mass" termed Oceania or Australasia.
Africa's northeast extremity is frequently delimited at the Isthmus
of Suez, but for geopolitical purposes, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula
is often included as part of Africa.
Although the above groupings are the most common, different
continental dispositions are recognized or taught in certain parts
of the world, with some arrangements more heavily based on cultural
spheres rather than physical geographic considerations.

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

@2204

Field Listing :: Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Country

Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Cyprus
Economy - overview: The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly
half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to
be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public
sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size.
Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the
work force. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006,
fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well
as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under
government control. GDP declined about 2.0% in 2007. The Turkish
Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish
Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the "TRNC's"
budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent
years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in
2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and, because of its
reliance on British and Turkish tourism, which has declined due to
the recession. Turkish Cypriot finances also deteriorated in 2009 as
decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on
public sector salaries and social services led to a large budget
deficit. As tourism and the world economy picked up, the economy
grew about 0.6% in 2010.
GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.829 billion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: -0.6% (2010 est.)
GDP - per capita: $11,700 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%,
services: 69.1% (2006 est.)
Labor force: 95,030 (2007 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%,
services: 56.5% (2004)
Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2005 est.)
Population below poverty line: %NA
Inflation rate: 11.4% (2006)
Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006)
Agriculture - products: citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes,
olives, poultry, lamb
Industries: foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay,
gypsum, copper, furniture
Industrial production growth rate: -0.3% (2007 est.)
Electricity production: 998.9 million kWh (2005)
Electricity consumption: 797.9 million kWh (2005)
Exports: $68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Export - commodities: citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles
Export - partners: Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area
administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government
control remains limited
Imports: $1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Import - commodities: vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals,
chemicals, machinery
Import - partners: Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area
administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government
control remains limited
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $NA
Debt - external: $NA
Currency (code): Turkish new lira (YTL)
Exchange rates: Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.319 (2007) 1.4286
(2006) 1.3436 (2005) 1.4255 (2004) 1.5009 (2003)

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

@2205

Field Listing :: School life expectancy (primary to tertiary
education)

School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of
schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive,
assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school
at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment
ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this
indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade
completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of
educational content or quality as a year or grade completed in
another country. SLE represents the expected number of years of
schooling that will be completed, including years spent repeating
one or more grades.
Country

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)(years)

Afghanistan
total: 8 years
male: 11 years
female: 5 years (2004)

Albania
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2004)

Algeria
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Andorra
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Anguilla
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Argentina
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Armenia
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Aruba
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Australia
total: 21 years
male: 20 years
female: 21 years (2008)

Austria
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Azerbaijan
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Bahrain
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2006)

Bangladesh
total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Barbados
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2001)

Belarus
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2007)

Belgium
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Belize
total: 12 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (2004)

Benin
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 6 years (2005)

Bermuda
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2005)

Bhutan
total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Bolivia
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
total: 13 years (2007)

Botswana
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Brazil
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

British Virgin Islands
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 19 years (2005)

Brunei
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Bulgaria
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Burkina Faso
total: 6 years
male: 7 years
female: 6 years (2009)

Burma
total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Burundi
total: 10 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Cambodia
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Cameroon
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Canada
total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 17 years (2004)

Cape Verde
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Cayman Islands
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Central African Republic
total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 5 years (2009)

Chad
total: 6 years
male: 8 years
female: 4 years (2005)

Chile
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 14 years (2007)

China
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Colombia
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Comoros
total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 10 years (2004)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 6 years (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2003)

Cook Islands
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2005)

Costa Rica
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
total: 6 years
male: 10 years
female: 5 years (2000)

Croatia
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Cuba
total: 18 years
male: 16 years
female: 19 years (2009)

Cyprus
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Czech Republic
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Denmark
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 18 years (2007)

Djibouti
total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 4 years (2007)

Dominica
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Dominican Republic
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 13 years (2004)

Ecuador
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Egypt
total: 11 years (2004)

El Salvador
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2000)

Eritrea
total: 6 years
male: 7 years
female: 5 years (2004)

Estonia
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Ethiopia
total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 8 years (2008)

Fiji
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Finland
total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 18 years (2008)

France
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Gabon
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (1999)

Gambia, The
total: 9 years
male: 7 years
female: 7 years (2004)

Gaza Strip
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Georgia
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Germany
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 16 years (2006)

Ghana
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Greece
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Grenada
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2005)

Guatemala
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2007)

Guinea
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 5 years (2006)

Guyana
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Honduras
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Hong Kong
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Hungary
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Iceland
total: 18 years
male: 17 years
female: 20 years (2008)

India
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2007)

Indonesia
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Iran
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Iraq
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 8 years (2005)

Ireland
total: 18 years
male: 18 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Israel
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Italy
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Jamaica
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Japan
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Jordan
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Kazakhstan
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2009)

Kenya
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2005)

Kiribati
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Korea, South
total: 17 years
male: 18 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Kuwait
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Laos
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Latvia
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Lebanon
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2009)

Lesotho
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2006)

Liberia
total: 11 years
male: 13 years
female: 9 years (2000)

Libya
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2003)

Liechtenstein
total: 15 years
male: 16 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Lithuania
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Luxembourg
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2006)

Macau
total: 14 years
male: 15 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Macedonia
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Madagascar
total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Malawi
total: 9 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2007)

Malaysia
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2007)

Maldives
total: 12 years
male: 13 years
female: 12 years (2006)

Mali
total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2009)

Malta
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2007)

Marshall Islands
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2003)

Mauritania
total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)

Mauritius
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Mexico
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Moldova
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Mongolia
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Montserrat
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Morocco
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Mozambique
total: 8 years
male: 9 years
female: 7 years (2005)

Namibia
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Nauru
total: 9 years
male: 8 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Nepal
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 8 years (2003)

Netherlands
total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 17 years (2008)

New Zealand
total: 19 years
male: 19 years
female: 20 years (2008)

Nicaragua
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2003)

Niger
total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 4 years (2009)

Nigeria
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 8 years (2005)

Niue
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Norway
total: 17 years
male: 17 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Oman
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Pakistan
total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 6 years (2008)

Palau
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2001)

Panama
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2007)

Paraguay
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2007)

Peru
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Philippines
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)

Poland
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2007)

Portugal
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2007)

Qatar
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Romania
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Russia
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Rwanda
total: 11 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2008)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Saint Lucia
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
total: 14 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Samoa
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2009)

Saudi Arabia
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 13 years (2008)

Senegal
total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 7 years (2008)

Serbia
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)

Seychelles
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Sierra Leone
total: 7 years
male: 9 years
female: 6 years (2001)

Slovakia
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Slovenia
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 18 years (2008)

Solomon Islands
total: 9 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2006)

South Africa
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2004)

Spain
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Sudan
total: 4 years (2000)

Suriname
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 13 years (2002)

Swaziland
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2006)

Sweden
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2008)

Switzerland
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Tajikistan
total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Tanzania
total: 5 years
male: 5 years
female: 5 years (1999)

Thailand
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2009)

Timor-Leste
total: 11 years (2002)

Togo
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 7 years (2007)

Tokelau
total: 11 years
male: 10 years
female: 11 years (2004)

Tonga
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Tunisia
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Turkey
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2005)

Tuvalu
total: 11 years
male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2001)

Uganda
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2008)

Ukraine
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)

United Arab Emirates
total: 12 years
male: 11 years
female: 12 years (2003)

United Kingdom
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2008)

United States
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2008)

Uruguay
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 17 years (2007)

Uzbekistan
total: 11 years
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2008)

Vanuatu
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2004)

Venezuela
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 15 years (2008)

Vietnam
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2001)

West Bank
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006)

Yemen
total: 9 years
male: 11 years
female: 7 years (2005)

Zambia
total: 7 years
male: 8 years
female: 7 years (2000)

Zimbabwe
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2003)

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

@2206

Field Listing :: Education expenditures

This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent
of GDP.
Country Comparison to the World
Country

Education expenditures(% of GDP)

Afghanistan
NA

Albania
2.9% of GDP (2002)

Algeria
4.3% of GDP (2008)

American Samoa
NA

Andorra
3.2% of GDP (2008)

Angola
2.6% of GDP (2006)

Anguilla
3.5% of GDP (2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
3.9% of GDP (2002)

Argentina
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Armenia
3% of GDP (2007)

Aruba
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Australia
4.7% of GDP (2007)

Austria
5.4% of GDP (2007)

Azerbaijan
1.9% of GDP (2008)

Bahamas, The
3.6% of GDP (2000)

Bahrain
2.9% of GDP (2008)

Bangladesh
2.4% of GDP (2008)

Barbados
6.7% of GDP (2008)

Belarus
5.2% of GDP (2007)

Belgium
6.1% of GDP (2007)

Belize
5.1% of GDP (2007)

Benin
3.6% of GDP (2007)

Bermuda
1.2% of GDP (2006)

Bhutan
5.1% of GDP (2008)

Bolivia
6.3% of GDP (2006)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
NA

Botswana
8.1% of GDP (2007)

Brazil
5.2% of GDP (2007)

British Virgin Islands
3.2% of GDP (2007)

Brunei
3.7% of GDP (2000)

Bulgaria
4.1% of GDP (2007)

Burkina Faso
4.6% of GDP (2007)

Burma
1.2% of GDP (2001)

Burundi
7.2% of GDP (2008)

Cambodia
1.6% of GDP (2007)

Cameroon
2.9% of GDP (2008)

Canada
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Cape Verde
5.7% of GDP (2008)

Cayman Islands
2.6% of GDP (2006)

Central African Republic
1.3% of GDP (2007)

Chad
1.9% of GDP (2005)

Chile
3.4% of GDP (2007)

China
1.9% of GDP (1999)

Colombia
3.9% of GDP (2008)

Comoros
7.6% of GDP (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NA

Congo, Republic of the
1.9% of GDP (2005)

Cook Islands
0.2% of GDP (2001)

Costa Rica
5% of GDP (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
4.6% of GDP (2008)

Croatia
3.9% of GDP (2004)

Cuba
13.6% of GDP (2008)

Cyprus
7.1% of GDP (2007)

Czech Republic
4.6% of GDP (2006)

Denmark
7.9% of GDP (2006)

Djibouti
8.7% of GDP (2007)

Dominica
4.8% of GDP (2008)

Dominican Republic
2.2% of GDP (2007)

Ecuador
1% of GDP (2001)

Egypt
3.8% of GDP (2008)

El Salvador
3.6% of GDP (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
0.6% of GDP (2003)

Eritrea
2% of GDP (2006)

Estonia
5% of GDP (2007)

Ethiopia
5.5% of GDP (2007)

Fiji
6.2% of GDP (2004)

Finland
5.4% of GDP (2007)

France
5.6% of GDP (2006)

French Polynesia
NA

Gabon
3.8% of GDP (2000)

Gambia, The
2% of GDP (2004)

Gaza Strip
NA

Georgia
2.9% of GDP (2008)

Germany
4.4% of GDP (2006)

Ghana
5.4% of GDP (2005)

Gibraltar
NA

Greece
4% of GDP (2005)

Greenland
NA

Grenada
5.2% of GDP (2003)

Guam
NA

Guatemala
3.2% of GDP (2008)

Guernsey
NA

Guinea
1.7% of GDP (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
5.2% of GDP (1999)

Guyana
6.1% of GDP (2007)

Haiti
1.4% of GDP (1991)

Honduras
3.8% of GDP (1991)

Hong Kong
3.3% of GDP (2008)

Hungary
5.4% of GDP (2006)

Iceland
7.5% of GDP (2007)

India
3.2% of GDP (2006)

Indonesia
3.5% of GDP (2007)

Iran
4.8% of GDP (2008)

Iraq
NA

Ireland
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Isle of Man
NA

Israel
6.4% of GDP (2007)

Italy
4.3% of GDP (2007)

Jamaica
6.2% of GDP (2008)

Japan
3.7% of GDP (2007)

Jersey
NA

Jordan
4.9% of GDP (1999)

Kazakhstan
2.8% of GDP (2007)

Kenya
7% of GDP (2006)

Kiribati
17.8% of GDP (2002)

Korea, North
NA

Korea, South
4.2% of GDP (2007)

Kuwait
3.8% of GDP (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
6.6% of GDP (2007)

Laos
2.3% of GDP (2008)

Latvia
5% of GDP (2007)

Lebanon
2% of GDP (2008)

Lesotho
12.4% of GDP (2008)

Liberia
2.7% of GDP (2008)

Libya
2.7% of GDP (1999)

Liechtenstein
NA

Lithuania
4.7% of GDP (2007)

Luxembourg
3.7% of GDP (2001)

Macau
2.2% of GDP (2008)

Macedonia
3.5% of GDP (2002)

Madagascar
2.9% of GDP (2008)

Malawi
4.2% of GDP (2003)

Malaysia
4.5% of GDP (2007)

Maldives
8.1% of GDP (2008)

Mali
3.8% of GDP (2008)

Malta
4.8% of GDP (2004)

Marshall Islands
12.3% of GDP (2004)

Mauritania
4.4% of GDP (2008)

Mauritius
3.4% of GDP (2009)

Mayotte
NA

Mexico
4.8% of GDP (2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
7.3% of GDP (2000)

Moldova
8.2% of GDP (2008)

Monaco
4.4% of GDP (2004)

Mongolia
5.1% of GDP (2007)

Montenegro
NA

Montserrat
3.3% of GDP (2004)

Morocco
5.7% of GDP (2008)

Mozambique
5% of GDP (2006)

Namibia
6.9% of GDP (2008)

Nauru
NA

Nepal
3.8% of GDP (2008)

Netherlands
5.5% of GDP (2006)

New Zealand
6.2% of GDP (2007)

Nicaragua
3.1% of GDP (2003)

Niger
3.7% of GDP (2008)

Nigeria
0.9% of GDP (1991)

Niue
NA

Norfolk Island
NA

Northern Mariana Islands
NA

Norway
6.7% of GDP (2007)

Oman
4% of GDP (2006)

Pakistan
2.9% of GDP (2008)

Palau
10.3% of GDP (2002)

Panama
3.8% of GDP (2008)

Papua New Guinea
NA

Paraguay
4% of GDP (2008)

Peru
2.7% of GDP (2008)

Philippines
2.6% of GDP (2007)

Poland
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Portugal
4.4% of GDP (2008)

Puerto Rico
NA

Qatar
3.3% of GDP (2005)

Romania
4.4% of GDP (2007)

Russia
3.9% of GDP (2006)

Rwanda
4.1% of GDP (2008)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
9.9% of GDP (2005)

Saint Lucia
6.3% of GDP (2008)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
7% of GDP (2007)

Samoa
5.4% of GDP (2008)

San Marino
NA

Sao Tome and Principe
NA

Saudi Arabia
5.7% of GDP (2008)

Senegal
5.1% of GDP (2008)

Serbia
4.5% of GDP (2007)

Seychelles
5% of GDP (2006)

Sierra Leone
3.8% of GDP (2005)

Singapore
3.2% of GDP (2009)

Slovakia
3.6% of GDP (2007)

Slovenia
5.2% of GDP (2007)

Solomon Islands
2.2% of GDP (1999)

Somalia
NA

South Africa
5.4% of GDP (2009)

Spain
4.4% of GDP (2007)

Sri Lanka
NA

Sudan
6% of GDP (1991)

Suriname
NA

Swaziland
7.9% of GDP (2008)

Sweden
6.7% of GDP (2007)

Switzerland
5.3% of GDP (2007)

Syria
4.9% of GDP (2007)

Taiwan
NA

Tajikistan
3.5% of GDP (2008)

Tanzania
6.8% of GDP (2008)

Thailand
4.9% of GDP (2008)

Timor-Leste
7.1% of GDP (2008)

Togo
3.7% of GDP (2007)

Tokelau
NA

Tonga
4.7% of GDP (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
4.2% of GDP (2002)

Tunisia
7.2% of GDP (2007)

Turkey
2.9% of GDP (2006)

Turkmenistan
3.9% of GDP (1991)

Turks and Caicos Islands
NA

Tuvalu
NA

Uganda
3.3% of GDP (2009)

Ukraine
5.3% of GDP (2007)

United Arab Emirates
0.9% of GDP (2008)

United Kingdom
5.6% of GDP (2007)

United States
5.5% of GDP (2007)

Uruguay
2.9% of GDP (2006)

Uzbekistan
9.4% of GDP (1991)

Vanuatu
6.9% of GDP (2008)

Venezuela
3.7% of GDP (2007)

Vietnam
5.3% of GDP (2008)

Virgin Islands
NA

West Bank
NA

Yemen
5.2% of GDP (2008)

Zambia
1.4% of GDP (2008)

Zimbabwe
4.6% of GDP (2000)

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

@2207

Field Listing :: Central bank discount rate

This entry provides the annualized interest rate a country's central bank charges commercial, depository banks for loans to meet temporary shortages of funds. Country Comparison to the World Country

Central bank discount rate(%)

Albania
5.25% (31 December 2009)
6.25% (31 December 2008)

Algeria
4% (31 December 2009)
4% (31 December 2008)

Angola
30% (31 December 2009)
19.57% (31 December 2008)

Anguilla
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Argentina
NA%

Armenia
NA% (31 December 2009)
7.25% (2 December 2008)
note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy
instrument of the Armenian National Bank

Aruba
3% (31 December 2009)
5% (31 December 2008)

Australia
4% (31 March 2010)
4.25% (3 December 2008)
note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or
policy rate

Azerbaijan
2% (31 December 2009)
8% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key policy rate for the
National Bank of Azerbaijan

Bahamas, The
5.25% (31 December 2009)
5.25% (31 December 2008)

Bangladesh
5% (31 October 2010)
5% (31 December 2008)

Barbados
7% (31 December 2009)
10% (31 December 2008)

Belarus
13.5% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2008)

Belgium
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Belize
12% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2008)

Benin
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Bhutan
NA%

Bolivia
3% (31 October 2010)
13% (31 December 2008)

Botswana
10% (31 December 2009)
15% (31 December 2008)

Brazil
15.17% (31 December 2009)
20.48% (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
0.55% (31 December 2009)
5.77% (31 December 2008)

Burkina Faso
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Burma
12% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2008)

Burundi
10% (31 December 2009)
10.08% (31 December 2008)

Cambodia
NA% (31 December 2008)
5.25% (31 December 2007)

Cameroon
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Canada
0.5% (31 December 2009)
1.75% (31 December 2008)

Cape Verde
7.5% (31 December 2009)
7.5% (31 December 2008)

Central African Republic
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Chad
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Chile
0.5% (31 December 2009)
8.25% (31 December 2008)

China
2.79% (31 December 2009)
2.79% (31 December 2008)

Colombia
3% (October 2010)
5.5% (31 December 2009)

Comoros
2.21% (31 December 2009)
5.36% (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
70% (31 December 2009)
40% (31 December 2008)

Congo, Republic of the
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Costa Rica
23% (31 December 2009)
25% (31 December 2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Croatia
9% (31 December 2009)
9% (31 December 2008)

Cuba
NA%

Cyprus
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Czech Republic
1% (31 December 2009)
2.25% (31 December 2008)

Denmark
1% (31 December 2009)
3.5% (31 December 2008)

Dominica
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Ecuador
9.19% (31 December 2009)
9.14% (31 December 2008)

Egypt
8.5% (31 December 2009)
11.5% (31 December 2008)

Equatorial Guinea
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Ethiopia
NA%

European Union
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Fiji
3% (31 December 2009)
6.32% (31 December 2008)

Finland
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

France
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Gabon
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Gambia, The
9% (31 December 2009)
11% (31 December 2008)

Georgia
8% (25 December 2008)
NA% (31 December 2007)
note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy rate of
the Georgian National Bank

Germany
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Ghana
18% (31 December 2009)
17% (31 December 2008)

Greece
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Grenada
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Guinea
NA% (31 December 2009)
22.25% (31 December 2005)

Guinea-Bissau
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Guyana
6.75% (31 December 2009)
6.75% (31 December 2008)

Honduras
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Hong Kong
0.5% (31 December 2009)
0.5% (31 December 2008)

Hungary
6.25% (31 December 2009)
10% (31 December 2008)

Iceland
14.55% (31 December 2009)
22% (31 December 2008)

India
6% (31 December 2009)
6% (31 December 2008)

Indonesia
6.46% (31 December 2009)
10.83% (31 December 2008)

Iran
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Iraq
8.83% (31 December 2009)
16.75% (31 December 2008)

Ireland
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Israel
1% (31 December 2009)
2.5% (31 December 2008)

Italy
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Jamaica
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Japan
0.3% (31 December 2009)
0.3% (31 December 2008)

Jordan
4.75% (31 December 2009)
6.25% (31 December 2008)

Kazakhstan
7% (31 December 2009)
10.5% (31 December 2008)

Kenya
NA%

Korea, South
1.25% (31 December 2009)
1.75% (31 December 2008)

Kuwait
3% (31 December 2009)
3.75% (31 December 2008)

Kyrgyzstan
9.07% (31 December 2009)
15.11% (31 December 2008)

Laos
4.3% (31 December 2010)
4% (31 December 2009)

Latvia
4% (31 December 2009)
6% (31 December 2008)

Lebanon
10% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2008)

Lesotho
10.66% (31 December 2009)
14.05% (31 December 2008)

Libya
4% (31 December 2009)
5% (31 December 2008)

Lithuania
1.75% (February 2010)
4.73% (31 December 2008)

Luxembourg
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Macedonia
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Madagascar
NA%

Malawi
15% (31 December 2009)
15% (31 December 2008)

Malaysia
1% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Maldives
13% (31 December 2009)
13% (31 December 2008)

Mali
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Malta
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Mauritania
NA% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2007)

Mauritius
NA% (31 December 2009)

Mexico
NA%

Mongolia
10.82% (31 December 2009)
14.78% (31 December 2008)

Montserrat
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Morocco
3.31% (31 December 2009)
3.32% (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
9.95% (31 December 2009)
9.95% (31 December 2008)

Namibia
7% (31 December 2009)
10% (31 December 2008)

Nepal
6.5% (31 December 2010)
6.5% (31 December 2009)

Netherlands
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

New Zealand
2.5% (31 December 2009)
5% (31 December 2008)

Nicaragua
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Niger
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
6% (31 December 2009)
9.75% (31 December 2008)

Norway
4% (31 December 2008)
6.25% (31 December 2007)

Oman
0.05% (31 December 2009)
0.91% (31 December 2008)

Pakistan
12.5% (31 December 2009)
15% (31 December 2008)

Papua New Guinea
6.92% (31 December 2009)
7% (31 December 2008)

Paraguay
20% (31 December 2008)
20% (31 December 2007)

Peru
1.7% (31 December 2010 est.)
7.25% (31 December 2008)

Philippines
3.5% (31 December 2009)
6% (31 December 2008)

Poland
1.75% (31 December 2009)
5% (31 December 2008)

Portugal
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Qatar
5.5% (31 December 2009)
5.5% (31 December 2008)

Romania
NA%

Russia
8.75% (31 December 2009)
13% (31 December 2008)

Rwanda
11.25% (31 December 2008)
12.5% (31 December 2007)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
6.5% (31 December 2009)
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
16% (31 December 2009)
28% (31 December 2008)

Saudi Arabia
2.5% (31 December 2008)
NA% (31 December 2007)

Senegal
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Serbia
9.92% (31 December 2009)
17.75% (31 December 2008)

Seychelles
NA% (31 December 2009)
5.13% (31 December 2007)

Sierra Leone
NA%

Slovakia
1% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks from the
euro area; as of 1 January 2009 Slovakia became a member of the
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

Slovenia
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Somalia
NA% (31 December 2008)

South Africa
7% (31 December 2009)
11.5% (31 December 2008)

Spain
1.75% (31 December 2009)
3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
area

Sri Lanka
7.25% (December 2010)
7.5% (31 December 2009)

Swaziland
6.5% (31 December 2009)
11% (31 December 2008)

Sweden
2% (31 December 2008)
3.5% (31 December 2007)

Switzerland
0.05% (31 December 2009)
0.05% (31 December 2008)

Syria
5% (31 December 2009)
5% (31 December 2008)

Taiwan
1.25% (February 2009)

Tajikistan
8% (31 December 2009)
13.5% (31 December 2008)

Tanzania
3.7% (31 December 2009)
15.99% (31 December 2008)

Thailand
1.75% (31 December 2010)
1.25% (31 December 2009)

Togo
4.25% (31 December 2009)
4.75% (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
7.25% (31 December 2009)
10.75% (31 December 2008)

Tunisia
NA% (31 December 2009)
NA% (31 December 2008)

Turkey
15% (22 December 2009)
25% (31 December 2008)

Uganda
9.65% (31 December 2009)
19.42% (31 December 2008)

Ukraine
10.25% (31 December 2009)
12% (31 December 2008)

United Arab Emirates
NA%

United Kingdom
NA% (31 December 2009)
0.86% (31 December 2008)

United States
0.5% (31 December 2009)
0.86% (31 December 2008)

Uruguay
20% (31 December 2009)
20% (31 December 2008)

Vanuatu
6% (31 December 2009)
6% (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
29.5% (31 December 2009)
33.5% (31 December 2008)

Vietnam
6% (31 December 2009)
10.25% (31 December 2008)

Yemen
NA%

Zambia
8.39% (31 December 2009)
14.49% (31 December 2008)

Zimbabwe
NA% (31 December 2009)
975% (31 December 2007)

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

@2208

Field Listing :: Commercial bank prime lending rate

This entry provides a simple average of annualized interest rates commercial banks charge on new loans, denominated in the national currency, to their most credit-worthy customers. Country Comparison to the World Country

Commercial bank prime lending rate(%)

Afghanistan
15% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.92% (31 December 2008 est.)

Albania
12.66% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Algeria
8% (31 December 2009 est.)
8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Angola
15.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Anguilla
9.27% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
10.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Argentina
15.66% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.47% (31 December 2008 est.)

Armenia
18.76% (31 December 2009 est.)
17.05% (31 December 2008 est.)

Aruba
10.77% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Australia
6.02% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Austria
5.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.82% (31 December 2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
20.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahrain
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bangladesh
14.6% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Barbados
9.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belarus
11.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belgium
6.15% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belize
14.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.14% (31 December 2008 est.)

Benin
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bhutan
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bolivia
10% (31 December 2010 est.)
12.36% (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
7.93% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Botswana
13.76% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Brazil
44.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
47.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Brunei
5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bulgaria
11.34% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burma
17% (31 December 2009 est.)
17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burundi
14.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cambodia
17% (31 December 2009)
16.01% (31 December 2008)

Cameroon
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Canada
2.4% (31 December 2009 est.)
4.73% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cape Verde
10.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Central African Republic
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Chad
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Chile
7.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.26% (31 December 2008 est.)

China
5.81% (31 December 2010 est.)
5.31% (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
12.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
17.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Comoros
10.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
65.42% (31 December 2009 est.)
43.15% (31 December 2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Costa Rica
19.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
15.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Croatia
11.55% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.07% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cuba
NA%

Cyprus
7.49% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
5.99% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Denmark
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Djibouti
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.56% (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominica
10.02% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
18.14% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.95% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ecuador
19% (31 December 2009)
9.14% (31 December 2008)

Egypt
11.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

El Salvador
12.33% (31 December 2008)
7.81% (31 December 2007)

Equatorial Guinea
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Eritrea
NA%

Estonia
9.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ethiopia
8% (31 December 2008)
7% (31 December 2006)

European Union
7.52% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Fiji
7.85% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Finland
3.51% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

France
7.46% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Gabon
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Gambia, The
27% (31 December 2009 est.)
27.92% (31 December 2007)

Gaza Strip
see entry for West Bank

Georgia
25.52% (31 December 2009 est.)
21.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Germany
4.96% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ghana
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Greece
8.59% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.65% (31 December 2008 est.)

Grenada
11.06% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Guatemala
13.85% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.39% (31 December 2008 est.)

Guinea
NA% (31 December 2008)

Guinea-Bissau
NA%

Guyana
14.54% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Haiti
17.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
17.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Honduras
19.16% (31 December 2009 est.)
17.94% (31 December 2008 est.)

Hong Kong
5% (31 December 2009 est.)
5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Hungary
11.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iceland
18.99% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.29% (31 December 2007)

India
12.19% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Indonesia
14.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.6% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iran
12% (31 December 2009 est.)
12% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iraq
15.64% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ireland
4.32% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Israel
3.73% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Italy
10.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Jamaica
16.43% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Japan
1.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
1.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Jordan
9.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
NA% (31 December 2008)

Kenya
14.8% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Korea, South
5.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kosovo
14.09% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kuwait
5.9% (31 December 2009)
7.61% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
23.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Laos
26% (31 December 2010)
11% (30 November 2009)

Latvia
16.23% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.85% (31 December 2008 est.)

Lebanon
9.57% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.96% (31 December 2008 est.)

Lesotho
13% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Liberia
14.4% (31 December 2008)
15.05% (31 December 2007)

Libya
8.41% (31 December 2008)
6% (31 December 2007)

Lithuania
8.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
5.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Macedonia
10.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.68% (31 December 2008 est.)

Madagascar
45% (31 December 2009 est.)
45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malawi
25.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
25.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malaysia
5.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Maldives
13% (31 December 2009 est.)
13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mali
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malta
4.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mauritania
NA%

Mauritius
19.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
21.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mexico
7.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.71% (31 December 2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
15.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Moldova
20.54% (31 December 2009 est.)
21.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mongolia
21.67% (31 December 2009 est.)
20.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Montenegro
9.36% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Montserrat
9.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Morocco
6.5% (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
15.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
18.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Namibia
11.12% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.74% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nepal
8% (31 December 2009 est.)
8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Netherlands
10.01% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

New Zealand
10.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.21% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nicaragua
14.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Niger
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nigeria
18.36% (31 December 2009 est.)
15.48% (31 December 2008 est.)

Norway
4.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Oman
7.44% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.1% (31 December 2008 est.)

Pakistan
NA%

Panama
8.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.16% (31 December 2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
10.09% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Paraguay
28.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
25.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Peru
21.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
23.67% (31 December 2008 est.)

Philippines
8.57% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Poland
5.99% (31 December 2008 est.)
5.72% (31 December 2007 est.)

Portugal
6.12% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.35% (31 December 2008 est.)

Qatar
7.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
6.84% (31 December 2008 est.)

Romania
17.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Russia
15.31% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Rwanda
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
16.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
8.75% (31 December 2009 est.)
8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
10.58% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
9.19% (31 December 2009 est.)
9.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Samoa
12.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

San Marino
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
32.4% (31 December 2009 est.)
32.4% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
NA%

Senegal
NA%

Serbia
11.78% (31 December 2009)
18.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Seychelles
15.35% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
24.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Singapore
5.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Slovakia
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Slovenia
5.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
15.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Somalia
NA%

South Africa
11.71% (31 December 2009 est.)
15.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Spain
10.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
11.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
10.37% (December 2010)
15.89% (31 December 2008)

Suriname
11.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Swaziland
11.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sweden
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Switzerland
2.75% (31 December 2009 est.)
3.34% (31 December 2008 est.)

Syria
10.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
10.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Taiwan
2.56% (31 December 2009)
4.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tajikistan
22.91% (31 December 2009 est.)
23.7% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tanzania
15.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
14.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Thailand
6.1% (31 December 2010)
5.96% (31 December 2009)

Timor-Leste
11.17% (31 December 2009 est.)
13.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Togo
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tonga
12.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.46% (31 December 2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
11.94% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tunisia
NA%

Turkey
NA%

Uganda
20.96% (31 December 2009 est.)
20.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ukraine
20.86% (31 December 2009 est.)
17.49% (31 December 2008 est.)

United Kingdom
0.63% (31 December 2009 est.)
4.63% (31 December 2008 est.)

United States
3.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.09% (31 December 2008 est.)

Uruguay
15.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
12.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Vanuatu
5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
5.29% (31 December 2008 est.)

Venezuela
19.89% (31 December 2009 est.)
22.37% (31 December 2008 est.)

Vietnam
15.78% (31 December 2008)
11.18% (31 December 2007)

West Bank
5.78% (31 December 2009 est.)
7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Yemen
18% (31 December 2009 est.)
18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Zambia
22.06% (31 December 2009 est.)
19.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
578.96% (31 December 2007)

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

@2209

Field Listing :: Stock of money

Country Comparison to the World
Country

Stock of money

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

@2210

Field Listing :: Stock of quasi money

Country Comparison to the World
Country

Stock of quasi money

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

@2211

Field Listing :: Stock of domestic credit

This entry is the total quantity of credit, denominated in the domestic currency, provided by financial institutions to the central bank, state and local governments, public non-financial corporations, and the private sector. The national currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate on the date of the information. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of domestic credit

Afghanistan
$363.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$20.06 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Albania
$7.701 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Algeria
$12.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$21.71 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Angola
$17.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$22.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
$529.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$447.7 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
$1.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$1.002 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Argentina
$113.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
$1.821 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.733 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Aruba
$1.333 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.321 billion (31 December 2008)

Australia
$1.731 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.407 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$659.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$606.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
$8.135 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$5.726 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
$7.993 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.883 billion (31 December 2008)

Bahrain
$18.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$62.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
$4.554 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$4.124 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Belarus
$19.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
$801.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$767.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Belize
$1.291 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.036 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
$1.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.269 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bhutan
$NA (31 December 2008)
$169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Bolivia
$8.314 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$7.233 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$10.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
$1.361 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$2.06 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Brazil
$2.104 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.542 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brunei
$1.274 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$2.38 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bulgaria
$34.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$33.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$1.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
$8.552 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.858 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
$465.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$415.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
$2.195 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
$848.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.523 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$2.963 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.606 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
$1.179 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.256 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Central African Republic
$357.6 million (31 December 2009)
$339.1 million (31 December 2008)

Chad
$943.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$566.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
$153.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$133.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
$8.156 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.24 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$123 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$96.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
$79.75 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$60.57 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$NA (31 December 2008)
$928.5 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Republic of the
$1.58 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.889 billion (31 December 2008)

Costa Rica
$15.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
$5.448 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.308 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
$48.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$48.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$NA

Cyprus
$101.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$80.68 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
$119.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$118.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$636.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$671.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Djibouti
$339 million (31 December 2009)
$269.9 million (31 December 2008)

Dominica
$213.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$193.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
$21.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$14.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$145.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$131.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$10.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.867 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
$1.534 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.579 billion (31 December 2008)

Eritrea
$2.919 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
$18.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$8.661 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
$22.65 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$21.24 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
note: this figure refers to the euro area only; it excludes credit
data for non-euro-area members of the EU

Fiji
$NA (31 December 2008)
$1.799 billion (31 December 2008)

Finland
$259.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$241.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

France
$4.319 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$4.121 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Gabon
$1.074 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$826.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$293.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$283.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
note: see entry for West Bank

Georgia
$3.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.569 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
$5.2 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$5.019 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Ghana
$7.155 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.987 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
$419.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$394.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Grenada
$658 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$575.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Guatemala
$15.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
$734.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$674.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$42.56 million (31 December 2009)
$58.87 million (31 December 2008)

Guyana
$754 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$524 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
$1.632 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.698 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
$7.581 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.029 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$374.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$351.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
$99.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$103 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$46.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$54.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
$1.164 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$938.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$253.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$192.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$132.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$120.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
$21.94 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$10.16 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Ireland
$745.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$738.5 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Israel
$169.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$148.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
$3.274 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$3.047 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Jamaica
$7.922 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.282 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$16.39 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
$13.32 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Jordan
$26.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$25.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$44.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$39.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$935.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kuwait
$96.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$90.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$505.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$572.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
$1.562 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.095 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
$27.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$27.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$62.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$56.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
$177.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$147.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
$1.202 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.157 billion (31 December 2007)

Libya
$55.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$41.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
$25.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$25.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$395.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$369.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
$1.717 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$847 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Macedonia
$4.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.055 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
$1.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$997.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
$1.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.515 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
$314.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$265.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
$1.548 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$1.08 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Mali
$994.9 million (31 December 2009)
$1.095 billion (31 December 2008)

Malta
$13.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritania
$NA

Mauritius
$10.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.423 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
$342.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$288.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$65.68 million (31 December 2009)
$43.75 million (31 December 2008)

Moldova
$2.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.251 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mongolia
$1.664 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$1.183 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Montenegro
$3.29 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.771 billion (31 December 2008)

Montserrat
$9.93 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$5.537 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Morocco
$93.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$91.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
$2.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$5.122 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.041 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nepal
$9 billion (July 2010)
$7.7 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
$2.083 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$1.824 trillion (31 December 2008)

New Zealand
$206.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$180.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$4.083 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.161 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
$683.6 million (31 December 2009)
$313.5 million (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
$77.43 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
$414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
$22.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
$71.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$63.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
$23.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
$2.796 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.424 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
$4.395 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
$28.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$23.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$95.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$83.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$288.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$264.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$556.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$490.8 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Qatar
$70.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$69.21 billion (31 December 2009)

Romania
$77.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$72.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$549.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$420.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Rwanda
$600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$515.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$790.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$782.4 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
$1.378 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
$1.217 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$417.4 million (31 December 2008
est.)
$387.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Samoa
$243 million (31 December 2009)
$208.9 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
$7.875 billion (31 December 2008)
$7.511 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
$17.14 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.57 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
$11.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.248 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
$3.516 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.412 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$18.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$19.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
$678.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$582.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
$178.4 million (31 December 2009)
$140.9 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$166.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$65.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$64.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
$52.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$50.46 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
$221.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$183.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

South Africa
$328.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
$3.683 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$3.451 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
$18.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
$10.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
$793.1 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$651 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Swaziland
$258.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$274.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
$640.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$583.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
$992.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$923.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Syria
$27.14 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
$661.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$630.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$1.209 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$939.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
$4.163 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.878 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
$336 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$292.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
$127.1 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$118.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Togo
$817.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$862.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
$149.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$163.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
$2.924 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
$31.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$28.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$401.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$373.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$2.089 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.811 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
$1.882 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.716 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
$110.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$103.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$290 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$263.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$5.151 trillion (31 December 2009)
$4.436 trillion (31 December 2008)

United States
$32.61 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
$31.53 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Uruguay
$10.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.888 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$6.482 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.484 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$274 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$229.5 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Venezuela
$54.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$75.87 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$132.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$114.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

West Bank
$1.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.367 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

World
$104.2 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$94.49 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
$5.297 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.098 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$2.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.373 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$1.186 million (31 December 2008 est.)
$60 (31 December 2009 est.)

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

@2212

Field Listing :: Urbanization

This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city. Country

Urbanization(%)

Afghanistan
urban population: 24% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Albania
urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Algeria
urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

American Samoa
urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Andorra
urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Angola
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Anguilla
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
urban population: 30% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Argentina
urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Armenia
urban population: 64% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Aruba
urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Australia
urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Austria
urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Azerbaijan
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bahamas, The
urban population: 84% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bahrain
urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bangladesh
urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Barbados
urban population: 40% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belarus
urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belgium
urban population: 97% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belize
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Benin
urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bermuda
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bhutan
urban population: 35% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bolivia
urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
urban population: 47% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Botswana
urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Brazil
urban population: 86% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

British Virgin Islands
urban population: 40% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Brunei
urban population: 75% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bulgaria
urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burkina Faso
urban population: 20% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burma
urban population: 33% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burundi
urban population: 10% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 6.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cambodia
urban population: 22% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cameroon
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Canada
urban population: 80% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cape Verde
urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cayman Islands
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Central African Republic
urban population: 39% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Chad
urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Chile
urban population: 88% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

China
urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Colombia
urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Comoros
urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
urban population: 34% of total
population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
urban population: 61% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cook Islands
urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Costa Rica
urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Croatia
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cuba
urban population: 76% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cyprus
urban population: 70% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Czech Republic
urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Denmark
urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Djibouti
urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Dominica
urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Dominican Republic
urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ecuador
urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Egypt
urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

El Salvador
urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
urban population: 39% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Eritrea
urban population: 21% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Estonia
urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ethiopia
urban population: 17% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
urban population: 92% of total
population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Faroe Islands
urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Fiji
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Finland
urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

France
urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

French Polynesia
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gabon
urban population: 85% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gambia, The
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gaza Strip
urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Georgia
urban population: 53% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Germany
urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ghana
urban population: 50% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gibraltar
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Greece
urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Greenland
urban population: 84% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Grenada
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guam
urban population: 93% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guatemala
urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guernsey
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guinea
urban population: 34% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
urban population: 30% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guyana
urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Haiti
urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
urban population: 100% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Honduras
urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Hong Kong
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Hungary
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iceland
urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

India
urban population: 29% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Indonesia
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iran
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iraq
urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ireland
urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Isle of Man
urban population: 51% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Israel
urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Italy
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jamaica
urban population: 53% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Japan
urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jersey
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jordan
urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kazakhstan
urban population: 58% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kenya
urban population: 22% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kiribati
urban population: 44% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Korea, North
urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Korea, South
urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kuwait
urban population: 98% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
urban population: 36% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Laos
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Latvia
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lebanon
urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lesotho
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Liberia
urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Libya
urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Liechtenstein
urban population: 14% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lithuania
urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Luxembourg
urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Macau
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Macedonia
urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Madagascar
urban population: 29% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malawi
urban population: 19% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malaysia
urban population: 70% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Maldives
urban population: 38% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mali
urban population: 32% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malta
urban population: 94% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Marshall Islands
urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mauritania
urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mauritius
urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mexico
urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
urban population: 22% of total
population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Moldova
urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Monaco
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mongolia
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Montenegro
urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Montserrat
urban population: 14% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Morocco
urban population: 56% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mozambique
urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Namibia
urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nauru
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nepal
urban population: 17% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Netherlands
urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

New Caledonia
urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

New Zealand
urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nicaragua
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Niger
urban population: 16% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nigeria
urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Niue
urban population: 39% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
urban population: 91% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Norway
urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Oman
urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Pakistan
urban population: 36% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Palau
urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Panama
urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Papua New Guinea
urban population: 12% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Paraguay
urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Peru
urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Philippines
urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Poland
urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Portugal
urban population: 59% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Puerto Rico
urban population: 98% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Qatar
urban population: 96% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Romania
urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Russia
urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Rwanda
urban population: 18% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
urban population: 39%
of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
urban population: 32% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Lucia
urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
urban population: 89% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
urban population: 47% of total
population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Samoa
urban population: 23% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

San Marino
urban population: 94% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
urban population: 61% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saudi Arabia
urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Senegal
urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Serbia
urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Seychelles
urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sierra Leone
urban population: 38% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Singapore
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Slovakia
urban population: 56% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Slovenia
urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Solomon Islands
urban population: 18% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Somalia
urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

South Africa
urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Spain
urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sri Lanka
urban population: 15% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sudan
urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Suriname
urban population: 75% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Swaziland
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sweden
urban population: 85% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Switzerland
urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Syria
urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tajikistan
urban population: 26% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tanzania
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Thailand
urban population: 33% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Timor-Leste
urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Togo
urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tokelau
urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tonga
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
urban population: 13% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tunisia
urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turkey
urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turkmenistan
urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
urban population: 92% of total population
(2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tuvalu
urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uganda
urban population: 13% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ukraine
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United Arab Emirates
urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United Kingdom
urban population: 90% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United States
urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uruguay
urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uzbekistan
urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Vanuatu
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Venezuela
urban population: 93% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Vietnam
urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Virgin Islands
urban population: 95% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

West Bank
urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Western Sahara
urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

World
urban population: 50.5% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 1.85% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
ten largest urban agglomerations: Tokyo (Japan) - 36,669,000; Delhi
(India) - 22,157,000; Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 20,262,000; Mumbai
(India) - 20,041,000; Mexico City (Mexico) - 19,460,000; New
York-Newark (US) - 19,425,000; Shanghai (China) - 16,575,000;
Kolkata (India) - 15,552,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 14,648,000;
Karachi (Pakistan) - 13,125,000 (2009)

Yemen
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Zambia
urban population: 35% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Zimbabwe
urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

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

@2213

Field Listing :: Broadcast media

This entry provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services. Country

Broadcast media

Afghanistan
state-owned broadcaster, Radio Television Afghanistan
(RTA), operates a series of radio and television stations in Kabul
and the provinces; an estimated 50 private radio stations, 8 TV
networks, and about a dozen international broadcasters are
available; more than 30 community-based radio stations broadcasting
(2007)

Akrotiri
British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides
multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts
to the Akrotiri Sovereign Base (2009)

Albania
2 public television networks, one of which transmits by
satellite to Albanian-language communities in neighboring countries;
more than 60 private television stations operating; many viewers can
pick up Italian and Greek TV broadcasts via terrestrial reception;
cable TV service is available; 2 public radio networks and roughly
50 private radio stations; several international broadcasters are
available (2008)

Algeria
state-run Radio-Television Algerienne operates the broadcast
media and carries programming in Arabic, Berber dialects, and
French; use of satellite dishes is widespread, providing easy access
to European and Arab satellite stations; state-run radio operates
several national networks and roughly 40 regional radio stations
(2007)

American Samoa
3 television stations broadcasting; multi-channel
pay-per-view television services are available; about a dozen radio
stations, some of which are repeater stations (2009)

Andorra
1 public television station and 2 public radio stations; a
few commercial radio stations operating; good reception of radio and
TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain (2008)

Angola
state controls all broadcast media with nationwide reach;
state-owned Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial
TV service on 2 channels; a third TPA channel is available via cable
and satellite; TV subscription services are available; state-owned
Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) broadcasts on 5 stations; about a
half dozen private radio stations broadcast locally (2008)

Anguilla
1 private television station; multi-channel cable TV
subscription services are available; about 10 radio stations, one of
which is government-owned (2007)

Antigua and Barbuda
state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda
Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel
cable TV subscription services are available; 1 radio station
operated by ABS; roughly 15 radio stations, some broadcasting on
multiple frequencies (2007)

Argentina
government owns a TV station and a radio network; more
than 2 dozen TV stations and hundreds of privately-owned radio
stations; high rate of cable TV subscription usage (2007)

Armenia
2 public television networks operating alongside more than
40 privately-owned television stations that provide local to near
nationwide coverage; major Russian broadcast stations are widely
available; subscription cable TV services are available in most
regions; Public Radio of Armenia is a national, state-run broadcast
network that operates alongside about 20 privately-owned radio
stations; several major international broadcasters are available
(2008)

Aruba
2 commercial television stations; cable TV subscription
service provides access to foreign channels; about 20 commercial
radio stations broadcast (2007)

Australia
the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs
multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well
as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the
Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special
Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster,
operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages;
several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of
local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio
stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available
(2008)

Austria
Austria's public broadcaster, ORF, was the main broadcast
source until commercial radio and television service was introduced
in the 1990s; cable and satellite TV are available, including German
TV stations (2008)

Azerbaijan
1 state-run and 1 public television channel; 4 domestic
commercial TV stations and about 15 regional TV stations; Turkish,
Russian, and Iranian TV and radio broadcasts are available,
especially in border regions; cable TV services are available in
Baku; 1 state-run and 1 public radio network operating; a small
number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting; local FM
relays of Baku commercial stations are available in many localities;
local relays of several international broadcasters had been
available until late 2008 when their broadcasts were banned from FM
frequencies (2008)

Bahamas, The
2 television stations operated by government-owned,
commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB);
multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; about 15
radio stations operating with BCB operating a multi-channel radio
broadcasting network alongside privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Bahrain
state-run broadcast media; Bahrain Radio and Television
Corporation (BRTC) operates 5 terrestrial TV networks; satellite TV
systems provide access to international broadcasts; state-run BRTC
broadcasts over several radio stations; 1 private FM station directs
broadcasts to Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from
countries in the region are available (2007)

Bangladesh
state-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV
station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations; 8 private
satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also
broadcasting; foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience
share in the large cities; several international radio broadcasters
are available (2007)

Barbados
government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
operates the lone terrestrial television station; CBC also operates
a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen radio
stations, consisting of a CBC-operated network alongside
privately-owned radio stations, in operation (2007)

Belarus
4 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian
TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian
Radio operates 3 national networks and an external service; Russian
and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Belgium
a segmented market with the three major communities
(Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility
for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each
community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are
connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from
neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network
co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)

Belize
8 privately-owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV
provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations
broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio
was privatized in 1998 (2007)

Benin
state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Television du Benin
(ORTB) operates a TV station with multiple channels giving it a wide
broadcast reach; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast from
Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned
radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented
by a number of regional stations; substantial number of
privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of a few
international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2007)

Bermuda
3 television stations; cable and satellite TV subscription
services are available; roughly 10 radio stations operating (2007)

Bhutan
state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service
offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first
radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 1
private radio station began operations in 2006 (2007)

Bolivia
large number of radio and television broadcasting stations
with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio
and television stations generally operating freely, although both
pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media
outlets in response to their reporting (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 public TV broadcasters: Radio and TV of
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation TV (operating 2 networks), and
Serb Republic Radio-TV; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations;
2 private, near-national TV stations and dozens of small independent
TV stations broadcasting; 3 large public radio broadcasters and a
large number of private radio stations (2007)

Botswana
2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned;
privately-owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2
state-owned national radio stations; 3 privately-owned radio
stations broadcast locally (2007)

Brazil
state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a television
network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV
channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership
highly concentrated (2007)

British Indian Ocean Territory
Armed Forces Radio and Television
Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK
military personnel stationed on the islands (2009)

British Virgin Islands
1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is
available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a
half dozen private radio stations operating (2007)

Brunei
state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 4
channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV
broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems; RTB
operates 5 radio networks broadcasting on multiple frequencies;
British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on
2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are
available via repeaters (2009)

Bulgaria
4 national terrestrial television stations with 1
state-owned and 3 privately-owned; a vast array of TV stations are
available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned
national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private
radio stations broadcasting, especially in urban areas (2007)

Burkina Faso
2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned;
state-owned radio runs a national and regional network; substantial
number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of
several international broadcasters available in Ouagadougou (2007)

Burma
government controls all domestic broadcast media; 3
state-controlled television stations with 1 of the stations
controlled by the armed forces; a fourth TV channel, a pay-TV
station, is a joint state-private venture; access to satellite TV is
limited with residents required to register and pay a fee for all
satellite television receivers; 2 state-controlled domestic radio
stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
available in Burma; the opposition-backed station Democratic Voice
of Burma broadcasts into Burma via shortwave (2009)

Burundi
state-controlled La Radiodiffusion et Television Nationale
de Burundi (RTNB) operates the lone TV broadcast station and the
only national radio network; about 10 privately-owned radio
broadcast stations; transmissions of several international
broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2007)

Cambodia
mixture of state-owned, joint public-private, and
privately-owned broadcast media; 9 TV broadcast stations with most
operating on multiple channels, including 1 state-operated station
broadcasting from multiple locations, 6 stations either jointly
operated or privately-owned with some broadcasting from several
locations, and 2 TV relay stations - one relaying a French
television station and the other relaying a Vietnamese television
station; multi-channel cable and satellite systems are available;
roughly 50 radio broadcast stations - 1 state-owned broadcaster with
multiple stations and a large mixture of public and private
broadcasters; several international broadcasters are available (2009)

Cameroon
government maintains tight control over broadcast media;
state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a
television and radio network, was the only officially recognized and
fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007 when the government
finally issued licenses to 2 private TV broadcasters and 1 private
radio broadcaster; about 70 privately-owned unlicensed radio
stations operating but are subject to closure at any time; foreign
news services required to partner with state-owned national station
(2007)

Canada
2 public television broadcasting networks each with a large
number of network affilates; several private-commercial networks
also with multiple network affiliates; overall, about 150 TV
stations; multi-channel satellite and cable systems provide access
to a wide range of stations including US stations; mix of public and
commercial radio broadcasters with the Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation (CBC), the public radio broadcaster, operating 4 radio
networks, Radio Canada International, and radio services to
indigenous populations in the north; roughly 2,000 licensed radio
stations in Canada (2008)

Cape Verde
state-run TV and radio broadcast network plus a growing
number of private broadcasters; Portuguese public TV and radio
services for Africa are available; transmissions of a few
international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Cayman Islands
4 television stations; cable and satellite
subscription services offer a variety of international programming;
government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5
stations; 10 privately-owned radio stations operate alongside Radio
Cayman (2007)

Central African Republic
government-owned network, Radiodiffusion
Television Centrafricaine, provides domestic TV broadcasting;
licenses for 2 private TV stations are pending; state-owned radio
network is supplemented by a small number of privately-owned
broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations;
transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Chad
1 state-owned TV broadcast station; state-owned radio network,
Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and
regional stations; about 10 private radio stations; some stations
rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2007)

Chile
national and local terrestrial television channels, coupled
with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television
Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self-financed through commercial
advertising revenues and is not under direct government control;
large number of privately-owned TV stations; about 250 radio
stations (2007)

China
all broadcast media are owned by, or affiliated with, the
Communist Party of China or a government agency; no privately-owned
television or radio stations with state-run Chinese Central TV,
provincial, and municipal stations offering more than 2,000
channels; the Central Propaganda Department lists subjects that are
off limits to domestic broadcast media with the government
maintaining authority to approve all programming; foreign-made TV
programs must be approved prior to broadcast (2008)

Christmas Island
1 community radio station; broadcasts of several
Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite
(2009)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
1 local radio station staffed by community
volunteers; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations
are received via satellite (2009)

Colombia
combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast
media provide service; more than 500 radio stations and large number
of national, regional, and local TV stations (2007)

Comoros
national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by
Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional
governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate
a radio station; a few independent and small community radio
stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and
these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV (2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
state-owned TV broadcast station
with near national coverage; more than a dozen privately-owned TV
stations with 2 having near national coverage; 2 state-owned radio
stations are supplemented by more than 100 private radio stations;
transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Congo, Republic of the
1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio
stations; several privately-owned TV and radio stations; satellite
TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international
broadcasters are available (2007)

Cook Islands
1 privately-owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga
providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a
satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast
with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Costa Rica
multiple privately-owned television stations and 1
publicly-owned television station; cable network services are widely
available; more than 100 privately-owned radio stations and a public
radio network (2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
state-owned television operates 2 stations; no private
terrestrial TV stations, but satellite TV subscription service is
available; state-owned radio operates 2 stations; some private radio
stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
available (2007)

Croatia
the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian
Radiotelevision (HRT), operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, a
satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living
abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate
national terrestrial networks; about 15 privately-owned regional TV
stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services
are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 3 national
radio networks and a number of regional radio stations; 2
privately-owned national radio networks and a large number of
regional, county, city, and community radio stations (2007)

Cuba
government owns and controls all broadcast media with private
ownership of electronic media prohibited; government operates 4
national TV networks and many local TV stations; government operates
6 national radio networks, an international station, and many local
radio stations; Radio-TV Marti is beamed from the US (2007)

Cyprus
mixture of state and privately-run television and radio
services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio
stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services
including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private
radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish
Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations,
and privately-owned TV and radio broadcast stations (2007)

Czech Republic
roughly 130 television broadcasters operating some
350 television channels with 4 publicly operated and the remainder
in private hands; 13 television stations have national coverage with
4 being publicly operated; cable and satellite TV subscription
services are available; about 70 radio broadcasters are registered
operating roughly 85 radio stations with 15 stations publicly
operated; 16 radio stations provide national coverage with the
remainder local or regional (2008)

Denmark
strong public-sector television presence with state-owned
Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 4 channels and publicly-owned TV2
operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of
privately-owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed;
DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio
broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations;
approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations are
operational (2007)

Dhekelia
British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides
multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts
to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base (2009)

Djibouti
maintains restrictions on the licensing and operation of
broadcast media; state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti
(RTD) operates the sole terrestrial TV station as well as the only 2
domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations;
transmissions of several international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Dominica
no terrestrial television service available; subscription
cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming plus
channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean;
state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately-owned radio
broadcasts on about 15 stations (2007)

Dominican Republic
combination of state-owned and privately-owned
broadcast media; 1 state-owned television network and a number of
private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals
throughout country; combination of state-owned and privately-owned
radio stations; more than 300 radio stations operating (2007)

Ecuador private broadcast media dominate; all stations are privately-owned except for 1 government-controlled station; multiple television networks, a number of national TV channels, and a large number of local channels; more than 400 radio stations; broadcast media required by law to give the government free air time to broadcast programs produced by the state (2007)

Egypt
mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV
operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks as well as a
few satellite channels; about 20 private satellite channels and a
large number of Arabic satellite channels are available via
subscription; state-run radio operates about 70 stations belonging
to 8 networks; 2 privately-owned radio stations operational (2008)

El Salvador
multiple privately-owned national terrestrial television
networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international
channels; hundreds of commercial radio broadcast stations and 1
government-owned radio broadcast station (2007)

Equatorial Guinea
state maintains control of broadcast media with
domestic broadcast media limited to 1 state-owned TV station, 1
state-owned radio station, and 1 private radio station owned by the
president's eldest son; satellite TV service is available;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible
(2007)

Eritrea
government controls broadcast media with private ownership
prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; state-owned radio operates 2
networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to
international broadcast media are permitted (2007)

Estonia
the publicly-owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling
(ERR), operates 2 television channels; national private TV channels
expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking
viewers; high penetration rate for cable TV services with more than
half of Estonian households connected; publicly-owned broadcaster,
ERR, operates 4 radio networks and there are a growing number of
private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally,
regionally, and locally (2008)

Ethiopia
1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1
public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13
administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and
roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
television service provided by a
multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the
public broadcaster Falkland Islands Radio Service (FIRS),
broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British
Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007)

Faroe Islands
1 publicly-owned TV station; the Faroese
telecommunications company distributes local and international
channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly-owned
radio station supplemented by 2 privately-owned stations
broadcasting over multiple frequencies (2008)

Fiji
Fiji TV, a publicly-traded company, operates a free-to-air
channel as well as the Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV
services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting
Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters
and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio
stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
(2009)

Finland
a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned
TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded
services and the largest private TV station has introduced several
special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel
subscription services are available; all TV signals have been
broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via
cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting
maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a
large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

France
a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV
stations; state-owned France Televisions operates 4 networks, one of
which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in
several thematic cable/satellite channels and international
channels; a large number of privately-owned regional and local TV
stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services provide a large
number of channels; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7
national networks, a series of regional networks, and operates
services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio
France Internationale (RFI), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
is a leading international broadcaster; a large number of commercial
FM stations, with many of them consolidating into commercial
networks (2008)

French Polynesia
the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
which operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
broadcasts on 2 television channels and 1 radio station; a
government-owned TV station is operating; a small number of
privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Gabon
state owns and operates 2 TV stations and 2 radio broadcast
stations; a few private radio and TV stations are operational;
transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are
accessible; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007)

Gambia, The
state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned
radio station and 4 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of
multiple international broadcasters are available, some via
shortwave radio; foreign cable and satellite TV subscription
services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Gaza Strip
1 television station and about 10 radio stations (2008)

Georgia
1 state-owned public television station in Tbilisi and 8
privately-owned TV stations; state-run public broadcaster operates 2
networks; dozens of cable TV operators and several major commercial
TV stations are operating; state-owned public radio broadcaster
operates 2 networks; several dozen private stations broadcast (2008)

Germany
a mixture of publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and
radio stations; national and regional public broadcasters compete
with nearly 400 privately-owned national and regional TV stations;
more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of
radio stations broadcasting including multiple national radio
networks, regional radio networks, and a large number of local radio
stations (2008)

Ghana
state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several
privately-owned TV stations and a large number of privately-owned
radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters
are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services
are obtainable (2007)

Gibraltar
Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides
television and radio broadcasting services via 1 television station
and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS)
operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV
stations are accessible (2008)

Greece
broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150
private TV channels, about a dozen of the private channels broadcast
at the national or regional level; 3 publicly-owned terrestrial TV
channels with national coverage, 1 publicly-owned satellite channel,
and 3 stations designed for digital terrestrial transmissions;
multi-channel satellite and cable TV services obtainable; upwards of
1,500 radio stations broadcasting, nearly all of them
privately-owned; state-run broadcaster has 7 national stations, 2
international stations, and 19 regional stations (2007)

Greenland
the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio
and television services throughout the island with a broadcast
station and a series of repeaters; a few private local television
and radio stations broadcast; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are
available (2007)

Grenada
the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the
government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and
Tobago, operates a television station and 2 radio stations;
multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; a dozen
private radio stations also broadcast (2007)

Guam
about a dozen TV broadcast channels, including digital
channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20
radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Guatemala
4 privately-owned national terrestrial TV channels
dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services
are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of
privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Guernsey
multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received
via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and
Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in
November 2010; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey
and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Guinea
government maintains control over broadcast media; single
state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also
operates several stations in rural areas; about 20 privately-owned
radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community
radio stations; foreign television programming available via
satellite and cable subscription services (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
1 state-owned TV station and a second station, RTP
Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP; 1
state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some
community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are
available (2007)

Guyana
government-dominated broadcast media; the National
Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV
stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2
radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of
reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new
private radio stations continue to constrain competition in
broadcast media (2007)

Haiti
several television stations, including 1 government-owned;
cable TV subscription service is available; government-owned radio
network; more than 250 private and community radio stations
operating with about 50 FM stations in Port-au-Prince alone (2007)

Holy See (Vatican City)
the Vatican Television Center (CTV)
transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday
audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also
produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official
broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM
frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections (2008)

Honduras
multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks,
supplemented by multiple cable TV networks; Radio Honduras is the
lone government-owned radio network; roughly 300 privately-owned
radio stations (2007)

Hong Kong
2 commercial terrestrial television networks each with
multiple stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are
available; 3 radio networks, one of which is government-funded,
operate about 15 radio stations (2008)

Hungary
mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast
media and private broadcasters; the 3 publicly-owned TV channels and
the 2 main privately-owned TV stations are the major national
broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels have
emerged; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services
with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing multi-channel services; 3
state-supported public-service radio networks and 2 major national
commercial stations; a large number of local stations including
commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations
(2007)

Iceland
state-owned public television broadcaster operates 1 TV
channel nationally; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast
nationally and roughly another half-dozen operate locally; about
half the households utilize multi-channel cable or satellite TV
services; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 national
networks and 4 regional stations; 2 privately-owned radio stations
operate nationally and another 15 provide more limited coverage
(2007)

India
Doordarshan, India's public TV network, operates about 20
national, regional, and local services; large number of
privately-owned TV stations are distributed by cable and satellite
service providers; government controls AM radio with All India Radio
operating domestic and external networks; news broadcasts via radio
are limited to the All India Radio Network; since 2000,
privately-owned FM stations are permitted but limited to
broadcasting entertainment and educational content (2007)

Indonesia
mixture of about a dozen national television networks - 2
public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with
multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations operating;
widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio
broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and
local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations operating with
more than 650 privately-operated (2008)

Iran
state-run broadcast media with no private, independent
broadcasters; Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the
state-run TV broadcaster, operates 5 nationwide channels, a news
channel, about 30 provincial channels, and several international
channels; about 20 foreign Persian-language TV stations broadcasting
on satellite TV are capable of being seen in Iran; satellite dishes
are illegal and, while their use had been tolerated, authorities
began confiscating satellite dishes following the unrest stemming
from the 2009 presidential election; IRIB operates 8 nationwide
networks, a number of provincial stations, and an external service;
most major international broadcasters transmit to Iran (2009)

Iraq
the number of private radio and television stations has
increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations
are operated by the publicly-funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting
Service; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political,
ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an
estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based
abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters
are accessible (2007)

Ireland
publicly-owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE)
operates 2 TV stations; commercial television stations are
available; about 75% of households utilize multi-channel satellite
and TV services that provide access to a wide range of stations; RTE
operates 4 national radio stations and has launched digital audio
broadcasts on several stations; a number of commercial broadcast
stations operate at the national, regional, and local levels (2007)

Isle of Man
national public radio broadcasts over 3 FM stations and
1 AM station; 2 commercial broadcasters operating with 1 having
multiple FM stations; receives radio and TV services via relays from
British TV and radio broadcasters (2008)

Israel
state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel
Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in
Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a
channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset
proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body;
multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to
foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple
repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple
stations; about 15 privately-owned radio stations; overall more than
100 stations and repeater stations operating (2008)

Italy
two Italian media giants - the publicly-owned Radiotelevisione
Italiana (RAI) with 3 national terrestrial stations and
privately-owned Mediaset with 3 national terrestrial stations -
dominate; additional broadcasts by a large number of private
stations and Sky Italia - a satellite TV network; RAI operates 3
AM/FM nationwide radio stations; some 1,300 commercial radio
stations (2007)

Jamaica
privately-owned Radio Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries
operate multiple television stations, subscription cable services,
and radio stations; 2 other privately-owned television stations
broadcast; roughly 70 radio stations (2007)

Jan Mayen
a coastal radio station has been remotely operated since
1994 (2008)

Japan
a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio
stations; 5 national terrestrial television networks including 1
public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations
available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable
services provide access to international channels (2008)

Jersey
multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via
a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and
Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in
November 2010; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1
other radio station operating (2009)

Jordan
radio and TV dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio
and Television Corporation (JRTV) that operates a main network, a
sports network, a film network, and a satellite channel; first
independent TV broadcaster aired in 2007; international satellite TV
and Israeli and Syrian TV broadcasts are available; roughly 30 radio
stations operational with JRTV operating the main government-owned
station; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters
are available (2007)

Kazakhstan
state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission
facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; nearly all
nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government;
some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized and are
controlled by the president's daughter, who heads the Khabar Agency
that runs multiple TV and radio stations; a number of
privately-owned TV stations; households with satellite dishes have
access to foreign media; a small number of commercial radio stations
operating along with state-run radio stations (2008)

Kenya
about a half-dozen privately-owned TV stations and a
state-owned television broadcaster that operates 2 channels;
satellite and cable TV subscription services are available;
state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and
provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; a
large number of private radio broadcasters, including provincial
stations broadcasting in local languages; transmissions of several
international broadcasters are available (2007)

Kiribati
1 television broadcast station that provides about 1 hour
of local programming Monday-Friday; multi-channel TV packages
provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated
radio station broadcasting on AM, FM, and shortwave (2009)

Korea, North
no independent media; radios and televisions are
pre-tuned to government stations; 4 government-owned television
stations; the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean
Central Broadcasting Station, and the state-run Voice of Korea
operates an external broadcast service; the government prohibits
listening to and jams foreign broadcasts (2008)

Korea, South
multiple national television networks with 2 of the 3
largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately-owned
network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other
commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services
are available; publicly-operated radio broadcast networks and a
large number of privately-owned radio broadcasting networks, each
with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations (2008)

Kuwait
state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a
satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged
since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations
especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number
of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station
emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio
broadcasters are available (2007)

Kyrgyzstan
state-run television broadcaster operates 2 nationwide
networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations
operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio
broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations
operating (2007)

Laos
2 television stations operating out of Vientiane - 1
government-operated and the other jointly-owned by the government
and a Thai company; roughly 15 provincial stations operating with
nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the
government-operated station in Vientiane; relays from Hanoi provide
access to a Vietnamese television station; broadcasts available from
stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel
satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of
foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao
National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 2 SW, and
2 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite
constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the
provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border
areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are
also accessible (2008)

Latvia
several national and regional commercial TV stations are
foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly-owned; system
supplemented by privately-owned regional and local TV stations;
cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and
foreign broadcasts are available; publicly-owned broadcaster
operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the
country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations
(2007)

Lebanon
7 TV stations in operation, 1 of which is state-owned; more
than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and
cable TV services are available; transmissions of at least 2
international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations
(2007)

Lesotho
1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations;
government controls most private broadcast media; satellite TV
subscription service is available; transmissions of multiple
international broadcasters are obtainable (2008)

Liberia
3 private TV stations; satellite TV service is available; 1
state-owned radio station; about 15 independent radio stations
broadcasting in Monrovia, with another 25 local stations operating
in other areas; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are
available (2007)

Libya
state controls broadcast media; state-owned terrestrial TV
station and about a half-dozen state-owned satellite stations
broadcast; some provinces operate local TV stations; a single,
non-state-owned TV station launched in 2007; pan-Arab satellite TV
stations are available; state-owned radio broadcasts on a number of
frequencies, some of which carry regional programming; Voice of
Africa, Libya's external radio service, can also be heard; a single,
non-state-owned radio station broadcasting (2007)

Liechtenstein
relies on foreign terrestrial and satellite
broadcasters for most broadcast media services; first
Liechtenstein-based television station established August 2008;
Radio Liechtenstein operates multiple radio stations; a Swiss-based
broadcaster operates several radio stations in Liechtenstein (2008)

Lithuania
public broadcaster operates 3 channels with the third
channel - a satellite channel - introduced in 2007; various
privately-owned commercial TV broadcasters operate national and
multiple regional channels; large number of privately-owned local TV
stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 3 radio networks;
large number of privately-owned commercial broadcasters, many with
repeater stations in various regions throughout the country (2007)

Luxembourg
Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV
services to pan-European audiences and is home to Europe's largest
privately-owned broadcast media group, the RTL group, which operates
45 television stations and 31 radio stations in Europe; also home to
Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des
Satellites (SES); domestically, the RTL group operates TV and radio
networks; other domestic private radio and TV operators and French
and German stations are available; satellite and cable TV services
are accessible (2008)

Macau
local government dominates broadcast media; 2 television
stations operated by the government with one broadcasting in
Portuguese and the other in Cantonese and Mandarin; cable and
satellite TV services are available; 3 radio stations broadcasting,
of which 2 are government-operated (2008)

Macedonia
public television broadcaster operates 3 national channels
and a satellite network; 5 privately-owned TV channels broadcast
nationally; roughly 50 local commercial TV stations broadcasting;
large number of cable operators offering domestic and international
programming; public radio broadcaster operates over multiple
stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationally;
roughly 65 local commercial radio stations functioning (2007)

Madagascar
state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television
Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach;
privately-owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns;
state-run radio predominates in rural areas; relays of 2
international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2007)

Malawi
radio is the main broadcast medium; state-run radio has the
widest geographic broadcasting reach, but about a dozen
privately-owned radio stations broadcast in major urban areas; the
single television network is government-owned; relays of multiple
international broadcasters are available (2007)

Malaysia
state-owned television broadcaster operates 2 TV networks
with relays throughout the country, and the leading private
commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays
throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is
available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national
networks as well as regional and local stations; large number of
private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription
satellite radio services are available; about 400 radio stations
overall (2008)

Maldives
state-owned radio and television monopoly until recently;
by mid-2008 there were 5 radio broadcast stations operating; first
private cable TV channel now operational with an additional 4
private TV channels in the regulatory pipeline (2008)

Mali
national public TV broadcaster; 2 privately-owned companies
provide subscription services to foreign multi-channel TV packages;
national public radio broadcaster supplemented by a large number of
privately-owned and community broadcast stations; transmissions of
multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Malta
1 publicly-owned television station, Television Malta (TVM);
several national television stations, two of which are owned by
political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are
available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
obtainable; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 stations;
roughly 50 commercial radio stations functioning (2008)

Marshall Islands
no television broadcast station; a cable network is
available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and
satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces
Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and
television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)

Mauritania
broadcast media state-owned; 1 state-run TV and 1
state-run radio network; Television de Mauritanie, the state-run TV
station, has an additional 6 regional TV stations that provide local
programming (2008)

Mauritius
the government maintains control over TV broadcasting
through the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which operates
3 analog and 10 digital TV stations; MBC is a shareholder in a local
company that operates 2 pay TV stations; the state retains the
largest radio broadcast network with multiple stations; several
private radio broadcasters have entered the market since 2001;
transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Mayotte
the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which
operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
broadcasts over the RFO Mayotte television and radio station (2008)

Mexico
large number of television stations and more than 1,400 radio
stations, most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a
virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and
foreign satellite and cable operators are now available (2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
no television broadcast stations;
each state has a multi-channel cable service with television
transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local
programming; about a half dozen radio stations in operation (2009)

Moldova
state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2
television and 2 radio stations; a total of nearly 40 terrestrial TV
channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and
Romanian channels also are available (2007)

Monaco
TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; Radio Monte-Carlo
has both an Italian-language and a French-language network; a few
private radio stations operating (2008)

Mongolia
following a law passed in 2005, Mongolia's state-run radio
and TV provider converted to a public service provider; also
available are private radio and TV broadcasters, as well as
multi-channel satellite and cable TV providers; more than 100 radio
stations, including some 20 via repeaters for the public
broadcaster; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters
are available (2008)

Montenegro
state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2
terrestrial television networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio
networks; roughly a dozen privately-owned TV broadcasters operate
networks nationally, regionally, and locally; in addition to the 2
state-owned national radio networks, roughly 50 privately-owned
radio stations and networks broadcast (2007)

Montserrat
Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits
on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station;
repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and
Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV are
obtainable (2007)

Morocco
2 television broadcast networks with state-run
Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state
partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via
satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one;
the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in
addition to its national service (2007)

Mozambique
1 state-run TV station supplemented by private TV
station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and
Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides
nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple
languages; a number of privately-owned and community-operated
stations also broadcast; transmissions of multiple international
broadcasters are available (2007)

Namibia
1 private and 1 state-run television station; satellite and
cable TV service is available; state-run radio service broadcasts in
multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations operating;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Nauru
1 government-owned television station broadcasting programs
from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1
government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes
Australian and British programs (2009)

Navassa Island
no television or radio broadcast stations (2009)

Nepal
state operates 2 television stations as well as national and
regional radio stations; more than 60 independent radio stations and
a small number of independent television stations (2007)

Netherlands
more than 90% of households are connected to cable or
satellite TV systems that provide a wide range of domestic and
foreign channels; public service broadcast system includes multiple
broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder operating in
regional and local markets; 2 major nationwide commercial television
companies, each with 3 or more stations, and a large number of
commercial TV stations in regional and local markets; nearly 600
radio stations operating with a mix of public and private stations
providing national or regional coverage (2008)

New Caledonia
the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
which operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
broadcasts over the RFO Nouvelle Caledonie television and radio
stations; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also
broadcast (2008)

New Zealand
state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple
television networks while state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3
radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South
Pacific region; a small number of national commercial television and
radio stations and a large number of regional commercial television
and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are
accessible (2008)

Nicaragua
multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks,
supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; of more than 100 radio
broadcast stations, nearly all are privately owned; Radio Nicaragua
is government-owned and Radio Sandino is controlled by the
Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (2007)

Niger
state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of
local and foreign programming; only national radio station with
national reach is state-run; about 30 private radio stations operate
locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Nigeria
nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and
regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several
private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription
services are available; network of federal-government-controlled
national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40
state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own
programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations
also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are
available (2007)

Niue
1 government-owned television station with many of the programs
supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station
broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Norfolk Island
1 local radio station; broadcasts of several
Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite
(2009)

Northern Mariana Islands
1 TV broadcast station on Saipan;
multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed
radio broadcast stations (2009)

Norway
state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide
television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional
radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations
broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are
available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel
cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations
broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Oman
1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi
Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen are accessible via satellite TV;
state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio
station began operation in 2007 and 2 additional stations now
operating (2007)

Pakistan
media is government regulated; 1 dominant state-owned TV
broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), operates a
network consisting of 6 channels; private TV broadcasters are
permitted and some foreign satellite channels are carried by cable
TV operators; the state-owned radio network operates more than 40
stations; privately-owned radio stations mostly limit programming to
music and talk shows (2007)

Palau
no television broadcast stations; a cable television network
covers the major islands and provides access to rebroadcasts, on a
delayed basis, of a number of US stations as well as access to a
number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio
stations with 1 government-owned (2009)

Panama
multiple privately-owned television networks and a
government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and
satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100
commercial radio stations (2007)

Papua New Guinea
2 television stations, 1 commercial station
operating since the late 1980s and 1 state-run station launched in
2008; satellite and cable TV services are available; state-run
National Broadcasting Corporation operates 3 radio networks with
multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several
commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well
as several community stations; transmissions of several
international broadcasters are accessible (2009)

Paraguay
5 privately-owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and
community radio stations broadcasting; 1 state-owned radio network
(2007)

Peru
6 major television networks of which only one, Television
Nacional de Peru, is state-owned; multi-channel cable TV services
are available; more than 500 radio stations including a substantial
number of indigenous language stations (2007)

Philippines
multiple national private TV and radio networks and a
government-operated national TV and radio network; about 300
television stations and more than 1,000 radio stations;
multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available (2008)

Pitcairn Islands
no local broadcast television or radio stations
(2009)

Poland
state-run public television operates 2 national channels
supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels;
privately-owned entities operate several national TV broadcast
networks and a number of special interest channels; large number of
privately-owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all
households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems
providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public
radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2
privately-owned national radio networks, several commercial stations
broadcasting to multiple cities, and a large number of
privately-owned local radio stations (2007)

Portugal
the publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 domestic
channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly
40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to
international broadcasters with more than half of all households
connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems;
publicly-owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides
regional and external services; several privately-owned national
radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio
stations (2008)

Puerto Rico
more than 30 television stations operating; cable TV
subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations
operating (2007)

Qatar
television and radio broadcast media are state controlled;
home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally
owned and financed by the Qatari Government; Al-Jazeera claims
editorial independence in broadcasting; transmissions of several
international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Doha (2007)

Romania
a mixture of public and private TV stations; the public
broadcaster operates multiple stations; roughly 100 private
national, regional, and local stations operating; more than 75% of
households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV
systems that provide access to Romanian, European, and international
stations; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 4 national
networks and regional and local stations; more than 100 private
radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Russia
6 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1
and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom
maintains a controlling interest in a third national channel;
government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a
fourth and fifth, while the sixth national channel is owned by the
Moscow city administration; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and
local TV stations operating with over two-thirds completely or
partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite
TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with
a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and
commercial radio stations (2007)

Rwanda
government owns and operates the only TV station;
government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9
private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international
broadcasters are available (2007)

Saint Barthelemy
no local TV broadcasters; 3 FM radio channels (2
via repeater)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
St. Helena has no
local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to
Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially;
Ascension Island has no local TV station, but has 1 local radio
station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 St. Helena radio
station; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service
(BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military;
Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and
radio broadcasts (2007)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
the government operates a national television
network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services
provide access to local and international channels; the government
operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and
privately-owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2007)

Saint Lucia
3 privately-owned television stations; 1 public
television station operating on a cable network; multi-channel cable
TV service is obtainable; a mix of state-owned and privately-owned
broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater
transmission stations (2007)

Saint Martin
1 local TV station; receives television broadcasts from
the Netherlands Antilles; access to about 20 radio stations,
including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater (2008)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2 television stations with a third repeater station, all part of the French Overseas Network; has radio stations on St. Pierre and on Miquelon that are part of the French Overseas Network (2007)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 television station and 5 repeater stations that give near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately-owned radio stations and repeater stations operate (2007)

Samoa
state-owned television station privatized in 2008; 4
privately-owned television broadcast stations; about a half dozen
privately-owned radio stations and one state-owned radio station;
television and radio broadcasts of several stations from American
Samoa are available (2009)

San Marino
state-owned public broadcaster operates 1 TV station and
2 radio stations; receives radio and TV broadcasts from Italy (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
1 government-owned TV station; 1
government-owned radio station; 3 independent local radio stations
authorized in 2005 with 2 operating at the end of 2006;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
(2007)

Saudi Arabia
broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV
operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab
satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several
networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Senegal
state-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS)
operates 2 TV stations; a few private TV subscription channels
rebroadcast foreign channels without providing any local news or
programs; RTS operates a national radio network and a number of
regional FM stations; a large number of community and
private-broadcast radio stations are available; transmissions of at
least 2 international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar
(2007)

Seychelles
the government operates the only terrestrial TV station,
which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from
international services; multi-channel cable and satellite TV are
available via subscription; the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM
radio station; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are
accessible in Victoria (2007)

Sierra Leone
1 government-owned TV station; 1 private TV station
began operating in 2005; a pay-per-view TV service began operations
in late 2007; 1 government-owned national radio broadcast station;
about two dozen private radio stations primarily clustered in major
cities; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
available (2007)

Singapore
state controls broadcast media; 8 domestic TV stations
operated by MediaCorp, wholly owned by a state investment company;
broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available;
satellite dishes banned; multi-channel cable TV service is
accessible; a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting with
MediaCorp operating more than a dozen and another 4 stations are
closely linked to the ruling party or controlled by the Singapore
Armed Forces Reservists Association; large number of Malaysian and
Indonesian radio stations are available (2008)

Slovakia
state-owned public broadcaster, Slovak Television (STV),
operates 3 national TV stations; roughly 35 privately-owned
television broadcast stations operating nationally, regionally, and
locally; about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel
cable or satellite TV systems; channels from the Czech Republic and
Hungary are widely viewed; state-owned public radio operates
multiple national and regional networks; more than 20
privately-owned radio stations (2008)

Slovenia
public television broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Slovenija
(RTV), operates a system of national and regional TV stations; 35
domestic commercial television stations operating nationally,
regionally, and locally; about 60% of households are connected to
multi-channel cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 3
national and 4 regional stations; more than 75 regional and local
commercial and non-commercial radio stations (2007)

Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is
the sole TV broadcaster with 1 station; multi-channel pay-TV is
available; SIBC, the public service broadcaster, operates 2 national
radio stations and 2 provincial stations; 2 local commercial radio
stations operating; Radio Australia is obtainable via satellite feed
(2009)

Somalia
2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN;
Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1
private TV station; Radio Mogadishu operated by the transitional
government; 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast
in Mogadishu; several radio stations operate in central and southern
regions; Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station;
Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations;
transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
(2007)

South Africa
the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
operates 4 TV stations, 3 are free-to-air and 1 is pay TV; e.tv, a
private station, is accessible to more than half the population;
multiple subscription TV services provide a mix of local and
international channels; well developed mix of public and private
radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels; the SABC
radio network, state-owned and controlled but nominally independent,
operates 18 stations, one for each of the 11 official languages, 4
community stations, and 3 commercial stations; more than 100
community-based stations extend coverage to rural areas (2007)

Spain
a mixture of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and
radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of TV channels are
available including national, regional, local, public, and
international channels; satellite and cable TV systems are
accessible; multiple national radio networks, a large number of
regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations
broadcasting; overall, hundreds of radio stations operating (2008)

Sri Lanka
government operates 2 television channels and a radio
network; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services
are obtainable; 8 private TV stations and about a dozen private
radio stations in operation (2008)

Sudan
in the north, the Sudanese Government directly controls TV and
radio, requiring that both media reflect government policies; TV has
a permanent military censor; a private radio station is in
operation; in southern Sudan, TV is controlled by the regional
government; several private FM stations are operational in southern
Sudan; some foreign radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Suriname
2 state-owned TV stations; 1 state-owned radio station;
multiple private radio and TV stations (2007)

Svalbard
the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) began direct
television transmission to Svalbard via satellite in 1984;
Longyearbyen households have access to 3 NRK radio and 2 television
stations (2008)

Swaziland
state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to
access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3
channels; 1 private radio station (2007)

Sweden
publicly-owned television broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial
networks plus regional stations; multiple privately-owned television
broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50
local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international
broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV systems;
publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a
network of 25 regional channels; nearly a hundred privately-owned
local radio stations with some consolidating into near national
networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations
broadcast intermittently (2008)

Switzerland
the publicly-owned radio and television broadcaster,
Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SSR), operates 7 national
television networks, 3 broadcasting in German, 2 in Italian, and 2
in French; private commercial television stations broadcast
regionally and locally; television broadcasts from stations in
Germany, Italy, and France are widely accessed using multi-channel
cable and satellite TV services; SRG/SSR operates 18 radio stations
that, along with private broadcasters, provide national to local
coverage (2008)

Syria
state-run television and radio broadcast networks; state
operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel; roughly two-thirds
of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV
broadcasts; 3 state-run radio channels; first private radio station
launched in 2005; private radio broadcasters prohibited from
transmitting news or political content (2007)

Taiwan
5 free-to-air nationwide television networks operating
roughly 75 TV stations; about 85% of households utilize
multi-channel cable TV; national and regional radio networks with
about 170 radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Tajikistan
state-run television broadcaster transmits nationally on
4 stations and regionally on 4 stations; about 10 independent TV
stations broadcast locally and regionally; some households are able
to receive Russian and other foreign stations via cable and
satellite; state-run radio broadcaster operates Radio Tajikistan,
Voice of Dushanbe, and several regional stations; a small number of
independent radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Tanzania
a state-owned TV station and multiple privately-owned TV
stations; state-owned national radio station supplemented by more
than 40 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of several
international broadcasters are available (2007)

Thailand
6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally
via relay stations - 2 of the networks are owned by the military,
the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private
enterprise, and are all required to broadcast government-produced
news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV
subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been
allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations;
many small community radio stations operate with low-power
transmitters (2008)

Timor-Leste
1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally
and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13
administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and
roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Togo
2 state-owned TV stations with multiple transmission sites; 5
private TV stations broadcast locally; cable TV service is
available; state-owned radio network with multiple stations; several
dozen private radio stations and a few community radio stations;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable
(2007)

Tokelau
no broadcast television stations; each atoll operates a
radio service that provides shipping news and weather reports (2009)

Tonga
2 state-owned television stations and 2 privately-owned
stations; satellite and cable TV services are available; 2
state-owned and 3 privately-owned radio stations; Radio Australia
broadcasts obtainable via a satellite feed (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
5 TV networks each broadcasting on multiple
stations; one of the networks is state-owned; multiple cable TV
subscription service providers; multiple radio networks, one
state-owned, broadcast over about 35 stations (2007)

Tunisia
broadcast media is mainly government-controlled; the
state-run Tunisian Radio and Television Establishment (ERTT)
operates 2 national television networks, several national radio
networks, and a number of regional radio stations; 1 TV and 3 radio
stations are privately-owned and report domestic news stories
directly from the official Tunisian news agency; the state retains
control of broadcast facilities and transmitters through L'Office
National de la Telediffusion; Tunisians also have access to
Egyptian, pan-Arab, and European satellite TV channels (2007)

Turkey
national public broadcaster Turkish Radio and Television
Corporation (TRT) operates multiple TV and radio networks and
stations; multiple privately-owned national television stations and
up to 300 private regional and local television stations;
multi-channel cable TV subcriptions are obtainable; more than 1,000
private radio broadcast stations (2009)

Turkmenistan
broadcast media is government controlled and censored;
4 state-owned TV and 4 state-owned radio networks; satellite dishes
and programming provide an alternative to the state-run media;
officials sometimes limit access to satellite TV by seizing
satellite dishes (2007)

Turks and Caicos Islands
while there are no local terrestrial TV
stations, broadcasts from the Bahamas can be received; multi-channel
cable and satellite TV services are available; government-run radio
network operates alongside private broadcasters with a total of
about 15 stations broadcasting (2007)

Tuvalu
no television broadcast stations; many households use
satellite dishes to watch foreign TV stations; 1 government-owned
radio station, Radio Tuvalu, includes relays of programming from
international broadcasters (2009)

Uganda
public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC),
operates radio and television networks; Uganda first began licensing
privately-owned stations in the 1990s; by 2007 there were nearly 150
radio and 35 TV stations, mostly based in and around Kampala;
transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
in Kampala (2007)

Ukraine
TV coverage is provided by Ukraine's state-controlled
nationwide broadcast channel (UT1) and a number of privately-owned
television broadcast networks; Russian television broadcasts have a
small audience nationwide, but larger audiences in the eastern and
southern regions; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
available; Ukraine's radio broadcast market, a mix of independent
and state-owned networks, is comprised of some 300 stations (2007)

United Arab Emirates
except for the many organizations now operating
in Dubai's Media Free Zone, most television and radio stations
remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides
access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007)

United Kingdom
public service broadcaster BBC is the largest
broadcasting corporation in the world; BBC operates multiple TV
networks with regional and local TV service; a mixed system of
public and commercial TV broadcasters along with satellite and cable
systems provide access to hundreds of TV stations throughout the
world; BBC operates multiple national, regional, and local radio
networks with multiple transmission sites; a large number of
commercial radio stations as well as satellite radio services are
available (2008)

United States
4 major terrestrial television networks with affiliate
stations throughout the country, plus cable and satellite networks,
independent stations, and a limited public broadcasting sector that
is largely supported by private grants; overall, thousands of TV
stations broadcasting; multiple national radio networks with large
numbers of affiliate stations; while most stations are commercial,
National Public Radio (NPR) has a network of some 600 member
stations; satellite radio available; overall, nearly 15,000 radio
stations operating (2008)

Uruguay
mixture of privately-owned and state-run broadcast media;
more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 television
channels broadcasting; cable TV is available; large number of
community radio and TV stations (2007)

Uzbekistan
government controls media; 8 state-owned broadcasters - 4
TV and 4 radio - provide service to virtually the entire country;
about 20 privately-owned TV stations, overseen by local officials,
broadcast to local markets; privately-owned TV stations are required
to lease transmitters from the government-owned Republic TV and
Radio Industry Corporation and are prohibited from broadcasting
live; about 15 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming
content includes news updates, music, call-in talk shows, and other
entertainment in a half-Russian, half-Uzbek format mandated for
private radio (2007)

Vanuatu
1 state-owned television station; multi-channel pay TV is
available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2
privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple
international broadcasters is accessible (2008)

Venezuela
government supervises a mixture of state-run and private
broadcast media; 1 state-run television network, 4 privately-owned
TV networks, and a government-backed pan-American channel; state-run
radio network includes 15 stations; large number of private
broadcast radio stations (2007)

Vietnam
government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight
through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC);
government-controlled national television provider, Vietnam
Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several
regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via
a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access
to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign
programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled
Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6
channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations
throughout Vietnam (2008)

Virgin Islands
about a dozen television broadcast stations including
1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services
are available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Wake Island
American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service
(AFRTS) provides satellite radio/television broadcasts (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
which broadcasts to France's overseas departments and territories,
is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna television and radio
stations (2008)

West Bank
the Palestinian Authority operates 1 television and 1
radio station; about 30 independent TV and 25 radio stations
operating; Jordanian TV is available; satellite TV is accessible
(2008)

Western Sahara
Morocco's state-owned broadcaster, Radio-Television
Marocaine (RTM), operates a radio service from Laayoune and relays
TV service; a Polisario-backed radio station also broadcasts (2008)

Yemen
state-run TV with 2 stations; state-run radio with 2 national
radio stations and 5 local stations; stations from Oman and Saudi
Arabia can be accessed (2007)

Zambia
state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)
operates 1 TV station and is the principal local-content provider;
several private TV stations are available; multi-channel
subscription TV services are obtainable; ZNBC operates 3 radio
networks; about 2 dozen private radio stations also broadcasting;
relays of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible in
Lusaka and Kitwe (2007)

Zimbabwe
government owns all local radio and television stations;
foreign shortwave broadcasts and satellite television are available
to those who can afford antennas and receivers; in rural areas,
access to television broadcasts is extremely limited (2007)

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

@2214

Field Listing :: Stock of narrow money

This entry, also know as "M1," comprises the total quantity of currency in circulation (notes and coins) plus demand deposits denominated in the national currency held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy, measured at a specific point in time. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. Narrow money consists of more liquid assets than broad money and the assets generally function as a "medium of exchange" for an economy. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of narrow money

Afghanistan
$3.943 billion (31 December 2009)
$2.819 billion (31 December 2008)

Albania
$2.708 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Algeria
$79.07 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$68.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Angola
$8.74 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$9.792 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Anguilla
$19.03 million (31 December 2009)
$19.57 million (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
$233.5 million (31 December 2009)
$266.7 million (31 December 2008)

Argentina
$41.66 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$35.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Armenia
$1.131 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.071 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Aruba
$865 million (31 December 2009)
$781 million (31 December 2008)

Australia
$347.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$290.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Austria
$173.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$175.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply for the
entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
circulating within their own borders

Azerbaijan
$7.34 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$6.519 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bahamas, The
$1.284 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.275 billion (31 December 2008)

Bahrain
$6.372 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bangladesh
$13.98 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$10.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Barbados
$1.793 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.748 billion (31 December 2008)

Belarus
$4.747 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.381 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Belgium
$172.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$178.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Belize
$389.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
$336.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Benin
$1.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.619 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bhutan
$335 million (31 December 2008)
$381.1 million (31 December 2007)

Bolivia
$4.374 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.524 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$4.098 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.182 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Botswana
$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$939.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Brazil
$165.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$125.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Brunei
$3.374 billion (30 March 2009)
$3.046 billion (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
$12.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Burkina Faso
$1.416 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.303 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Burma
$4.907 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.038 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: this number reflects the vastly overvalued official exchange
rate of 5.38 kyat per dollar in 2007; at the unofficial black market
rate of 1,305 kyat per dollar for 2007, the stock of kyats would
equal only US$2.465 billion and Burma's velocity of money (the
number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be
six, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the
region; in 2009, the unofficial black market rate averaged 1,090
kyat per dollar.

Burundi
$329.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
$293.6 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cambodia
$850.7 million (31 December 2010 est)
$747.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cameroon
$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.074 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Canada
$560.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$470.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cape Verde
$585 million (31 December 2010 est)
$628.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cayman Islands
$334.3 million (31 December 2008)

Central African Republic
$288.8 million (31 December 2009)
$241.3 million (31 December 2008)

Chad
$920.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
$937.8 million (31 December 2009 est)

Chile
$29.81 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$23.68 billion (31 December 2009 est)

China
$3.838 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.242 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Colombia
$31.83 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$24.41 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Comoros
$104.7 million (31 December 2009)
$98.36 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$613.9 million (31 December 2008)
$597 million (31 December 2007)

Congo, Republic of the
$2.403 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.887 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Costa Rica
$4.504 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.992 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cote d'Ivoire
$5.094 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.959 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Croatia
$8.72 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$8.964 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cuba
$11.57 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$11.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cyprus
$4.341 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.602 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Cypriot pounds
in circulation prior to Cyprus joining the Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU
do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own
borders

Czech Republic
$96.82 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$92.95 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Denmark
$148.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$153.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Djibouti
$577.8 million (31 December 2009)
$462.7 million (31 December 2008)

Dominica
$74.84 million (31 December 2009)
$67.94 million (31 December 2008)

Dominican Republic
$4.734 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.079 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ecuador
$6.198 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.201 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Egypt
$37.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$33.42 billion (31 December 2009 est)

El Salvador
$2.534 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.153 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Equatorial Guinea
$1.86 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.295 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Eritrea
$1.382 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.007 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Estonia
$5.345 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.822 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ethiopia
$4.764 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

European Union
$5.542 trillion (31 December 2008)
$5.649 trillion (31 December 2007)
note: this is the quantity of money, M1, for the euro area,
converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date
indicated; it excludes the stock of money carried by non-euro-area
members of the European Union

Fiji
$748 million (31 December 2008)
$1.042 billion (31 December 2007)

Finland
$108 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$110.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

France
$858.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$862.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Gabon
$1.835 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.623 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Gambia, The
$222.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
$210.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Georgia
$1.175 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.122 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Germany
$1.627 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.681 trillion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Ghana
$6.26 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.203 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Greece
$152.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$172.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Grenada
$123.1 million (31 December 2009)
$131.7 million (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
$6.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$6.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Guinea
$496.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
$459.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Guinea-Bissau
$192.1 million (31 December 2009)
$171.2 million (31 December 2008)

Guyana
$386.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
$252.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Haiti
$787.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
$800 million (31 December 2009 est)

Honduras
$1.296 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.564 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Hong Kong
$84.88 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$75.49 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Hungary
$28.67 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$30.25 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iceland
$4.413 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.438 billion (31 December 2009 est)

India
$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$268.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Indonesia
$65.47 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$49.63 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iran
$50.37 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$48.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iraq
$35.69 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$30.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ireland
$127.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$141 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Israel
$27.58 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$25.16 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Italy
$1.234 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.267 trillion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Jamaica
$1.432 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.371 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Japan
$5.541 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.162 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Jordan
$9.386 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$8.437 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kazakhstan
$20.91 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$16.66 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kenya
$6.333 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.717 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Korea, South
$101.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$82.54 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kuwait
$18.12 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$16.38 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kyrgyzstan
$714.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
$826.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Laos
$630 million (31 December 2010 est)
$691.1 million (31 December 2009)

Latvia
$5.769 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$5.893 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lebanon
$3.692 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.21 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lesotho
$653.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
$509.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Liberia
$206.9 million (31 December 2008)
$145.6 million (31 December 2007)

Libya
$29.85 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$29.82 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lithuania
$8.917 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$8.896 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Luxembourg
$120.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$121 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Macau
$3.831 billion (31 December 2009)
$3.099 billion (31 December 2008)

Macedonia
$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.184 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Madagascar
$1.233 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.228 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Malawi
$626.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
$580.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Malaysia
$69.03 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$57 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Maldives
$460 million (31 October 2009)
$475.2 million (31 December 2008)

Mali
$1.758 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.559 billion (31 December 2008)

Malta
$5.195 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.956 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Maltese liri in
circulation prior to Malta joining the Economic and Monetary Union
(EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not
control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Mauritius
$1.889 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.906 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mexico
$135.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$119.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$29.02 million (31 December 2009)
$21.21 million (31 December 2008)

Moldova
$1.221 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.189 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mongolia
$451.4 million (31 December 2009)
$510.7 million (31 December 2008)

Montenegro
$816.8 million (31 December 2008)
$1.172 billion (31 December 2007)

Montserrat
$14.13 million (31 December 2009)
$14.51 million (31 December 2008)

Morocco
$67.33 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$64.58 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mozambique
$2.657 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.812 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Namibia
$3.049 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.495 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Nepal
$3.03 billion (July 2010)
$2.72 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
$368.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$351.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

New Zealand
$24.15 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$21.81 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Nicaragua
$1.273 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$989.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Niger
$782.6 million (31 December 2009)
$617.9 million (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
$40.41 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$33.61 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Norway
$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Oman
$7.257 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$6.15 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Pakistan
$59.75 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$47.23 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Panama
$5.04 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$4.404 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Papua New Guinea
$2.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.263 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Paraguay
$2.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.107 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Peru
$20.53 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$16.77 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Philippines
$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$24.06 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Poland
$138.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$124.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Portugal
$98.23 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$100.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Qatar
$15.98 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$14.59 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Romania
$24.39 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$26.03 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Russia
$269.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$203.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Rwanda
$602.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
$537.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$94.45 million (31 December 2009)
$93.23 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
$244.3 million (31 December 2009)
$245 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$133 million (31 December 2009)
$138.7 million (31 December 2008)

Samoa
$80.56 million (31 December 2009)
$60.13 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
$NA (31 December 2008)
$1.326 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
$17.18 million (31 December 2010 est)
$19.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Saudi Arabia
$166.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$139.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Senegal
$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.903 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Serbia
$3.554 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.821 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Seychelles
$274.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
$240.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Sierra Leone
$209.4 million (31 December 2009)
$219.1 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
$80.5 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$64.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Slovakia
$34.37 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$34.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Slovak koruny in
circulation prior to Slovakia joining the Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
circulating within their own borders

Slovenia
$10.47 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$10.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: the figure for 2006 represents the US dollar value of tolars
in circulation prior to Slovenia joining the Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
circulating within their own borders

Solomon Islands
$139.9 million (31 December 2009)
$124.4 million (31 December 2008)

South Africa
$65.87 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$52.04 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Spain
$849.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$856.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
within their own borders

Sri Lanka
$4.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.628 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Sudan
$7.713 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$7.003 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Suriname
$608 million (31 December 2009)
$495.6 million (31 December 2008)

Swaziland
$335.7 million (31 December 2010 est)
$273.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Sweden
$225 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$205.2 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Switzerland
$384.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$334.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Syria
$21.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$19.53 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Taiwan
$331.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$317.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Tajikistan
$863 million (31 December 2010 est)
$712.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Tanzania
$3.394 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Thailand
$38 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$34.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Timor-Leste
$102.8 million (31 December 2008)
$74.94 million (31 December 2007)

Togo
$754.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
$789.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Tonga
$44.64 million (31 December 2009)
$36.16 million (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
$3.734 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.407 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Tunisia
$11.49 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$11.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Turkey
$57.02 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$44.94 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Turkmenistan
$573 million (31 December 2010 est)
$469.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Uganda
$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.603 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ukraine
$34.97 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$30 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United Arab Emirates
$68.76 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$60.85 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United Kingdom
$88.62 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United States
$1.74 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$1.722 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Uruguay
$3.706 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$2.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Uzbekistan
$4.895 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.829 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Vanuatu
$229.2 million (31 December 2009)
$177.7 million (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
$69.36 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$93.19 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Vietnam
$33.76 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$31.75 billion (31 December 2009 est)

West Bank
$NA (31 December 2008)
$1.574 billion (31 December 2007)

World
$22.4 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
$20.87 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Yemen
$3.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$3.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Zambia
$1.234 billion (31 December 2010 est)
$983.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Zimbabwe
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)
$2.151 million (31 December 2008 est)
note: the money data for Zimbabwe for 2007 reflected the vastly
overvalued official exchange rate of 30,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US
dollar; at an unofficial rate of 800,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US
dollar, the stock of Zimbabwe dollars, narrowly defined, would equal
only about US$500 million and Zimbabwe's velocity of money (the
number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be
nine, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the
region

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

@2215

Field Listing :: Stock of broad money

This entry covers all of "Narrow money," plus the total quantity of time and savings deposits, credit union deposits, institutional money market funds, short-term repurchase agreements between the central bank and commercial deposit banks, and other large liquid assets held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. In addition to serving as a medium of exchange, broad money includes assets that are slightly less liquid than narrow money and the assets tend to function as a "store of value" - a means of holding wealth. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of broad money

Afghanistan
$4.149 billion (31 December 2009)
$2.915 billion (31 December 2008)

Albania
$9.096 billion (31 December 2009)
$9.279 billion (31 December 2008)

Algeria
$109.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$98.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
$24.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$29.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
$458.9 million (31 December 2009)
$470.6 million (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
$1.186 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.236 billion (31 December 2008)

Argentina
$112.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$85.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
$3.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.339 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Aruba
$1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$1.671 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Australia
$1.134 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$976.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
$402.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$402.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
$11.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$10.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
$5.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$5.893 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahrain
$21.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$18.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$63.03 billion (31 December 2009)

Barbados
$4.563 billion (31 December 2009)
$4.618 billion (31 December 2008)

Belarus
$13.62 billion (31 December 2009)
$14.07 billion (31 December 2008)

Belgium
$539.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$536.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belize
$1.351 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.084 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
$2.424 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.517 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bhutan
$NA (31 December 2009)
$647.6 million (31 December 2008)

Bolivia
$12.16 billion (31 December 2009)
$11.04 billion (31 December 2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
$9.307 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
$6.679 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.357 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
$1.522 trillion (31 December 2009)
$972.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Brunei
$8.569 billion (31 December 2009)
$7.597 billion (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
$35.37 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
$2.406 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
$7.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
$568.3 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$506.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
$4.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.899 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
$4.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.921 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
$1.469 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.144 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
$1.314 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.399 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
$5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Central African Republic
$343.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)
$292.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Chad
$1.257 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.008 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
$160.3 billion (31 December 2009)
$127.5 billion (31 December 2008)

China
$10.08 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.933 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
$104.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$82.39 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
$168.6 million (31 December 2009)
$143.7 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$1.562 billion (31 December 2008
est.)
$1.275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
$2.746 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.178 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
$16.81 billion (31 December 2009)
$15.84 billion (31 December 2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
$7.653 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.437 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
$40.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$42.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
$35.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$35.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
$50.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
$138.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$139 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
$209 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$226.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Djibouti
$940.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)
$800.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominica
$398.5 million (31 December 2009)
$362 million (31 December 2008)

Dominican Republic
$15.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
$18.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$15.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
$166.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$146.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
$9.666 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.011 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
$2.207 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.473 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
$2.872 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.171 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
$10.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
$8.248 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$8.641 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
$11.17 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
$10.83 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)
note: this is the quantity of quasi money, M2-M1, for the euro area,
converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date
indicated; it excludes the stock of quasi money carried by
non-euro-area members of the European Union

Fiji
$NA (31 December 2009)
$1.76 billion (31 December 2008)

Finland
$160.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$168.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
$2.292 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.306 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gabon
$2.764 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.468 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
$453.9 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$438.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Georgia
$2.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
$4.288 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.202 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
$9.583 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
$335.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$368.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Grenada
$743.5 million (31 December 2009)
$719.5 million (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
$25.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$22.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
$830 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$761.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
$209.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)
$189.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Guyana
$1.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$905.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
$3.137 billion (31 December 2009)
$2.958 billion (31 December 2008)

Honduras
$7.618 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$7.064 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
$850.8 billion (31 December 2009)
$808.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Hungary
$67.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$70.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
$19.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$24.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
$1.29 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.04 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
$276.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$205.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
$167.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
$46.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$37.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
$257.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$275.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
$208.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$195.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Italy
$1.884 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.846 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jamaica
$5.782 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.472 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
$18.3 trillion (31 December 2009)
$14.56 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jordan
$35.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$33.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
$65.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$52.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
$15.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
$1.346 trillion (31 December 2009)
$1.132 trillion (31 December 2008)

Kuwait
$88.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$86.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
$1.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.247 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
$1.818 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
$11.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
$92.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$82.07 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
$1.057 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$876 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
$NA (31 December 2009)
$NA (31 December 2008)

Libya
$35.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$36.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
$17.26 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$231.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Macau
$26.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$23.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Macedonia
$4.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.217 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
$2.012 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.994 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
$1.434 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.233 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
$337.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$280.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
$1.065 billion (31 December 2009)
$946.1 million (31 December 2008)

Mali
$2.514 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$2.12 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Malta
$14.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritius
$9.605 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.277 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
$583.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$493 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
$114 million (31 December 2009 est.)
$98 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Moldova
$2.889 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.942 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mongolia
$1.996 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.791 billion (31 December 2008)

Montenegro
$1.406 billion (31 December 2008)
$1.446 billion (31 December 2007)

Montserrat
$69.63 million (31 December 2009)
$62.13 million (31 December 2008)

Morocco
$108.7 billion (31 December 2009)
$99.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
$3.803 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.074 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
$4.756 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.691 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nepal
$10.01 billion (July 2010)
$10.67 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
$1.124 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.133 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
$118.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$108.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
$2.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.586 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
$1.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
$844.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Nigeria
$91.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$72.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
$256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
$22.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$20.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
$85.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$65.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
$24.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$21.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
$4.726 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
$5.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.057 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
$55.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$43.57 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
$91.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$78.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
$251.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$229.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
$282 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$302.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
$65.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$59.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
$63.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$61.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
$650.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$645.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
$1.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.068 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
$823.8 million (31 December 2009)
$787.8 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
$1.094 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.061 billion (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$444.4 million (31 December 2009)
$453.5 million (31 December 2008)

Samoa
$283.2 million (31 December 2009)
$222.9 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
$NA (31 December 2008)
$4.584 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
$82.2 million (31 December 2009)
$64.79 million (31 December 2008)

Saudi Arabia
$286.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$274.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
$4.603 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.745 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
$18.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$17.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
$415 million (31 December 2010 est.)
$352 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
$437 million (31 December 2009)
$434.3 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
$295.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
$52.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$52.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
$24.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$25.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
$227.1 million (31 December 2009)
$195.9 million (31 December 2008)

South Africa
$256.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$199.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
$2.264 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.451 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
$19.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$16.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
$13.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
$1.809 billion (31 December 2009)
$1.573 billion (31 December 2008)

Swaziland
$1.266 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$920.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
$293.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$260.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
$834.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$764.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Syria
$161 billion (31 December 2009)
$147.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Taiwan
$952.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$891.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$851.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
$7.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
$354.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$309.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
$268.4 million (31 December 2009)
$192.7 million (31 December 2008)

Togo
$1.238 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$1.306 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
$153.8 million (31 December 2009)
$136.9 million (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
$12.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$11.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
$29.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$26.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$202.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$1.053 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$912.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
$3.905 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.322 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
$73.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$228.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$201.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$3.344 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.199 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
$12.39 trillion (31 December 2009)
$12.46 trillion (31 December 2008)

Uruguay
$14.22 billion (31 December 2009)
$11.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Uzbekistan
$7.197 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.648 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$614.2 million (31 December 2009)
$531.6 million (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
$78.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$107 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$118.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$107.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

West Bank
$5.567 billion (31 December 2009)
$5.251 billion (31 December 2008)

World
$75.86 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$68.54 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
$9.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$9.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$3.573 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.744 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$3.057 million (31 December 2009 est.)
$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

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Rank code: 2001

Country Comparison :: GDP (purchasing power parity)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller.

Rank country GDP (purchasing power parity) Date of Information

1 European Union $ 14,890,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 United States $ 14,720,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 China $ 9,872,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 4,338,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 India $ 4,046,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 Germany $ 2,951,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 Russia $ 2,229,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 Brazil $ 2,194,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 United Kingdom $ 2,189,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 France $ 2,160,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Italy $ 1,782,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 Mexico $ 1,560,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Korea, South $ 1,467,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Spain $ 1,374,000,000,000 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 1,335,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Indonesia $ 1,033,000,000,000 2010 est. 17 Turkey $ 958,300,000,000 2010 est. 18 Australia $ 889,600,000,000 2010 est. 19 Iran $ 863,500,000,000 2010 est. 20 Taiwan $ 807,200,000,000 2010 est. 21 Poland $ 721,700,000,000 2010 est. 22 Netherlands $ 680,400,000,000 2010 est. 23 Saudi Arabia $ 622,500,000,000 2010 est. 24 Argentina $ 596,000,000,000 2010 est. 25 Thailand $ 580,300,000,000 2010 est. 26 South Africa $ 527,500,000,000 2010 est. 27 Egypt $ 500,900,000,000 2010 est. 28 Pakistan $ 451,200,000,000 2010 est. 29 Colombia $ 431,900,000,000 2010 est. 30 Malaysia $ 416,400,000,000 2010 est. 31 Belgium $ 394,900,000,000 2010 est. 32 Nigeria $ 369,800,000,000 2010 est. 33 Sweden $ 354,000,000,000 2010 est. 34 Philippines $ 351,200,000,000 2010 est. 35 Venezuela $ 344,200,000,000 2010 est. 36 Austria $ 332,900,000,000 2010 est. 37 Switzerland $ 326,900,000,000 2010 est. 38 Hong Kong $ 323,300,000,000 2010 est. 39 Greece $ 321,700,000,000 2010 est. 40 Ukraine $ 306,300,000,000 2010 est. 41 Singapore $ 292,200,000,000 2010 est. 42 Vietnam $ 278,100,000,000 2010 est. 43 Norway $ 276,400,000,000 2010 est. 44 Peru $ 274,700,000,000 2010 est. 45 Czech Republic $ 261,500,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 260,000,000,000 2010 est. 47 Bangladesh $ 259,300,000,000 2010 est. 48 Algeria $ 254,700,000,000 2010 est. 49 Romania $ 253,300,000,000 2010 est. 50 Portugal $ 247,000,000,000 2010 est. 51 Israel $ 217,100,000,000 2010 est. 52 Denmark $ 204,100,000,000 2010 est. 53 United Arab Emirates $ 199,800,000,000 2010 est. 54 Kazakhstan $ 193,800,000,000 2010 est. 55 Hungary $ 190,000,000,000 2010 est. 56 Finland $ 185,400,000,000 2010 est. 57 Ireland $ 174,000,000,000 2010 est. 58 Morocco $ 153,800,000,000 2010 est. 59 Kuwait $ 144,300,000,000 2010 est. 60 Belarus $ 128,400,000,000 2010 est. 61 Qatar $ 122,200,000,000 2010 est. 62 Slovakia $ 121,300,000,000 2010 est. 63 New Zealand $ 119,200,000,000 2010 est. 64 Iraq $ 117,700,000,000 2010 est. 65 Ecuador $ 114,700,000,000 2010 est. 66 Angola $ 114,100,000,000 2010 est. 67 Cuba $ 114,100,000,000 2010 est. 68 Syria $ 106,400,000,000 2010 est. 69 Sri Lanka $ 104,700,000,000 2010 est. 70 Tunisia $ 100,300,000,000 2010 est. 71 Sudan $ 98,790,000,000 2010 est. 72 Bulgaria $ 91,830,000,000 2010 est. 73 Azerbaijan $ 90,150,000,000 2010 est. 74 Libya $ 89,030,000,000 2010 est. 75 Uzbekistan $ 86,070,000,000 2010 est. 76 Dominican Republic $ 84,940,000,000 2010 est. 77 Ethiopia $ 84,020,000,000 2010 est. 78 Serbia $ 80,650,000,000 2010 est. 79 Croatia $ 78,520,000,000 2010 est. 80 Oman $ 76,530,000,000 2010 est. 81 Guatemala $ 70,310,000,000 2010 est. 82 Kenya $ 65,950,000,000 2010 est. 83 Puerto Rico $ 64,840,000,000 2010 est. 84 Tanzania $ 62,220,000,000 2010 est. 85 Yemen $ 61,880,000,000 2010 est. 86 Burma $ 60,070,000,000 2010 est. 87 Lebanon $ 58,650,000,000 2010 est. 88 Slovenia $ 56,810,000,000 2010 est. 89 Lithuania $ 56,220,000,000 2010 est. 90 Costa Rica $ 51,300,000,000 2010 est. 91 Bolivia $ 47,980,000,000 2010 est. 92 Uruguay $ 47,800,000,000 2010 est. 93 Cameroon $ 44,650,000,000 2010 est. 94 El Salvador $ 43,980,000,000 2010 est. 95 Panama $ 43,480,000,000 2010 est. 96 Uganda $ 41,700,000,000 2010 est. 97 Luxembourg $ 40,810,000,000 2010 est. 98 Korea, North $ 40,000,000,000 2009 est. 99 Ghana $ 38,240,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cote d'Ivoire $ 37,800,000,000 2010 est. 101 Turkmenistan $ 36,640,000,000 2010 est. 102 Nepal $ 35,310,000,000 2010 est. 103 Jordan $ 33,790,000,000 2010 est. 104 Honduras $ 33,770,000,000 2010 est. 105 Latvia $ 32,200,000,000 2010 est. 106 Paraguay $ 30,940,000,000 2010 est. 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 30,560,000,000 2010 est. 108 Bahrain $ 29,820,000,000 2010 est. 109 Afghanistan $ 29,810,000,000 2010 est. 110 Cambodia $ 29,460,000,000 2010 est. 111 Trinidad and Tobago $ 27,100,000,000 2010 est. 112 Botswana $ 26,560,000,000 2010 est. 113 Equatorial Guinea $ 24,660,000,000 2010 est. 114 Estonia $ 24,530,000,000 2010 est. 115 Albania $ 23,950,000,000 2010 est. 116 Jamaica $ 23,930,000,000 2010 est. 117 Senegal $ 23,860,000,000 2010 est. 118 Cyprus $ 23,180,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 22,920,000,000 2010 est. 120 Gabon $ 22,540,000,000 2010 est. 121 Georgia $ 22,320,000,000 2010 est. 122 Mozambique $ 22,190,000,000 2010 est. 123 Madagascar $ 20,730,000,000 2010 est. 124 Burkina Faso $ 20,060,000,000 2010 est. 125 Zambia $ 20,030,000,000 2010 est. 126 Brunei $ 19,880,000,000 2010 est. 127 Macedonia $ 19,460,000,000 2010 est. 128 Chad $ 18,560,000,000 2010 est. 129 Macau $ 18,470,000,000 2009 est. 130 Mauritius $ 17,490,000,000 2010 est. 131 Congo, Republic of the $ 17,450,000,000 2010 est. 132 Nicaragua $ 17,340,000,000 2010 est. 133 Armenia $ 17,270,000,000 2010 est. 134 Mali $ 16,740,000,000 2010 est. 135 Laos $ 15,420,000,000 2010 est. 136 Papua New Guinea $ 14,930,000,000 2010 est. 137 Namibia $ 14,640,000,000 2010 est. 138 Tajikistan $ 14,610,000,000 2010 est. 139 Benin $ 14,200,000,000 2010 est. 140 Malawi $ 13,510,000,000 2010 est. 141 West Bank $ 12,790,000,000 2009 est. 142 Iceland $ 11,860,000,000 2010 est. 143 Kyrgyzstan $ 11,850,000,000 2010 est. 144 Rwanda $ 11,840,000,000 2010 est. 145 Haiti $ 11,180,000,000 2010 est. 146 Guinea $ 10,600,000,000 2010 est. 147 Moldova $ 10,600,000,000 2010 est. 148 Niger $ 10,580,000,000 2010 est. 149 Malta $ 10,210,000,000 2010 est. 150 Mongolia $ 10,160,000,000 2010 est. 151 Bahamas, The $ 8,878,000,000 2010 est. 152 Mauritania $ 6,800,000,000 2010 est. 153 Montenegro $ 6,569,000,000 2010 est. 154 Barbados $ 6,196,000,000 2010 est. 155 Swaziland $ 6,055,000,000 2010 est. 156 Togo $ 5,927,000,000 2010 est. 157 Somalia $ 5,896,000,000 2010 est. 158 Kosovo $ 5,300,000,000 2008 159 Jersey $ 5,100,000,000 2005 est. 160 Guyana $ 5,069,000,000 2010 est. 161 Sierra Leone $ 4,812,000,000 2010 est. 162 Suriname $ 4,794,000,000 2010 est. 163 French Polynesia $ 4,718,000,000 2004 est. 164 Bermuda $ 4,500,000,000 2004 est. 165 Zimbabwe $ 4,395,000,000 2010 est. 166 Andorra $ 4,220,000,000 2008 167 Eritrea $ 4,178,000,000 2010 est. 168 Liechtenstein $ 4,160,000,000 2007 169 Fiji $ 3,792,000,000 2010 est. 170 Bhutan $ 3,526,000,000 2010 est. 171 Central African Republic $ 3,468,000,000 2010 est. 172 Burundi $ 3,418,000,000 2010 est. 173 Gambia, The $ 3,406,000,000 2010 est. 174 Lesotho $ 3,310,000,000 2010 est. 175 New Caledonia $ 3,158,000,000 2003 est. 176 Timor-Leste $ 3,004,000,000 2010 est. 177 Curacao $ 2,838,000,000 2008 est. 178 Guernsey $ 2,742,000,000 2005 179 Isle of Man $ 2,719,000,000 2005 est. 180 Belize $ 2,652,000,000 2010 est. 181 Aruba $ 2,258,000,000 2005 est. 182 Cayman Islands $ 2,250,000,000 2008 est. 183 Djibouti $ 2,099,000,000 2010 est. 184 Greenland $ 2,030,000,000 2008 est. 185 Seychelles $ 1,908,000,000 2010 est. 186 Cape Verde $ 1,861,000,000 2010 est. 187 Saint Lucia $ 1,789,000,000 2010 est. 188 Guinea-Bissau $ 1,769,000,000 2010 est. 189 Maldives $ 1,767,000,000 2010 est. 190 Liberia $ 1,760,000,000 2010 est. 191 San Marino $ 1,662,000,000 2007 192 Faroe Islands $ 1,642,000,000 2008 est. 193 Virgin Islands $ 1,577,000,000 2004 est. 194 Solomon Islands $ 1,559,000,000 2010 est. 195 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,433,000,000 2010 est. 196 Vanuatu $ 1,216,000,000 2010 est. 197 Grenada $ 1,127,000,000 2010 est. 198 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 1,107,000,000 2010 est. 199 Gibraltar $ 1,106,000,000 2006 est. 200 Samoa $ 1,002,000,000 2010 est. 201 Monaco $ 976,300,000 2006 est. 202 Mayotte $ 953,600,000 2005 est. 203 Northern Mariana Islands $ 900,000,000 2000 est. 204 Western Sahara $ 900,000,000 2007 est. 205 British Virgin Islands $ 853,400,000 2004 est. 206 Sint Maarten $ 794,700,000 2008 est. 207 Comoros $ 789,400,000 2010 est. 208 Tonga $ 767,000,000 2010 est. 209 Dominica $ 765,400,000 2010 est. 210 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 719,500,000 2010 est. 211 Kiribati $ 619,500,000 2010 est. 212 American Samoa $ 575,300,000 2007 est. 213 Sao Tome and Principe $ 316,900,000 2010 est. 214 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 238,100,000 2008 est. 215 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 216,000,000 2002 est. 216 Cook Islands $ 183,200,000 2005 est. 217 Anguilla $ 175,400,000 2009 est. 218 Palau $ 164,000,000 2008 est. 219 Marshall Islands $ 133,500,000 2008 est. 220 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 105,100,000 2002 est. 221 Nauru $ 60,000,000 2005 est. 222 Wallis and Futuna $ 60,000,000 2004 est. 223 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 48,300,000 2003 est. 224 Montserrat $ 29,000,000 2002 est. 225 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 18,000,000 1998 est. 226 Tuvalu $ 14,940,000 2002 est. 227 Niue $ 10,010,000 2003 est. 228 Tokelau $ 1,500,000 1993 est.

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Rank code: 2002

Country Comparison :: Population growth rate

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Niger 3.66 2010 est. 2 Uganda 3.56 2010 est. 3 Burundi 3.56 2010 est. 4 United Arab Emirates 3.56 2010 est. 5 Kuwait 3.50 2010 est. 6 Gaza Strip 3.29 2010 est. 7 Ethiopia 3.20 2010 est. 8 Mayotte 3.17 2010 est. 9 Western Sahara 3.17 2010 est. 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.17 2010 est. 11 Zambia 3.12 2010 est. 12 Burkina Faso 3.10 2010 est. 13 Madagascar 2.99 2010 est. 14 Zimbabwe 2.95 2010 est. 15 Benin 2.94 2010 est. 16 Rwanda 2.82 2010 est. 17 Somalia 2.81 2010 est. 18 Congo, Republic of the 2.81 2010 est. 19 Liberia 2.78 2010 est. 20 Togo 2.77 2010 est. 21 Malawi 2.76 2010 est. 22 Comoros 2.73 2010 est. 23 Yemen 2.71 2010 est. 24 Equatorial Guinea 2.67 2010 est. 25 Guinea 2.65 2010 est. 26 Mali 2.61 2010 est. 27 Kenya 2.59 2010 est. 28 Senegal 2.58 2010 est. 29 Gambia, The 2.53 2010 est. 30 Eritrea 2.52 2010 est. 31 Sudan 2.50 2010 est. 32 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.49 2010 est. 33 Afghanistan 2.47 2010 est. 34 Iraq 2.45 2010 est. 35 Mauritania 2.37 2010 est. 36 Cayman Islands 2.34 2010 est. 37 Solomon Islands 2.27 2010 est. 38 Sierra Leone 2.22 2010 est. 39 Anguilla 2.22 2010 est. 40 Djibouti 2.18 2010 est. 41 Jordan 2.16 2010 est. 42 Cameroon 2.16 2010 est. 43 Central African Republic 2.15 2010 est. 44 West Bank 2.13 2010 est. 45 Libya 2.12 2010 est. 46 Sao Tome and Principe 2.11 2010 est. 47 Cote d'Ivoire 2.11 2010 est. 48 Belize 2.10 2010 est. 49 Angola 2.06 2010 est. 50 Chad 2.04 2010 est. 51 Papua New Guinea 2.03 2010 est. 52 Tanzania 2.03 2010 est. 53 Gabon 2.03 2010 est. 54 Marshall Islands 2.02 2010 est. 55 Guatemala 2.02 2010 est. 56 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 est. 58 Egypt 2.00 2010 est. 59 Oman 2.00 2010 est. 60 Nigeria 1.97 2010 est. 61 Syria 1.95 2010 est. 62 Honduras 1.94 2010 est. 63 Philippines 1.93 2010 est. 64 Ghana 1.86 2010 est. 65 Tajikistan 1.85 2010 est. 66 Botswana 1.84 2010 est. 67 Mozambique 1.80 2010 est. 68 British Virgin Islands 1.78 2010 est. 69 Nicaragua 1.74 2010 est. 70 Brunei 1.73 2010 est. 71 Bolivia 1.72 2010 est. 72 Laos 1.71 2010 est. 73 Cambodia 1.71 2010 est. 74 Cyprus 1.66 2010 est. 75 Israel 1.63 2010 est. 76 Malaysia 1.61 2010 est. 77 Pakistan 1.59 2010 est. 78 New Caledonia 1.56 2010 est. 79 Bangladesh 1.55 2010 est. 80 Saudi Arabia 1.55 2010 est. 81 Venezuela 1.52 2010 est. 82 Mongolia 1.50 2010 est. 83 Ecuador 1.47 2010 est. 84 Panama 1.46 2010 est. 85 Cape Verde 1.46 2010 est. 86 Aruba 1.46 2010 est. 87 Nepal 1.42 2010 est. 88 Kyrgyzstan 1.41 2010 est. 89 India 1.38 2010 est. 90 Vanuatu 1.36 2010 est. 91 Dominican Republic 1.36 2010 est. 92 French Polynesia 1.36 2010 est. 93 Costa Rica 1.35 2010 est. 94 Paraguay 1.31 2010 est. 95 Antigua and Barbuda 1.30 2010 est. 96 Tonga 1.28 2010 est. 97 Turkey 1.27 2010 est. 98 Kiribati 1.27 2010 est. 99 Iran 1.25 2010 est. 100 Bahrain 1.24 2010 est. 101 Bhutan 1.24 2010 est. 102 Swaziland 1.21 2010 est. 103 American Samoa 1.21 2010 est. 104 Peru 1.19 2010 est. 105 Colombia 1.18 2010 est. 106 Algeria 1.18 2010 est. 107 Australia 1.17 2010 est. 108 Brazil 1.17 2010 est. 109 Luxembourg 1.16 2010 est. 110 Turkmenistan 1.14 2010 est. 111 World 1.13 2009 est. 112 Mexico 1.12 2010 est. 113 Suriname 1.11 2010 est. 114 San Marino 1.11 2010 est. 115 Indonesia 1.10 2010 est. 116 Burma 1.10 2010 est. 117 Vietnam 1.10 2010 est. 118 Morocco 1.08 2010 est. 119 Argentina 1.04 2010 est. 120 Ireland 1.01 2010 est. 121 United States 0.97 2010 est. 122 Tunisia 0.97 2010 est. 123 Isle of Man 0.97 2010 est. 124 Seychelles 0.97 2010 est. 125 Uzbekistan 0.94 2010 est. 126 Bahamas, The 0.94 2010 est. 127 Namibia 0.91 2010 est. 128 New Zealand 0.90 2010 est. 129 Macau 0.89 2010 est. 130 Qatar 0.87 2010 est. 131 Singapore 0.86 2010 est. 132 Sri Lanka 0.86 2010 est. 133 Jersey 0.86 2010 est. 134 Chile 0.86 2010 est. 135 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.84 2010 est. 136 Fiji 0.83 2010 est. 137 Azerbaijan 0.81 2010 est. 138 Canada 0.80 2010 est. 139 Haiti 0.79 2011 est. 140 Mauritius 0.75 2010 est. 141 Jamaica 0.75 2010 est. 142 Iceland 0.70 2010 est. 143 Liechtenstein 0.68 2010 est. 144 Tuvalu 0.66 2010 est. 145 Thailand 0.65 2010 est. 146 Lebanon 0.62 2010 est. 147 Bermuda 0.62 2010 est. 148 Samoa 0.61 2010 est. 149 Nauru 0.59 2010 est. 150 Grenada 0.56 2010 est. 151 United Kingdom 0.56 2010 est. 152 France 0.53 2010 est. 153 China 0.49 2010 est. 154 Spain 0.49 2010 est. 155 Hong Kong 0.48 2010 est. 156 Guernsey 0.47 2010 est. 157 Uruguay 0.45 2010 est. 158 Faroe Islands 0.42 2010 est. 159 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.40 2010 est. 160 Kazakhstan 0.40 2010 est. 161 Saint Lucia 0.40 2010 est. 162 Malta 0.39 2010 est. 163 Montserrat 0.39 2010 est. 164 Netherlands 0.39 2010 est. 165 Korea, North 0.39 2010 est. 166 Andorra 0.38 2010 est. 167 Barbados 0.37 2010 est. 168 Palau 0.37 2010 est. 169 Wallis and Futuna 0.37 2010 est. 170 Norway 0.33 2010 est. 171 El Salvador 0.33 2010 est. 172 Lesotho 0.28 2010 est. 173 Gibraltar 0.27 2010 est. 174 Puerto Rico 0.27 2010 est. 175 Denmark 0.27 2010 est. 176 Korea, South 0.26 2010 est. 177 Macedonia 0.26 2010 est. 178 Albania 0.25 2010 est. 179 Portugal 0.24 2010 est. 180 Switzerland 0.22 2010 est. 181 Cuba 0.22 2010 est. 182 Dominica 0.21 2010 est. 183 Taiwan 0.21 2010 est. 184 Sweden 0.16 2010 est. 185 Slovakia 0.13 2010 est. 186 Greece 0.11 2010 est. 187 Finland 0.08 2010 est. 188 Belgium 0.08 2010 est. 189 Greenland 0.06 2010 est. 190 Austria 0.04 2010 est. 191 Armenia 0.02 2010 est. 192 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.02 2010 est. 193 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.01 2009 est. 194 Norfolk Island 0.01 2010 est. 195 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2010 est. 196 Christmas Island 0.00 2010 est. 197 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2010 est. 198 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2010 est. 199 Tokelau -0.01 2010 est. 200 Svalbard -0.02 2010 est. 201 Niue -0.03 2010 est. 202 South Africa -0.05 2010 est. 203 Poland -0.05 2010 est. 204 Croatia -0.06 2010 est. 205 Germany -0.06 2010 est. 206 Moldova -0.07 2010 est. 207 Virgin Islands -0.07 2010 est. 208 Italy -0.08 2010 est. 209 Trinidad and Tobago -0.09 2010 est. 210 Czech Republic -0.11 2010 est. 211 Slovenia -0.14 2010 est. 212 Hungary -0.16 2010 est. 213 Maldives -0.18 2010 est. 214 Monaco -0.18 2010 est. 215 Japan -0.24 2010 est. 216 Romania -0.25 2010 est. 217 Lithuania -0.28 2010 est. 218 Micronesia, Federated States of -0.28 2010 est. 219 Georgia -0.33 2010 est. 220 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -0.34 2010 est. 221 Belarus -0.37 2010 est. 222 Russia -0.47 2010 est. 223 Serbia -0.47 2010 est. 224 Guyana -0.55 2010 est. 225 Latvia -0.60 2010 est. 226 Ukraine -0.62 2010 est. 227 Estonia -0.64 2010 est. 228 Bulgaria -0.77 2010 est. 229 Montenegro -0.78 2010 est. 230 Saint Pierre and Miquelon -0.91 2010 est. 231 Cook Islands -3.26 2010 est. 232 Northern Mariana Islands -5.57 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2003

Country Comparison :: GDP - real growth rate

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Qatar 19.40 2010 est. 2 Singapore 14.60 2010 est. 3 Turkmenistan 11.00 2010 est. 4 Congo, Republic of the 10.50 2010 est. 5 China 10.30 2010 est. 6 Afghanistan 8.90 2010 est. 7 India 8.30 2010 est. 8 Mozambique 8.30 2010 est. 9 Taiwan 8.30 2010 est. 10 Uzbekistan 8.20 2010 est. 11 Timor-Leste 8.00 2010 est. 12 Peru 7.80 2010 est. 13 Thailand 7.60 2010 est. 14 Argentina 7.50 2010 est. 15 Brazil 7.50 2010 est. 16 Turkey 7.30 2010 est. 17 Lebanon 7.20 2010 est. 18 Malaysia 7.10 2010 est. 19 Uruguay 7.10 2010 est. 20 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 est. 21 Zambia 7.00 2010 est. 22 West Bank 7.00 2009 est. 23 Mongolia 7.00 2010 est. 24 Laos 7.00 2010 est. 25 Sri Lanka 6.90 2010 est. 26 Bhutan 6.80 2010 est. 27 Nigeria 6.80 2010 est. 28 Vietnam 6.80 2010 est. 29 Philippines 6.70 2010 est. 30 Malawi 6.50 2010 est. 31 Paraguay 6.50 2010 est. 32 Tanzania 6.40 2010 est. 33 Niue 6.20 2003 est. 34 Papua New Guinea 6.20 2010 est. 35 Korea, South 6.10 2010 est. 36 Bangladesh 6.00 2010 est. 37 Sao Tome and Principe 6.00 2010 est. 38 Rwanda 6.00 2010 est. 39 Indonesia 6.00 2010 est. 40 Liberia 6.00 2010 est. 41 Angola 5.90 2010 est. 42 Uganda 5.80 2010 est. 43 Hong Kong 5.70 2010 est. 44 Georgia 5.50 2010 est. 45 Tajikistan 5.50 2010 est. 46 Iraq 5.50 2010 est. 47 Gabon 5.40 2010 est. 48 Chile 5.30 2010 est. 49 Egypt 5.30 2010 est. 50 Burkina Faso 5.20 2010 est. 51 Isle of Man 5.20 2005 52 Yemen 5.20 2010 est. 53 Sudan 5.20 2010 est. 54 Sierra Leone 5.20 2010 est. 55 Mali 5.20 2010 est. 56 Panama 5.10 2010 est. 57 Gambia, The 5.00 2010 est. 58 Mauritania 5.00 2010 est. 59 Mexico 5.00 2010 est. 60 Kazakhstan 4.90 2010 est. 61 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.90 2000 est. 62 Belarus 4.80 2010 est. 63 Djibouti 4.80 2010 est. 64 Armenia 4.70 2010 est. 65 Ghana 4.70 2010 est. 66 World 4.60 2010 est. 67 Bermuda 4.60 2004 est. 68 Cape Verde 4.50 2010 est. 69 Colombia 4.40 2010 est. 70 San Marino 4.30 2007 est. 71 Ukraine 4.30 2010 est. 72 Dominican Republic 4.20 2010 est. 73 Morocco 4.20 2010 est. 74 Algeria 4.10 2010 est. 75 Namibia 4.10 2010 est. 76 Vanuatu 4.10 2010 est. 77 Sweden 4.10 2010 est. 78 Cambodia 4.10 2010 est. 79 Zimbabwe 4.10 2010 est. 80 Eritrea 4.00 2010 est. 81 Kenya 4.00 2010 est. 82 Slovakia 4.00 2010 est. 83 Syria 4.00 2010 est. 84 Bahrain 3.90 2010 est. 85 Burundi 3.90 2010 est. 86 Senegal 3.90 2010 est. 87 Bolivia 3.80 2010 est. 88 Russia 3.80 2010 est. 89 Saudi Arabia 3.80 2010 est. 90 Azerbaijan 3.70 2010 est. 91 Gibraltar 3.70 2006 92 Central African Republic 3.70 2010 est. 93 Cote d'Ivoire 3.60 2010 est. 94 Mauritius 3.60 2010 est. 95 Oman 3.60 2010 est. 96 Costa Rica 3.50 2010 est. 97 Lesotho 3.50 2010 est. 98 Curacao 3.50 2008 99 Suriname 3.50 2010 est. 100 Seychelles 3.50 2010 est. 101 Niger 3.50 2010 est. 102 Nepal 3.50 2010 est. 103 Israel 3.40 2010 est. 104 Tunisia 3.40 2010 est. 105 Maldives 3.40 2010 est. 106 Australia 3.30 2010 est. 107 Togo 3.30 2010 est. 108 Poland 3.30 2010 est. 109 Germany 3.30 2010 est. 110 Libya 3.30 2010 est. 111 Jordan 3.20 2010 est. 112 Luxembourg 3.20 2010 est. 113 Kuwait 3.20 2010 est. 114 Albania 3.10 2010 est. 115 Moldova 3.10 2010 est. 116 Liechtenstein 3.10 2007 est. 117 Burma 3.10 2010 est. 118 Botswana 3.10 2010 est. 119 American Samoa 3.00 2003 120 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.00 2010 est. 121 Guernsey 3.00 2005 est. 122 Iran 3.00 2010 est. 123 Tuvalu 3.00 2006 est. 124 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 125 Japan 3.00 2010 est. 126 Guinea 3.00 2010 est. 127 Benin 3.00 2010 est. 128 Canada 3.00 2010 est. 129 Cameroon 2.80 2010 est. 130 Nicaragua 2.80 2010 est. 131 Solomon Islands 2.80 2010 est. 132 Switzerland 2.80 2010 est. 133 United States 2.80 2010 est. 134 French Polynesia 2.70 2005 135 Pakistan 2.70 2010 est. 136 Andorra 2.60 2008 est. 137 United Arab Emirates 2.60 2010 est. 138 Somalia 2.60 2010 est. 139 Guyana 2.50 2010 est. 140 Honduras 2.50 2010 est. 141 Aruba 2.40 2005 est. 142 Ecuador 2.40 2010 est. 143 Guatemala 2.20 2010 est. 144 Finland 2.10 2010 est. 145 Trinidad and Tobago 2.10 2010 est. 146 New Zealand 2.10 2010 est. 147 Austria 2.00 2010 est. 148 Chad 2.00 2010 est. 149 Virgin Islands 2.00 2002 est. 150 Swaziland 2.00 2010 est. 151 Malta 2.00 2010 est. 152 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 est. 153 Estonia 1.90 2010 est. 154 Czech Republic 1.80 2010 est. 155 Denmark 1.80 2010 est. 156 Fiji 1.80 2010 est. 157 Guinea-Bissau 1.80 2010 est. 158 Serbia 1.80 2010 est. 159 Comoros 1.70 2010 est. 160 European Union 1.70 2010 est. 161 Netherlands 1.70 2010 est. 162 Belgium 1.60 2010 est. 163 United Kingdom 1.60 2010 est. 164 Sint Maarten 1.60 2008 est. 165 France 1.60 2010 est. 166 Belize 1.50 2010 est. 167 Norway 1.50 2010 est. 168 Madagascar 1.50 2010 est. 169 Macedonia 1.50 2010 est. 170 Kiribati 1.50 2010 est. 171 Greenland 1.50 2008 est. 172 Cuba 1.50 2010 est. 173 Dominica 1.40 2010 est. 174 El Salvador 1.20 2010 est. 175 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.10 2010 est. 176 Cayman Islands 1.10 2008 est. 177 Italy 1.10 2010 est. 178 Saint Lucia 1.10 2010 est. 179 Brunei 1.00 2010 est. 180 Slovenia 1.00 2010 est. 181 Macau 1.00 2009 est. 182 Portugal 1.00 2010 est. 183 Grenada 0.80 2010 est. 184 Hungary 0.80 2010 est. 185 Cyprus 0.60 2010 est. 186 Faroe Islands 0.50 2008 est. 187 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.50 2010 est. 188 Lithuania 0.40 2010 est. 189 Cook Islands 0.10 2005 est. 190 Bulgaria 0.00 2010 est. 191 Marshall Islands -0.30 2008 est. 192 Spain -0.40 2010 est. 193 Bahamas, The -0.50 2010 est. 194 Tonga -0.50 2010 est. 195 British Virgin Islands -0.60 2008 est. 196 Ireland -0.60 2010 est. 197 Barbados -0.70 2010 est. 198 Jamaica -0.80 2010 est. 199 Korea, North -0.90 2009 est. 200 Montserrat -1.00 2002 est. 201 Croatia -1.40 2010 est. 202 Saint Kitts and Nevis -1.50 2010 est. 203 Latvia -1.80 2010 est. 204 Montenegro -1.80 2010 est. 205 Romania -1.90 2010 est. 206 Samoa -2.00 2010 est. 207 Venezuela -2.80 2010 est. 208 Iceland -3.40 2010 est. 209 Kyrgyzstan -3.50 2010 est. 210 Antigua and Barbuda -4.10 2010 est. 211 Greece -4.80 2010 est. 212 Puerto Rico -5.80 2010 est. 213 Haiti -8.00 2010 est. 214 Anguilla -8.50 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2004

Country Comparison :: GDP - per capita (PPP)

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

Rank country GDP - per capita (PPP) Date of Information

1 Qatar $ 145,300 2010 est. 2 Liechtenstein $ 122,100 2007 est. 3 Luxembourg $ 81,800 2010 est. 4 Bermuda $ 69,900 2004 est. 5 Singapore $ 62,200 2010 est. 6 Norway $ 59,100 2010 est. 7 Jersey $ 57,000 2005 est. 8 Kuwait $ 51,700 2010 est. 9 Brunei $ 50,300 2010 est. 10 United States $ 47,400 2010 est. 11 Hong Kong $ 45,600 2010 est. 12 Andorra $ 44,900 2008 13 Guernsey $ 44,600 2005 14 Cayman Islands $ 43,800 2004 est. 15 Switzerland $ 42,900 2010 est. 16 San Marino $ 41,900 2007 17 Australia $ 41,300 2010 est. 18 Netherlands $ 40,500 2010 est. 19 Bahrain $ 40,400 2010 est. 20 Austria $ 40,300 2010 est. 21 United Arab Emirates $ 40,200 2010 est. 22 Canada $ 39,600 2010 est. 23 Sweden $ 39,000 2010 est. 24 British Virgin Islands $ 38,500 2004 est. 25 Gibraltar $ 38,400 2006 est. 26 Iceland $ 38,400 2010 est. 27 Belgium $ 37,900 2010 est. 28 Equatorial Guinea $ 37,900 2010 est. 29 Ireland $ 37,600 2010 est. 30 Denmark $ 37,000 2010 est. 31 Germany $ 35,900 2010 est. 32 Greenland $ 35,900 2007 est. 33 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 35,400 2002 est. 34 Finland $ 35,300 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom $ 35,100 2010 est. 36 Taiwan $ 35,100 2010 est. 37 Isle of Man $ 35,000 2005 est. 38 Japan $ 34,200 2010 est. 39 Faroe Islands $ 34,000 2008 est. 40 France $ 33,300 2010 est. 41 Macau $ 33,000 2009 42 European Union $ 32,900 2010 est. 43 Italy $ 30,700 2010 est. 44 Greece $ 30,200 2010 est. 45 Korea, South $ 30,200 2010 est. 46 Monaco $ 30,000 2006 est. 47 Israel $ 29,500 2010 est. 48 Spain $ 29,500 2010 est. 49 Bahamas, The $ 28,600 2010 est. 50 Slovenia $ 28,400 2010 est. 51 New Zealand $ 28,000 2010 est. 52 Oman $ 25,800 2010 est. 53 Czech Republic $ 25,600 2010 est. 54 Malta $ 25,100 2010 est. 55 Saudi Arabia $ 24,200 2010 est. 56 Portugal $ 23,000 2010 est. 57 Slovakia $ 22,200 2010 est. 58 Trinidad and Tobago $ 22,100 2010 est. 59 Aruba $ 21,800 2004 est. 60 Barbados $ 21,700 2010 est. 61 Seychelles $ 21,600 2010 est. 62 Cyprus $ 21,000 2010 est. 63 Estonia $ 19,000 2010 est. 64 Hungary $ 19,000 2010 est. 65 Poland $ 18,800 2010 est. 66 French Polynesia $ 18,000 2004 est. 67 Croatia $ 17,500 2010 est. 68 Antigua and Barbuda $ 16,500 2010 est. 69 Puerto Rico $ 16,300 2010 est. 70 Lithuania $ 15,900 2010 est. 71 Russia $ 15,900 2010 est. 72 Chile $ 15,500 2010 est. 73 Sint Maarten $ 15,400 2008 est. 74 New Caledonia $ 15,000 2003 est. 75 Curacao $ 14,970 2004 est. 76 Argentina $ 14,700 2010 est. 77 Malaysia $ 14,700 2010 est. 78 Gabon $ 14,600 2010 est. 79 Latvia $ 14,500 2010 est. 80 Virgin Islands $ 14,500 2004 est. 81 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 14,400 2010 est. 82 Lebanon $ 14,200 2010 est. 83 Libya $ 13,800 2010 est. 84 Mexico $ 13,800 2010 est. 85 Uruguay $ 13,600 2010 est. 86 Mauritius $ 13,500 2010 est. 87 Belarus $ 13,400 2010 est. 88 Botswana $ 13,100 2010 est. 89 Bulgaria $ 12,800 2010 est. 90 Panama $ 12,700 2010 est. 91 Venezuela $ 12,600 2010 est. 92 Kazakhstan $ 12,500 2010 est. 93 Northern Mariana Islands $ 12,500 2000 est. 94 Turkey $ 12,300 2010 est. 95 Anguilla $ 12,200 2008 est. 96 Romania $ 11,500 2010 est. 97 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 11,500 2002 est. 98 Costa Rica $ 11,400 2010 est. 99 Iran $ 11,200 2010 est. 100 World $ 11,100 2010 est. 101 Saint Lucia $ 11,100 2010 est. 102 Azerbaijan $ 11,000 2010 est. 103 Serbia $ 11,000 2010 est. 104 Brazil $ 10,900 2010 est. 105 South Africa $ 10,700 2010 est. 106 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 10,600 2010 est. 107 Dominica $ 10,500 2010 est. 108 Grenada $ 10,500 2010 est. 109 Cuba $ 9,900 2010 est. 110 Montenegro $ 9,900 2010 est. 111 Suriname $ 9,900 2010 est. 112 Colombia $ 9,800 2010 est. 113 Tunisia $ 9,500 2010 est. 114 Macedonia $ 9,400 2010 est. 115 Peru $ 9,200 2010 est. 116 Cook Islands $ 9,100 2005 est. 117 Angola $ 8,700 2010 est. 118 Thailand $ 8,700 2010 est. 119 Dominican Republic $ 8,600 2010 est. 120 Belize $ 8,400 2010 est. 121 Jamaica $ 8,400 2010 est. 122 Palau $ 8,100 2008 est. 123 Albania $ 8,000 2010 est. 124 American Samoa $ 8,000 2007 est. 125 Ecuador $ 7,800 2010 est. 126 Algeria $ 7,400 2010 est. 127 China $ 7,400 2010 est. 128 Turkmenistan $ 7,400 2010 est. 129 El Salvador $ 7,300 2010 est. 130 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 7,000 2001 est. 131 Namibia $ 6,900 2010 est. 132 Guyana $ 6,800 2010 est. 133 Ukraine $ 6,700 2010 est. 134 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 6,600 2010 est. 135 Tonga $ 6,300 2010 est. 136 Egypt $ 6,200 2010 est. 137 Kiribati $ 6,200 2010 est. 138 Armenia $ 5,800 2010 est. 139 Niue $ 5,800 2003 est. 140 Vanuatu $ 5,500 2010 est. 141 Jordan $ 5,300 2010 est. 142 Guatemala $ 5,200 2010 est. 143 Samoa $ 5,200 2010 est. 144 Bhutan $ 5,000 2010 est. 145 Nauru $ 5,000 2005 est. 146 Mayotte $ 4,900 2005 est. 147 Morocco $ 4,900 2010 est. 148 Sri Lanka $ 4,900 2010 est. 149 Paraguay $ 4,900 2010 est. 150 Bolivia $ 4,800 2010 est. 151 Syria $ 4,800 2010 est. 152 Georgia $ 4,800 2010 est. 153 Maldives $ 4,500 2010 est. 154 Swaziland $ 4,500 2010 est. 155 Fiji $ 4,300 2010 est. 156 Indonesia $ 4,300 2010 est. 157 Congo, Republic of the $ 4,200 2010 est. 158 Honduras $ 4,200 2010 est. 159 Wallis and Futuna $ 3,800 2004 est. 160 Cape Verde $ 3,700 2010 est. 161 Iraq $ 3,600 2010 est. 162 Philippines $ 3,500 2010 est. 163 India $ 3,400 2010 est. 164 Montserrat $ 3,400 2002 est. 165 Mongolia $ 3,300 2010 est. 166 Uzbekistan $ 3,100 2010 est. 167 Vietnam $ 3,100 2010 est. 168 Nicaragua $ 2,900 2010 est. 169 West Bank $ 2,900 2008 est. 170 Djibouti $ 2,800 2010 est. 171 Solomon Islands $ 2,800 2010 est. 172 Timor-Leste $ 2,600 2010 est. 173 Yemen $ 2,600 2010 est. 174 Kosovo $ 2,500 2007 175 Western Sahara $ 2,500 2007 est. 176 Papua New Guinea $ 2,500 2010 est. 177 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 2,500 1998 est. 178 Moldova $ 2,500 2010 est. 179 Marshall Islands $ 2,500 2008 est. 180 Laos $ 2,400 2010 est. 181 Pakistan $ 2,400 2010 est. 182 Nigeria $ 2,400 2010 est. 183 Cameroon $ 2,300 2010 est. 184 Kyrgyzstan $ 2,200 2010 est. 185 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 2,200 2008 est. 186 Sudan $ 2,200 2010 est. 187 Mauritania $ 2,100 2010 est. 188 Cambodia $ 2,000 2010 est. 189 Tajikistan $ 2,000 2010 est. 190 Gambia, The $ 1,900 2010 est. 191 Senegal $ 1,900 2010 est. 192 Chad $ 1,800 2010 est. 193 Sao Tome and Principe $ 1,800 2010 est. 194 Cote d'Ivoire $ 1,800 2010 est. 195 Korea, North $ 1,800 2009 est. 196 Bangladesh $ 1,700 2010 est. 197 Lesotho $ 1,700 2010 est. 198 Benin $ 1,600 2010 est. 199 Tuvalu $ 1,600 2002 est. 200 Kenya $ 1,600 2010 est. 201 Ghana $ 1,600 2010 est. 202 Tanzania $ 1,500 2010 est. 203 Zambia $ 1,500 2010 est. 204 Burkina Faso $ 1,200 2010 est. 205 Haiti $ 1,200 2010 est. 206 Mali $ 1,200 2010 est. 207 Uganda $ 1,200 2010 est. 208 Nepal $ 1,200 2010 est. 209 Burma $ 1,100 2010 est. 210 Guinea-Bissau $ 1,100 2010 est. 211 Rwanda $ 1,100 2010 est. 212 Afghanistan $ 1,000 2010 est. 213 Guinea $ 1,000 2010 est. 214 Ethiopia $ 1,000 2010 est. 215 Tokelau $ 1,000 1993 est. 216 Comoros $ 1,000 2010 est. 217 Madagascar $ 1,000 2010 est. 218 Mozambique $ 1,000 2010 est. 219 Malawi $ 900 2010 est. 220 Togo $ 900 2010 est. 221 Sierra Leone $ 900 2010 est. 222 Central African Republic $ 700 2010 est. 223 Eritrea $ 700 2010 est. 224 Niger $ 700 2010 est. 225 Somalia $ 600 2010 est. 226 Liberia $ 500 2010 est. 227 Zimbabwe $ 400 2010 est. 228 Burundi $ 300 2010 est. 229 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 300 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2005

Country Comparison :: Affiliation

Rank country Affiliation Date of Information

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Rank code: 2006

Country Comparison :: Dependency status

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

Rank country Dependency status Date of Information

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Rank code: 2007

Country Comparison :: Diplomatic representation from the US

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

Rank country Diplomatic representation from the USDate of Information

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Rank code: 2008

Country Comparison :: Transportation - note

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

Rank country Transportation - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2010

Country Comparison :: Age structure

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 78.70 2010 est. 2 Qatar 76.80 2010 est. 3 Singapore 76.70 2010 est. 4 Macau 76.20 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong 74.60 2010 est. 6 British Virgin Islands 74.40 2010 est. 7 Maldives 73.80 2010 est. 8 Moldova 73.30 2010 est. 9 Cyprus 73.10 2010 est. 10 Sint Maarten 73.00 2010 est. 11 Iran 72.90 2010 est. 12 Trinidad and Tobago 72.60 2010 est. 13 Taiwan 72.60 2010 est. 14 Korea, South 72.30 2010 est. 15 Andorra 72.20 2010 est. 16 China 72.10 2010 est. 17 Slovakia 71.70 2010 est. 18 Poland 71.60 2010 est. 19 Russia 71.50 2010 est. 20 Barbados 71.30 2010 est. 21 Belarus 71.30 2010 est. 22 Armenia 71.10 2010 est. 23 Cayman Islands 71.10 2010 est. 24 Czech Republic 71.00 2010 est. 25 Northern Mariana Islands 70.90 2010 est. 26 Palau 70.80 2010 est. 27 Bosnia and Herzegovina 70.70 2010 est. 28 Kuwait 70.70 2010 est. 29 Saint Barthelemy 70.60 2010 est. 30 Thailand 70.50 2010 est. 31 Cuba 70.40 2010 est. 32 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha70.40 2010 est. 33 Mauritius 70.40 2010 est. 34 Aruba 70.30 2010 est. 35 Montenegro 70.30 2010 est. 36 Ukraine 70.30 2010 est. 37 Kazakhstan 70.20 2010 est. 38 Bahrain 70.10 2010 est. 39 Brunei 70.10 2010 est. 40 Seychelles 70.10 2010 est. 41 Tunisia 70.10 2010 est. 42 Greenland 70.10 2010 est. 43 Slovenia 69.90 2010 est. 44 Romania 69.70 2010 est. 45 Latvia 69.60 2010 est. 46 Lithuania 69.60 2010 est. 47 Algeria 69.50 2010 est. 48 Azerbaijan 69.40 2010 est. 49 Korea, North 69.40 2010 est. 50 Macedonia 69.40 2010 est. 51 Malta 69.40 2010 est. 52 Liechtenstein 69.40 2010 est. 53 Burma 69.30 2010 est. 54 Hungary 69.30 2010 est. 55 French Polynesia 68.90 2010 est. 56 Bahamas, The 68.70 2010 est. 57 Canada 68.70 2010 est. 58 Bulgaria 68.50 2010 est. 59 Vietnam 68.30 2010 est. 60 Switzerland 68.10 2010 est. 61 Sri Lanka 68.00 2010 est. 62 Australia 67.90 2010 est. 63 Mongolia 67.90 2010 est. 64 Guernsey 67.90 2010 est. 65 Anguilla 67.80 2010 est. 66 Serbia 67.80 2010 est. 67 Chile 67.80 2010 est. 68 Jersey 67.70 2010 est. 69 Netherlands 67.70 2010 est. 70 Georgia 67.60 2010 est. 71 Austria 67.50 2010 est. 72 Saint Martin 67.50 2010 est. 73 Croatia 67.50 2010 est. 74 Estonia 67.50 2010 est. 75 Bermuda 67.50 2010 est. 76 Spain 67.40 2010 est. 77 European Union 67.23 2009 est. 78 Albania 67.10 2010 est. 79 United Kingdom 67.10 2010 est. 80 Lebanon 67.10 2010 est. 81 Ireland 67.10 2010 est. 82 Iceland 67.10 2010 est. 83 Costa Rica 67.10 2010 est. 84 United States 67.00 2010 est. 85 Uzbekistan 67.00 2010 est. 86 Turkmenistan 66.90 2010 est. 87 Brazil 66.80 2010 est. 88 Finland 66.80 2010 est. 89 Curacao 66.70 2010 90 Luxembourg 66.70 2010 est. 91 Turkey 66.70 2010 est. 92 Antigua and Barbuda 66.60 2010 est. 93 Greece 66.60 2010 est. 94 Suriname 66.60 2010 est. 95 New Zealand 66.50 2010 est. 96 Colombia 66.40 2010 est. 97 Gibraltar 66.40 2010 est. 98 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 66.40 2010 est. 99 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 66.40 2010 est. 100 Saint Lucia 66.40 2010 est. 101 Belgium 66.30 2010 est. 102 Italy 66.30 2010 est. 103 Wallis and Futuna 66.30 2010 est. 104 Norway 66.20 2010 est. 105 San Marino 66.20 2010 est. 106 Germany 66.10 2010 est. 107 Portugal 66.10 2010 est. 108 Puerto Rico 66.10 2010 est. 109 Indonesia 66.00 2010 est. 110 Isle of Man 66.00 2010 est. 111 Saint Kitts and Nevis 65.90 2010 est. 112 Virgin Islands 65.90 2010 est. 113 Denmark 65.80 2010 est. 114 South Africa 65.80 2010 est. 115 New Caledonia 65.80 2010 est. 116 Dominica 65.80 2010 est. 117 Kosovo 65.70 2010 est. 118 Turks and Caicos Islands 65.60 2010 est. 119 Tuvalu 65.60 2010 est. 120 Montserrat 65.50 2010 est. 121 Sweden 65.50 2010 est. 122 Morocco 65.40 2010 est. 123 Vanuatu 65.30 2010 est. 124 Grenada 65.20 2010 est. 125 Peru 65.20 2010 est. 126 France 65.00 2010 est. 127 Fiji 64.90 2010 est. 128 Mexico 64.60 2010 est. 129 Kyrgyzstan 64.50 2010 est. 130 Bhutan 64.30 2010 est. 131 Venezuela 64.30 2010 est. 132 Uruguay 64.30 2010 est. 133 Japan 64.30 2010 est. 134 India 64.30 2010 est. 135 Faroe Islands 64.00 2010 est. 136 Norfolk Island 63.90 2009 est. 137 Panama 63.90 2010 est. 138 Cambodia 63.80 2010 est. 139 Cook Islands 63.70 2010 est. 140 Malaysia 63.60 2010 est. 141 Argentina 63.50 2010 est. 142 Nauru 63.20 2010 est. 143 Nicaragua 62.90 2010 est. 144 Tonga 62.90 2010 est. 145 American Samoa 62.70 2010 est. 146 Egypt 62.70 2010 est. 147 Ecuador 62.70 2010 est. 148 Dominican Republic 62.70 2010 est. 149 Libya 62.60 2010 est. 150 Monaco 62.40 2010 est. 151 Israel 62.30 2010 est. 152 Micronesia, Federated States of 62.30 2010 est. 153 Guyana 62.10 2010 est. 154 Tajikistan 62.10 2010 est. 155 Timor-Leste 61.90 2010 est. 156 Bangladesh 61.40 2010 est. 157 Botswana 61.40 2010 est. 158 Jamaica 61.10 2010 est. 159 Philippines 60.60 2010 est. 160 Djibouti 60.40 2010 est. 161 Lesotho 60.20 2010 est. 162 Namibia 60.20 2010 est. 163 Bolivia 60.00 2010 est. 164 Syria 59.90 2010 est. 165 Saudi Arabia 59.50 2010 est. 166 Jordan 59.40 2010 est. 167 El Salvador 59.30 2010 est. 168 Papua New Guinea 59.30 2010 est. 169 Ghana 59.20 2010 est. 170 Nepal 59.20 2010 est. 171 Pakistan 59.10 2010 est. 172 West Bank 59.10 2010 est. 173 Kiribati 59.00 2010 est. 174 Belize 58.60 2010 est. 175 Cape Verde 58.50 2010 est. 176 Marshall Islands 58.50 2010 est. 177 Haiti 58.50 2010 est. 178 Honduras 58.40 2010 est. 179 Iraq 58.20 2010 est. 180 Paraguay 58.10 2010 est. 181 Swaziland 57.90 2010 est. 182 Solomon Islands 57.10 2010 est. 183 Guatemala 56.80 2010 est. 184 Sudan 56.80 2010 est. 185 Samoa 56.70 2010 est. 186 Cote d'Ivoire 56.60 2010 est. 187 Laos 56.20 2010 est. 188 Guinea-Bissau 56.10 2010 est. 189 Cameroon 55.90 2010 est. 190 Togo 55.80 2010 est. 191 Mauritania 55.70 2010 est. 192 Nigeria 55.50 2010 est. 193 Kenya 55.10 2010 est. 194 Central African Republic 55.00 2010 est. 195 Comoros 54.80 2010 est. 196 Rwanda 54.80 2010 est. 197 Senegal 54.80 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone 54.70 2010 est. 199 Oman 54.50 2010 est. 200 Tanzania 54.10 2010 est. 201 Afghanistan 54.00 2010 est. 202 Equatorial Guinea 54.00 2010 est. 203 Gabon 53.90 2010 est. 204 Angola 53.70 2010 est. 205 Guinea 53.70 2010 est. 206 Eritrea 53.70 2010 est. 207 Gambia, The 53.50 2010 est. 208 Yemen 53.50 2010 est. 209 Madagascar 53.50 2010 est. 210 Gaza Strip 53.00 2010 est. 211 Tokelau 53.00 2009 est. 212 Liberia 53.00 2010 est. 213 Mayotte 52.90 2010 est. 214 Mozambique 52.80 2010 est. 215 Western Sahara 52.80 2010 est. 216 Somalia 52.60 2010 est. 217 Zambia 52.60 2010 est. 218 Zimbabwe 52.20 2010 est. 219 Benin 52.10 2010 est. 220 Malawi 51.90 2010 est. 221 Burkina Faso 51.30 2010 est. 222 Burundi 51.20 2010 est. 223 Ethiopia 51.20 2010 est. 224 Congo, Republic of the 51.20 2010 est. 225 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 50.60 2010 est. 226 Chad 50.40 2010 est. 227 Uganda 50.00 2010 est. 228 Sao Tome and Principe 49.70 2010 est. 229 Niger 49.60 2010 est. 230 Mali 49.50 2010 est. 231 Niger 48.00 2010 est. 232 Uganda 47.90 2010 est. 233 Mali 47.60 2010 est. 234 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 46.90 2010 est. 235 Sao Tome and Principe 46.90 2010 est. 236 Chad 46.70 2010 est. 237 Burundi 46.30 2010 est. 238 Burkina Faso 46.20 2010 est. 239 Ethiopia 46.10 2010 est. 240 Congo, Republic of the 45.90 2010 est. 241 Malawi 45.40 2010 est. 242 Mayotte 45.30 2010 est. 243 Benin 45.20 2010 est. 244 Zambia 45.10 2010 est. 245 Somalia 45.00 2010 est. 246 Western Sahara 44.90 2010 est. 247 Gaza Strip 44.40 2010 est. 248 Mozambique 44.30 2010 est. 249 Liberia 44.10 2010 est. 250 Yemen 43.90 2010 est. 251 Zimbabwe 43.90 2010 est. 252 Afghanistan 43.60 2010 est. 253 Gambia, The 43.60 2010 est. 254 Angola 43.50 2010 est. 255 Madagascar 43.50 2010 est. 256 Tanzania 43.00 2010 est. 257 Eritrea 42.80 2010 est. 258 Guinea 42.80 2010 est. 259 Oman 42.70 2010 est. 260 Rwanda 42.70 2010 est. 261 Kenya 42.30 2010 est. 262 Comoros 42.20 2010 est. 263 Senegal 42.20 2010 est. 264 Gabon 42.10 2010 est. 265 Tokelau 42.00 2009 est. 266 Equatorial Guinea 41.90 2010 est. 267 Sierra Leone 41.70 2010 est. 268 Nigeria 41.50 2010 est. 269 Togo 41.40 2010 est. 270 Mauritania 41.00 2010 est. 271 Cameroon 40.90 2010 est. 272 Central African Republic 40.90 2010 est. 273 Guinea-Bissau 40.80 2010 est. 274 Laos 40.80 2010 est. 275 Sudan 40.70 2010 est. 276 Cote d'Ivoire 40.60 2010 est. 277 Solomon Islands 39.50 2010 est. 278 Guatemala 39.40 2010 est. 279 Iraq 38.80 2010 est. 280 Marshall Islands 38.60 2010 est. 281 Swaziland 38.60 2010 est. 282 Haiti 38.10 2010 est. 283 Honduras 38.00 2010 est. 284 Saudi Arabia 38.00 2010 est. 285 Belize 37.90 2010 est. 286 Kiribati 37.60 2010 est. 287 Samoa 37.60 2010 est. 288 Papua New Guinea 37.30 2010 est. 289 West Bank 37.30 2010 est. 290 Ghana 37.20 2010 est. 291 Pakistan 36.70 2010 est. 292 Paraguay 36.70 2010 est. 293 Nepal 36.60 2010 est. 294 Syria 36.40 2010 est. 295 Djibouti 36.30 2010 est. 296 Jordan 36.00 2010 est. 297 Namibia 35.90 2010 est. 298 Bolivia 35.50 2010 est. 299 El Salvador 35.40 2010 est. 300 Cape Verde 35.20 2010 est. 301 Philippines 35.20 2010 est. 302 Botswana 34.80 2010 est. 303 Micronesia, Federated States of 34.80 2010 est. 304 Lesotho 34.80 2010 est. 305 Nauru 34.70 2010 est. 306 Timor-Leste 34.70 2010 est. 307 Bangladesh 34.60 2010 est. 308 Tajikistan 34.30 2010 est. 309 Nicaragua 33.80 2010 est. 310 American Samoa 33.40 2010 est. 311 Guyana 33.30 2010 est. 312 Egypt 33.00 2010 est. 313 Libya 33.00 2010 est. 314 Tonga 32.80 2010 est. 315 Cambodia 32.60 2010 est. 316 Grenada 32.00 2010 est. 317 Dominican Republic 31.40 2010 est. 318 Jamaica 31.40 2010 est. 319 Malaysia 31.40 2010 est. 320 Ecuador 31.10 2010 est. 321 Vanuatu 30.70 2010 est. 322 India 30.50 2010 est. 323 Venezuela 30.50 2010 est. 324 Fiji 30.30 2010 est. 325 Bhutan 30.20 2010 est. 326 Turks and Caicos Islands 30.20 2010 est. 327 Kyrgyzstan 29.70 2010 est. 328 Panama 29.30 2010 est. 329 Tuvalu 29.20 2010 est. 330 Mexico 29.10 2010 est. 331 Peru 29.10 2010 est. 332 South Africa 28.90 2010 est. 333 Turkmenistan 28.90 2010 est. 334 Morocco 28.70 2010 est. 335 Indonesia 28.10 2010 est. 336 Mongolia 28.10 2010 est. 337 Uzbekistan 28.10 2010 est. 338 Israel 27.90 2010 est. 339 Colombia 27.70 2010 est. 340 Kosovo 27.70 2010 est. 341 Montserrat 27.60 2010 est. 342 Turkey 27.20 2010 est. 343 Cook Islands 27.10 2010 est. 344 Suriname 27.10 2010 est. 345 Saint Martin 27.00 2010 est. 346 Antigua and Barbuda 26.80 2010 est. 347 New Caledonia 26.80 2010 est. 348 Brazil 26.70 2010 est. 349 Costa Rica 26.70 2010 est. 350 Wallis and Futuna 26.70 2010 est. 351 Brunei 26.60 2010 est. 352 Kuwait 26.40 2010 est. 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 26.30 2010 est. 354 Vietnam 26.10 2010 est. 355 Northern Mariana Islands 26.00 2010 est. 356 Bahrain 25.90 2010 est. 357 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 25.90 2010 est. 358 Lebanon 25.80 2010 est. 359 Argentina 25.60 2010 est. 360 Algeria 25.40 2010 est. 361 Bahamas, The 25.30 2010 est. 362 Burma 25.30 2010 est. 363 Anguilla 24.50 2010 est. 364 Saint Lucia 24.40 2010 est. 365 French Polynesia 24.30 2010 est. 366 Dominica 24.00 2010 est. 367 Azerbaijan 23.90 2010 est. 368 Sri Lanka 23.90 2010 est. 369 Sint Maarten 23.40 2010 est. 370 Chile 23.20 2010 est. 371 Albania 23.10 2010 est. 372 Greenland 23.00 2010 est. 373 Monaco 23.00 2010 est. 374 Palau 22.90 2010 est. 375 Seychelles 22.80 2010 est. 376 Tunisia 22.70 2010 est. 377 Mauritius 22.50 2010 est. 378 Uruguay 22.40 2010 est. 379 Maldives 22.30 2010 est. 380 Japan 22.20 2010 est. 381 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 21.90 2010 est. 382 Kazakhstan 21.80 2010 est. 383 Qatar 21.80 2010 est. 384 Iran 21.70 2010 est. 385 Faroe Islands 21.60 2010 est. 386 Korea, North 21.30 2010 est. 387 Curacao 21.10 2010 388 Gibraltar 20.90 2010 est. 389 Ireland 20.90 2010 est. 390 Thailand 20.80 2010 est. 391 Iceland 20.70 2010 est. 392 New Zealand 20.70 2010 est. 393 United Arab Emirates 20.40 2010 est. 394 Virgin Islands 20.40 2010 est. 395 Germany 20.30 2010 est. 396 Italy 20.20 2010 est. 397 Norfolk Island 20.20 2009 est. 398 United States 20.20 2010 est. 399 British Virgin Islands 19.80 2010 est. 400 Puerto Rico 19.80 2010 est. 401 China 19.80 2010 est. 402 Cayman Islands 19.60 2010 est. 403 Trinidad and Tobago 19.60 2010 est. 404 Barbados 19.20 2010 est. 405 Greece 19.20 2010 est. 406 Saint Barthelemy 19.20 2010 est. 407 Macedonia 19.20 2010 est. 408 Aruba 19.10 2010 est. 409 Sweden 18.80 2010 est. 410 Australia 18.60 2010 est. 411 France 18.60 2010 est. 412 Luxembourg 18.50 2010 est. 413 Norway 18.50 2010 est. 414 Bermuda 18.30 2010 est. 415 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha18.30 2010 est. 416 Cuba 18.30 2010 est. 417 Armenia 18.20 2010 est. 418 Denmark 18.10 2010 est. 419 Spain 18.10 2010 est. 420 Austria 18.00 2010 est. 421 Bulgaria 17.70 2010 est. 422 Belgium 17.60 2010 est. 423 Portugal 17.60 2010 est. 424 Estonia 17.60 2010 est. 425 Guernsey 17.60 2010 est. 426 Netherlands 17.40 2010 est. 427 European Union 17.33 2009 est. 428 Isle of Man 17.10 2010 est. 429 Croatia 17.00 2010 est. 430 Latvia 17.00 2010 est. 431 Cyprus 17.00 2010 est. 432 Isle of Man 16.90 2010 est. 433 San Marino 16.90 2010 est. 434 San Marino 16.90 2010 est. 435 Finland 16.80 2010 est. 436 Serbia 16.80 2010 est. 437 Korea, South 16.80 2010 est. 438 United Kingdom 16.70 2010 est. 439 Taiwan 16.70 2010 est. 440 Liechtenstein 16.60 2010 est. 441 Slovenia 16.50 2010 est. 442 Finland 16.40 2010 est. 443 Georgia 16.40 2010 est. 444 France 16.40 2010 est. 445 Jersey 16.30 2010 est. 446 Portugal 16.30 2010 est. 447 Switzerland 16.30 2010 est. 448 Lithuania 16.20 2010 est. 449 United Kingdom 16.20 2010 est. 450 Belgium 16.10 2010 est. 451 Denmark 16.10 2010 est. 452 Malta 16.10 2010 est. 453 Macau 16.10 2010 est. 454 Jersey 16.10 2010 est. 455 Georgia 16.10 2010 est. 456 Canada 16.10 2010 est. 457 Montenegro 16.00 2010 est. 458 Moldova 15.90 2010 est. 459 Ukraine 15.90 2010 est. 460 Norfolk Island 15.90 2009 est. 461 Hungary 15.80 2010 est. 462 Slovakia 15.80 2010 est. 463 Sweden 15.70 2010 est. 464 Croatia 15.60 2010 est. 465 Switzerland 15.60 2010 est. 466 Andorra 15.50 2010 est. 467 Romania 15.50 2010 est. 468 Czech Republic 15.50 2010 est. 469 European Union 15.44 2009 est. 470 Serbia 15.40 2010 est. 471 Canada 15.20 2010 est. 472 Norway 15.20 2010 est. 473 Hungary 15.00 2010 est. 474 Poland 15.00 2010 est. 475 Estonia 14.90 2010 est. 476 Netherlands 14.90 2010 est. 477 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.80 2010 est. 478 Russia 14.80 2010 est. 479 Luxembourg 14.80 2010 est. 480 Romania 14.70 2010 est. 481 Monaco 14.60 2010 est. 482 Austria 14.50 2010 est. 483 Belarus 14.50 2010 est. 484 Spain 14.50 2010 est. 485 Malta 14.50 2010 est. 486 Guernsey 14.50 2010 est. 487 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.50 2010 est. 488 Faroe Islands 14.40 2010 est. 489 Singapore 14.40 2010 est. 490 Belarus 14.30 2010 est. 491 Greece 14.30 2010 est. 492 Bermuda 14.20 2010 est. 493 Lithuania 14.20 2010 est. 494 Puerto Rico 14.10 2010 est. 495 Liechtenstein 13.90 2010 est. 496 Bulgaria 13.80 2010 est. 497 Ukraine 13.80 2010 est. 498 Germany 13.70 2010 est. 499 Russia 13.70 2010 est. 500 Montenegro 13.70 2010 est. 501 Czech Republic 13.60 2010 est. 502 Virgin Islands 13.60 2010 est. 503 Australia 13.50 2010 est. 504 Italy 13.50 2010 est. 505 Japan 13.50 2010 est. 506 Slovenia 13.50 2010 est. 507 Poland 13.40 2010 est. 508 Latvia 13.30 2010 est. 509 Uruguay 13.30 2010 est. 510 Hong Kong 13.10 2010 est. 511 New Zealand 12.80 2010 est. 512 United States 12.80 2010 est. 513 Gibraltar 12.70 2010 est. 514 Slovakia 12.50 2010 est. 515 Andorra 12.30 2010 est. 516 Curacao 12.20 2010 517 Hong Kong 12.20 2010 est. 518 Iceland 12.20 2010 est. 519 Ireland 12.00 2010 est. 520 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 11.70 2010 est. 521 Macedonia 11.40 2010 est. 522 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha11.40 2010 est. 523 Cuba 11.20 2010 est. 524 Argentina 10.80 2010 est. 525 Moldova 10.80 2010 est. 526 Korea, South 10.80 2010 est. 527 Taiwan 10.70 2010 est. 528 Armenia 10.60 2010 est. 529 Aruba 10.60 2010 est. 530 Dominica 10.20 2010 est. 531 Saint Barthelemy 10.20 2010 est. 532 Cyprus 9.90 2010 est. 533 Israel 9.90 2010 est. 534 Albania 9.80 2010 est. 535 Barbados 9.50 2010 est. 536 Korea, North 9.40 2010 est. 537 Cayman Islands 9.30 2010 est. 538 Cook Islands 9.20 2010 est. 539 Saint Lucia 9.20 2010 est. 540 Chile 9.10 2010 est. 541 Singapore 8.90 2010 est. 542 Thailand 8.70 2010 est. 543 China 8.10 2010 est. 544 Sri Lanka 8.10 2010 est. 545 Kazakhstan 7.90 2010 est. 546 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.90 2010 est. 547 Trinidad and Tobago 7.90 2010 est. 548 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7.80 2010 est. 549 Anguilla 7.70 2010 est. 550 Macau 7.70 2010 est. 551 Jamaica 7.50 2010 est. 552 New Caledonia 7.30 2010 est. 553 Lebanon 7.20 2010 est. 554 Tunisia 7.20 2010 est. 555 Mauritius 7.10 2010 est. 556 Seychelles 7.10 2010 est. 557 Wallis and Futuna 7.10 2010 est. 558 Greenland 6.90 2010 est. 559 Montserrat 6.90 2010 est. 560 French Polynesia 6.80 2010 est. 561 Panama 6.80 2010 est. 562 Azerbaijan 6.70 2010 est. 563 Antigua and Barbuda 6.60 2010 est. 564 Kosovo 6.60 2010 est. 565 Brazil 6.40 2010 est. 566 Cape Verde 6.40 2010 est. 567 Suriname 6.30 2010 est. 568 Costa Rica 6.20 2010 est. 569 Palau 6.20 2010 est. 570 Ecuador 6.20 2010 est. 571 Mexico 6.20 2010 est. 572 Turkey 6.10 2010 est. 573 Indonesia 6.00 2010 est. 574 Morocco 6.00 2010 est. 575 Bahamas, The 5.90 2010 est. 576 Dominican Republic 5.90 2010 est. 577 British Virgin Islands 5.80 2010 est. 578 Colombia 5.80 2010 est. 579 Kyrgyzstan 5.80 2010 est. 580 Peru 5.70 2010 est. 581 Samoa 5.70 2010 est. 582 Vietnam 5.60 2010 est. 583 Bhutan 5.50 2010 est. 584 Saint Martin 5.50 2010 est. 585 Burma 5.40 2010 est. 586 South Africa 5.40 2010 est. 587 Iran 5.40 2010 est. 588 El Salvador 5.30 2010 est. 589 India 5.20 2010 est. 590 Paraguay 5.20 2010 est. 591 Venezuela 5.20 2010 est. 592 Tuvalu 5.20 2010 est. 593 Algeria 5.10 2010 est. 594 Lesotho 5.00 2010 est. 595 Tokelau 5.00 2009 est. 596 Malaysia 5.00 2010 est. 597 Uzbekistan 4.90 2010 est. 598 Fiji 4.80 2010 est. 599 Guyana 4.60 2010 est. 600 Jordan 4.60 2010 est. 601 Bolivia 4.50 2010 est. 602 Libya 4.40 2010 est. 603 Egypt 4.30 2010 est. 604 Tonga 4.30 2010 est. 605 Turkmenistan 4.30 2010 est. 606 Nepal 4.20 2010 est. 607 Pakistan 4.20 2010 est. 608 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.20 2010 est. 609 Central African Republic 4.10 2010 est. 610 Philippines 4.10 2010 est. 611 Equatorial Guinea 4.10 2010 est. 612 Bahrain 4.00 2010 est. 613 Bangladesh 4.00 2010 est. 614 Vanuatu 4.00 2010 est. 615 Mongolia 4.00 2010 est. 616 American Samoa 3.90 2010 est. 617 Botswana 3.90 2010 est. 618 Zimbabwe 3.90 2010 est. 619 Maldives 3.90 2010 est. 620 Gabon 3.90 2010 est. 621 Namibia 3.90 2010 est. 622 Guatemala 3.80 2010 est. 623 Syria 3.70 2010 est. 624 West Bank 3.70 2010 est. 625 Cambodia 3.60 2010 est. 626 Sierra Leone 3.60 2010 est. 627 Sint Maarten 3.60 2010 est. 628 Tajikistan 3.60 2010 est. 629 Honduras 3.60 2010 est. 630 Eritrea 3.60 2010 est. 631 Belize 3.50 2010 est. 632 Swaziland 3.50 2010 est. 633 Solomon Islands 3.50 2010 est. 634 Sao Tome and Principe 3.50 2010 est. 635 Papua New Guinea 3.50 2010 est. 636 Kiribati 3.50 2010 est. 637 Guinea 3.50 2010 est. 638 Ghana 3.50 2010 est. 639 Haiti 3.40 2010 est. 640 Mauritania 3.40 2010 est. 641 Timor-Leste 3.40 2010 est. 642 Brunei 3.30 2010 est. 643 Cameroon 3.30 2010 est. 644 Nicaragua 3.30 2010 est. 645 Djibouti 3.20 2010 est. 646 Comoros 3.10 2010 est. 647 Northern Mariana Islands 3.10 2010 est. 648 Nigeria 3.10 2010 est. 649 Guinea-Bissau 3.10 2010 est. 650 Laos 3.10 2010 est. 651 Iraq 3.00 2010 est. 652 Kuwait 3.00 2010 est. 653 Mali 3.00 2010 est. 654 Senegal 3.00 2010 est. 655 Madagascar 3.00 2010 est. 656 Chad 2.90 2010 est. 657 Cote d'Ivoire 2.90 2010 est. 658 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.90 2010 est. 659 Tanzania 2.90 2010 est. 660 Mozambique 2.90 2010 est. 661 Marshall Islands 2.90 2010 est. 662 Congo, Republic of the 2.80 2010 est. 663 Gambia, The 2.80 2010 est. 664 Togo 2.80 2010 est. 665 Oman 2.80 2010 est. 666 Liberia 2.80 2010 est. 667 Grenada 2.80 2010 est. 668 Angola 2.70 2010 est. 669 Malawi 2.70 2010 est. 670 Ethiopia 2.70 2010 est. 671 Benin 2.60 2010 est. 672 Gaza Strip 2.60 2010 est. 673 Kenya 2.60 2010 est. 674 Yemen 2.60 2010 est. 675 Burkina Faso 2.50 2010 est. 676 Burundi 2.50 2010 est. 677 Saudi Arabia 2.50 2010 est. 678 Rwanda 2.50 2010 est. 679 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.50 2010 est. 680 Somalia 2.50 2010 est. 681 Sudan 2.50 2010 est. 682 Afghanistan 2.40 2010 est. 683 Niger 2.30 2010 est. 684 Western Sahara 2.30 2010 est. 685 Zambia 2.30 2010 est. 686 Nauru 2.10 2010 est. 687 Uganda 2.10 2010 est. 688 Mayotte 1.80 2010 est. 689 Qatar 1.40 2010 est. 690 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2011

Country Comparison :: Geographic coordinates

This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names.

Rank country Geographic coordinates Date of Information

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Rank code: 2012

Country Comparison :: GDP - composition by sector

This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Gibraltar 100.00 2008 2 Macau 97.10 2009 est. 3 Jersey 97.00 2005 4 Cayman Islands 95.40 1994 est. 5 Monaco 95.10 2005 6 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 95.00 1996 7 Equatorial Guinea 93.90 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong 92.30 2010 est. 9 Bermuda 89.00 2002 est. 10 British Virgin Islands 88.30 1996 est. 11 Guernsey 87.00 2000 12 Isle of Man 86.00 2000 est. 13 Luxembourg 86.00 2007 est. 14 Bahamas, The 84.10 2001 est. 15 Curacao 84.00 2000 est. 16 Saint Martin 84.00 2000 17 Djibouti 81.90 2006 18 Palau 81.80 2003 19 Sint Maarten 81.30 2008 est. 20 West Bank 81.00 2008 est. 21 Malta 80.90 2007 est. 22 Saint Lucia 80.00 2005 est. 23 Virgin Islands 80.00 2003 est. 24 Cyprus 79.30 2010 est. 25 France 79.00 2010 est. 26 Lebanon 79.00 2010 est. 27 Qatar 78.80 2010 est. 28 Greece 78.50 2010 est. 29 Anguilla 78.00 2002 est. 30 Barbados 78.00 2000 est. 31 Fiji 77.60 2004 est. 32 Panama 77.60 2010 est. 33 Maldives 77.50 2009 est. 34 Belgium 77.20 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom 77.10 2010 est. 36 Liberia 76.90 2002 est. 37 United States 76.70 2010 est. 38 Grenada 76.60 2003 39 New Caledonia 76.20 2003 40 Denmark 76.10 2010 est. 41 French Polynesia 76.10 2005 42 Japan 75.70 2010 est. 43 Montserrat 75.70 1999 est. 44 Cook Islands 75.30 2004 45 Samoa 75.30 2004 est. 46 Latvia 75.20 2010 est. 47 Cape Verde 74.80 2010 est. 48 Portugal 74.50 2010 est. 49 Antigua and Barbuda 74.30 2002 est. 50 Brunei 74.10 2008 est. 51 Italy 73.30 2010 est. 52 Cuba 72.90 2010 est. 53 European Union 72.90 2010 est. 54 Singapore 72.80 2010 est. 55 Netherlands 72.40 2010 est. 56 Sweden 72.20 2010 est. 57 Spain 71.60 2010 est. 58 New Zealand 71.40 2010 est. 59 Canada 71.30 2009 est. 60 Germany 71.30 2010 est. 61 Australia 71.20 2010 est. 62 Switzerland 71.20 2010 est. 63 Costa Rica 70.80 2010 est. 64 Saint Kitts and Nevis 70.70 2001 65 Mauritius 70.50 2010 est. 66 Iceland 69.90 2010 est. 67 Austria 69.10 2010 est. 68 Estonia 68.80 2010 est. 69 Finland 68.20 2010 est. 70 Lithuania 68.20 2010 est. 71 Uruguay 67.90 2010 est. 72 Eritrea 67.70 2010 est. 73 Brazil 67.50 2010 est. 74 Dominican Republic 67.50 2010 est. 75 Taiwan 67.50 2010 est. 76 Kiribati 66.80 2004 77 Slovenia 66.60 2010 est. 78 Aruba 66.30 2002 est. 79 Jordan 66.20 2010 est. 80 Seychelles 66.20 2009 est. 81 Croatia 66.00 2010 est. 82 Angola 65.80 2008 est. 83 South Africa 65.80 2010 est. 84 Turkey 65.50 2010 est. 85 Israel 65.00 2010 est. 86 Somalia 65.00 2005 est. 87 Bulgaria 64.90 2009 est. 88 Suriname 64.80 2005 est. 89 Jamaica 64.60 2010 est. 90 Kosovo 64.50 2010 est. 91 Serbia 64.50 2010 est. 92 Bosnia and Herzegovina 64.30 2010 est. 93 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 64.00 2001 est. 94 Libya 63.80 2010 est. 95 Congo, Republic of the 63.70 2010 est. 96 Moldova 63.60 2010 est. 97 Senegal 63.60 2010 est. 98 Greenland 63.20 2007 est. 99 Iraq 63.00 2010 est. 100 Poland 63.00 2010 est. 101 Gabon 62.70 2010 est. 102 Mexico 62.50 2010 est. 103 Sao Tome and Principe 62.40 2010 est. 104 Guatemala 62.30 2010 est. 105 Georgia 62.00 2010 est. 106 Russia 62.00 2010 est. 107 Vanuatu 62.00 2000 est. 108 Kenya 62.00 2010 est. 109 Guinea-Bissau 62.00 1999 est. 110 Saudi Arabia 61.90 2010 est. 111 Slovakia 61.80 2010 est. 112 Algeria 61.50 2010 est. 113 Hungary 61.50 2010 est. 114 Azerbaijan 61.40 2010 est. 115 Venezuela 61.10 2010 est. 116 Honduras 60.80 2010 est. 117 Ecuador 60.30 2010 est. 118 Paraguay 60.10 2010 est. 119 El Salvador 59.90 2010 est. 120 Argentina 59.80 2010 est. 121 Turkmenistan 59.80 2010 est. 122 Czech Republic 59.50 2010 est. 123 Trinidad and Tobago 59.40 2010 est. 124 Albania 59.30 2010 est. 125 Macedonia 58.30 2010 est. 126 Lesotho 58.20 2010 est. 127 Namibia 58.20 2010 est. 128 Tajikistan 58.10 2010 est. 129 Ukraine 57.90 2010 est. 130 Norway 57.80 2010 est. 131 Korea, South 57.60 2008 est. 132 Sri Lanka 57.60 2010 est. 133 Haiti 57.00 2009 est. 134 Tonga 57.00 FY05/06 est. 135 Madagascar 56.80 2010 est. 136 Bahrain 56.60 2010 est. 137 Zimbabwe 56.50 2010 est. 138 Tuvalu 56.20 2002 139 Comoros 56.00 2001 est. 140 Nicaragua 56.00 2010 est. 141 Micronesia, Federated States of 55.90 2004 est. 142 Syria 55.60 2010 est. 143 India 55.30 2010 est. 144 Central African Republic 55.00 2001 est. 145 Timor-Leste 55.00 2005 146 Faroe Islands 55.00 2007 est. 147 Tunisia 54.80 2010 est. 148 Pakistan 54.60 2010 est. 149 Philippines 54.60 2010 est. 150 Belize 54.10 2008 est. 151 Liechtenstein 54.00 2007 152 Puerto Rico 54.00 2005 est. 153 Chile 53.90 2009 est. 154 Gambia, The 53.60 2010 est. 155 Marshall Islands 53.40 2004 est. 156 San Marino 53.40 2007 157 Yemen 53.00 2010 est. 158 Bangladesh 52.90 2010 est. 159 Colombia 52.70 2010 est. 160 Peru 52.60 2010 est. 161 Benin 52.30 2007 est. 162 Nepal 52.00 FY09 est. 163 Botswana 51.90 2009 est. 164 Uganda 51.90 2010 est. 165 Kuwait 51.60 2010 est. 166 United Arab Emirates 51.50 2010 est. 167 Morocco 51.40 2010 est. 168 Kazakhstan 51.20 2009 est. 169 Romania 51.20 2010 est. 170 Bolivia 51.00 2010 est. 171 Guyana 51.00 2010 est. 172 Cote d'Ivoire 50.60 2010 est. 173 Chad 50.50 2010 est. 174 Kyrgyzstan 50.40 2010 est. 175 Oman 50.30 2010 est. 176 Dominica 49.50 2004 est. 177 Niue 49.50 2003 178 Swaziland 49.40 2010 est. 179 Malaysia 49.30 2010 est. 180 Mongolia 49.30 2009 est. 181 Burkina Faso 49.20 2009 est. 182 Cameroon 49.10 2010 est. 183 Ireland 49.00 2002 est. 184 Sierra Leone 49.00 2005 est. 185 Egypt 48.60 2010 est. 186 Oman 48.20 2010 est. 187 Belarus 48.10 2010 est. 188 Kuwait 48.10 2010 est. 189 United Arab Emirates 47.60 2010 est. 190 Togo 47.40 2009 est. 191 Burundi 47.00 2010 est. 192 Solomon Islands 47.00 2005 est. 193 Korea, North 46.90 2002 est. 194 China 46.80 2010 est. 195 Indonesia 46.80 2010 est. 196 Mauritania 46.70 2008 est. 197 Armenia 46.60 2010 est. 198 Zambia 46.60 2010 est. 199 San Marino 46.50 2007 200 Uzbekistan 46.40 2010 est. 201 Ireland 46.00 2002 est. 202 Iran 45.90 2010 est. 203 Botswana 45.80 2009 est. 204 Guinea 45.70 2010 est. 205 Thailand 45.60 2010 est. 206 Mozambique 45.20 2010 est. 207 Bhutan 45.00 2006 208 Mali 45.00 2001 est. 209 Puerto Rico 45.00 2005 est. 210 Malawi 44.90 2010 est. 211 Niger 44.00 2001 212 Thailand 44.00 2010 est. 213 China 43.60 2010 est. 214 Rwanda 43.60 2010 est. 215 Ethiopia 43.40 2010 est. 216 Burma 43.20 2010 est. 217 Iran 43.10 2010 est. 218 Afghanistan 43.00 2008 est. 219 Bahrain 42.90 2010 est. 220 Belarus 42.90 2010 est. 221 Ethiopia 42.90 2010 est. 222 Kazakhstan 42.80 2009 est. 223 Chad 42.50 2010 est. 224 Rwanda 42.10 2010 est. 225 Solomon Islands 42.00 2005 est. 226 Swaziland 42.00 2010 est. 227 Ghana 41.60 2010 est. 228 Malaysia 41.60 2010 est. 229 Tanzania 41.60 2010 est. 230 Cambodia 41.00 2007 est. 231 Mauritania 40.70 2008 est. 232 Chile 40.50 2009 est. 233 Vietnam 40.20 2010 est. 234 Norway 40.10 2010 est. 235 Trinidad and Tobago 40.10 2010 est. 236 Comoros 40.00 2001 est. 237 Western Sahara 40.00 2007 est. 238 Korea, South 39.40 2008 est. 239 Vietnam 39.20 2010 est. 240 Liechtenstein 39.00 2007 241 Niger 39.00 2001 242 Sudan 38.90 2010 est. 243 Yemen 38.80 2010 est. 244 Laos 38.50 2010 est. 245 Tanzania 38.40 2010 est. 246 Czech Republic 38.30 2010 est. 247 Indonesia 38.30 2010 est. 248 Bolivia 38.00 2010 est. 249 Colombia 38.00 2010 est. 250 Mali 38.00 2001 est. 251 Egypt 37.90 2010 est. 252 Bhutan 37.40 2006 253 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.40 2008 est. 254 Burma 36.80 2010 est. 255 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 36.60 2008 est. 256 Romania 36.00 2010 est. 257 Hungary 35.70 2010 est. 258 Papua New Guinea 35.70 2010 est. 259 Slovakia 35.60 2010 est. 260 Saudi Arabia 35.40 2010 est. 261 Nigeria 35.20 2010 est. 262 Venezuela 34.90 2010 est. 263 Lesotho 34.60 2010 est. 264 Tunisia 34.60 2010 est. 265 Russia 33.80 2010 est. 266 Ghana 33.70 2010 est. 267 Zambia 33.70 2010 est. 268 Libya 33.60 2010 est. 269 Malawi 33.40 2010 est. 270 Aruba 33.30 2002 est. 271 Mexico 33.30 2010 est. 272 Benin 33.20 2007 est. 273 Azerbaijan 33.10 2010 est. 274 Nepal 33.00 FY09 est. 275 Peru 33.00 2010 est. 276 Ecuador 32.90 2010 est. 277 Nigeria 32.90 2010 est. 278 Dominica 32.80 2004 est. 279 Gabon 32.80 2010 est. 280 Namibia 32.70 2010 est. 281 Israel 32.60 2010 est. 282 Ukraine 32.30 2010 est. 283 Uzbekistan 32.30 2010 est. 284 Papua New Guinea 32.20 2010 est. 285 Timor-Leste 32.20 2005 286 Korea, North 32.10 2002 est. 287 Sudan 32.10 2010 est. 288 Papua New Guinea 32.10 2010 est. 289 Congo, Republic of the 32.00 2010 est. 290 Greenland 31.90 2007 est. 291 Nigeria 31.90 2010 est. 292 Poland 31.80 2010 est. 293 Laos 31.70 2010 est. 294 Philippines 31.70 2010 est. 295 Marshall Islands 31.70 2004 est. 296 Argentina 31.60 2010 est. 297 Burundi 31.60 2010 est. 298 Morocco 31.60 2010 est. 299 Armenia 31.40 2010 est. 300 South Africa 31.20 2010 est. 301 Taiwan 31.10 2010 est. 302 Afghanistan 31.00 2008 est. 303 Sierra Leone 31.00 2005 est. 304 Slovenia 31.00 2010 est. 305 Cameroon 30.90 2010 est. 306 Seychelles 30.80 2009 est. 307 Jordan 30.30 2010 est. 308 Algeria 30.20 2010 est. 309 Burkina Faso 30.10 2009 est. 310 Gambia, The 30.10 2010 est. 311 Cambodia 30.00 2007 est. 312 Turkmenistan 30.00 2010 est. 313 Laos 29.80 2010 est. 314 Sri Lanka 29.80 2010 est. 315 Jamaica 29.70 2010 est. 316 Macedonia 29.60 2010 est. 317 Mongolia 29.50 2009 est. 318 Austria 29.40 2010 est. 319 El Salvador 29.10 2010 est. 320 Finland 29.10 2010 est. 321 Belize 29.00 2008 est. 322 Cambodia 29.00 2007 est. 323 Sudan 29.00 2010 est. 324 Faroe Islands 29.00 2007 est. 325 Micronesia, Federated States of 28.90 2004 est. 326 Mozambique 28.80 2010 est. 327 Bangladesh 28.70 2010 est. 328 Estonia 28.70 2010 est. 329 India 28.60 2010 est. 330 Guinea 28.50 2010 est. 331 Cote d'Ivoire 28.20 2010 est. 332 Germany 27.90 2010 est. 333 Bulgaria 27.60 2009 est. 334 Lithuania 27.60 2010 est. 335 Switzerland 27.50 2010 est. 336 Iraq 27.30 2010 est. 337 Croatia 27.20 2010 est. 338 Singapore 27.20 2010 est. 339 Togo 27.20 2009 est. 340 Tuvalu 27.20 2002 341 Georgia 27.10 2010 est. 342 Honduras 26.90 2010 est. 343 Niue 26.90 2003 344 Syria 26.80 2010 est. 345 Madagascar 26.50 2010 est. 346 Nicaragua 26.50 2010 est. 347 Brazil 26.40 2010 est. 348 Canada 26.40 2009 est. 349 Sweden 26.10 2010 est. 350 Afghanistan 26.00 2008 est. 351 Guinea-Bissau 26.00 1999 est. 352 Mozambique 26.00 2010 est. 353 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 26.00 2001 est. 354 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.00 2008 est. 355 Vanuatu 26.00 2000 est. 356 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25.90 2010 est. 357 Guinea 25.80 2010 est. 358 Saint Kitts and Nevis 25.80 2001 359 Turkey 25.70 2010 est. 360 Spain 25.50 2010 est. 361 Togo 25.40 2009 est. 362 Brunei 25.30 2008 est. 363 European Union 25.20 2010 est. 364 Central African Republic 25.00 2001 est. 365 Kyrgyzstan 25.00 2010 est. 366 Tonga 25.00 FY05/06 est. 367 Somalia 25.00 2005 est. 368 Italy 24.90 2010 est. 369 Netherlands 24.90 2010 est. 370 Australia 24.80 2010 est. 371 Ghana 24.70 2010 est. 372 Guyana 24.70 2010 est. 373 Iceland 24.70 2010 est. 374 Angola 24.60 2008 est. 375 Mauritius 24.60 2010 est. 376 Kyrgyzstan 24.60 2010 est. 377 Uganda 24.50 2010 est. 378 Guatemala 24.40 2010 est. 379 Suriname 24.40 2005 est. 380 Guyana 24.30 2010 est. 381 Kiribati 24.20 2004 382 New Zealand 24.00 2010 est. 383 Zimbabwe 24.00 2010 est. 384 Pakistan 23.60 2010 est. 385 Uganda 23.60 2010 est. 386 Niue 23.50 2003 387 Montserrat 23.10 1999 est. 388 Haiti 23.00 2009 est. 389 Portugal 23.00 2010 est. 390 Costa Rica 22.90 2010 est. 391 Sao Tome and Principe 22.90 2010 est. 392 Denmark 22.80 2010 est. 393 Uruguay 22.80 2010 est. 394 Japan 22.80 2010 est. 395 Cuba 22.70 2010 est. 396 Kosovo 22.60 2010 est. 397 Serbia 22.60 2010 est. 398 Tajikistan 22.60 2010 est. 399 United States 22.20 2010 est. 400 Belgium 22.10 2010 est. 401 United Kingdom 22.10 2010 est. 402 Antigua and Barbuda 22.00 2002 est. 403 Kenya 22.00 2010 est. 404 Armenia 22.00 2010 est. 405 Pakistan 21.80 2010 est. 406 Paraguay 21.80 2010 est. 407 Malawi 21.70 2010 est. 408 Burundi 21.40 2010 est. 409 Senegal 21.40 2010 est. 410 Cote d'Ivoire 21.30 2010 est. 411 Albania 21.20 2010 est. 412 Uzbekistan 21.20 2010 est. 413 Mongolia 21.20 2009 est. 414 Qatar 21.10 2010 est. 415 Dominican Republic 21.00 2010 est. 416 Sierra Leone 21.00 2005 est. 417 Korea, North 20.90 2002 est. 418 Burkina Faso 20.70 2009 est. 419 Latvia 20.60 2010 est. 420 Vietnam 20.50 2010 est. 421 Eritrea 20.40 2010 est. 422 French Polynesia 20.40 2005 423 Moldova 20.10 2010 est. 424 Burma 20.00 2010 est. 425 Haiti 20.00 2009 est. 426 Cameroon 20.00 2010 est. 427 Central African Republic 20.00 2001 est. 428 Zambia 19.70 2010 est. 429 Albania 19.50 2010 est. 430 Zimbabwe 19.50 2010 est. 431 France 19.20 2010 est. 432 Tajikistan 19.20 2010 est. 433 Virgin Islands 19.00 2003 est. 434 Cyprus 18.60 2010 est. 435 Bangladesh 18.40 2010 est. 436 Sint Maarten 18.30 2008 est. 437 Paraguay 18.20 2010 est. 438 Tanzania 18.10 2010 est. 439 Anguilla 18.00 2002 est. 440 Grenada 18.00 2003 441 Dominica 17.70 2004 est. 442 Liberia 17.70 2002 est. 443 Bhutan 17.60 2006 444 Greece 17.60 2010 est. 445 Syria 17.60 2010 est. 446 Nicaragua 17.60 2010 est. 447 Malta 17.40 2007 est. 448 Morocco 17.10 2010 est. 449 Mali 17.00 2001 est. 450 Tonga 17.00 FY05/06 est. 451 Niger 17.00 2001 452 Belize 16.90 2008 est. 453 Maldives 16.90 2009 est. 454 Madagascar 16.70 2010 est. 455 Panama 16.60 2010 est. 456 Tuvalu 16.60 2002 457 Gambia, The 16.30 2010 est. 458 Moldova 16.30 2010 est. 459 Cape Verde 16.20 2010 est. 460 India 16.10 2010 est. 461 Barbados 16.00 2000 est. 462 Faroe Islands 16.00 2007 est. 463 Kenya 16.00 2010 est. 464 Lebanon 15.90 2010 est. 465 Micronesia, Federated States of 15.20 2004 est. 466 Cook Islands 15.10 2004 467 Curacao 15.00 2000 est. 468 Nepal 15.00 FY09 est. 469 Saint Lucia 15.00 2005 est. 470 Saint Martin 15.00 2000 471 New Caledonia 15.00 2003 472 Djibouti 14.90 2006 473 Indonesia 14.90 2010 est. 474 Marshall Islands 14.90 2004 est. 475 Senegal 14.90 2010 est. 476 Bahamas, The 14.70 2001 est. 477 Sao Tome and Principe 14.70 2010 est. 478 Benin 14.50 2007 est. 479 Rwanda 14.30 2010 est. 480 West Bank 14.00 2008 est. 481 Ethiopia 13.70 2010 est. 482 Philippines 13.70 2010 est. 483 Luxembourg 13.60 2007 est. 484 Egypt 13.50 2010 est. 485 Fiji 13.50 2004 est. 486 Guatemala 13.30 2010 est. 487 Samoa 13.10 2004 est. 488 Isle of Man 13.00 2000 est. 489 Serbia 13.00 2010 est. 490 Kosovo 12.90 2010 est. 491 Romania 12.80 2010 est. 492 Timor-Leste 12.80 2005 493 Sri Lanka 12.60 2010 est. 494 Mauritania 12.50 2008 est. 495 Honduras 12.40 2010 est. 496 Macedonia 12.10 2010 est. 497 Guinea-Bissau 12.00 1999 est. 498 Vanuatu 12.00 2000 est. 499 Palau 12.00 2003 500 Eritrea 11.80 2010 est. 501 Samoa 11.60 2004 est. 502 Dominican Republic 11.50 2010 est. 503 Bolivia 11.00 2010 est. 504 Solomon Islands 11.00 2005 est. 505 El Salvador 11.00 2010 est. 506 Iran 11.00 2010 est. 507 Georgia 11.00 2010 est. 508 Suriname 10.80 2005 est. 509 British Virgin Islands 10.70 1996 est. 510 Tunisia 10.60 2010 est. 511 Thailand 10.40 2010 est. 512 Turkmenistan 10.20 2010 est. 513 Bermuda 10.00 2002 est. 514 Somalia 10.00 2005 est. 515 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.00 2001 est. 516 Guernsey 10.00 2000 517 Bosnia and Herzegovina 9.80 2010 est. 518 Ukraine 9.80 2010 est. 519 Iraq 9.70 2010 est. 520 Angola 9.60 2008 est. 521 Cook Islands 9.60 2004 522 China 9.60 2010 est. 523 Colombia 9.30 2010 est. 524 Uruguay 9.30 2010 est. 525 Malaysia 9.10 2010 est. 526 Belarus 9.00 2010 est. 527 Namibia 9.00 2010 est. 528 Cape Verde 9.00 2010 est. 529 Fiji 8.90 2004 est. 530 Kiribati 8.90 2004 531 New Caledonia 8.80 2003 532 Turkey 8.80 2010 est. 533 Swaziland 8.60 2010 est. 534 Argentina 8.50 2010 est. 535 Algeria 8.30 2010 est. 536 Yemen 8.20 2010 est. 537 Liechtenstein 8.00 2007 538 Hong Kong 7.60 2010 est. 539 Bulgaria 7.50 2009 est. 540 Lesotho 7.10 2010 est. 541 Chad 7.00 2010 est. 542 Croatia 6.80 2010 est. 543 Ecuador 6.80 2010 est. 544 Costa Rica 6.30 2010 est. 545 Palau 6.20 2003 546 Brazil 6.10 2010 est. 547 Barbados 6.00 2000 est. 548 Kazakhstan 6.00 2009 est. 549 Panama 5.80 2010 est. 550 Peru 5.80 2010 est. 551 Jamaica 5.70 2010 est. 552 Chile 5.60 2009 est. 553 Maldives 5.60 2009 est. 554 Azerbaijan 5.50 2010 est. 555 Iceland 5.50 2010 est. 556 Grenada 5.40 2003 557 Liberia 5.40 2002 est. 558 Lebanon 5.10 2010 est. 559 Ireland 5.00 2002 est. 560 West Bank 5.00 2008 est. 561 Saint Lucia 5.00 2005 est. 562 Greenland 4.90 2007 est. 563 Monaco 4.90 2005 564 Mauritius 4.80 2010 est. 565 New Zealand 4.60 2010 est. 566 Gabon 4.50 2010 est. 567 Congo, Republic of the 4.40 2010 est. 568 Lithuania 4.30 2010 est. 569 Cuba 4.20 2010 est. 570 Latvia 4.20 2010 est. 571 Russia 4.20 2010 est. 572 Mexico 4.20 2010 est. 573 Venezuela 4.10 2010 est. 574 Anguilla 4.00 2002 est. 575 Australia 4.00 2010 est. 576 Comoros 4.00 2001 est. 577 Greece 4.00 2010 est. 578 Poland 3.90 2010 est. 579 Antigua and Barbuda 3.80 2002 est. 580 Equatorial Guinea 3.80 2010 est. 581 French Polynesia 3.50 2005 582 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3.50 2001 583 Jordan 3.40 2010 est. 584 Cayman Islands 3.20 1994 est. 585 Djibouti 3.20 2006 586 Guernsey 3.00 2000 587 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 588 Korea, South 3.00 2008 est. 589 Seychelles 2.90 2009 est. 590 Spain 2.90 2010 est. 591 Hungary 2.80 2010 est. 592 Macau 2.80 2009 est. 593 Saudi Arabia 2.70 2010 est. 594 Slovakia 2.70 2010 est. 595 Finland 2.60 2010 est. 596 Portugal 2.60 2010 est. 597 Libya 2.60 2010 est. 598 Netherlands 2.60 2010 est. 599 Estonia 2.50 2010 est. 600 Israel 2.40 2010 est. 601 Slovenia 2.40 2010 est. 602 Botswana 2.30 2009 est. 603 Canada 2.30 2009 est. 604 Czech Republic 2.20 2010 est. 605 Equatorial Guinea 2.20 2010 est. 606 Cyprus 2.10 2010 est. 607 Norway 2.10 2010 est. 608 Jersey 2.00 2005 609 France 1.80 2010 est. 610 Italy 1.80 2010 est. 611 European Union 1.80 2010 est. 612 Malta 1.70 2007 est. 613 Sweden 1.70 2010 est. 614 Austria 1.50 2010 est. 615 Japan 1.50 2010 est. 616 Cayman Islands 1.40 1994 est. 617 Taiwan 1.40 2010 est. 618 Oman 1.40 2010 est. 619 Switzerland 1.30 2010 est. 620 Bahamas, The 1.20 2001 est. 621 Montserrat 1.20 1999 est. 622 United States 1.20 2010 est. 623 Denmark 1.10 2010 est. 624 Bermuda 1.00 2002 est. 625 Virgin Islands 1.00 2003 est. 626 Curacao 1.00 2000 est. 627 Isle of Man 1.00 2000 est. 628 Puerto Rico 1.00 2005 est. 629 Saint Martin 1.00 2000 630 Jersey 1.00 2005 631 British Virgin Islands 0.90 1996 est. 632 United Kingdom 0.90 2010 est. 633 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2010 est. 634 Germany 0.80 2010 est. 635 Belgium 0.70 2010 est. 636 Brunei 0.70 2008 est. 637 Bahrain 0.50 2010 est. 638 Trinidad and Tobago 0.50 2010 est. 639 Aruba 0.40 2002 est. 640 Luxembourg 0.40 2007 est. 641 Sint Maarten 0.40 2008 est. 642 Kuwait 0.30 2010 est. 643 Hong Kong 0.10 2010 est. 644 Macau 0.10 2009 est. 645 San Marino 0.10 2007 646 Qatar 0.10 2010 est. 647 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 648 Singapore 0.00 2010 est. 649 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 650 Monaco 0.00 2005

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

Rank code: 2013

Country Comparison :: Radio broadcast stations

Rank country Radio broadcast stations Date of Information

1 European Union 13,655.00 NA 2 United States 8,961.00 2006 3 United States 4,789.00 2006 4 Italy 4,600.00 1998 5 France 3,500.00 1998 6 Russia 1,500.00 2004 7 Brazil 1,365.00 1999 8 Turkey 1,090.00 2009 9 European Union 930.00 NA 10 Mexico 851.00 2009 11 Germany 787.00 1998 12 Mexico 726.00 2009 13 Romania 698.00 2006 14 United Kingdom 696.00 2008 15 Indonesia 678.00 1998 16 Philippines 659.00 2008 17 Canada 582.00 2004 18 Netherlands 567.00 2009 19 Ukraine 524.00 2006 20 Guatemala 487.00 2000 21 Peru 472.00 1999 22 Colombia 454.00 1999 23 Ecuador 392.00 2001 24 Malaysia 391.00 2001 25 Philippines 383.00 2008 26 China 369.00 1998 27 Denmark 355.00 1998 28 Thailand 351.00 2007 29 South Africa 347.00 1998 30 Australia 345.00 1998 31 Russia 323.00 2004 32 Korea, South 322.00 2008 33 Serbia 308.00 2009 34 Czech Republic 304.00 2000 35 Brazil 296.00 1999 36 New Zealand 290.00 1998 37 Australia 262.00 1998 38 Argentina 260.00 1998 39 China 259.00 1998 40 Spain 250.00 2008 41 Canada 245.00 2004 42 Honduras 241.00 1998 43 Thailand 238.00 2007 44 Mali 230.00 2001 45 Slovenia 230.00 2006 46 Japan 215.00 2001 47 United Kingdom 206.00 2008 48 Peru 198.00 1999 49 Uruguay 191.00 2005 50 Peru 189.00 1999 51 Chile 180.00 1998 52 Bolivia 171.00 1999 53 India 171.00 2009 54 Cuba 169.00 1998 55 Brazil 161.00 1999 56 Norway 160.00 2008 57 India 149.00 2009 58 El Salvador 144.00 2005 59 Taiwan 143.00 2008 60 Lithuania 142.00 2001 61 Panama 134.00 1998 62 Venezuela 131.00 2008 63 Guatemala 130.00 2000 64 New Zealand 124.00 1998 65 Sweden 124.00 2008 66 Paraguay 121.00 2006 67 Dominican Republic 120.00 1998 68 Mongolia 108.00 2009 69 Ireland 106.00 1998 70 Switzerland 106.00 2008 71 Panama 101.00 1998 72 Italy 100.00 1998 73 Croatia 98.00 1999 74 Korea, South 96.00 2008 75 Uruguay 93.00 2005 76 Hungary 90.00 2008 77 Japan 89.00 2001 78 Greece 88.00 1998 79 Ghana 86.00 2007 80 Nigeria 83.00 2001 81 Indonesia 82.00 1998 82 Kenya 82.00 2008 83 Nepal 80.00 2008 84 Belgium 79.00 1998 85 Bolivia 77.00 1999 86 Cyprus 76.00 2004 87 Puerto Rico 74.00 2008 88 Bolivia 73.00 1999 89 Iran 72.00 2010 90 European Union 71.00 NA 91 Iceland 70.00 2008 92 Macedonia 68.00 2009 93 Pakistan 68.00 2006 94 Austria 65.00 2009 95 Costa Rica 65.00 2002 96 Vietnam 65.00 1999 97 Chile 64.00 1998 98 Bulgaria 63.00 2001 99 Nicaragua 63.00 1998 100 Portugal 63.00 2008 101 Poland 63.00 2008 102 Latvia 62.00 2008 103 Russia 62.00 2004 104 Kazakhstan 60.00 2008 105 Finland 59.00 2008 106 Dominican Republic 56.00 1998 107 Cuba 55.00 1998 108 Iraq 55.00 2009 109 India 54.00 2009 110 Haiti 53.00 2009 111 Honduras 53.00 1998 112 Puerto Rico 53.00 2008 113 El Salvador 52.00 2005 114 Sri Lanka 52.00 2007 115 Costa Rica 51.00 2002 116 Germany 51.00 1998 117 Cambodia 50.00 2008 118 Afghanistan 48.00 2009 119 Albania 46.00 2005 120 Venezuela 46.00 2008 121 China 45.00 1998 122 Indonesia 43.00 1998 123 Saudi Arabia 43.00 1998 124 Egypt 42.00 2010 125 France 41.00 1998 126 Haiti 41.00 2009 127 Paraguay 41.00 2006 128 Fiji 40.00 1998 129 Namibia 39.00 2001 130 Tunisia 38.00 2007 131 Belarus 37.00 1998 132 Nigeria 36.00 2001 133 Ecuador 35.00 2001 134 Malaysia 35.00 2001 135 Benin 34.00 2007 136 Colombia 34.00 1999 137 Estonia 34.00 2009 138 Laos 34.00 2010 139 Uganda 33.00 2001 140 Nicaragua 32.00 1998 141 Bulgaria 31.00 2001 142 Czech Republic 31.00 2000 143 Pakistan 31.00 2006 144 Montenegro 31.00 2004 145 Saudi Arabia 31.00 1998 146 Lebanon 30.00 2009 147 Ecuador 29.00 2001 148 Lithuania 29.00 2001 149 Vietnam 29.00 1999 150 Moldova 29.00 2006 151 Belarus 28.00 1998 152 Trinidad and Tobago 28.00 2008 153 Papua New Guinea 28.00 1998 154 Jordan 28.00 2010 155 Colombia 27.00 1999 156 West Bank 27.00 2010 157 Burkina Faso 26.00 2007 158 Greece 26.00 1998 159 Syria 26.00 2010 160 Algeria 25.00 1999 161 Jamaica 24.00 2008 162 Uzbekistan 24.00 2008 163 Kenya 24.00 2008 164 Israel 23.00 2010 165 Kyrgyzstan 23.00 2009 166 Suriname 23.00 2008 167 Cape Verde 22.00 2001 168 Slovakia 22.00 2008 169 Egypt 22.00 2010 170 Angola 21.00 2001 171 Japan 21.00 2001 172 Iran 21.00 2010 173 Taiwan 21.00 2008 174 Lebanon 20.00 2009 175 Uzbekistan 20.00 2008 176 Zimbabwe 20.00 1998 177 Senegal 20.00 2001 178 Bangladesh 19.00 2009 179 Zambia 19.00 2001 180 United States 19.00 2006 181 Costa Rica 19.00 2002 182 Singapore 19.00 2008 183 Papua New Guinea 19.00 1998 184 Dominica 18.00 2009 185 Malta 18.00 1999 186 Spain 18.00 2008 187 Kazakhstan 18.00 2008 188 Antigua and Barbuda 17.00 2008 189 Mozambique 17.00 2001 190 Korea, North 17.00 2006 191 Czech Republic 17.00 2000 192 Chile 17.00 1998 193 Bangladesh 17.00 2009 194 Armenia 16.00 2006 195 Belize 16.00 2006 196 Croatia 16.00 1999 197 Bosnia and Herzegovina 16.00 1998 198 Virgin Islands 16.00 2005 199 Tajikistan 16.00 2009 200 Libya 16.00 2001 201 Aruba 16.00 2004 202 Guatemala 15.00 2000 203 Mexico 15.00 2009 204 Syria 15.00 2010 205 Sri Lanka 15.00 2007 206 Israel 15.00 2010 207 Malaysia 15.00 2001 208 Morocco 15.00 2009 209 Cayman Islands 14.00 2009 210 Syria 14.00 2010 211 Korea, North 14.00 2006 212 French Polynesia 14.00 1998 213 Mauritania 14.00 2001 214 South Africa 14.00 1998 215 Poland 14.00 2008 216 Korea, North 14.00 2006 217 Greenland 14.00 2008 218 Albania 13.00 2005 219 United Arab Emirates 13.00 2004 220 Mozambique 13.00 2001 221 Fiji 13.00 1998 222 Faroe Islands 13.00 1998 223 Botswana 13.00 2001 224 Barbados 13.00 2009 225 Georgia 12.00 1998 226 Honduras 12.00 1998 227 Sudan 12.00 1998 228 Turkmenistan 12.00 2008 229 Tanzania 12.00 1998 230 Grenada 12.00 2009 231 Anguilla 11.00 2009 232 Somalia 11.00 2001 233 Saint Lucia 11.00 2008 234 Nigeria 11.00 2001 235 Mozambique 11.00 2001 236 Monaco 11.00 2008 237 Kuwait 11.00 1998 238 Azerbaijan 11.00 2010 239 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11.00 2001 240 Bahamas, The 11.00 2009 241 Tanzania 11.00 1998 242 Belarus 11.00 1998 243 Azerbaijan 10.00 2010 244 Hong Kong 10.00 2009 245 Iran 10.00 2010 246 Slovenia 10.00 2006 247 Rwanda 10.00 2007 248 Liberia 10.00 2007 249 Gaza Strip 10.00 2008 250 Armenia 9.00 2006 251 Turkmenistan 9.00 2008 252 Togo 9.00 1998 253 Sierra Leone 9.00 2001 254 Oman 9.00 1999 255 Mauritius 9.00 2001 256 Malawi 9.00 2001 257 Madagascar 9.00 2001 258 Luxembourg 9.00 1999 259 Kazakhstan 9.00 2008 260 Italy 9.00 1998 261 Ireland 9.00 1998 262 Cote d'Ivoire 9.00 1998 263 Cameroon 9.00 2001 264 Bhutan 9.00 2007 265 Algeria 8.00 1999 266 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.00 1998 267 Ethiopia 8.00 2001 268 United Arab Emirates 8.00 2004 269 Senegal 8.00 2001 270 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.00 2008 271 Saint Kitts and Nevis 8.00 2008 272 Papua New Guinea 8.00 1998 273 Latvia 8.00 2008 274 Botswana 8.00 2001 275 Angola 7.00 2001 276 Turks and Caicos Islands 7.00 2003 277 Zimbabwe 7.00 1998 278 Vietnam 7.00 1999 279 Uruguay 7.00 2005 280 Uganda 7.00 2001 281 Tunisia 7.00 2007 282 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 7.00 2006 283 Mongolia 7.00 2009 284 Gabon 7.00 2001 285 Georgia 7.00 1998 286 Belgium 7.00 1998 287 Angola 6.00 2001 288 Argentina 6.00 1998 289 Yemen 6.00 1998 290 Virgin Islands 6.00 2005 291 Qatar 6.00 1998 292 Paraguay 6.00 2006 293 Niger 6.00 2001 294 Nepal 6.00 2008 295 Malta 6.00 1999 296 Maldives 6.00 2009 297 Madagascar 6.00 2001 298 Kuwait 6.00 1998 299 Kenya 6.00 2008 300 Hong Kong 6.00 2009 301 Gabon 6.00 2001 302 Thailand 6.00 2007 303 Northern Mariana Islands 6.00 2005 304 Canada 6.00 2004 305 Bermuda 5.00 2009 306 British Virgin Islands 5.00 2004 307 Central African Republic 5.00 2001 308 Chad 5.00 2001 309 Congo, Republic of the 5.00 2001 310 Cyprus 5.00 2004 311 Croatia 5.00 1999 312 Zambia 5.00 2001 313 Norway 5.00 2008 314 Niger 5.00 2001 315 New Caledonia 5.00 1998 316 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.00 2004 317 Mayotte 5.00 2001 318 Malawi 5.00 2001 319 Hungary 5.00 2008 320 Holy See (Vatican City) 5.00 2008 321 Holy See (Vatican City) 5.00 2008 322 Sao Tome and Principe 5.00 2001 323 Samoa 5.00 2004 324 Qatar 5.00 1998 325 Guinea 5.00 2006 326 Greenland 5.00 2008 327 Gibraltar 5.00 1998 328 Equatorial Guinea 5.00 2001 329 Bermuda 4.00 2009 330 Burundi 4.00 2001 331 Chad 4.00 2001 332 Gabon 4.00 2001 333 Zambia 4.00 2001 334 Vanuatu 4.00 2001 335 New Zealand 4.00 1998 336 Netherlands 4.00 2009 337 Nepal 4.00 2008 338 Namibia 4.00 2001 339 Mongolia 4.00 2009 340 Mauritius 4.00 2001 341 Liechtenstein 4.00 1998 342 Lebanon 4.00 2009 343 Jamaica 4.00 2008 344 Guinea-Bissau 4.00 2001 345 Tonga 4.00 2001 346 Togo 4.00 1998 347 Suriname 4.00 2008 348 Sri Lanka 4.00 2007 349 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4.00 1998 350 Philippines 4.00 2008 351 Palau 4.00 2001 352 Niger 4.00 2001 353 Greece 4.00 1998 354 Germany 4.00 1998 355 Georgia 4.00 1998 356 Dominican Republic 4.00 1998 357 Dominica 4.00 2009 358 Comoros 4.00 2001 359 Botswana 4.00 2001 360 American Samoa 3.00 2005 361 Venezuela 3.00 2008 362 Uzbekistan 3.00 2008 363 United Kingdom 3.00 2008 364 Switzerland 3.00 2008 365 Switzerland 3.00 2008 366 Swaziland 3.00 2004 367 Swaziland 3.00 2004 368 Suriname 3.00 2008 369 Saint Martin 3.00 2007 370 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3.00 2008 371 Oman 3.00 1999 372 Norfolk Island 3.00 2005 373 Marshall Islands 3.00 2005 374 Libya 3.00 2001 375 Libya 3.00 2001 376 Lesotho 3.00 2007 377 Laos 3.00 2010 378 Laos 3.00 2010 379 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2009 380 Iceland 3.00 2008 381 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.00 2008 382 Guyana 3.00 2009 383 Guyana 3.00 2009 384 Guinea 3.00 2006 385 Ghana 3.00 2007 386 Gambia, The 3.00 2001 387 Equatorial Guinea 3.00 2001 388 Cote d'Ivoire 3.00 1998 389 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 2001 390 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.00 2001 391 Cameroon 3.00 2001 392 Burma 3.00 2007 393 Burkina Faso 3.00 2007 394 Anguilla 3.00 2009 395 Bahamas, The 3.00 2009 396 Bahrain 3.00 1998 397 Antigua and Barbuda 3.00 2008 398 American Samoa 2.00 2005 399 Djibouti 2.00 2001 400 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 1998 401 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 2.00 2004 402 Chad 2.00 2001 403 Cameroon 2.00 2001 404 Burma 2.00 2007 405 Burkina Faso 2.00 2007 406 Bulgaria 2.00 2001 407 Brunei 2.00 2006 408 British Indian Ocean Territory 2.00 1998 409 Barbados 2.00 2009 410 Bangladesh 2.00 2009 411 Bahrain 2.00 1998 412 Namibia 2.00 2001 413 Montserrat 2.00 2008 414 Moldova 2.00 2006 415 Malawi 2.00 2001 416 Madagascar 2.00 2001 417 Macau 2.00 2009 418 Luxembourg 2.00 1999 419 Luxembourg 2.00 1999 420 French Polynesia 2.00 1998 421 Yemen 2.00 1998 422 Western Sahara 2.00 1998 423 Vanuatu 2.00 2001 424 United Arab Emirates 2.00 2004 425 Uganda 2.00 2001 426 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.00 2003 427 Turkmenistan 2.00 2008 428 Tunisia 2.00 2007 429 Trinidad and Tobago 2.00 2008 430 Togo 2.00 1998 431 Tanzania 2.00 1998 432 Swaziland 2.00 2004 433 Spain 2.00 2008 434 Seychelles 2.00 2001 435 Saudi Arabia 2.00 1998 436 San Marino 2.00 2008 437 Samoa 2.00 2004 438 Saint Lucia 2.00 2008 439 Portugal 2.00 2008 440 Poland 2.00 2008 441 Oman 2.00 1999 442 French Polynesia 2.00 1998 443 France 2.00 1998 444 Finland 2.00 2008 445 Finland 2.00 2008 446 Eritrea 2.00 2000 447 Eritrea 2.00 2000 448 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2001 449 Christmas Island 2.00 2006 450 Liberia 2.00 2007 451 Kyrgyzstan 2.00 2009 452 Kiribati 2.00 2002 453 Grenada 2.00 2009 454 Gambia, The 2.00 2001 455 Aruba 2.00 2004 456 Antarctica 2.00 2007 457 Anguilla 2.00 2009 458 Akrotiri 1.00 2006 459 Albania 1.00 2005 460 Algeria 1.00 1999 461 Antarctica 1.00 2007 462 Australia 1.00 1998 463 Christmas Island 1.00 2006 464 Burma 1.00 2007 465 Brunei 1.00 2006 466 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2004 467 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 1998 468 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 1998 469 Bhutan 1.00 2007 470 Bermuda 1.00 2009 471 Benin 1.00 2007 472 Benin 1.00 2007 473 Guyana 1.00 2009 474 Guernsey 1.00 1998 475 Guernsey 1.00 1998 476 Gibraltar 1.00 1998 477 Faroe Islands 1.00 1998 478 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2006 479 Ethiopia 1.00 2001 480 Egypt 1.00 2010 481 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2001 482 Tuvalu 1.00 2004 483 Tuvalu 1.00 2004 484 Tonga 1.00 2001 485 Tonga 1.00 2001 486 Sweden 1.00 2008 487 Svalbard 1.00 1998 488 Svalbard 1.00 1998 489 Sudan 1.00 1998 490 Sudan 1.00 1998 491 South Africa 1.00 1998 492 Somalia 1.00 2001 493 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 494 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 495 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 496 Slovakia 1.00 2008 497 Slovakia 1.00 2008 498 Singapore 1.00 2008 499 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 500 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 501 Seychelles 1.00 2001 502 Seychelles 1.00 2001 503 Senegal 1.00 2001 504 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2001 505 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2001 506 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2008 507 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 1998 508 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 509 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 510 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 511 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 512 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 513 Qatar 1.00 1998 514 Portugal 1.00 2008 515 Pitcairn Islands 1.00 2004 516 Palau 1.00 2001 517 Palau 1.00 2001 518 Norway 1.00 2008 519 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2005 520 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2005 521 Norfolk Island 1.00 2005 522 Niue 1.00 1998 523 Niue 1.00 1998 524 Nicaragua 1.00 1998 525 New Caledonia 1.00 1998 526 Netherlands 1.00 2009 527 Nauru 1.00 1998 528 Montserrat 1.00 2008 529 Monaco 1.00 2008 530 Monaco 1.00 2008 531 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2004 532 Mayotte 1.00 2001 533 Mauritania 1.00 2001 534 Mauritania 1.00 2001 535 Marshall Islands 1.00 2005 536 Malta 1.00 1999 537 Mali 1.00 2001 538 Mali 1.00 2001 539 Maldives 1.00 2009 540 Maldives 1.00 2009 541 Macedonia 1.00 2009 542 Macau 1.00 2009 543 Lithuania 1.00 2001 544 Lesotho 1.00 2007 545 Lesotho 1.00 2007 546 Latvia 1.00 2008 547 Kuwait 1.00 1998 548 Korea, South 1.00 2008 549 Kiribati 1.00 2002 550 Kiribati 1.00 2002 551 Jordan 1.00 2010 552 Jersey 1.00 2008 553 Isle of Man 1.00 1998 554 Isle of Man 1.00 1998 555 Iceland 1.00 2008 556 Hungary 1.00 2008 557 Comoros 1.00 2001 558 Comoros 1.00 2001 559 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2004 560 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 561 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 562 Cayman Islands 1.00 2009 563 Cambodia 1.00 2008 564 Burundi 1.00 2001 565 Taiwan 1.00 2008 566 Zimbabwe 1.00 1998 567 Yemen 1.00 1998 568 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2000 569 Vanuatu 1.00 2001 570 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2001 571 Djibouti 1.00 2001 572 Dhekelia 1.00 2006 573 Denmark 1.00 1998 574 Cuba 1.00 1998 575 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 576 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 577 Belize 1.00 2006 578 Belgium 1.00 1998 579 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 580 Austria 1.00 2009 581 Armenia 1.00 2006 582 Andorra 1.00 2009 583 American Samoa 0.00 2005 584 Belize 0.00 2006 585 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 586 Rwanda 0.00 2007 587 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 588 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2004 589 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2004 590 Panama 0.00 1998 591 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 592 Niue 0.00 1998 593 New Caledonia 0.00 1998 594 Nauru 0.00 1998 595 Nauru 0.00 1998 596 Montserrat 0.00 2008 597 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2004 598 Mayotte 0.00 2001 599 Faroe Islands 0.00 1998 600 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2006 601 Ethiopia 0.00 2001 602 Estonia 0.00 2009 603 Estonia 0.00 2009 604 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 605 El Salvador 0.00 2005 606 Dominica 0.00 2009 607 Christmas Island 0.00 2006 608 Mauritius 0.00 2001 609 Marshall Islands 0.00 2005 610 Macedonia 0.00 2009 611 Macau 0.00 2009 612 Liechtenstein 0.00 1998 613 Liechtenstein 0.00 1998 614 Liberia 0.00 2007 615 Jersey 0.00 2008 616 Jamaica 0.00 2008 617 Israel 0.00 2010 618 Isle of Man 0.00 1998 619 Ireland 0.00 1998 620 Hong Kong 0.00 2009 621 Haiti 0.00 2009 622 Guernsey 0.00 1998 623 Western Sahara 0.00 1998 624 Western Sahara 0.00 1998 625 West Bank 0.00 2010 626 West Bank 0.00 2010 627 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2000 628 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2000 629 Sweden 0.00 2008 630 Svalbard 0.00 1998 631 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 632 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 633 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 634 Somalia 0.00 2001 635 Slovenia 0.00 2006 636 Singapore 0.00 2008 637 San Marino 0.00 2008 638 Wake Island 0.00 2005 639 Wake Island 0.00 2005 640 Wake Island 0.00 2005 641 Virgin Islands 0.00 2005 642 Tuvalu 0.00 2004 643 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2003 644 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 645 San Marino 0.00 2008 646 Samoa 0.00 2004 647 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 648 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 1998 649 Saint Martin 0.00 2007 650 Saint Martin 0.00 2007 651 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 652 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 653 Grenada 0.00 2009 654 Greenland 0.00 2008 655 Gibraltar 0.00 1998 656 Ghana 0.00 2007 657 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 658 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 659 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 660 Fiji 0.00 1998 661 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 662 Guinea 0.00 2006 663 Cayman Islands 0.00 2009 664 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 665 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 666 Burundi 0.00 2001 667 Brunei 0.00 2006 668 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2004 669 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 1998 670 Bhutan 0.00 2007 671 Djibouti 0.00 2001 672 Denmark 0.00 1998 673 Cyprus 0.00 2004 674 Cook Islands 0.00 2004 675 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2004 676 Bahrain 0.00 1998 677 Barbados 0.00 2009 678 Bahamas, The 0.00 2009 679 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 680 Aruba 0.00 2004 681 Andorra 0.00 2009 682 Andorra 0.00 2009

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

Rank code: 2014

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 575,000,000.00 1997 2 China 417,000,000.00 1997 3 Japan 120,500,000.00 1997 4 India 116,000,000.00 1997 5 United Kingdom 84,500,000.00 1997 6 Germany 77,800,000.00 1997 7 Brazil 71,000,000.00 1997 8 Russia 61,500,000.00 1997 9 France 55,300,000.00 1997 10 Italy 50,500,000.00 1997 11 Korea, South 47,500,000.00 2000 12 Ukraine 45,050,000.00 1997 13 Canada 32,300,000.00 1997 14 Indonesia 31,500,000.00 1997 15 Mexico 31,000,000.00 1997 16 Australia 25,500,000.00 1997 17 Argentina 24,300,000.00 1997 18 Nigeria 23,500,000.00 1997 19 Colombia 21,000,000.00 1997 20 Egypt 20,500,000.00 1997 21 Poland 20,200,000.00 1997 22 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18,030,000.00 1997 23 Iran 17,000,000.00 1997 24 South Africa 17,000,000.00 2001 25 Taiwan 16,000,000.00 1994 26 Netherlands 15,300,000.00 1996 27 Ethiopia 15,200,000.00 2002 28 Thailand 13,960,000.00 1997 29 Pakistan 13,500,000.00 1997 30 Spain 13,100,000.00 1997 31 Ghana 12,500,000.00 2001 32 Philippines 11,500,000.00 1997 33 Turkey 11,300,000.00 1997 34 Malaysia 10,900,000.00 1999 35 Uzbekistan 10,800,000.00 1997 36 Venezuela 10,750,000.00 1997 37 Tanzania 8,800,000.00 1997 38 Sweden 8,250,000.00 1997 39 Vietnam 8,200,000.00 1997 40 Belgium 8,075,000.00 1997 41 Finland 7,700,000.00 1997 42 Sudan 7,550,000.00 1997 43 Romania 7,200,000.00 1997 44 Algeria 7,100,000.00 1997 45 Switzerland 7,100,000.00 1997 46 Hungary 7,010,000.00 1997 47 Peru 6,650,000.00 1997 48 Morocco 6,640,000.00 1997 49 Kazakhstan 6,470,000.00 1997 50 Saudi Arabia 6,250,000.00 1997 51 Bangladesh 6,150,000.00 1997 52 Austria 6,080,000.00 1997 53 Denmark 6,020,000.00 1997 54 Bolivia 5,250,000.00 1997 55 Chile 5,180,000.00 1997 56 Greece 5,020,000.00 1997 57 Ecuador 5,000,000.00 2001 58 Uganda 5,000,000.00 2001 59 Iraq 4,850,000.00 1997 60 Bulgaria 4,510,000.00 1997 61 Hong Kong 4,450,000.00 1997 62 Burma 4,200,000.00 1997 63 Syria 4,150,000.00 1997 64 Norway 4,030,000.00 1997 65 Cuba 3,900,000.00 1997 66 Sri Lanka 3,850,000.00 1997 67 New Zealand 3,750,000.00 1997 68 Korea, North 3,360,000.00 1997 69 Moldova 3,220,000.00 1997 70 Czech Republic 3,159,134.00 December 2000 71 Slovakia 3,120,000.00 1997 72 Israel 3,070,000.00 1997 73 Kenya 3,070,000.00 1997 74 Madagascar 3,050,000.00 1997 75 Belarus 3,020,000.00 1997 76 Portugal 3,020,000.00 1997 77 Georgia 3,020,000.00 1997 78 Lebanon 2,850,000.00 1997 79 El Salvador 2,750,000.00 1997 80 Puerto Rico 2,700,000.00 1997 81 Malawi 2,600,000.00 1997 82 Singapore 2,600,000.00 2000 83 Ireland 2,550,000.00 1997 84 Honduras 2,450,000.00 1997 85 Cameroon 2,270,000.00 1997 86 Cote d'Ivoire 2,260,000.00 1997 87 Tunisia 2,060,000.00 1997 88 Uruguay 1,970,000.00 1997 89 Lithuania 1,900,000.00 1997 90 Latvia 1,760,000.00 1997 91 Chad 1,670,000.00 1997 92 Jordan 1,660,000.00 1997 93 Croatia 1,510,000.00 1997 94 Dominican Republic 1,440,000.00 1997 95 Oman 1,400,000.00 1997 96 Libya 1,350,000.00 1997 97 Cambodia 1,340,000.00 1997 98 Tajikistan 1,291,000.00 1991 99 Nicaragua 1,240,000.00 1997 100 Senegal 1,240,000.00 1997 101 Turkmenistan 1,225,000.00 1997 102 Jamaica 1,215,000.00 1997 103 Zambia 1,200,000.00 2001 104 Kuwait 1,175,000.00 1997 105 Zimbabwe 1,140,000.00 1997 106 Sierra Leone 1,120,000.00 1997 107 Yemen 1,050,000.00 1997 108 Estonia 1,010,000.00 1997 109 Albania 1,000,000.00 2001 110 Costa Rica 980,000.00 1997 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina 940,000.00 1997 112 Togo 940,000.00 1997 113 Paraguay 925,000.00 1997 114 Armenia 850,000.00 1997 115 Nepal 840,000.00 1997 116 Guatemala 835,000.00 1997 117 United Arab Emirates 820,000.00 1997 118 Angola 815,000.00 2000 119 Panama 815,000.00 1997 120 Slovenia 805,000.00 1997 121 Liberia 790,000.00 1997 122 Laos 730,000.00 1997 123 Mozambique 730,000.00 1997 124 Niger 680,000.00 1997 125 Trinidad and Tobago 680,000.00 1997 126 Benin 660,000.00 2000 127 Rwanda 601,000.00 1997 128 Mali 570,000.00 1997 129 Fiji 541,476.00 1999 130 Kyrgyzstan 520,000.00 1997 131 Somalia 470,000.00 1997 132 Burundi 440,000.00 2001 133 Guyana 420,000.00 1997 134 Mauritius 420,000.00 1997 135 Haiti 415,000.00 1997 136 Macedonia 410,000.00 1997 137 Mauritania 410,000.00 2001 138 Papua New Guinea 410,000.00 1997 139 Burkina Faso 394,020.00 2000 140 Guinea 357,000.00 1997 141 Eritrea 345,000.00 1997 142 Congo, Republic of the 341,000.00 1997 143 Bahrain 338,000.00 1997 144 Brunei 329,000.00 1998 145 Cyprus 310,000.00 NA 146 Suriname 300,000.00 1997 147 Luxembourg 285,000.00 1997 148 Central African Republic 283,000.00 1997 149 Iceland 260,000.00 1997 150 Qatar 256,000.00 1997 151 Malta 255,000.00 1997 152 Botswana 252,720.00 2000 153 Barbados 237,000.00 1997 154 Namibia 232,000.00 1997 155 Bahamas, The 215,000.00 1997 156 Gabon 208,000.00 1997 157 Gambia, The 196,000.00 1997 158 Equatorial Guinea 180,000.00 1997 159 Azerbaijan 175,000.00 1997 160 Samoa 174,849.00 1997 161 Swaziland 170,000.00 1999 162 Afghanistan 167,000.00 1999 163 Macau 160,000.00 1997 164 Mongolia 155,900.00 1999 165 Belize 133,000.00 1997 166 French Polynesia 128,000.00 1997 167 Saint Lucia 111,000.00 1997 168 New Caledonia 107,000.00 1997 169 Virgin Islands 107,000.00 1997 170 Cape Verde 100,000.00 2002 est. 171 Comoros 90,000.00 1997 172 Bermuda 82,000.00 1997 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 77,000.00 1997 174 Vanuatu 67,000.00 1997 175 Tonga 61,000.00 1997 176 American Samoa 57,000.00 1997 177 Grenada 57,000.00 1997 178 Solomon Islands 57,000.00 1997 179 Cyprus 56,450.00 NA 180 Western Sahara 56,000.00 1997 181 Djibouti 52,000.00 1997 182 Aruba 50,000.00 1997 183 Guinea-Bissau 49,000.00 1997 184 Dominica 46,000.00 1997 185 Seychelles 42,000.00 1997 186 Sao Tome and Principe 38,000.00 1997 187 Bhutan 37,000.00 1997 188 Gibraltar 37,000.00 1997 189 Antigua and Barbuda 36,000.00 1997 190 Cayman Islands 36,000.00 1997 191 Maldives 35,000.00 1999 192 Monaco 34,000.00 1997 193 Greenland 30,000.00 1998 est. 194 Saint Kitts and Nevis 28,000.00 1997 195 Faroe Islands 26,000.00 1997 196 Liechtenstein 21,000.00 1997 197 Kiribati 17,000.00 1997 198 Andorra 16,000.00 1997 199 San Marino 16,000.00 1997 200 Cook Islands 14,000.00 1997 201 Palau 12,000.00 1997 202 Micronesia, Federated States of 9,400.00 1996 203 British Virgin Islands 9,000.00 1997 204 Turks and Caicos Islands 8,000.00 1997 205 Montserrat 7,000.00 1997 206 Nauru 7,000.00 1997 207 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,000.00 1997 208 Tuvalu 4,000.00 1997 209 Anguilla 3,000.00 1997 210 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha3,000.00 1997 211 Norfolk Island 2,500.00 1996 212 Christmas Island 1,000.00 1997 213 Tokelau 1,000.00 1997 214 Niue 1,000.00 1997 215 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,000.00 1997 216 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 300.00 1992

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Rank code: 2015

Country Comparison :: Television broadcast stations

Rank country Television broadcast stations Date of Information

1 Russia 7,306.00 1998 2 China 3,240.00 1997 3 European Union 2,700.00 NA 4 United States 2,218.00 2006 5 India 1,400.00 2009 6 United Kingdom 940.00 2008 7 Mexico 729.00 2009 8 Ukraine 647.00 2006 9 Romania 623.00 2006 10 France 584.00 1995 11 South Africa 556.00 1997 12 Spain 379.00 2008 13 Germany 373.00 1995 14 Italy 358.00 1995 15 Netherlands 342.00 2009 16 Philippines 297.00 2008 17 Sweden 252.00 2008 18 Turkey 251.00 2009 19 Japan 211.00 1999 20 Denmark 172.00 2008 21 Canada 148.00 2007 22 Brazil 138.00 1997 23 Serbia 138.00 2009 24 Finland 120.00 NA 25 Saudi Arabia 117.00 1997 26 Thailand 111.00 2006 27 Switzerland 106.00 2007 28 Australia 104.00 1997 29 Mongolia 99.00 2009 30 Hungary 95.00 2008 31 Malaysia 88.00 2006 32 Macedonia 76.00 2009 33 Taiwan 76.00 2007 34 Poland 75.00 2008 35 Czech Republic 71.00 2008 36 Norway 69.00 2008 37 Vietnam 67.00 2006 38 Venezuela 66.00 1997 39 Albania 65.00 2005 40 Egypt 64.00 2010 41 Chile 63.00 1997 42 Uruguay 62.00 2005 43 Colombia 60.00 1997 44 Cuba 58.00 1997 45 Korea, South 57.00 2008 46 Indonesia 54.00 2006 47 Armenia 48.00 2006 48 Bolivia 48.00 1997 49 Belarus 47.00 1995 50 Algeria 46.00 1995 51 Lithuania 44.00 2008 52 Syria 44.00 1995 53 Argentina 42.00 1997 54 Portugal 42.00 2008 55 New Zealand 41.00 1997 56 Moldova 40.00 2006 57 Bulgaria 39.00 2001 58 Panama 38.00 1998 59 Latvia 37.00 2008 60 Slovakia 37.00 2008 61 Croatia 36.00 1995 62 Greece 36.00 1995 63 Puerto Rico 34.00 2008 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina 33.00 1995 65 Slovenia 31.00 2006 66 West Bank 31.00 2010 67 Iran 29.00 1997 68 Iraq 28.00 2009 69 Laos 28.00 2010 70 Uzbekistan 28.00 2006 71 Guatemala 26.00 1997 72 Tunisia 26.00 1995 73 Belgium 25.00 1997 74 Dominican Republic 25.00 2003 75 Tajikistan 24.00 2009 76 Costa Rica 20.00 2002 77 Pakistan 20.00 2006 78 Bangladesh 17.00 2009 79 Afghanistan 16.00 2009 80 Zimbabwe 16.00 1997 81 Nicaragua 16.00 2009 82 Estonia 15.00 2008 83 United Arab Emirates 15.00 2004 84 Cote d'Ivoire 14.00 1998 85 Iceland 14.00 1997 86 Kuwait 13.00 1997 87 Peru 13.00 1997 88 Oman 13.00 1999 89 Montenegro 13.00 2004 90 Georgia 12.00 1998 91 Swaziland 12.00 2004 92 Sri Lanka 12.00 2009 93 Lebanon 12.00 2009 94 Libya 12.00 1999 95 Kazakhstan 12.00 1998 96 Honduras 11.00 1997 97 Azerbaijan 10.00 2010 98 Austria 9.00 2010 99 Cambodia 9.00 2009 100 Zambia 9.00 2001 101 Nepal 9.00 2008 102 Cyprus 8.00 2004 103 Kenya 8.00 2008 104 Uganda 8.00 2001 105 Morocco 8.00 2009 106 Kyrgyzstan 8.00 2007 107 Belize 7.00 2008 108 Senegal 7.00 2008 109 French Polynesia 7.00 1997 110 Israel 7.00 2009 111 Jamaica 7.00 1997 112 Ghana 7.00 2007 113 Ecuador 7.00 2000 114 Angola 6.00 2000 115 Trinidad and Tobago 6.00 2005 116 Paraguay 6.00 2009 117 New Caledonia 6.00 1997 118 Malta 6.00 2009 119 Guinea 6.00 2001 120 Benin 6.00 2007 121 El Salvador 5.00 1997 122 Liberia 5.00 2007 123 Luxembourg 5.00 1999 124 Virgin Islands 5.00 2006 125 Niger 5.00 2007 126 Monaco 5.00 1998 127 Bahrain 4.00 1997 128 Cayman Islands 4.00 2004 129 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 4.00 2007 130 Burma 4.00 2008 131 Brunei 4.00 2006 132 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.00 2001 133 Turkmenistan 4.00 2008 134 Somalia 4.00 2001 135 Mozambique 4.00 2008 136 Korea, North 4.00 2003 137 Jordan 4.00 2009 138 Ireland 4.00 2008 139 Gabon 4.00 2001 140 Bermuda 3.00 2005 141 Nigeria 3.00 2001 142 Yemen 3.00 2007 143 Tonga 3.00 2004 144 Togo 3.00 1997 145 Tanzania 3.00 1999 146 Suriname 3.00 2000 147 Sudan 3.00 1997 148 Papua New Guinea 3.00 2004 149 Micronesia, Federated States of 3.00 2004 150 Mayotte 3.00 2001 151 Burkina Faso 3.00 NA 152 Guyana 3.00 1997 153 Faroe Islands 3.00 September 1995 154 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 1997 155 Haiti 2.00 1997 156 Wallis and Futuna 2.00 2000 157 Samoa 2.00 2002 158 Saint Lucia 2.00 2003 159 Rwanda 2.00 2004 160 Namibia 2.00 2007 161 Mauritius 2.00 1997 162 Marshall Islands 2.00 2005 163 Mali 2.00 2007 164 Maldives 2.00 2009 165 Jersey 2.00 2008 166 Sierra Leone 2.00 1999 167 Seychelles 2.00 1997 168 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2001 169 Hong Kong 2.00 2009 170 Grenada 2.00 2009 171 Eritrea 2.00 2006 172 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2006 173 Bahamas, The 2.00 2006 174 Botswana 2.00 2007 175 American Samoa 1.00 2006 176 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 1997 177 Vanuatu 1.00 2004 178 Timor-Leste 1.00 NA 179 Qatar 1.00 2001 180 Palau 1.00 2005 181 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2006 182 Norfolk Island 1.00 2005 183 Niue 1.00 1997 184 Nauru 1.00 1997 185 Montserrat 1.00 1997 186 Mauritania 1.00 2002 187 Greenland 1.00 1997 188 Singapore 1.00 2008 189 San Marino 1.00 1997 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2004 191 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2003 192 Gibraltar 1.00 1997 193 Gaza Strip 1.00 2008 194 Gambia, The 1.00 1997 195 Ethiopia 1.00 2001 196 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2001 197 Dominica 1.00 2004 198 Djibouti 1.00 2001 199 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 200 Malawi 1.00 2001 201 Madagascar 1.00 2001 202 Macau 1.00 2009 203 Lesotho 1.00 2007 204 Kiribati 1.00 2002 205 Holy See (Vatican City) 1.00 2008 206 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2007 207 Guernsey 1.00 1997 208 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2001 209 Chad 1.00 2001 210 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 211 Cape Verde 1.00 2001 212 Cameroon 1.00 2001 213 Burundi 1.00 2001 214 British Virgin Islands 1.00 1997 215 Bhutan 1.00 2007 216 Antarctica 1.00 2002 217 Barbados 1.00 2004 218 Andorra 1.00 2009 219 Aruba 1.00 1997 220 Anguilla 1.00 1997 221 Akrotiri 0.00 2006 222 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2003 223 Wake Island 0.00 2005 224 Tuvalu 0.00 2004 225 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 226 Dhekelia 0.00 2006 227 Isle of Man 0.00 1999 228 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 1997 229 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 230 Christmas Island 0.00 2006

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Rank code: 2016

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 China 400,000,000 1997 2 United States 219,000,000 1997 3 Japan 86,500,000 1997 4 India 63,000,000 1997 5 Russia 60,500,000 1997 6 Germany 51,400,000 1998 7 Brazil 36,500,000 1997 8 France 34,800,000 1997 9 United Kingdom 30,500,000 1997 10 Italy 30,300,000 1997 11 Mexico 25,600,000 1997 12 Canada 21,500,000 1997 13 Turkey 20,900,000 1997 14 Ukraine 18,050,000 1997 15 Spain 16,200,000 1997 16 Korea, South 15,900,000 1997 17 Thailand 15,190,000 1997 18 Indonesia 13,750,000 1997 19 Poland 13,050,000 1997 20 Malaysia 10,800,000 1999 21 Australia 10,150,000 1997 22 Taiwan 8,800,000 1998 23 Netherlands 8,100,000 1997 24 Argentina 7,950,000 1997 25 Egypt 7,700,000 1997 26 Nigeria 6,900,000 1997 27 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,478,000 1997 28 Uzbekistan 6,400,000 1997 29 South Africa 6,000,000 2000 30 Romania 5,250,000 1997 31 Saudi Arabia 5,100,000 1997 32 Belgium 4,720,000 1997 33 Iran 4,610,000 1997 34 Sweden 4,600,000 1997 35 Colombia 4,590,000 1997 36 Hungary 4,420,000 1997 37 Austria 4,250,000 1997 38 Venezuela 4,100,000 1997 39 Kazakhstan 3,880,000 1997 40 Philippines 3,700,000 1997 41 Vietnam 3,570,000 1997 42 Czech Republic 3,405,834 December 2000 43 Bulgaria 3,310,000 1997 44 Portugal 3,310,000 1997 45 Switzerland 3,310,000 1997 46 Finland 3,200,000 1997 47 Chile 3,150,000 1997 48 Denmark 3,121,000 1997 49 Algeria 3,100,000 1997 50 Morocco 3,100,000 1997 51 Pakistan 3,100,000 1997 52 Peru 3,060,000 1997 53 Cuba 2,640,000 1997 54 Slovakia 2,620,000 1997 55 Georgia 2,570,000 1997 56 Greece 2,540,000 1997 57 Belarus 2,520,000 1997 58 Ecuador 2,500,000 2001 59 Sudan 2,380,000 1997 60 Norway 2,030,000 1997 61 New Zealand 1,926,000 1997 62 Ghana 1,900,000 2001 63 Hong Kong 1,840,000 1997 64 Ireland 1,820,000 2001 65 Iraq 1,750,000 1997 66 Lithuania 1,700,000 1997 67 Israel 1,690,000 1997 68 Oman 1,600,000 1997 69 Sri Lanka 1,530,000 1997 70 Singapore 1,330,000 1997 71 Guatemala 1,323,000 1997 72 Moldova 1,260,000 1997 73 Croatia 1,220,000 1997 74 Latvia 1,220,000 1997 75 Korea, North 1,200,000 1997 76 Lebanon 1,180,000 1997 77 Cote d'Ivoire 1,090,000 2000 78 Syria 1,050,000 1997 79 Puerto Rico 1,021,000 1997 80 Paraguay 990,000 2001 81 Tunisia 920,000 1997 82 Bolivia 900,000 1997 83 Kuwait 875,000 1997 84 Armenia 825,000 1997 85 Tajikistan 820,000 1997 86 Turkmenistan 820,000 1997 87 Uruguay 782,000 1997 88 Bangladesh 770,000 1997 89 Dominican Republic 770,000 1997 90 Kenya 730,000 1997 91 Libya 730,000 1997 92 Slovenia 710,000 1997 93 Albania 700,000 2001 94 Ethiopia 682,000 2002 95 Estonia 605,000 1997 96 El Salvador 600,000 1990 97 Honduras 570,000 1997 98 Costa Rica 525,000 1997 99 Macedonia 510,000 1997 100 Panama 510,000 1997 101 Jordan 500,000 1997 102 Uganda 500,000 2001 103 Yemen 470,000 1997 104 Jamaica 460,000 1997 105 Cameroon 450,000 1997 106 Trinidad and Tobago 425,000 1997 107 Zimbabwe 370,000 1997 108 Senegal 361,000 1997 109 Madagascar 325,000 1997 110 Burma 320,000 2000 111 Nicaragua 320,000 1997 112 United Arab Emirates 310,000 1997 113 Luxembourg 285,000 1998 est. 114 Malta 280,000 1997 115 Zambia 277,000 1997 116 Bahrain 275,000 1997 117 Mauritius 258,000 1997 118 Cyprus 248,000 NA 119 Qatar 230,000 1997 120 Kyrgyzstan 210,000 1997 121 Brunei 201,900 1998 122 Angola 196,000 2000 123 Azerbaijan 170,000 1997 124 Mongolia 168,800 1999 125 Somalia 135,000 1997 126 Burkina Faso 131,340 2002 127 Nepal 130,000 1997 128 Niger 125,000 1997 129 Tanzania 103,000 1997 130 Afghanistan 100,000 1999 131 Iceland 98,000 1997 132 Mauritania 98,000 2001 133 Cambodia 94,000 1997 134 Fiji 88,110 1999 135 Guinea 85,000 1997 136 Barbados 76,000 1997 137 Togo 73,000 1997 138 Liberia 70,000 1997 139 Virgin Islands 68,000 1997 140 Mozambique 67,600 2000 141 Bahamas, The 67,000 1997 142 Benin 66,000 2000 143 Bermuda 66,000 1997 144 Gabon 63,000 1997 145 Suriname 63,000 1997 146 Namibia 60,000 1997 147 Papua New Guinea 59,841 1999 148 Sierra Leone 53,000 1997 149 Cyprus 52,300 NA 150 Laos 52,000 1997 151 New Caledonia 52,000 1997 152 Macau 49,000 1997 153 Guyana 46,000 1997 154 Mali 45,000 1997 155 Belize 41,000 1997 156 French Polynesia 40,000 1997 157 Haiti 38,000 1997 158 Congo, Republic of the 33,000 1997 159 Grenada 33,000 1997 160 Saint Lucia 32,000 1997 161 Antigua and Barbuda 31,000 1997 162 Botswana 31,000 1997 163 Greenland 30,000 1998 est. 164 Djibouti 28,000 1997 165 Isle of Man 27,490 1999 166 Andorra 27,000 1997 167 Burundi 25,000 1997 168 Monaco 25,000 1997 169 Sao Tome and Principe 23,000 1997 170 Swaziland 23,000 2000 171 Aruba 20,000 1997 172 Central African Republic 18,000 1997 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,000 1997 174 Cape Verde 15,000 2002 est. 175 Faroe Islands 15,000 1997 176 American Samoa 14,000 1997 177 Liechtenstein 12,000 1997 178 Bhutan 11,000 1997 179 Seychelles 11,000 1997 180 Palau 11,000 1997 181 Chad 10,000 1997 182 Maldives 10,000 1999 183 Gibraltar 10,000 1997 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,000 1997 185 San Marino 9,000 1997 186 Samoa 8,634 1999 187 Cayman Islands 7,000 1997 188 Dominica 6,000 1997 189 Western Sahara 6,000 1997 190 Gambia, The 5,000 2000 191 British Virgin Islands 4,000 1997 192 Equatorial Guinea 4,000 1997 193 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,000 1997 194 Cook Islands 4,000 1997 195 Mayotte 3,500 1994 196 Montserrat 3,000 1997 197 Solomon Islands 3,000 1997 198 Micronesia, Federated States of 2,800 1999 199 Vanuatu 2,300 1999 200 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,000 1997 201 Tonga 2,000 1997 202 Norfolk Island 1,200 1996 203 Anguilla 1,000 1997 204 Comoros 1,000 1997 205 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,000 1997 206 Kiribati 1,000 1997 207 Eritrea 1,000 1997 208 Tuvalu 800 NA 209 Christmas Island 600 1997 210 Nauru 500 1997

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Rank code: 2018

Country Comparison :: Sex ratio

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

Rank country (male(s)/female) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 2.75 2010 est. 2 Qatar 2.44 2010 est. 3 United Arab Emirates 2.20 2010 est. 4 Montserrat 2.03 2010 est. 5 Qatar 1.99 2010 est. 6 United Arab Emirates 1.80 2010 est. 7 Kuwait 1.79 2010 est. 8 Kuwait 1.65 2010 est. 9 Maldives 1.57 2010 est. 10 Kuwait 1.54 2010 est. 11 Maldives 1.40 2010 est. 12 Qatar 1.36 2010 est. 13 Oman 1.34 2010 est. 14 Bahrain 1.33 2010 est. 15 Saudi Arabia 1.27 2010 est. 16 Palau 1.25 2010 est. 17 Bahrain 1.24 2010 est. 18 Oman 1.23 2010 est. 19 Papua New Guinea 1.20 2010 est. 20 Saint Barthelemy 1.19 2010 est. 21 China 1.17 2010 est. 22 Saudi Arabia 1.17 2010 est. 23 Armenia 1.15 2010 est. 24 Greenland 1.15 2010 est. 25 Georgia 1.15 2010 est. 26 Northern Mariana Islands 1.15 2010 est. 27 Mayotte 1.15 2010 est. 28 Faroe Islands 1.15 2010 est. 29 Curacao 1.15 2010 30 China 1.14 2010 est. 31 San Marino 1.14 2010 est. 32 Saint Barthelemy 1.14 2010 est. 33 Macau 1.14 2010 est. 34 Armenia 1.13 2010 est. 35 Azerbaijan 1.13 2010 est. 36 Bahrain 1.13 2010 est. 37 Palau 1.13 2010 est. 38 India 1.13 2010 est. 39 Bhutan 1.13 2010 est. 40 Cook Islands 1.13 2010 est. 41 Azerbaijan 1.12 2010 est. 42 Albania 1.12 2010 est. 43 Bhutan 1.12 2010 est. 44 Georgia 1.12 2010 est. 45 Greenland 1.12 2010 est. 46 India 1.12 2010 est. 47 Vietnam 1.12 2010 est. 48 Albania 1.10 2010 est. 49 Wallis and Futuna 1.10 2010 est. 50 Bhutan 1.10 2010 est. 51 Korea, South 1.10 2010 est. 52 Vietnam 1.10 2010 est. 53 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.10 2010 est. 54 Grenada 1.10 2010 est. 55 Andorra 1.09 2010 est. 56 Seychelles 1.09 2010 est. 57 Portugal 1.09 2010 est. 58 Pakistan 1.09 2010 est. 59 Montserrat 1.09 2010 est. 60 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 61 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 62 Hong Kong 1.09 2010 est. 63 Faroe Islands 1.09 2010 est. 64 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 65 San Marino 1.09 2010 est. 66 Taiwan 1.09 2010 est. 67 Cyprus 1.08 2010 est. 68 India 1.08 2010 est. 69 Macedonia 1.08 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 1.08 2010 est. 71 Switzerland 1.08 2010 est. 72 Singapore 1.08 2010 est. 73 Samoa 1.08 2010 est. 74 Montenegro 1.08 2010 est. 75 Mayotte 1.08 2010 est. 76 Jersey 1.08 2010 est. 77 Isle of Man 1.08 2010 est. 78 Macedonia 1.08 2010 est. 79 Singapore 1.08 2010 est. 80 Hong Kong 1.08 2010 est. 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.07 2010 est. 82 Montenegro 1.07 2010 est. 83 Tunisia 1.07 2010 est. 84 Gibraltar 1.07 2010 est. 85 Andorra 1.07 2010 est. 86 Cook Islands 1.07 2010 est. 87 Serbia 1.07 2010 est. 88 Samoa 1.07 2010 est. 89 Pakistan 1.07 2010 est. 90 Korea, South 1.07 2010 est. 91 Ireland 1.07 2010 est. 92 India 1.07 2010 est. 93 French Polynesia 1.07 2010 est. 94 Faroe Islands 1.07 2010 est. 95 Cook Islands 1.07 2010 est. 96 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.07 2010 est. 97 British Virgin Islands 1.07 2010 est. 98 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.07 2010 est. 99 Tunisia 1.07 2010 est. 100 Luxembourg 1.07 2010 est. 101 Faroe Islands 1.07 2010 est. 102 Malaysia 1.07 2010 est. 103 Suriname 1.07 2010 est. 104 Portugal 1.07 2010 est. 105 Andorra 1.07 2010 est. 106 Luxembourg 1.07 2010 est. 107 Italy 1.07 2010 est. 108 Slovenia 1.07 2010 est. 109 Palau 1.07 2010 est. 110 Serbia 1.07 2010 est. 111 Ukraine 1.07 2010 est. 112 Spain 1.07 2010 est. 113 Greece 1.06 2010 est. 114 Estonia 1.06 2010 est. 115 Belarus 1.06 2010 est. 116 American Samoa 1.06 2010 est. 117 Sweden 1.06 2010 est. 118 Poland 1.06 2010 est. 119 Andorra 1.06 2010 est. 120 European Union 1.06 2009 est. 121 European Union 1.06 2009 est. 122 West Bank 1.06 2010 est. 123 Uzbekistan 1.06 2010 est. 124 Ukraine 1.06 2010 est. 125 Tuvalu 1.06 2010 est. 126 Trinidad and Tobago 1.06 2010 est. 127 Syria 1.06 2010 est. 128 Sweden 1.06 2010 est. 129 Spain 1.06 2010 est. 130 Slovenia 1.06 2010 est. 131 Samoa 1.06 2010 est. 132 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.06 2010 est. 133 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.06 2010 est. 134 Saint Barthelemy 1.06 2010 est. 135 Russia 1.06 2010 est. 136 Russia 1.06 2010 est. 137 Romania 1.06 2010 est. 138 Qatar 1.06 2010 est. 139 Poland 1.06 2010 est. 140 Papua New Guinea 1.06 2010 est. 141 Papua New Guinea 1.06 2010 est. 142 Palau 1.06 2010 est. 143 Pakistan 1.06 2010 est. 144 Oman 1.06 2010 est. 145 Nigeria 1.06 2010 est. 146 Moldova 1.06 2010 est. 147 Malaysia 1.06 2010 est. 148 French Polynesia 1.06 2010 est. 149 Estonia 1.06 2010 est. 150 Czech Republic 1.06 2010 est. 151 Cyprus 1.06 2010 est. 152 Cuba 1.06 2010 est. 153 Cuba 1.06 2010 est. 154 Croatia 1.06 2010 est. 155 Colombia 1.06 2010 est. 156 China 1.06 2010 est. 157 Lithuania 1.06 2010 est. 158 Libya 1.06 2010 est. 159 Kosovo 1.06 2010 est. 160 Korea, North 1.06 2010 est. 161 Jordan 1.06 2010 est. 162 Jordan 1.06 2010 est. 163 Jersey 1.06 2010 est. 164 Japan 1.06 2010 est. 165 Italy 1.06 2010 est. 166 Hungary 1.06 2010 est. 167 Greece 1.06 2010 est. 168 Gibraltar 1.06 2010 est. 169 Gaza Strip 1.06 2010 est. 170 Gaza Strip 1.06 2010 est. 171 China 1.06 2010 est. 172 Burma 1.06 2010 est. 173 Bulgaria 1.06 2010 est. 174 Brunei 1.06 2010 est. 175 Belarus 1.06 2010 est. 176 Czech Republic 1.06 2010 est. 177 Moldova 1.06 2010 est. 178 Virgin Islands 1.06 2010 est. 179 Northern Mariana Islands 1.06 2010 est. 180 Kazakhstan 1.06 2010 est. 181 Malta 1.06 2010 est. 182 Hungary 1.06 2010 est. 183 Ireland 1.06 2010 est. 184 Lithuania 1.06 2010 est. 185 Wallis and Futuna 1.06 2010 est. 186 Canada 1.06 2010 est. 187 Japan 1.06 2010 est. 188 Qatar 1.06 2010 est. 189 Australia 1.06 2010 est. 190 Saint Lucia 1.06 2010 est. 191 Germany 1.06 2010 est. 192 Denmark 1.06 2010 est. 193 Croatia 1.06 2010 est. 194 Latvia 1.05 2010 est. 195 Switzerland 1.05 2010 est. 196 Thailand 1.05 2010 est. 197 Norway 1.05 2010 est. 198 Greenland 1.05 2010 est. 199 Kyrgyzstan 1.05 2010 est. 200 Saint Barthelemy 1.05 2010 est. 201 Argentina 1.05 2010 est. 202 Netherlands 1.05 2010 est. 203 United Kingdom 1.05 2010 est. 204 Austria 1.05 2010 est. 205 France 1.05 2010 est. 206 Tuvalu 1.05 2010 est. 207 Slovakia 1.05 2010 est. 208 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 209 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 210 Albania 1.05 2010 est. 211 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 212 Algeria 1.05 2010 est. 213 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 214 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 215 Brazil 1.05 2010 est. 216 Bolivia 1.05 2010 est. 217 Bhutan 1.05 2010 est. 218 Benin 1.05 2010 est. 219 Belize 1.05 2010 est. 220 Austria 1.05 2010 est. 221 Australia 1.05 2010 est. 222 Argentina 1.05 2010 est. 223 Colombia 1.05 2010 est. 224 Chile 1.05 2010 est. 225 Chile 1.05 2010 est. 226 Canada 1.05 2010 est. 227 Bulgaria 1.05 2010 est. 228 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 229 Antigua and Barbuda 1.05 2010 est. 230 Anguilla 1.05 2010 est. 231 Yemen 1.05 2010 est. 232 West Bank 1.05 2010 est. 233 West Bank 1.05 2010 est. 234 Venezuela 1.05 2010 est. 235 Vanuatu 1.05 2010 est. 236 Vanuatu 1.05 2010 est. 237 Uzbekistan 1.05 2010 est. 238 United Kingdom 1.05 2010 est. 239 United Arab Emirates 1.05 2010 est. 240 United Arab Emirates 1.05 2010 est. 241 Turkmenistan 1.05 2010 est. 242 Turkey 1.05 2010 est. 243 Turkey 1.05 2010 est. 244 Trinidad and Tobago 1.05 2010 est. 245 Tonga 1.05 2010 est. 246 Timor-Leste 1.05 2010 est. 247 Thailand 1.05 2010 est. 248 Tajikistan 1.05 2010 est. 249 Syria 1.05 2010 est. 250 Sudan 1.05 2010 est. 251 Sudan 1.05 2010 est. 252 Solomon Islands 1.05 2010 est. 253 Slovakia 1.05 2010 est. 254 Seychelles 1.05 2010 est. 255 Saudi Arabia 1.05 2010 est. 256 Samoa 1.05 2010 est. 257 Saint Lucia 1.05 2010 est. 258 Romania 1.05 2010 est. 259 Puerto Rico 1.05 2010 est. 260 Philippines 1.05 2010 est. 261 Paraguay 1.05 2010 est. 262 Papua New Guinea 1.05 2010 est. 263 Pakistan 1.05 2010 est. 264 Oman 1.05 2010 est. 265 Oman 1.05 2010 est. 266 Nigeria 1.05 2010 est. 267 Nicaragua 1.05 2010 est. 268 New Zealand 1.05 2010 est. 269 New Caledonia 1.05 2010 est. 270 Netherlands 1.05 2010 est. 271 Morocco 1.05 2010 est. 272 Mongolia 1.05 2010 est. 273 Monaco 1.05 2010 est. 274 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.05 2010 est. 275 Mexico 1.05 2010 est. 276 Mayotte 1.05 2010 est. 277 Mauritius 1.05 2010 est. 278 Marshall Islands 1.05 2010 est. 279 Malta 1.05 2010 est. 280 Maldives 1.05 2010 est. 281 Macau 1.05 2010 est. 282 Libya 1.05 2010 est. 283 Libya 1.05 2010 est. 284 Lebanon 1.05 2010 est. 285 Lebanon 1.05 2010 est. 286 Latvia 1.05 2010 est. 287 Kiribati 1.05 2010 est. 288 Jamaica 1.05 2010 est. 289 Israel 1.05 2010 est. 290 Israel 1.05 2010 est. 291 Isle of Man 1.05 2010 est. 292 Iraq 1.05 2010 est. 293 Iran 1.05 2010 est. 294 Iran 1.05 2010 est. 295 Indonesia 1.05 2010 est. 296 Honduras 1.05 2010 est. 297 Guyana 1.05 2010 est. 298 Guatemala 1.05 2010 est. 299 Grenada 1.05 2010 est. 300 Greenland 1.05 2010 est. 301 Germany 1.05 2010 est. 302 Gaza Strip 1.05 2010 est. 303 Fiji 1.05 2010 est. 304 Ecuador 1.05 2010 est. 305 Dominica 1.05 2010 est. 306 Dominica 1.05 2010 est. 307 Denmark 1.05 2010 est. 308 Cyprus 1.05 2010 est. 309 Curacao 1.05 2010 310 Costa Rica 1.05 2010 est. 311 Costa Rica 1.05 2010 est. 312 Angola 1.05 2010 est. 313 French Polynesia 1.05 2010 est. 314 France 1.05 2010 est. 315 El Salvador 1.05 2010 est. 316 El Salvador 1.05 2010 est. 317 Egypt 1.05 2010 est. 318 Egypt 1.05 2010 est. 319 Guernsey 1.05 2010 est. 320 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.05 2010 est. 321 Monaco 1.05 2010 est. 322 New Zealand 1.05 2010 est. 323 Brunei 1.05 2010 est. 324 United States 1.05 2010 est. 325 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.05 2010 est. 326 Cook Islands 1.05 2010 est. 327 Peru 1.05 2010 est. 328 Belgium 1.05 2010 est. 329 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 330 Cambodia 1.05 2010 est. 331 Panama 1.05 2010 est. 332 Sri Lanka 1.04 2010 est. 333 Kuwait 1.04 2010 est. 334 Albania 1.04 2010 est. 335 Algeria 1.04 2010 est. 336 American Samoa 1.04 2010 est. 337 Libya 1.04 2010 est. 338 Laos 1.04 2010 est. 339 Kyrgyzstan 1.04 2010 est. 340 Kuwait 1.04 2010 est. 341 Korea, South 1.04 2010 est. 342 Kiribati 1.04 2010 est. 343 Kazakhstan 1.04 2010 est. 344 Jordan 1.04 2010 est. 345 Iraq 1.04 2010 est. 346 Indonesia 1.04 2010 est. 347 Iceland 1.04 2010 est. 348 Honduras 1.04 2010 est. 349 Finland 1.04 2010 est. 350 Finland 1.04 2010 est. 351 Fiji 1.04 2010 est. 352 Dominica 1.04 2010 est. 353 Cyprus 1.04 2010 est. 354 Cote d'Ivoire 1.04 2010 est. 355 Chad 1.04 2010 est. 356 Burma 1.04 2010 est. 357 Brazil 1.04 2010 est. 358 Botswana 1.04 2010 est. 359 Bolivia 1.04 2010 est. 360 Bhutan 1.04 2010 est. 361 Guyana 1.04 2010 est. 362 Guatemala 1.04 2010 est. 363 Grenada 1.04 2010 est. 364 Germany 1.04 2010 est. 365 Gaza Strip 1.04 2010 est. 366 French Polynesia 1.04 2010 est. 367 Ecuador 1.04 2010 est. 368 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 369 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 370 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 371 Yemen 1.04 2010 est. 372 Western Sahara 1.04 2010 est. 373 West Bank 1.04 2010 est. 374 Virgin Islands 1.04 2010 est. 375 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 376 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 377 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 378 United States 1.04 2010 est. 379 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.04 2010 est. 380 Tonga 1.04 2010 est. 381 Timor-Leste 1.04 2010 est. 382 Tajikistan 1.04 2010 est. 383 Suriname 1.04 2010 est. 384 Sudan 1.04 2010 est. 385 Sri Lanka 1.04 2010 est. 386 Solomon Islands 1.04 2010 est. 387 Saudi Arabia 1.04 2010 est. 388 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.04 2010 est. 389 Saint Martin 1.04 2010 est. 390 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.04 2010 est. 391 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.04 2010 est. 392 Puerto Rico 1.04 2010 est. 393 Philippines 1.04 2010 est. 394 Peru 1.04 2010 est. 395 Panama 1.04 2010 est. 396 Norway 1.04 2010 est. 397 Nigeria 1.04 2010 est. 398 Nigeria 1.04 2010 est. 399 Nicaragua 1.04 2010 est. 400 New Caledonia 1.04 2010 est. 401 Nepal 1.04 2010 est. 402 Nepal 1.04 2010 est. 403 Nauru 1.04 2010 est. 404 Mongolia 1.04 2010 est. 405 Mexico 1.04 2010 est. 406 Mauritius 1.04 2010 est. 407 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 408 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 409 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 410 Maldives 1.04 2010 est. 411 Benin 1.04 2010 est. 412 Belize 1.04 2010 est. 413 Belgium 1.04 2010 est. 414 Bangladesh 1.04 2010 est. 415 Uruguay 1.04 2010 est. 416 Montserrat 1.03 2010 est. 417 Anguilla 1.03 2010 est. 418 Seychelles 1.03 2010 est. 419 American Samoa 1.03 2010 est. 420 Antigua and Barbuda 1.03 2010 est. 421 Australia 1.03 2010 est. 422 Madagascar 1.03 2010 est. 423 Liberia 1.03 2010 est. 424 Liberia 1.03 2010 est. 425 Lesotho 1.03 2010 est. 426 Korea, North 1.03 2010 est. 427 Jordan 1.03 2010 est. 428 Jamaica 1.03 2010 est. 429 Italy 1.03 2010 est. 430 Israel 1.03 2010 est. 431 Iraq 1.03 2010 est. 432 Iraq 1.03 2010 est. 433 Iceland 1.03 2010 est. 434 Guinea-Bissau 1.03 2010 est. 435 Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 436 Guernsey 1.03 2010 est. 437 Gabon 1.03 2010 est. 438 Ethiopia 1.03 2010 est. 439 Eritrea 1.03 2010 est. 440 Equatorial Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 441 Equatorial Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 442 Egypt 1.03 2010 est. 443 Egypt 1.03 2010 est. 444 Dominican Republic 1.03 2010 est. 445 Comoros 1.03 2010 est. 446 Greenland 1.03 2010 est. 447 Ghana 1.03 2010 est. 448 Gambia, The 1.03 2010 est. 449 Chad 1.03 2010 est. 450 Central African Republic 1.03 2010 est. 451 Cape Verde 1.03 2010 est. 452 Cameroon 1.03 2010 est. 453 Burundi 1.03 2010 est. 454 Burkina Faso 1.03 2010 est. 455 British Virgin Islands 1.03 2010 est. 456 Botswana 1.03 2010 est. 457 Zimbabwe 1.03 2010 est. 458 Zambia 1.03 2010 est. 459 Yemen 1.03 2010 est. 460 Yemen 1.03 2010 est. 461 Venezuela 1.03 2010 est. 462 Uruguay 1.03 2010 est. 463 United Kingdom 1.03 2010 est. 464 Uganda 1.03 2010 est. 465 Somalia 1.03 2010 est. 466 Sierra Leone 1.03 2010 est. 467 Seychelles 1.03 2010 est. 468 Senegal 1.03 2010 est. 469 Saudi Arabia 1.03 2010 est. 470 Sao Tome and Principe 1.03 2010 est. 471 Sao Tome and Principe 1.03 2010 est. 472 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.03 2010 est. 473 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.03 2010 est. 474 Togo 1.03 2010 est. 475 Timor-Leste 1.03 2010 est. 476 Timor-Leste 1.03 2010 est. 477 Tanzania 1.03 2010 est. 478 Syria 1.03 2010 est. 479 Syria 1.03 2010 est. 480 Swaziland 1.03 2010 est. 481 Sudan 1.03 2010 est. 482 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.03 2010 est. 483 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.03 2010 est. 484 Rwanda 1.03 2010 est. 485 Paraguay 1.03 2010 est. 486 Papua New Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 487 Norway 1.03 2010 est. 488 Niger 1.03 2010 est. 489 Mayotte 1.03 2010 est. 490 Mauritania 1.03 2010 est. 491 Malta 1.03 2010 est. 492 Mali 1.03 2010 est. 493 Djibouti 1.03 2010 est. 494 Cote d'Ivoire 1.03 2010 est. 495 Cote d'Ivoire 1.03 2010 est. 496 Congo, Republic of the 1.03 2010 est. 497 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.03 2010 est. 498 Namibia 1.03 2010 est. 499 Namibia 1.03 2010 est. 500 Morocco 1.03 2010 est. 501 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.03 2010 est. 502 Belize 1.03 2010 est. 503 Bahamas, The 1.03 2010 est. 504 Bahrain 1.03 2010 est. 505 Bahamas, The 1.03 2010 est. 506 Angola 1.03 2010 est. 507 Trinidad and Tobago 1.03 2010 est. 508 Aruba 1.02 2010 est. 509 Algeria 1.02 2010 est. 510 American Samoa 1.02 2010 est. 511 Taiwan 1.02 2010 est. 512 Taiwan 1.02 2010 est. 513 Zimbabwe 1.02 2010 est. 514 Western Sahara 1.02 2010 est. 515 Wallis and Futuna 1.02 2010 est. 516 South Africa 1.02 2010 est. 517 Solomon Islands 1.02 2010 est. 518 Solomon Islands 1.02 2010 est. 519 Slovenia 1.02 2010 est. 520 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.02 2010 est. 521 Macedonia 1.02 2010 est. 522 Kenya 1.02 2010 est. 523 Japan 1.02 2010 est. 524 Iran 1.02 2010 est. 525 Turkmenistan 1.02 2010 est. 526 Turkey 1.02 2010 est. 527 Turkey 1.02 2010 est. 528 Trinidad and Tobago 1.02 2010 est. 529 Switzerland 1.02 2010 est. 530 Sweden 1.02 2010 est. 531 Swaziland 1.02 2010 est. 532 South Africa 1.02 2010 est. 533 Iran 1.02 2010 est. 534 Iceland 1.02 2010 est. 535 Haiti 1.02 2010 est. 536 Guinea 1.02 2010 est. 537 Grenada 1.02 2010 est. 538 Gibraltar 1.02 2010 est. 539 Ghana 1.02 2010 est. 540 Finland 1.02 2010 est. 541 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.02 2010 est. 542 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.02 2010 est. 543 Panama 1.02 2010 est. 544 Panama 1.02 2010 est. 545 Niger 1.02 2010 est. 546 Netherlands 1.02 2010 est. 547 Namibia 1.02 2010 est. 548 Dominica 1.02 2010 est. 549 Cote d'Ivoire 1.02 2010 est. 550 Canada 1.02 2010 est. 551 Cameroon 1.02 2010 est. 552 Cambodia 1.02 2010 est. 553 Botswana 1.02 2010 est. 554 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.02 2010 est. 555 Belize 1.02 2010 est. 556 French Polynesia 1.02 2010 est. 557 Belgium 1.02 2010 est. 558 Bahrain 1.02 2010 est. 559 Angola 1.02 2010 est. 560 Angola 1.02 2010 est. 561 Bermuda 1.02 2010 est. 562 Mozambique 1.02 2010 est. 563 Cayman Islands 1.02 2010 est. 564 Malawi 1.02 2010 est. 565 Barbados 1.01 2010 est. 566 Haiti 1.01 2010 est. 567 Algeria 1.01 2010 est. 568 Zambia 1.01 2010 est. 569 Zambia 1.01 2010 est. 570 Wallis and Futuna 1.01 2010 est. 571 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 572 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 573 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 574 Tunisia 1.01 2010 est. 575 Tunisia 1.01 2010 est. 576 Tanzania 1.01 2010 est. 577 Sudan 1.01 2010 est. 578 Spain 1.01 2010 est. 579 Senegal 1.01 2010 est. 580 Rwanda 1.01 2010 est. 581 Peru 1.01 2010 est. 582 Peru 1.01 2010 est. 583 Paraguay 1.01 2010 est. 584 Paraguay 1.01 2010 est. 585 New Caledonia 1.01 2010 est. 586 Namibia 1.01 2010 est. 587 Mozambique 1.01 2010 est. 588 Montserrat 1.01 2010 est. 589 Mayotte 1.01 2010 est. 590 Mauritania 1.01 2010 est. 591 Mali 1.01 2010 est. 592 Malaysia 1.01 2010 est. 593 Malaysia 1.01 2010 est. 594 Madagascar 1.01 2010 est. 595 Luxembourg 1.01 2010 est. 596 Liberia 1.01 2010 est. 597 Lesotho 1.01 2010 est. 598 Laos 1.01 2010 est. 599 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 600 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 601 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 602 Isle of Man 1.01 2010 est. 603 Indonesia 1.01 2010 est. 604 Honduras 1.01 2010 est. 605 Honduras 1.01 2010 est. 606 Gibraltar 1.01 2010 est. 607 Gambia, The 1.01 2010 est. 608 Gabon 1.01 2010 est. 609 Eritrea 1.01 2010 est. 610 Denmark 1.01 2010 est. 611 Czech Republic 1.01 2010 est. 612 Costa Rica 1.01 2010 est. 613 Costa Rica 1.01 2010 est. 614 Congo, Republic of the 1.01 2010 est. 615 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.01 2010 est. 616 Comoros 1.01 2010 est. 617 Central African Republic 1.01 2010 est. 618 Cayman Islands 1.01 2010 est. 619 Cape Verde 1.01 2010 est. 620 Cameroon 1.01 2010 est. 621 Cameroon 1.01 2010 est. 622 Burundi 1.01 2010 est. 623 Burkina Faso 1.01 2010 est. 624 Botswana 1.01 2010 est. 625 Bermuda 1.01 2010 est. 626 Bangladesh 1.01 2010 est. 627 Aruba 1.01 2010 est. 628 Austria 1.01 2010 est. 629 Liechtenstein 1.01 2010 est. 630 Argentina 1.00 2010 est. 631 Benin 1.00 2010 est. 632 Australia 1.00 2010 est. 633 Cuba 1.00 2010 est. 634 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 est. 635 Fiji 1.00 2010 est. 636 Gabon 1.00 2010 est. 637 Liberia 1.00 2010 est. 638 Korea, South 1.00 2010 est. 639 Iceland 1.00 2010 est. 640 Guyana 1.00 2010 est. 641 Guyana 1.00 2010 est. 642 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 est. 643 Guinea 1.00 2010 est. 644 Guinea 1.00 2010 est. 645 Greece 1.00 2010 est. 646 Ghana 1.00 2010 est. 647 Ghana 1.00 2010 est. 648 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 est. 649 Philippines 1.00 2010 est. 650 Niger 1.00 2010 est. 651 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 est. 652 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 est. 653 New Zealand 1.00 2010 est. 654 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 est. 655 Nauru 1.00 2010 est. 656 Mongolia 1.00 2010 est. 657 Mongolia 1.00 2010 est. 658 European Union 1.00 2009 est. 659 Zambia 1.00 2010 est. 660 United States 1.00 2010 est. 661 Togo 1.00 2010 est. 662 South Africa 1.00 2010 est. 663 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 664 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 665 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 666 Serbia 1.00 2010 est. 667 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 est. 668 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 est. 669 Portugal 1.00 2010 est. 670 Philippines 1.00 2010 est. 671 Monaco 1.00 2010 est. 672 Malawi 1.00 2010 est. 673 Malawi 1.00 2010 est. 674 Macedonia 1.00 2010 est. 675 Jersey 1.00 2010 est. 676 Israel 1.00 2010 est. 677 Ireland 1.00 2010 est. 678 Indonesia 1.00 2010 est. 679 France 1.00 2010 est. 680 Fiji 1.00 2010 est. 681 Djibouti 1.00 2010 est. 682 Chile 1.00 2010 est. 683 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 est. 684 Brunei 1.00 2010 est. 685 Barbados 1.00 2010 est. 686 Andorra 0.99 2010 est. 687 Vietnam 0.99 2010 est. 688 Vietnam 0.99 2010 est. 689 Uzbekistan 0.99 2010 est. 690 Uzbekistan 0.99 2010 est. 691 Uruguay 0.99 2010 est. 692 Tonga 0.99 2010 est. 693 Tonga 0.99 2010 est. 694 Tajikistan 0.99 2010 est. 695 Swaziland 0.99 2010 est. 696 Suriname 0.99 2010 est. 697 Suriname 0.99 2010 est. 698 South Africa 0.99 2010 est. 699 Slovakia 0.99 2010 est. 700 Senegal 0.99 2010 est. 701 Saint Martin 0.99 2010 est. 702 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.99 2010 est. 703 Rwanda 0.99 2010 est. 704 Rwanda 0.99 2010 est. 705 Romania 0.99 2010 est. 706 Poland 0.99 2010 est. 707 Niger 0.99 2010 est. 708 New Zealand 0.99 2010 est. 709 Nauru 0.99 2010 est. 710 Montenegro 0.99 2010 est. 711 Ireland 0.99 2010 est. 712 Haiti 0.99 2010 est. 713 Equatorial Guinea 0.99 2010 est. 714 Ecuador 0.99 2010 est. 715 Cuba 0.99 2010 est. 716 Croatia 0.99 2010 est. 717 Cote d'Ivoire 0.99 2010 est. 718 Congo, Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 719 Congo, Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 720 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 721 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 722 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.99 2010 est. 723 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.99 2010 est. 724 Mauritius 0.99 2010 est. 725 Malta 0.99 2010 est. 726 Malawi 0.99 2010 est. 727 Madagascar 0.99 2010 est. 728 Madagascar 0.99 2010 est. 729 Gabon 0.99 2010 est. 730 Burma 0.99 2010 est. 731 Burma 0.99 2010 est. 732 Burkina Faso 0.99 2010 est. 733 Brunei 0.99 2010 est. 734 Benin 0.99 2010 est. 735 Bolivia 0.98 2010 est. 736 Chile 0.98 2010 est. 737 Comoros 0.98 2010 est. 738 Sint Maarten 0.98 2010 739 Sierra Leone 0.98 2010 est. 740 Senegal 0.98 2010 est. 741 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.98 2010 est. 742 Saint Barthelemy 0.98 2010 est. 743 Norway 0.98 2010 est. 744 Netherlands 0.98 2010 est. 745 Mozambique 0.98 2010 est. 746 Jamaica 0.98 2010 est. 747 Hungary 0.98 2010 est. 748 Haiti 0.98 2010 est. 749 Guernsey 0.98 2010 est. 750 Gambia, The 0.98 2010 est. 751 Gambia, The 0.98 2010 est. 752 Eritrea 0.98 2010 est. 753 Denmark 0.98 2010 est. 754 Comoros 0.98 2010 est. 755 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.98 2010 est. 756 Turkmenistan 0.98 2010 est. 757 Turkmenistan 0.98 2010 est. 758 Thailand 0.98 2010 est. 759 Thailand 0.98 2010 est. 760 Tanzania 0.98 2010 est. 761 Tanzania 0.98 2010 est. 762 Tajikistan 0.98 2010 est. 763 Sweden 0.98 2010 est. 764 Western Sahara 0.98 2010 est. 765 Venezuela 0.98 2010 est. 766 United Kingdom 0.98 2010 est. 767 Swaziland 0.98 2010 est. 768 Mali 0.98 2010 est. 769 Maldives 0.98 2010 est. 770 Liechtenstein 0.98 2010 est. 771 Liberia 0.98 2010 est. 772 Laos 0.98 2010 est. 773 Laos 0.98 2010 est. 774 Korea, North 0.98 2010 est. 775 Colombia 0.98 2010 est. 776 Central African Republic 0.98 2010 est. 777 Brazil 0.98 2010 est. 778 Burundi 0.98 2010 est. 779 Central African Republic 0.98 2010 est. 780 Canada 0.98 2010 est. 781 Brazil 0.98 2010 est. 782 Argentina 0.97 2010 est. 783 Sao Tome and Principe 0.97 2010 est. 784 Nauru 0.97 2010 est. 785 Morocco 0.97 2010 est. 786 Kiribati 0.97 2010 est. 787 Jordan 0.97 2010 est. 788 Jersey 0.97 2010 est. 789 Jamaica 0.97 2010 est. 790 Guatemala 0.97 2010 est. 791 Germany 0.97 2010 est. 792 Ethiopia 0.97 2010 est. 793 Equatorial Guinea 0.97 2010 est. 794 Ecuador 0.97 2010 est. 795 Colombia 0.97 2010 est. 796 Burundi 0.97 2010 est. 797 United States 0.97 2010 est. 798 Tuvalu 0.97 2010 est. 799 Togo 0.97 2010 est. 800 Switzerland 0.97 2010 est. 801 Sri Lanka 0.97 2010 est. 802 Mauritius 0.97 2010 est. 803 Luxembourg 0.97 2010 est. 804 Liechtenstein 0.97 2010 est. 805 Lesotho 0.97 2010 est. 806 Western Sahara 0.97 2010 est. 807 Venezuela 0.97 2010 est. 808 Bulgaria 0.97 2010 est. 809 Azerbaijan 0.97 2010 est. 810 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.97 2010 est. 811 Azerbaijan 0.97 2010 est. 812 Bahamas, The 0.97 2010 est. 813 Barbados 0.97 2010 est. 814 Bermuda 0.97 2010 est. 815 Bahamas, The 0.96 2010 est. 816 Sri Lanka 0.96 2010 est. 817 Spain 0.96 2010 est. 818 Sint Maarten 0.96 2010 819 Nepal 0.96 2010 est. 820 Mozambique 0.96 2010 est. 821 Morocco 0.96 2010 est. 822 Kyrgyzstan 0.96 2010 est. 823 Kyrgyzstan 0.96 2010 est. 824 Italy 0.96 2010 est. 825 Isle of Man 0.96 2010 est. 826 Greece 0.96 2010 est. 827 France 0.96 2010 est. 828 Finland 0.96 2010 est. 829 Ethiopia 0.96 2010 est. 830 Eritrea 0.96 2010 est. 831 Togo 0.96 2010 est. 832 Mexico 0.96 2010 est. 833 Lithuania 0.96 2010 est. 834 Libya 0.96 2010 est. 835 Lesotho 0.96 2010 est. 836 Lebanon 0.96 2010 est. 837 Cook Islands 0.96 2010 est. 838 Cayman Islands 0.96 2010 est. 839 Cambodia 0.96 2010 est. 840 Belgium 0.96 2010 est. 841 Bolivia 0.96 2010 est. 842 Austria 0.95 2010 est. 843 Cambodia 0.95 2010 est. 844 Cayman Islands 0.95 2010 est. 845 Uruguay 0.95 2010 est. 846 Tuvalu 0.95 2010 est. 847 Slovenia 0.95 2010 est. 848 Singapore 0.95 2010 est. 849 Singapore 0.95 2010 est. 850 Serbia 0.95 2010 est. 851 Saint Lucia 0.95 2010 est. 852 Romania 0.95 2010 est. 853 Portugal 0.95 2010 est. 854 Montenegro 0.95 2010 est. 855 Monaco 0.95 2010 est. 856 Mali 0.95 2010 est. 857 Lesotho 0.95 2010 est. 858 Lebanon 0.95 2010 est. 859 Latvia 0.95 2010 est. 860 Korea, North 0.95 2010 est. 861 Kiribati 0.95 2010 est. 862 Kazakhstan 0.95 2010 est. 863 Japan 0.95 2010 est. 864 Hong Kong 0.95 2010 est. 865 Guinea-Bissau 0.95 2010 est. 866 Guernsey 0.95 2010 est. 867 Czech Republic 0.95 2010 est. 868 Anguilla 0.94 2010 est. 869 Cape Verde 0.94 2010 est. 870 Slovakia 0.94 2010 est. 871 Sierra Leone 0.94 2010 est. 872 San Marino 0.94 2010 est. 873 San Marino 0.94 2010 est. 874 Saint Lucia 0.94 2010 est. 875 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.94 2010 est. 876 Poland 0.94 2010 est. 877 Nigeria 0.94 2010 est. 878 Moldova 0.94 2010 est. 879 Mexico 0.94 2010 est. 880 Marshall Islands 0.94 2010 est. 881 Liechtenstein 0.94 2010 est. 882 Brunei 0.94 2010 est. 883 Hong Kong 0.94 2010 est. 884 Guatemala 0.94 2010 est. 885 Bermuda 0.94 2010 est. 886 Cape Verde 0.94 2010 est. 887 Belarus 0.94 2010 est. 888 Barbados 0.94 2010 est. 889 Anguilla 0.93 2010 est. 890 Saint Martin 0.93 2010 est. 891 Puerto Rico 0.93 2010 est. 892 Northern Mariana Islands 0.93 2010 est. 893 Mauritania 0.93 2010 est. 894 Kazakhstan 0.93 2010 est. 895 Guinea-Bissau 0.93 2010 est. 896 Gibraltar 0.93 2010 est. 897 Georgia 0.93 2010 est. 898 El Salvador 0.93 2010 est. 899 Ecuador 0.93 2010 est. 900 Croatia 0.93 2010 est. 901 China 0.93 2010 est. 902 Bangladesh 0.93 2010 est. 903 Bangladesh 0.93 2010 est. 904 Afghanistan 0.92 2010 est. 905 Aruba 0.92 2010 est. 906 European Union 0.92 2009 est. 907 Taiwan 0.92 2010 est. 908 Ukraine 0.92 2010 est. 909 Sint Maarten 0.92 2010 910 Sint Maarten 0.92 2010 911 Sierra Leone 0.92 2010 est. 912 Russia 0.92 2010 est. 913 Puerto Rico 0.92 2010 est. 914 Pakistan 0.92 2010 est. 915 Northern Mariana Islands 0.92 2010 est. 916 Nepal 0.92 2010 est. 917 Mali 0.92 2010 est. 918 Macau 0.92 2010 est. 919 Bulgaria 0.92 2010 est. 920 Chad 0.92 2010 est. 921 Belize 0.91 2010 est. 922 Estonia 0.91 2010 est. 923 Georgia 0.91 2010 est. 924 Moldova 0.91 2010 est. 925 Zimbabwe 0.91 2010 est. 926 Yemen 0.91 2010 est. 927 Saint Martin 0.91 2010 est. 928 Montserrat 0.91 2010 est. 929 India 0.91 2010 est. 930 Iran 0.91 2010 est. 931 Hungary 0.91 2010 est. 932 Anguilla 0.90 2010 est. 933 Antigua and Barbuda 0.90 2010 est. 934 Faroe Islands 0.90 2010 est. 935 Virgin Islands 0.90 2010 est. 936 Timor-Leste 0.90 2010 est. 937 Aruba 0.90 2010 est. 938 Armenia 0.89 2010 est. 939 Solomon Islands 0.89 2010 est. 940 Peru 0.89 2010 est. 941 Mauritania 0.89 2010 est. 942 Lithuania 0.89 2010 est. 943 El Salvador 0.89 2010 est. 944 Cayman Islands 0.89 2010 est. 945 Bangladesh 0.89 2010 est. 946 American Samoa 0.88 2010 est. 947 Hong Kong 0.88 2010 est. 948 Macau 0.88 2010 est. 949 Nepal 0.88 2010 est. 950 Macau 0.88 2010 est. 951 Iraq 0.88 2010 est. 952 Armenia 0.88 2010 est. 953 Albania 0.87 2010 est. 954 Virgin Islands 0.87 2010 est. 955 Senegal 0.87 2010 est. 956 Lebanon 0.87 2010 est. 957 Belarus 0.87 2010 est. 958 Panama 0.87 2010 est. 959 Antigua and Barbuda 0.87 2010 est. 960 Algeria 0.86 2010 est. 961 Tunisia 0.86 2010 est. 962 Syria 0.86 2010 est. 963 Sri Lanka 0.86 2010 est. 964 Sao Tome and Principe 0.86 2010 est. 965 Paraguay 0.86 2010 est. 966 New Caledonia 0.86 2010 est. 967 Latvia 0.86 2010 est. 968 Guatemala 0.86 2010 est. 969 Dominican Republic 0.86 2010 est. 970 Djibouti 0.86 2010 est. 971 Costa Rica 0.86 2010 est. 972 Cameroon 0.85 2010 est. 973 Northern Mariana Islands 0.85 2010 est. 974 Wallis and Futuna 0.85 2010 est. 975 Ukraine 0.85 2010 est. 976 Russia 0.85 2010 est. 977 Curacao 0.85 2010 978 Chad 0.85 2010 est. 979 Australia 0.84 2010 est. 980 Turkey 0.84 2010 est. 981 Ghana 0.84 2010 est. 982 New Zealand 0.84 2010 est. 983 Estonia 0.84 2010 est. 984 Nauru 0.84 2010 est. 985 Comoros 0.83 2010 est. 986 Zimbabwe 0.83 2010 est. 987 Virgin Islands 0.83 2010 est. 988 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.83 2010 est. 989 Morocco 0.83 2010 est. 990 Kenya 0.83 2010 est. 991 Iceland 0.83 2010 est. 992 Egypt 0.83 2010 est. 993 Cuba 0.83 2010 est. 994 Curacao 0.82 2010 995 Eritrea 0.82 2010 est. 996 Mexico 0.82 2010 est. 997 Saint Martin 0.82 2010 est. 998 Thailand 0.82 2010 est. 999 Saint Lucia 0.82 2010 est. 1000 Grenada 0.82 2010 est. 1001 Djibouti 0.81 2010 est. 1002 Sint Maarten 0.81 2010 1003 Singapore 0.81 2010 est. 1004 Sierra Leone 0.81 2010 est. 1005 El Salvador 0.81 2010 est. 1006 Fiji 0.81 2010 est. 1007 Ireland 0.81 2010 est. 1008 Jamaica 0.81 2010 est. 1009 Honduras 0.81 2010 est. 1010 Djibouti 0.80 2010 est. 1011 Sweden 0.80 2010 est. 1012 San Marino 0.80 2010 est. 1013 Samoa 0.80 2010 est. 1014 Madagascar 0.80 2010 est. 1015 Monaco 0.80 2010 est. 1016 Niger 0.80 2010 est. 1017 Namibia 0.80 2010 est. 1018 Jersey 0.80 2010 est. 1019 Angola 0.79 2010 est. 1020 Venezuela 0.79 2010 est. 1021 Malaysia 0.79 2010 est. 1022 Indonesia 0.79 2010 est. 1023 Bolivia 0.79 2010 est. 1024 Canada 0.78 2010 est. 1025 Equatorial Guinea 0.78 2010 est. 1026 Western Sahara 0.78 2010 est. 1027 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.78 2010 est. 1028 Nicaragua 0.78 2010 est. 1029 Israel 0.78 2010 est. 1030 Guinea 0.78 2010 est. 1031 Greece 0.78 2010 est. 1032 Denmark 0.78 2010 est. 1033 Burma 0.77 2010 est. 1034 Turkmenistan 0.77 2010 est. 1035 Tanzania 0.77 2010 est. 1036 Mongolia 0.77 2010 est. 1037 Malta 0.77 2010 est. 1038 Liechtenstein 0.77 2010 est. 1039 Guernsey 0.77 2010 est. 1040 Cyprus 0.77 2010 est. 1041 Antigua and Barbuda 0.76 2010 est. 1042 Dominica 0.76 2010 est. 1043 Macedonia 0.76 2010 est. 1044 Malawi 0.76 2010 est. 1045 United Kingdom 0.76 2010 est. 1046 Philippines 0.76 2010 est. 1047 Norway 0.76 2010 est. 1048 Netherlands 0.76 2010 est. 1049 Ethiopia 0.75 2010 est. 1050 Laos 0.75 2010 est. 1051 Puerto Rico 0.75 2010 est. 1052 Suriname 0.75 2010 est. 1053 Trinidad and Tobago 0.75 2010 est. 1054 Zimbabwe 0.75 2010 est. 1055 Uzbekistan 0.75 2010 est. 1056 United States 0.75 2010 est. 1057 Colombia 0.74 2010 est. 1058 Mauritania 0.74 2010 est. 1059 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.74 2010 est. 1060 Japan 0.74 2010 est. 1061 Tajikistan 0.74 2010 est. 1062 Kosovo 0.74 2010 est. 1063 Brazil 0.73 2010 est. 1064 Chad 0.73 2010 est. 1065 Tuvalu 0.73 2010 est. 1066 Chile 0.72 2010 est. 1067 France 0.72 2010 est. 1068 Germany 0.72 2010 est. 1069 Italy 0.72 2010 est. 1070 Swaziland 0.72 2010 est. 1071 Switzerland 0.72 2010 est. 1072 Spain 0.72 2010 est. 1073 Gabon 0.72 2010 est. 1074 Austria 0.71 2010 est. 1075 Guyana 0.71 2010 est. 1076 Mozambique 0.71 2010 est. 1077 West Bank 0.71 2010 est. 1078 Isle of Man 0.71 2010 est. 1079 Belgium 0.71 2010 est. 1080 Bermuda 0.71 2010 est. 1081 Argentina 0.70 2010 est. 1082 Serbia 0.70 2010 est. 1083 Tonga 0.70 2010 est. 1084 Uganda 0.70 2010 est. 1085 Somalia 0.70 2010 est. 1086 Portugal 0.70 2010 est. 1087 Luxembourg 0.70 2010 est. 1088 Congo, Republic of the 0.70 2010 est. 1089 Benin 0.69 2010 est. 1090 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.69 2010 est. 1091 Romania 0.69 2010 est. 1092 Finland 0.69 2010 est. 1093 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.69 2010 est. 1094 Botswana 0.68 2010 est. 1095 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.68 2010 est. 1096 Zambia 0.68 2010 est. 1097 European Union 0.68 2009 est. 1098 South Africa 0.68 2010 est. 1099 Bulgaria 0.68 2010 est. 1100 Gaza Strip 0.68 2010 est. 1101 Burundi 0.67 2010 est. 1102 Curacao 0.67 2010 1103 Mauritius 0.67 2010 est. 1104 Uruguay 0.67 2010 est. 1105 Rwanda 0.67 2010 est. 1106 Montenegro 0.67 2010 est. 1107 Korea, South 0.67 2010 est. 1108 Central African Republic 0.67 2010 est. 1109 Aruba 0.66 2010 est. 1110 Georgia 0.66 2010 est. 1111 Guinea-Bissau 0.66 2010 est. 1112 Czech Republic 0.66 2010 est. 1113 Slovenia 0.65 2010 est. 1114 Barbados 0.64 2010 est. 1115 Croatia 0.64 2010 est. 1116 Kyrgyzstan 0.64 2010 est. 1117 Korea, North 0.64 2010 est. 1118 Kiribati 0.64 2010 est. 1119 Burkina Faso 0.64 2010 est. 1120 Togo 0.63 2010 est. 1121 Armenia 0.62 2010 est. 1122 Haiti 0.62 2010 est. 1123 Poland 0.62 2010 est. 1124 Vietnam 0.62 2010 est. 1125 Bahamas, The 0.62 2010 est. 1126 Cape Verde 0.61 2010 est. 1127 Cambodia 0.60 2010 est. 1128 Slovakia 0.60 2010 est. 1129 Seychelles 0.60 2010 est. 1130 Azerbaijan 0.58 2010 est. 1131 Moldova 0.58 2010 est. 1132 Hungary 0.57 2010 est. 1133 Kazakhstan 0.53 2010 est. 1134 Lithuania 0.53 2010 est. 1135 Estonia 0.49 2010 est. 1136 Ukraine 0.49 2010 est. 1137 Latvia 0.48 2010 est. 1138 Belarus 0.47 2010 est. 1139 Russia 0.44 2010 est. 1140 Palau 0.43 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2019

Country Comparison :: Heliports

This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs.

Rank country Heliports Date of Information

1 Korea, South 510.00 2010 2 United States 126.00 2010 3 European Union 99.00 2010 4 Indonesia 64.00 2010 5 Antarctica 53.00 2010 6 Russia 50.00 2010 7 China 48.00 2010 8 India 40.00 2010 9 Germany 25.00 2010 10 Korea, North 22.00 2010 11 Iraq 21.00 2010 12 Pakistan 20.00 2010 13 Turkey 20.00 2010 14 Iran 19.00 2010 15 Japan 15.00 2010 16 Brazil 13.00 2010 17 Canada 12.00 2010 18 Afghanistan 11.00 2010 19 United Kingdom 11.00 2010 20 Cyprus 9.00 2010 21 Saudi Arabia 9.00 2010 22 Greece 9.00 2010 23 Hong Kong 9.00 2010 24 Spain 9.00 2010 25 New Caledonia 8.00 2010 26 Timor-Leste 8.00 2010 27 Poland 7.00 2010 28 Ukraine 7.00 2010 29 Syria 7.00 2010 30 Burma 6.00 2010 31 Italy 6.00 2010 32 Egypt 6.00 2010 33 Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.00 2010 34 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 35 Sudan 5.00 2010 36 Hungary 5.00 2010 37 Kuwait 4.00 2010 38 Nigeria 4.00 2010 39 Thailand 4.00 2010 40 Taiwan 4.00 2010 41 Venezuela 4.00 2010 42 Brunei 3.00 2010 43 Georgia 3.00 2010 44 Bulgaria 3.00 2010 45 Israel 3.00 2010 46 Kazakhstan 3.00 2010 47 Malaysia 3.00 2010 48 Spratly Islands 3.00 2010 49 Solomon Islands 3.00 2010 50 Romania 3.00 2010 51 Panama 3.00 2010 52 Oman 3.00 2010 53 Algeria 2.00 2010 54 Ecuador 2.00 2010 55 Kosovo 2.00 2010 56 Serbia 2.00 2010 57 Sweden 2.00 2010 58 Sierra Leone 2.00 2010 59 Philippines 2.00 2010 60 Papua New Guinea 2.00 2010 61 Libya 2.00 2010 62 Macau 2.00 2010 63 Argentina 2.00 2010 64 Colombia 2.00 2010 65 Albania 1.00 2010 66 South Africa 1.00 2010 67 Slovakia 1.00 2010 68 Qatar 1.00 2010 69 Peru 1.00 2010 70 Norway 1.00 2010 71 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 72 Netherlands 1.00 2010 73 Morocco 1.00 2010 74 Montenegro 1.00 2010 75 Mongolia 1.00 2010 76 Monaco 1.00 2010 77 Mexico 1.00 2010 78 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 79 Jordan 1.00 2010 80 French Polynesia 1.00 2010 81 Vietnam 1.00 2010 82 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 83 Switzerland 1.00 2010 84 Svalbard 1.00 2010 85 France 1.00 2010 86 Estonia 1.00 2010 87 Eritrea 1.00 2010 88 El Salvador 1.00 2010 89 Czech Republic 1.00 2010 90 Croatia 1.00 2010 91 Cambodia 1.00 2010 92 Burundi 1.00 2010 93 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 94 Australia 1.00 2010 95 Austria 1.00 2010 96 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 97 Bahamas, The 1.00 2010 98 Bahrain 1.00 2010 99 Belarus 1.00 2010 100 Belgium 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2020

Country Comparison :: Elevation extremes

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

Rank country (m) Date of Information

1 China 8,850.00 NA 2 Nepal 8,850.00 NA 3 Pakistan 8,611.00 NA 4 India 8,598.00 NA 5 Bhutan 7,570.00 NA 6 Tajikistan 7,495.00 NA 7 Afghanistan 7,485.00 NA 8 Kyrgyzstan 7,439.00 NA 9 Kazakhstan 6,995.00 NA 10 Argentina 6,960.00 NA 11 Chile 6,880.00 NA 12 Peru 6,768.00 NA 13 Bolivia 6,542.00 NA 14 Ecuador 6,267.00 NA 15 United States 6,194.00 NA 16 Canada 5,959.00 NA 17 Tanzania 5,895.00 NA 18 Burma 5,881.00 NA 19 Colombia 5,775.00 NA 20 Mexico 5,700.00 NA 21 Iran 5,671.00 NA 22 Russia 5,633.00 NA 23 Georgia 5,201.00 NA 24 Kenya 5,199.00 NA 25 Turkey 5,166.00 NA 26 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,110.00 NA 27 Uganda 5,110.00 NA 28 Indonesia 5,030.00 NA 29 Venezuela 5,007.00 NA 30 Antarctica 4,897.00 NA 31 France 4,807.00 NA 32 European Union 4,807.00 NA 33 Italy 4,748.00 NA 34 Switzerland 4,634.00 NA 35 Ethiopia 4,533.00 NA 36 Rwanda 4,519.00 NA 37 Papua New Guinea 4,509.00 NA 38 Azerbaijan 4,485.00 NA 39 Mongolia 4,374.00 NA 40 Uzbekistan 4,301.00 NA 41 Guatemala 4,211.00 NA 42 Morocco 4,165.00 NA 43 Malaysia 4,100.00 NA 44 Cameroon 4,095.00 NA 45 Armenia 4,090.00 NA 46 Taiwan 3,952.00 NA 47 Costa Rica 3,810.00 NA 48 Austria 3,798.00 NA 49 Japan 3,776.00 NA 50 Yemen 3,760.00 NA 51 New Zealand 3,754.00 NA 52 Spain 3,718.00 NA 53 Greenland 3,700.00 NA 54 Lesotho 3,482.00 NA 55 Panama 3,475.00 NA 56 Chad 3,415.00 NA 57 South Africa 3,408.00 NA 58 Sudan 3,187.00 NA 59 Dominican Republic 3,175.00 NA 60 Vietnam 3,144.00 NA 61 Turkmenistan 3,139.00 NA 62 Saudi Arabia 3,133.00 NA 63 Lebanon 3,088.00 NA 64 Eritrea 3,018.00 NA 65 Equatorial Guinea 3,008.00 NA 66 Algeria 3,003.00 NA 67 Malawi 3,002.00 NA 68 Brazil 2,994.00 NA 69 Oman 2,980.00 NA 70 Germany 2,963.00 NA 71 Timor-Leste 2,963.00 NA 72 Philippines 2,954.00 NA 73 Andorra 2,946.00 NA 74 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands2,934.00 NA 75 Bulgaria 2,925.00 NA 76 Greece 2,917.00 NA 77 Madagascar 2,876.00 NA 78 Honduras 2,870.00 NA 79 Slovenia 2,864.00 NA 80 Guyana 2,835.00 NA 81 Cape Verde 2,829.00 NA 82 Laos 2,817.00 NA 83 Syria 2,814.00 NA 84 Albania 2,764.00 NA 85 Macedonia 2,764.00 NA 86 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 2,745.00 NA 87 Korea, North 2,744.00 NA 88 El Salvador 2,730.00 NA 89 Haiti 2,680.00 NA 90 Burundi 2,670.00 NA 91 Kosovo 2,656.00 NA 92 Slovakia 2,655.00 NA 93 Egypt 2,629.00 NA 94 Angola 2,620.00 NA 95 Namibia 2,606.00 NA 96 Liechtenstein 2,599.00 NA 97 Zimbabwe 2,592.00 NA 98 Thailand 2,576.00 NA 99 Romania 2,544.00 NA 100 Sri Lanka 2,524.00 NA 101 Montenegro 2,522.00 NA 102 Poland 2,499.00 NA 103 Norway 2,469.00 NA 104 Nicaragua 2,438.00 NA 105 Mozambique 2,436.00 NA 106 Nigeria 2,419.00 NA 107 Somalia 2,416.00 NA 108 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2,386.00 NA 109 Comoros 2,360.00 NA 110 Portugal 2,351.00 NA 111 Solomon Islands 2,310.00 NA 112 Zambia 2,301.00 NA 113 Jan Mayen 2,277.00 NA 114 Libya 2,267.00 NA 115 Jamaica 2,256.00 NA 116 French Polynesia 2,241.00 NA 117 Australia 2,229.00 NA 118 Serbia 2,169.00 NA 119 Sweden 2,111.00 NA 120 Iceland 2,110.00 NA 121 Ukraine 2,061.00 NA 122 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,060.00 NA 123 Djibouti 2,028.00 NA 124 Sao Tome and Principe 2,024.00 NA 125 Niger 2,022.00 NA 126 Cuba 2,005.00 NA 127 Cyprus 1,951.00 NA 128 Korea, South 1,950.00 NA 129 Sierra Leone 1,948.00 NA 130 Vanuatu 1,877.00 NA 131 Swaziland 1,862.00 NA 132 Samoa 1,857.00 NA 133 Jordan 1,854.00 NA 134 Brunei 1,850.00 NA 135 French Southern and Antarctic Lands1,850.00 NA 136 Croatia 1,831.00 NA 137 Cambodia 1,810.00 NA 138 Cote d'Ivoire 1,752.00 NA 139 Guinea 1,752.00 NA 140 Svalbard 1,717.00 NA 141 New Caledonia 1,628.00 NA 142 Czech Republic 1,602.00 NA 143 Gabon 1,575.00 NA 144 Tunisia 1,544.00 NA 145 United Arab Emirates 1,527.00 NA 146 Botswana 1,489.00 NA 147 Dominica 1,447.00 NA 148 Central African Republic 1,420.00 NA 149 Lesotho 1,400.00 NA 150 Liberia 1,380.00 NA 151 United Kingdom 1,343.00 NA 152 Puerto Rico 1,338.00 NA 153 Finland 1,328.00 NA 154 Fiji 1,324.00 NA 155 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,234.00 NA 156 Bangladesh 1,230.00 NA 157 Suriname 1,230.00 NA 158 Israel 1,208.00 NA 159 Belize 1,160.00 NA 160 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,156.00 NA 161 Mali 1,155.00 NA 162 French Southern and Antarctic Lands1,090.00 NA 163 Ireland 1,041.00 NA 164 Tonga 1,033.00 NA 165 West Bank 1,022.00 NA 166 Hungary 1,014.00 NA 167 Togo 986.00 NA 168 Northern Mariana Islands 965.00 NA 169 American Samoa 964.00 NA 170 Hong Kong 958.00 NA 171 Rwanda 950.00 NA 172 Saint Lucia 950.00 NA 173 Trinidad and Tobago 940.00 NA 174 Bouvet Island 935.00 NA 175 Montserrat 930.00 2006 176 Mauritania 915.00 NA 177 Seychelles 905.00 NA 178 Congo, Republic of the 903.00 NA 179 Ghana 885.00 NA 180 Faroe Islands 882.00 NA 181 French Southern and Antarctic Lands867.00 NA 182 Netherlands 862.00 NA 183 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha859.00 NA 184 Paraguay 842.00 NA 185 Andorra 840.00 NA 186 Grenada 840.00 NA 187 Mauritius 828.00 NA 188 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha818.00 NA 189 Western Sahara 805.00 NA 190 Micronesia, Federated States of 791.00 NA 191 Burundi 772.00 NA 192 Wallis and Futuna 765.00 NA 193 San Marino 755.00 NA 194 Burkina Faso 749.00 NA 195 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 705.00 NA 196 Belgium 694.00 NA 197 Mayotte 660.00 NA 198 Benin 658.00 NA 199 Cook Islands 652.00 NA 200 Isle of Man 621.00 NA 201 Uganda 621.00 NA 202 Senegal 581.00 NA 203 Mongolia 560.00 NA 204 Luxembourg 559.00 NA 205 British Virgin Islands 521.00 NA 206 Uruguay 514.00 NA 207 Botswana 513.00 NA 208 Virgin Islands 474.00 NA 209 Liechtenstein 430.00 NA 210 Moldova 430.00 NA 211 Gibraltar 426.00 NA 212 Saint Martin 424.00 NA 213 Antigua and Barbuda 402.00 NA 214 Armenia 400.00 NA 215 Sint Maarten 386.00 NA 216 Christmas Island 361.00 NA 217 Pitcairn Islands 347.00 NA 218 Belarus 346.00 NA 219 Barbados 336.00 NA 220 Central African Republic 335.00 NA 221 Zambia 329.00 NA 222 Norfolk Island 319.00 NA 223 Estonia 318.00 NA 224 Latvia 312.00 NA 225 Kuwait 306.00 NA 226 Guinea-Bissau 300.00 NA 227 Tajikistan 300.00 NA 228 Kosovo 297.00 NA 229 Lithuania 294.00 NA 230 Saint Barthelemy 286.00 NA 231 French Southern and Antarctic Lands272.00 NA 232 Afghanistan 258.00 NA 233 Malta 253.00 NA 234 Palau 242.00 NA 235 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 240.00 NA 236 Burkina Faso 200.00 NA 237 Niger 200.00 NA 238 Switzerland 195.00 NA 239 Aruba 188.00 NA 240 Macau 172.00 NA 241 Denmark 171.00 NA 242 Singapore 166.00 NA 243 Zimbabwe 162.00 NA 244 Chad 160.00 NA 245 Jersey 143.00 NA 246 Monaco 140.00 NA 247 Luxembourg 133.00 NA 248 Kyrgyzstan 132.00 NA 249 Bahrain 122.00 NA 250 Austria 115.00 NA 251 Czech Republic 115.00 NA 252 Guernsey 114.00 NA 253 Gaza Strip 105.00 NA 254 Qatar 103.00 NA 255 Bhutan 97.00 NA 256 Slovakia 94.00 NA 257 Belarus 90.00 NA 258 Bolivia 90.00 NA 259 Kiribati 81.00 NA 260 Hungary 78.00 NA 261 Navassa Island 77.00 NA 262 Bermuda 76.00 NA 263 Holy See (Vatican City) 75.00 NA 264 Laos 70.00 NA 265 Nepal 70.00 NA 266 Niue 68.00 NA 267 Anguilla 65.00 NA 268 Bahamas, The 63.00 NA 269 Nauru 61.00 NA 270 San Marino 55.00 NA 271 Gambia, The 53.00 NA 272 Macedonia 50.00 NA 273 Turks and Caicos Islands 48.00 NA 274 Paraguay 46.00 NA 275 Cayman Islands 43.00 NA 276 Malawi 37.00 NA 277 Serbia 35.00 NA 278 Clipperton Island 29.00 NA 279 French Southern and Antarctic Lands24.00 NA 280 Mali 23.00 NA 281 Swaziland 21.00 NA 282 Holy See (Vatican City) 19.00 NA 283 British Indian Ocean Territory 15.00 NA 284 Paracel Islands 14.00 NA 285 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges13.00 NA 286 French Southern and Antarctic Lands12.00 NA 287 French Southern and Antarctic Lands10.00 NA 288 Marshall Islands 10.00 NA 289 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges10.00 NA 290 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges8.00 NA 291 French Southern and Antarctic Lands7.00 NA 292 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges7.00 NA 293 Coral Sea Islands 6.00 NA 294 Wake Island 6.00 NA 295 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 5.00 NA 296 Tuvalu 5.00 NA 297 Tokelau 5.00 NA 298 Spratly Islands 4.00 NA 299 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 3.00 NA 300 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 301 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 302 French Southern and Antarctic Lands2.40 NA 303 Maldives 2.40 NA 304 Moldova 2.00 NA 305 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges2.00 NA 306 Albania 0.00 NA 307 American Samoa 0.00 NA 308 Anguilla 0.00 NA 309 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 NA 310 Arctic Ocean 0.00 NA 311 Taiwan 0.00 NA 312 Yemen 0.00 NA 313 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 314 Wake Island 0.00 NA 315 Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 316 Vietnam 0.00 NA 317 Venezuela 0.00 NA 318 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 319 Uruguay 0.00 NA 320 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 NA 321 United Arab Emirates 0.00 NA 322 Ukraine 0.00 NA 323 Tuvalu 0.00 NA 324 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 NA 325 Turkey 0.00 NA 326 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 NA 327 Tonga 0.00 NA 328 Tokelau 0.00 NA 329 Togo 0.00 NA 330 Timor-Leste 0.00 NA 331 Thailand 0.00 NA 332 Tanzania 0.00 NA 333 Svalbard 0.00 NA 334 Sudan 0.00 NA 335 Sri Lanka 0.00 NA 336 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 337 Spain 0.00 NA 338 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 339 South Africa 0.00 NA 340 Somalia 0.00 NA 341 Solomon Islands 0.00 NA 342 Slovenia 0.00 NA 343 Sint Maarten 0.00 NA 344 Singapore 0.00 NA 345 Sierra Leone 0.00 NA 346 Seychelles 0.00 NA 347 Senegal 0.00 NA 348 Saudi Arabia 0.00 NA 349 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 NA 350 Samoa 0.00 NA 351 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 NA 352 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 NA 353 Saint Martin 0.00 NA 354 Saint Lucia 0.00 NA 355 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 NA 356 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 357 Saint Barthelemy 0.00 NA 358 Romania 0.00 NA 359 Qatar 0.00 NA 360 Puerto Rico 0.00 NA 361 Portugal 0.00 NA 362 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 363 Philippines 0.00 NA 364 Peru 0.00 NA 365 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 366 Papua New Guinea 0.00 NA 367 Panama 0.00 NA 368 Palau 0.00 NA 369 Pakistan 0.00 NA 370 Pacific Ocean 0.00 NA 371 Oman 0.00 NA 372 Norway 0.00 NA 373 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 NA 374 Norfolk Island 0.00 NA 375 Niue 0.00 NA 376 Nigeria 0.00 NA 377 Nicaragua 0.00 NA 378 New Zealand 0.00 NA 379 New Caledonia 0.00 NA 380 Navassa Island 0.00 NA 381 Nauru 0.00 NA 382 Namibia 0.00 NA 383 Mozambique 0.00 NA 384 Montserrat 0.00 2006 385 Montenegro 0.00 NA 386 Monaco 0.00 NA 387 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 NA 388 Mayotte 0.00 NA 389 Mauritius 0.00 NA 390 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 391 Malta 0.00 NA 392 Maldives 0.00 NA 393 Malaysia 0.00 NA 394 Madagascar 0.00 NA 395 Macau 0.00 NA 396 Lithuania 0.00 NA 397 Liberia 0.00 NA 398 Lebanon 0.00 NA 399 Latvia 0.00 NA 400 Kuwait 0.00 NA 401 Korea, South 0.00 NA 402 Korea, North 0.00 NA 403 Kiribati 0.00 NA 404 Kenya 0.00 NA 405 Jersey 0.00 NA 406 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 407 Jamaica 0.00 NA 408 Italy 0.00 NA 409 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 410 Ireland 0.00 NA 411 Iraq 0.00 NA 412 Indonesia 0.00 NA 413 Indian Ocean 0.00 NA 414 India 0.00 NA 415 Iceland 0.00 NA 416 Hong Kong 0.00 NA 417 Honduras 0.00 NA 418 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 419 Haiti 0.00 NA 420 Guyana 0.00 NA 421 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 NA 422 Guinea 0.00 NA 423 Guernsey 0.00 NA 424 Guatemala 0.00 NA 425 Grenada 0.00 NA 426 Greenland 0.00 NA 427 Greece 0.00 NA 428 Gibraltar 0.00 NA 429 Ghana 0.00 NA 430 Georgia 0.00 NA 431 Gaza Strip 0.00 NA 432 Gambia, The 0.00 NA 433 Gabon 0.00 NA 434 French Polynesia 0.00 NA 435 Finland 0.00 NA 436 Fiji 0.00 NA 437 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 438 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 NA 439 Estonia 0.00 NA 440 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 NA 441 El Salvador 0.00 NA 442 Ecuador 0.00 NA 443 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 444 Dominica 0.00 NA 445 Cyprus 0.00 NA 446 Cuba 0.00 NA 447 Croatia 0.00 NA 448 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 NA 449 Costa Rica 0.00 NA 450 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 451 Cook Islands 0.00 NA 452 Cayman Islands 0.00 NA 453 Cape Verde 0.00 NA 454 Canada 0.00 NA 455 Cameroon 0.00 NA 456 Cambodia 0.00 NA 457 Burma 0.00 NA 458 Bulgaria 0.00 NA 459 Brunei 0.00 NA 460 British Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 461 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 462 Brazil 0.00 NA 463 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA 464 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 NA 465 Bermuda 0.00 NA 466 Benin 0.00 NA 467 Belize 0.00 NA 468 Belgium 0.00 NA 469 Barbados 0.00 NA 470 Bangladesh 0.00 NA 471 Bahrain 0.00 NA 472 Bahamas, The 0.00 NA 473 Atlantic Ocean 0.00 NA 474 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 475 Aruba 0.00 NA 476 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 NA 477 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 NA 478 Comoros 0.00 NA 479 Colombia 0.00 NA 480 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 NA 481 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 482 Christmas Island 0.00 NA 483 Chile 0.00 NA 484 Angola 0.00 NA 485 France -2.00 NA 486 Poland -2.00 NA 487 Suriname -2.00 NA 488 Sweden -2.40 NA 489 Germany -3.54 NA 490 Japan -4.00 NA 491 United Kingdom -4.00 NA 492 Mauritania -5.00 NA 493 Denmark -7.00 NA 494 European Union -7.00 NA 495 Netherlands -7.00 NA 496 European Union -7.00 NA 497 Mexico -10.00 NA 498 Uzbekistan -12.00 NA 499 Australia -15.00 NA 500 Tunisia -17.00 NA 501 Azerbaijan -28.00 NA 502 Russia -28.00 NA 503 Iran -28.00 NA 504 Algeria -40.00 NA 505 Dominican Republic -46.00 NA 506 Libya -47.00 NA 507 Morocco -55.00 NA 508 Western Sahara -55.00 NA 509 Eritrea -75.00 NA 510 United States -86.00 NA 511 Argentina -105.00 NA 512 Ethiopia -125.00 NA 513 Kazakhstan -132.00 NA 514 Egypt -133.00 NA 515 China -154.00 NA 516 Djibouti -155.00 NA 517 Syria -200.00 NA 518 Israel -408.00 NA 519 West Bank -408.00 NA 520 Jordan -408.00 NA 521 Antarctica -2,540.00 NA 522 Arctic Ocean -4,665.00 NA 523 Indian Ocean -7,258.00 NA 524 Atlantic Ocean -8,605.00 NA 525 Pacific Ocean -10,924.00 NA

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Rank code: 2021

Country Comparison :: Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters. For countries where volcanic activity is common, a volcanism subfield highlights historically active volcanoes.

Rank country Natural hazards Date of Information

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Rank code: 2022

Country Comparison :: People - note

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

Rank country People - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2023

Country Comparison :: Area - comparative

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

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

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Rank code: 2024

Country Comparison :: Military service age and obligation

This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.

Rank country (years of age) Date of Information

1 Spain 20.00 2004 2 Turkey 20.00 2004 3 Albania 19.00 2004 4 Germany 18.00 2004 5 Korea, North 17.00 2004 6 Libya 17.00 2004

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Rank code: 2025

Country Comparison :: Manpower fit for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.

Rank country Manpower fit for military serviceDate of Information

1 China 314,668,817.00 2010 est. 2 China 298,745,786.00 2010 est. 3 India 244,727,406.00 2010 est. 4 India 235,662,750.00 2010 est. 5 United States 60,388,734.00 2010 est. 6 United States 59,217,809.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 53,624,156.00 2010 est. 8 Indonesia 52,879,309.00 2010 est. 9 Brazil 44,560,717.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 38,518,822.00 2010 est. 11 Pakistan 35,774,936.00 2010 est. 12 Pakistan 34,572,451.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 32,154,153.00 2010 est. 14 Russia 27,174,148.00 2010 est. 15 Mexico 25,401,642.00 2010 est. 16 Bangladesh 25,310,750.00 2010 est. 17 Mexico 22,893,649.00 2010 est. 18 Japan 22,564,075.00 2010 est. 19 Japan 21,720,375.00 2010 est. 20 Philippines 21,029,243.00 2010 est. 21 Vietnam 20,980,830.00 2010 est. 22 Russia 20,746,777.00 2010 est. 23 Nigeria 20,298,351.00 2010 est. 24 Vietnam 20,153,269.00 2010 est. 25 Philippines 19,650,825.00 2010 est. 26 Nigeria 19,355,456.00 2010 est. 27 Iran 17,844,536.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 17,733,851.00 2010 est. 29 Turkey 17,447,579.00 2010 est. 30 Iran 17,312,808.00 2010 est. 31 Turkey 17,173,063.00 2010 est. 32 Egypt 16,942,010.00 2010 est. 33 Germany 15,564,748.00 2010 est. 34 Germany 14,723,200.00 2010 est. 35 Thailand 14,166,227.00 2010 est. 36 Thailand 13,247,646.00 2010 est. 37 Ethiopia 12,444,706.00 2010 est. 38 United Kingdom 12,113,310.00 2010 est. 39 France 12,053,912.00 2010 est. 40 France 11,763,951.00 2010 est. 41 United Kingdom 11,604,784.00 2010 est. 42 Ethiopia 11,466,713.00 2010 est. 43 Italy 11,092,984.00 2010 est. 44 Burma 10,988,695.00 2010 est. 45 Korea, South 10,929,625.00 2010 est. 46 Italy 10,452,910.00 2010 est. 47 Burma 10,281,131.00 2010 est. 48 Korea, South 10,264,608.00 2010 est. 49 Colombia 9,763,655.00 2010 est. 50 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9,440,111.00 2010 est. 51 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9,301,818.00 2010 est. 52 Ukraine 9,015,224.00 2010 est. 53 Colombia 8,957,960.00 2010 est. 54 Algeria 8,508,245.00 2010 est. 55 Algeria 8,481,036.00 2010 est. 56 Argentina 8,366,206.00 2010 est. 57 Argentina 8,344,321.00 2010 est. 58 Spain 8,040,207.00 2010 est. 59 Poland 7,860,841.00 2010 est. 60 Poland 7,828,221.00 2010 est. 61 Spain 7,798,254.00 2010 est. 62 South Africa 7,676,331.00 2010 est. 63 Saudi Arabia 7,560,216.00 2010 est. 64 Morocco 7,307,491.00 2010 est. 65 Ukraine 6,970,035.00 2010 est. 66 Morocco 6,960,026.00 2010 est. 67 Uzbekistan 6,658,475.00 2010 est. 68 Canada 6,642,190.00 2010 est. 69 South Africa 6,521,338.00 2010 est. 70 Peru 6,501,224.00 2010 est. 71 Uzbekistan 6,456,675.00 2010 est. 72 Canada 6,402,896.00 2010 est. 73 Iraq 6,402,171.00 2010 est. 74 Iraq 6,232,674.00 2010 est. 75 Sudan 6,213,984.00 2010 est. 76 Kenya 6,162,904.00 2010 est. 77 Sudan 6,094,209.00 2010 est. 78 Peru 6,045,256.00 2010 est. 79 Venezuela 5,976,339.00 2010 est. 80 Kenya 5,904,173.00 2010 est. 81 Saudi Arabia 5,773,033.00 2010 est. 82 Nepal 5,730,116.00 2010 est. 83 Tanzania 5,690,331.00 2010 est. 84 Tanzania 5,667,987.00 2010 est. 85 Malaysia 5,612,642.00 2010 est. 86 Venezuela 5,504,152.00 2010 est. 87 Malaysia 5,501,129.00 2010 est. 88 Taiwan 5,094,111.00 2010 est. 89 Nepal 5,053,600.00 2010 est. 90 Taiwan 4,980,454.00 2010 est. 91 Syria 4,948,802.00 2010 est. 92 Syria 4,786,596.00 2010 est. 93 Sri Lanka 4,701,942.00 2010 est. 94 Romania 4,566,620.00 2010 est. 95 Korea, North 4,522,707.00 2010 est. 96 Sri Lanka 4,518,582.00 2010 est. 97 Romania 4,513,619.00 2010 est. 98 Australia 4,377,411.00 2010 est. 99 Australia 4,210,442.00 2010 est. 100 Uganda 4,138,180.00 2010 est. 101 Korea, North 4,127,999.00 2010 est. 102 Ghana 4,101,964.00 2010 est. 103 Uganda 4,028,125.00 2010 est. 104 Ghana 4,022,056.00 2010 est. 105 Yemen 3,952,370.00 2010 est. 106 Yemen 3,902,186.00 2010 est. 107 Afghanistan 3,888,358.00 2010 est. 108 Afghanistan 3,641,998.00 2010 est. 109 Chile 3,599,328.00 2010 est. 110 Chile 3,544,156.00 2010 est. 111 Kazakhstan 3,543,467.00 2010 est. 112 Madagascar 3,541,256.00 2010 est. 113 Madagascar 3,268,291.00 2010 est. 114 Cote d'Ivoire 3,242,965.00 2010 est. 115 Ecuador 3,217,235.00 2010 est. 116 Netherlands 3,213,954.00 2010 est. 117 Netherlands 3,133,972.00 2010 est. 118 Cote d'Ivoire 3,069,569.00 2010 est. 119 Kazakhstan 2,902,859.00 2010 est. 120 Cambodia 2,835,807.00 2010 est. 121 Guatemala 2,827,208.00 2010 est. 122 Ecuador 2,770,465.00 2010 est. 123 Cambodia 2,751,618.00 2010 est. 124 Cameroon 2,721,307.00 2010 est. 125 Cameroon 2,647,640.00 2010 est. 126 Tunisia 2,594,602.00 2010 est. 127 Cuba 2,516,543.00 2010 est. 128 Tunisia 2,510,159.00 2010 est. 129 Guatemala 2,494,903.00 2010 est. 130 Cuba 2,450,902.00 2010 est. 131 Mozambique 2,448,161.00 2010 est. 132 Senegal 2,287,510.00 2010 est. 133 Burkina Faso 2,280,776.00 2010 est. 134 Burkina Faso 2,278,474.00 2010 est. 135 Mozambique 2,269,562.00 2010 est. 136 United Arab Emirates 2,157,211.00 2010 est. 137 Niger 2,129,985.00 2010 est. 138 Senegal 2,109,080.00 2010 est. 139 Portugal 2,104,945.00 2010 est. 140 Niger 2,104,378.00 2010 est. 141 Dominican Republic 2,090,785.00 2010 est. 142 Czech Republic 2,086,662.00 2010 est. 143 Greece 2,050,018.00 2010 est. 144 Malawi 2,048,900.00 2010 est. 145 Belarus 2,043,083.00 2010 est. 146 Portugal 2,034,912.00 2010 est. 147 Greece 2,033,450.00 2010 est. 148 Czech Republic 2,003,055.00 2010 est. 149 Malawi 1,960,258.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 1,959,763.00 2010 est. 151 Azerbaijan 1,958,408.00 2010 est. 152 Dominican Republic 1,957,233.00 2010 est. 153 Belgium 1,949,361.00 2010 est. 154 Hungary 1,923,902.00 2010 est. 155 Mali 1,900,025.00 2010 est. 156 Belgium 1,891,966.00 2010 est. 157 Hungary 1,884,232.00 2010 est. 158 Mali 1,760,901.00 2010 est. 159 Azerbaijan 1,753,878.00 2010 est. 160 Bolivia 1,714,438.00 2010 est. 161 Sweden 1,709,592.00 2010 est. 162 Belarus 1,708,634.00 2010 est. 163 Rwanda 1,696,514.00 2010 est. 164 Sweden 1,649,875.00 2010 est. 165 Tajikistan 1,642,240.00 2010 est. 166 Rwanda 1,641,563.00 2010 est. 167 Austria 1,595,379.00 2010 est. 168 Haiti 1,591,942.00 2010 est. 169 Haiti 1,573,371.00 2010 est. 170 Austria 1,566,884.00 2010 est. 171 Hong Kong 1,526,196.00 2010 est. 172 Zimbabwe 1,525,815.00 2010 est. 173 Angola 1,506,489.00 2010 est. 174 Honduras 1,502,788.00 2010 est. 175 Switzerland 1,502,736.00 2010 est. 176 Israel 1,496,542.00 2010 est. 177 Libya 1,490,011.00 2010 est. 178 Guinea 1,483,676.00 2010 est. 179 Honduras 1,483,292.00 2010 est. 180 Switzerland 1,468,785.00 2010 est. 181 Tajikistan 1,461,896.00 2010 est. 182 Angola 1,451,427.00 2010 est. 183 Guinea 1,443,655.00 2010 est. 184 Libya 1,436,613.00 2010 est. 185 Israel 1,425,537.00 2010 est. 186 Jordan 1,416,681.00 2010 est. 187 Burundi 1,414,035.00 2010 est. 188 Serbia 1,405,391.00 2010 est. 189 Hong Kong 1,405,324.00 2010 est. 190 Zambia 1,401,481.00 2010 est. 191 Paraguay 1,400,597.00 2010 est. 192 Somalia 1,386,971.00 2010 est. 193 Paraguay 1,375,610.00 2010 est. 194 Nicaragua 1,374,652.00 2010 est. 195 Serbia 1,368,207.00 2010 est. 196 Bulgaria 1,360,039.00 2010 est. 197 Jordan 1,358,608.00 2010 est. 198 El Salvador 1,356,824.00 2010 est. 199 Chad 1,354,111.00 2010 est. 200 Benin 1,345,145.00 2010 est. 201 Burundi 1,337,935.00 2010 est. 202 Bulgaria 1,337,201.00 2010 est. 203 Benin 1,331,242.00 2010 est. 204 Somalia 1,328,567.00 2010 est. 205 Zimbabwe 1,327,894.00 2010 est. 206 Nicaragua 1,318,762.00 2010 est. 207 Zambia 1,274,583.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 1,243,904.00 2010 est. 209 Turkmenistan 1,168,960.00 2010 est. 210 Slovakia 1,162,282.00 2010 est. 211 Slovakia 1,147,526.00 2010 est. 212 Chad 1,141,776.00 2010 est. 213 Laos 1,121,640.00 2010 est. 214 Papua New Guinea 1,107,479.00 2010 est. 215 Papua New Guinea 1,103,479.00 2010 est. 216 Kyrgyzstan 1,101,709.00 2010 est. 217 Singapore 1,097,762.00 2010 est. 218 El Salvador 1,056,532.00 2010 est. 219 Laos 1,056,050.00 2010 est. 220 Turkmenistan 1,046,907.00 2010 est. 221 Costa Rica 1,044,923.00 2010 est. 222 Singapore 1,027,701.00 2010 est. 223 Costa Rica 1,026,432.00 2010 est. 224 Denmark 1,013,814.00 2010 est. 225 Togo 1,004,887.00 2010 est. 226 Denmark 1,001,411.00 2010 est. 227 Togo 983,283.00 2010 est. 228 Bosnia and Herzegovina 980,425.00 2010 est. 229 Kuwait 979,832.00 2010 est. 230 Moldova 979,128.00 2010 est. 231 Finland 958,949.00 2010 est. 232 Bosnia and Herzegovina 948,791.00 2010 est. 233 Georgia 946,357.00 2010 est. 234 Lebanon 940,238.00 2010 est. 235 Eritrea 920,104.00 2010 est. 236 Lebanon 917,404.00 2010 est. 237 Finland 916,818.00 2010 est. 238 Georgia 901,307.00 2010 est. 239 Norway 888,310.00 2010 est. 240 Moldova 877,031.00 2010 est. 241 Eritrea 864,608.00 2010 est. 242 Norway 864,344.00 2010 est. 243 Ireland 858,317.00 2010 est. 244 Ireland 855,125.00 2010 est. 245 Croatia 844,594.00 2010 est. 246 New Zealand 840,977.00 2010 est. 247 New Zealand 828,081.00 2010 est. 248 Oman 816,579.00 2010 est. 249 United Arab Emirates 816,363.00 2010 est. 250 Sierra Leone 813,830.00 2010 est. 251 Albania 802,097.00 2010 est. 252 Puerto Rico 788,234.00 2010 est. 253 Croatia 770,574.00 2010 est. 254 Albania 768,953.00 2010 est. 255 Mongolia 748,083.00 2010 est. 256 Lithuania 734,806.00 2010 est. 257 Armenia 724,085.00 2010 est. 258 Panama 719,761.00 2010 est. 259 Panama 719,444.00 2010 est. 260 Mongolia 715,585.00 2010 est. 261 Uruguay 713,223.00 2010 est. 262 Sierra Leone 713,190.00 2010 est. 263 Puerto Rico 704,833.00 2010 est. 264 Uruguay 697,197.00 2010 est. 265 Lithuania 674,265.00 2010 est. 266 Armenia 644,195.00 2010 est. 267 Central African Republic 643,188.00 2010 est. 268 Central African Republic 637,474.00 2010 est. 269 Oman 622,927.00 2010 est. 270 Jamaica 590,437.00 2010 est. 271 Jamaica 581,033.00 2010 est. 272 Mauritania 562,765.00 2010 est. 273 West Bank 562,570.00 2010 est. 274 Congo, Republic of the 557,764.00 2010 est. 275 Congo, Republic of the 546,755.00 2010 est. 276 Kuwait 539,574.00 2010 est. 277 West Bank 531,532.00 2010 est. 278 Liberia 527,737.00 2010 est. 279 Liberia 510,337.00 2010 est. 280 Mauritania 464,959.00 2010 est. 281 Latvia 456,071.00 2010 est. 282 Macedonia 442,953.00 2010 est. 283 Kosovo 429,645.00 2010 est. 284 Macedonia 425,981.00 2010 est. 285 Latvia 406,592.00 2010 est. 286 Slovenia 397,440.00 2010 est. 287 Kosovo 389,071.00 2010 est. 288 Slovenia 385,505.00 2010 est. 289 Botswana 347,070.00 2010 est. 290 Namibia 341,783.00 2010 est. 291 Gaza Strip 324,203.00 2010 est. 292 Qatar 320,277.00 2010 est. 293 Botswana 315,743.00 2010 est. 294 Gaza Strip 308,835.00 2010 est. 295 Namibia 304,496.00 2010 est. 296 Mauritius 283,023.00 2010 est. 297 Mauritius 279,405.00 2010 est. 298 Trinidad and Tobago 273,361.00 2010 est. 299 Lesotho 273,348.00 2010 est. 300 Cyprus 271,692.00 2010 est. 301 Lesotho 267,825.00 2010 est. 302 Trinidad and Tobago 266,535.00 2010 est. 303 Estonia 255,926.00 2010 est. 304 Gambia, The 248,065.00 2010 est. 305 Timor-Leste 245,033.00 2010 est. 306 Gambia, The 238,006.00 2010 est. 307 Timor-Leste 236,996.00 2010 est. 308 Cyprus 236,908.00 2010 est. 309 Estonia 213,740.00 2010 est. 310 Fiji 206,386.00 2010 est. 311 Guinea-Bissau 206,240.00 2010 est. 312 Guinea-Bissau 199,771.00 2010 est. 313 Gabon 198,970.00 2010 est. 314 Swaziland 196,633.00 2010 est. 315 Fiji 195,414.00 2010 est. 316 Gabon 192,807.00 2010 est. 317 Swaziland 172,602.00 2010 est. 318 Bahrain 170,633.00 2010 est. 319 Bhutan 153,985.00 2010 est. 320 Montenegro 151,798.00 2010 est. 321 Macau 149,799.00 2010 est. 322 Djibouti 147,939.00 2010 est. 323 Guyana 147,296.00 2010 est. 324 Bahrain 146,243.00 2010 est. 325 Comoros 140,600.00 2010 est. 326 Bhutan 140,437.00 2010 est. 327 Qatar 138,558.00 2010 est. 328 Maldives 137,181.00 2010 est. 329 Montenegro 134,267.00 2010 est. 330 Guyana 132,188.00 2010 est. 331 Comoros 130,064.00 2010 est. 332 Solomon Islands 126,999.00 2010 est. 333 Solomon Islands 125,928.00 2010 est. 334 Macau 124,074.00 2010 est. 335 Cape Verde 114,721.00 2010 est. 336 Suriname 111,927.00 2010 est. 337 Equatorial Guinea 111,543.00 2010 est. 338 Djibouti 110,441.00 2010 est. 339 Equatorial Guinea 109,311.00 2010 est. 340 Suriname 108,555.00 2010 est. 341 Cape Verde 103,894.00 2010 est. 342 Brunei 97,345.00 2010 est. 343 Luxembourg 96,585.00 2010 est. 344 Luxembourg 95,519.00 2010 est. 345 Brunei 93,809.00 2010 est. 346 Western Sahara 83,988.00 2010 est. 347 Maldives 83,837.00 2010 est. 348 Malta 79,961.00 2010 est. 349 Western Sahara 76,483.00 2010 est. 350 Malta 76,067.00 2010 est. 351 French Polynesia 66,451.00 2010 est. 352 French Polynesia 65,306.00 2010 est. 353 Bahamas, The 63,954.00 2010 est. 354 Bahamas, The 62,779.00 2010 est. 355 Iceland 62,705.00 2010 est. 356 Iceland 61,392.00 2010 est. 357 Barbados 58,542.00 2010 est. 358 Barbados 58,532.00 2010 est. 359 Belize 57,759.00 2010 est. 360 Belize 55,903.00 2010 est. 361 New Caledonia 49,619.00 2010 est. 362 New Caledonia 49,173.00 2010 est. 363 Vanuatu 43,894.00 2010 est. 364 Vanuatu 42,450.00 2010 est. 365 Samoa 37,674.00 2010 est. 366 Samoa 37,492.00 2010 est. 367 Mayotte 37,001.00 2010 est. 368 Saint Lucia 36,216.00 2010 est. 369 Mayotte 36,018.00 2010 est. 370 Saint Lucia 32,406.00 2010 est. 371 Tonga 28,509.00 2010 est. 372 Sao Tome and Principe 28,450.00 2010 est. 373 Tonga 27,404.00 2010 est. 374 Sao Tome and Principe 26,530.00 2010 est. 375 Micronesia, Federated States of 23,410.00 2010 est. 376 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 22,932.00 2010 est. 377 Grenada 22,535.00 2010 est. 378 Grenada 22,487.00 2010 est. 379 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 22,134.00 2010 est. 380 Micronesia, Federated States of 21,909.00 2010 est. 381 Aruba 21,371.00 2010 est. 382 Virgin Islands 21,070.00 2010 est. 383 Aruba 20,398.00 2010 est. 384 Seychelles 19,989.00 2010 est. 385 Seychelles 19,882.00 2010 est. 386 Antigua and Barbuda 19,764.00 2010 est. 387 Kiribati 19,758.00 2010 est. 388 Andorra 18,338.00 2010 est. 389 Kiribati 17,941.00 2010 est. 390 Virgin Islands 17,675.00 2010 est. 391 Antigua and Barbuda 17,475.00 2010 est. 392 Andorra 17,395.00 2010 est. 393 Jersey 16,853.00 2010 est. 394 Jersey 16,737.00 2010 est. 395 Dominica 15,963.00 2010 est. 396 Dominica 15,426.00 2010 est. 397 Isle of Man 14,748.00 2010 est. 398 Isle of Man 14,392.00 2010 est. 399 American Samoa 14,230.00 2010 est. 400 American Samoa 13,842.00 2010 est. 401 Marshall Islands 13,374.00 2010 est. 402 Marshall Islands 13,277.00 2010 est. 403 Guernsey 12,510.00 2010 est. 404 Bermuda 12,405.00 2010 est. 405 Guernsey 12,404.00 2010 est. 406 Northern Mariana Islands 12,385.00 2010 est. 407 Bermuda 12,327.00 2010 est. 408 Greenland 11,439.00 2010 est. 409 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,913.00 2010 est. 410 Greenland 10,833.00 2010 est. 411 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,736.00 2010 est. 412 Cayman Islands 10,287.00 2010 est. 413 Cayman Islands 9,860.00 2010 est. 414 Faroe Islands 9,792.00 2010 est. 415 Northern Mariana Islands 9,359.00 2010 est. 416 Faroe Islands 8,354.00 2010 est. 417 Saint Martin 6,947.00 2010 est. 418 Liechtenstein 6,782.00 2010 est. 419 Liechtenstein 6,559.00 2010 est. 420 Saint Martin 6,391.00 2010 est. 421 San Marino 6,068.00 2010 est. 422 British Virgin Islands 6,028.00 2010 est. 423 Gibraltar 5,955.00 2010 est. 424 British Virgin Islands 5,778.00 2010 est. 425 Gibraltar 5,687.00 2010 est. 426 San Marino 5,564.00 2010 est. 427 Palau 5,223.00 2010 est. 428 Turks and Caicos Islands 5,062.00 2010 est. 429 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,772.00 2010 est. 430 Monaco 4,691.00 2010 est. 431 Monaco 4,680.00 2010 est. 432 Palau 3,949.00 2010 est. 433 Anguilla 3,354.00 2010 est. 434 Wallis and Futuna 3,326.00 2010 est. 435 Wallis and Futuna 3,305.00 2010 est. 436 Nauru 3,059.00 2010 est. 437 Anguilla 2,987.00 2010 est. 438 Nauru 2,683.00 2010 est. 439 Cook Islands 2,272.00 2010 est. 440 Cook Islands 2,222.00 2010 est. 441 Tuvalu 2,005.00 2010 est. 442 Tuvalu 1,981.00 2010 est. 443 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1,591.00 2010 est. 444 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1,575.00 2010 est. 445 Saint Barthelemy 1,543.00 2010 est. 446 Saint Barthelemy 1,303.00 2010 est. 447 Montserrat 1,217.00 2010 est. 448 Montserrat 1,127.00 2010 est. 449 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,097.00 2010 est. 450 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,096.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2026

Country Comparison :: Manpower reaching militarily significant age
annually This entry gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.

Rank country Manpower reaching militarily significant age annuallyDate
of Information 1 India 12,011,217.00 2010 est. 2 China 10,699,186.00 2010 est. 3 India 10,639,158.00 2010 est. 4 China 9,460,217.00 2010 est. 5 Indonesia 2,227,993.00 2010 est. 6 United States 2,174,260.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 2,156,427.00 2010 est. 8 Pakistan 2,144,574.00 2010 est. 9 United States 2,065,595.00 2010 est. 10 Pakistan 2,000,479.00 2010 est. 11 Nigeria 1,731,734.00 2010 est. 12 Brazil 1,712,427.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 1,676,137.00 2010 est. 14 Nigeria 1,652,632.00 2010 est. 15 Brazil 1,652,491.00 2010 est. 16 Bangladesh 1,550,385.00 2010 est. 17 Mexico 1,108,032.00 2010 est. 18 Mexico 1,069,885.00 2010 est. 19 Philippines 1,039,679.00 2010 est. 20 Philippines 1,001,448.00 2010 est. 21 Ethiopia 947,103.00 2010 est. 22 Ethiopia 934,523.00 2010 est. 23 Vietnam 877,075.00 2010 est. 24 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 842,020.00 2010 est. 25 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 839,044.00 2010 est. 26 Vietnam 816,076.00 2010 est. 27 Egypt 799,377.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 764,602.00 2010 est. 29 Russia 712,838.00 2010 est. 30 Turkey 695,326.00 2010 est. 31 Russia 678,623.00 2010 est. 32 Turkey 666,026.00 2010 est. 33 Iran 636,558.00 2010 est. 34 Japan 626,115.00 2010 est. 35 Iran 604,658.00 2010 est. 36 Japan 593,905.00 2010 est. 37 Thailand 535,884.00 2010 est. 38 Burma 526,557.00 2010 est. 39 Thailand 511,444.00 2010 est. 40 Burma 510,538.00 2010 est. 41 Sudan 506,742.00 2010 est. 42 Tanzania 500,941.00 2010 est. 43 Tanzania 498,815.00 2010 est. 44 South Africa 496,374.00 2010 est. 45 South Africa 492,743.00 2010 est. 46 Sudan 487,434.00 2010 est. 47 Colombia 432,280.00 2010 est. 48 Germany 421,227.00 2010 est. 49 Kenya 417,061.00 2010 est. 50 Colombia 416,051.00 2010 est. 51 Uganda 412,640.00 2010 est. 52 Kenya 412,438.00 2010 est. 53 Uganda 408,521.00 2010 est. 54 Germany 398,809.00 2010 est. 55 France 389,956.00 2010 est. 56 United Kingdom 386,492.00 2010 est. 57 Afghanistan 378,996.00 2010 est. 58 Nepal 374,882.00 2010 est. 59 France 372,312.00 2010 est. 60 Korea, South 370,645.00 2010 est. 61 United Kingdom 369,185.00 2010 est. 62 Algeria 365,503.00 2010 est. 63 Nepal 361,848.00 2010 est. 64 Afghanistan 357,822.00 2010 est. 65 Algeria 352,009.00 2010 est. 66 Argentina 340,570.00 2010 est. 67 Argentina 323,953.00 2010 est. 68 Iraq 323,328.00 2010 est. 69 Korea, South 321,765.00 2010 est. 70 Iraq 313,360.00 2010 est. 71 Peru 312,375.00 2010 est. 72 Uzbekistan 306,743.00 2010 est. 73 Peru 302,452.00 2010 est. 74 Morocco 300,262.00 2010 est. 75 Uzbekistan 299,264.00 2010 est. 76 Morocco 298,227.00 2010 est. 77 Italy 280,255.00 2010 est. 78 Saudi Arabia 280,041.00 2010 est. 79 Yemen 279,283.00 2010 est. 80 Venezuela 276,612.00 2010 est. 81 Venezuela 273,819.00 2010 est. 82 Mozambique 272,922.00 2010 est. 83 Mozambique 272,062.00 2010 est. 84 Ghana 270,993.00 2010 est. 85 Yemen 269,824.00 2010 est. 86 Saudi Arabia 269,580.00 2010 est. 87 Malaysia 267,646.00 2010 est. 88 Ghana 263,961.00 2010 est. 89 Italy 263,336.00 2010 est. 90 Ukraine 256,196.00 2010 est. 91 Syria 253,578.00 2010 est. 92 Malaysia 253,529.00 2010 est. 93 Ukraine 244,473.00 2010 est. 94 Madagascar 242,334.00 2010 est. 95 Syria 241,777.00 2010 est. 96 Madagascar 241,359.00 2010 est. 97 Cote d'Ivoire 240,989.00 2010 est. 98 Cote d'Ivoire 237,180.00 2010 est. 99 Poland 235,248.00 2010 est. 100 Poland 224,801.00 2010 est. 101 Canada 220,538.00 2010 est. 102 Cameroon 213,538.00 2010 est. 103 Cameroon 209,549.00 2010 est. 104 Canada 208,033.00 2010 est. 105 Spain 193,038.00 2010 est. 106 Burkina Faso 188,394.00 2010 est. 107 Burkina Faso 185,975.00 2010 est. 108 Korea, North 184,631.00 2010 est. 109 Spain 181,703.00 2010 est. 110 Korea, North 178,565.00 2010 est. 111 Niger 177,985.00 2010 est. 112 Malawi 177,376.00 2010 est. 113 Malawi 176,905.00 2010 est. 114 Niger 172,180.00 2010 est. 115 Sri Lanka 172,081.00 2010 est. 116 Guatemala 168,959.00 2010 est. 117 Cambodia 168,519.00 2010 est. 118 Cambodia 166,418.00 2010 est. 119 Guatemala 166,414.00 2010 est. 120 Sri Lanka 166,358.00 2010 est. 121 Taiwan 166,141.00 2010 est. 122 Senegal 157,468.00 2010 est. 123 Senegal 156,689.00 2010 est. 124 Zimbabwe 155,117.00 2010 est. 125 Taiwan 155,070.00 2010 est. 126 Mali 154,762.00 2010 est. 127 Mali 153,198.00 2010 est. 128 Zimbabwe 152,875.00 2010 est. 129 Zambia 151,586.00 2010 est. 130 Angola 151,237.00 2010 est. 131 Zambia 150,839.00 2010 est. 132 Ecuador 150,296.00 2010 est. 133 Angola 147,919.00 2010 est. 134 Ecuador 145,184.00 2010 est. 135 Australia 144,232.00 2010 est. 136 Chile 143,778.00 2010 est. 137 Chile 138,058.00 2010 est. 138 Australia 136,525.00 2010 est. 139 Kazakhstan 133,884.00 2010 est. 140 Kazakhstan 127,415.00 2010 est. 141 Chad 125,073.00 2010 est. 142 Chad 125,069.00 2010 est. 143 Romania 121,391.00 2010 est. 144 Romania 115,258.00 2010 est. 145 Guinea 114,353.00 2010 est. 146 Guinea 111,873.00 2010 est. 147 Burundi 111,829.00 2010 est. 148 Burundi 111,802.00 2010 est. 149 Haiti 110,514.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 108,336.00 2010 est. 151 Haiti 108,208.00 2010 est. 152 Benin 105,468.00 2010 est. 153 Bolivia 104,934.00 2010 est. 154 Netherlands 104,694.00 2010 est. 155 Benin 101,603.00 2010 est. 156 Somalia 99,919.00 2010 est. 157 Netherlands 99,874.00 2010 est. 158 Somalia 99,771.00 2010 est. 159 Dominican Republic 98,394.00 2010 est. 160 Rwanda 98,164.00 2010 est. 161 Rwanda 97,839.00 2010 est. 162 Tunisia 96,697.00 2010 est. 163 Dominican Republic 94,576.00 2010 est. 164 Honduras 94,501.00 2010 est. 165 Honduras 90,757.00 2010 est. 166 Tunisia 90,599.00 2010 est. 167 Azerbaijan 84,441.00 2010 est. 168 Azerbaijan 78,905.00 2010 est. 169 Laos 77,910.00 2010 est. 170 Laos 77,761.00 2010 est. 171 Tajikistan 77,585.00 2010 est. 172 Tajikistan 75,201.00 2010 est. 173 Cuba 74,084.00 2010 est. 174 Jordan 73,554.00 2010 est. 175 Paraguay 72,455.00 2010 est. 176 El Salvador 71,292.00 2010 est. 177 Nicaragua 71,171.00 2010 est. 178 Togo 71,081.00 2010 est. 179 Paraguay 70,910.00 2010 est. 180 Cuba 70,445.00 2010 est. 181 Togo 69,969.00 2010 est. 182 Jordan 69,359.00 2010 est. 183 Nicaragua 68,948.00 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 68,821.00 2010 est. 185 Papua New Guinea 66,139.00 2010 est. 186 Eritrea 64,489.00 2010 est. 187 Eritrea 64,476.00 2010 est. 188 Papua New Guinea 64,244.00 2010 est. 189 Portugal 62,628.00 2010 est. 190 Israel 61,613.00 2010 est. 191 Belgium 60,726.00 2010 est. 192 Libya 59,842.00 2010 est. 193 Sweden 58,937.00 2010 est. 194 Hungary 58,894.00 2010 est. 195 Israel 58,679.00 2010 est. 196 Belgium 57,882.00 2010 est. 197 Libya 57,357.00 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone 56,307.00 2010 est. 199 Kyrgyzstan 56,269.00 2010 est. 200 Sweden 56,225.00 2010 est. 201 Hungary 55,922.00 2010 est. 202 Turkmenistan 55,805.00 2010 est. 203 Belarus 55,758.00 2010 est. 204 Portugal 55,737.00 2010 est. 205 Czech Republic 55,139.00 2010 est. 206 Turkmenistan 54,908.00 2010 est. 207 Central African Republic 54,024.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 54,004.00 2010 est. 209 Sierra Leone 53,349.00 2010 est. 210 Greece 53,222.00 2010 est. 211 Central African Republic 53,203.00 2010 est. 212 Belarus 52,572.00 2010 est. 213 Czech Republic 52,440.00 2010 est. 214 Greece 49,828.00 2010 est. 215 Austria 49,455.00 2010 est. 216 Congo, Republic of the 48,365.00 2010 est. 217 Congo, Republic of the 47,874.00 2010 est. 218 Austria 47,046.00 2010 est. 219 Switzerland 47,043.00 2010 est. 220 Serbia 43,925.00 2010 est. 221 Switzerland 43,033.00 2010 est. 222 Costa Rica 42,486.00 2010 est. 223 Hong Kong 41,717.00 2010 est. 224 Serbia 41,342.00 2010 est. 225 Costa Rica 40,745.00 2010 est. 226 Hong Kong 38,240.00 2010 est. 227 Lebanon 37,856.00 2010 est. 228 Denmark 37,831.00 2010 est. 229 Lebanon 36,072.00 2010 est. 230 Mauritania 36,035.00 2010 est. 231 Denmark 35,930.00 2010 est. 232 Bulgaria 35,604.00 2010 est. 233 Mauritania 35,322.00 2010 est. 234 Liberia 35,264.00 2010 est. 235 Albania 35,249.00 2010 est. 236 Bulgaria 34,199.00 2010 est. 237 Slovakia 33,915.00 2010 est. 238 Liberia 33,411.00 2010 est. 239 Finland 33,297.00 2010 est. 240 Jamaica 32,723.00 2010 est. 241 Slovakia 32,448.00 2010 est. 242 Finland 32,233.00 2010 est. 243 Jamaica 32,098.00 2010 est. 244 Norway 32,045.00 2010 est. 245 Albania 31,855.00 2010 est. 246 Oman 31,827.00 2010 est. 247 Panama 31,398.00 2010 est. 248 New Zealand 30,956.00 2010 est. 249 Puerto Rico 30,616.00 2010 est. 250 Norway 30,610.00 2010 est. 251 West Bank 30,547.00 2010 est. 252 Georgia 30,314.00 2010 est. 253 Panama 30,182.00 2010 est. 254 Oman 30,148.00 2010 est. 255 Moldova 30,012.00 2010 est. 256 Mongolia 29,240.00 2010 est. 257 New Zealand 29,236.00 2010 est. 258 Puerto Rico 29,196.00 2010 est. 259 West Bank 29,062.00 2010 est. 260 Moldova 28,450.00 2010 est. 261 Georgia 28,299.00 2010 est. 262 Mongolia 28,156.00 2010 est. 263 Ireland 27,987.00 2010 est. 264 Croatia 27,670.00 2010 est. 265 Uruguay 27,631.00 2010 est. 266 Singapore 27,430.00 2010 est. 267 United Arab Emirates 27,256.00 2010 est. 268 Uruguay 26,703.00 2010 est. 269 Croatia 26,503.00 2010 est. 270 Ireland 26,240.00 2010 est. 271 Namibia 26,152.00 2010 est. 272 Bosnia and Herzegovina 26,134.00 2010 est. 273 Singapore 25,918.00 2010 est. 274 Namibia 25,790.00 2010 est. 275 Armenia 24,611.00 2010 est. 276 Bosnia and Herzegovina 24,518.00 2010 est. 277 United Arab Emirates 24,305.00 2010 est. 278 Botswana 23,496.00 2010 est. 279 Botswana 22,944.00 2010 est. 280 Armenia 22,682.00 2010 est. 281 Lithuania 21,606.00 2010 est. 282 Gambia, The 20,858.00 2010 est. 283 Gambia, The 20,762.00 2010 est. 284 Lithuania 20,536.00 2010 est. 285 Lesotho 20,400.00 2010 est. 286 Kuwait 19,787.00 2010 est. 287 Lesotho 19,435.00 2010 est. 288 Kuwait 19,038.00 2010 est. 289 Gaza Strip 18,931.00 2010 est. 290 Gaza Strip 18,010.00 2010 est. 291 Guinea-Bissau 17,523.00 2010 est. 292 Guinea-Bissau 17,300.00 2010 est. 293 Gabon 17,283.00 2010 est. 294 Gabon 17,276.00 2010 est. 295 Swaziland 16,024.00 2010 est. 296 Swaziland 15,630.00 2010 est. 297 Macedonia 15,338.00 2010 est. 298 Macedonia 14,445.00 2010 est. 299 Timor-Leste 12,795.00 2010 est. 300 Timor-Leste 12,443.00 2010 est. 301 Latvia 11,536.00 2010 est. 302 Latvia 11,058.00 2010 est. 303 Mauritius 10,565.00 2010 est. 304 Mauritius 10,447.00 2010 est. 305 Slovenia 9,979.00 2010 est. 306 Slovenia 9,610.00 2010 est. 307 Fiji 9,131.00 2010 est. 308 Guyana 8,842.00 2010 est. 309 Fiji 8,776.00 2010 est. 310 Trinidad and Tobago 8,572.00 2010 est. 311 Comoros 8,519.00 2010 est. 312 Djibouti 8,503.00 2010 est. 313 Comoros 8,498.00 2010 est. 314 Guyana 8,452.00 2010 est. 315 Cyprus 8,317.00 2010 est. 316 Djibouti 8,260.00 2010 est. 317 Trinidad and Tobago 7,966.00 2010 est. 318 Cyprus 7,542.00 2010 est. 319 Bhutan 7,432.00 2010 est. 320 Solomon Islands 7,256.00 2010 est. 321 Equatorial Guinea 7,186.00 2010 est. 322 Bhutan 7,153.00 2010 est. 323 Solomon Islands 6,995.00 2010 est. 324 Estonia 6,945.00 2010 est. 325 Equatorial Guinea 6,920.00 2010 est. 326 Bahrain 6,590.00 2010 est. 327 Estonia 6,564.00 2010 est. 328 Bahrain 6,475.00 2010 est. 329 Qatar 6,403.00 2010 est. 330 Cape Verde 6,077.00 2010 est. 331 Cape Verde 6,075.00 2010 est. 332 Western Sahara 5,376.00 2010 est. 333 Western Sahara 5,280.00 2010 est. 334 Qatar 5,144.00 2010 est. 335 Macau 4,488.00 2010 est. 336 Maldives 4,369.00 2010 est. 337 Suriname 4,056.00 2010 est. 338 Suriname 4,046.00 2010 est. 339 Macau 3,900.00 2010 est. 340 Maldives 3,765.00 2010 est. 341 Montenegro 3,741.00 2010 est. 342 Belize 3,678.00 2010 est. 343 Belize 3,543.00 2010 est. 344 Brunei 3,509.00 2010 est. 345 Brunei 3,427.00 2010 est. 346 Montenegro 3,407.00 2010 est. 347 Luxembourg 3,211.00 2010 est. 348 Luxembourg 3,057.00 2010 est. 349 Bahamas, The 2,840.00 2010 est. 350 Bahamas, The 2,758.00 2010 est. 351 Mayotte 2,627.00 2010 est. 352 Mayotte 2,619.00 2010 est. 353 French Polynesia 2,592.00 2010 est. 354 Malta 2,570.00 2010 est. 355 French Polynesia 2,481.00 2010 est. 356 Malta 2,410.00 2010 est. 357 Vanuatu 2,346.00 2010 est. 358 Iceland 2,318.00 2010 est. 359 Iceland 2,263.00 2010 est. 360 Vanuatu 2,249.00 2010 est. 361 Samoa 2,219.00 2010 est. 362 New Caledonia 2,138.00 2010 est. 363 New Caledonia 2,061.00 2010 est. 364 Samoa 2,058.00 2010 est. 365 Sao Tome and Principe 1,997.00 2010 est. 366 Sao Tome and Principe 1,922.00 2010 est. 367 Barbados 1,897.00 2010 est. 368 Barbados 1,884.00 2010 est. 369 Saint Lucia 1,627.00 2010 est. 370 Saint Lucia 1,521.00 2010 est. 371 Tonga 1,448.00 2010 est. 372 Tonga 1,392.00 2010 est. 373 Micronesia, Federated States of 1,270.00 2010 est. 374 Micronesia, Federated States of 1,221.00 2010 est. 375 Kiribati 1,107.00 2010 est. 376 Kiribati 1,083.00 2010 est. 377 Grenada 1,026.00 2010 est. 378 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 990.00 2010 est. 379 Grenada 987.00 2010 est. 380 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 979.00 2010 est. 381 Virgin Islands 849.00 2010 est. 382 American Samoa 810.00 2010 est. 383 Virgin Islands 805.00 2010 est. 384 American Samoa 796.00 2010 est. 385 Antigua and Barbuda 763.00 2010 est. 386 Antigua and Barbuda 758.00 2010 est. 387 Aruba 738.00 2010 est. 388 Dominica 729.00 2010 est. 389 Aruba 715.00 2010 est. 390 Seychelles 704.00 2010 est. 391 Dominica 688.00 2010 est. 392 Seychelles 672.00 2010 est. 393 Marshall Islands 602.00 2010 est. 394 Jersey 594.00 2010 est. 395 Marshall Islands 580.00 2010 est. 396 Jersey 555.00 2010 est. 397 Greenland 511.00 2010 est. 398 Greenland 484.00 2010 est. 399 Isle of Man 469.00 2010 est. 400 Isle of Man 449.00 2010 est. 401 Bermuda 436.00 2010 est. 402 Northern Mariana Islands 430.00 2010 est. 403 Saint Kitts and Nevis 430.00 2010 est. 404 Saint Kitts and Nevis 402.00 2010 est. 405 Bermuda 397.00 2010 est. 406 Andorra 396.00 2010 est. 407 Faroe Islands 379.00 2010 est. 408 Faroe Islands 368.00 2010 est. 409 Andorra 350.00 2010 est. 410 Guernsey 350.00 2010 est. 411 Cayman Islands 347.00 2010 est. 412 Guernsey 347.00 2010 est. 413 Northern Mariana Islands 346.00 2010 est. 414 Cayman Islands 326.00 2010 est. 415 Gibraltar 250.00 2010 est. 416 Gibraltar 233.00 2010 est. 417 Turks and Caicos Islands 229.00 2010 est. 418 Turks and Caicos Islands 223.00 2010 est. 419 Palau 218.00 2010 est. 420 Palau 212.00 2010 est. 421 Liechtenstein 209.00 2010 est. 422 Liechtenstein 208.00 2010 est. 423 Wallis and Futuna 178.00 2010 est. 424 San Marino 176.00 2010 est. 425 British Virgin Islands 174.00 2010 est. 426 Nauru 174.00 2010 est. 427 Saint Martin 172.00 2010 est. 428 Nauru 168.00 2010 est. 429 British Virgin Islands 167.00 2010 est. 430 Saint Martin 165.00 2010 est. 431 San Marino 164.00 2010 est. 432 Wallis and Futuna 153.00 2010 est. 433 Monaco 147.00 2010 est. 434 Cook Islands 136.00 2010 est. 435 Monaco 133.00 2010 est. 436 Tuvalu 120.00 2010 est. 437 Cook Islands 115.00 2010 est. 438 Anguilla 111.00 2010 est. 439 Anguilla 111.00 2010 est. 440 Tuvalu 110.00 2010 est. 441 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha48.00 2010 est. 442 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha47.00 2010 est. 443 Montserrat 38.00 2010 est. 444 Montserrat 36.00 2010 est. 445 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 36.00 2010 est. 446 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 34.00 2010 est. 447 Saint Barthelemy 21.00 2010 est. 448 Saint Barthelemy 21.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2028

Country Comparison :: Background

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

Rank country Background Date of Information

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Rank code: 2030

Country Comparison :: Airports - with paved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Rank country Airports - with paved runways Date of Information

1 United States 5,194.00 2010 2 United States 2,316.00 2010 3 European Union 1,992.00 2010 4 United States 1,479.00 2010 5 United States 975.00 2010 6 Brazil 726.00 2010 7 Russia 593.00 2010 8 European Union 568.00 2010 9 European Union 546.00 2010 10 Canada 514.00 2010 11 Brazil 460.00 2010 12 China 442.00 2010 13 European Union 422.00 2010 14 European Union 340.00 2010 15 Germany 330.00 2010 16 Australia 326.00 2010 17 United Kingdom 306.00 2010 18 France 297.00 2010 19 Mexico 250.00 2010 20 Canada 249.00 2010 21 India 249.00 2010 22 United States 235.00 2010 23 Russia 201.00 2010 24 Ukraine 189.00 2010 25 United States 189.00 2010 26 Brazil 176.00 2010 27 Indonesia 171.00 2010 28 Argentina 156.00 2010 29 Sweden 152.00 2010 30 Australia 148.00 2010 31 Canada 148.00 2010 32 South Africa 147.00 2010 33 Japan 144.00 2010 34 Australia 140.00 2010 35 China 137.00 2010 36 Germany 135.00 2010 37 Iran 133.00 2010 38 China 132.00 2010 39 Bulgaria 130.00 2010 40 Venezuela 129.00 2010 41 Russia 126.00 2010 42 United Kingdom 124.00 2010 43 Russia 117.00 2010 44 Colombia 116.00 2010 45 European Union 116.00 2010 46 Ecuador 105.00 2010 47 Italy 101.00 2010 48 Pakistan 101.00 2010 49 Russia 98.00 2010 50 France 97.00 2010 51 Ukraine 97.00 2010 52 Spain 97.00 2010 53 Bulgaria 96.00 2010 54 Turkey 88.00 2010 55 Poland 86.00 2010 56 Mexico 85.00 2010 57 Philippines 85.00 2010 58 Chile 84.00 2010 59 China 83.00 2010 60 Mexico 83.00 2010 61 France 83.00 2010 62 India 81.00 2010 63 Saudi Arabia 81.00 2010 64 Canada 79.00 2010 65 United Kingdom 77.00 2010 66 France 76.00 2010 67 Sweden 76.00 2010 68 Finland 75.00 2010 69 India 75.00 2010 70 Iraq 75.00 2010 71 Egypt 73.00 2010 72 Korea, South 72.00 2010 73 Germany 70.00 2010 74 Greece 67.00 2010 75 South Africa 67.00 2010 76 Norway 67.00 2010 77 Argentina 65.00 2010 78 Kazakhstan 65.00 2010 79 Cuba 65.00 2010 80 Indonesia 64.00 2010 81 United Kingdom 64.00 2010 82 Thailand 64.00 2010 83 China 63.00 2010 84 Venezuela 63.00 2010 85 Germany 59.00 2010 86 Libya 59.00 2010 87 Peru 58.00 2010 88 Algeria 57.00 2010 89 India 57.00 2010 90 Brazil 55.00 2010 91 Ecuador 55.00 2010 92 Panama 54.00 2010 93 Germany 53.00 2010 94 South Africa 53.00 2010 95 Argentina 51.00 2010 96 Ukraine 51.00 2010 97 Russia 51.00 2010 98 Colombia 50.00 2010 99 Indonesia 50.00 2010 100 French Polynesia 46.00 2010 101 Czech Republic 44.00 2010 102 Japan 44.00 2010 103 Portugal 43.00 2010 104 Iran 42.00 2010 105 Switzerland 42.00 2010 106 Colombia 41.00 2010 107 Mexico 40.00 2010 108 New Zealand 40.00 2010 109 Costa Rica 39.00 2010 110 Poland 39.00 2010 111 Pakistan 39.00 2010 112 Japan 38.00 2010 113 Malaysia 38.00 2010 114 Taiwan 38.00 2010 115 Nigeria 38.00 2010 116 Burma 37.00 2010 117 Vietnam 37.00 2010 118 Korea, North 37.00 2010 119 Egypt 36.00 2010 120 Iraq 36.00 2010 121 Sweden 36.00 2010 122 Belarus 35.00 2010 123 Indonesia 34.00 2010 124 Philippines 34.00 2010 125 Venezuela 34.00 2010 126 Iran 34.00 2010 127 French Polynesia 33.00 2010 128 Turkey 33.00 2010 129 Uzbekistan 33.00 2010 130 Saudi Arabia 33.00 2010 131 Morocco 32.00 2010 132 United Kingdom 32.00 2010 133 Angola 31.00 2010 134 Italy 31.00 2010 135 Israel 30.00 2010 136 Mexico 30.00 2010 137 Panama 30.00 2010 138 Poland 30.00 2010 139 Italy 30.00 2010 140 Philippines 29.00 2010 141 Syria 29.00 2010 142 Algeria 28.00 2010 143 Japan 28.00 2010 144 Denmark 28.00 2010 145 Brazil 28.00 2010 146 Argentina 27.00 2010 147 Azerbaijan 27.00 2010 148 China 27.00 2010 149 Cuba 27.00 2010 150 Japan 27.00 2010 151 Saudi Arabia 27.00 2010 152 Madagascar 27.00 2010 153 Iran 27.00 2010 154 France 27.00 2010 155 Belgium 27.00 2010 156 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.00 2010 157 Lithuania 26.00 2010 158 Romania 26.00 2010 159 Kazakhstan 26.00 2010 160 Finland 26.00 2010 161 Austria 25.00 2010 162 United Arab Emirates 25.00 2010 163 Sweden 25.00 2010 164 Ecuador 25.00 2010 165 Norway 25.00 2010 166 Chile 24.00 2010 167 Ukraine 24.00 2010 168 Thailand 24.00 2010 169 Spain 24.00 2010 170 Spain 24.00 2010 171 New Zealand 24.00 2010 172 Libya 24.00 2010 173 Iran 24.00 2010 174 Chile 24.00 2010 175 Bahamas, The 23.00 2010 176 Libya 23.00 2010 177 Mozambique 23.00 2010 178 Korea, North 23.00 2010 179 Chile 23.00 2010 180 Croatia 23.00 2010 181 Costa Rica 23.00 2010 182 Belarus 22.00 2010 183 Turkmenistan 22.00 2010 184 Korea, South 22.00 2010 185 Finland 22.00 2010 186 Hungary 22.00 2010 187 India 21.00 2010 188 Namibia 21.00 2010 189 Korea, South 21.00 2010 190 Papua New Guinea 21.00 2010 191 Canada 20.00 2010 192 Greece 20.00 2010 193 Pakistan 20.00 2010 194 Peru 20.00 2010 195 Slovakia 20.00 2010 196 Netherlands 20.00 2010 197 Iraq 20.00 2010 198 Afghanistan 19.00 2010 199 Zimbabwe 19.00 2010 200 Turkey 19.00 2010 201 Sudan 19.00 2010 202 Latvia 19.00 2010 203 Indonesia 19.00 2010 204 Canada 18.00 2010 205 Czech Republic 18.00 2010 206 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 2010 207 Italy 18.00 2010 208 Greece 18.00 2010 209 Georgia 18.00 2010 210 Spain 18.00 2010 211 Spain 18.00 2010 212 Pakistan 18.00 2010 213 Norway 18.00 2010 214 Bulgaria 17.00 2010 215 Ecuador 17.00 2010 216 Ethiopia 17.00 2010 217 Switzerland 17.00 2010 218 Yemen 17.00 2010 219 Venezuela 17.00 2010 220 Tajikistan 17.00 2010 221 Panama 17.00 2010 222 Puerto Rico 17.00 2010 223 Cuba 17.00 2010 224 Madagascar 17.00 2010 225 Kenya 17.00 2010 226 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 17.00 2010 227 Bolivia 16.00 2010 228 Dominican Republic 16.00 2010 229 Turkey 16.00 2010 230 Turkey 16.00 2010 231 Tunisia 16.00 2010 232 Kazakhstan 16.00 2010 233 Jordan 16.00 2010 234 Ireland 16.00 2010 235 Bangladesh 15.00 2010 236 Colombia 15.00 2010 237 Burma 15.00 2010 238 Egypt 15.00 2010 239 Egypt 15.00 2010 240 Thailand 15.00 2010 241 Syria 15.00 2010 242 Saudi Arabia 15.00 2010 243 Peru 15.00 2010 244 Paraguay 15.00 2010 245 Pakistan 15.00 2010 246 Bulgaria 15.00 2010 247 India 15.00 2010 248 Australia 14.00 2010 249 Switzerland 14.00 2010 250 Vietnam 14.00 2010 251 Sri Lanka 14.00 2010 252 Finland 14.00 2010 253 Papua New Guinea 14.00 2010 254 Mongolia 14.00 2010 255 Greece 14.00 2010 256 France 14.00 2010 257 Austria 14.00 2010 258 Angola 13.00 2010 259 Uzbekistan 13.00 2010 260 Spain 13.00 2010 261 Portugal 13.00 2010 262 Peru 13.00 2010 263 Namibia 13.00 2010 264 Lithuania 13.00 2010 265 Korea, South 13.00 2010 266 Italy 13.00 2010 267 Guatemala 13.00 2010 268 Germany 13.00 2010 269 Gabon 13.00 2010 270 Estonia 13.00 2010 271 Cyprus 13.00 2010 272 Bahamas, The 13.00 2010 273 Azerbaijan 13.00 2010 274 Australia 13.00 2010 275 Algeria 12.00 2010 276 Burma 12.00 2010 277 Denmark 12.00 2010 278 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2010 279 Ukraine 12.00 2010 280 Sweden 12.00 2010 281 Norway 12.00 2010 282 New Zealand 12.00 2010 283 New Caledonia 12.00 2010 284 Mexico 12.00 2010 285 Korea, South 12.00 2010 286 Jamaica 12.00 2010 287 Honduras 12.00 2010 288 Czech Republic 12.00 2010 289 Costa Rica 12.00 2010 290 Algeria 11.00 2010 291 Australia 11.00 2010 292 Kyrgyzstan 11.00 2010 293 Taiwan 11.00 2010 294 Thailand 11.00 2010 295 South Africa 11.00 2010 296 Serbia 11.00 2010 297 Romania 11.00 2010 298 Oman 11.00 2010 299 Norway 11.00 2010 300 Nigeria 11.00 2010 301 Nicaragua 11.00 2010 302 Nepal 11.00 2010 303 Morocco 11.00 2010 304 Israel 11.00 2010 305 Cameroon 11.00 2010 306 Armenia 10.00 2010 307 Greenland 10.00 2010 308 Malaysia 10.00 2010 309 New Caledonia 10.00 2010 310 Venezuela 10.00 2010 311 Turkmenistan 10.00 2010 312 Sudan 10.00 2010 313 South Africa 10.00 2010 314 Slovakia 10.00 2010 315 Senegal 10.00 2010 316 Romania 10.00 2010 317 Portugal 10.00 2010 318 Philippines 10.00 2010 319 Nigeria 10.00 2010 320 Niger 10.00 2010 321 Mozambique 10.00 2010 322 Morocco 10.00 2010 323 Mongolia 10.00 2010 324 Macedonia 10.00 2010 325 Kazakhstan 10.00 2010 326 Guyana 10.00 2010 327 Finland 10.00 2010 328 Angola 9.00 2010 329 Netherlands 9.00 2010 330 Nepal 9.00 2010 331 Mauritania 9.00 2010 332 Laos 9.00 2010 333 Italy 9.00 2010 334 Greece 9.00 2010 335 Gabon 9.00 2010 336 Czech Republic 9.00 2010 337 Cuba 9.00 2010 338 Croatia 9.00 2010 339 Zimbabwe 9.00 2010 340 Yemen 9.00 2010 341 Vietnam 9.00 2010 342 Vietnam 9.00 2010 343 Uruguay 9.00 2010 344 United Kingdom 9.00 2010 345 Turkmenistan 9.00 2010 346 Tanzania 9.00 2010 347 Pakistan 9.00 2010 348 Nigeria 9.00 2010 349 Cape Verde 9.00 2010 350 Botswana 9.00 2010 351 Belgium 9.00 2010 352 Belgium 9.00 2010 353 Argentina 9.00 2010 354 Afghanistan 8.00 2010 355 Chile 8.00 2010 356 Colombia 8.00 2010 357 Taiwan 8.00 2010 358 Taiwan 8.00 2010 359 Zambia 8.00 2010 360 Seychelles 8.00 2010 361 Portugal 8.00 2010 362 Philippines 8.00 2010 363 Mali 8.00 2010 364 Malaysia 8.00 2010 365 Macedonia 8.00 2010 366 Kazakhstan 8.00 2010 367 Jordan 8.00 2010 368 Iraq 8.00 2010 369 Thailand 8.00 2010 370 Singapore 8.00 2010 371 Ethiopia 8.00 2010 372 Chad 8.00 2010 373 Burma 8.00 2010 374 Belarus 7.00 2010 375 Cote d'Ivoire 7.00 2010 376 Denmark 7.00 2010 377 Georgia 7.00 2010 378 Guyana 7.00 2010 379 Taiwan 7.00 2010 380 Turks and Caicos Islands 7.00 2010 381 Sri Lanka 7.00 2010 382 Somalia 7.00 2010 383 Slovenia 7.00 2010 384 Morocco 7.00 2010 385 Malaysia 7.00 2010 386 Malaysia 7.00 2010 387 Lithuania 7.00 2010 388 Latvia 7.00 2010 389 Korea, North 7.00 2010 390 Japan 7.00 2010 391 Jamaica 7.00 2010 392 Hungary 7.00 2010 393 Senegal 7.00 2010 394 Puerto Rico 7.00 2010 395 Portugal 7.00 2010 396 Poland 7.00 2010 397 Paraguay 7.00 2010 398 Ghana 7.00 2010 399 French Polynesia 7.00 2010 400 Estonia 7.00 2010 401 Cuba 7.00 2010 402 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7.00 2010 403 Brazil 7.00 2010 404 Azerbaijan 6.00 2010 405 Bangladesh 6.00 2010 406 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.00 2010 407 Malaysia 6.00 2010 408 Malawi 6.00 2010 409 Madagascar 6.00 2010 410 Israel 6.00 2010 411 Israel 6.00 2010 412 Iraq 6.00 2010 413 Iran 6.00 2010 414 Iceland 6.00 2010 415 Hungary 6.00 2010 416 Greenland 6.00 2010 417 Greece 6.00 2010 418 Equatorial Guinea 6.00 2010 419 Uzbekistan 6.00 2010 420 Uzbekistan 6.00 2010 421 Tunisia 6.00 2010 422 Thailand 6.00 2010 423 Sri Lanka 6.00 2010 424 South Africa 6.00 2010 425 Seychelles 6.00 2010 426 Poland 6.00 2010 427 Peru 6.00 2010 428 Oman 6.00 2010 429 Niger 6.00 2010 430 Libya 6.00 2010 431 Kenya 6.00 2010 432 Cyprus 6.00 2010 433 Croatia 6.00 2010 434 Congo, Republic of the 6.00 2010 435 Cambodia 6.00 2010 436 Botswana 6.00 2010 437 Belgium 6.00 2010 438 Algeria 5.00 2010 439 Bahamas, The 5.00 2010 440 Moldova 5.00 2010 441 Mauritania 5.00 2010 442 Libya 5.00 2010 443 Lebanon 5.00 2010 444 Latvia 5.00 2010 445 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 446 Jordan 5.00 2010 447 Israel 5.00 2010 448 Ireland 5.00 2010 449 Ireland 5.00 2010 450 Iraq 5.00 2010 451 Hungary 5.00 2010 452 Egypt 5.00 2010 453 Ecuador 5.00 2010 454 Venezuela 5.00 2010 455 Ukraine 5.00 2010 456 Uganda 5.00 2010 457 Tajikistan 5.00 2010 458 Syria 5.00 2010 459 Syria 5.00 2010 460 Switzerland 5.00 2010 461 Suriname 5.00 2010 462 Sudan 5.00 2010 463 Zimbabwe 5.00 2010 464 Vietnam 5.00 2010 465 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.00 2010 466 Puerto Rico 5.00 2010 467 Portugal 5.00 2010 468 Paraguay 5.00 2010 469 Panama 5.00 2010 470 Nigeria 5.00 2010 471 Netherlands 5.00 2010 472 Mozambique 5.00 2010 473 Cuba 5.00 2010 474 Chile 5.00 2010 475 Cameroon 5.00 2010 476 Austria 5.00 2010 477 Bolivia 5.00 2010 478 Angola 5.00 2010 479 Afghanistan 4.00 2010 480 Albania 4.00 2010 481 Cote d'Ivoire 4.00 2010 482 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.00 2010 483 Comoros 4.00 2010 484 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.00 2010 485 Bolivia 4.00 2010 486 Bolivia 4.00 2010 487 Belize 4.00 2010 488 Bangladesh 4.00 2010 489 Bahrain 4.00 2010 490 Taiwan 4.00 2010 491 Yemen 4.00 2010 492 Uzbekistan 4.00 2010 493 Uzbekistan 4.00 2010 494 Uruguay 4.00 2010 495 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 496 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 497 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.00 2010 498 Turkey 4.00 2010 499 Tunisia 4.00 2010 500 Tunisia 4.00 2010 501 Tanzania 4.00 2010 502 Tajikistan 4.00 2010 503 Suriname 4.00 2010 504 Qatar 4.00 2010 505 Poland 4.00 2010 506 Philippines 4.00 2010 507 Peru 4.00 2010 508 Papua New Guinea 4.00 2010 509 Oman 4.00 2010 510 Mozambique 4.00 2010 511 Morocco 4.00 2010 512 Kuwait 4.00 2010 513 Somalia 4.00 2010 514 Singapore 4.00 2010 515 Saudi Arabia 4.00 2010 516 Rwanda 4.00 2010 517 Romania 4.00 2010 518 Kosovo 4.00 2010 519 Korea, South 4.00 2010 520 Korea, North 4.00 2010 521 Kiribati 4.00 2010 522 Kiribati 4.00 2010 523 Kenya 4.00 2010 524 Kenya 4.00 2010 525 Ireland 4.00 2010 526 Montenegro 4.00 2010 527 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.00 2010 528 Mauritania 4.00 2010 529 Marshall Islands 4.00 2010 530 Mali 4.00 2010 531 Malawi 4.00 2010 532 Laos 4.00 2010 533 Indonesia 4.00 2010 534 Honduras 4.00 2010 535 Haiti 4.00 2010 536 Guinea 4.00 2010 537 Guatemala 4.00 2010 538 Georgia 4.00 2010 539 Georgia 4.00 2010 540 French Polynesia 4.00 2010 541 Fiji 4.00 2010 542 Ethiopia 4.00 2010 543 Eritrea 4.00 2010 544 El Salvador 4.00 2010 545 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 546 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 547 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 548 Denmark 4.00 2010 549 Azerbaijan 4.00 2010 550 Austria 4.00 2010 551 Armenia 4.00 2010 552 Argentina 4.00 2010 553 Angola 4.00 2010 554 Afghanistan 3.00 2010 555 American Samoa 3.00 2010 556 Albania 3.00 2010 557 Zimbabwe 3.00 2010 558 Zambia 3.00 2010 559 Zambia 3.00 2010 560 Yemen 3.00 2010 561 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 562 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 563 Vanuatu 3.00 2010 564 United Arab Emirates 3.00 2010 565 Uganda 3.00 2010 566 Trinidad and Tobago 3.00 2010 567 Tajikistan 3.00 2010 568 Tajikistan 3.00 2010 569 Syria 3.00 2010 570 Switzerland 3.00 2010 571 Switzerland 3.00 2010 572 Sweden 3.00 2010 573 Sudan 3.00 2010 574 Spratly Islands 3.00 2010 575 Slovenia 3.00 2010 576 Slovakia 3.00 2010 577 Slovakia 3.00 2010 578 Slovakia 3.00 2010 579 Serbia 3.00 2010 580 Serbia 3.00 2010 581 Serbia 3.00 2010 582 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3.00 2010 583 Qatar 3.00 2010 584 Puerto Rico 3.00 2010 585 Paraguay 3.00 2010 586 Northern Mariana Islands 3.00 2010 587 Nigeria 3.00 2010 588 Niger 3.00 2010 589 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 590 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 591 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 592 Netherlands 3.00 2010 593 Namibia 3.00 2010 594 Namibia 3.00 2010 595 Mozambique 3.00 2010 596 Mongolia 3.00 2010 597 Marshall Islands 3.00 2010 598 Mali 3.00 2010 599 Maldives 3.00 2010 600 Lithuania 3.00 2010 601 Lesotho 3.00 2010 602 Latvia 3.00 2010 603 Latvia 3.00 2010 604 Laos 3.00 2010 605 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2010 606 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2010 607 Jamaica 3.00 2010 608 Iceland 3.00 2010 609 Honduras 3.00 2010 610 Honduras 3.00 2010 611 Haiti 3.00 2010 612 Guinea 3.00 2010 613 Guatemala 3.00 2010 614 Guatemala 3.00 2010 615 Guatemala 3.00 2010 616 Grenada 3.00 2010 617 Ghana 3.00 2010 618 Finland 3.00 2010 619 Ethiopia 3.00 2010 620 Ecuador 3.00 2010 621 Dominican Republic 3.00 2010 622 Djibouti 3.00 2010 623 Denmark 3.00 2010 624 Czech Republic 3.00 2010 625 Cyprus 3.00 2010 626 Cyprus 3.00 2010 627 Croatia 3.00 2010 628 Croatia 3.00 2010 629 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 2010 630 Comoros 3.00 2010 631 Chad 3.00 2010 632 Cape Verde 3.00 2010 633 Cape Verde 3.00 2010 634 Cameroon 3.00 2010 635 Cambodia 3.00 2010 636 Bolivia 3.00 2010 637 Belarus 3.00 2010 638 Bahrain 3.00 2010 639 Bahamas, The 3.00 2010 640 Azerbaijan 3.00 2010 641 Afghanistan 2.00 2010 642 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 2010 643 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 644 Belgium 2.00 2010 645 Cameroon 2.00 2010 646 Cambodia 2.00 2010 647 Burkina Faso 2.00 2010 648 Bulgaria 2.00 2010 649 Brunei 2.00 2010 650 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 651 Botswana 2.00 2010 652 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.00 2010 653 Belize 2.00 2010 654 Zimbabwe 2.00 2010 655 West Bank 2.00 2010 656 Wallis and Futuna 2.00 2010 657 Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 658 Uruguay 2.00 2010 659 Uruguay 2.00 2010 660 United Arab Emirates 2.00 2010 661 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.00 2010 662 Turkmenistan 2.00 2010 663 Tunisia 2.00 2010 664 Togo 2.00 2010 665 Togo 2.00 2010 666 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 667 Tanzania 2.00 2010 668 Tanzania 2.00 2010 669 Tajikistan 2.00 2010 670 Swaziland 2.00 2010 671 Spratly Islands 2.00 2010 672 Somalia 2.00 2010 673 Solomon Islands 2.00 2010 674 Singapore 2.00 2010 675 Serbia 2.00 2010 676 Senegal 2.00 2010 677 Saudi Arabia 2.00 2010 678 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2010 679 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2.00 2010 680 Saint Lucia 2.00 2010 681 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.00 2010 682 Rwanda 2.00 2010 683 Puerto Rico 2.00 2010 684 Papua New Guinea 2.00 2010 685 Northern Mariana Islands 2.00 2010 686 Nicaragua 2.00 2010 687 New Zealand 2.00 2010 688 Netherlands 2.00 2010 689 Namibia 2.00 2010 690 Montserrat 2.00 2010 691 Montserrat 2.00 2010 692 Montenegro 2.00 2010 693 Moldova 2.00 2010 694 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.00 2010 695 Mauritius 2.00 2010 696 Madagascar 2.00 2010 697 Macedonia 2.00 2010 698 Lithuania 2.00 2010 699 Liberia 2.00 2010 700 Lebanon 2.00 2010 701 Israel 2.00 2010 702 Moldova 2.00 2010 703 Iceland 2.00 2010 704 Hungary 2.00 2010 705 Hungary 2.00 2010 706 Hong Kong 2.00 2010 707 Honduras 2.00 2010 708 Guyana 2.00 2010 709 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2010 710 Georgia 2.00 2010 711 Laos 2.00 2010 712 Kuwait 2.00 2010 713 Kosovo 2.00 2010 714 Korea, North 2.00 2010 715 Kenya 2.00 2010 716 Jamaica 2.00 2010 717 French Polynesia 2.00 2010 718 Fiji 2.00 2010 719 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2010 720 Estonia 2.00 2010 721 Estonia 2.00 2010 722 Estonia 2.00 2010 723 Eritrea 2.00 2010 724 Eritrea 2.00 2010 725 Guernsey 2.00 2010 726 Greenland 2.00 2010 727 Ghana 2.00 2010 728 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 729 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 730 El Salvador 2.00 2010 731 Egypt 2.00 2010 732 Dominica 2.00 2010 733 Denmark 2.00 2010 734 Czech Republic 2.00 2010 735 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2010 736 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2010 737 Colombia 2.00 2010 738 Chad 2.00 2010 739 Chad 2.00 2010 740 Central African Republic 2.00 2010 741 Cayman Islands 2.00 2010 742 Cayman Islands 2.00 2010 743 Cape Verde 2.00 2010 744 Croatia 2.00 2010 745 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 2010 746 Costa Rica 2.00 2010 747 Costa Rica 2.00 2010 748 Congo, Republic of the 2.00 2010 749 Belarus 2.00 2010 750 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 751 Armenia 2.00 2010 752 Bahamas, The 2.00 2010 753 Armenia 2.00 2010 754 Armenia 2.00 2010 755 Afghanistan 2.00 2010 756 Albania 1.00 2010 757 Bermuda 1.00 2010 758 Benin 1.00 2010 759 Benin 1.00 2010 760 Belize 1.00 2010 761 Belize 1.00 2010 762 Belgium 1.00 2010 763 Belarus 1.00 2010 764 Barbados 1.00 2010 765 Barbados 1.00 2010 766 Zambia 1.00 2010 767 Yemen 1.00 2010 768 West Bank 1.00 2010 769 West Bank 1.00 2010 770 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2010 771 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2010 772 Wake Island 1.00 2010 773 Wake Island 1.00 2010 774 Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 775 Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 776 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 777 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 778 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 779 Uruguay 1.00 2010 780 Uganda 1.00 2010 781 Uganda 1.00 2010 782 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 783 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 784 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 785 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 786 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 787 Tonga 1.00 2010 788 Tonga 1.00 2010 789 Timor-Leste 1.00 2010 790 Timor-Leste 1.00 2010 791 Tanzania 1.00 2010 792 Syria 1.00 2010 793 Swaziland 1.00 2010 794 Swaziland 1.00 2010 795 Svalbard 1.00 2010 796 Svalbard 1.00 2010 797 Suriname 1.00 2010 798 Sudan 1.00 2010 799 Sri Lanka 1.00 2010 800 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 801 Somalia 1.00 2010 802 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 803 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 804 Slovenia 1.00 2010 805 Slovenia 1.00 2010 806 Slovenia 1.00 2010 807 Slovenia 1.00 2010 808 Slovakia 1.00 2010 809 Sint Maarten 1.00 2010 810 Sint Maarten 1.00 2010 811 Singapore 1.00 2010 812 Singapore 1.00 2010 813 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 814 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 815 Seychelles 1.00 2010 816 Seychelles 1.00 2010 817 Senegal 1.00 2010 818 Nepal 1.00 2010 819 Nauru 1.00 2010 820 Nauru 1.00 2010 821 Mozambique 1.00 2010 822 Montenegro 1.00 2010 823 Montenegro 1.00 2010 824 Mongolia 1.00 2010 825 Moldova 1.00 2010 826 Mayotte 1.00 2010 827 Mayotte 1.00 2010 828 Mauritius 1.00 2010 829 Mauritius 1.00 2010 830 Marshall Islands 1.00 2010 831 Malta 1.00 2010 832 Malta 1.00 2010 833 Mali 1.00 2010 834 Maldives 1.00 2010 835 Maldives 1.00 2010 836 Maldives 1.00 2010 837 Malawi 1.00 2010 838 Malawi 1.00 2010 839 Zambia 1.00 2010 840 Madagascar 1.00 2010 841 Madagascar 1.00 2010 842 Macau 1.00 2010 843 Macau 1.00 2010 844 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 845 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 846 Lithuania 1.00 2010 847 Libya 1.00 2010 848 Liberia 1.00 2010 849 Liberia 1.00 2010 850 Lesotho 1.00 2010 851 Lesotho 1.00 2010 852 Lesotho 1.00 2010 853 Lebanon 1.00 2010 854 Lebanon 1.00 2010 855 Lebanon 1.00 2010 856 Latvia 1.00 2010 857 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 858 Kuwait 1.00 2010 859 Kuwait 1.00 2010 860 Kosovo 1.00 2010 861 Kosovo 1.00 2010 862 Korea, North 1.00 2010 863 Kenya 1.00 2010 864 Jordan 1.00 2010 865 Jordan 1.00 2010 866 Jordan 1.00 2010 867 Jersey 1.00 2010 868 Jersey 1.00 2010 869 Isle of Man 1.00 2010 870 Isle of Man 1.00 2010 871 Ireland 1.00 2010 872 Ireland 1.00 2010 873 Iceland 1.00 2010 874 Hong Kong 1.00 2010 875 Hong Kong 1.00 2010 876 Haiti 1.00 2010 877 Guyana 1.00 2010 878 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 879 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 880 Guinea 1.00 2010 881 Guernsey 1.00 2010 882 Guernsey 1.00 2010 883 Grenada 1.00 2010 884 Grenada 1.00 2010 885 Grenada 1.00 2010 886 Greenland 1.00 2010 887 Greenland 1.00 2010 888 Gibraltar 1.00 2010 889 Gibraltar 1.00 2010 890 Ghana 1.00 2010 891 Ghana 1.00 2010 892 Georgia 1.00 2010 893 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 894 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 895 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 896 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 897 Gabon 1.00 2010 898 Gabon 1.00 2010 899 Gabon 1.00 2010 900 Gabon 1.00 2010 901 Fiji 1.00 2010 902 Fiji 1.00 2010 903 Faroe Islands 1.00 2010 904 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 905 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 906 Samoa 1.00 2010 907 Samoa 1.00 2010 908 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 909 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 910 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2010 911 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2010 912 Saint Martin 1.00 2010 913 Saint Martin 1.00 2010 914 Saint Lucia 1.00 2010 915 Saint Lucia 1.00 2010 916 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 917 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 918 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2010 919 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2010 920 Saint Barthelemy 1.00 2010 921 Saint Barthelemy 1.00 2010 922 Rwanda 1.00 2010 923 Rwanda 1.00 2010 924 Romania 1.00 2010 925 Qatar 1.00 2010 926 Paracel Islands 1.00 2010 927 Paracel Islands 1.00 2010 928 Papua New Guinea 1.00 2010 929 Panama 1.00 2010 930 Panama 1.00 2010 931 Palau 1.00 2010 932 Palau 1.00 2010 933 Oman 1.00 2010 934 Norway 1.00 2010 935 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 936 Norfolk Island 1.00 2010 937 Norfolk Island 1.00 2010 938 Niue 1.00 2010 939 Niue 1.00 2010 940 Niger 1.00 2010 941 New Zealand 1.00 2010 942 New Zealand 1.00 2010 943 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 944 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 945 Netherlands 1.00 2010 946 Nepal 1.00 2010 947 Faroe Islands 1.00 2010 948 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2010 949 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2010 950 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 951 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 952 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 953 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 954 El Salvador 1.00 2010 955 El Salvador 1.00 2010 956 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 957 Dominica 1.00 2010 958 Dominica 1.00 2010 959 Djibouti 1.00 2010 960 Djibouti 1.00 2010 961 Djibouti 1.00 2010 962 Cyprus 1.00 2010 963 Curacao 1.00 2010 964 Curacao 1.00 2010 965 Cote d'Ivoire 1.00 2010 966 Cook Islands 1.00 2010 967 Cook Islands 1.00 2010 968 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2010 969 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.00 2010 970 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2010 971 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2010 972 Christmas Island 1.00 2010 973 Christmas Island 1.00 2010 974 Chad 1.00 2010 975 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 976 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 977 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 978 Burundi 1.00 2010 979 Comoros 1.00 2010 980 Burundi 1.00 2010 981 Burma 1.00 2010 982 Burma 1.00 2010 983 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 984 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 985 Brunei 1.00 2010 986 Brunei 1.00 2010 987 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 988 Cameroon 1.00 2010 989 Cambodia 1.00 2010 990 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 991 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2010 992 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2010 993 Botswana 1.00 2010 994 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 2010 995 Bhutan 1.00 2010 996 Bhutan 1.00 2010 997 Bermuda 1.00 2010 998 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 999 Bahrain 1.00 2010 1000 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 1001 Austria 1.00 2010 1002 Austria 1.00 2010 1003 Aruba 1.00 2010 1004 Aruba 1.00 2010 1005 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 1006 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1007 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1008 Anguilla 1.00 2010 1009 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 1010 Anguilla 1.00 2010 1011 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1012 Algeria 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2031

Country Comparison :: Airports - with unpaved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Rank country Airports - with unpaved runwaysDate of Information

1 United States 9,885.00 2010 2 United States 7,971.00 2010 3 Brazil 3,346.00 2010 4 United States 1,752.00 2010 5 Brazil 1,642.00 2010 6 Brazil 1,617.00 2010 7 Mexico 1,569.00 2010 8 European Union 1,391.00 2010 9 European Union 1,112.00 2010 10 Mexico 1,063.00 2010 11 Argentina 985.00 2010 12 Canada 890.00 2010 13 Colombia 874.00 2010 14 Bolivia 865.00 2010 15 Paraguay 785.00 2010 16 Russia 620.00 2010 17 Bolivia 615.00 2010 18 Colombia 610.00 2010 19 Papua New Guinea 541.00 2010 20 Argentina 530.00 2010 21 Indonesia 513.00 2010 22 Indonesia 484.00 2010 23 Paraguay 470.00 2010 24 Papua New Guinea 469.00 2010 25 Russia 452.00 2010 26 Canada 440.00 2010 27 Mexico 438.00 2010 28 South Africa 431.00 2010 29 Argentina 410.00 2010 30 Canada 377.00 2010 31 Guatemala 359.00 2010 32 Ecuador 323.00 2010 33 Paraguay 290.00 2010 34 Ecuador 284.00 2010 35 Chile 282.00 2010 36 Venezuela 280.00 2010 37 Guatemala 271.00 2010 38 South Africa 261.00 2010 39 European Union 254.00 2010 40 Ukraine 236.00 2010 41 Colombia 228.00 2010 42 Germany 219.00 2010 43 Chile 217.00 2010 44 Ukraine 214.00 2010 45 United Kingdom 199.00 2010 46 Zimbabwe 197.00 2010 47 Bolivia 187.00 2010 48 Iran 186.00 2010 49 Germany 184.00 2010 50 France 177.00 2010 51 Kenya 174.00 2010 52 United Kingdom 173.00 2010 53 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 172.00 2010 54 Venezuela 172.00 2010 55 Philippines 169.00 2010 56 Angola 162.00 2010 57 United States 155.00 2010 58 Peru 153.00 2010 59 Iran 142.00 2010 60 Australia 139.00 2010 61 South Africa 137.00 2010 62 Saudi Arabia 136.00 2010 63 Nicaragua 132.00 2010 64 Sudan 121.00 2010 65 Zimbabwe 120.00 2010 66 Oman 119.00 2010 67 Nicaragua 115.00 2010 68 Tanzania 115.00 2010 69 Costa Rica 112.00 2010 70 Australia 110.00 2010 71 France 108.00 2010 72 Namibia 108.00 2010 73 Kenya 107.00 2010 74 India 103.00 2010 75 Philippines 99.00 2010 76 Sweden 97.00 2010 77 Costa Rica 94.00 2010 78 Iceland 93.00 2010 79 Honduras 92.00 2010 80 Sweden 92.00 2010 81 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 91.00 2010 82 Venezuela 91.00 2010 83 Brazil 87.00 2010 84 Peru 87.00 2010 85 Algeria 86.00 2010 86 Zambia 86.00 2010 87 Guyana 86.00 2010 88 Guatemala 84.00 2010 89 Russia 84.00 2010 90 Mozambique 83.00 2010 91 New Zealand 82.00 2010 92 Bulgaria 80.00 2010 93 Malaysia 80.00 2010 94 Angola 78.00 2010 95 Libya 78.00 2010 96 Czech Republic 78.00 2010 97 Syria 75.00 2010 98 Honduras 74.00 2010 99 Zimbabwe 74.00 2010 100 Bulgaria 73.00 2010 101 Canada 73.00 2010 102 Malaysia 73.00 2010 103 Guyana 73.00 2010 104 Finland 73.00 2010 105 Cuba 71.00 2010 106 Saudi Arabia 71.00 2010 107 Namibia 71.00 2010 108 Finland 70.00 2010 109 Botswana 69.00 2010 110 France 69.00 2010 111 Russia 68.00 2010 112 Mexico 66.00 2010 113 Philippines 66.00 2010 114 Denmark 64.00 2010 115 Panama 64.00 2010 116 Iceland 63.00 2010 117 Papua New Guinea 63.00 2010 118 Zambia 63.00 2010 119 Tanzania 63.00 2010 120 Sudan 62.00 2010 121 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 61.00 2010 122 Denmark 61.00 2010 123 El Salvador 61.00 2010 124 China 60.00 2010 125 Syria 59.00 2010 126 Bolivia 58.00 2010 127 Cuba 58.00 2010 128 Madagascar 57.00 2010 129 Spain 57.00 2010 130 Kenya 55.00 2010 131 Lithuania 55.00 2010 132 Botswana 52.00 2010 133 Somalia 52.00 2010 134 Panama 52.00 2010 135 Lithuania 51.00 2010 136 Oman 51.00 2010 137 Chile 50.00 2010 138 Czech Republic 50.00 2010 139 Uruguay 49.00 2010 140 Chad 48.00 2010 141 India 48.00 2010 142 Angola 47.00 2010 143 El Salvador 47.00 2010 144 Pakistan 47.00 2010 145 New Zealand 47.00 2010 146 Croatia 46.00 2010 147 Suriname 46.00 2010 148 Ethiopia 44.00 2010 149 Korea, South 44.00 2010 150 Argentina 43.00 2010 151 Poland 43.00 2010 152 India 43.00 2010 153 Korea, North 42.00 2010 154 Korea, South 42.00 2010 155 Libya 42.00 2010 156 Algeria 41.00 2010 157 Uganda 41.00 2010 158 Thailand 41.00 2010 159 Belize 41.00 2010 160 Saudi Arabia 41.00 2010 161 Suriname 41.00 2010 162 Peru 40.00 2010 163 Bahamas, The 39.00 2010 164 Mozambique 39.00 2010 165 Burma 39.00 2010 166 Ecuador 39.00 2010 167 Croatia 38.00 2010 168 Spain 38.00 2010 169 Sudan 38.00 2010 170 Yemen 38.00 2010 171 Nepal 36.00 2010 172 Central African Republic 35.00 2010 173 Colombia 35.00 2010 174 Madagascar 35.00 2010 175 Afghanistan 34.00 2010 176 Solomon Islands 34.00 2010 177 Mozambique 34.00 2010 178 Germany 33.00 2010 179 Iran 33.00 2010 180 Tanzania 33.00 2010 181 Oman 33.00 2010 182 Belarus 32.00 2010 183 Japan 32.00 2010 184 Laos 32.00 2010 185 New Zealand 32.00 2010 186 South Africa 32.00 2010 187 Mongolia 32.00 2010 188 Kazakhstan 32.00 2010 189 Angola 31.00 2010 190 Nepal 31.00 2010 191 Norway 31.00 2010 192 Gabon 31.00 2010 193 Italy 31.00 2010 194 Austria 30.00 2010 195 Iraq 29.00 2010 196 Japan 28.00 2010 197 Romania 28.00 2010 198 Vanuatu 28.00 2010 199 Belarus 27.00 2010 200 Czech Republic 27.00 2010 201 Thailand 27.00 2010 202 Liberia 27.00 2010 203 China 27.00 2010 204 Iceland 27.00 2010 205 Belize 27.00 2010 206 Antarctica 26.00 2010 207 Austria 26.00 2010 208 Uruguay 26.00 2010 209 Oman 26.00 2010 210 Morocco 26.00 2010 211 Malawi 26.00 2010 212 Indonesia 25.00 2010 213 Paraguay 25.00 2010 214 Uganda 25.00 2010 215 Solomon Islands 25.00 2010 216 Pakistan 25.00 2010 217 Norway 25.00 2010 218 Namibia 25.00 2010 219 Mongolia 25.00 2010 220 Fiji 24.00 2010 221 Peru 24.00 2010 222 Algeria 23.00 2010 223 Latvia 23.00 2010 224 Lesotho 23.00 2010 225 Somalia 23.00 2010 226 Switzerland 23.00 2010 227 Vanuatu 23.00 2010 228 Switzerland 23.00 2010 229 Latvia 23.00 2010 230 Ireland 23.00 2010 231 Burma 23.00 2010 232 Cameroon 23.00 2010 233 Bahamas, The 22.00 2010 234 European Union 22.00 2010 235 United Kingdom 22.00 2010 236 Portugal 22.00 2010 237 Ethiopia 22.00 2010 238 Burkina Faso 22.00 2010 239 Chad 21.00 2010 240 Ireland 21.00 2010 241 Romania 21.00 2010 242 Uzbekistan 21.00 2010 243 Sudan 21.00 2010 244 Portugal 21.00 2010 245 Poland 21.00 2010 246 Laos 21.00 2010 247 Hungary 21.00 2010 248 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20.00 2010 249 Cote d'Ivoire 20.00 2010 250 Uruguay 20.00 2010 251 Madagascar 20.00 2010 252 Algeria 19.00 2010 253 Congo, Republic of the 19.00 2010 254 Fiji 19.00 2010 255 Mauritania 19.00 2010 256 Uzbekistan 19.00 2010 257 Tanzania 19.00 2010 258 Somalia 19.00 2010 259 Italy 19.00 2010 260 Dominican Republic 19.00 2010 261 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.00 2010 262 Costa Rica 18.00 2010 263 Lesotho 18.00 2010 264 Zambia 18.00 2010 265 Serbia 18.00 2010 266 Korea, North 18.00 2010 267 Israel 18.00 2010 268 Australia 17.00 2010 269 Dominican Republic 17.00 2010 270 Libya 17.00 2010 271 Niger 17.00 2010 272 Belgium 16.00 2010 273 Venezuela 16.00 2010 274 United Arab Emirates 16.00 2010 275 Tunisia 16.00 2010 276 Spain 16.00 2010 277 Central African Republic 16.00 2010 278 Nigeria 16.00 2010 279 Poland 16.00 2010 280 Slovakia 16.00 2010 281 Saudi Arabia 16.00 2010 282 Nicaragua 16.00 2010 283 Honduras 16.00 2010 284 Belgium 15.00 2010 285 Syria 15.00 2010 286 Kiribati 15.00 2010 287 Jamaica 15.00 2010 288 Jamaica 15.00 2010 289 Chad 15.00 2010 290 Afghanistan 14.00 2010 291 Korea, North 14.00 2010 292 Libya 14.00 2010 293 Yemen 14.00 2010 294 Niger 14.00 2010 295 Liberia 14.00 2010 296 Gabon 14.00 2010 297 Israel 14.00 2010 298 Greece 14.00 2010 299 Cameroon 14.00 2010 300 Belize 13.00 2010 301 Guyana 13.00 2010 302 Thailand 13.00 2010 303 Swaziland 13.00 2010 304 Russia 13.00 2010 305 New Caledonia 13.00 2010 306 Malawi 13.00 2010 307 Kazakhstan 13.00 2010 308 Iraq 13.00 2010 309 Egypt 13.00 2010 310 El Salvador 13.00 2010 311 Cuba 13.00 2010 312 Botswana 13.00 2010 313 China 13.00 2010 314 Australia 12.00 2010 315 Central African Republic 12.00 2010 316 Ukraine 12.00 2010 317 Puerto Rico 12.00 2010 318 Mali 12.00 2010 319 Malawi 12.00 2010 320 Kenya 12.00 2010 321 Guinea 12.00 2010 322 Greece 12.00 2010 323 Ethiopia 12.00 2010 324 Chile 12.00 2010 325 Bahamas, The 12.00 2010 326 Burkina Faso 12.00 2010 327 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.00 2010 328 Cote d'Ivoire 11.00 2010 329 Pakistan 11.00 2010 330 Pakistan 11.00 2010 331 Nigeria 11.00 2010 332 Namibia 11.00 2010 333 Marshall Islands 11.00 2010 334 Kiribati 11.00 2010 335 Italy 11.00 2010 336 Hungary 11.00 2010 337 Gabon 11.00 2010 338 Cambodia 11.00 2010 339 Burma 11.00 2010 340 Turkey 11.00 2010 341 Panama 11.00 2010 342 Chad 10.00 2010 343 Djibouti 10.00 2010 344 Kyrgyzstan 10.00 2010 345 Puerto Rico 10.00 2010 346 Yemen 10.00 2010 347 Senegal 10.00 2010 348 Marshall Islands 10.00 2010 349 Morocco 10.00 2010 350 Haiti 10.00 2010 351 Congo, Republic of the 10.00 2010 352 Afghanistan 9.00 2010 353 Tajikistan 9.00 2010 354 Slovenia 9.00 2010 355 Slovakia 9.00 2010 356 Serbia 9.00 2010 357 Papua New Guinea 9.00 2010 358 Mozambique 9.00 2010 359 Mauritania 9.00 2010 360 Laos 9.00 2010 361 Iran 9.00 2010 362 Eritrea 9.00 2010 363 Cook Islands 9.00 2010 364 China 9.00 2010 365 Cambodia 9.00 2010 366 Antarctica 9.00 2010 367 Azerbaijan 8.00 2010 368 Kyrgyzstan 8.00 2010 369 Uganda 8.00 2010 370 Solomon Islands 8.00 2010 371 Sierra Leone 8.00 2010 372 Serbia 8.00 2010 373 Saudi Arabia 8.00 2010 374 New Caledonia 8.00 2010 375 Morocco 8.00 2010 376 Mauritania 8.00 2010 377 Liberia 8.00 2010 378 Korea, North 8.00 2010 379 India 8.00 2010 380 Azerbaijan 8.00 2010 381 Congo, Republic of the 8.00 2010 382 Hungary 8.00 2010 383 Haiti 8.00 2010 384 Burundi 7.00 2010 385 China 7.00 2010 386 Vietnam 7.00 2010 387 United States 7.00 2010 388 Ukraine 7.00 2010 389 Uganda 7.00 2010 390 Tunisia 7.00 2010 391 Tunisia 7.00 2010 392 Tajikistan 7.00 2010 393 Swaziland 7.00 2010 394 Slovakia 7.00 2010 395 Sierra Leone 7.00 2010 396 Romania 7.00 2010 397 Oman 7.00 2010 398 Netherlands 7.00 2010 399 Morocco 7.00 2010 400 Malaysia 7.00 2010 401 Guinea-Bissau 7.00 2010 402 Guinea 7.00 2010 403 French Polynesia 7.00 2010 404 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 405 Djibouti 7.00 2010 406 Croatia 7.00 2010 407 Afghanistan 6.00 2010 408 Central African Republic 6.00 2010 409 Burkina Faso 6.00 2010 410 Yemen 6.00 2010 411 Turkey 6.00 2010 412 Togo 6.00 2010 413 Swaziland 6.00 2010 414 Somalia 6.00 2010 415 Seychelles 6.00 2010 416 Senegal 6.00 2010 417 Norway 6.00 2010 418 Moldova 6.00 2010 419 Kazakhstan 6.00 2010 420 Iraq 6.00 2010 421 Gabon 6.00 2010 422 Estonia 6.00 2010 423 Antarctica 6.00 2010 424 Cote d'Ivoire 6.00 2010 425 Cameroon 6.00 2010 426 Bulgaria 6.00 2010 427 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.00 2010 428 Afghanistan 5.00 2010 429 Vanuatu 5.00 2010 430 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 431 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 432 Turkmenistan 5.00 2010 433 Tonga 5.00 2010 434 Suriname 5.00 2010 435 Slovenia 5.00 2010 436 Seychelles 5.00 2010 437 Mali 5.00 2010 438 Yemen 5.00 2010 439 Liberia 5.00 2010 440 Lesotho 5.00 2010 441 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 442 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 443 Greenland 5.00 2010 444 Fiji 5.00 2010 445 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 2010 446 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 2010 447 Sweden 5.00 2010 448 Rwanda 5.00 2010 449 Poland 5.00 2010 450 New Caledonia 5.00 2010 451 Eritrea 5.00 2010 452 Egypt 5.00 2010 453 Cook Islands 5.00 2010 454 Antarctica 5.00 2010 455 Antarctica 5.00 2010 456 Bahamas, The 5.00 2010 457 Angola 4.00 2010 458 Burma 4.00 2010 459 Zambia 4.00 2010 460 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 461 Turkmenistan 4.00 2010 462 Turkey 4.00 2010 463 Togo 4.00 2010 464 Timor-Leste 4.00 2010 465 Philippines 4.00 2010 466 Netherlands 4.00 2010 467 Nepal 4.00 2010 468 Mongolia 4.00 2010 469 Mali 4.00 2010 470 Macedonia 4.00 2010 471 Kosovo 4.00 2010 472 Kosovo 4.00 2010 473 Kiribati 4.00 2010 474 Japan 4.00 2010 475 Iraq 4.00 2010 476 Indonesia 4.00 2010 477 Ghana 4.00 2010 478 Georgia 4.00 2010 479 French Polynesia 4.00 2010 480 Sri Lanka 4.00 2010 481 Somalia 4.00 2010 482 Egypt 4.00 2010 483 China 4.00 2010 484 Burundi 4.00 2010 485 Burkina Faso 4.00 2010 486 Botswana 4.00 2010 487 Benin 4.00 2010 488 Bolivia 4.00 2010 489 Algeria 3.00 2010 490 Ghana 3.00 2010 491 French Polynesia 3.00 2010 492 Finland 3.00 2010 493 Ethiopia 3.00 2010 494 Estonia 3.00 2010 495 Egypt 3.00 2010 496 Denmark 3.00 2010 497 Cote d'Ivoire 3.00 2010 498 Chile 3.00 2010 499 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 500 Vietnam 3.00 2010 501 Vietnam 3.00 2010 502 Uruguay 3.00 2010 503 United Kingdom 3.00 2010 504 Ukraine 3.00 2010 505 Trinidad and Tobago 3.00 2010 506 Tonga 3.00 2010 507 Senegal 3.00 2010 508 Taiwan 3.00 2010 509 Zimbabwe 3.00 2010 510 Yemen 3.00 2010 511 Samoa 3.00 2010 512 Samoa 3.00 2010 513 Rwanda 3.00 2010 514 Russia 3.00 2010 515 New Zealand 3.00 2010 516 Netherlands 3.00 2010 517 Moldova 3.00 2010 518 Moldova 3.00 2010 519 Svalbard 3.00 2010 520 Svalbard 3.00 2010 521 Sri Lanka 3.00 2010 522 Spain 3.00 2010 523 Slovenia 3.00 2010 524 Mauritius 3.00 2010 525 Mali 3.00 2010 526 Macedonia 3.00 2010 527 Lithuania 3.00 2010 528 Libya 3.00 2010 529 Kuwait 3.00 2010 530 Kazakhstan 3.00 2010 531 Israel 3.00 2010 532 Iraq 3.00 2010 533 Iraq 3.00 2010 534 India 3.00 2010 535 Iceland 3.00 2010 536 Guinea-Bissau 3.00 2010 537 Guinea-Bissau 3.00 2010 538 Guinea 3.00 2010 539 Guatemala 3.00 2010 540 Cameroon 3.00 2010 541 Burundi 3.00 2010 542 Austria 3.00 2010 543 Angola 2.00 2010 544 Anguilla 2.00 2010 545 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 546 Belarus 2.00 2010 547 Chad 2.00 2010 548 European Union 2.00 2010 549 Taiwan 2.00 2010 550 Uzbekistan 2.00 2010 551 Tunisia 2.00 2010 552 Trinidad and Tobago 2.00 2010 553 Togo 2.00 2010 554 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 555 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 556 Rwanda 2.00 2010 557 Qatar 2.00 2010 558 Peru 2.00 2010 559 Palau 2.00 2010 560 Palau 2.00 2010 561 Oman 2.00 2010 562 Northern Mariana Islands 2.00 2010 563 Nigeria 2.00 2010 564 Nigeria 2.00 2010 565 Niger 2.00 2010 566 Mauritius 2.00 2010 567 Mauritania 2.00 2010 568 Maldives 2.00 2010 569 Maldives 2.00 2010 570 Madagascar 2.00 2010 571 Libya 2.00 2010 572 Lebanon 2.00 2010 573 Lebanon 2.00 2010 574 Laos 2.00 2010 575 Kuwait 2.00 2010 576 Korea, South 2.00 2010 577 Korea, North 2.00 2010 578 Jordan 2.00 2010 579 Jordan 2.00 2010 580 Ireland 2.00 2010 581 Hungary 2.00 2010 582 Honduras 2.00 2010 583 Haiti 2.00 2010 584 Guinea 2.00 2010 585 Greenland 2.00 2010 586 Greenland 2.00 2010 587 Greece 2.00 2010 588 Georgia 2.00 2010 589 Georgia 2.00 2010 590 Estonia 2.00 2010 591 Eritrea 2.00 2010 592 Djibouti 2.00 2010 593 Cyprus 2.00 2010 594 Cyprus 2.00 2010 595 Cook Islands 2.00 2010 596 Cook Islands 2.00 2010 597 Germany 2.00 2010 598 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 599 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 600 Benin 2.00 2010 601 Belarus 2.00 2010 602 Anguilla 2.00 2010 603 Albania 1.00 2010 604 Argentina 1.00 2010 605 Armenia 1.00 2010 606 Estonia 1.00 2010 607 Eritrea 1.00 2010 608 Eritrea 1.00 2010 609 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 610 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2010 611 Colombia 1.00 2010 612 Cayman Islands 1.00 2010 613 Cayman Islands 1.00 2010 614 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 615 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 616 Cambodia 1.00 2010 617 Cambodia 1.00 2010 618 Burma 1.00 2010 619 Bulgaria 1.00 2010 620 Bhutan 1.00 2010 621 Mongolia 1.00 2010 622 Mexico 1.00 2010 623 Mexico 1.00 2010 624 Mauritius 1.00 2010 625 Marshall Islands 1.00 2010 626 Malawi 1.00 2010 627 Macedonia 1.00 2010 628 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 629 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 630 European Union 1.00 2010 631 Taiwan 1.00 2010 632 Zambia 1.00 2010 633 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 634 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 635 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 636 Vietnam 1.00 2010 637 Venezuela 1.00 2010 638 United Kingdom 1.00 2010 639 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2010 640 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2010 641 Uganda 1.00 2010 642 Tuvalu 1.00 2010 643 Tuvalu 1.00 2010 644 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 645 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 646 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 647 Turkey 1.00 2010 648 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 649 Tonga 1.00 2010 650 Tonga 1.00 2010 651 Thailand 1.00 2010 652 Tajikistan 1.00 2010 653 Tajikistan 1.00 2010 654 Syria 1.00 2010 655 Sri Lanka 1.00 2010 656 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 657 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 658 South Africa 1.00 2010 659 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 660 Slovenia 1.00 2010 661 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 662 Seychelles 1.00 2010 663 Serbia 1.00 2010 664 Senegal 1.00 2010 665 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 666 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 667 Qatar 1.00 2010 668 Qatar 1.00 2010 669 Puerto Rico 1.00 2010 670 Puerto Rico 1.00 2010 671 Portugal 1.00 2010 672 Poland 1.00 2010 673 Panama 1.00 2010 674 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 675 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 676 Nigeria 1.00 2010 677 Niger 1.00 2010 678 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 679 Nepal 1.00 2010 680 Namibia 1.00 2010 681 Mozambique 1.00 2010 682 Morocco 1.00 2010 683 Montenegro 1.00 2010 684 Montenegro 1.00 2010 685 Mongolia 1.00 2010 686 Mongolia 1.00 2010 687 Lithuania 1.00 2010 688 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 689 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 690 Kuwait 1.00 2010 691 Jan Mayen 1.00 2010 692 Jan Mayen 1.00 2010 693 Italy 1.00 2010 694 Israel 1.00 2010 695 Iran 1.00 2010 696 Iran 1.00 2010 697 India 1.00 2010 698 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 699 Guatemala 1.00 2010 700 Greenland 1.00 2010 701 Ghana 1.00 2010 702 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 703 El Salvador 1.00 2010 704 Egypt 1.00 2010 705 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 706 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 707 Djibouti 1.00 2010 708 Czech Republic 1.00 2010 709 Croatia 1.00 2010 710 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 711 Bhutan 1.00 2010 712 Benin 1.00 2010 713 Benin 1.00 2010 714 Belize 1.00 2010 715 Belgium 1.00 2010 716 Belarus 1.00 2010 717 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 718 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 719 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 2010 720 Bolivia 1.00 2010 721 Austria 1.00 2010 722 Armenia 1.00 2010 723 Argentina 1.00 2010 724 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 725 Albania 1.00 2010 726 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 727 Antarctica 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2032

Country Comparison :: Environment - current issues

This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non-commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply.

Rank country Environment - current issues Date of Information

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Rank code: 2033

Country Comparison :: Environment - international agreements

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

Rank country Environment - international agreementsDate of Information

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Rank code: 2034

Country Comparison :: Military expenditures

This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Oman 11.40 2005 est. 2 Qatar 10.00 2005 est. 3 Saudi Arabia 10.00 2005 est. 4 Iraq 8.60 2006 5 Jordan 8.60 2006 6 Israel 7.30 2006 7 Yemen 6.60 2006 8 Eritrea 6.30 2006 est. 9 Macedonia 6.00 2005 est. 10 Burundi 5.90 2006 est. 11 Syria 5.90 2005 est. 12 Maldives 5.50 2005 est. 13 Mauritania 5.50 2006 14 Kuwait 5.30 2006 15 Turkey 5.30 2005 est. 16 Morocco 5.00 2003 est. 17 Singapore 4.90 2005 est. 18 Swaziland 4.70 2006 19 Bahrain 4.50 2006 20 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.50 2005 est. 21 Brunei 4.50 2006 22 China 4.30 2006 23 Greece 4.30 2005 est. 24 United States 4.06 2005 est. 25 Libya 3.90 2005 est. 26 Russia 3.90 2005 27 Cuba 3.80 2006 est. 28 Cyprus 3.80 2005 est. 29 Zimbabwe 3.80 2006 30 Djibouti 3.80 2006 31 Namibia 3.70 2006 32 Angola 3.60 2009 33 Uzbekistan 3.50 2010 34 Colombia 3.40 2005 est. 35 Egypt 3.40 2005 est. 36 Turkmenistan 3.40 2005 est. 37 Algeria 3.30 2006 38 Botswana 3.30 2006 39 Guinea-Bissau 3.10 2005 est. 40 United Arab Emirates 3.10 2005 est. 41 Lebanon 3.10 2005 est. 42 Australia 3.00 2009 43 Cambodia 3.00 2005 est. 44 Sudan 3.00 2005 est. 45 Solomon Islands 3.00 2006 46 Pakistan 3.00 2007 est. 47 Indonesia 3.00 2005 est. 48 Rwanda 2.90 2006 est. 49 Armenia 2.80 2010 50 Comoros 2.80 2006 51 Kenya 2.80 2006 52 Chile 2.70 2006 53 Korea, South 2.70 2006 54 Azerbaijan 2.60 2005 est. 55 Sri Lanka 2.60 2006 56 Lesotho 2.60 2006 57 France 2.60 2005 est. 58 Bulgaria 2.60 2005 est. 59 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.50 2006 60 Iran 2.50 2006 61 Vietnam 2.50 2005 est. 62 India 2.50 2006 63 United Kingdom 2.40 2005 est. 64 Croatia 2.39 2005 est. 65 Portugal 2.30 2005 est. 66 Sierra Leone 2.30 2006 67 Uganda 2.20 2006 68 Taiwan 2.20 2009 69 Burma 2.10 2005 est. 70 Malaysia 2.03 2005 est. 71 World 2.00 2005 est. 72 Seychelles 2.00 2006 est. 73 Estonia 2.00 2005 est. 74 Finland 2.00 2005 est. 75 Afghanistan 1.90 2009 76 Romania 1.90 2007 est. 77 Georgia 1.90 2010 est. 78 Mali 1.90 2006 79 Norway 1.90 2005 est. 80 Fiji 1.90 2009 81 Slovakia 1.87 2005 est. 82 Guyana 1.80 2006 83 Zambia 1.80 2005 est. 84 Thailand 1.80 2005 est. 85 Italy 1.80 2005 est. 86 Hungary 1.75 2005 est. 87 Poland 1.71 2005 est. 88 Brazil 1.70 2009 89 Chad 1.70 2009 90 Ghana 1.70 2009 91 Slovenia 1.70 2005 est. 92 South Africa 1.70 2006 93 Nepal 1.60 2006 94 Netherlands 1.60 2005 est. 95 Uruguay 1.60 2006 96 Togo 1.60 2005 est. 97 Cote d'Ivoire 1.50 2009 98 Sweden 1.50 2005 est. 99 Tajikistan 1.50 2010 100 Peru 1.50 2006 101 Nigeria 1.50 2006 102 Germany 1.50 2005 est. 103 Albania 1.49 2005 est. 104 Czech Republic 1.46 2007 est. 105 Belarus 1.40 2005 est. 106 Mongolia 1.40 2006 107 Belize 1.40 2009 108 Papua New Guinea 1.40 2005 est. 109 Tunisia 1.40 2006 110 Ukraine 1.40 2005 est. 111 Senegal 1.40 2005 est. 112 Bangladesh 1.30 2009 113 Cameroon 1.30 2009 114 Denmark 1.30 2007 est. 115 Bolivia 1.30 2009 116 Liberia 1.30 2006 est. 117 Niger 1.30 2006 118 Malawi 1.30 2006 119 Belgium 1.30 2005 est. 120 Burkina Faso 1.20 2006 121 Latvia 1.20 2005 est. 122 Spain 1.20 2005 est. 123 Venezuela 1.20 2005 est. 124 Ethiopia 1.20 2009 125 Lithuania 1.20 2007 est. 126 Canada 1.10 2005 est. 127 Guinea 1.10 2009 128 Kazakhstan 1.10 2010 129 Benin 1.00 2009 130 Switzerland 1.00 2005 est. 131 Paraguay 1.00 2006 est. 132 Panama 1.00 2006 133 New Zealand 1.00 2005 est. 134 Madagascar 1.00 2006 135 Bhutan 1.00 2005 est. 136 Central African Republic 0.90 2009 137 Congo, Republic of the 0.90 2009 138 Ecuador 0.90 2009 139 Gambia, The 0.90 2009 140 Ireland 0.90 2005 est. 141 Tonga 0.90 2006 est. 142 Somalia 0.90 2005 est. 143 Philippines 0.90 2005 est. 144 Luxembourg 0.90 2005 est. 145 Gabon 0.90 2009 146 Argentina 0.80 2009 147 Sao Tome and Principe 0.80 2006 148 Japan 0.80 2006 149 Mozambique 0.80 2006 150 Austria 0.80 2009 151 Barbados 0.80 2009 152 Bahamas, The 0.70 2009 153 Malta 0.70 2006 est. 154 Dominican Republic 0.70 2009 155 Costa Rica 0.60 2009 156 Honduras 0.60 2006 est. 157 Suriname 0.60 2006 est. 158 Nicaragua 0.60 2006 159 Jamaica 0.60 2006 est. 160 El Salvador 0.60 2009 161 Antigua and Barbuda 0.50 2009 162 Kyrgyzstan 0.50 2009 163 Mexico 0.50 2006 est. 164 Laos 0.50 2006 165 Cape Verde 0.50 2009 166 Guatemala 0.40 2009 167 Haiti 0.40 2006 168 Moldova 0.40 2005 est. 169 Mauritius 0.30 2006 est. 170 Trinidad and Tobago 0.30 2006 171 Tanzania 0.20 2005 est. 172 Bermuda 0.11 2005 est. 173 Equatorial Guinea 0.10 2009 174 Iceland 0.00 2005 est.

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Rank code: 2038

Country Comparison :: Electricity - production

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

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 4,110,000,000,000 2008 est. 2 China 3,451,000,000,000 2008 est. 3 European Union 3,080,000,000,000 2007 est. 4 Japan 957,900,000,000 2008 est. 5 Russia 925,900,000,000 2009 6 India 723,800,000,000 2009 est. 7 Canada 620,700,000,000 2007 est. 8 Germany 593,400,000,000 2007 est. 9 France 535,700,000,000 2007 est. 10 Brazil 438,800,000,000 2007 est. 11 Korea, South 417,000,000,000 2009 est. 12 United Kingdom 368,600,000,000 2007 est. 13 Spain 300,500,000,000 2008 est. 14 Italy 289,700,000,000 2007 est. 15 Mexico 245,000,000,000 2008 est. 16 South Africa 240,300,000,000 2007 est. 17 Australia 239,900,000,000 2007 est. 18 Taiwan 238,300,000,000 2008 19 Iran 212,800,000,000 2007 est. 20 Turkey 198,400,000,000 2008 est. 21 Saudi Arabia 179,100,000,000 2007 est. 22 Ukraine 172,900,000,000 2009 est. 23 Poland 149,100,000,000 2007 est. 24 Thailand 148,200,000,000 2008 est. 25 Sweden 144,000,000,000 2007 est. 26 Norway 142,700,000,000 2008 est. 27 Indonesia 134,400,000,000 2007 est. 28 Egypt 118,400,000,000 2007 est. 29 Venezuela 113,300,000,000 2007 est. 30 Argentina 109,500,000,000 2007 est. 31 Netherlands 108,200,000,000 2008 est. 32 Malaysia 103,200,000,000 2007 est. 33 Pakistan 90,800,000,000 2007 est. 34 Vietnam 86,900,000,000 2009 est. 35 Czech Republic 82,720,000,000 2007 est. 36 Belgium 82,170,000,000 2007 est. 37 Kazakhstan 78,400,000,000 2009 est. 38 Finland 77,440,000,000 2008 est. 39 United Arab Emirates 71,540,000,000 2007 est. 40 Austria 66,780,000,000 2008 est. 41 Chile 60,600,000,000 2007 est. 42 Switzerland 59,100,000,000 2009 est. 43 Greece 58,790,000,000 2007 est. 44 Romania 58,280,000,000 2007 est. 45 Philippines 56,570,000,000 2007 est. 46 Israel 54,500,000,000 2008 est. 47 Paraguay 53,190,000,000 2007 est. 48 Colombia 50,580,000,000 2007 49 Iraq 46,390,000,000 2009 est. 50 Kuwait 45,830,000,000 2007 est. 51 Bulgaria 44,830,000,000 2008 52 Uzbekistan 44,800,000,000 2009 est. 53 Portugal 44,470,000,000 2007 est. 54 New Zealand 42,400,000,000 2007 est. 55 Singapore 41,720,000,000 2008 est. 56 Hungary 40,030,000,000 2008 est. 57 Hong Kong 39,400,000,000 2009 est. 58 Syria 36,500,000,000 2007 est. 59 Denmark 36,400,000,000 2008 est. 60 Serbia 36,000,000,000 2009 61 Algeria 34,980,000,000 2007 est. 62 Peru 30,570,000,000 2008 est. 63 Belarus 29,920,000,000 2007 est. 64 Ireland 26,060,000,000 2007 est. 65 Slovakia 25,900,000,000 2009 est. 66 Bangladesh 25,620,000,000 2007 est. 67 Libya 23,980,000,000 2007 est. 68 Puerto Rico 23,720,000,000 2007 est. 69 Korea, North 22,500,000,000 2008 est. 70 Nigeria 21,920,000,000 2007 est. 71 Morocco 19,780,000,000 2008 est. 72 Azerbaijan 18,600,000,000 2007 est. 73 Cuba 16,890,000,000 2007 est. 74 Iceland 16,840,000,000 2009 est. 75 Ecuador 16,420,000,000 2007 est. 76 Tajikistan 16,100,000,000 2009 est. 77 Kyrgyzstan 15,960,000,000 2007 est. 78 Mozambique 15,910,000,000 2007 est. 79 Turkmenistan 15,500,000,000 2009 est. 80 Qatar 15,110,000,000 2007 est. 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14,580,000,000 2009 est. 82 Dominican Republic 14,020,000,000 2007 est. 83 Oman 13,580,000,000 2007 est. 84 Slovenia 13,000,000,000 2009 est. 85 Jordan 12,210,000,000 2007 est. 86 Lithuania 12,090,000,000 2007 est. 87 Croatia 11,490,000,000 2008 est. 88 Estonia 11,460,000,000 2007 est. 89 Tunisia 11,080,000,000 2008 est. 90 Lebanon 10,410,000,000 2009 91 Bahrain 10,250,000,000 2007 est. 92 Sri Lanka 9,882,000,000 2008 est. 93 Zambia 9,752,000,000 2007 est. 94 Uruguay 9,265,000,000 2007 est. 95 Zimbabwe 8,890,000,000 2007 est. 96 Costa Rica 8,808,000,000 2007 est. 97 Guatemala 8,425,000,000 2007 est. 98 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8,217,000,000 2007 est. 99 Georgia 7,970,000,000 2008 est. 100 Jamaica 7,324,000,000 2007 est. 101 Trinidad and Tobago 7,202,000,000 2007 est. 102 Ghana 6,746,000,000 2007 est. 103 Honduras 6,580,000,000 2009 est. 104 Panama 6,322,000,000 2007 est. 105 Burma 6,286,000,000 2007 est. 106 Macedonia 6,162,000,000 2009 est. 107 Yemen 5,665,000,000 2007 est. 108 Cameroon 5,601,000,000 2007 est. 109 Armenia 5,584,000,000 2007 est. 110 El Salvador 5,559,000,000 2007 est. 111 Bolivia 5,495,000,000 2007 est. 112 Cote d'Ivoire 5,275,000,000 2007 est. 113 Kenya 5,223,000,000 2008 est. 114 Latvia 4,620,000,000 2007 est. 115 Cyprus 4,502,000,000 2007 est. 116 Sudan 4,341,000,000 2007 est. 117 Mongolia 4,030,000,000 2009 118 Tanzania 3,786,000,000 2007 est. 119 Angola 3,722,000,000 2007 est. 120 Moldova 3,617,000,000 2007 est. 121 Ethiopia 3,460,000,000 2007 est. 122 Nicaragua 3,286,000,000 2007 est. 123 Brunei 3,069,000,000 2008 124 Albania 2,888,000,000 2007 est. 125 Papua New Guinea 2,885,000,000 2007 est. 126 Montenegro 2,864,000,000 2005 est. 127 Luxembourg 2,696,000,000 2007 est. 128 Nepal 2,600,000,000 2009 est. 129 Mauritius 2,321,000,000 2007 est. 130 Uganda 2,256,000,000 2007 est. 131 Malta 2,146,000,000 2007 est. 132 Bahamas, The 2,045,000,000 2007 est. 133 Senegal 1,880,000,000 2007 est. 134 New Caledonia 1,825,000,000 2007 est. 135 Gabon 1,774,000,000 2007 est. 136 Malawi 1,690,000,000 2007 est. 137 Laos 1,656,000,000 2009 est. 138 Suriname 1,605,000,000 2007 est. 139 Namibia 1,491,000,000 2009 est. 140 Bhutan 1,480,000,000 2009 est. 141 Macau 1,424,000,000 2009 est. 142 Cambodia 1,273,000,000 2007 est. 143 Botswana 1,052,000,000 2007 est. 144 Madagascar 1,045,000,000 2007 est. 145 Barbados 1,003,000,000 2007 est. 146 Fiji 928,000,000 2007 est. 147 Aruba 850,000,000 2007 est. 148 Guinea 850,000,000 2007 est. 149 Kosovo 832,000,000 2006 150 Guyana 821,000,000 2007 est. 151 Virgin Islands 776,400,000 2007 est. 152 Bermuda 675,600,000 2007 est. 153 Haiti 665,000,000 2010 est. 154 French Polynesia 650,000,000 2007 est. 155 Burkina Faso 611,600,000 2007 est. 156 Cayman Islands 546,000,000 2007 est. 157 Maldives 542,000,000 2009 est. 158 Mali 515,000,000 2007 est. 159 Lesotho 502,000,000 2007 est. 160 West Bank 500,000,000 2007 est. 161 Swaziland 441,000,000 2007 est. 162 Mauritania 415,300,000 2007 est. 163 Congo, Republic of the 400,000,000 2007 est. 164 Liberia 350,000,000 2007 est. 165 Saint Lucia 325,000,000 2007 est. 166 Greenland 310,300,000 2008 est. 167 Sint Maarten 304,300,000 2008 168 Afghanistan 285,500,000 2009 est. 169 Djibouti 280,000,000 2007 est. 170 Somalia 280,000,000 2007 est. 171 Faroe Islands 275,800,000 2008 est. 172 Eritrea 271,000,000 2007 est. 173 Cape Verde 250,000,000 2007 est. 174 Seychelles 250,000,000 2007 est. 175 Togo 230,000,000 2007 est. 176 Belize 213,500,000 2007 est. 177 Micronesia, Federated States of 192,000,000 2002 178 American Samoa 185,000,000 2007 est. 179 Grenada 178,700,000 2007 est. 180 Gambia, The 160,000,000 2007 est. 181 Niger 150,000,000 2007 est. 182 Gibraltar 146,000,000 2007 est. 183 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 133,800,000 2007 est. 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 130,000,000 2007 est. 185 Benin 124,000,000 2007 est. 186 Rwanda 120,000,000 2007 est. 187 Central African Republic 115,000,000 2007 est. 188 Antigua and Barbuda 110,000,000 2007 est. 189 Samoa 109,000,000 2007 est. 190 Chad 100,000,000 2007 est. 191 Burundi 92,000,000 2007 est. 192 Western Sahara 90,000,000 2007 est. 193 Dominica 85,000,000 2007 est. 194 Sierra Leone 80,000,000 2007 est. 195 Solomon Islands 71,000,000 2007 est. 196 Guinea-Bissau 65,000,000 2007 est. 197 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 53,000,000 2007 est. 198 British Virgin Islands 45,000,000 2007 est. 199 Tonga 43,000,000 2007 est. 200 Vanuatu 42,000,000 2007 est. 201 Cook Islands 31,000,000 2007 est. 202 Nauru 31,000,000 2007 est. 203 Equatorial Guinea 28,000,000 2007 est. 204 Comoros 22,000,000 2007 est. 205 Montserrat 22,000,000 2007 est. 206 Sao Tome and Principe 19,000,000 2007 est. 207 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 16,000,000 2007 est. 208 Kiribati 14,000,000 2007 est. 209 Turks and Caicos Islands 12,000,000 2007 est. 210 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha8,000,000 2007 est. 211 Niue 3,000,000 2007 est. 212 Gaza Strip 65,000 2009 213 Northern Mariana Islands 60,600 January 2009 214 Curacao 849 2005

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Rank code: 2042

Country Comparison :: Electricity - consumption

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

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 3,873,000,000,000 2008 est. 2 China 3,438,000,000,000 2008 est. 3 European Union 2,906,000,000,000 2007 est. 4 Japan 925,500,000,000 2008 est. 5 Russia 857,600,000,000 2009 6 India 568,000,000,000 2007 est. 7 Germany 547,300,000,000 2007 est. 8 Canada 536,100,000,000 2007 est. 9 France 447,200,000,000 2007 est. 10 Brazil 404,300,000,000 2007 est. 11 Korea, South 402,000,000,000 2009 est. 12 United Kingdom 345,800,000,000 2007 est. 13 Italy 315,000,000,000 2007 est. 14 Spain 276,100,000,000 2008 est. 15 Taiwan 229,800,000,000 2008 16 Australia 222,000,000,000 2007 est. 17 South Africa 215,100,000,000 2007 est. 18 Iran 206,700,000,000 2007 est. 19 Turkey 198,100,000,000 2008 est. 20 Mexico 181,500,000,000 2009 est. 21 Saudi Arabia 165,100,000,000 2007 est. 22 Ukraine 134,600,000,000 2009 est. 23 Sweden 134,500,000,000 2007 est. 24 Thailand 134,400,000,000 2008 est. 25 Poland 129,300,000,000 2007 est. 26 Norway 128,800,000,000 2008 est. 27 Netherlands 124,100,000,000 2008 est. 28 Indonesia 119,300,000,000 2007 est. 29 Egypt 104,100,000,000 2007 est. 30 Malaysia 99,250,000,000 2007 est. 31 Argentina 99,210,000,000 2007 est. 32 Finland 87,250,000,000 2008 33 Belgium 84,880,000,000 2007 est. 34 Venezuela 83,020,000,000 2007 est. 35 Kazakhstan 77,900,000,000 2009 est. 36 Vietnam 74,500,000,000 2009 est. 37 Pakistan 72,200,000,000 2007 est. 38 Austria 68,370,000,000 2008 est. 39 United Arab Emirates 65,980,000,000 2007 est. 40 Switzerland 62,000,000,000 2009 est. 41 Czech Republic 61,650,000,000 2007 est. 42 Greece 58,280,000,000 2007 est. 43 Chile 57,290,000,000 2007 est. 44 Iraq 52,000,000,000 2009 est. 45 Romania 49,440,000,000 2007 est. 46 Philippines 48,960,000,000 2007 est. 47 Portugal 48,780,000,000 2007 est. 48 Israel 46,380,000,000 2007 est. 49 Hong Kong 42,100,000,000 2009 est. 50 Kuwait 40,210,000,000 2007 est. 51 Uzbekistan 40,100,000,000 2009 est. 52 New Zealand 39,240,000,000 2007 est. 53 Colombia 38,590,000,000 2007 54 Singapore 37,940,000,000 2008 est. 55 Hungary 37,400,000,000 2008 est. 56 Denmark 34,300,000,000 2008 est. 57 Serbia 33,400,000,000 2009 58 Belarus 30,540,000,000 2007 est. 59 Bulgaria 29,900,000,000 2008 60 Peru 28,970,000,000 2008 est. 61 Slovakia 28,750,000,000 2009 est. 62 Algeria 28,340,000,000 2007 est. 63 Syria 27,350,000,000 2007 est. 64 Ireland 25,120,000,000 2007 est. 65 Bangladesh 23,940,000,000 2007 est. 66 Libya 22,170,000,000 2007 est. 67 Puerto Rico 22,060,000,000 2007 est. 68 Morocco 20,780,000,000 2007 est. 69 Nigeria 19,210,000,000 2007 est. 70 Korea, North 18,800,000,000 2008 est. 71 Azerbaijan 18,000,000,000 2007 est. 72 Croatia 18,000,000,000 2008 est. 73 Tajikistan 16,700,000,000 2009 74 Iceland 16,480,000,000 2009 est. 75 Ecuador 15,810,000,000 2007 est. 76 Slovenia 14,700,000,000 2009 est. 77 Cuba 13,930,000,000 2007 est. 78 Qatar 13,730,000,000 2007 est. 79 Turkmenistan 13,000,000,000 2009 est. 80 Dominican Republic 12,700,000,000 2007 est. 81 Tunisia 11,800,000,000 2008 est. 82 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11,620,000,000 2009 est. 83 Oman 11,360,000,000 2007 est. 84 Zimbabwe 10,890,000,000 2007 est. 85 Jordan 10,400,000,000 2007 est. 86 Mozambique 10,160,000,000 2007 est. 87 Bahrain 10,100,000,000 2007 est. 88 Lebanon 9,793,000,000 2009 89 Lithuania 9,612,000,000 2007 est. 90 Kyrgyzstan 9,000,000,000 2007 est. 91 Zambia 8,838,000,000 2007 est. 92 Paraguay 8,500,000,000 2009 est. 93 Sri Lanka 8,417,000,000 2008 est. 94 Costa Rica 8,064,000,000 2007 est. 95 Macedonia 7,797,000,000 2009 est. 96 Estonia 7,686,000,000 2007 est. 97 Uruguay 7,140,000,000 2007 est. 98 Guatemala 7,115,000,000 2007 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 7,034,000,000 2007 est. 100 Georgia 6,902,000,000 2008 est. 101 Latvia 6,822,000,000 2007 est. 102 Honduras 6,540,000,000 2009 est. 103 Luxembourg 6,525,000,000 2007 est. 104 Jamaica 6,345,000,000 2007 est. 105 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,997,000,000 2007 est. 106 Ghana 5,702,000,000 2007 est. 107 Panama 5,170,000,000 2007 est. 108 Kenya 4,863,000,000 2008 est. 109 Cameroon 4,801,000,000 2007 est. 110 Armenia 4,776,000,000 2007 est. 111 El Salvador 4,676,000,000 2007 est. 112 Bolivia 4,665,000,000 2007 est. 113 Burma 4,403,000,000 2007 est. 114 Moldova 4,370,000,000 2007 est. 115 Kosovo 4,281,000,000 2006 116 Cyprus 4,277,000,000 2007 est. 117 Yemen 4,133,000,000 2007 est. 118 Albania 3,603,000,000 2007 est. 119 Macau 3,474,000,000 2009 est. 120 Mongolia 3,439,000,000 2009 121 Sudan 3,438,000,000 2007 est. 122 West Bank 3,265,000,000 2007 est. 123 Cote d'Ivoire 3,231,000,000 2007 est. 124 Tanzania 3,182,000,000 2007 est. 125 Angola 3,173,000,000 2007 est. 126 Ethiopia 3,130,000,000 2007 est. 127 Brunei 2,980,000,000 2008 128 Namibia 2,845,000,000 2009 est. 129 Papua New Guinea 2,683,000,000 2007 est. 130 Botswana 2,648,000,000 2007 est. 131 Nicaragua 2,569,000,000 2007 est. 132 Nepal 2,243,000,000 2007 est. 133 Mauritius 2,158,000,000 2007 est. 134 Uganda 2,068,000,000 2007 est. 135 Bahamas, The 1,902,000,000 2007 est. 136 Malta 1,832,000,000 2007 est. 137 Laos 1,798,000,000 2009 est. 138 New Caledonia 1,697,000,000 2007 est. 139 Malawi 1,572,000,000 2007 est. 140 Suriname 1,467,000,000 2007 est. 141 Gabon 1,446,000,000 2007 est. 142 Senegal 1,384,000,000 2007 est. 143 Cambodia 1,272,000,000 2007 est. 144 Swaziland 1,266,000,000 2007 est. 145 Madagascar 971,400,000 2007 est. 146 Barbados 939,900,000 2007 est. 147 Fiji 863,000,000 2007 est. 148 Aruba 790,500,000 2007 est. 149 Guinea 790,500,000 2007 est. 150 Virgin Islands 722,000,000 2007 est. 151 Guyana 667,000,000 2007 est. 152 Togo 640,000,000 2007 est. 153 Jersey 630,100,000 2004 est. 154 Bermuda 628,300,000 2007 est. 155 French Polynesia 604,500,000 2007 est. 156 Benin 597,000,000 2007 est. 157 Niger 589,500,000 2007 est. 158 Burkina Faso 568,800,000 2007 est. 159 Maldives 542,000,000 2009 est. 160 Lesotho 516,900,000 2007 est. 161 Cayman Islands 507,800,000 2007 est. 162 Mali 479,000,000 2007 est. 163 Congo, Republic of the 471,000,000 2007 est. 164 Mauritania 386,200,000 2007 est. 165 Liberia 325,500,000 2007 est. 166 Saint Lucia 302,200,000 2007 est. 167 Greenland 285,600,000 2008 est. 168 Haiti 273,000,000 2007 est. 169 Faroe Islands 264,400,000 2008 est. 170 Djibouti 260,400,000 2007 est. 171 Somalia 260,400,000 2007 est. 172 Cape Verde 232,500,000 2007 est. 173 Seychelles 232,500,000 2007 est. 174 Rwanda 231,600,000 2007 est. 175 Afghanistan 231,100,000 2009 est. 176 Eritrea 228,000,000 2007 est. 177 Belize 198,500,000 2007 est. 178 Bhutan 184,000,000 2009 est. 179 Micronesia, Federated States of 178,600,000 2002 180 American Samoa 172,100,000 2007 est. 181 Grenada 155,700,000 2007 est. 182 Gambia, The 148,800,000 2007 est. 183 Gibraltar 146,000,000 2007 est. 184 Mayotte 139,200,000 2005 185 Burundi 125,600,000 2007 est. 186 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 124,400,000 2007 est. 187 Saint Kitts and Nevis 120,900,000 2007 est. 188 Central African Republic 107,000,000 2007 est. 189 Antigua and Barbuda 102,300,000 2007 est. 190 Samoa 101,400,000 2007 est. 191 Chad 93,000,000 2007 est. 192 Western Sahara 83,700,000 2007 est. 193 Dominica 79,050,000 2007 est. 194 Sierra Leone 74,400,000 2007 est. 195 Solomon Islands 66,030,000 2007 est. 196 Guinea-Bissau 60,450,000 2007 est. 197 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 49,290,000 2007 est. 198 British Virgin Islands 41,850,000 2007 est. 199 Tonga 39,990,000 2007 est. 200 Vanuatu 39,060,000 2007 est. 201 Cook Islands 28,830,000 2007 est. 202 Nauru 28,830,000 2007 est. 203 Equatorial Guinea 26,040,000 2007 est. 204 Comoros 20,460,000 2007 est. 205 Montserrat 20,460,000 2007 est. 206 Montenegro 18,600,000 2005 207 Sao Tome and Principe 17,670,000 2007 est. 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 14,880,000 2007 est. 209 Kiribati 13,020,000 2007 est. 210 Turks and Caicos Islands 11,160,000 2007 est. 211 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha7,440,000 2007 est. 212 Niue 2,790,000 2007 est. 213 Gaza Strip 202,000 2009 214 Northern Mariana Islands 48,300 January 2009

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Rank code: 2043

Country Comparison :: Electricity - imports

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

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 57,020,000,000.00 2008 est. 2 Switzerland 46,600,000,000.00 2009 est. 3 Italy 43,000,000,000.00 2008 est. 4 Brazil 42,060,000,000.00 2008 est. 5 Germany 41,670,000,000.00 2008 est. 6 Canada 23,500,000,000.00 2008 est. 7 Austria 19,800,000,000.00 2008 est. 8 Belgium 17,160,000,000.00 2008 est. 9 Finland 16,110,000,000.00 2008 10 Netherlands 15,450,000,000.00 2009 est. 11 Hungary 13,350,000,000.00 2008 est. 12 Denmark 12,820,000,000.00 2008 13 Sweden 12,750,000,000.00 2008 est. 14 United Kingdom 12,290,000,000.00 2008 est. 15 Croatia 12,240,000,000.00 2008 est. 16 Hong Kong 11,700,000,000.00 2009 est. 17 Uzbekistan 11,440,000,000.00 2009 est. 18 Portugal 10,740,000,000.00 2008 est. 19 France 10,680,000,000.00 2008 est. 20 South Africa 10,570,000,000.00 2008 est. 21 Argentina 10,280,000,000.00 2007 est. 22 Slovakia 9,412,000,000.00 2008 est. 23 Belarus 9,406,000,000.00 2007 est. 24 Czech Republic 8,520,000,000.00 2008 est. 25 Poland 8,480,000,000.00 2008 est. 26 Mozambique 8,278,000,000.00 2007 est. 27 Greece 7,575,000,000.00 2008 est. 28 Luxembourg 6,830,000,000.00 2008 est. 29 Slovenia 6,218,000,000.00 2008 est. 30 Spain 5,880,000,000.00 2008 est. 31 Lithuania 5,649,000,000.00 2008 est. 32 Iraq 5,600,000,000.00 2009 est. 33 India 5,270,000,000.00 2009 est. 34 Latvia 4,643,000,000.00 2008 est. 35 Vietnam 3,850,000,000.00 2009 est. 36 China 3,842,000,000.00 2008 37 Morocco 3,429,000,000.00 2009 est. 38 Norway 3,414,000,000.00 2008 est. 39 Bulgaria 3,097,000,000.00 2008 est. 40 Russia 3,066,000,000.00 2009 41 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,040,000,000.00 2009 est. 42 Moldova 2,931,000,000.00 2007 est. 43 West Bank 2,800,000,000.00 2007 est. 44 Zimbabwe 2,691,000,000.00 2007 est. 45 Albania 2,475,000,000.00 2008 est. 46 Thailand 2,313,000,000.00 2009 est. 47 Macau 2,215,000,000.00 2009 est. 48 Botswana 2,181,000,000.00 2008 est. 49 Iran 2,060,000,000.00 2007 est. 50 Namibia 2,045,000,000.00 2007 est. 51 Kazakhstan 1,940,000,000.00 2009 est. 52 Venezuela 1,651,000,000.00 2007 est. 53 Macedonia 1,635,000,000.00 2009 est. 54 Chile 1,628,000,000.00 2007 est. 55 Syria 1,400,000,000.00 2007 56 Estonia 1,369,000,000.00 2008 est. 57 Ecuador 1,120,000,000.00 2007 est. 58 Lebanon 1,114,000,000.00 2009 est. 59 Romania 921,000,000.00 2008 est. 60 Laos 819,500,000.00 2009 est. 61 Turkey 790,000,000.00 2008 est. 62 Uruguay 789,000,000.00 2007 est. 63 Swaziland 770,000,000.00 2008 est. 64 Ireland 753,000,000.00 2008 est. 65 Tajikistan 667,800,000.00 2009 est. 66 Benin 588,000,000.00 2007 est. 67 Mexico 584,000,000.00 2008 est. 68 Azerbaijan 548,000,000.00 2007 est. 69 Togo 514,000,000.00 2007 est. 70 Niger 450,000,000.00 2007 est. 71 Congo, Republic of the 449,000,000.00 2007 est. 72 Ghana 435,000,000.00 2007 est. 73 Georgia 430,000,000.00 2007 est. 74 Armenia 418,700,000.00 2007 est. 75 Algeria 279,000,000.00 2007 est. 76 Egypt 251,000,000.00 2007 est. 77 Belize 248,400,000.00 2005 78 Afghanistan 230,000,000.00 2007 est. 79 Zambia 222,000,000.00 2008 est. 80 Nepal 213,000,000.00 2008 est. 81 Costa Rica 203,200,000.00 2007 est. 82 Jordan 200,000,000.00 2007 est. 83 Tanzania 200,000,000.00 2007 est. 84 Mongolia 186,100,000.00 2009 85 Cambodia 167,000,000.00 2007 est. 86 Tunisia 145,000,000.00 2007 est. 87 Rwanda 130,000,000.00 2007 est. 88 Serbia 121,000,000.00 2009 89 Libya 77,000,000.00 2007 est. 90 Nicaragua 63,950,000.00 2007 est. 91 Lesotho 50,000,000.00 2008 est. 92 Burundi 40,000,000.00 2007 est. 93 Colombia 39,400,000.00 2007 94 El Salvador 38,000,000.00 2007 est. 95 Kenya 22,500,000.00 2007 est. 96 Honduras 11,800,000.00 2007 est. 97 Panama 8,740,000.00 2007 est. 98 Guatemala 8,110,000.00 2007 est. 99 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,000,000.00 2007 est. 100 Gaza Strip 120,000.00 2009 101 American Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 102 Barbados 0.00 2008 est. 103 Pakistan 0.00 2008 est. 104 Oman 0.00 2008 est. 105 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 January 2009 est. 106 Niue 0.00 2008 est. 107 Nigeria 0.00 2008 est. 108 New Zealand 0.00 2008 est. 109 New Caledonia 0.00 2008 est. 110 Nauru 0.00 2008 est. 111 Iceland 0.00 2008 est. 112 Taiwan 0.00 2009 est. 113 Yemen 0.00 2008 est. 114 Western Sahara 0.00 2008 est. 115 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2002 116 Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 117 Vanuatu 0.00 2008 est. 118 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2008 est. 119 Ukraine 0.00 2009 est. 120 Uganda 0.00 2008 est. 121 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2008 est. 122 Turkmenistan 0.00 2009 est. 123 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 est. 124 Tonga 0.00 2008 est. 125 Timor-Leste 0.00 2009 est. 126 Suriname 0.00 2008 est. 127 Sudan 0.00 2008 est. 128 Sri Lanka 0.00 2008 est. 129 Somalia 0.00 2008 est. 130 Solomon Islands 0.00 2008 est. 131 Singapore 0.00 2008 est. 132 Sierra Leone 0.00 2008 est. 133 Seychelles 0.00 2008 est. 134 Senegal 0.00 2008 est. 135 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2008 est. 136 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2008 est. 137 Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 est. 139 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2008 est. 140 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 est. 141 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2008 est. 143 Qatar 0.00 2008 est. 144 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 est. 145 Philippines 0.00 2008 est. 146 Peru 0.00 2008 est. 147 Paraguay 0.00 2008 est. 148 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 149 Haiti 0.00 2008 est. 150 Guyana 0.00 2008 est. 151 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2008 est. 152 Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 153 Guernsey 0.00 2002 154 Grenada 0.00 2008 est. 155 Greenland 0.00 2008 156 Gabon 0.00 2008 est. 157 Montserrat 0.00 2008 est. 158 Montenegro 0.00 2005 159 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2002 160 Mauritius 0.00 2008 est. 161 Mauritania 0.00 2008 est. 162 Malta 0.00 2009 est. 163 Mali 0.00 2008 est. 164 Maldives 0.00 2009 est. 165 Malaysia 0.00 2008 est. 166 Malawi 0.00 2008 est. 167 Madagascar 0.00 2008 est. 168 Liberia 0.00 2008 est. 169 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2008 est. 170 Kuwait 0.00 2008 est. 171 Korea, South 0.00 2009 172 Korea, North 0.00 2008 est. 173 Kiribati 0.00 2008 est. 174 Japan 0.00 2008 est. 175 Jamaica 0.00 2008 est. 176 Israel 0.00 2008 177 Indonesia 0.00 2008 est. 178 French Polynesia 0.00 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0.00 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0.00 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2008 est. 182 Ethiopia 0.00 2008 est. 183 Eritrea 0.00 2008 est. 184 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 185 Cyprus 0.00 2008 est. 186 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 est. 187 Gambia, The 0.00 2008 est. 188 Cuba 0.00 2008 est. 189 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2008 est. 190 Cook Islands 0.00 2008 est. 191 Comoros 0.00 2008 est. 192 Chad 0.00 2008 est. 193 Central African Republic 0.00 2008 est. 194 Cayman Islands 0.00 2008 est. 195 Cape Verde 0.00 2008 est. 196 Dominican Republic 0.00 2008 est. 197 Dominica 0.00 2008 est. 198 Djibouti 0.00 2008 est. 199 Cameroon 0.00 2008 est. 200 Burma 0.00 2008 est. 201 Burkina Faso 0.00 2008 est. 202 Brunei 0.00 2008 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 204 Bolivia 0.00 2008 est. 205 Bhutan 0.00 2009 est. 206 Bermuda 0.00 2008 est. 207 Bangladesh 0.00 2008 est. 208 Angola 0.00 2008 est. 209 Aruba 0.00 2008 est. 210 Bahamas, The 0.00 2008 est. 211 Bahrain 0.00 2008 est. 212 Australia 0.00 2008 est. 213 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2044

Country Comparison :: Electricity - exports

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

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 Germany 61,700,000,000.00 2008 est. 2 France 58,690,000,000.00 2008 est. 3 Canada 55,730,000,000.00 2008 est. 4 Switzerland 49,900,000,000.00 2009 est. 5 Paraguay 45,140,000,000.00 2007 est. 6 United States 24,080,000,000.00 2008 est. 7 Czech Republic 19,990,000,000.00 2008 est. 8 Russia 17,700,000,000.00 2009 est. 9 Norway 17,290,000,000.00 2008 est. 10 Spain 16,920,000,000.00 2008 est. 11 China 16,640,000,000.00 2008 12 Austria 14,930,000,000.00 2008 est. 13 Sweden 14,710,000,000.00 2008 est. 14 South Africa 14,160,000,000.00 2008 est. 15 Mozambique 11,820,000,000.00 2007 est. 16 Uzbekistan 11,520,000,000.00 2009 est. 17 Denmark 11,360,000,000.00 2008 18 Netherlands 10,560,000,000.00 2009 est. 19 Poland 9,703,000,000.00 2008 20 Hungary 9,446,000,000.00 2008 est. 21 Slovakia 8,891,000,000.00 2008 est. 22 Slovenia 7,820,000,000.00 2008 est. 23 Lithuania 6,606,000,000.00 2008 est. 24 Belgium 6,561,000,000.00 2008 est. 25 Iran 6,150,000,000.00 2007 est. 26 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6,024,000,000.00 2009 est. 27 Croatia 5,668,000,000.00 2008 est. 28 Bulgaria 5,407,000,000.00 2008 29 Romania 5,169,000,000.00 2008 est. 30 Belarus 5,062,000,000.00 2007 est. 31 Ukraine 4,000,000,000.00 2009 est. 32 Hong Kong 3,926,000,000.00 2009 est. 33 Kazakhstan 3,617,000,000.00 2007 est. 34 Italy 3,431,000,000.00 2008 est. 35 Finland 3,335,000,000.00 2008 36 Argentina 2,628,000,000.00 2007 est. 37 Turkmenistan 2,500,000,000.00 2009 est. 38 Luxembourg 2,483,000,000.00 2008 est. 39 Kyrgyzstan 2,379,000,000.00 2007 est. 40 Estonia 2,310,000,000.00 2008 est. 41 Malaysia 2,268,000,000.00 2007 est. 42 Latvia 2,123,000,000.00 2008 est. 43 Israel 2,081,000,000.00 2007 44 Brazil 2,034,000,000.00 2007 est. 45 Greece 1,962,000,000.00 2008 est. 46 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,916,000,000.00 2007 est. 47 Serbia 1,500,000,000.00 2009 est. 48 Portugal 1,313,000,000.00 2008 est. 49 Bhutan 1,296,000,000.00 2009 est. 50 Mexico 1,288,000,000.00 2008 est. 51 United Kingdom 1,272,000,000.00 2008 est. 52 Turkey 1,120,000,000.00 2008 est. 53 Tajikistan 1,000,000,000.00 2008 est. 54 Uruguay 996,000,000.00 2007 est. 55 Colombia 876,700,000.00 2007 56 Thailand 846,000,000.00 2009 est. 57 Egypt 814,000,000.00 2007 est. 58 India 810,000,000.00 2009 est. 59 Azerbaijan 786,000,000.00 2007 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 772,000,000.00 2007 est. 61 Georgia 628,000,000.00 2007 est. 62 Venezuela 540,000,000.00 2007 est. 63 Vietnam 535,000,000.00 2009 est. 64 Armenia 451,300,000.00 2007 est. 65 Ireland 303,000,000.00 2008 est. 66 Algeria 273,000,000.00 2007 est. 67 Zambia 268,000,000.00 2007 68 Ghana 249,000,000.00 2007 est. 69 Moldova 240,000,000.00 2007 est. 70 Laos 230,000,000.00 2009 est. 71 Jordan 176,000,000.00 2007 est. 72 Guatemala 131,900,000.00 2007 est. 73 Tunisia 130,000,000.00 2007 est. 74 Panama 124,900,000.00 2007 est. 75 Libya 104,000,000.00 2007 est. 76 Costa Rica 77,160,000.00 2008 est. 77 Kenya 58,300,000.00 2007 est. 78 Namibia 40,000,000.00 2007 est. 79 Zimbabwe 32,000,000.00 2007 est. 80 Uganda 30,000,000.00 2007 81 Mongolia 21,200,000.00 2009 82 Ecuador 20,680,000.00 2007 est. 83 Rwanda 10,000,000.00 2007 84 El Salvador 7,000,000.00 2007 est. 85 Afghanistan 0.00 2008 est. 86 American Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 87 Bahrain 0.00 2008 est. 88 Barbados 0.00 2008 est. 89 Dominican Republic 0.00 2008 est. 90 Dominica 0.00 2008 est. 91 Djibouti 0.00 2008 est. 92 Cyprus 0.00 2008 est. 93 Cuba 0.00 2008 est. 94 Cook Islands 0.00 2008 est. 95 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2008 est. 96 Comoros 0.00 2008 est. 97 Burma 0.00 2008 est. 98 Nicaragua 0.00 2008 est. 99 New Zealand 0.00 2008 est. 100 New Caledonia 0.00 2008 est. 101 Nepal 0.00 2009 est. 102 Nauru 0.00 2008 est. 103 Morocco 0.00 2008 est. 104 Montserrat 0.00 2008 est. 105 Montenegro 0.00 2005 106 Macedonia 0.00 2009 est. 107 Taiwan 0.00 2009 est. 108 Yemen 0.00 2008 est. 109 Western Sahara 0.00 2008 est. 110 West Bank 0.00 2008 111 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2002 112 Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 113 Vanuatu 0.00 2008 est. 114 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2008 est. 115 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2008 est. 116 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 est. 117 Tonga 0.00 2008 118 Togo 0.00 2008 est. 119 Timor-Leste 0.00 2009 est. 120 Tanzania 0.00 2008 est. 121 Syria 0.00 2008 est. 122 Swaziland 0.00 2008 123 Suriname 0.00 2008 est. 124 Sudan 0.00 2008 est. 125 Sri Lanka 0.00 2008 est. 126 Somalia 0.00 2008 est. 127 Solomon Islands 0.00 2008 est. 128 Singapore 0.00 2008 est. 129 Sierra Leone 0.00 2008 est. 130 Seychelles 0.00 2008 est. 131 Senegal 0.00 2008 est. 132 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2008 134 Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2008 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2008 est. 140 Qatar 0.00 2008 est. 141 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 est. 142 Philippines 0.00 2008 est. 143 Peru 0.00 2008 est. 144 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 145 Pakistan 0.00 2008 est. 146 Oman 0.00 2008 est. 147 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 January 2009 est. 148 Niue 0.00 2008 est. 149 Nigeria 0.00 2008 est. 150 Niger 0.00 2008 est. 151 Macau 0.00 2009 est. 152 Liberia 0.00 2008 est. 153 Lesotho 0.00 2008 est. 154 Lebanon 0.00 2009 est. 155 Kuwait 0.00 2008 est. 156 Korea, South 0.00 2009 157 Korea, North 0.00 2008 est. 158 Kiribati 0.00 2008 est. 159 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2002 160 Mauritius 0.00 2008 est. 161 Mauritania 0.00 2008 est. 162 Malta 0.00 2009 est. 163 Mali 0.00 2008 est. 164 Maldives 0.00 2009 est. 165 Malawi 0.00 2008 est. 166 Madagascar 0.00 2008 est. 167 Japan 0.00 2008 est. 168 Jamaica 0.00 2008 est. 169 Iraq 0.00 2009 est. 170 Indonesia 0.00 2008 est. 171 Iceland 0.00 2008 est. 172 Honduras 0.00 2008 est. 173 Haiti 0.00 2008 est. 174 Guyana 0.00 2008 est. 175 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2008 est. 176 Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 177 Guernsey 0.00 2002 178 Grenada 0.00 2008 est. 179 Greenland 0.00 2008 180 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 est. 181 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 est. 182 Gambia, The 0.00 2008 est. 183 Gabon 0.00 2008 est. 184 French Polynesia 0.00 2008 est. 185 Fiji 0.00 2008 est. 186 Faroe Islands 0.00 2008 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2008 est. 188 Ethiopia 0.00 2008 est. 189 Eritrea 0.00 2008 est. 190 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 191 Burkina Faso 0.00 2008 est. 192 Brunei 0.00 2008 est. 193 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 194 Botswana 0.00 2008 est. 195 Bolivia 0.00 2008 est. 196 Bermuda 0.00 2008 est. 197 Benin 0.00 2008 est. 198 Belize 0.00 2008 est. 199 Chile 0.00 2008 est. 200 Chad 0.00 2008 est. 201 Central African Republic 0.00 2008 est. 202 Cayman Islands 0.00 2008 est. 203 Cape Verde 0.00 2008 est. 204 Cameroon 0.00 2008 est. 205 Cambodia 0.00 2008 est. 206 Burundi 0.00 2008 est. 207 Bangladesh 0.00 2008 est. 208 Bahamas, The 0.00 2008 est. 209 Australia 0.00 2008 est. 210 Aruba 0.00 2008 est. 211 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 est. 212 Angola 0.00 2008 est. 213 Albania 0.00 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2045

Country Comparison :: Electricity - production by source

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 American Samoa 100.00 2001 2 Antigua and Barbuda 100.00 2001 3 Bahamas, The 100.00 2001 4 Aruba 100.00 2001 5 Barbados 100.00 2001 6 Bermuda 100.00 2001 7 Botswana 100.00 2001 8 Brunei 100.00 2001 9 British Virgin Islands 100.00 2001 10 Guinea-Bissau 100.00 2001 11 Grenada 100.00 2001 12 Greenland 100.00 2001 13 Gibraltar 100.00 2001 14 Gambia, The 100.00 2001 15 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 100.00 2001 16 Eritrea 100.00 2001 17 Djibouti 100.00 2001 18 Cyprus 100.00 2001 19 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 100.00 2001 20 Saint Lucia 100.00 2001 21 Saint Kitts and Nevis 100.00 2001 22 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha100.00 2001 23 Qatar 100.00 2001 24 Oman 100.00 2001 25 Niue 100.00 2001 26 Niger 100.00 2001 27 Malta 100.00 2001 28 Maldives 100.00 2001 29 Macau 100.00 2001 30 Libya 100.00 2001 31 Liberia 100.00 2001 32 Kuwait 100.00 2001 33 Kiribati 100.00 2001 34 Hong Kong 100.00 2001 35 Cook Islands 100.00 2001 36 Singapore 100.00 2001 37 Sierra Leone 100.00 2001 38 Seychelles 100.00 2001 39 Senegal 100.00 2001 40 Saudi Arabia 100.00 2001 41 Nauru 100.00 2001 42 Montserrat 100.00 2001 43 Mongolia 100.00 2001 44 Chad 100.00 2001 45 United Arab Emirates 100.00 2001 46 Turks and Caicos Islands 100.00 2001 47 Tonga 100.00 2001 48 Tokelau 100.00 2001 49 Timor-Leste 100.00 2001 50 Somalia 100.00 2001 51 Solomon Islands 100.00 2001 52 Cayman Islands 100.00 2001 53 Cape Verde 100.00 2001 54 Yemen 100.00 2001 55 Western Sahara 100.00 2001 56 West Bank 100.00 2001 57 Virgin Islands 100.00 2001 58 Vanuatu 100.00 2001 59 Bahrain 100.00 2001 60 Bhutan 99.90 2001 61 Paraguay 99.90 2001 62 Israel 99.90 2001 63 Turkmenistan 99.90 2001 64 Estonia 99.80 2001 65 Trinidad and Tobago 99.80 2001 66 Algeria 99.70 2001 67 Congo, Republic of the 99.70 2001 68 Belarus 99.50 2001 69 Zambia 99.50 2001 70 Tunisia 99.50 2001 71 Burundi 99.40 2001 72 Guyana 99.40 2001 73 Jordan 99.40 2001 74 Norway 99.30 2001 75 Puerto Rico 99.20 2001 76 Uganda 99.10 2001 77 Uruguay 99.10 2001 78 Marshall Islands 99.00 NA 79 Togo 98.70 2001 80 Laos 98.60 2001 81 Iraq 98.40 2001 82 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 98.20 2001 83 Poland 98.10 2001 84 Tajikistan 98.10 2001 85 Rwanda 97.70 2001 86 Ethiopia 97.60 2001 87 Cameroon 97.30 2001 88 Lebanon 97.20 2001 89 Albania 97.10 2001 90 Iran 97.10 2001 91 Mozambique 97.10 2001 92 Jamaica 96.80 2001 93 Malawi 96.70 2001 94 Ireland 95.90 2001 95 Morocco 95.40 2001 96 Ghana 95.00 2001 97 Greece 94.50 2001 98 Equatorial Guinea 94.30 2001 99 Cuba 93.90 2001 100 Bangladesh 93.70 2001 101 South Africa 93.50 2001 102 Kyrgyzstan 92.40 2001 103 Dominican Republic 92.00 2001 104 Nepal 91.50 2001 105 Thailand 91.30 2001 106 Australia 90.80 2001 107 Mauritius 90.80 2001 108 Comoros 90.60 2001 109 Moldova 90.60 2001 110 Netherlands 89.90 2001 111 Azerbaijan 89.70 2001 112 Malaysia 89.50 2001 113 Uzbekistan 88.20 2001 114 Indonesia 86.90 2001 115 Mauritania 85.90 2001 116 Benin 85.80 2001 117 Peru 84.70 2001 118 Kazakhstan 84.30 2001 119 Nicaragua 83.90 2001 120 Macedonia 83.70 2001 121 Brazil 82.70 2001 122 Denmark 82.70 2001 123 Iceland 82.50 2001 124 Costa Rica 81.90 2001 125 India 81.70 2001 126 Fiji 81.50 2001 127 Tanzania 81.10 2001 128 Ecuador 81.00 2001 129 Egypt 81.00 2001 130 Georgia 80.30 2001 131 Central African Republic 80.20 2001 132 China 80.20 2001 133 Turkey 79.30 2001 134 Mexico 78.70 2001 135 Italy 78.60 2001 136 Lithuania 77.70 2001 137 France 77.10 2001 138 New Caledonia 76.30 2001 139 Czech Republic 76.10 2001 140 Suriname 74.80 2001 141 United Kingdom 73.80 2001 142 Colombia 72.70 2001 143 United States 71.40 2001 144 Taiwan 71.40 2001 145 Kenya 71.00 2001 146 Korea, North 71.00 2001 147 Latvia 70.90 2001 148 Burkina Faso 69.90 2001 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 69.30 2001 150 Pakistan 68.80 2001 151 Venezuela 68.30 2001 152 Austria 67.20 2001 153 Russia 66.30 2003 154 Croatia 66.00 2001 155 Gabon 65.50 2001 156 Cambodia 65.00 2001 157 Portugal 64.50 2001 158 Madagascar 63.90 2001 159 Afghanistan 63.70 2001 160 Angola 63.60 2001 161 Romania 62.50 2001 162 Faroe Islands 62.40 2001 163 Korea, South 62.40 2001 164 Cote d'Ivoire 61.90 2001 165 Nigeria 61.90 2001 166 Germany 61.80 2001 167 Panama 61.30 2001 168 French Polynesia 60.70 2001 169 Haiti 60.30 2001 170 Hungary 60.10 2001 171 Japan 60.00 2001 172 Belize 59.90 2001 173 Switzerland 59.50 2001 174 Belgium 59.30 2001 175 Sao Tome and Principe 58.80 2001 176 Mali 58.30 2001 177 Samoa 58.00 2001 178 Swaziland 58.00 2001 179 Svalbard 58.00 NA 180 Canada 57.90 2001 181 New Zealand 57.80 2001 182 Syria 57.60 2001 183 Luxembourg 57.30 2001 184 Vietnam 56.30 2001 185 Philippines 55.60 2001 186 Guinea 54.50 2001 187 Papua New Guinea 54.10 2001 188 Bolivia 54.00 2001 189 Slovakia 53.60 2001 190 Bosnia and Herzegovina 53.50 2001 191 Zimbabwe 53.00 2001 192 Dominica 52.90 2001 193 Argentina 52.20 2001 194 Sudan 52.10 2001 195 Guatemala 51.90 2001 196 Sri Lanka 51.70 2001 197 Chile 51.50 2001 198 Sweden 50.80 2001 199 Spain 50.40 2001 200 Honduras 50.20 2001 201 Honduras 49.80 2001 202 Ukraine 48.60 2001 203 Sri Lanka 48.30 2001 204 Sudan 47.90 2001 205 Bulgaria 47.80 2001 206 Dominica 47.10 2001 207 Chile 47.00 2001 208 Zimbabwe 47.00 2001 209 Bosnia and Herzegovina 46.50 2001 210 Papua New Guinea 45.90 2001 211 Guinea 45.50 2001 212 Burma 44.50 2002 213 Bolivia 44.40 2001 214 Bulgaria 44.10 2001 215 El Salvador 44.00 2001 216 Vietnam 43.70 2001 217 Ukraine 43.50 2001 218 Burma 43.40 2002 219 Sweden 43.00 2001 220 Syria 42.40 2001 221 Armenia 42.30 2001 222 Svalbard 42.00 NA 223 Samoa 42.00 2001 224 Swaziland 42.00 2001 225 Mali 41.70 2001 226 Sao Tome and Principe 41.20 2001 227 Argentina 40.80 2001 228 Belize 40.10 2001 229 Haiti 39.70 2001 230 French Polynesia 39.30 2001 231 Finland 39.00 2001 232 Hungary 39.00 2001 233 Belgium 38.40 2001 234 Cote d'Ivoire 38.10 2001 235 Nigeria 38.10 2001 236 Faroe Islands 37.60 2001 237 Switzerland 37.10 2001 238 Panama 37.00 2001 239 Slovenia 36.80 2001 240 Korea, South 36.60 2001 241 Angola 36.40 2001 242 Afghanistan 36.30 2001 243 Madagascar 36.10 2001 244 Guatemala 35.20 2001 245 Slovenia 35.20 2001 246 Cambodia 35.00 2001 247 Gabon 34.50 2001 248 Croatia 33.60 2001 249 Venezuela 31.70 2001 250 New Zealand 31.60 2001 251 Portugal 31.30 2001 252 El Salvador 30.90 2001 253 Armenia 30.70 2001 254 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 30.70 2001 255 Finland 30.40 2001 256 Slovakia 30.30 2001 257 Burkina Faso 30.10 2001 258 Germany 29.90 2001 259 Japan 29.80 2001 260 Austria 29.30 2001 261 Latvia 29.10 2001 262 Korea, North 29.00 2001 263 Pakistan 28.20 2001 264 Canada 28.00 2001 265 Romania 27.60 2001 266 Slovenia 27.30 2001 267 Spain 27.20 2001 268 Armenia 27.00 2001 269 Philippines 26.90 2001 270 Colombia 26.00 2001 271 Luxembourg 25.20 2001 272 Suriname 25.20 2001 273 El Salvador 25.10 2001 274 New Caledonia 23.70 2001 275 United Kingdom 23.70 2001 276 Taiwan 22.60 2001 277 United States 20.70 2001 278 Turkey 20.40 2001 279 Czech Republic 20.00 2001 280 Central African Republic 19.80 2001 281 Georgia 19.70 2001 282 Ecuador 19.00 2001 283 Egypt 19.00 2001 284 Tanzania 18.90 2001 285 Finland 18.70 2001 286 China 18.50 2001 287 Fiji 18.50 2001 288 Italy 18.40 2001 289 Spain 18.20 2001 290 Kenya 17.70 2001 291 Iceland 17.50 2001 292 Luxembourg 17.50 2001 293 Philippines 17.50 2001 294 Denmark 17.30 2001 295 Russia 17.20 2003 296 Costa Rica 16.60 2001 297 Lithuania 16.50 2001 298 Russia 16.40 2003 299 Macedonia 16.30 2001 300 Slovakia 16.00 2001 301 Kazakhstan 15.70 2001 302 India 14.50 2001 303 Peru 14.50 2001 304 Benin 14.20 2001 305 Mexico 14.20 2001 306 Mauritania 14.10 2001 307 France 14.00 2001 308 Canada 12.90 2001 309 Guatemala 12.90 2001 310 Burma 12.10 2002 311 Finland 11.80 2001 312 Uzbekistan 11.80 2001 313 Kenya 11.30 2001 314 New Zealand 10.70 2001 315 Indonesia 10.50 2001 316 Malaysia 10.50 2001 317 Azerbaijan 10.30 2001 318 Romania 9.90 2001 319 Comoros 9.40 2001 320 Moldova 9.40 2001 321 Mauritius 9.20 2001 322 Nepal 8.50 2001 323 Japan 8.40 2001 324 Nicaragua 8.40 2001 325 Australia 8.30 2001 326 Brazil 8.30 2001 327 France 8.20 2001 328 Bulgaria 8.10 2001 329 Ukraine 7.90 2001 330 Nicaragua 7.70 2001 331 Dominican Republic 7.60 2001 332 Kyrgyzstan 7.60 2001 333 Argentina 6.70 2001 334 Thailand 6.40 2001 335 Bangladesh 6.30 2001 336 Taiwan 6.00 2001 337 Equatorial Guinea 5.70 2001 338 Lithuania 5.70 2001 339 Netherlands 5.70 2001 340 United States 5.60 2001 341 South Africa 5.50 2001 342 Cuba 5.40 2001 343 Ghana 5.00 2001 344 Brazil 4.60 2001 345 Morocco 4.60 2001 346 Brazil 4.40 2001 347 Netherlands 4.30 2001 348 Germany 4.20 2001 349 Mexico 4.20 2001 350 Germany 4.10 2001 351 Spain 4.10 2001 352 Portugal 4.10 2001 353 Sweden 4.00 2001 354 Greece 3.80 2001 355 Austria 3.50 2001 356 India 3.40 2001 357 Malawi 3.30 2001 358 Italy 3.00 2001 359 Pakistan 3.00 2001 360 Albania 2.90 2001 361 Mexico 2.90 2001 362 Mozambique 2.90 2001 363 Iran 2.90 2001 364 Czech Republic 2.90 2001 365 Lebanon 2.80 2001 366 Cameroon 2.70 2001 367 Indonesia 2.60 2001 368 Thailand 2.40 2001 369 Ireland 2.30 2001 370 Sweden 2.30 2001 371 Rwanda 2.30 2001 372 United States 2.30 2001 373 Switzerland 2.00 2001 374 Tajikistan 1.90 2001 375 Belgium 1.80 2001 376 Japan 1.80 2001 377 Jamaica 1.80 2001 378 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.80 2001 379 Greece 1.70 2001 380 Panama 1.70 2001 381 Ireland 1.70 2001 382 Iraq 1.60 2001 383 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 384 Bolivia 1.50 2001 385 Poland 1.50 2001 386 Costa Rica 1.50 2001 387 Chile 1.40 2001 388 Laos 1.40 2001 389 Jamaica 1.40 2001 390 Canada 1.30 2001 391 Colombia 1.30 2001 392 Ethiopia 1.30 2001 393 Switzerland 1.30 2001 394 Togo 1.30 2001 395 China 1.20 2001 396 Ethiopia 1.20 2001 397 South Africa 1.10 2001 398 Czech Republic 1.00 2001 399 Marshall Islands 1.00 NA 400 Australia 0.90 2001 401 United Kingdom 0.90 2001 402 Uganda 0.90 2001 403 Korea, South 0.80 2001 404 Peru 0.80 2001 405 Puerto Rico 0.80 2001 406 France 0.70 2001 407 Uruguay 0.70 2001 408 Slovenia 0.70 2001 409 Belgium 0.60 2001 410 Cuba 0.60 2001 411 Burundi 0.60 2001 412 Guyana 0.60 2001 413 Jordan 0.60 2001 414 Hungary 0.50 2001 415 Tunisia 0.50 2001 416 Zambia 0.50 2001 417 Belarus 0.40 2001 418 Croatia 0.40 2001 419 Norway 0.40 2001 420 Poland 0.40 2001 421 Norway 0.40 2001 422 Dominican Republic 0.40 2001 423 Algeria 0.30 2001 424 Congo, Republic of the 0.30 2001 425 Uruguay 0.30 2001 426 Turkey 0.30 2001 427 India 0.30 2001 428 Hungary 0.30 2001 429 Argentina 0.20 2001 430 Korea, South 0.20 2001 431 Trinidad and Tobago 0.20 2001 432 Estonia 0.20 2001 433 Belarus 0.10 2001 434 Bhutan 0.10 2001 435 Paraguay 0.10 2001 436 Turkmenistan 0.10 2001 437 Russia 0.10 2003 438 Netherlands 0.10 2001 439 Israel 0.10 2001 440 Iceland 0.10 2001 441 Estonia 0.10 2001 442 Denmark 0.10 2001 443 China 0.10 2001 444 Afghanistan 0.00 2001 445 American Samoa 0.00 2001 446 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 447 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 448 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 449 Vietnam 0.00 2001 450 Vietnam 0.00 2001 451 Venezuela 0.00 2001 452 Venezuela 0.00 2001 453 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 454 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 455 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 456 Uzbekistan 0.00 2001 457 Uzbekistan 0.00 2001 458 Uruguay 0.00 2001 459 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 460 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 461 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 462 Ukraine 0.00 2001 463 Uganda 0.00 2001 464 Uganda 0.00 2001 465 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 466 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 467 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 468 Turkmenistan 0.00 2001 469 Turkmenistan 0.00 2001 470 Turkey 0.00 2001 471 Tunisia 0.00 2001 472 Tunisia 0.00 2001 473 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2001 474 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2001 475 Tonga 0.00 2001 476 Tonga 0.00 2001 477 Tonga 0.00 2001 478 Tokelau 0.00 2001 479 Tokelau 0.00 2001 480 Tokelau 0.00 2001 481 Togo 0.00 2001 482 Togo 0.00 2001 483 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 484 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 485 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 486 Thailand 0.00 2001 487 Tanzania 0.00 2001 488 Tanzania 0.00 2001 489 Tajikistan 0.00 2001 490 Tajikistan 0.00 2001 491 Syria 0.00 2001 492 Syria 0.00 2001 493 Swaziland 0.00 2001 494 Swaziland 0.00 2001 495 Svalbard 0.00 NA 496 Svalbard 0.00 NA 497 Suriname 0.00 2001 498 Suriname 0.00 2001 499 Sudan 0.00 2001 500 Sudan 0.00 2001 501 Sri Lanka 0.00 2001 502 Sri Lanka 0.00 2001 503 South Africa 0.00 2001 504 Somalia 0.00 2001 505 Somalia 0.00 2001 506 Somalia 0.00 2001 507 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 508 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 509 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 510 Mauritius 0.00 2001 511 Mauritania 0.00 2001 512 Mauritania 0.00 2001 513 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 514 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 515 Malta 0.00 2001 516 Malta 0.00 2001 517 Malta 0.00 2001 518 Mali 0.00 2001 519 Taiwan 0.00 2001 520 Zimbabwe 0.00 2001 521 Zimbabwe 0.00 2001 522 Zambia 0.00 2001 523 Zambia 0.00 2001 524 Yemen 0.00 2001 525 Yemen 0.00 2001 526 Yemen 0.00 2001 527 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 528 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 529 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 530 West Bank 0.00 2001 531 West Bank 0.00 2001 532 West Bank 0.00 2001 533 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 534 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 535 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 536 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 537 Mali 0.00 2001 538 Maldives 0.00 2001 539 Maldives 0.00 2001 540 Maldives 0.00 2001 541 Malaysia 0.00 2001 542 Malaysia 0.00 2001 543 Malawi 0.00 2001 544 Malawi 0.00 2001 545 Madagascar 0.00 2001 546 Madagascar 0.00 2001 547 Macedonia 0.00 2001 548 Macedonia 0.00 2001 549 Macau 0.00 2001 550 Macau 0.00 2001 551 Macau 0.00 2001 552 Luxembourg 0.00 2001 553 Lithuania 0.00 2001 554 Libya 0.00 2001 555 Libya 0.00 2001 556 Libya 0.00 2001 557 Liberia 0.00 2001 558 Liberia 0.00 2001 559 Liberia 0.00 2001 560 Lebanon 0.00 2001 561 Lebanon 0.00 2001 562 Latvia 0.00 2001 563 Latvia 0.00 2001 564 Laos 0.00 2001 565 Laos 0.00 2001 566 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2001 567 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2001 568 Kuwait 0.00 2001 569 Kuwait 0.00 2001 570 Kuwait 0.00 2001 571 Korea, North 0.00 2001 572 Korea, North 0.00 2001 573 Kiribati 0.00 2001 574 Kiribati 0.00 2001 575 Kiribati 0.00 2001 576 Kenya 0.00 2001 577 Kazakhstan 0.00 2001 578 Kazakhstan 0.00 2001 579 Jordan 0.00 2001 580 Jordan 0.00 2001 581 Jamaica 0.00 2001 582 Italy 0.00 2001 583 Israel 0.00 2001 584 Israel 0.00 2001 585 Ireland 0.00 2001 586 Iraq 0.00 2001 587 Iraq 0.00 2001 588 Iran 0.00 2001 589 Iran 0.00 2001 590 Indonesia 0.00 2001 591 Iceland 0.00 2001 592 Haiti 0.00 2001 593 Haiti 0.00 2001 594 Guyana 0.00 2001 595 Guyana 0.00 2001 596 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 597 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 598 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 599 Guinea 0.00 2001 600 Guinea 0.00 2001 601 Slovakia 0.00 2001 602 Singapore 0.00 2001 603 Singapore 0.00 2001 604 Singapore 0.00 2001 605 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 606 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 607 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 608 Seychelles 0.00 2001 609 Seychelles 0.00 2001 610 Seychelles 0.00 2001 611 Senegal 0.00 2001 612 Senegal 0.00 2001 613 Senegal 0.00 2001 614 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 615 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 616 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 617 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2001 618 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2001 619 Samoa 0.00 2001 620 Samoa 0.00 2001 621 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2001 622 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2001 623 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 624 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 625 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 626 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 627 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 628 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 629 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 630 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 631 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 632 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 633 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 634 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 635 Rwanda 0.00 2001 636 Rwanda 0.00 2001 637 Romania 0.00 2001 638 Qatar 0.00 2001 639 Qatar 0.00 2001 640 Qatar 0.00 2001 641 Puerto Rico 0.00 2001 642 Puerto Rico 0.00 2001 643 Portugal 0.00 2001 644 Poland 0.00 2001 645 Philippines 0.00 2001 646 Peru 0.00 2001 647 Paraguay 0.00 2001 648 Paraguay 0.00 2001 649 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2001 650 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2001 651 Panama 0.00 2001 652 Pakistan 0.00 2001 653 Oman 0.00 2001 654 Oman 0.00 2001 655 Oman 0.00 2001 656 Norway 0.00 2001 657 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 658 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 659 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 660 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 661 Niue 0.00 2001 662 Niue 0.00 2001 663 Niue 0.00 2001 664 Nigeria 0.00 2001 665 Nigeria 0.00 2001 666 Niger 0.00 2001 667 Niger 0.00 2001 668 Niger 0.00 2001 669 Nicaragua 0.00 2001 670 New Zealand 0.00 2001 671 New Caledonia 0.00 2001 672 New Caledonia 0.00 2001 673 Nepal 0.00 2001 674 Nepal 0.00 2001 675 Nauru 0.00 2001 676 Nauru 0.00 2001 677 Nauru 0.00 2001 678 Mozambique 0.00 2001 679 Mozambique 0.00 2001 680 Morocco 0.00 2001 681 Morocco 0.00 2001 682 Montserrat 0.00 2001 683 Montserrat 0.00 2001 684 Montserrat 0.00 2001 685 Mongolia 0.00 2001 686 Mongolia 0.00 2001 687 Mongolia 0.00 2001 688 Moldova 0.00 2001 689 Moldova 0.00 2001 690 Mayotte 0.00 NA 691 Mayotte 0.00 NA 692 Mayotte 0.00 NA 693 Mayotte 0.00 NA 694 Mauritius 0.00 2001 695 Guatemala 0.00 2001 696 Grenada 0.00 2001 697 Grenada 0.00 2001 698 Grenada 0.00 2001 699 Greenland 0.00 2001 700 Greenland 0.00 2001 701 Greenland 0.00 2001 702 Greece 0.00 2001 703 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 704 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 705 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 706 Ghana 0.00 2001 707 Ghana 0.00 2001 708 Georgia 0.00 2001 709 Georgia 0.00 2001 710 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 711 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 712 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 713 Gabon 0.00 2001 714 Gabon 0.00 2001 715 French Polynesia 0.00 2001 716 French Polynesia 0.00 2001 717 Fiji 0.00 2001 718 Fiji 0.00 2001 719 Faroe Islands 0.00 2001 720 Faroe Islands 0.00 2001 721 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 722 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 723 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 724 Ethiopia 0.00 2001 725 Estonia 0.00 2001 726 Eritrea 0.00 2001 727 Eritrea 0.00 2001 728 Eritrea 0.00 2001 729 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 730 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 731 El Salvador 0.00 2001 732 Egypt 0.00 2001 733 Egypt 0.00 2001 734 Ecuador 0.00 2001 735 Ecuador 0.00 2001 736 Dominican Republic 0.00 2001 737 Dominica 0.00 2001 738 Dominica 0.00 2001 739 Djibouti 0.00 2001 740 Djibouti 0.00 2001 741 Djibouti 0.00 2001 742 Denmark 0.00 2001 743 Cyprus 0.00 2001 744 Cyprus 0.00 2001 745 Cyprus 0.00 2001 746 Cuba 0.00 2001 747 Croatia 0.00 2001 748 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2001 749 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2001 750 Costa Rica 0.00 2001 751 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 752 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 753 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 754 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2001 755 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2001 756 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 2001 757 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 2001 758 Comoros 0.00 2001 759 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 760 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 761 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 762 Honduras 0.00 2001 763 Honduras 0.00 2001 764 Comoros 0.00 2001 765 Colombia 0.00 2001 766 Chile 0.00 2001 767 Chad 0.00 2001 768 Chad 0.00 2001 769 Cameroon 0.00 2001 770 Cameroon 0.00 2001 771 Cambodia 0.00 2001 772 Cambodia 0.00 2001 773 Burundi 0.00 2001 774 Burundi 0.00 2001 775 Burma 0.00 2002 776 Burkina Faso 0.00 2001 777 Burkina Faso 0.00 2001 778 Bulgaria 0.00 2001 779 Botswana 0.00 2001 780 Botswana 0.00 2001 781 Botswana 0.00 2001 782 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2001 783 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2001 784 Bolivia 0.00 2001 785 Bhutan 0.00 2001 786 Bhutan 0.00 2001 787 Bermuda 0.00 2001 788 Brunei 0.00 2001 789 Brunei 0.00 2001 790 Brunei 0.00 2001 791 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 792 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 793 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 794 Bermuda 0.00 2001 795 Bermuda 0.00 2001 796 Benin 0.00 2001 797 Benin 0.00 2001 798 Belize 0.00 2001 799 Belize 0.00 2001 800 Belarus 0.00 2001 801 Bahrain 0.00 2001 802 Chad 0.00 2001 803 Central African Republic 0.00 2001 804 Central African Republic 0.00 2001 805 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 806 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 807 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 808 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 809 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 810 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 811 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 812 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 813 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 814 Azerbaijan 0.00 2001 815 Azerbaijan 0.00 2001 816 Austria 0.00 2001 817 Australia 0.00 2001 818 Aruba 0.00 2001 819 Barbados 0.00 2001 820 Barbados 0.00 2001 821 Barbados 0.00 2001 822 Bangladesh 0.00 2001 823 Bangladesh 0.00 2001 824 Bahrain 0.00 2001 825 Bahrain 0.00 2001 826 Aruba 0.00 2001 827 Aruba 0.00 2001 828 Armenia 0.00 2001 829 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 830 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 831 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 832 Angola 0.00 2001 833 Angola 0.00 2001 834 American Samoa 0.00 2001 835 Afghanistan 0.00 2001 836 Albania 0.00 2001 837 Algeria 0.00 2001 838 American Samoa 0.00 2001 839 Algeria 0.00 2001 840 Albania 0.00 2001

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Rank code: 2046

Country Comparison :: Population below poverty line

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zambia 86.00 1993 2 Chad 80.00 2001 est. 3 Haiti 80.00 2003 est. 4 Liberia 80.00 2000 est. 5 Sierra Leone 70.20 2004 6 Gaza Strip 70.00 2009 est. 7 Suriname 70.00 2002 est. 8 Nigeria 70.00 2007 est. 9 Mozambique 70.00 2001 est. 10 Swaziland 69.00 2006 11 Burundi 68.00 2002 est. 12 Zimbabwe 68.00 2004 13 Honduras 65.00 2010 14 Niger 63.00 1993 est. 15 Comoros 60.00 2002 est. 16 Rwanda 60.00 2001 est. 17 Tajikistan 60.00 2009 est. 18 Guatemala 56.20 2004 est. 19 Namibia 55.80 2005 est. 20 Sao Tome and Principe 54.00 2004 est. 21 Senegal 54.00 2001 est. 22 Malawi 53.00 2004 23 Eritrea 50.00 2004 est. 24 South Africa 50.00 2000 est. 25 Madagascar 50.00 2004 est. 26 Kenya 50.00 2000 est. 27 Lesotho 49.00 1999 28 Cameroon 48.00 2000 est. 29 Nicaragua 48.00 2005 30 Guinea 47.00 2006 est. 31 Colombia 46.80 2008 32 Burkina Faso 46.40 2004 33 West Bank 46.00 2007 est. 34 Yemen 45.20 2003 35 Dominican Republic 42.20 2004 36 Cote d'Ivoire 42.00 2006 est. 37 Timor-Leste 42.00 2003 est. 38 Djibouti 42.00 2007 est. 39 Angola 40.50 2006 est. 40 Kyrgyzstan 40.00 2004 est. 41 Mauritania 40.00 2004 est. 42 Sudan 40.00 2004 est. 43 Ethiopia 38.70 FY05/06 est. 44 Venezuela 37.90 yearend 2005 est. 45 Benin 37.40 2007 est. 46 Papua New Guinea 37.00 2002 est. 47 Bangladesh 36.30 2008 est. 48 Mali 36.10 2005 est. 49 Mongolia 36.10 2004 50 Afghanistan 36.00 FY08/09 51 Tanzania 36.00 2002 est. 52 Ecuador 35.10 2008 53 Kosovo 35.00 2007 est. 54 Uganda 35.00 2001 est. 55 Ukraine 35.00 2009 56 Peru 34.80 2009 57 Belize 33.50 2002 est. 58 Philippines 32.90 2006 est. 59 Burma 32.70 2007 est. 60 Grenada 32.00 2000 61 Togo 32.00 1989 est. 62 Cambodia 31.00 2007 est. 63 Georgia 31.00 2006 64 El Salvador 30.70 2006 est. 65 Bolivia 30.30 2009 est. 66 Botswana 30.30 2003 67 Argentina 30.00 January-June 2010 68 Dominica 30.00 2002 est. 69 Turkmenistan 30.00 2004 est. 70 Cape Verde 30.00 2000 71 Moldova 29.50 2005 72 Virgin Islands 28.90 2002 73 Macedonia 28.70 2008 74 Panama 28.60 2006 est. 75 Ghana 28.50 2007 est. 76 Lebanon 28.00 1999 est. 77 Uruguay 27.40 2006 78 Belarus 27.10 2003 est. 79 Micronesia, Federated States of 26.70 2000 80 Armenia 26.50 2006 est. 81 Brazil 26.00 2008 82 Laos 26.00 2009 est. 83 Uzbekistan 26.00 2008 est. 84 Fiji 25.50 FY90/91 85 Albania 25.00 2004 est. 86 Romania 25.00 2005 est. 87 Iraq 25.00 2008 est. 88 India 25.00 2007 est. 89 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25.00 2004 est. 90 Nepal 24.70 2008 91 Pakistan 24.00 FY05/06 est. 92 Tonga 24.00 FY03/04 93 Israel 23.60 2007 94 Bhutan 23.20 2008 95 Algeria 23.00 2006 est. 96 Sri Lanka 23.00 2008 est. 97 Anguilla 23.00 2002 98 Slovakia 21.00 2002 99 Egypt 20.00 2005 est. 100 Greece 20.00 2009 est. 101 Spain 19.80 2005 102 Estonia 19.50 2007 103 United Arab Emirates 19.50 2003 104 Paraguay 19.40 2008 est. 105 Bermuda 19.00 2000 106 Chile 18.20 2005 107 Mexico 18.20 2008 108 Iran 18.00 2007 est. 109 Portugal 18.00 2006 110 Turkey 17.11 2008 111 Croatia 17.00 2008 112 Poland 17.00 2003 est. 113 Trinidad and Tobago 17.00 2007 est. 114 Costa Rica 16.00 2006 est. 115 Maldives 16.00 2008 116 Belgium 15.20 2007 est. 117 Korea, South 15.00 2006 est. 118 Morocco 15.00 2007 est. 119 Jamaica 14.80 2003 est. 120 Jordan 14.20 2002 121 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 122 United Kingdom 14.00 2006 est. 123 Indonesia 13.30 2010 124 Russia 13.10 2009 125 Slovenia 12.30 2008 126 Vietnam 12.30 2009 est. 127 Denmark 12.10 2007 128 Kazakhstan 12.10 2008 129 Hungary 12.00 2010 est. 130 United States 12.00 2004 est. 131 Syria 11.90 2006 est. 132 Azerbaijan 11.00 2009 est. 133 Germany 11.00 2001 est. 134 Canada 10.80 2005 135 Netherlands 10.50 2005 136 Thailand 9.60 2006 est. 137 Bahamas, The 9.30 2004 138 Greenland 9.20 2007 est. 139 Andorra 8.00 2008 140 Mauritius 8.00 2006 est. 141 Serbia 7.90 2008 est. 142 Switzerland 7.40 2009 143 Montenegro 7.00 2007 est. 144 France 6.20 2004 145 Austria 6.00 2008 146 Malaysia 5.10 2002 est. 147 Ireland 4.20 2008 est. 148 Lithuania 4.00 2003 149 Tunisia 3.80 2005 est. 150 China 2.80 2007 151 Taiwan 1.08 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2047

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Comoros 55.20 2004 2 Namibia 53.00 2008 3 Haiti 47.70 2001 4 Colombia 45.00 2008 5 Angola 44.70 2000 6 South Africa 44.70 2000 7 Bolivia 44.10 2005 8 Ecuador 43.30 2007 9 Brazil 43.00 2007 10 Guatemala 42.40 2006 11 Paraguay 42.30 2007 12 Honduras 42.20 2006 13 Nicaragua 41.80 2005 14 Chile 41.70 2006 15 Madagascar 41.50 2005 16 Panama 41.40 2006 17 Armenia 41.30 2004 18 Taiwan 41.10 2002 19 Guinea 41.00 2006 20 Swaziland 40.70 2001 21 Cape Verde 40.60 2000 22 Nepal 40.60 2008 23 Papua New Guinea 40.50 1996 24 Zimbabwe 40.40 1995 25 Sri Lanka 39.70 2004 26 Lesotho 39.40 2003 27 Mozambique 39.20 2003 28 Zambia 38.80 2004 29 Dominican Republic 38.70 2005 30 Rwanda 38.20 2000 31 Peru 37.90 2006 32 Kenya 37.80 2005 33 Bhutan 37.60 2003 34 Congo, Republic of the 37.10 2005 35 El Salvador 37.00 2005 36 Gambia, The 36.90 2003 37 Mexico 36.30 2008 38 Jamaica 35.80 2004 39 Niger 35.70 2005 40 Costa Rica 35.50 2005 41 Cameroon 35.40 2001 42 Uruguay 34.80 2006 43 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 34.70 2006 44 Cambodia 34.20 2007 45 Uganda 34.10 2005 46 Cote d'Ivoire 34.00 2002 47 Guyana 33.80 1999 48 Thailand 33.70 2006 49 Sierra Leone 33.60 2003 50 Morocco 33.20 2007 51 Turkey 33.20 2005 52 Central African Republic 33.00 2003 53 Ghana 32.80 2006 54 Gabon 32.70 2005 55 Venezuela 32.70 2006 56 Argentina 32.60 2009 57 Burma 32.40 1998 58 Nigeria 32.40 2004 59 Indonesia 32.30 2006 60 Burkina Faso 32.20 2004 61 Malawi 31.90 2004 62 Turkmenistan 31.70 1998 63 Tunisia 31.50 2000 64 Timor-Leste 31.30 2001 65 Philippines 31.20 2006 66 India 31.10 2005 67 Djibouti 30.90 2002 68 Chad 30.80 2003 69 Yemen 30.80 2005 70 Jordan 30.70 2006 71 Georgia 30.60 2008 72 Mali 30.50 2006 73 Russia 30.40 September 2007 74 Liberia 30.10 2007 75 Senegal 30.10 2005 76 United States 30.00 2007 est. 77 Vietnam 29.80 2006 78 Iran 29.60 2005 79 Macedonia 29.60 2003 80 Uzbekistan 29.60 2003 81 Mauritania 29.50 2000 82 Benin 29.00 2003 83 Denmark 28.70 2007 84 Laos 28.50 2002 85 Malaysia 28.50 2005 est. 86 United Kingdom 28.50 1999 87 Belgium 28.40 2006 88 Portugal 28.40 1995 est. 89 Moldova 28.20 2004 90 Burundi 28.00 2006 91 Guinea-Bissau 28.00 2002 92 Estonia 27.70 2004 93 Egypt 27.60 2005 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27.40 2004 95 Latvia 27.40 2004 96 Lithuania 27.40 2004 97 Ireland 27.20 2000 98 Poland 27.20 2005 99 Togo 27.10 2006 100 Bahamas, The 27.00 2000 101 Tanzania 26.90 2000 102 Algeria 26.80 1995 103 Italy 26.80 2000 104 Bangladesh 26.60 2008 est. 105 Spain 26.60 2000 106 Kazakhstan 26.50 2004 est. 107 Pakistan 26.50 2005 108 Greece 26.00 2000 est. 109 Albania 25.90 2005 110 Kyrgyzstan 25.90 2004 111 Ukraine 25.70 2006 112 Ethiopia 25.60 2005 113 European Union 25.60 2002 est. 114 Tajikistan 25.60 2007 est. 115 Australia 25.40 1994 116 Mongolia 24.90 2005 117 Canada 24.80 2000 118 France 24.80 2004 119 Finland 24.70 2007 120 Slovenia 24.60 2004 121 Israel 24.30 2008 122 Korea, South 24.20 2007 123 Bulgaria 24.10 2008 124 Hungary 24.10 2004 125 Germany 24.00 2000 126 Luxembourg 23.80 2000 127 Norway 23.40 2000 128 Singapore 23.20 2008 129 Croatia 23.10 2005 est. 130 Netherlands 22.90 1999 131 Czech Republic 22.40 1996 132 Sweden 22.20 2000 133 Austria 22.00 2007 134 Belarus 22.00 2005 135 Japan 21.70 1993 136 Slovakia 20.90 1996 137 Romania 20.80 2006 138 Switzerland 19.00 2007 139 Azerbaijan 17.50 2005 140 China 15.00 2008 141 Bangladesh 8.80 2008 est. 142 Switzerland 7.50 2007 143 Azerbaijan 6.10 2005 144 Nepal 6.00 2008 145 Japan 4.80 1993 146 Singapore 4.40 2008 147 Czech Republic 4.30 1996 148 Burundi 4.10 2006 149 Ethiopia 4.10 2005 150 Austria 4.00 2007 151 Egypt 3.90 2005 152 Norway 3.90 2000 153 Pakistan 3.90 2005 154 Belarus 3.60 2005 155 Croatia 3.60 2005 est. 156 Finland 3.60 2007 157 Sweden 3.60 2000 158 Kyrgyzstan 3.60 2004 159 India 3.60 2005 160 Germany 3.60 2000 161 China 3.50 2008 162 Hungary 3.50 2004 163 Luxembourg 3.50 2000 164 Belgium 3.40 2006 165 Ukraine 3.40 2006 166 Slovenia 3.40 2004 167 Laos 3.40 2002 168 Kazakhstan 3.30 2004 est. 169 Tajikistan 3.30 2007 est. 170 Togo 3.30 2006 171 Albania 3.20 2005 172 Benin 3.10 2003 173 Vietnam 3.10 2006 174 Portugal 3.10 1995 est. 175 Slovakia 3.10 1996 176 Cambodia 3.00 2007 177 Poland 3.00 2005 178 Moldova 3.00 2004 179 Malawi 3.00 2004 180 Indonesia 3.00 2006 181 Jordan 3.00 2006 182 France 3.00 2004 183 Bulgaria 2.90 2008 184 European Union 2.90 2002 est. 185 Yemen 2.90 2005 186 Ireland 2.90 2000 187 Guinea-Bissau 2.90 2002 188 Tanzania 2.90 2000 189 Timor-Leste 2.90 2001 190 Mongolia 2.90 2005 191 Algeria 2.80 1995 192 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.80 2004 193 Uzbekistan 2.80 2003 194 Burma 2.80 1998 195 Burkina Faso 2.80 2004 196 Estonia 2.70 2004 197 Korea, South 2.70 2007 198 Latvia 2.70 2004 199 Lithuania 2.70 2004 200 Mali 2.70 2006 201 Morocco 2.70 2007 202 Canada 2.60 2000 203 Chad 2.60 2003 204 Madagascar 2.60 2005 205 Sierra Leone 2.60 2003 206 Turkmenistan 2.60 1998 207 Uganda 2.60 2005 208 Spain 2.60 2000 209 Malaysia 2.60 2005 est. 210 Iran 2.60 2005 211 Gabon 2.50 2005 212 Israel 2.50 2008 213 Senegal 2.50 2005 214 Netherlands 2.50 1999 215 Mauritania 2.50 2000 216 Greece 2.50 2000 est. 217 Djibouti 2.40 2002 218 Philippines 2.40 2006 219 Macedonia 2.40 2003 220 Liberia 2.40 2007 221 Bhutan 2.30 2003 222 Niger 2.30 2005 223 Tunisia 2.30 2000 224 Cameroon 2.30 2001 225 Italy 2.30 2000 226 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.30 2006 227 Central African Republic 2.10 2003 228 United Kingdom 2.10 1999 229 Rwanda 2.10 2000 230 Mozambique 2.10 2003 231 Jamaica 2.10 2004 232 Congo, Republic of the 2.10 2005 233 Australia 2.00 1994 234 Zimbabwe 2.00 1995 235 United States 2.00 2007 est. 236 Nigeria 2.00 2004 237 Ghana 2.00 2006 238 Gambia, The 2.00 2003 239 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 2002 240 Cape Verde 1.90 2000 241 Turkey 1.90 2005 242 Denmark 1.90 2007 243 Georgia 1.90 2008 244 Russia 1.90 September 2007 245 Guinea 1.90 2006 246 Kenya 1.80 2005 247 Mexico 1.70 2008 248 Uruguay 1.70 2006 249 Papua New Guinea 1.70 1996 250 Venezuela 1.70 2006 251 Armenia 1.60 2004 252 Thailand 1.60 2006 253 Swaziland 1.60 2001 254 Chile 1.60 2006 255 Costa Rica 1.50 2005 256 Peru 1.50 2006 257 Dominican Republic 1.50 2005 258 Nicaragua 1.40 2005 259 Guatemala 1.30 2006 260 Guyana 1.30 1999 261 South Africa 1.30 2000 262 Argentina 1.20 2009 263 Zambia 1.20 2004 264 Romania 1.20 2006 265 Ecuador 1.20 2007 266 Brazil 1.10 2007 267 Sri Lanka 1.10 2004 268 Namibia 1.10 2008 269 Paraguay 1.10 2007 270 El Salvador 1.00 2005 271 Lesotho 1.00 2003 272 Comoros 0.90 2004 273 Colombia 0.80 2008 274 Panama 0.80 2006 275 Haiti 0.70 2001 276 Honduras 0.70 2006 277 Angola 0.60 2000 278 Bolivia 0.50 2005

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Rank code: 2048

Country Comparison :: Labor force - by occupation

This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by occupation. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to rounding.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Tonga 2,003.00 2003 est. 2 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 95.00 1996 3 Burundi 93.60 2002 est. 4 Burkina Faso 90.00 2000 est. 5 Norfolk Island 90.00 NA 6 Timor-Leste 90.00 2006 est. 7 Rwanda 90.00 2000 8 Niger 90.00 1995 9 Malawi 90.00 2003 est. 10 Lesotho 86.00 2002 est. 11 Angola 85.00 2003 est. 12 Ethiopia 85.00 2009 est. 13 Papua New Guinea 85.00 2005 est. 14 Saint Martin 85.00 NA 15 Zambia 85.00 2004 16 Sint Maarten 83.70 2008 17 Gaza Strip 83.00 June 2008 18 Antigua and Barbuda 82.00 1983 19 Israel 82.00 September 2008 20 Uganda 82.00 1999 est. 21 Guinea-Bissau 82.00 2000 est. 22 Curacao 81.80 NA 23 Andorra 81.00 2008 24 Mozambique 81.00 1997 est. 25 Luxembourg 80.60 2007 est. 26 United Kingdom 80.40 2006 est. 27 Chad 80.00 2006 est. 28 Wallis and Futuna 80.00 2001 est. 29 Virgin Islands 80.00 2003 est. 30 Tanzania 80.00 2002 est. 31 Sudan 80.00 1998 est. 32 Laos 80.00 2009 est. 33 Eritrea 80.00 2004 est. 34 Netherlands 80.00 2005 est. 35 Mali 80.00 2005 est. 36 Comoros 80.00 1996 est. 37 Bahrain 79.00 1997 est. 38 Puerto Rico 79.00 2005 est. 39 Cayman Islands 79.00 2008 est. 40 Afghanistan 78.60 FY08/09 est. 41 Suriname 78.00 2004 42 United Arab Emirates 78.00 2000 est. 43 Senegal 77.50 2007 est. 44 Jordan 77.40 2007 est. 45 Denmark 77.30 2005 est. 46 Singapore 76.20 2008 47 Canada 76.00 2006 est. 48 Guinea 76.00 2006 est. 49 Norway 76.00 2008 50 Uruguay 76.00 2007 est. 51 Panama 76.00 2009 est. 52 Malta 75.60 2009 est. 53 Peru 75.50 2005 54 Australia 75.00 2009 est. 55 Solomon Islands 75.00 2000 est. 56 Barbados 75.00 1996 est. 57 Kenya 75.00 2007 est. 58 Gambia, The 75.00 1996 59 Nepal 75.00 2004 est. 60 Estonia 74.50 2008 61 New Zealand 74.00 2006 est. 62 Seychelles 74.00 2006 63 Belgium 73.00 2007 est. 64 Iceland 73.00 2008 65 Switzerland 72.30 2009 66 Argentina 72.00 2009 est. 67 Saudi Arabia 71.90 2005 est. 68 France 71.80 2005 69 Belize 71.70 2007 est. 70 Spain 71.70 2009 est. 71 Cyprus 71.00 2006 est. 72 Somalia 71.00 1975 73 Sweden 70.70 2008 est. 74 Ecuador 70.40 2005 75 Burma 70.00 2001 est. 76 Cameroon 70.00 2001 est. 77 Liberia 70.00 2000 est. 78 Nigeria 70.00 1999 est. 79 Fiji 70.00 2001 est. 80 Slovakia 69.40 December 2009 81 Faroe Islands 69.20 2008 82 Korea, South 68.40 2010 est. 83 Cote d'Ivoire 68.00 2007 est. 84 Montenegro 68.00 2004 est. 85 French Polynesia 68.00 2002 86 Japan 68.00 2009 est. 87 Cambodia 67.90 2009 est. 88 Germany 67.80 2005 89 Austria 67.00 2005 est. 90 Syria 67.00 2008 est. 91 Ireland 67.00 2006 est. 92 European Union 66.70 2007 est. 93 Brazil 66.00 2003 est. 94 Haiti 66.00 1995 95 Zimbabwe 66.00 1996 96 Ukraine 65.70 2008 97 Kiribati 65.30 2000 98 Greece 65.10 2005 est. 99 Italy 65.10 2005 100 Korea, North 65.00 2008 est. 101 Maldives 65.00 2006 est. 102 Togo 65.00 1998 est. 103 South Africa 65.00 2007 est. 104 West Bank 65.00 June 2008 105 Vanuatu 65.00 2000 est. 106 Micronesia, Federated States of 64.70 FY05 est. 107 Costa Rica 64.00 2006 est. 108 Jamaica 64.00 2006 109 Venezuela 64.00 1997 est. 110 Chile 63.90 2005 111 Croatia 63.60 2008 112 Hungary 63.40 2008 113 Greenland 63.20 2007 est. 114 Colombia 63.10 2009 est. 115 Dominican Republic 63.10 2005 est. 116 Bhutan 63.00 2004 est. 117 Mexico 62.90 2005 118 Trinidad and Tobago 62.90 2007 est. 119 Brunei 62.80 2008 est. 120 Slovenia 62.80 2009 121 San Marino 62.20 2008 est. 122 Grenada 62.00 1999 est. 123 Latvia 61.80 2005 est. 124 Namibia 61.30 2008 est. 125 Mongolia 61.00 2008 126 Cuba 60.60 2005 127 Gabon 60.00 2000 est. 128 New Caledonia 60.00 2002 129 Gibraltar 60.00 2001 130 Portugal 60.00 2007 est. 131 Iraq 59.80 2008 est. 132 British Virgin Islands 59.40 2005 133 Libya 59.00 2004 est. 134 Russia 58.10 2008 135 Albania 58.00 September 2006 est. 136 El Salvador 58.00 2006 est. 137 Taiwan 58.00 2008 est. 138 Marshall Islands 57.70 2000 139 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 57.00 1980 est. 140 Lithuania 56.90 2005 141 Czech Republic 56.20 2007 142 Bulgaria 56.10 2008 est. 143 Cook Islands 56.00 1995 144 Ghana 56.00 2005 est. 145 Georgia 55.60 2006 est. 146 Serbia 55.60 October 2009 147 Liechtenstein 55.40 December 2006 148 Paraguay 55.00 2008 149 Saint Lucia 53.60 2002 est. 150 Poland 53.40 2005 151 Nicaragua 53.00 2010 est. 152 India 52.00 2009 est. 153 Macedonia 51.90 September 2009 154 Vietnam 51.80 April 2009 155 Belarus 51.30 2003 est. 156 Egypt 51.00 2001 est. 157 Philippines 51.00 2009 est. 158 Malaysia 51.00 2005 est. 159 Bahamas, The 50.00 2005 est. 160 Western Sahara 50.00 2005 est. 161 Western Sahara 50.00 2005 est. 162 Mauritania 50.00 2001 est. 163 Kazakhstan 50.00 2006 est. 164 Guatemala 50.00 1999 est. 165 Tajikistan 49.80 2009 est. 166 Tunisia 49.80 2009 est. 167 Azerbaijan 49.60 2008 168 Turkmenistan 48.20 2004 est. 169 Kyrgyzstan 48.00 2005 est. 170 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha48.00 1987 est. 171 Romania 47.10 2006 172 Bosnia and Herzegovina 47.00 2008 173 Armenia 46.20 2006 est. 174 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha46.00 1987 est. 175 Turkey 45.80 2005 176 Bangladesh 45.00 2008 177 Iran 45.00 June 2007 178 Morocco 44.60 2006 est. 179 Uzbekistan 44.00 1995 180 Liechtenstein 43.50 December 2006 181 Moldova 43.30 2005 est. 182 Bolivia 43.00 2006 est. 183 Pakistan 43.00 2005 est. 184 Hong Kong 42.90 2008 est. 185 Thailand 42.40 2008 est. 186 Indonesia 42.10 2005 est. 187 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 41.00 1996 est. 188 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 41.00 1996 est. 189 Sri Lanka 41.00 December 2008 est. 190 Moldova 40.60 2005 est. 191 Czech Republic 40.20 2007 192 Bahamas, The 40.00 2005 est. 193 Bolivia 40.00 2006 est. 194 British Virgin Islands 40.00 2005 195 Mauritania 40.00 2001 est. 196 Gibraltar 40.00 2001 197 Dominica 40.00 2000 est. 198 Honduras 39.80 2005 est. 199 China 39.50 2008 est. 200 Kyrgyzstan 39.50 2005 est. 201 Indonesia 39.30 2005 est. 202 Honduras 39.20 2005 est. 203 Azerbaijan 38.30 2008 204 Armenia 38.20 2006 est. 205 Thailand 37.90 2008 est. 206 Turkmenistan 37.80 2004 est. 207 San Marino 37.70 2008 est. 208 Tajikistan 37.40 2009 est. 209 United States 37.20 2009 210 Taiwan 36.80 2008 est. 211 Pakistan 36.60 2005 est. 212 Bulgaria 36.40 2008 est. 213 Anguilla 36.00 2000 est. 214 Malaysia 36.00 2005 est. 215 Uzbekistan 36.00 1995 216 Georgia 35.50 2006 est. 217 Morocco 35.50 2006 est. 218 Guatemala 35.00 1999 est. 219 Slovenia 35.00 2009 220 Korea, North 35.00 2008 est. 221 Belarus 34.70 2003 est. 222 Micronesia, Federated States of 34.40 FY05 est. 223 American Samoa 34.00 1990 224 India 34.00 2009 est. 225 Mongolia 34.00 2008 226 Philippines 34.00 2009 est. 227 China 33.20 2008 est. 228 American Samoa 33.00 1990 229 American Samoa 33.00 1990 230 Brunei 33.00 2008 est. 231 Finland 32.70 2008 232 Vietnam 32.70 April 2009 233 Sri Lanka 32.70 December 2008 est. 234 Bosnia and Herzegovina 32.60 2008 235 Hungary 32.10 2008 236 Algeria 32.00 2003 est. 237 Dominica 32.00 2000 est. 238 Kiribati 32.00 2000 239 Egypt 32.00 2001 est. 240 Greenland 31.90 2007 est. 241 Tunisia 31.90 2009 est. 242 Russia 31.90 2008 243 Tonga 31.80 2003 est. 244 Kazakhstan 31.50 2006 est. 245 Macau 31.50 2009 est. 246 Croatia 31.30 2008 247 Bhutan 31.00 2004 est. 248 Iran 31.00 June 2007 249 Italy 30.70 2005 250 Tonga 30.60 2003 est. 251 Bangladesh 30.00 2008 252 Portugal 30.00 2007 est. 253 Vanuatu 30.00 2000 est. 254 Togo 30.00 1998 est. 255 Fiji 30.00 2001 est. 256 Montenegro 30.00 2004 est. 257 Mauritius 30.00 2007 258 Germany 29.70 2005 259 Romania 29.70 2006 260 Macedonia 29.50 September 2009 261 Turkey 29.50 2005 262 Poland 29.20 2005 263 Lithuania 29.10 2005 264 Anguilla 29.00 2000 est. 265 Somalia 29.00 1975 266 Ghana 29.00 2005 est. 267 Cook Islands 29.00 1995 268 Sweden 28.20 2008 est. 269 Dominica 28.00 2000 est. 270 Japan 28.00 2009 est. 271 Nicaragua 28.00 2010 est. 272 European Union 27.70 2007 est. 273 Austria 27.50 2005 est. 274 China 27.20 2008 est. 275 Albania 27.00 September 2006 est. 276 Slovakia 27.00 December 2009 277 Ireland 27.00 2006 est. 278 Paraguay 26.50 2008 279 Sri Lanka 26.30 December 2008 est. 280 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 26.00 1980 est. 281 South Africa 26.00 2007 est. 282 Latvia 25.80 2005 est. 283 Bangladesh 25.00 2008 284 Mauritius 25.00 2007 285 Kenya 25.00 2007 est. 286 Iran 25.00 June 2007 287 Belgium 25.00 2007 est. 288 Haiti 25.00 1995 289 Gabon 25.00 2000 est. 290 Saint Lucia 24.70 2002 est. 291 Turkey 24.70 2005 292 France 24.30 2005 293 Korea, South 24.30 2010 est. 294 Grenada 24.00 1999 est. 295 United States 24.00 2009 296 Zimbabwe 24.00 1996 297 Spain 24.00 2009 est. 298 Guinea 24.00 2006 est. 299 Serbia 23.90 October 2009 300 Switzerland 23.90 2009 301 Peru 23.80 2005 302 Singapore 23.80 2008 303 Mexico 23.40 2005 304 Romania 23.20 2006 305 Argentina 23.00 2009 est. 306 West Bank 23.00 June 2008 307 Venezuela 23.00 1997 est. 308 Seychelles 23.00 2006 309 Maldives 23.00 2006 est. 310 Libya 23.00 2004 est. 311 El Salvador 23.00 2006 est. 312 Chile 23.00 2005 313 Burma 23.00 2001 est. 314 Malta 22.80 2009 est. 315 Estonia 22.70 2008 316 Senegal 22.50 2007 est. 317 Greece 22.40 2005 est. 318 Namibia 22.40 2008 est. 319 Dominican Republic 22.30 2005 est. 320 Iceland 22.20 2008 321 Costa Rica 22.00 2006 est. 322 Liberia 22.00 2000 est. 323 Mauritius 22.00 2007 324 Saint Lucia 21.70 2002 est. 325 Iraq 21.60 2008 est. 326 Hong Kong 21.40 2008 est. 327 Marshall Islands 21.40 2000 328 Saudi Arabia 21.40 2005 est. 329 Ecuador 21.20 2005 330 Australia 21.10 2009 est. 331 Norway 21.10 2008 332 Bermuda 21.00 2004 est. 333 Honduras 20.90 2005 est. 334 Marshall Islands 20.90 2000 335 Bosnia and Herzegovina 20.50 2008 336 Faroe Islands 20.50 2008 337 Cyprus 20.50 2006 est. 338 Serbia 20.50 October 2009 339 Trinidad and Tobago 20.40 2007 est. 340 Pakistan 20.30 2005 est. 341 United States 20.30 2009 342 Denmark 20.20 2005 est. 343 Bahrain 20.00 1997 est. 344 Uzbekistan 20.00 1995 345 Tanzania 20.00 2002 est. 346 Solomon Islands 20.00 2000 est. 347 Palau 20.00 1990 348 Nigeria 20.00 1999 est. 349 New Caledonia 20.00 2002 350 New Caledonia 20.00 2002 351 Mali 20.00 2005 est. 352 Laos 20.00 2009 est. 353 Jordan 20.00 2007 est. 354 Eritrea 20.00 2004 est. 355 Brazil 20.00 2003 est. 356 Chad 20.00 2006 est. 357 Comoros 20.00 1996 est. 358 Cuba 20.00 2005 359 Morocco 19.80 2006 est. 360 Hong Kong 19.70 2008 est. 361 Thailand 19.70 2008 est. 362 Cambodia 19.50 2009 est. 363 Cuba 19.40 2005 364 Cayman Islands 19.10 2008 est. 365 Bermuda 19.00 2004 est. 366 Virgin Islands 19.00 2003 est. 367 Puerto Rico 19.00 2005 est. 368 Nicaragua 19.00 2010 est. 369 New Zealand 19.00 2006 est. 370 Jamaica 19.00 2006 371 Gambia, The 19.00 1996 372 French Polynesia 19.00 2002 373 El Salvador 19.00 2006 est. 374 Bermuda 19.00 2004 est. 375 Colombia 18.90 2009 est. 376 Iraq 18.70 2008 est. 377 Indonesia 18.60 2005 est. 378 Macedonia 18.60 September 2009 379 Andorra 18.50 2008 380 Paraguay 18.50 2008 381 Ukraine 18.50 2008 382 Kazakhstan 18.40 2006 est. 383 Tunisia 18.30 2009 est. 384 Finland 18.20 2008 385 United Kingdom 18.20 2006 est. 386 Belize 18.10 2007 est. 387 Anguilla 18.00 2000 est. 388 Colombia 18.00 2009 est. 389 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 18.00 1996 est. 390 Panama 18.00 2009 est. 391 Netherlands 18.00 2005 est. 392 Nepal 18.00 2004 est. 393 Isle of Man 18.00 2001 394 Isle of Man 18.00 2001 395 Guinea-Bissau 18.00 2000 est. 396 United States 17.70 2009 397 Poland 17.40 2005 398 Luxembourg 17.20 2007 est. 399 Bermuda 17.00 2004 est. 400 Bolivia 17.00 2006 est. 401 Cameroon 17.00 2001 est. 402 Jamaica 17.00 2006 403 Syria 17.00 2008 est. 404 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.00 1980 est. 405 Libya 17.00 2004 est. 406 Egypt 17.00 2001 est. 407 Curacao 16.90 NA 408 Kosovo 16.50 2007 est. 409 Namibia 16.30 2008 est. 410 Algeria 16.00 2003 est. 411 Israel 16.00 September 2008 412 Syria 16.00 2008 est. 413 Moldova 16.00 2005 est. 414 Wallis and Futuna 16.00 2001 est. 415 Finland 15.90 2008 416 Ukraine 15.80 2008 417 Afghanistan 15.70 FY08/09 est. 418 Armenia 15.60 2006 est. 419 Vietnam 15.40 April 2009 420 Sint Maarten 15.20 2008 421 Albania 15.00 September 2006 est. 422 Barbados 15.00 1996 est. 423 Bermuda 15.00 2004 est. 424 Cook Islands 15.00 1995 425 Gabon 15.00 2000 est. 426 Guatemala 15.00 1999 est. 427 Philippines 15.00 2009 est. 428 Uruguay 15.00 2007 est. 429 United Arab Emirates 15.00 2000 est. 430 Ghana 15.00 2005 est. 431 Angola 15.00 2003 est. 432 Algeria 14.60 2003 est. 433 Dominican Republic 14.60 2005 est. 434 Finland 14.50 2008 435 Macau 14.20 2009 est. 436 Algeria 14.00 2003 est. 437 Belarus 14.00 2003 est. 438 Turkmenistan 14.00 2004 est. 439 Suriname 14.00 2004 440 Lithuania 14.00 2005 441 Lesotho 14.00 2002 est. 442 India 14.00 2009 est. 443 Grenada 14.00 1999 est. 444 Costa Rica 14.00 2006 est. 445 Brazil 14.00 2003 est. 446 Mexico 13.70 2005 447 Macau 13.60 2009 est. 448 Algeria 13.40 2003 est. 449 Chile 13.20 2005 450 Cameroon 13.00 2001 est. 451 Canada 13.00 2006 est. 452 French Polynesia 13.00 2002 453 Venezuela 13.00 1997 est. 454 Uganda 13.00 1999 est. 455 Sudan 13.00 1998 est. 456 Mozambique 13.00 1997 est. 457 Malaysia 13.00 2005 est. 458 Tajikistan 12.80 2009 est. 459 Trinidad and Tobago 12.80 2007 est. 460 Cambodia 12.70 2009 est. 461 Macau 12.60 2009 est. 462 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 2005 est. 463 Greece 12.40 2005 est. 464 Azerbaijan 12.10 2008 465 Latvia 12.10 2005 est. 466 Gaza Strip 12.00 June 2008 467 West Bank 12.00 June 2008 468 Antigua and Barbuda 11.00 1983 469 Isle of Man 11.00 2001 470 Isle of Man 11.00 2001 471 Maldives 11.00 2006 est. 472 Belize 10.20 2007 est. 473 Faroe Islands 10.20 2008 474 Algeria 10.00 2003 est. 475 Zimbabwe 10.00 1996 476 Rwanda 10.00 2000 477 Russia 10.00 2008 478 Portugal 10.00 2007 est. 479 Norfolk Island 10.00 NA 480 Nigeria 10.00 1999 est. 481 Mauritania 10.00 2001 est. 482 Malawi 10.00 2003 est. 483 Isle of Man 10.00 2001 484 Isle of Man 10.00 2001 485 Ethiopia 10.00 2009 est. 486 Burkina Faso 10.00 2000 est. 487 Barbados 10.00 1996 est. 488 Anguilla 10.00 2000 est. 489 Macau 9.30 2009 est. 490 Haiti 9.00 1995 491 South Africa 9.00 2007 est. 492 Uruguay 9.00 2007 est. 493 Zambia 9.00 2004 494 Mauritius 9.00 2007 495 Georgia 8.90 2006 est. 496 Cyprus 8.50 2006 est. 497 Ecuador 8.30 2005 498 Isle of Man 8.00 2001 499 Liberia 8.00 2000 est. 500 Suriname 8.00 2004 501 Hong Kong 7.90 2008 est. 502 Bulgaria 7.50 2008 est. 503 Finland 7.30 2008 504 Korea, South 7.30 2010 est. 505 Antigua and Barbuda 7.00 1983 506 Bermuda 7.00 2004 est. 507 United Arab Emirates 7.00 2000 est. 508 Sudan 7.00 1998 est. 509 New Zealand 7.00 2006 est. 510 Nepal 7.00 2004 est. 511 Mauritius 7.00 2007 512 Burma 7.00 2001 est. 513 Finland 6.90 2008 514 Saudi Arabia 6.70 2005 est. 515 Macau 6.60 2009 est. 516 Hong Kong 6.10 2008 est. 517 Bhutan 6.00 2004 est. 518 Canada 6.00 2006 est. 519 Ireland 6.00 2006 est. 520 Zambia 6.00 2004 521 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6.00 1987 est. 522 Panama 6.00 2009 est. 523 Niger 6.00 1995 524 Mozambique 6.00 1997 est. 525 Mauritius 6.00 2007 526 Isle of Man 6.00 2001 527 Gambia, The 6.00 1996 528 Afghanistan 5.70 FY08/09 est. 529 European Union 5.60 2007 est. 530 Austria 5.50 2005 est. 531 Macau 5.20 2009 est. 532 Taiwan 5.10 2008 est. 533 Argentina 5.00 2009 est. 534 Bahamas, The 5.00 2005 est. 535 Bahamas, The 5.00 2005 est. 536 Vanuatu 5.00 2000 est. 537 Uganda 5.00 1999 est. 538 Togo 5.00 1998 est. 539 Solomon Islands 5.00 2000 est. 540 Mongolia 5.00 2008 541 Gaza Strip 5.00 June 2008 542 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 1996 543 Ethiopia 5.00 2009 est. 544 Croatia 5.00 2008 545 Greenland 4.90 2007 est. 546 Macau 4.90 2009 est. 547 Iceland 4.80 2008 548 Finland 4.50 2008 549 Hungary 4.50 2008 550 Brunei 4.20 2008 est. 551 Spain 4.20 2009 est. 552 Italy 4.20 2005 553 Burundi 4.10 2002 est. 554 Anguilla 4.00 2000 est. 555 Japan 4.00 2009 est. 556 Wallis and Futuna 4.00 2001 est. 557 Niger 4.00 1995 558 France 3.80 2005 559 Trinidad and Tobago 3.80 2007 est. 560 Switzerland 3.80 2009 561 Australia 3.60 2009 est. 562 Czech Republic 3.60 2007 563 Slovakia 3.50 December 2009 564 Anguilla 3.00 2000 est. 565 Bermuda 3.00 2004 est. 566 Canada 3.00 2006 est. 567 Seychelles 3.00 2006 568 Isle of Man 3.00 2001 569 Isle of Man 3.00 2001 570 Norway 2.90 2008 571 Estonia 2.80 2008 572 Jordan 2.70 2007 est. 573 Kiribati 2.70 2000 574 Denmark 2.50 2005 est. 575 Germany 2.40 2005 576 Burundi 2.30 2002 est. 577 Luxembourg 2.20 2007 est. 578 Slovenia 2.20 2009 579 Macau 2.10 2009 est. 580 Puerto Rico 2.10 2005 est. 581 Belgium 2.00 2007 est. 582 Canada 2.00 2006 est. 583 Netherlands 2.00 2005 est. 584 Montenegro 2.00 2004 est. 585 Israel 2.00 September 2008 586 Isle of Man 2.00 2001 587 Cayman Islands 1.90 2008 est. 588 Hong Kong 1.90 2008 est. 589 Liechtenstein 1.70 December 2006 590 Malta 1.60 2009 est. 591 United Kingdom 1.40 2006 est. 592 Curacao 1.20 NA 593 Sint Maarten 1.10 2008 594 Sweden 1.10 2008 est. 595 Bahrain 1.00 1997 est. 596 Virgin Islands 1.00 2003 est. 597 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.90 FY05 est. 598 Peru 0.70 2005 599 United States 0.70 2009 600 British Virgin Islands 0.60 2005 601 Andorra 0.50 2008 602 San Marino 0.10 2008 est. 603 Singapore 0.00 2008

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Rank code: 2049

Country Comparison :: Exports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

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Rank code: 2050

Country Comparison :: Exports - partners

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Chad 90.06 2009 2 Bhutan 86.30 2008 3 Mexico 80.50 2009 4 Haiti 79.76 2009 5 Mongolia 78.52 2009 6 Djibouti 76.68 2009 7 Canada 75.02 2009 8 Nepal 65.60 2009 9 Saint Kitts and Nevis 62.30 2009 10 Guinea-Bissau 62.21 2009 11 Nicaragua 61.98 2009 12 Greenland 61.13 2009 13 Honduras 59.60 2009 14 Lesotho 58.90 2008 15 Albania 58.75 2009 16 Sudan 58.29 2009 17 Somalia 58.27 2009 18 Dominican Republic 54.08 2009 19 Solomon Islands 54.07 2009 20 Cape Verde 53.98 2009 21 Vanuatu 53.15 2009 22 Niger 52.63 2009 23 Hong Kong 51.20 2009 est. 24 Mozambique 47.62 2009 25 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 46.75 2009 26 Burma 46.57 2009 27 Cambodia 45.32 2009 28 El Salvador 43.86 2009 29 Gambia, The 42.06 2009 30 Mauritania 42.06 2009 31 Korea, North 42.00 2008 32 Bolivia 41.38 2009 33 Samoa 41.12 2009 34 Guatemala 40.41 2009 35 Congo, Republic of the 40.08 2009 36 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 40.04 2009 37 Colombia 39.00 2009 38 Macau 38.70 2009 39 Trinidad and Tobago 38.53 2009 40 Jamaica 38.19 2009 41 Brunei 38.04 2009 42 Korea, North 38.00 2008 43 Libya 37.65 2009 44 Lesotho 37.00 2008 45 Faroe Islands 36.26 2009 46 Yemen 36.00 2009 47 Bahamas, The 35.99 2009 48 Angola 35.65 2009 49 Suriname 35.47 2009 50 Venezuela 35.18 2009 51 Nigeria 35.08 2009 52 Israel 35.05 2009 53 Qatar 34.68 2009 54 Rwanda 33.88 2009 55 Belarus 33.60 2009 56 Ecuador 33.50 2009 57 Sao Tome and Principe 32.99 2009 58 Costa Rica 32.61 2009 59 Central African Republic 32.57 2009 60 Czech Republic 32.25 2009 61 Guinea-Bissau 31.28 2009 62 Austria 30.96 2009 63 Iceland 30.71 2009 64 Belize 30.70 2009 65 Gabon 30.62 2009 66 Equatorial Guinea 30.31 2009 67 Syria 30.22 2009 68 Congo, Republic of the 30.18 2009 69 Papua New Guinea 30.05 2009 70 Uzbekistan 29.91 2009 71 Belize 29.77 2009 72 Tunisia 29.60 2009 73 Montenegro 29.52 2009 74 Saint Lucia 29.41 2009 75 Laos 29.18 2009 76 Madagascar 28.90 2009 77 Dominica 28.62 2009 78 Liberia 27.92 2009 79 Iraq 27.62 2009 80 Guyana 27.52 2009 81 New Caledonia 27.52 2009 82 Oman 26.98 2009 83 Sao Tome and Principe 26.93 2009 84 Taiwan 26.60 2009 85 Sierra Leone 26.56 2009 86 Afghanistan 26.47 2009 87 Portugal 26.25 2009 88 Poland 26.06 2009 89 Angola 25.98 2009 90 Kyrgyzstan 25.96 2009 91 Brunei 25.95 2009 92 Kyrgyzstan 25.88 2009 93 Cuba 25.68 2009 94 Mauritius 25.55 2009 95 Hungary 25.54 2009 96 Netherlands 25.54 2009 97 Tonga 25.42 2009 98 Eritrea 25.30 2008 99 Comoros 25.20 2009 100 Seychelles 24.84 2009 101 Samoa 24.74 2009 102 Norway 24.28 2009 103 Aruba 23.84 2009 104 Cyprus 23.83 2009 105 Moldova 23.77 2009 106 Sint Maarten 23.49 2009 107 New Zealand 23.36 2009 108 Algeria 23.20 2009 109 Afghanistan 23.09 2009 110 Montenegro 22.65 2009 111 Tonga 22.65 2009 112 Bangladesh 22.50 2009 113 Qatar 22.44 2009 114 Niger 22.43 2009 115 Turkmenistan 22.30 2009 116 Cape Verde 22.23 2009 117 Morocco 22.02 2009 118 Lebanon 22.00 2009 119 Australia 21.81 2009 120 Burundi 21.60 2009 121 Korea, South 21.50 2008 122 Vietnam 21.43 2009 123 Zambia 21.37 2009 124 Faroe Islands 21.36 2009 125 Ukraine 21.10 2009 126 Uruguay 21.05 2009 127 Sao Tome and Principe 21.04 2009 128 Panama 21.03 2009 129 Paraguay 21.00 2009 130 Tunisia 21.00 2009 131 Switzerland 20.98 2009 132 Eritrea 20.70 2008 133 Azerbaijan 20.69 2009 134 Sri Lanka 20.59 2009 135 Ireland 20.52 2009 136 Aruba 20.49 2009 137 Madagascar 20.49 2009 138 Comoros 20.44 2009 139 Somalia 20.32 2009 140 Cuba 20.31 2009 141 Macedonia 20.31 2009 142 Morocco 20.22 2009 143 Senegal 20.12 2009 144 Slovakia 20.10 2009 145 China 20.03 2009 146 Dominica 19.81 2009 147 Luxembourg 19.78 2009 148 Grenada 19.73 2009 149 Benin 19.72 2009 150 Guinea 19.68 2009 151 Belgium 19.58 2009 152 United States 19.37 2009 153 Slovenia 19.36 2009 154 Spain 19.27 2009 155 Australia 19.19 2009 156 Tajikistan 19.16 2009 157 Croatia 19.10 2009 158 Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.07 2009 159 Japan 18.88 2009 160 Argentina 18.78 2009 161 Romania 18.76 2009 162 Bahamas, The 18.64 2009 163 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.58 2009 164 Estonia 18.57 2009 165 Seychelles 18.53 2009 166 Tajikistan 18.38 2009 167 Niger 18.24 2009 168 Kuwait 17.90 2009 169 Macau 17.90 2009 170 Georgia 17.87 2009 171 Peru 17.86 2009 172 Ireland 17.78 2009 173 Belgium 17.71 2009 174 Panama 17.63 2009 175 Yemen 17.63 2009 176 Philippines 17.60 2009 177 Togo 17.57 2009 178 Denmark 17.53 2009 179 Aruba 17.48 2009 180 Barbados 17.48 2009 181 Comoros 17.44 2009 182 Afghanistan 17.36 2009 183 Kuwait 17.31 2009 184 Indonesia 17.28 2009 185 United Arab Emirates 17.27 2009 186 Algeria 17.23 2009 187 Oman 17.19 2009 188 Jordan 17.13 2009 189 Liberia 17.12 2009 190 Maldives 17.01 2009 191 Jordan 17.00 2009 192 Paraguay 17.00 2009 193 Guyana 16.93 2009 194 Bermuda 16.91 2009 195 Mauritius 16.89 2009 196 Bosnia and Herzegovina 16.87 2009 197 Burkina Faso 16.76 2009 198 Iran 16.58 2009 199 Gabon 16.56 2009 200 Armenia 16.47 2009 201 Chile 16.46 2009 202 Japan 16.42 2009 203 Kazakhstan 16.34 2009 204 Ireland 16.31 2009 205 Philippines 16.20 2009 206 Peru 15.96 2009 207 France 15.88 2009 208 Gabon 15.87 2009 209 Luxembourg 15.87 2009 210 Pakistan 15.87 2009 211 Liberia 15.83 2009 212 Kyrgyzstan 15.72 2009 213 Barbados 15.63 2009 214 Armenia 15.45 2009 215 Romania 15.42 2009 216 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15.35 2009 217 Gambia, The 15.34 2009 218 Saudi Arabia 15.33 2009 219 Saint Lucia 15.28 2009 220 Fiji 15.21 2009 221 Latvia 15.19 2009 222 Maldives 15.16 2009 223 Laos 15.04 2009 224 Laos 14.96 2009 225 Suriname 14.92 2009 226 New Caledonia 14.87 2009 227 Burundi 14.86 2009 228 Zimbabwe 14.82 2009 229 United Kingdom 14.71 2009 230 Sudan 14.70 2009 231 Mali 14.61 2009 232 Iraq 14.45 2009 233 Macau 14.40 2009 234 Taiwan 14.40 2009 235 Bangladesh 14.20 2009 236 Brunei 14.17 2009 237 Moldova 14.11 2009 238 Eritrea 14.10 2008 239 Cameroon 13.99 2009 240 Uzbekistan 13.94 2009 241 Cote d'Ivoire 13.92 2009 242 El Salvador 13.92 2009 243 Malaysia 13.90 2009 244 Bolivia 13.87 2009 245 Belarus 13.78 2009 246 Greenland 13.69 2009 247 Jordan 13.59 2009 248 Latvia 13.57 2009 249 Rwanda 13.56 2009 250 Yemen 13.54 2009 251 Maldives 13.49 2009 252 Uganda 13.47 2009 253 Ghana 13.45 2009 254 Grenada 13.41 2009 255 Norway 13.40 2009 256 Zimbabwe 13.39 2009 257 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.38 2009 258 Malta 13.30 2009 259 Zimbabwe 13.23 2009 260 El Salvador 13.22 2009 261 Lithuania 13.20 2009 262 Benin 13.18 2009 263 Guinea 13.18 2009 264 Latvia 13.17 2009 265 Maldives 13.13 2009 266 Serbia 13.12 2009 267 Curacao 13.10 2009 est. 268 Macedonia 13.09 2009 269 Burma 12.99 2009 270 Portugal 12.99 2009 271 Croatia 12.98 2009 272 Eritrea 12.90 2008 273 Slovakia 12.90 2009 274 India 12.87 2009 275 Sri Lanka 12.87 2009 276 Costa Rica 12.82 2009 277 Burkina Faso 12.78 2009 278 Moldova 12.74 2009 279 Togo 12.74 2009 280 Iceland 12.73 2009 281 Saudi Arabia 12.71 2009 282 Denmark 12.68 2009 283 Aruba 12.61 2009 284 Italy 12.60 2009 285 India 12.59 2009 286 Equatorial Guinea 12.54 2009 287 Estonia 12.52 2009 288 Afghanistan 12.51 2009 289 Malta 12.50 2009 290 Brazil 12.49 2009 291 Netherlands 12.49 2009 292 Kyrgyzstan 12.47 2009 293 Kuwait 12.43 2009 294 Maldives 12.38 2009 295 Malawi 12.37 2009 296 Pakistan 12.35 2009 297 Georgia 12.30 2009 298 Cameroon 12.25 2009 299 Vanuatu 12.22 2009 300 Faroe Islands 12.21 2009 301 Grenada 12.21 2009 302 Syria 12.21 2009 303 United States 12.21 2009 304 Tonga 12.21 2009 305 Jamaica 12.20 2009 306 Malaysia 12.20 2009 307 Saudi Arabia 12.20 2009 308 Oman 12.12 2009 309 Fiji 12.11 2009 310 Bahamas, The 12.10 2009 311 Tajikistan 12.09 2009 312 Portugal 12.04 2009 313 China 12.03 2009 314 Grenada 12.03 2009 315 Colombia 12.00 2009 316 Paraguay 12.00 2009 317 Grenada 12.00 2009 318 Iran 11.90 2009 319 Sierra Leone 11.87 2009 320 Belgium 11.84 2009 321 Cameroon 11.84 2009 322 Montenegro 11.83 2009 323 Costa Rica 11.81 2009 324 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 11.78 2009 325 Vanuatu 11.78 2009 326 Hong Kong 11.60 2009 est. 327 Singapore 11.60 2009 328 Singapore 11.60 2009 329 Taiwan 11.60 2009 330 Mozambique 11.60 2009 331 Italy 11.57 2009 332 Singapore 11.50 2009 333 Vietnam 11.44 2009 334 Malta 11.40 2009 335 Peru 11.35 2009 336 Chile 11.31 2009 337 Slovenia 11.31 2009 338 Kenya 11.31 2009 339 Indonesia 11.29 2009 340 Fiji 11.23 2009 341 Oman 11.23 2009 342 Bulgaria 11.21 2009 343 Iceland 11.21 2009 344 Guatemala 11.20 2009 345 Singapore 11.20 2009 346 Greece 11.11 2009 347 Spain 11.11 2009 348 Tajikistan 11.11 2009 349 Macedonia 11.08 2009 350 Luxembourg 11.07 2009 351 Croatia 11.06 2009 352 United Kingdom 11.06 2009 353 Greece 11.05 2009 354 Togo 11.02 2009 355 Paraguay 11.00 2009 356 Serbia 10.96 2009 357 Sint Maarten 10.91 2009 358 Korea, South 10.90 2008 359 Malaysia 10.90 2009 360 Thailand 10.90 2009 361 Ethiopia 10.87 2009 362 Norway 10.87 2009 363 Guyana 10.84 2009 364 Algeria 10.83 2009 365 Indonesia 10.81 2009 366 Curacao 10.80 2009 est. 367 Jamaica 10.79 2009 368 Cote d'Ivoire 10.75 2009 369 Curacao 10.70 2009 est. 370 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.68 2009 371 Azerbaijan 10.67 2009 372 Russia 10.62 2009 373 Macedonia 10.61 2009 374 Sweden 10.61 2009 375 Thailand 10.60 2009 376 Jordan 10.56 2009 377 Iran 10.54 2009 378 Saint Lucia 10.54 2009 379 New Caledonia 10.51 2009 380 Brazil 10.50 2009 381 Central African Republic 10.49 2009 382 United Arab Emirates 10.49 2009 383 Liberia 10.48 2009 384 Nigeria 10.43 2009 385 Saudi Arabia 10.38 2009 386 Central African Republic 10.36 2009 387 South Africa 10.34 2009 388 Finland 10.32 2009 389 Thailand 10.30 2009 390 Turkmenistan 10.27 2009 391 Bosnia and Herzegovina 10.25 2009 392 Central African Republic 10.24 2009 393 Togo 10.22 2009 394 Germany 10.20 2009 395 Sweden 10.20 2009 396 Bermuda 10.15 2009 397 Suriname 10.15 2009 398 Iraq 10.14 2009 399 Libya 10.11 2009 400 Qatar 10.03 2009 401 Lebanon 10.00 2009 402 Lithuania 10.00 2009 403 United Arab Emirates 9.96 2009 404 Serbia 9.90 2009 405 Panama 9.87 2009 406 Suriname 9.87 2009 407 Senegal 9.84 2009 408 Kenya 9.81 2009 409 Malaysia 9.80 2009 410 Philippines 9.80 2009 411 Finland 9.79 2009 412 Dominican Republic 9.78 2009 413 Ethiopia 9.75 2009 414 Saint Lucia 9.75 2009 415 Mauritania 9.71 2009 416 Singapore 9.70 2009 417 Singapore 9.70 2009 418 Albania 9.69 2009 419 Armenia 9.64 2009 420 New Zealand 9.64 2009 421 Bangladesh 9.60 2009 422 Curacao 9.60 2009 est. 423 Turkey 9.60 2009 424 Lithuania 9.60 2009 425 Georgia 9.60 2009 426 Bermuda 9.55 2009 427 Saint Lucia 9.52 2009 428 Estonia 9.51 2009 429 Mauritius 9.51 2009 430 Cambodia 9.46 2009 431 Mongolia 9.46 2009 432 Seychelles 9.45 2009 433 Uruguay 9.45 2009 434 Bulgaria 9.43 2009 435 Malta 9.40 2009 436 Estonia 9.33 2009 437 Burundi 9.32 2009 438 Nigeria 9.32 2009 439 Netherlands 9.27 2009 440 Argentina 9.26 2009 441 Azerbaijan 9.24 2009 442 Bulgaria 9.24 2009 443 Kazakhstan 9.23 2009 444 Equatorial Guinea 9.21 2009 445 Spain 9.21 2009 446 New Zealand 9.21 2009 447 Cyprus 9.20 2009 448 South Africa 9.19 2009 449 Cameroon 9.14 2009 450 Aruba 9.12 2009 451 Switzerland 9.09 2009 452 Kenya 9.07 2009 453 Kuwait 9.07 2009 454 Chile 9.06 2009 455 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9.05 2009 456 Gambia, The 9.03 2009 457 Seychelles 9.03 2009 458 Czech Republic 9.02 2009 459 Burma 9.01 2009 460 Finland 9.00 2009 461 Uganda 8.98 2009 462 Montenegro 8.96 2009 463 Burundi 8.94 2009 464 Barbados 8.93 2009 465 Zambia 8.93 2009 466 Syria 8.89 2009 467 Trinidad and Tobago 8.86 2009 468 Angola 8.83 2009 469 Sudan 8.83 2009 470 Kenya 8.83 2009 471 Tunisia 8.80 2009 472 Cyprus 8.78 2009 473 Georgia 8.78 2009 474 Belarus 8.68 2009 475 Iraq 8.62 2009 476 Switzerland 8.62 2009 477 Armenia 8.60 2009 478 Philippines 8.60 2009 479 Venezuela 8.56 2009 480 Norway 8.55 2009 481 Zambia 8.55 2009 482 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.53 2009 483 Bulgaria 8.52 2009 484 Malawi 8.52 2009 485 Tanzania 8.51 2009 486 Denmark 8.49 2009 487 Guatemala 8.48 2009 488 Pakistan 8.48 2009 489 Libya 8.44 2009 490 Brazil 8.40 2009 491 China 8.32 2009 492 Kazakhstan 8.32 2009 493 Zambia 8.32 2009 494 Mali 8.28 2009 495 Spain 8.24 2009 496 Romania 8.20 2009 497 Austria 8.17 2009 498 Congo, Republic of the 8.17 2009 499 Netherlands 8.17 2009 500 France 8.16 2009 501 Azerbaijan 8.15 2009 502 Barbados 8.13 2009 503 Latvia 8.13 2009 504 Japan 8.13 2009 505 Bhutan 8.10 2008 506 Switzerland 8.08 2009 507 Zambia 8.08 2009 508 Comoros 8.02 2009 509 Lebanon 8.00 2009 510 Nepal 8.00 2009 511 United Kingdom 8.00 2009 512 Algeria 7.97 2009 513 Luxembourg 7.96 2009 514 Egypt 7.95 2009 515 Libya 7.94 2009 516 Montenegro 7.93 2009 517 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.93 2009 518 Tajikistan 7.92 2009 519 Sierra Leone 7.91 2009 520 Kuwait 7.90 2009 521 Australia 7.88 2009 522 Ghana 7.87 2009 523 Finland 7.85 2009 524 Zimbabwe 7.82 2009 525 France 7.80 2009 526 Slovakia 7.80 2009 527 Cote d'Ivoire 7.79 2009 528 United Kingdom 7.79 2009 529 Slovenia 7.75 2009 530 Macedonia 7.74 2009 531 New Caledonia 7.74 2009 532 Nicaragua 7.74 2009 533 Faroe Islands 7.72 2009 534 Dominica 7.70 2009 535 Philippines 7.70 2009 536 Malawi 7.67 2009 537 Algeria 7.65 2009 538 Oman 7.64 2009 539 Azerbaijan 7.62 2009 540 Indonesia 7.62 2009 541 Curacao 7.60 2009 est. 542 Burkina Faso 7.59 2009 543 South Africa 7.59 2009 544 Armenia 7.57 2009 545 Mauritania 7.57 2009 546 Kuwait 7.55 2009 547 Malawi 7.55 2009 548 Tanzania 7.55 2009 549 Iran 7.54 2009 550 Uzbekistan 7.53 2009 551 Cambodia 7.52 2009 552 Uganda 7.52 2009 553 Australia 7.51 2009 554 Aruba 7.50 2009 555 Uganda 7.50 2009 556 Equatorial Guinea 7.50 2009 557 Georgia 7.49 2009 558 Luxembourg 7.49 2009 559 Armenia 7.48 2009 560 Papua New Guinea 7.48 2009 561 Croatia 7.47 2009 562 Sweden 7.45 2009 563 France 7.44 2009 564 Slovenia 7.42 2009 565 Uganda 7.42 2009 566 Bermuda 7.40 2009 567 Sierra Leone 7.40 2009 568 Malawi 7.40 2009 569 Ethiopia 7.39 2009 570 Gambia, The 7.38 2009 571 Uruguay 7.36 2009 572 Slovenia 7.35 2009 573 Sweden 7.35 2009 574 Bulgaria 7.33 2009 575 New Caledonia 7.31 2009 576 Tonga 7.31 2009 577 Zimbabwe 7.30 2009 578 Greece 7.28 2009 579 Vietnam 7.27 2009 580 Egypt 7.26 2009 581 Uzbekistan 7.26 2009 582 Brunei 7.24 2009 583 Haiti 7.24 2009 584 Guinea 7.24 2009 585 Belgium 7.21 2009 586 Portugal 7.21 2009 587 Ethiopia 7.21 2009 588 Cote d'Ivoire 7.20 2009 589 Slovakia 7.20 2009 590 Tonga 7.20 2009 591 Taiwan 7.20 2009 592 Nigeria 7.19 2009 593 Cape Verde 7.13 2009 594 Saudi Arabia 7.12 2009 595 Tanzania 7.12 2009 596 Argentina 7.11 2009 597 Lithuania 7.10 2009 598 New Zealand 7.10 2009 599 Togo 7.10 2009 600 Lithuania 7.10 2009 601 Liberia 7.09 2009 602 Cambodia 7.07 2009 603 France 7.04 2009 604 Equatorial Guinea 7.01 2009 605 South Africa 7.01 2009 606 Bangladesh 7.00 2009 607 Serbia 7.00 2009 608 Lebanon 7.00 2009 609 Cote d'Ivoire 6.99 2009 610 Seychelles 6.98 2009 611 Zambia 6.96 2009 612 Benin 6.94 2009 613 Moldova 6.92 2009 614 Togo 6.92 2009 615 Kazakhstan 6.90 2009 616 Burkina Faso 6.89 2009 617 United Kingdom 6.89 2009 618 Trinidad and Tobago 6.88 2009 619 Central African Republic 6.87 2009 620 Guinea 6.86 2009 621 Uganda 6.85 2009 622 Poland 6.84 2009 623 Uzbekistan 6.83 2009 624 Georgia 6.82 2009 625 United Arab Emirates 6.82 2009 626 Ecuador 6.80 2009 627 Syria 6.80 2009 628 Cuba 6.79 2009 629 Malawi 6.79 2009 630 Egypt 6.78 2009 631 Poland 6.78 2009 632 Peru 6.75 2009 633 Turkmenistan 6.75 2009 634 Greece 6.74 2009 635 Mali 6.74 2009 636 Albania 6.73 2009 637 Saint Kitts and Nevis 6.72 2009 638 Armenia 6.71 2009 639 Germany 6.70 2009 640 Germany 6.70 2009 641 Egypt 6.69 2009 642 Sierra Leone 6.67 2009 643 Malawi 6.64 2009 644 New Caledonia 6.64 2009 645 Azerbaijan 6.63 2009 646 Germany 6.60 2009 647 Korea, South 6.60 2008 648 United States 6.58 2009 649 Benin 6.56 2009 650 Dominica 6.52 2009 651 Ecuador 6.50 2009 652 Philippines 6.50 2009 653 Malta 6.50 2009 654 Chile 6.49 2009 655 Faroe Islands 6.49 2009 656 Mali 6.48 2009 657 Russia 6.46 2009 658 Sweden 6.44 2009 659 Bangladesh 6.40 2009 660 Congo, Republic of the 6.40 2009 661 Argentina 6.38 2009 662 Poland 6.38 2009 663 Ethiopia 6.38 2009 664 Burkina Faso 6.36 2009 665 Sweden 6.36 2009 666 Belarus 6.32 2009 667 Cambodia 6.31 2009 668 Germany 6.30 2009 669 Slovakia 6.30 2009 670 Japan 6.27 2009 671 Turkmenistan 6.25 2009 672 Bahamas, The 6.24 2009 673 Russia 6.24 2009 674 Samoa 6.24 2009 675 Liberia 6.23 2009 676 Trinidad and Tobago 6.23 2009 677 Rwanda 6.22 2009 678 Tanzania 6.21 2009 679 Philippines 6.20 2009 680 Thailand 6.20 2009 681 Solomon Islands 6.19 2009 682 Spain 6.18 2009 683 Tajikistan 6.17 2009 684 Cameroon 6.16 2009 685 Yemen 6.16 2009 686 Mauritania 6.16 2009 687 Turkmenistan 6.16 2009 688 Greenland 6.15 2009 689 Sierra Leone 6.13 2009 690 Curacao 6.10 2009 est. 691 Slovakia 6.10 2009 692 Turkey 6.10 2009 693 Comoros 6.09 2009 694 Estonia 6.09 2009 695 Moldova 6.08 2009 696 Tonga 6.06 2009 697 Denmark 6.05 2009 698 Nepal 6.04 2009 699 Solomon Islands 6.04 2009 700 Israel 6.02 2009 701 Denmark 6.01 2009 702 Germany 6.00 2009 703 Togo 5.94 2009 704 Kenya 5.93 2009 705 Libya 5.93 2009 706 Italy 5.92 2009 707 Sint Maarten 5.92 2009 708 Finland 5.90 2009 709 Malta 5.90 2009 710 Madagascar 5.89 2009 711 Guinea 5.87 2009 712 Guatemala 5.86 2009 713 Ghana 5.85 2009 714 Poland 5.85 2009 715 Ghana 5.84 2009 716 Burundi 5.82 2009 717 Czech Republic 5.80 2009 718 Tunisia 5.80 2009 719 Slovakia 5.80 2009 720 Turkey 5.80 2009 721 Turkey 5.80 2009 722 Central African Republic 5.79 2009 723 Turkmenistan 5.79 2009 724 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.78 2009 725 Burkina Faso 5.76 2009 726 Norway 5.76 2009 727 Iceland 5.75 2009 728 Benin 5.73 2009 729 Guinea 5.71 2009 730 Tanzania 5.71 2009 731 Latvia 5.70 2009 732 Italy 5.69 2009 733 Uzbekistan 5.69 2009 734 Russia 5.69 2009 735 Albania 5.68 2009 736 Mauritius 5.68 2009 737 Hungary 5.67 2009 738 Uganda 5.67 2009 739 Ireland 5.66 2009 740 Uganda 5.66 2009 741 Burma 5.65 2009 742 France 5.65 2009 743 El Salvador 5.65 2009 744 Benin 5.63 2009 745 Equatorial Guinea 5.63 2009 746 Kenya 5.63 2009 747 Mauritania 5.63 2009 748 Bolivia 5.62 2009 749 Czech Republic 5.62 2009 750 Bulgaria 5.61 2009 751 Samoa 5.61 2009 752 Iraq 5.61 2009 753 Honduras 5.61 2009 754 Guinea 5.60 2009 755 Thailand 5.60 2009 756 India 5.59 2009 757 Senegal 5.58 2009 758 Cote d'Ivoire 5.56 2009 759 Ireland 5.56 2009 760 Guyana 5.54 2009 761 Portugal 5.54 2009 762 South Africa 5.54 2009 763 Egypt 5.53 2009 764 Indonesia 5.53 2009 765 Kazakhstan 5.52 2009 766 Cameroon 5.51 2009 767 Sri Lanka 5.51 2009 768 Eritrea 5.50 2008 769 Japan 5.49 2009 770 Rwanda 5.49 2009 771 Yemen 5.49 2009 772 Kuwait 5.48 2009 773 Mauritius 5.47 2009 774 Rwanda 5.47 2009 775 Faroe Islands 5.46 2009 776 Croatia 5.44 2009 777 Rwanda 5.43 2009 778 Peru 5.42 2009 779 Croatia 5.41 2009 780 Hungary 5.41 2009 781 Dominica 5.40 2009 782 Malaysia 5.40 2009 783 Serbia 5.40 2009 784 Eritrea 5.40 2008 785 Brazil 5.39 2009 786 Fiji 5.39 2009 787 Zimbabwe 5.39 2009 788 Equatorial Guinea 5.38 2009 789 Serbia 5.38 2009 790 Switzerland 5.38 2009 791 Moldova 5.38 2009 792 Belgium 5.37 2009 793 Hungary 5.37 2009 794 Barbados 5.36 2009 795 Ethiopia 5.33 2009 796 Bolivia 5.32 2009 797 Egypt 5.30 2009 798 Ukraine 5.30 2009 799 Sri Lanka 5.29 2009 800 Honduras 5.28 2009 801 Hungary 5.28 2009 802 Georgia 5.27 2009 803 Libya 5.27 2009 804 Serbia 5.26 2009 805 Kazakhstan 5.25 2009 806 Finland 5.24 2009 807 Liberia 5.24 2009 808 Greenland 5.21 2009 809 Malaysia 5.20 2009 810 Algeria 5.19 2009 811 Rwanda 5.19 2009 812 Uganda 5.18 2009 813 Tanzania 5.17 2009 814 Turkmenistan 5.17 2009 815 Uruguay 5.16 2009 816 Azerbaijan 5.13 2009 817 New Caledonia 5.13 2009 818 Burkina Faso 5.13 2009 819 Italy 5.13 2009 820 Kazakhstan 5.12 2009 821 United Arab Emirates 5.11 2009 822 Netherlands 5.07 2009 823 Sweden 5.05 2009 824 Barbados 5.04 2009 825 Syria 5.04 2009 826 Senegal 5.02 2009 827 Comoros 5.00 2009 828 Korea, North 5.00 2008 829 Guyana 5.00 2009 830 Thailand 5.00 2009 831 Tunisia 5.00 2009 832 Turkey 5.00 2009 833 Zambia 5.00 2009 834 Nepal 5.00 2009 835 Austria 4.99 2009 836 Georgia 4.99 2009 837 Yemen 4.99 2009 838 Romania 4.99 2009 839 Hungary 4.97 2009 840 Thailand 4.97 2009 841 Australia 4.95 2009 842 Greece 4.95 2009 843 Israel 4.95 2009 844 Czech Republic 4.93 2009 845 Mauritius 4.93 2009 846 Zimbabwe 4.93 2009 847 Seychelles 4.92 2009 848 Suriname 4.92 2009 849 Armenia 4.91 2009 850 Morocco 4.91 2009 851 Belize 4.90 2009 852 Ecuador 4.90 2009 853 Djibouti 4.89 2009 854 Jamaica 4.89 2009 855 Uruguay 4.88 2009 856 Solomon Islands 4.87 2009 857 Qatar 4.86 2009 858 Sudan 4.86 2009 859 Denmark 4.84 2009 860 United States 4.84 2009 861 Iceland 4.82 2009 862 Norway 4.82 2009 863 Chad 4.81 2009 864 Malta 4.80 2009 865 Slovakia 4.80 2009 866 Tunisia 4.80 2009 867 Belgium 4.77 2009 868 Estonia 4.76 2009 869 Fiji 4.74 2009 870 South Africa 4.72 2009 871 Czech Republic 4.71 2009 872 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.71 2009 873 Bolivia 4.70 2009 874 Suriname 4.70 2009 875 Pakistan 4.70 2009 876 Lithuania 4.70 2009 877 Italy 4.69 2009 878 Jamaica 4.69 2009 879 Mali 4.67 2009 880 Sweden 4.67 2009 881 Cameroon 4.66 2009 882 Nigeria 4.65 2009 883 United Kingdom 4.65 2009 884 Chile 4.64 2009 885 Korea, South 4.60 2008 886 Mali 4.60 2009 887 Singapore 4.60 2009 888 Ecuador 4.58 2009 889 Denmark 4.57 2009 890 China 4.55 2009 891 Gambia, The 4.55 2009 892 Syria 4.55 2009 893 Saudi Arabia 4.54 2009 894 Sri Lanka 4.54 2009 895 Cuba 4.53 2009 896 Burkina Faso 4.52 2009 897 Hungary 4.52 2009 898 Curacao 4.50 2009 est. 899 Germany 4.50 2009 900 Tonga 4.48 2009 901 Suriname 4.47 2009 902 Belize 4.45 2009 903 Mali 4.45 2009 904 Bulgaria 4.44 2009 905 Fiji 4.44 2009 906 Pakistan 4.44 2009 907 Sri Lanka 4.43 2009 908 Vietnam 4.43 2009 909 Togo 4.41 2009 910 Germany 4.40 2009 911 Greece 4.40 2009 912 Hong Kong 4.40 2009 est. 913 Egypt 4.39 2009 914 Serbia 4.39 2009 915 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.38 2009 916 Czech Republic 4.38 2009 917 Australia 4.37 2009 918 Iran 4.36 2009 919 Madagascar 4.36 2009 920 Serbia 4.36 2009 921 Ethiopia 4.35 2009 922 Indonesia 4.35 2009 923 Kazakhstan 4.34 2009 924 Cameroon 4.33 2009 925 Guyana 4.33 2009 926 Romania 4.33 2009 927 United States 4.33 2009 928 Uganda 4.33 2009 929 Mauritania 4.32 2009 930 Tajikistan 4.32 2009 931 Luxembourg 4.31 2009 932 Sao Tome and Principe 4.31 2009 933 Lithuania 4.30 2009 934 Russia 4.30 2009 935 Laos 4.29 2009 936 Gabon 4.28 2009 937 Panama 4.28 2009 938 China 4.27 2009 939 Vietnam 4.27 2009 940 Panama 4.27 2009 941 Egypt 4.27 2009 942 Estonia 4.26 2009 943 Peru 4.25 2009 944 Saudi Arabia 4.25 2009 945 Greece 4.23 2009 946 Senegal 4.23 2009 947 Iraq 4.23 2009 948 Algeria 4.22 2009 949 Djibouti 4.22 2009 950 New Zealand 4.21 2009 951 Bahrain 4.20 2009 952 Congo, Republic of the 4.20 2009 953 Taiwan 4.20 2009 954 New Caledonia 4.20 2009 955 Dominica 4.20 2009 956 Curacao 4.20 2009 est. 957 Costa Rica 4.20 2009 958 Belarus 4.19 2009 959 Ireland 4.19 2009 960 Uzbekistan 4.19 2009 961 Honduras 4.19 2009 962 Jordan 4.18 2009 963 Belarus 4.17 2009 964 Benin 4.17 2009 965 Bolivia 4.16 2009 966 Cambodia 4.15 2009 967 Poland 4.14 2009 968 Angola 4.13 2009 969 Uruguay 4.13 2009 970 Iraq 4.13 2009 971 Barbados 4.12 2009 972 Guyana 4.12 2009 973 Ecuador 4.11 2009 974 Indonesia 4.11 2009 975 Mauritius 4.11 2009 976 Australia 4.10 2009 977 Malawi 4.10 2009 978 United States 4.10 2009 979 Finland 4.10 2009 980 Chile 4.09 2009 981 Jordan 4.09 2009 982 Equatorial Guinea 4.09 2009 983 Indonesia 4.07 2009 984 Samoa 4.07 2009 985 Brazil 4.05 2009 986 Sierra Leone 4.05 2009 987 Honduras 4.04 2009 988 Russia 4.01 2009 989 Cameroon 4.00 2009 990 United Kingdom 4.00 2009 991 Paraguay 4.00 2009 992 Morocco 4.00 2009 993 Macau 4.00 2009 994 Ethiopia 4.00 2009 995 Colombia 4.00 2009 996 Austria 3.99 2009 997 Iraq 3.99 2009 998 France 3.99 2009 999 Gambia, The 3.97 2009 1000 Netherlands 3.97 2009 1001 Ghana 3.97 2009 1002 Uruguay 3.96 2009 1003 Ukraine 3.80 2009 1004 Somalia 3.78 2009 1005 Nicaragua 3.67 2009 1006 Mexico 3.60 2009 1007 Canada 3.37 2009 1008 Canada 3.09 2009 1009 Mongolia 3.02 2009 1010 Haiti 2.96 2009 1011 Bahrain 2.78 2009 1012 Chad 1.60 2009 1013 Bhutan 1.50 2008 1014 Guinea-Bissau 1.48 2009 1015 Mexico 1.40 2009 1016 Lesotho 1.20 2008

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Rank code: 2051

Country Comparison :: Administrative divisions

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

Rank country Administrative divisions Date of Information

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Rank code: 2052

Country Comparison :: Agriculture - products

This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important.

Rank country Agriculture - products Date of Information

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Rank code: 2053

Country Comparison :: Airports

This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Rank country Airports Date of Information

1 United States 15,079 2010 2 Brazil 4,072 2010 3 Mexico 1,819 2010 4 Canada 1,404 2010 5 Russia 1,213 2010 6 Argentina 1,141 2010 7 Colombia 990 2010 8 Bolivia 881 2010 9 Paraguay 800 2010 10 Indonesia 684 2010 11 South Africa 578 2010 12 Papua New Guinea 562 2010 13 Germany 549 2010 14 United Kingdom 505 2010 15 China 502 2010 16 France 474 2010 17 Australia 465 2010 18 Ecuador 428 2010 19 Ukraine 425 2010 20 Venezuela 409 2010 21 Guatemala 372 2010 22 Chile 366 2010 23 India 352 2010 24 Iran 319 2010 25 Philippines 254 2010 26 Sweden 249 2010 27 Saudi Arabia 217 2010 28 Zimbabwe 216 2010 29 Peru 211 2010 30 Bulgaria 210 2010 31 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 198 2010 32 Angola 193 2010 33 Kenya 191 2010 34 Japan 176 2010 35 Spain 154 2010 36 Costa Rica 151 2010 37 Finland 148 2010 38 Pakistan 148 2010 39 Algeria 143 2010 40 Nicaragua 143 2010 41 Sudan 140 2010 42 Libya 137 2010 43 Cuba 136 2010 44 Italy 132 2010 45 Oman 130 2010 46 Namibia 129 2010 47 Poland 129 2010 48 Tanzania 124 2010 49 Czech Republic 122 2010 50 New Zealand 122 2010 51 Malaysia 118 2010 52 Panama 118 2010 53 Korea, South 116 2010 54 Mozambique 106 2010 55 Thailand 105 2010 56 Honduras 104 2010 57 Syria 104 2010 58 Iraq 104 2010 59 Iceland 99 2010 60 Turkey 99 2010 61 Norway 98 2010 62 Kazakhstan 97 2010 63 Guyana 96 2010 64 Zambia 94 2010 65 Denmark 92 2010 66 Egypt 86 2010 67 Madagascar 84 2010 68 Greece 81 2010 69 Lithuania 81 2010 70 Korea, North 79 2010 71 Botswana 78 2010 72 Burma 76 2010 73 Croatia 69 2010 74 Belarus 67 2010 75 El Salvador 65 2010 76 Switzerland 65 2010 77 Portugal 65 2010 78 Bahamas, The 62 2010 79 Ethiopia 61 2010 80 Somalia 59 2010 81 Morocco 58 2010 82 Uruguay 58 2010 83 Chad 56 2010 84 Austria 55 2010 85 Yemen 55 2010 86 Nigeria 54 2010 87 Uzbekistan 54 2010 88 Romania 54 2010 89 Afghanistan 53 2010 90 French Polynesia 53 2010 91 Suriname 51 2010 92 Israel 48 2010 93 Nepal 47 2010 94 Mongolia 46 2010 95 Uganda 46 2010 96 Belize 45 2010 97 Gabon 44 2010 98 Vietnam 44 2010 99 Belgium 43 2010 100 Hungary 43 2010 101 Latvia 42 2010 102 Laos 41 2010 103 United Arab Emirates 41 2010 104 Taiwan 41 2010 105 Ireland 39 2010 106 Central African Republic 37 2010 107 Slovakia 36 2010 108 Solomon Islands 36 2010 109 Azerbaijan 35 2010 110 Dominican Republic 35 2010 111 Cameroon 34 2010 112 Malawi 32 2010 113 Tunisia 32 2010 114 Vanuatu 31 2010 115 Liberia 29 2010 116 Serbia 29 2010 117 Puerto Rico 29 2010 118 Fiji 28 2010 119 Kyrgyzstan 28 2010 120 Mauritania 28 2010 121 Cote d'Ivoire 27 2010 122 Turkmenistan 27 2010 123 Niger 27 2010 124 Jamaica 27 2010 125 Netherlands 27 2010 126 Antarctica 26 2010 127 Tajikistan 26 2010 128 Lesotho 26 2010 129 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 2010 130 Congo, Republic of the 25 2010 131 New Caledonia 25 2010 132 Burkina Faso 24 2010 133 Georgia 22 2010 134 Mali 20 2010 135 Senegal 20 2010 136 Estonia 19 2010 137 Kiribati 19 2010 138 Jordan 18 2010 139 Sri Lanka 18 2010 140 Bangladesh 17 2010 141 Cambodia 17 2010 142 Guinea 16 2010 143 Slovenia 16 2010 144 Cyprus 15 2010 145 Greenland 15 2010 146 Swaziland 15 2010 147 Marshall Islands 15 2010 148 Haiti 14 2010 149 Macedonia 14 2010 150 Seychelles 14 2010 151 Djibouti 13 2010 152 Eritrea 13 2010 153 Armenia 11 2010 154 Moldova 11 2010 155 Ghana 11 2010 156 Cape Verde 10 2010 157 Cook Islands 10 2010 158 Guinea-Bissau 9 2010 159 Sierra Leone 9 2010 160 Rwanda 9 2010 161 Burundi 8 2010 162 Togo 8 2010 163 Turks and Caicos Islands 8 2010 164 Singapore 8 2010 165 Kosovo 8 2010 166 Equatorial Guinea 7 2010 167 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 7 2010 168 Kuwait 7 2010 169 Lebanon 7 2010 170 Micronesia, Federated States of 6 2010 171 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6 2010 172 Timor-Leste 6 2010 173 Qatar 6 2010 174 Tonga 6 2010 175 Western Sahara 6 2010 176 Trinidad and Tobago 6 2010 177 Albania 5 2010 178 Maldives 5 2010 179 Mauritius 5 2010 180 Benin 5 2010 181 Northern Mariana Islands 5 2010 182 Montenegro 5 2010 183 Bahrain 4 2010 184 British Virgin Islands 4 2010 185 Spratly Islands 4 2010 186 Svalbard 4 2010 187 Samoa 4 2010 188 French Southern and Antarctic Lands4 2010 189 Comoros 4 2010 190 American Samoa 3 2010 191 Palau 3 2010 192 Grenada 3 2010 193 Cayman Islands 3 2010 194 Antigua and Barbuda 3 2010 195 Anguilla 3 2010 196 Bhutan 2 2010 197 Luxembourg 2 2010 198 Saint Lucia 2 2010 199 West Bank 2 2010 200 Wallis and Futuna 2 2010 201 Virgin Islands 2 2010 202 Sao Tome and Principe 2 2010 203 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2 2010 204 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2 2010 205 Montserrat 2 2010 206 Hong Kong 2 2010 207 Brunei 2 2010 208 Dominica 2 2010 209 Guernsey 2 2010 210 Aruba 1 2010 211 Gambia, The 1 2010 212 Wake Island 1 2010 213 Tuvalu 1 2010 214 Sint Maarten 1 NA 215 Nauru 1 2010 216 Mayotte 1 2010 217 Malta 1 2010 218 Macau 1 2010 219 Jersey 1 2010 220 Jan Mayen 1 2010 221 Isle of Man 1 2010 222 Gibraltar 1 2010 223 Gaza Strip 1 2010 224 Saint Martin 1 2010 225 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1 2010 226 Saint Barthelemy 1 2010 227 Paracel Islands 1 2010 228 Norfolk Island 1 2010 229 Niue 1 2010 230 Faroe Islands 1 2010 231 Curacao 1 NA 232 British Indian Ocean Territory 1 2010 233 Barbados 1 2010 234 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1 2010 235 Christmas Island 1 2010 236 Bermuda 1 2010

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Rank code: 2054

Country Comparison :: Birth rate

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

Rank country (births/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Niger 51.08 2010 est. 2 Uganda 47.55 2010 est. 3 Mali 46.09 2010 est. 4 Zambia 44.63 2010 est. 5 Burkina Faso 43.98 2010 est. 6 Ethiopia 43.34 2010 est. 7 Angola 43.33 2010 est. 8 Somalia 43.33 2010 est. 9 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 42.26 2010 est. 10 Burundi 41.43 2010 est. 11 Malawi 41.28 2010 est. 12 Congo, Republic of the 41.01 2010 est. 13 Chad 40.12 2010 est. 14 Sao Tome and Principe 39.09 2010 est. 15 Sierra Leone 38.79 2010 est. 16 Mayotte 38.76 2010 est. 17 Benin 38.67 2010 est. 18 Liberia 38.14 2010 est. 19 Afghanistan 38.11 2010 est. 20 Madagascar 37.89 2010 est. 21 Mozambique 37.80 2010 est. 22 Gambia, The 37.31 2010 est. 23 Senegal 37.27 2010 est. 24 Rwanda 37.26 2010 est. 25 Guinea 37.21 2010 est. 26 Central African Republic 36.79 2010 est. 27 Sudan 36.58 2010 est. 28 Gaza Strip 36.26 2010 est. 29 Nigeria 36.07 2010 est. 30 Equatorial Guinea 36.00 2010 est. 31 Togo 35.88 2010 est. 32 Guinea-Bissau 35.56 2010 est. 33 Gabon 35.39 2010 est. 34 Kenya 35.14 2010 est. 35 Comoros 34.71 2010 est. 36 Yemen 34.37 2010 est. 37 Mauritania 33.67 2010 est. 38 Cameroon 33.58 2010 est. 39 Eritrea 33.48 2010 est. 40 Tanzania 33.44 2010 est. 41 Western Sahara 32.56 2010 est. 42 Zimbabwe 31.57 2010 est. 43 Cote d'Ivoire 31.48 2010 est. 44 Marshall Islands 29.94 2010 est. 45 Iraq 29.41 2010 est. 46 Solomon Islands 28.60 2010 est. 47 Nauru 28.16 2010 est. 48 Ghana 28.09 2010 est. 49 Guatemala 27.40 2010 est. 50 Lesotho 27.17 2010 est. 51 Swaziland 27.12 2010 est. 52 Jordan 27.06 2010 est. 53 Papua New Guinea 26.95 2010 est. 54 Belize 26.84 2010 est. 55 Laos 26.57 2010 est. 56 Tajikistan 26.49 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 25.93 2010 est. 58 Philippines 25.68 2010 est. 59 Honduras 25.61 2010 est. 60 Cambodia 25.58 2010 est. 61 Djibouti 25.58 2010 est. 62 Pakistan 25.30 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 25.16 2010 est. 64 Egypt 25.02 2010 est. 65 West Bank 24.91 2010 est. 66 Libya 24.58 2010 est. 67 Syria 24.44 2010 est. 68 Haiti 24.40 2011 est. 69 Oman 23.90 2010 est. 70 Kyrgyzstan 23.58 2010 est. 71 Bangladesh 23.43 2010 est. 72 Kiribati 23.06 2010 est. 73 American Samoa 23.05 2010 est. 74 Tuvalu 23.01 2010 est. 75 Samoa 22.92 2010 est. 76 Nicaragua 22.77 2010 est. 77 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.57 2010 est. 78 Botswana 22.54 2010 est. 79 Nepal 22.43 2010 est. 80 Namibia 21.82 2010 est. 81 Cape Verde 21.67 2010 est. 82 Kuwait 21.64 2010 est. 83 Fiji 21.52 2010 est. 84 Malaysia 21.41 2010 est. 85 India 21.34 2010 est. 86 Vanuatu 21.08 2010 est. 87 Northern Mariana Islands 21.05 2010 est. 88 Mongolia 21.03 2010 est. 89 Turks and Caicos Islands 20.44 2010 est. 90 Ecuador 20.32 2010 est. 91 Venezuela 20.29 2010 est. 92 Dominican Republic 19.90 2010 est. 93 World 19.86 2009 est. 94 Panama 19.71 2010 est. 95 Bhutan 19.62 2010 est. 96 Turkmenistan 19.62 2010 est. 97 South Africa 19.61 2010 est. 98 Israel 19.51 2010 est. 99 Burma 19.49 2010 est. 100 Jamaica 19.47 2010 est. 101 Saudi Arabia 19.43 2010 est. 102 Morocco 19.40 2010 est. 103 Mexico 19.39 2010 est. 104 Peru 19.00 2010 est. 105 Iran 18.52 2010 est. 106 Indonesia 18.45 2010 est. 107 Turkey 18.28 2010 est. 108 Brazil 18.11 2010 est. 109 El Salvador 18.06 2010 est. 110 Brunei 18.00 2010 est. 111 Tonga 17.78 2010 est. 112 Colombia 17.76 2010 est. 113 Argentina 17.75 2010 est. 114 Azerbaijan 17.75 2010 est. 115 Paraguay 17.73 2010 est. 116 Guyana 17.61 2010 est. 117 Uzbekistan 17.51 2010 est. 118 Vietnam 17.29 2010 est. 119 Grenada 17.20 2010 est. 120 Bahrain 16.81 2010 est. 121 Algeria 16.71 2010 est. 122 Kazakhstan 16.66 2010 est. 123 Costa Rica 16.65 2010 est. 124 Suriname 16.61 2010 est. 125 New Caledonia 16.52 2010 est. 126 Antigua and Barbuda 16.43 2010 est. 127 Ireland 16.37 2010 est. 128 Bahamas, The 16.25 2010 est. 129 United Arab Emirates 15.98 2010 est. 130 Sri Lanka 15.88 2010 est. 131 Dominica 15.68 2010 est. 132 Cook Islands 15.67 2010 est. 133 French Polynesia 15.67 2010 est. 134 Qatar 15.54 2010 est. 135 Seychelles 15.53 2010 est. 136 Tunisia 15.31 2010 est. 137 Lebanon 15.10 2010 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.89 2010 est. 139 Saint Lucia 14.81 2010 est. 140 Greenland 14.68 2010 est. 141 Korea, North 14.58 2010 est. 142 British Virgin Islands 14.52 2010 est. 143 Maldives 14.50 2010 est. 144 Chile 14.46 2010 est. 145 Trinidad and Tobago 14.37 2010 est. 146 Saint Kitts and Nevis 14.23 2010 est. 147 Gibraltar 14.20 2010 est. 148 Mauritius 14.17 2010 est. 149 Wallis and Futuna 14.08 NA 150 United States 13.83 2010 est. 151 New Zealand 13.81 2010 est. 152 Uruguay 13.67 2010 est. 153 Iceland 13.36 2010 est. 154 Thailand 13.01 2010 est. 155 Anguilla 13.00 2010 est. 156 Faroe Islands 12.90 2010 est. 157 Aruba 12.77 2010 est. 158 Armenia 12.74 2010 est. 159 Barbados 12.43 2010 est. 160 France 12.43 2010 est. 161 Australia 12.39 2010 est. 162 United Kingdom 12.34 2010 est. 163 Cayman Islands 12.29 2010 est. 164 China 12.17 2010 est. 165 Macedonia 11.92 2010 est. 166 Albania 11.88 2010 est. 167 Montserrat 11.72 2010 est. 168 Luxembourg 11.70 2010 est. 169 Isle of Man 11.54 2010 est. 170 Virgin Islands 11.51 2010 est. 171 Bermuda 11.47 2010 est. 172 Puerto Rico 11.42 2010 est. 173 Cyprus 11.38 2010 est. 174 Moldova 11.16 2010 est. 175 Russia 11.11 2010 est. 176 Montenegro 11.09 2010 est. 177 Cuba 11.02 2010 est. 178 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha10.95 2010 est. 179 Spain 10.91 2010 est. 180 Norway 10.90 2010 est. 181 Jersey 10.73 2010 est. 182 Georgia 10.70 2010 est. 183 Palau 10.68 2010 est. 184 Slovakia 10.55 2010 est. 185 Estonia 10.42 2010 est. 186 Denmark 10.40 2010 est. 187 Malta 10.38 2010 est. 188 Finland 10.37 2010 est. 189 Netherlands 10.30 2010 est. 190 Canada 10.28 2010 est. 191 Guernsey 10.25 2010 est. 192 Sweden 10.14 2010 est. 193 Portugal 10.12 2010 est. 194 Belgium 10.10 2010 est. 195 Poland 10.04 2010 est. 196 Andorra 10.03 2010 est. 197 Latvia 9.90 2010 est. 198 Belarus 9.76 2010 est. 199 Hungary 9.70 2010 est. 200 Liechtenstein 9.69 2010 est. 201 Croatia 9.63 2010 est. 202 Ukraine 9.62 2010 est. 203 Romania 9.58 2010 est. 204 Switzerland 9.56 2010 est. 205 Bulgaria 9.43 2010 est. 206 Greece 9.34 2010 est. 207 Lithuania 9.21 2010 est. 208 Serbia 9.20 2010 est. 209 San Marino 9.18 2010 est. 210 Macau 8.98 2010 est. 211 Taiwan 8.97 2010 est. 212 Slovenia 8.92 2010 est. 213 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.87 2010 est. 214 Czech Republic 8.76 2010 est. 215 Korea, South 8.72 2010 est. 216 Austria 8.65 2010 est. 217 Singapore 8.65 2010 est. 218 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.58 2010 est. 219 Germany 8.21 2010 est. 220 Italy 8.01 2010 est. 221 Hong Kong 7.45 2010 est. 222 Japan 7.41 2010 est. 223 Monaco 7.03 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2055

Country Comparison :: Military branches

This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).

Rank country Military branches Date of Information

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Rank code: 2056

Country Comparison :: Budget

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

Rank country Budget Date of Information

1 United States $ 3,397,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 Japan $ 2,252,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 United States $ 2,092,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 1,839,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 1,516,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 1,441,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 Germany $ 1,396,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 China $ 1,270,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 France $ 1,241,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 United Kingdom $ 1,154,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 China $ 1,149,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 1,042,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Italy $ 940,300,000,000 2010 est. 14 United Kingdom $ 926,700,000,000 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 677,700,000,000 2010 est. 16 Spain $ 648,600,000,000 2010 est. 17 Canada $ 605,700,000,000 2010 est. 18 Brazil $ 552,600,000,000 2010 est. 19 Spain $ 515,800,000,000 2010 est. 20 Brazil $ 464,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 426,500,000,000 2010 est. 22 Netherlands $ 399,300,000,000 2010 est. 23 Australia $ 396,100,000,000 2010 est. 24 Netherlands $ 356,000,000,000 2010 est. 25 Russia $ 341,100,000,000 2010 est. 26 Korea, South $ 267,300,000,000 2010 est. 27 Mexico $ 267,000,000,000 2010 est. 28 Russia $ 262,000,000,000 2010 est. 29 India $ 257,400,000,000 2010 est. 30 Korea, South $ 248,300,000,000 2010 est. 31 Belgium $ 242,600,000,000 2010 est. 32 Mexico $ 237,000,000,000 2010 est. 33 Sweden $ 236,600,000,000 2010 est. 34 Sweden $ 230,100,000,000 2010 est. 35 Norway $ 226,800,000,000 2010 est. 36 Belgium $ 220,600,000,000 2010 est. 37 Switzerland $ 194,200,000,000 2010 est. 38 Switzerland $ 192,100,000,000 2010 est. 39 Turkey $ 189,600,000,000 2010 est. 40 Norway $ 187,000,000,000 2010 est. 41 Saudi Arabia $ 185,100,000,000 2010 est. 42 Denmark $ 175,900,000,000 2010 est. 43 Austria $ 175,700,000,000 2010 est. 44 Saudi Arabia $ 173,100,000,000 2010 est. 45 India $ 170,700,000,000 2010 est. 46 Denmark $ 160,300,000,000 2010 est. 47 Turkey $ 159,400,000,000 2010 est. 48 Austria $ 156,700,000,000 2010 est. 49 Ireland $ 151,700,000,000 2010 est. 50 Greece $ 142,900,000,000 2010 est. 51 Indonesia $ 127,400,000,000 2010 est. 52 South Africa $ 126,200,000,000 2010 est. 53 Poland $ 125,900,000,000 2010 est. 54 Finland $ 125,200,000,000 2010 est. 55 Finland $ 117,500,000,000 2010 est. 56 Indonesia $ 117,200,000,000 2010 est. 57 Greece $ 114,500,000,000 2010 est. 58 Portugal $ 110,200,000,000 2010 est. 59 Iran $ 105,700,000,000 2010 est. 60 South Africa $ 103,100,000,000 2010 est. 61 Iran $ 98,830,000,000 2010 est. 62 Portugal $ 93,610,000,000 2010 est. 63 Argentina $ 91,290,000,000 2010 est. 64 Poland $ 91,230,000,000 2010 est. 65 Czech Republic $ 87,870,000,000 2010 est. 66 Argentina $ 86,670,000,000 2010 est. 67 Algeria $ 85,570,000,000 2010 est. 68 Colombia $ 83,900,000,000 2010 est. 69 Taiwan $ 79,650,000,000 2010 est. 70 Czech Republic $ 77,900,000,000 2010 est. 71 Ireland $ 74,220,000,000 2010 est. 72 Colombia $ 74,200,000,000 2010 est. 73 Iraq $ 72,400,000,000 2010 est. 74 Taiwan $ 72,240,000,000 2010 est. 75 Israel $ 68,680,000,000 2010 est. 76 Algeria $ 66,480,000,000 2010 est. 77 United Arab Emirates $ 65,020,000,000 2010 est. 78 Kuwait $ 64,810,000,000 2010 est. 79 Egypt $ 64,190,000,000 2010 est. 80 Malaysia $ 62,910,000,000 2010 est. 81 New Zealand $ 62,180,000,000 2010 est. 82 Romania $ 62,000,000,000 2010 est. 83 Israel $ 60,590,000,000 2010 est. 84 United Arab Emirates $ 60,020,000,000 2010 est. 85 Hungary $ 59,170,000,000 2010 est. 86 Thailand $ 56,870,000,000 2010 est. 87 Venezuela $ 56,530,000,000 2010 est. 88 Thailand $ 56,330,000,000 2010 est. 89 New Zealand $ 56,240,000,000 2010 est. 90 Hungary $ 54,160,000,000 2010 est. 91 Iraq $ 52,800,000,000 2010 est. 92 Romania $ 50,890,000,000 2010 est. 93 Venezuela $ 50,120,000,000 2010 est. 94 Ukraine $ 49,790,000,000 2010 est. 95 Malaysia $ 49,690,000,000 2010 est. 96 Cuba $ 48,890,000,000 2010 est. 97 Peru $ 47,040,000,000 2010 est. 98 Egypt $ 46,820,000,000 2010 est. 99 Hong Kong $ 46,670,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cuba $ 46,510,000,000 2010 est. 101 Chile $ 45,070,000,000 2010 est. 102 Peru $ 44,910,000,000 2010 est. 103 Qatar $ 44,620,000,000 2010 est. 104 Libya $ 42,310,000,000 2010 est. 105 Ukraine $ 41,180,000,000 2010 est. 106 Chile $ 40,970,000,000 2010 est. 107 Angola $ 40,410,000,000 2010 est. 108 Hong Kong $ 40,140,000,000 2010 est. 109 Libya $ 38,920,000,000 2010 est. 110 Kuwait $ 38,120,000,000 2010 est. 111 Angola $ 37,380,000,000 2010 est. 112 Pakistan $ 36,240,000,000 2010 est. 113 Philippines $ 36,190,000,000 2010 est. 114 Slovakia $ 35,010,000,000 2010 est. 115 Kazakhstan $ 34,460,000,000 2010 est. 116 Vietnam $ 33,390,000,000 2010 est. 117 Singapore $ 32,780,000,000 2010 est. 118 Singapore $ 31,240,000,000 2010 est. 119 Kazakhstan $ 30,570,000,000 2010 est. 120 Qatar $ 29,690,000,000 2010 est. 121 Nigeria $ 29,550,000,000 2010 est. 122 Philippines $ 28,500,000,000 2010 est. 123 Slovakia $ 28,450,000,000 2010 est. 124 Morocco $ 27,080,000,000 2010 est. 125 Vietnam $ 26,520,000,000 2010 est. 126 Slovenia $ 25,530,000,000 2010 est. 127 Pakistan $ 25,330,000,000 2010 est. 128 Belarus $ 24,320,000,000 2010 est. 129 Croatia $ 24,290,000,000 2010 est. 130 Morocco $ 23,420,000,000 2010 est. 131 Belarus $ 23,270,000,000 2010 est. 132 Ecuador $ 22,760,000,000 2010 est. 133 Slovenia $ 22,560,000,000 2010 est. 134 Luxembourg $ 22,110,000,000 2010 est. 135 Croatia $ 22,000,000,000 2010 est. 136 Luxembourg $ 20,880,000,000 2010 est. 137 Ecuador $ 20,830,000,000 2010 est. 138 Oman $ 20,500,000,000 2010 est. 139 Oman $ 20,100,000,000 2010 est. 140 Serbia $ 18,480,000,000 2010 est. 141 Nigeria $ 18,160,000,000 2010 est. 142 Bulgaria $ 17,520,000,000 2010 est. 143 Serbia $ 16,470,000,000 2010 est. 144 Bangladesh $ 15,900,000,000 2010 est. 145 Bulgaria $ 15,710,000,000 2010 est. 146 Syria $ 15,300,000,000 2010 est. 147 Lithuania $ 14,960,000,000 2010 est. 148 Azerbaijan $ 14,644,000,000 2010 est. 149 Azerbaijan $ 14,192,000,000 2010 est. 150 Sudan $ 13,150,000,000 2010 est. 151 Syria $ 12,530,000,000 2010 est. 152 Uzbekistan $ 12,300,000,000 2010 est. 153 Uruguay $ 12,250,000,000 2010 est. 154 Uzbekistan $ 12,250,000,000 2010 est. 155 Lithuania $ 11,980,000,000 2010 est. 156 Uruguay $ 11,780,000,000 2010 est. 157 Tunisia $ 11,760,000,000 2010 est. 158 Bangladesh $ 11,430,000,000 2010 est. 159 Sri Lanka $ 11,180,000,000 2010 est. 160 Sudan $ 11,060,000,000 2010 est. 161 Lebanon $ 10,950,000,000 2010 est. 162 Cyprus $ 10,610,000,000 2010 est. 163 Latvia $ 9,863,000,000 2010 est. 164 Tunisia $ 9,806,000,000 2010 est. 165 Puerto Rico $ 9,600,000,000 FY99/00 166 Yemen $ 9,345,000,000 2010 est. 167 Cyprus $ 9,308,000,000 2010 est. 168 Kenya $ 9,045,000,000 2010 est. 169 Lebanon $ 9,001,000,000 2010 est. 170 Jordan $ 8,701,000,000 2010 est. 171 Dominican Republic $ 8,634,000,000 2010 est. 172 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 8,344,000,000 2010 est. 173 Estonia $ 8,210,000,000 2010 est. 174 Bolivia $ 8,161,000,000 2010 est. 175 Bolivia $ 8,064,000,000 2010 est. 176 Latvia $ 8,028,000,000 2010 est. 177 Estonia $ 7,851,000,000 2010 est. 178 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 7,612,000,000 2010 est. 179 Yemen $ 7,581,000,000 2010 est. 180 Sri Lanka $ 7,415,000,000 2010 est. 181 Trinidad and Tobago $ 7,240,000,000 2010 est. 182 Macau $ 7,200,000,000 2009 183 Dominican Republic $ 7,110,000,000 2010 est. 184 Panama $ 7,051,000,000 2010 est. 185 Ghana $ 7,025,000,000 2010 est. 186 Kenya $ 7,017,000,000 2010 est. 187 Equatorial Guinea $ 6,984,000,000 2010 est. 188 Panama $ 6,944,000,000 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica $ 6,921,000,000 2010 est. 190 Brunei $ 6,889,000,000 2008 est. 191 Equatorial Guinea $ 6,739,000,000 2010 est. 192 Puerto Rico $ 6,700,000,000 FY99/00 193 Trinidad and Tobago $ 6,614,000,000 2010 est. 194 Jordan $ 6,269,000,000 2010 est. 195 Guatemala $ 6,124,000,000 2010 est. 196 Bahrain $ 5,948,000,000 2010 est. 197 Bahrain $ 5,933,000,000 2010 est. 198 Botswana $ 5,888,000,000 2010 est. 199 Iceland $ 5,673,000,000 2010 est. 200 Tanzania $ 5,644,000,000 2010 est. 201 Ghana $ 5,518,000,000 2010 est. 202 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,158,000,000 2010 est. 203 Ethiopia $ 5,098,000,000 2010 est. 204 Costa Rica $ 5,085,000,000 2010 est. 205 El Salvador $ 4,915,000,000 2010 est. 206 Guatemala $ 4,897,000,000 2010 est. 207 Iceland $ 4,810,000,000 2010 est. 208 Cote d'Ivoire $ 4,755,000,000 2010 est. 209 Jamaica $ 4,644,000,000 2010 est. 210 Nepal $ 4,600,000,000 FY10 211 Ethiopia $ 4,360,000,000 2010 est. 212 Cameroon $ 4,340,000,000 2010 est. 213 Tanzania $ 4,263,000,000 2010 est. 214 Botswana $ 4,165,000,000 2010 est. 215 Brunei $ 4,000,000,000 2008 est. 216 Georgia $ 3,915,000,000 2010 est. 217 El Salvador $ 3,894,000,000 2010 est. 218 Congo, Republic of the $ 3,818,000,000 2010 est. 219 Namibia $ 3,817,000,000 2010 est. 220 Cameroon $ 3,779,000,000 2010 est. 221 Zambia $ 3,743,000,000 2010 est. 222 Honduras $ 3,651,000,000 2010 est. 223 Jamaica $ 3,611,000,000 2010 est. 224 Macau $ 3,600,000,000 2009 225 Gabon $ 3,557,000,000 2010 est. 226 Albania $ 3,521,000,000 2010 est. 227 Malta $ 3,405,000,000 2010 est. 228 Paraguay $ 3,402,000,000 2010 est. 229 Senegal $ 3,315,000,000 2010 est. 230 Afghanistan $ 3,300,000,000 FY09/10 est. 231 Korea, North $ 3,300,000,000 2007 est. 232 Paraguay $ 3,238,000,000 2010 est. 233 Korea, North $ 3,200,000,000 2007 est. 234 Zambia $ 3,200,000,000 2010 est. 235 Georgia $ 3,172,000,000 2010 est. 236 Malta $ 3,136,000,000 2010 est. 237 West Bank $ 3,100,000,000 2010 238 Albania $ 3,099,000,000 2010 est. 239 Macedonia $ 3,011,000,000 2010 est. 240 Nepal $ 3,000,000,000 FY10 241 Namibia $ 2,977,000,000 2010 est. 242 Burma $ 2,951,000,000 2010 est. 243 Gabon $ 2,945,000,000 2010 est. 244 Uganda $ 2,938,000,000 2010 est. 245 Honduras $ 2,923,000,000 2010 est. 246 Papua New Guinea $ 2,917,000,000 2010 est. 247 Mozambique $ 2,898,000,000 2010 est. 248 Chad $ 2,859,000,000 2010 est. 249 Macedonia $ 2,772,000,000 2010 est. 250 Papua New Guinea $ 2,765,000,000 2010 est. 251 Senegal $ 2,726,000,000 2010 est. 252 Armenia $ 2,607,000,000 2010 est. 253 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,599,000,000 2010 est. 254 Mauritius $ 2,583,000,000 2010 est. 255 Moldova $ 2,462,000,000 2010 est. 256 Uganda $ 2,457,000,000 2010 est. 257 Mozambique $ 2,346,000,000 2010 est. 258 Burkina Faso $ 2,343,000,000 2010 est. 259 Moldova $ 2,164,000,000 2010 est. 260 Mauritius $ 2,114,000,000 2010 est. 261 Armenia $ 2,063,000,000 2010 est. 262 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 2,000,000,000 2006 est. 263 Cambodia $ 1,986,000,000 2010 est. 264 Chad $ 1,972,000,000 2010 est. 265 Turkmenistan $ 1,970,000,000 2010 est. 266 Turkmenistan $ 1,878,000,000 2010 est. 267 Burkina Faso $ 1,870,000,000 2010 est. 268 West Bank $ 1,870,000,000 2010 269 Mali $ 1,800,000,000 2006 est. 270 Haiti $ 1,798,000,000 2010 est. 271 Malawi $ 1,769,000,000 2010 est. 272 Malawi $ 1,735,000,000 2010 est. 273 Benin $ 1,731,000,000 2010 est. 274 Haiti $ 1,605,000,000 2010 est. 275 Mongolia $ 1,600,000,000 2009 276 Tajikistan $ 1,585,000,000 2010 est. 277 Madagascar $ 1,547,000,000 2010 est. 278 Tajikistan $ 1,519,000,000 2010 est. 279 Nicaragua $ 1,511,000,000 2010 est. 280 Greenland $ 1,510,000,000 2007 281 Mali $ 1,500,000,000 2006 est. 282 Greenland $ 1,470,000,000 2007 283 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,460,000,000 2010 est. 284 Nicaragua $ 1,421,000,000 2010 est. 285 Mongolia $ 1,380,000,000 2009 286 Swaziland $ 1,379,000,000 2010 est. 287 Fiji $ 1,376,000,000 2006 288 Burma $ 1,369,000,000 2010 est. 289 Rwanda $ 1,366,000,000 2010 est. 290 Fiji $ 1,363,000,000 2006 291 Benin $ 1,348,000,000 2010 est. 292 Laos $ 1,328,000,000 2010 est. 293 Cambodia $ 1,297,000,000 2010 est. 294 Kosovo $ 1,220,000,000 2007 est. 295 Marshall Islands $ 1,213,000,000 2008 296 Lesotho $ 1,193,000,000 2010 est. 297 Kosovo $ 1,190,000,000 2007 est. 298 Rwanda $ 1,169,000,000 2010 est. 299 Faroe Islands $ 1,163,000,000 2006 300 Faroe Islands $ 1,139,000,000 2006 301 Laos $ 1,137,000,000 2010 est. 302 New Caledonia $ 1,072,000,000 2001 est. 303 Bahamas, The $ 1,030,000,000 FY04/05 304 Bahamas, The $ 1,030,000,000 FY04/05 305 Afghanistan $ 1,000,000,000 FY09/10 est. 306 New Caledonia $ 996,000,000 2001 est. 307 Kyrgyzstan $ 980,000,000 2010 est. 308 Lesotho $ 968,400,000 2010 est. 309 Isle of Man $ 965,000,000 FY05/06 est. 310 Swaziland $ 961,700,000 2010 est. 311 Isle of Man $ 943,000,000 FY05/06 est. 312 Liechtenstein $ 943,000,000 2008 est. 313 Monaco $ 920,600,000 2005 est. 314 Eritrea $ 920,100,000 2010 est. 315 Madagascar $ 896,900,000 2010 est. 316 Barbados $ 886,000,000 2000 est. 317 Guinea $ 875,400,000 2010 est. 318 Maldives $ 873,000,000 2009 est. 319 French Polynesia $ 865,000,000 1999 320 Monaco $ 863,000,000 2005 est. 321 Jersey $ 851,000,000 2005 322 Barbados $ 847,000,000 2000 est. 323 Virgin Islands $ 837,000,000 FY08/09 324 Virgin Islands $ 837,000,000 FY08/09 325 Jersey $ 829,000,000 2005 326 Liechtenstein $ 820,000,000 2008 est. 327 Mauritania $ 770,000,000 2007 est. 328 Mauritania $ 770,000,000 2007 est. 329 Bermuda $ 738,000,000 FY04/05 330 Timor-Leste $ 733,000,000 FY06/07 est. 331 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 700,000,000 2006 est. 332 Togo $ 692,100,000 2010 est. 333 San Marino $ 690,600,000 2006 334 Cape Verde $ 680,800,000 2010 est. 335 Bermuda $ 665,000,000 FY04/05 336 Guyana $ 655,700,000 2010 est. 337 San Marino $ 652,900,000 2006 338 French Polynesia $ 644,100,000 1999 339 Guyana $ 619,500,000 2010 est. 340 Togo $ 602,300,000 2010 est. 341 Bhutan $ 588,000,000 FY09/10 342 Aruba $ 577,900,000 2005 est. 343 Guinea $ 574,100,000 2010 est. 344 Guernsey $ 563,600,000 2005 est. 345 Andorra $ 531,600,000 2008 346 Andorra $ 531,600,000 2008 347 Guernsey $ 530,900,000 2005 est. 348 Cape Verde $ 520,700,000 2010 est. 349 Aruba $ 507,900,000 2005 est. 350 Maldives $ 487,000,000 2009 est. 351 Burundi $ 476,200,000 2010 est. 352 Eritrea $ 463,400,000 2010 est. 353 Gibraltar $ 455,100,000 2005 est. 354 Suriname $ 425,900,000 2004 355 Cayman Islands $ 423,800,000 2004 356 Gibraltar $ 423,600,000 2005 est. 357 Mayotte $ 420,000,000 2005 358 Belize $ 418,000,000 2010 est. 359 Mayotte $ 394,000,000 2005 360 Saint Lucia $ 393,300,000 2010 est. 361 Cayman Islands $ 392,600,000 2004 362 Suriname $ 392,600,000 2004 363 Burundi $ 386,300,000 2010 est. 364 Belize $ 370,500,000 2010 est. 365 Central African Republic $ 362,000,000 2009 est. 366 Holy See (Vatican City) $ 356,800,000 2008 367 Holy See (Vatican City) $ 355,500,000 2008 368 Sierra Leone $ 351,000,000 2000 est. 369 Dominica $ 343,000,000 2009 370 Central African Republic $ 334,000,000 2009 est. 371 Saint Lucia $ 320,900,000 2010 est. 372 Niger $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 373 Niger $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 374 Seychelles $ 316,500,000 2010 est. 375 Seychelles $ 310,300,000 2010 est. 376 Timor-Leste $ 309,000,000 FY06/07 est. 377 Bhutan $ 302,000,000 FY09/10 378 Antigua and Barbuda $ 293,400,000 2009 est. 379 Dominica $ 277,000,000 2009 380 Zimbabwe $ 258,000,000 2008 est. 381 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 232,100,000 2008 est. 382 Antigua and Barbuda $ 229,500,000 2009 est. 383 Northern Mariana Islands $ 223,000,000 FY01/02 est. 384 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 218,100,000 2010 est. 385 Grenada $ 215,900,000 2009 est. 386 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 212,400,000 2008 est. 387 British Virgin Islands $ 204,700,000 2004 388 Gambia, The $ 202,500,000 2010 est. 389 Northern Mariana Islands $ 193,000,000 FY01/02 est. 390 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 192,200,000 2010 est. 391 Gambia, The $ 183,900,000 2010 est. 392 American Samoa $ 183,600,000 FY07 393 Djibouti $ 182,000,000 1999 est. 394 British Virgin Islands $ 180,400,000 2004 395 Grenada $ 175,300,000 2009 est. 396 Samoa $ 171,300,000 FY04/05 est. 397 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 166,000,000 FY07 est. 398 American Samoa $ 155,400,000 FY07 399 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 152,700,000 FY07 est. 400 Djibouti $ 135,000,000 1999 est. 401 Zimbabwe $ 133,000,000 2008 est. 402 Marshall Islands $ 123,300,000 2008 403 Palau $ 114,800,000 2008 est. 404 Tonga $ 109,800,000 FY07/08 405 Palau $ 99,500,000 2008 est. 406 Sierra Leone $ 96,000,000 2000 est. 407 Tonga $ 80,480,000 FY07/08 408 Vanuatu $ 78,700,000 2005 409 Samoa $ 78,100,000 FY04/05 est. 410 Solomon Islands $ 75,100,000 2003 411 Vanuatu $ 72,230,000 2005 412 Cook Islands $ 70,950,000 FY05/06 413 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 70,000,000 1996 est. 414 Cook Islands $ 69,050,000 FY05/06 415 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 67,900,000 FY98/99 est. 416 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 66,200,000 FY98/99 est. 417 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 60,000,000 1996 est. 418 Kiribati $ 59,710,000 FY05 419 Kiribati $ 55,520,000 FY05 420 Solomon Islands $ 49,700,000 2003 421 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 47,000,000 1997-98 est. 422 Sao Tome and Principe $ 38,640,000 2010 est. 423 Sao Tome and Principe $ 35,560,000 2010 est. 424 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 33,600,000 1997-98 est. 425 Montserrat $ 31,600,000 1997 est. 426 Montserrat $ 31,400,000 1997 est. 427 Comoros $ 27,600,000 2001 est. 428 Svalbard $ 25,070,000 2004 est. 429 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 24,690,000 FY06/07 est. 430 Tuvalu $ 23,050,000 2006 431 Anguilla $ 22,800,000 2000 est. 432 Anguilla $ 22,500,000 2000 est. 433 Tuvalu $ 21,540,000 2006 434 Niue $ 16,330,000 FY0405 435 Niue $ 15,070,000 FY0405 436 Nauru $ 13,500,000 2005 437 Nauru $ 13,500,000 2005 438 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 10,050,000 FY06/07 est. 439 Norfolk Island $ 4,800,000 FY99/00 440 Norfolk Island $ 4,600,000 FY99/00 441 Tokelau $ 2,800,000 1987 est. 442 Pitcairn Islands $ 1,028,000 FY04/05 443 Pitcairn Islands $ 746,000 FY04/05 444 Tokelau $ 430,800 1987 est. 445 Wallis and Futuna $ 31,330 2004 est. 446 Wallis and Futuna $ 29,730 2004 est.

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Rank code: 2057

Country Comparison :: Capital

This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.

Rank country Capital Date of Information

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Rank code: 2058

Country Comparison :: Imports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued imported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

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Rank code: 2059

Country Comparison :: Climate

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

Rank country Climate Date of Information

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Rank code: 2060

Country Comparison :: Coastline

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

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 Canada 202,080.00 NA 2 Pacific Ocean 135,663.00 NA 3 Atlantic Ocean 111,866.00 NA 4 Indian Ocean 66,526.00 NA 5 European Union 65,992.90 NA 6 Indonesia 54,716.00 NA 7 Arctic Ocean 45,389.00 NA 8 Greenland 44,087.00 NA 9 Russia 37,653.00 NA 10 Philippines 36,289.00 NA 11 Japan 29,751.00 NA 12 Australia 25,760.00 NA 13 Norway 25,148.00 NA 14 United States 19,924.00 NA 15 Antarctica 17,968.00 NA 16 Southern Ocean 17,968.00 NA 17 New Zealand 15,134.00 NA 18 China 14,500.00 NA 19 Greece 13,676.00 NA 20 United Kingdom 12,429.00 NA 21 Mexico 9,330.00 NA 22 Italy 7,600.00 NA 23 Brazil 7,491.00 NA 24 Denmark 7,314.00 NA 25 Turkey 7,200.00 NA 26 India 7,000.00 NA 27 Chile 6,435.00 NA 28 Micronesia, Federated States of 6,112.00 NA 29 Croatia 5,835.00 NA 30 Solomon Islands 5,313.00 NA 31 Papua New Guinea 5,152.00 NA 32 Argentina 4,989.00 NA 33 Iceland 4,970.00 NA 34 Spain 4,964.00 NA 35 Madagascar 4,828.00 NA 36 Malaysia 4,675.00 NA 37 France 4,668.00 NA 38 Estonia 3,794.00 NA 39 Cuba 3,735.00 NA 40 Svalbard 3,587.00 NA 41 Bahamas, The 3,542.00 NA 42 Vietnam 3,444.00 NA 43 France 3,427.00 NA 44 Thailand 3,219.00 NA 45 Sweden 3,218.00 NA 46 Colombia 3,208.00 NA 47 Coral Sea Islands 3,095.00 NA 48 Somalia 3,025.00 NA 49 French Southern and Antarctic Lands2,800.00 NA 50 Venezuela 2,800.00 NA 51 South Africa 2,798.00 NA 52 Ukraine 2,782.00 NA 53 Saudi Arabia 2,640.00 NA 54 Vanuatu 2,528.00 NA 55 French Polynesia 2,525.00 NA 56 Korea, North 2,495.00 NA 57 Panama 2,490.00 NA 58 Mozambique 2,470.00 NA 59 Egypt 2,450.00 NA 60 Iran 2,440.00 NA 61 Peru 2,414.00 NA 62 Korea, South 2,413.00 NA 63 Germany 2,389.00 NA 64 New Caledonia 2,254.00 NA 65 Ecuador 2,237.00 NA 66 Eritrea 2,234.00 NA 67 Oman 2,092.00 NA 68 Burma 1,930.00 NA 69 Yemen 1,906.00 NA 70 Morocco 1,835.00 NA 71 Portugal 1,793.00 NA 72 Haiti 1,771.00 NA 73 Libya 1,770.00 NA 74 Angola 1,600.00 NA 75 Namibia 1,572.00 NA 76 Taiwan 1,566.30 NA 77 Palau 1,519.00 NA 78 Northern Mariana Islands 1,482.00 NA 79 Ireland 1,448.00 NA 80 Tanzania 1,424.00 NA 81 Sri Lanka 1,340.00 NA 82 United Arab Emirates 1,318.00 NA 83 Costa Rica 1,290.00 NA 84 Dominican Republic 1,288.00 NA 85 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,288.00 NA 86 Finland 1,250.00 NA 87 Tunisia 1,148.00 NA 88 Kiribati 1,143.00 NA 89 Fiji 1,129.00 NA 90 Faroe Islands 1,117.00 NA 91 Western Sahara 1,110.00 NA 92 Pakistan 1,046.00 NA 93 Jamaica 1,022.00 NA 94 Algeria 998.00 NA 95 Cape Verde 965.00 NA 96 Spratly Islands 926.00 NA 97 Nicaragua 910.00 NA 98 Gabon 885.00 NA 99 Nigeria 853.00 NA 100 Sudan 853.00 NA 101 Honduras 820.00 NA 102 Mauritania 754.00 NA 103 Hong Kong 733.00 NA 104 Timor-Leste 706.00 NA 105 British Indian Ocean Territory 698.00 NA 106 Uruguay 660.00 NA 107 Cyprus 648.00 NA 108 Maldives 644.00 NA 109 Bangladesh 580.00 NA 110 Liberia 579.00 NA 111 Qatar 563.00 NA 112 Ghana 539.00 NA 113 Kenya 536.00 NA 114 Senegal 531.00 NA 115 Paracel Islands 518.00 NA 116 Cote d'Ivoire 515.00 NA 117 Puerto Rico 501.00 NA 118 Kuwait 499.00 NA 119 Latvia 498.00 NA 120 Seychelles 491.00 NA 121 Guyana 459.00 NA 122 Netherlands 451.00 NA 123 Cambodia 443.00 NA 124 Poland 440.00 NA 125 Tonga 419.00 NA 126 Samoa 403.00 NA 127 Cameroon 402.00 NA 128 Sierra Leone 402.00 NA 129 Guatemala 400.00 NA 130 Turks and Caicos Islands 389.00 NA 131 Belize 386.00 NA 132 Suriname 386.00 NA 133 Marshall Islands 370.40 NA 134 Curacao 364.00 NA 135 Sint Maarten 364.00 NA 136 Albania 362.00 NA 137 Trinidad and Tobago 362.00 NA 138 Bulgaria 354.00 NA 139 Guinea-Bissau 350.00 NA 140 Comoros 340.00 NA 141 Guinea 320.00 NA 142 Djibouti 314.00 NA 143 Georgia 310.00 NA 144 El Salvador 307.00 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 296.00 NA 146 Montenegro 293.50 NA 147 Israel 273.00 NA 148 Lebanon 225.00 NA 149 Romania 225.00 NA 150 Sao Tome and Principe 209.00 NA 151 Malta 196.80 NA 152 Singapore 193.00 NA 153 Syria 193.00 NA 154 Virgin Islands 188.00 NA 155 Mayotte 185.20 NA 156 Mauritius 177.00 NA 157 Congo, Republic of the 169.00 NA 158 Bahrain 161.00 NA 159 Brunei 161.00 NA 160 Cayman Islands 160.00 NA 161 Isle of Man 160.00 NA 162 Saint Lucia 158.00 NA 163 Antigua and Barbuda 153.00 NA 164 Dominica 148.00 NA 165 Christmas Island 138.90 NA 166 Saint Kitts and Nevis 135.00 NA 167 Wallis and Futuna 129.00 NA 168 Jan Mayen 124.10 NA 169 Benin 121.00 NA 170 Grenada 121.00 NA 171 Cook Islands 120.00 NA 172 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 120.00 NA 173 American Samoa 116.00 NA 174 Bermuda 103.00 NA 175 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 101.90 NA 176 Tokelau 101.00 NA 177 Barbados 97.00 NA 178 Lithuania 90.00 NA 179 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 84.00 NA 180 British Virgin Islands 80.00 NA 181 Gambia, The 80.00 NA 182 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 74.10 NA 183 Jersey 70.00 NA 184 Aruba 68.50 NA 185 Belgium 66.50 NA 186 Niue 64.00 NA 187 Anguilla 61.00 NA 188 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha60.00 NA 189 Saint Martin 58.90 NA 190 Iraq 58.00 NA 191 Akrotiri 56.30 NA 192 Togo 56.00 NA 193 Pitcairn Islands 51.00 NA 194 Guernsey 50.00 NA 195 Slovenia 46.60 NA 196 Macau 41.00 NA 197 Gaza Strip 40.00 NA 198 Montserrat 40.00 NA 199 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha40.00 NA 200 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.00 NA 201 French Southern and Antarctic Lands35.20 NA 202 French Southern and Antarctic Lands35.20 NA 203 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges34.00 NA 204 Norfolk Island 32.00 NA 205 Nauru 30.00 NA 206 Bouvet Island 29.60 NA 207 French Southern and Antarctic Lands28.00 NA 208 Dhekelia 27.50 NA 209 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 26.00 NA 210 Jordan 26.00 NA 211 French Southern and Antarctic Lands24.10 NA 212 Tuvalu 24.00 NA 213 French Southern and Antarctic Lands22.20 NA 214 Bosnia and Herzegovina 20.00 NA 215 Wake Island 19.30 NA 216 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges15.00 NA 217 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges14.50 NA 218 Gibraltar 12.00 NA 219 Clipperton Island 11.10 NA 220 Navassa Island 8.00 NA 221 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges8.00 NA 222 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges6.40 NA 223 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges4.80 NA 224 Monaco 4.10 NA 225 French Southern and Antarctic Lands3.70 NA 226 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 227 Afghanistan 0.00 NA 228 Mongolia 0.00 NA 229 Moldova 0.00 NA 230 Mali 0.00 NA 231 Hungary 0.00 NA 232 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 NA 233 Ethiopia 0.00 NA 234 Czech Republic 0.00 NA 235 Chad 0.00 NA 236 Central African Republic 0.00 NA 237 Burundi 0.00 NA 238 Burkina Faso 0.00 NA 239 Botswana 0.00 NA 240 Zimbabwe 0.00 NA 241 Zambia 0.00 NA 242 West Bank 0.00 NA 243 Uzbekistan 0.00 NA 244 Swaziland 0.00 NA 245 Slovakia 0.00 NA 246 Serbia 0.00 NA 247 San Marino 0.00 NA 248 Rwanda 0.00 NA 249 Paraguay 0.00 NA 250 Niger 0.00 NA 251 Nepal 0.00 NA 252 Malawi 0.00 NA 253 Uganda 0.00 NA 254 Turkmenistan 0.00 NA 255 Tajikistan 0.00 NA 256 Switzerland 0.00 NA 257 Macedonia 0.00 NA 258 Luxembourg 0.00 NA 259 Liechtenstein 0.00 NA 260 Lesotho 0.00 NA 261 Laos 0.00 NA 262 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 NA 263 Kosovo 0.00 NA 264 Kazakhstan 0.00 NA 265 Andorra 0.00 NA 266 Austria 0.00 NA 267 Belarus 0.00 NA 268 Bolivia 0.00 NA 269 Bhutan 0.00 NA 270 Azerbaijan 0.00 NA 271 Armenia 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2061

Country Comparison :: Imports - partners

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Saint Lucia 83.44 2009 2 Greenland 74.93 2009 3 Laos 66.20 2009 4 Bhutan 63.00 2008 5 Zimbabwe 62.24 2009 6 Sao Tome and Principe 58.90 2009 7 Curacao 57.30 2009 est. 8 Kyrgyzstan 57.03 2009 9 Korea, North 57.00 2008 10 Nepal 57.00 2009 11 Belarus 56.42 2009 12 Faroe Islands 54.42 2009 13 Zambia 51.78 2009 14 Canada 51.10 2009 15 Aruba 49.51 2009 16 Mexico 48.00 2009 17 Honduras 46.81 2009 18 Hong Kong 46.40 2009 19 Austria 45.07 2009 20 Cape Verde 44.86 2009 21 Costa Rica 44.72 2009 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis 43.37 2009 23 Papua New Guinea 43.27 2009 24 Dominican Republic 42.79 2009 25 Malawi 40.15 2009 26 New Caledonia 39.89 2009 27 Grenada 39.76 2009 28 Brunei 38.40 2009 29 Togo 36.58 2009 30 Guatemala 36.46 2009 31 Panama 36.21 2009 32 Mongolia 35.99 2009 33 Benin 35.62 2009 34 Ireland 35.28 2009 35 Tonga 34.37 2009 36 Belize 33.65 2009 37 Mozambique 33.54 2009 38 Haiti 33.11 2009 39 Burma 33.10 2009 40 Gabon 32.21 2009 41 Portugal 31.58 2009 42 Mongolia 31.56 2009 43 Dominica 31.29 2009 44 Bermuda 31.20 2009 45 Argentina 31.12 2009 46 Macau 31.10 2009 47 Trinidad and Tobago 30.87 2009 48 Somalia 30.84 2009 49 Suriname 30.79 2009 50 Czech Republic 30.67 2009 51 Cuba 30.51 2009 52 Lithuania 30.10 2009 53 Paraguay 30.00 2009 54 Albania 29.94 2009 55 El Salvador 29.79 2009 56 Barbados 28.52 2009 57 Kazakhstan 28.50 2009 58 Jamaica 28.32 2009 59 Liberia 28.29 2009 60 Poland 28.08 2009 61 Colombia 28.00 2009 62 Ukraine 28.00 2009 63 Barbados 27.96 2009 64 Fiji 27.27 2009 65 Bahamas, The 27.23 2009 66 Luxembourg 27.22 2009 67 Switzerland 27.19 2009 68 Bolivia 27.12 2009 69 Afghanistan 26.78 2009 70 Kazakhstan 26.72 2009 71 Bermuda 26.71 2009 72 Lesotho 26.30 2008 73 Burma 26.28 2009 74 Ecuador 25.40 2009 75 Guyana 25.23 2009 76 Hungary 25.05 2009 77 Tonga 25.03 2009 78 Korea, North 25.00 2008 79 Iraq 24.99 2009 80 Indonesia 24.96 2009 81 Cambodia 24.83 2009 82 Afghanistan 24.81 2009 83 Solomon Islands 24.69 2009 84 Maldives 24.62 2009 85 Mauritius 24.50 2009 86 Malta 24.40 2009 87 Burkina Faso 24.31 2009 88 Samoa 24.13 2009 89 Armenia 24.02 2009 90 Peru 23.96 2009 91 Tajikistan 23.92 2009 92 Tajikistan 23.74 2009 93 Uzbekistan 23.72 2009 94 Venezuela 23.66 2009 95 Haiti 23.53 2009 96 Guyana 23.23 2009 97 Luxembourg 23.14 2009 98 Solomon Islands 23.06 2009 99 Paraguay 23.00 2009 100 Jamaica 22.98 2009 101 Bahrain 22.91 2009 102 Oman 22.90 2009 103 Nicaragua 22.63 2009 104 Japan 22.20 2009 105 Bosnia and Herzegovina 22.17 2009 106 Sudan 21.87 2009 107 Chile 21.77 2009 108 Denmark 21.07 2009 109 Cameroon 21.03 2009 110 Uruguay 20.77 2009 111 Faroe Islands 20.76 2009 112 Cote d'Ivoire 20.75 2009 113 Sri Lanka 20.73 2009 114 Eritrea 20.70 2008 115 Taiwan 20.70 2009 116 Congo, Republic of the 20.64 2009 117 Gambia, The 20.45 2009 118 Uzbekistan 20.36 2009 119 Cyprus 20.18 2009 120 Lesotho 20.10 2008 121 Tunisia 20.10 2009 122 Bahamas, The 20.08 2009 123 Equatorial Guinea 19.97 2009 124 Moldova 19.90 2009 125 Cambodia 19.73 2009 126 Dominica 19.73 2009 127 Algeria 19.70 2009 128 Senegal 19.58 2009 129 Burkina Faso 19.48 2009 130 France 19.41 2009 131 Fiji 19.36 2009 132 Kyrgyzstan 19.34 2009 133 United States 19.30 2009 134 Central African Republic 19.29 2009 135 Curacao 19.20 2009 est. 136 Suriname 19.17 2009 137 Liberia 19.06 2009 138 Libya 18.90 2009 139 Angola 18.71 2009 140 Brunei 18.70 2009 141 Thailand 18.70 2009 142 Azerbaijan 18.69 2009 143 Luxembourg 18.62 2009 144 New Zealand 18.40 2009 145 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18.22 2009 146 Grenada 18.11 2009 147 Turkmenistan 18.03 2009 148 Australia 17.94 2009 149 Belgium 17.93 2009 150 Sweden 17.90 2009 151 Chad 17.74 2009 152 Korea, South 17.70 2008 153 Montenegro 17.54 2009 154 Uruguay 17.53 2009 155 Angola 17.39 2009 156 Iraq 17.36 2009 157 Sint Maarten 17.35 2009 158 Samoa 17.34 2009 159 Guinea-Bissau 17.33 2009 160 Jordan 17.30 2009 161 Vanuatu 17.30 2009 162 Romania 17.30 2009 163 Equatorial Guinea 17.28 2009 164 South Africa 17.21 2009 165 Netherlands 17.16 2009 166 Belgium 17.14 2009 167 Liberia 17.06 2009 168 Azerbaijan 16.98 2009 169 Morocco 16.95 2009 170 Burundi 16.87 2009 171 Ireland 16.87 2009 172 Panama 16.86 2009 173 Georgia 16.81 2009 174 Ghana 16.80 2009 175 Slovakia 16.80 2009 176 Italy 16.68 2009 177 Rwanda 16.53 2009 178 Turkmenistan 16.49 2009 179 Slovenia 16.46 2009 180 Turkmenistan 16.45 2009 181 Seychelles 16.44 2009 182 Vietnam 16.42 2009 183 Lesotho 16.40 2008 184 Tunisia 16.40 2009 185 Latvia 16.36 2009 186 Niger 16.32 2009 187 Finland 16.28 2009 188 Djibouti 16.26 2009 189 Bangladesh 16.16 2009 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 16.16 2009 191 Aruba 16.15 2009 192 Brazil 16.12 2009 193 Djibouti 16.03 2009 194 Paraguay 16.00 2009 195 Niger 15.95 2009 196 Slovenia 15.89 2009 197 Finland 15.76 2009 198 Maldives 15.70 2009 199 Bolivia 15.69 2009 200 Cape Verde 15.51 2009 201 Comoros 15.50 2009 202 Cuba 15.48 2009 203 Croatia 15.46 2009 204 Pakistan 15.35 2009 205 Saint Kitts and Nevis 15.26 2009 206 Burma 15.18 2009 207 Fiji 15.15 2009 208 Iran 15.14 2009 209 Macedonia 15.11 2009 210 Moldova 15.10 2009 211 New Zealand 15.09 2009 212 United Arab Emirates 15.03 2009 213 Spain 15.02 2009 214 Equatorial Guinea 14.94 2009 215 Rwanda 14.92 2009 216 Nigeria 14.89 2009 217 Macedonia 14.88 2009 218 Sint Maarten 14.79 2009 219 Ethiopia 14.73 2009 220 Morocco 14.72 2009 221 Singapore 14.70 2009 222 Comoros 14.66 2009 223 Finland 14.65 2009 224 Montenegro 14.62 2009 225 Sierra Leone 14.61 2009 226 Liberia 14.58 2009 227 Bahamas, The 14.55 2009 228 Congo, Republic of the 14.54 2009 229 Estonia 14.52 2009 230 Moldova 14.52 2009 231 Venezuela 14.43 2009 232 Russia 14.39 2009 233 Mauritania 14.30 2009 234 United Arab Emirates 14.27 2009 235 Djibouti 14.26 2009 236 United States 14.24 2009 237 Cote d'Ivoire 14.19 2009 238 Belize 14.17 2009 239 New Caledonia 14.12 2009 240 Lesotho 14.10 2008 241 Cambodia 14.08 2009 242 Albania 14.05 2009 243 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.04 2009 244 Mauritius 14.02 2009 245 Korea, South 14.00 2008 246 Turkey 14.00 2009 247 Taiwan 14.00 2009 248 Oman 13.99 2009 249 Russia 13.98 2009 250 Yemen 13.98 2009 251 Tanzania 13.97 2009 252 Malaysia 13.90 2009 253 Uganda 13.90 2009 254 Norway 13.86 2009 255 Greece 13.73 2009 256 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.71 2009 257 Tanzania 13.71 2009 258 Argentina 13.69 2009 259 Guinea-Bissau 13.66 2009 260 Eritrea 13.60 2008 261 Croatia 13.57 2009 262 Mexico 13.50 2009 263 Iran 13.48 2009 264 Vanuatu 13.46 2009 265 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.45 2009 266 Sri Lanka 13.45 2009 267 Qatar 13.43 2009 268 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.41 2009 269 Papua New Guinea 13.29 2009 270 Denmark 13.18 2009 271 Bulgaria 13.14 2009 272 Suriname 13.04 2009 273 Uzbekistan 13.03 2009 274 Nepal 13.00 2009 275 Madagascar 12.99 2009 276 Iceland 12.97 2009 277 Norway 12.89 2009 278 United Kingdom 12.87 2009 279 Spain 12.82 2009 280 Uganda 12.79 2009 281 Bolivia 12.77 2009 282 Chile 12.76 2009 283 Greece 12.71 2009 284 Chad 12.70 2009 285 Thailand 12.70 2009 286 Bangladesh 12.61 2009 287 Brazil 12.61 2009 288 Eritrea 12.60 2008 289 Samoa 12.54 2009 290 Indonesia 12.52 2009 291 Malaysia 12.50 2009 292 Philippines 12.50 2009 293 New Caledonia 12.50 2009 294 Portugal 12.41 2009 295 Israel 12.35 2009 296 Saudi Arabia 12.32 2009 297 Bhutan 12.30 2008 298 Panama 12.30 2009 299 Slovakia 12.30 2009 300 Yemen 12.30 2009 301 China 12.27 2009 302 Nicaragua 12.27 2009 303 Vanuatu 12.26 2009 304 Bulgaria 12.23 2009 305 Mali 12.21 2009 306 Jamaica 12.14 2009 307 Saudi Arabia 12.06 2009 308 Philippines 12.00 2009 309 Vanuatu 12.00 2009 310 Gambia, The 11.97 2009 311 Central African Republic 11.95 2009 312 Madagascar 11.93 2009 313 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.89 2009 314 Ghana 11.88 2009 315 Saint Kitts and Nevis 11.83 2009 316 Slovenia 11.81 2009 317 Dominica 11.80 2009 318 Serbia 11.79 2009 319 Romania 11.78 2009 320 Greenland 11.73 2009 321 Algeria 11.72 2009 322 Malta 11.70 2009 323 Belgium 11.69 2009 324 Kenya 11.67 2009 325 France 11.61 2009 326 Singapore 11.60 2009 327 Dominica 11.58 2009 328 Netherlands 11.58 2009 329 Mali 11.57 2009 330 Laos 11.45 2009 331 Cambodia 11.34 2009 332 Latvia 11.34 2009 333 Australia 11.26 2009 334 South Africa 11.24 2009 335 Chad 11.23 2009 336 Malaysia 11.20 2009 337 Kuwait 11.18 2009 338 Burundi 11.17 2009 339 Uganda 11.16 2009 340 United States 11.12 2009 341 Lithuania 11.10 2009 342 Malaysia 11.10 2009 343 Maldives 11.02 2009 344 Colombia 11.00 2009 345 Lebanon 11.00 2009 346 Japan 10.96 2009 347 Jordan 10.95 2009 348 India 10.94 2009 349 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.90 2009 350 Canada 10.88 2009 351 Estonia 10.84 2009 352 Macau 10.80 2009 353 Cameroon 10.79 2009 354 Haiti 10.75 2009 355 Peru 10.74 2009 356 Latvia 10.68 2009 357 Cyprus 10.67 2009 358 Ecuador 10.60 2009 359 Kenya 10.58 2009 360 Comoros 10.55 2009 361 Libya 10.54 2009 362 Pakistan 10.54 2009 363 Montenegro 10.50 2009 364 Singapore 10.50 2009 365 Guatemala 10.49 2009 366 Estonia 10.47 2009 367 New Zealand 10.45 2009 368 Switzerland 10.42 2009 369 Estonia 10.33 2009 370 Mauritania 10.33 2009 371 Taiwan 10.30 2009 372 Argentina 10.26 2009 373 El Salvador 10.26 2009 374 Cameroon 10.25 2009 375 Uruguay 10.23 2009 376 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.20 2009 377 Algeria 10.19 2009 378 Syria 10.10 2009 379 China 10.06 2009 380 Mali 10.05 2009 381 Samoa 10.02 2009 382 Lebanon 10.00 2009 383 Turkey 10.00 2009 384 Syria 9.95 2009 385 Mauritania 9.94 2009 386 Egypt 9.92 2009 387 Libya 9.92 2009 388 Eritrea 9.90 2008 389 Lithuania 9.90 2009 390 Samoa 9.85 2009 391 Uruguay 9.82 2009 392 Pakistan 9.80 2009 393 Libya 9.78 2009 394 Bahrain 9.76 2009 395 United Kingdom 9.74 2009 396 Georgia 9.72 2009 397 El Salvador 9.70 2009 398 Iran 9.66 2009 399 Senegal 9.64 2009 400 Egypt 9.63 2009 401 Switzerland 9.61 2009 402 Vietnam 9.61 2009 403 Papua New Guinea 9.59 2009 404 Djibouti 9.57 2009 405 Congo, Republic of the 9.56 2009 406 Chile 9.55 2009 407 Equatorial Guinea 9.49 2009 408 Tonga 9.43 2009 409 Serbia 9.36 2009 410 Kenya 9.32 2009 411 Malta 9.30 2009 412 Croatia 9.29 2009 413 Guinea-Bissau 9.27 2009 414 Lesotho 9.20 2008 415 Georgia 9.17 2009 416 Venezuela 9.13 2009 417 Bolivia 9.11 2009 418 Guinea-Bissau 9.11 2009 419 Macedonia 9.08 2009 420 Kuwait 9.07 2009 421 Nicaragua 9.05 2009 422 China 9.04 2009 423 Congo, Republic of the 9.02 2009 424 Lebanon 9.00 2009 425 Turkey 9.00 2009 426 Slovakia 9.00 2009 427 Maldives 8.98 2009 428 Sint Maarten 8.96 2009 429 Vietnam 8.96 2009 430 Cyprus 8.95 2009 431 Honduras 8.92 2009 432 Tajikistan 8.92 2009 433 Indonesia 8.92 2009 434 Uganda 8.91 2009 435 Korea, South 8.90 2008 436 Sweden 8.90 2009 437 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.89 2009 438 Nigeria 8.88 2009 439 United Kingdom 8.88 2009 440 Luxembourg 8.85 2009 441 Italy 8.82 2009 442 Hong Kong 8.80 2009 443 Philippines 8.80 2009 444 Tunisia 8.80 2009 445 Cyprus 8.79 2009 446 Brazil 8.77 2009 447 Armenia 8.72 2009 448 Philippines 8.70 2009 449 Sweden 8.70 2009 450 Moldova 8.69 2009 451 Netherlands 8.68 2009 452 Guinea 8.67 2009 453 Iraq 8.66 2009 454 Nicaragua 8.66 2009 455 Poland 8.65 2009 456 Togo 8.64 2009 457 Yemen 8.63 2009 458 Burundi 8.62 2009 459 Iceland 8.62 2009 460 Ukraine 8.60 2009 461 Estonia 8.59 2009 462 Portugal 8.58 2009 463 Hungary 8.56 2009 464 Mauritius 8.55 2009 465 Angola 8.51 2009 466 Belize 8.51 2009 467 Germany 8.50 2009 468 Gambia, The 8.48 2009 469 United Arab Emirates 8.44 2009 470 Venezuela 8.44 2009 471 Mozambique 8.42 2009 472 Ethiopia 8.41 2009 473 Australia 8.36 2009 474 Kenya 8.36 2009 475 Romania 8.36 2009 476 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8.34 2009 477 Estonia 8.34 2009 478 Qatar 8.34 2009 479 Qatar 8.33 2009 480 Seychelles 8.33 2009 481 Belarus 8.31 2009 482 Cuba 8.30 2009 483 Iceland 8.30 2009 484 Vietnam 8.23 2009 485 Angola 8.22 2009 486 Germany 8.20 2009 487 Germany 8.20 2009 488 Nigeria 8.18 2009 489 Mauritius 8.17 2009 490 Algeria 8.13 2009 491 Latvia 8.11 2009 492 Curacao 8.10 2009 est. 493 Macau 8.10 2009 494 Senegal 8.08 2009 495 Somalia 8.06 2009 496 Qatar 8.04 2009 497 Iceland 8.03 2009 498 Lebanon 8.00 2009 499 Lebanon 8.00 2009 500 Macau 8.00 2009 501 France 7.97 2009 502 Bahrain 7.95 2009 503 Gabon 7.92 2009 504 Rwanda 7.92 2009 505 Philippines 7.90 2009 506 Comoros 7.88 2009 507 Azerbaijan 7.87 2009 508 Somalia 7.86 2009 509 Panama 7.84 2009 510 Montenegro 7.82 2009 511 Montenegro 7.82 2009 512 Korea, South 7.80 2008 513 Norway 7.80 2009 514 Tanzania 7.80 2009 515 Bulgaria 7.78 2009 516 Central African Republic 7.78 2009 517 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 7.77 2009 518 Netherlands 7.77 2009 519 Vietnam 7.72 2009 520 Zambia 7.70 2009 521 Latvia 7.69 2009 522 Switzerland 7.69 2009 523 Macedonia 7.68 2009 524 Saudi Arabia 7.67 2009 525 China 7.66 2009 526 Niger 7.66 2009 527 Brazil 7.65 2009 528 Costa Rica 7.65 2009 529 Ethiopia 7.65 2009 530 Kuwait 7.63 2009 531 Malta 7.60 2009 532 Singapore 7.60 2009 533 Chad 7.59 2009 534 Macedonia 7.59 2009 535 Sierra Leone 7.58 2009 536 Burundi 7.57 2009 537 Bangladesh 7.55 2009 538 Tonga 7.53 2009 539 Benin 7.51 2009 540 Seychelles 7.49 2009 541 Israel 7.43 2009 542 Cambodia 7.41 2009 543 Central African Republic 7.39 2009 544 Georgia 7.39 2009 545 Benin 7.38 2009 546 South Africa 7.38 2009 547 Qatar 7.31 2009 548 Azerbaijan 7.30 2009 549 Hungary 7.30 2009 550 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 7.28 2009 551 Iceland 7.27 2009 552 Sri Lanka 7.26 2009 553 Peru 7.25 2009 554 New Zealand 7.24 2009 555 Sudan 7.22 2009 556 Brunei 7.20 2009 557 Peru 7.19 2009 558 Cote d'Ivoire 7.18 2009 559 Spain 7.17 2009 560 India 7.16 2009 561 Nicaragua 7.16 2009 562 Iran 7.16 2009 563 France 7.15 2009 564 Niger 7.15 2009 565 Kuwait 7.14 2009 566 Barbados 7.13 2009 567 Honduras 7.13 2009 568 Albania 7.10 2009 569 Trinidad and Tobago 7.10 2009 570 Morocco 7.10 2009 571 Madagascar 7.10 2009 572 Israel 7.10 2009 573 Greece 7.08 2009 574 Mongolia 7.08 2009 575 Dominican Republic 7.04 2009 576 Gabon 7.02 2009 577 Trinidad and Tobago 7.01 2009 578 Colombia 7.00 2009 579 Denmark 7.00 2009 580 Cyprus 6.99 2009 581 Finland 6.99 2009 582 Egypt 6.98 2009 583 Czech Republic 6.97 2009 584 Denmark 6.97 2009 585 Syria 6.97 2009 586 Somalia 6.97 2009 587 Iceland 6.94 2009 588 Jordan 6.94 2009 589 Israel 6.94 2009 590 United Kingdom 6.94 2009 591 Fiji 6.92 2009 592 Albania 6.90 2009 593 Madagascar 6.89 2009 594 Tanzania 6.89 2009 595 Sint Maarten 6.89 2009 596 Rwanda 6.89 2009 597 Egypt 6.88 2009 598 Vanuatu 6.88 2009 599 Cuba 6.87 2009 600 Uruguay 6.87 2009 601 Bolivia 6.85 2009 602 China 6.84 2009 603 Croatia 6.83 2009 604 Slovakia 6.80 2009 605 Suriname 6.80 2009 606 Iraq 6.79 2009 607 Malawi 6.79 2009 608 Norway 6.78 2009 609 Bermuda 6.77 2009 610 Central African Republic 6.77 2009 611 Austria 6.76 2009 612 Ireland 6.76 2009 613 Togo 6.76 2009 614 Morocco 6.76 2009 615 Belize 6.75 2009 616 Malawi 6.73 2009 617 Angola 6.72 2009 618 Seychelles 6.72 2009 619 Benin 6.71 2009 620 Serbia 6.71 2009 621 Sri Lanka 6.70 2009 622 France 6.68 2009 623 Sao Tome and Principe 6.68 2009 624 Guinea 6.67 2009 625 Austria 6.66 2009 626 Trinidad and Tobago 6.64 2009 627 United Kingdom 6.64 2009 628 Djibouti 6.63 2009 629 Georgia 6.63 2009 630 Ghana 6.63 2009 631 Cameroon 6.62 2009 632 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.61 2009 633 Vanuatu 6.61 2009 634 Czech Republic 6.60 2009 635 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.60 2009 636 Kazakhstan 6.59 2009 637 Nicaragua 6.59 2009 638 Somalia 6.59 2009 639 Chad 6.54 2009 640 Italy 6.53 2009 641 Kenya 6.53 2009 642 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.52 2009 643 Serbia 6.52 2009 644 Colombia 6.50 2009 645 Poland 6.50 2009 646 Hong Kong 6.50 2009 647 Hong Kong 6.50 2009 648 Ecuador 6.50 2009 649 Chile 6.46 2009 650 Oman 6.46 2009 651 Syria 6.44 2009 652 Burkina Faso 6.42 2009 653 Guyana 6.41 2009 654 Vietnam 6.41 2009 655 Bahrain 6.40 2009 656 Thailand 6.40 2009 657 Papua New Guinea 6.40 2009 658 Seychelles 6.39 2009 659 Equatorial Guinea 6.34 2009 660 Lithuania 6.30 2009 661 Thailand 6.30 2009 662 Japan 6.29 2009 663 Jordan 6.29 2009 664 Morocco 6.28 2009 665 Belgium 6.26 2009 666 Qatar 6.26 2009 667 Macedonia 6.26 2009 668 Kenya 6.25 2009 669 Kuwait 6.24 2009 670 Denmark 6.22 2009 671 Georgia 6.22 2009 672 Macau 6.20 2009 673 Azerbaijan 6.18 2009 674 Bulgaria 6.17 2009 675 Dominican Republic 6.17 2009 676 Sweden 6.17 2009 677 Norway 6.16 2009 678 Armenia 6.15 2009 679 Saudi Arabia 6.15 2009 680 Romania 6.14 2009 681 United States 6.14 2009 682 Benin 6.13 2009 683 Bermuda 6.11 2009 684 Niger 6.11 2009 685 Cape Verde 6.10 2009 686 Sudan 6.10 2009 687 Ukraine 6.10 2009 688 Turkey 6.10 2009 689 Greece 6.10 2009 690 Jordan 6.10 2009 691 Uzbekistan 6.09 2009 692 Hungary 6.08 2009 693 Belize 6.07 2009 694 Seychelles 6.07 2009 695 Guyana 6.05 2009 696 Greece 6.02 2009 697 Norway 6.01 2009 698 Malaysia 6.00 2009 699 Taiwan 6.00 2009 700 Czech Republic 5.99 2009 701 Ghana 5.99 2009 702 Samoa 5.95 2009 703 Mozambique 5.93 2009 704 Turkmenistan 5.91 2009 705 Germany 5.90 2009 706 Germany 5.90 2009 707 Kyrgyzstan 5.90 2009 708 Bahamas, The 5.89 2009 709 Mali 5.89 2009 710 Guatemala 5.88 2009 711 Indonesia 5.88 2009 712 Sierra Leone 5.87 2009 713 Ireland 5.86 2009 714 Vanuatu 5.86 2009 715 Suriname 5.85 2009 716 Zambia 5.85 2009 717 Australia 5.81 2009 718 United Arab Emirates 5.81 2009 719 Turkmenistan 5.81 2009 720 Singapore 5.80 2009 721 Yemen 5.80 2009 722 Slovakia 5.80 2009 723 Spain 5.80 2009 724 Algeria 5.77 2009 725 Croatia 5.75 2009 726 Belgium 5.74 2009 727 Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.74 2009 728 Azerbaijan 5.73 2009 729 Netherlands 5.72 2009 730 Czech Republic 5.70 2009 731 Moldova 5.70 2009 732 Singapore 5.70 2009 733 Comoros 5.69 2009 734 Greece 5.68 2009 735 Peru 5.68 2009 736 Turkmenistan 5.67 2009 737 Burundi 5.66 2009 738 Morocco 5.66 2009 739 Bulgaria 5.65 2009 740 Sierra Leone 5.65 2009 741 Indonesia 5.64 2009 742 Oman 5.64 2009 743 Senegal 5.64 2009 744 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.64 2009 745 Tonga 5.64 2009 746 Estonia 5.63 2009 747 Libya 5.63 2009 748 Nicaragua 5.63 2009 749 Italy 5.63 2009 750 Dominican Republic 5.59 2009 751 Poland 5.59 2009 752 Qatar 5.59 2009 753 Peru 5.59 2009 754 Kazakhstan 5.58 2009 755 Mauritania 5.58 2009 756 Ghana 5.57 2009 757 Costa Rica 5.56 2009 758 Sweden 5.56 2009 759 Congo, Republic of the 5.55 2009 760 Portugal 5.55 2009 761 Australia 5.54 2009 762 Honduras 5.54 2009 763 Rwanda 5.54 2009 764 China 5.54 2009 765 Denmark 5.53 2009 766 Trinidad and Tobago 5.53 2009 767 Sudan 5.53 2009 768 Cyprus 5.52 2009 769 Vanuatu 5.52 2009 770 Bulgaria 5.48 2009 771 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.48 2009 772 Niger 5.48 2009 773 Russia 5.48 2009 774 Venezuela 5.47 2009 775 Nigeria 5.46 2009 776 Brunei 5.42 2009 777 Israel 5.42 2009 778 New Caledonia 5.42 2009 779 Turkmenistan 5.41 2009 780 Maldives 5.40 2009 781 Turkey 5.40 2009 782 Albania 5.39 2009 783 Uzbekistan 5.39 2009 784 Armenia 5.39 2009 785 Armenia 5.36 2009 786 India 5.36 2009 787 Haiti 5.36 2009 788 Maldives 5.36 2009 789 Bermuda 5.35 2009 790 Burundi 5.35 2009 791 Chile 5.35 2009 792 Chad 5.33 2009 793 Saudi Arabia 5.32 2009 794 Portugal 5.31 2009 795 Australia 5.30 2009 796 Sudan 5.30 2009 797 Slovakia 5.30 2009 798 Malaysia 5.30 2009 799 Laos 5.30 2009 800 Hong Kong 5.30 2009 801 Finland 5.29 2009 802 Japan 5.29 2009 803 Iran 5.27 2009 804 Poland 5.27 2009 805 Oman 5.27 2009 806 Bahrain 5.26 2009 807 Czech Republic 5.26 2009 808 Libya 5.25 2009 809 Fiji 5.23 2009 810 Sri Lanka 5.23 2009 811 Singapore 5.22 2009 812 Spain 5.22 2009 813 Guinea-Bissau 5.20 2009 814 Solomon Islands 5.20 2009 815 Bahrain 5.19 2009 816 Sierra Leone 5.19 2009 817 Sierra Leone 5.19 2009 818 Brunei 5.19 2009 819 Oman 5.19 2009 820 Rwanda 5.19 2009 821 India 5.18 2009 822 Afghanistan 5.15 2009 823 Costa Rica 5.15 2009 824 Guatemala 5.14 2009 825 Sweden 5.14 2009 826 Morocco 5.11 2009 827 Bhutan 5.10 2008 828 Eritrea 5.10 2008 829 Cambodia 5.10 2009 830 Kenya 5.10 2009 831 Cote d'Ivoire 5.09 2009 832 Ghana 5.09 2009 833 Sierra Leone 5.08 2009 834 Uganda 5.08 2009 835 Belgium 5.07 2009 836 Seychelles 5.07 2009 837 Afghanistan 5.06 2009 838 Luxembourg 5.06 2009 839 Sweden 5.06 2009 840 Togo 5.06 2009 841 Algeria 5.05 2009 842 Croatia 5.04 2009 843 Malawi 5.03 2009 844 Equatorial Guinea 5.02 2009 845 Peru 5.02 2009 846 India 5.02 2009 847 Bahrain 5.01 2009 848 Kuwait 5.00 2009 849 Qatar 5.00 2009 850 Paraguay 5.00 2009 851 Turkey 5.00 2009 852 Tunisia 5.00 2009 853 Thailand 5.00 2009 854 Gabon 4.99 2009 855 Saudi Arabia 4.99 2009 856 Iceland 4.98 2009 857 Slovenia 4.98 2009 858 Somalia 4.97 2009 859 Syria 4.97 2009 860 Tajikistan 4.96 2009 861 Aruba 4.94 2009 862 Egypt 4.94 2009 863 Czech Republic 4.93 2009 864 Syria 4.93 2009 865 Syria 4.92 2009 866 Honduras 4.91 2009 867 Romania 4.91 2009 868 France 4.90 2009 869 Germany 4.90 2009 870 Ukraine 4.90 2009 871 Ukraine 4.90 2009 872 Indonesia 4.88 2009 873 Mauritania 4.87 2009 874 South Africa 4.87 2009 875 India 4.86 2009 876 United Kingdom 4.86 2009 877 Cyprus 4.85 2009 878 Russia 4.84 2009 879 United Kingdom 4.84 2009 880 Benin 4.83 2009 881 Bulgaria 4.81 2009 882 Iran 4.81 2009 883 Malawi 4.81 2009 884 Gabon 4.81 2009 885 Rwanda 4.81 2009 886 Pakistan 4.81 2009 887 Kazakhstan 4.80 2009 888 Mongolia 4.80 2009 889 Taiwan 4.80 2009 890 Mexico 4.80 2009 891 Belarus 4.79 2009 892 Sweden 4.79 2009 893 Serbia 4.79 2009 894 Faroe Islands 4.79 2009 895 Kuwait 4.77 2009 896 Barbados 4.76 2009 897 Ireland 4.76 2009 898 Bahamas, The 4.75 2009 899 Senegal 4.75 2009 900 Romania 4.75 2009 901 Djibouti 4.74 2009 902 Hungary 4.73 2009 903 Tajikistan 4.73 2009 904 Pakistan 4.73 2009 905 France 4.72 2009 906 Somalia 4.72 2009 907 Saudi Arabia 4.72 2009 908 Gambia, The 4.71 2009 909 Sao Tome and Principe 4.71 2009 910 Spain 4.70 2009 911 Argentina 4.69 2009 912 Gambia, The 4.68 2009 913 Uzbekistan 4.68 2009 914 Qatar 4.67 2009 915 South Africa 4.67 2009 916 Saint Lucia 4.67 2009 917 Oman 4.65 2009 918 Tanzania 4.65 2009 919 Bangladesh 4.63 2009 920 Nigeria 4.63 2009 921 Papua New Guinea 4.62 2009 922 Jamaica 4.61 2009 923 Eritrea 4.60 2008 924 Uganda 4.60 2009 925 Somalia 4.60 2009 926 Poland 4.60 2009 927 Canada 4.56 2009 928 Saint Lucia 4.56 2009 929 Gabon 4.56 2009 930 Iceland 4.55 2009 931 Lebanon 4.55 2009 932 United States 4.53 2009 933 United Arab Emirates 4.52 2009 934 Yemen 4.52 2009 935 Angola 4.51 2009 936 Comoros 4.51 2009 937 Congo, Republic of the 4.51 2009 938 Yemen 4.51 2009 939 Yemen 4.51 2009 940 Hungary 4.51 2009 941 Colombia 4.50 2009 942 Lebanon 4.50 2009 943 Ecuador 4.50 2009 944 Tunisia 4.50 2009 945 El Salvador 4.50 2009 946 Gambia, The 4.49 2009 947 Israel 4.49 2009 948 Sao Tome and Principe 4.49 2009 949 Guinea-Bissau 4.49 2009 950 Sierra Leone 4.48 2009 951 Netherlands 4.47 2009 952 Solomon Islands 4.47 2009 953 Bangladesh 4.46 2009 954 Russia 4.46 2009 955 Burundi 4.46 2009 956 Cape Verde 4.46 2009 957 Brunei 4.45 2009 958 Vietnam 4.45 2009 959 Indonesia 4.45 2009 960 France 4.44 2009 961 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.44 2009 962 Pakistan 4.43 2009 963 El Salvador 4.40 2009 964 Netherlands 4.40 2009 965 Korea, South 4.40 2008 966 Montenegro 4.40 2009 967 Togo 4.40 2009 968 Barbados 4.39 2009 969 Moldova 4.38 2009 970 Syria 4.38 2009 971 Chad 4.37 2009 972 Uganda 4.37 2009 973 Costa Rica 4.36 2009 974 Ecuador 4.35 2009 975 Switzerland 4.35 2009 976 Gabon 4.35 2009 977 Bahrain 4.34 2009 978 Tanzania 4.34 2009 979 Solomon Islands 4.34 2009 980 Greece 4.34 2009 981 Guinea 4.33 2009 982 Yemen 4.33 2009 983 Slovenia 4.32 2009 984 Turkmenistan 4.32 2009 985 Cameroon 4.31 2009 986 Macedonia 4.31 2009 987 Brazil 4.30 2009 988 Thailand 4.30 2009 989 Ethiopia 4.30 2009 990 Italy 4.30 2009 991 Germany 4.30 2009 992 Germany 4.30 2009 993 Angola 4.28 2009 994 Vietnam 4.27 2009 995 Bahamas, The 4.26 2009 996 Brunei 4.25 2009 997 Fiji 4.25 2009 998 Burundi 4.24 2009 999 Yemen 4.24 2009 1000 Mozambique 4.24 2009 1001 Ghana 4.23 2009 1002 Finland 4.22 2009 1003 Zambia 4.22 2009 1004 Guinea 4.22 2009 1005 Burundi 4.21 2009 1006 Cape Verde 4.21 2009 1007 Germany 4.20 2009 1008 Malta 4.20 2009 1009 Zimbabwe 4.20 2009 1010 Nigeria 4.19 2009 1011 Trinidad and Tobago 4.19 2009 1012 Jamaica 4.18 2009 1013 Iraq 4.17 2009 1014 New Zealand 4.16 2009 1015 Niger 4.15 2009 1016 Hungary 4.14 2009 1017 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.13 2009 1018 Madagascar 4.13 2009 1019 Hungary 4.13 2009 1020 Bahamas, The 4.12 2009 1021 Japan 4.12 2009 1022 New Zealand 4.12 2009 1023 Syria 4.12 2009 1024 Belize 4.12 2009 1025 Italy 4.12 2009 1026 Iran 4.12 2009 1027 Malta 4.11 2009 1028 Montenegro 4.11 2009 1029 Montenegro 4.11 2009 1030 Korea, South 4.10 2008 1031 Thailand 4.10 2009 1032 Belgium 4.09 2009 1033 Kuwait 4.09 2009 1034 Iceland 4.09 2009 1035 Bulgaria 4.08 2009 1036 Italy 4.08 2009 1037 Greece 4.08 2009 1038 Armenia 4.07 2009 1039 Uganda 4.07 2009 1040 Hungary 4.07 2009 1041 Cambodia 4.06 2009 1042 Sierra Leone 4.06 2009 1043 Malta 4.05 2009 1044 Poland 4.05 2009 1045 Niger 4.05 2009 1046 Saudi Arabia 4.05 2009 1047 Afghanistan 4.04 2009 1048 Belarus 4.04 2009 1049 Mauritania 4.04 2009 1050 Austria 4.03 2009 1051 Malawi 4.03 2009 1052 Israel 4.03 2009 1053 Angola 4.02 2009 1054 Benin 4.02 2009 1055 India 4.02 2009 1056 Kuwait 4.02 2009 1057 Mauritania 4.02 2009 1058 Pakistan 4.02 2009 1059 Libya 4.02 2009 1060 Liberia 4.02 2009 1061 Cyprus 4.01 2009 1062 United Kingdom 4.01 2009 1063 Colombia 4.00 2009 1064 Tunisia 4.00 2009 1065 Slovakia 4.00 2009 1066 Lebanon 4.00 2009 1067 Rwanda 4.00 2009 1068 United Kingdom 3.99 2009 1069 Czech Republic 3.98 2009 1070 Iraq 3.98 2009 1071 Solomon Islands 3.98 2009 1072 Japan 3.98 2009 1073 Israel 3.98 2009 1074 Iraq 3.97 2009 1075 Senegal 3.97 2009 1076 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.96 2009 1077 Montenegro 3.96 2009 1078 Qatar 3.96 2009 1079 Japan 3.95 2009 1080 South Africa 3.95 2009 1081 Korea, North 3.00 2008 1082 Korea, North 3.00 2008 1083 Greenland 2.29 2009

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

Rank code: 2062

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 23,530,000,000.00 NA 2 United Kingdom 12,460,000,000.00 NA 3 Japan 11,190,000,000.00 NA 4 France 10,600,000,000.00 NA 5 Germany 10,440,000,000.00 NA 6 Netherlands 5,452,000,000.00 NA 7 Sweden 3,955,000,000.00 NA 8 Canada 3,900,000,000.00 NA 9 Spain 3,814,000,000.00 NA 10 Italy 3,641,000,000.00 NA 11 Norway 2,954,000,000.00 NA 12 Denmark 2,236,000,000.00 NA 13 Australia 2,123,000,000.00 NA 14 Belgium 1,978,000,000.00 NA 15 Switzerland 1,646,000,000.00 NA 16 Austria 1,498,000,000.00 NA 17 Finland 1,023,000,000.00 NA 18 Ireland 1,022,000,000.00 NA 19 Korea, South 455,300,000.00 NA 20 Greece 424,000,000.00 NA 21 Portugal 396,000,000.00 NA 22 Luxembourg 291,000,000.00 NA 23 New Zealand 259,000,000.00 NA 24 Cyprus 25,900,000.00 NA 25 Iceland 6,700,000.00 NA

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

Rank code: 2063

Country Comparison :: Constitution

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

Rank country Constitution Date of Information

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

Rank code: 2064

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 Iraq 21,650,000,000.00 NA 2 Greece 8,000,000,000.00 NA 3 Nigeria 6,437,000,000.00 NA 4 Vietnam 5,400,000,000.00 NA 5 Afghanistan 2,775,000,000.00 NA 6 Indonesia 2,524,000,000.00 NA 7 Yemen 2,300,000,000.00 NA 8 Sudan 1,829,000,000.00 NA 9 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,828,000,000.00 NA 10 India 1,724,000,000.00 NA 11 Pakistan 1,666,000,000.00 NA 12 China 1,641,000,000.00 NA 13 Ethiopia 1,600,000,000.00 NA 14 Poland 1,524,000,000.00 NA 15 Tanzania 1,505,000,000.00 NA 16 Congo, Republic of the 1,449,000,000.00 NA 17 Gaza Strip 1,400,000,000.00 NA 18 West Bank 1,400,000,000.00 NA 19 Bangladesh 1,321,000,000.00 NA 20 Ghana 1,316,000,000.00 NA 21 Mozambique 1,286,000,000.00 NA 22 Uganda 1,198,000,000.00 NA 23 Sri Lanka 1,189,000,000.00 NA 24 Russia 982,700,000.00 NA 25 Bhutan 941,200,000.00 NA 26 Madagascar 929,200,000.00 NA 27 Egypt 925,900,000.00 NA 28 Romania 914,300,000.00 NA 29 Kenya 768,300,000.00 NA 30 Jordan 752,000,000.00 NA 31 Bulgaria 742,000,000.00 NA 32 South Africa 700,000,000.00 NA 33 Cambodia 698,200,000.00 NA 34 Mali 691,500,000.00 NA 35 Honduras 680,800,000.00 NA 36 Burkina Faso 659,600,000.00 NA 37 Morocco 651,800,000.00 NA 38 Bolivia 582,900,000.00 NA 39 French Polynesia 579,800,000.00 NA 40 Rwanda 576,000,000.00 NA 41 Malawi 575,300,000.00 NA 42 Bosnia and Herzegovina 546,100,000.00 NA 43 New Caledonia 524,300,000.00 NA 44 Niger 515,400,000.00 NA 45 Haiti 515,000,000.00 NA 46 Greenland 512,000,000.00 NA 47 Colombia 511,100,000.00 NA 48 Zambia 504,000,000.00 NA 49 Slovenia 484,000,000.00 NA 50 Senegal 477,000,000.00 NA 51 Serbia 477,000,000.00 NA 52 Nicaragua 471,000,000.00 NA 53 Turkey 464,000,000.00 NA 54 Philippines 451,400,000.00 NA 55 Angola 441,800,000.00 NA 56 Nepal 427,900,000.00 NA 57 Cameroon 413,800,000.00 NA 58 Ukraine 409,600,000.00 NA 59 Peru 397,800,000.00 NA 60 Chad 379,800,000.00 NA 61 Laos 379,000,000.00 NA 62 Tunisia 376,500,000.00 NA 63 Benin 374,700,000.00 NA 64 Korea, North 372,000,000.00 NA 65 Algeria 370,600,000.00 NA 66 Zimbabwe 367,700,000.00 NA 67 Burundi 365,000,000.00 NA 68 Eritrea 355,200,000.00 NA 69 Sierra Leone 343,400,000.00 NA 70 Albania 318,700,000.00 NA 71 Georgia 309,800,000.00 NA 72 Hungary 302,600,000.00 NA 73 Czech Republic 278,700,000.00 NA 74 Kyrgyzstan 268,500,000.00 NA 75 El Salvador 267,600,000.00 NA 76 Papua New Guinea 266,100,000.00 NA 77 Guatemala 253,600,000.00 NA 78 Lithuania 249,700,000.00 NA 79 Tajikistan 241,400,000.00 NA 80 Israel 240,000,000.00 NA 81 Somalia 236,400,000.00 NA 82 Liberia 236,200,000.00 NA 83 Slovakia 235,000,000.00 NA 84 Macedonia 230,300,000.00 NA 85 Kazakhstan 229,200,000.00 NA 86 Azerbaijan 223,400,000.00 NA 87 Syria 213,000,000.00 NA 88 Ecuador 209,500,000.00 NA 89 Mayotte 201,300,000.00 NA 90 Solomon Islands 198,200,000.00 NA 91 Brazil 191,900,000.00 NA 92 Moldova 191,800,000.00 NA 93 Mauritania 190,400,000.00 NA 94 Mexico 189,400,000.00 NA 95 Timor-Leste 184,700,000.00 NA 96 Guinea 182,100,000.00 NA 97 Armenia 180,000,000.00 NA 98 Uzbekistan 172,300,000.00 NA 99 Thailand 171,100,000.00 NA 100 Latvia 162,000,000.00 NA 101 Cape Verde 160,600,000.00 NA 102 Mongolia 159,500,000.00 NA 103 Burma 144,700,000.00 NA 104 Guyana 136,800,000.00 NA 105 Estonia 135,500,000.00 NA 106 Croatia 125,400,000.00 NA 107 Namibia 123,400,000.00 NA 108 Micronesia, Federated States of 106,400,000.00 NA 109 Faroe Islands 105,000,000.00 NA 110 Iran 104,000,000.00 NA 111 Bahrain 103,900,000.00 NA 112 Argentina 99,660,000.00 NA 113 Central African Republic 95,290,000.00 NA 114 Cuba 87,800,000.00 NA 115 Togo 86,710,000.00 NA 116 Guinea-Bissau 79,120,000.00 NA 117 Djibouti 78,600,000.00 NA 118 Dominican Republic 76,990,000.00 NA 119 Botswana 70,890,000.00 NA 120 Lesotho 68,820,000.00 NA 121 Korea, South 68,070,000.00 NA 122 Maldives 66,830,000.00 NA 123 Fiji 63,960,000.00 NA 124 Cote d'Ivoire 60,000,000.00 NA 125 Gambia, The 58,150,000.00 NA 126 Marshall Islands 56,560,000.00 NA 127 Gabon 53,870,000.00 NA 128 Belarus 53,760,000.00 NA 129 Paraguay 51,090,000.00 NA 130 Venezuela 48,660,000.00 NA 131 Swaziland 46,030,000.00 NA 132 Grenada 44,870,000.00 NA 133 Suriname 43,970,000.00 NA 134 Samoa 43,950,000.00 NA 135 Vanuatu 39,480,000.00 NA 136 Equatorial Guinea 39,000,000.00 NA 137 Jamaica 35,740,000.00 NA 138 Mauritius 31,930,000.00 NA 139 Sao Tome and Principe 31,900,000.00 NA 140 Tonga 31,750,000.00 NA 141 Malaysia 31,600,000.00 NA 142 Oman 30,680,000.00 NA 143 Costa Rica 29,510,000.00 NA 144 Turkmenistan 28,250,000.00 NA 145 Kiribati 27,840,000.00 NA 146 Saudi Arabia 26,290,000.00 NA 147 Comoros 25,230,000.00 NA 148 Libya 24,440,000.00 NA 149 Palau 23,460,000.00 NA 150 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha22,730,000.00 NA 151 Nauru 20,000,000.00 NA 152 Panama 19,540,000.00 NA 153 Seychelles 18,810,000.00 NA 154 Dominica 15,170,000.00 NA 155 Cyprus 15,000,000.00 NA 156 Uruguay 14,620,000.00 NA 157 Macau 13,700,000.00 NA 158 Cook Islands 13,100,000.00 NA 159 Belize 12,910,000.00 NA 160 Aruba 11,300,000.00 NA 161 Saint Lucia 11,060,000.00 NA 162 Tuvalu 10,490,000.00 NA 163 Anguilla 9,000,000.00 NA 164 Svalbard 8,200,000.00 NA 165 Antigua and Barbuda 7,230,000.00 NA 166 Hong Kong 6,950,000.00 NA 167 Malta 6,190,000.00 NA 168 United Arab Emirates 5,360,000.00 NA 169 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4,890,000.00 NA 170 Bahamas, The 4,780,000.00 NA 171 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,100,000.00 NA 172 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3,520,000.00 NA 173 Pitcairn Islands 3,465,000.00 NA 174 Kuwait 2,600,000.00 NA 175 Niue 2,600,000.00 NA 176 Qatar 2,180,000.00 NA 177 Barbados 2,070,000.00 NA 178 Brunei 770,000.00 NA 179 Cayman Islands 390,000.00 NA 180 Trinidad and Tobago 200,000.00 NA 181 Bermuda 90,000.00 NA 182 Chile 0.00 NA 183 Singapore 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2065

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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Rank code: 2066

Country Comparison :: Death rate

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

Rank country (deaths/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Angola 23.74 July 2010 est. 2 Mozambique 19.83 July 2010 est. 3 Afghanistan 17.65 July 2010 est. 4 South Africa 16.99 July 2010 est. 5 Nigeria 16.31 July 2010 est. 6 Russia 16.04 July 2010 est. 7 Chad 15.79 July 2010 est. 8 Lesotho 15.71 July 2010 est. 9 Ukraine 15.70 July 2010 est. 10 Guinea-Bissau 15.52 July 2010 est. 11 Central African Republic 15.30 July 2010 est. 12 Somalia 15.24 July 2010 est. 13 Swaziland 14.99 July 2010 est. 14 Zimbabwe 14.90 July 2010 est. 15 Mali 14.64 July 2010 est. 16 Niger 14.47 July 2010 est. 17 Bulgaria 14.31 July 2010 est. 18 Serbia 13.89 July 2010 est. 19 Belarus 13.81 July 2010 est. 20 Malawi 13.69 July 2010 est. 21 Latvia 13.60 July 2010 est. 22 Estonia 13.48 July 2010 est. 23 Burkina Faso 13.02 July 2010 est. 24 Namibia 12.97 July 2010 est. 25 Gabon 12.90 July 2010 est. 26 Zambia 12.84 July 2010 est. 27 Hungary 12.67 July 2010 est. 28 Tanzania 12.31 July 2010 est. 29 Gambia, The 12.03 July 2010 est. 30 Cameroon 12.01 July 2010 est. 31 Sierra Leone 11.97 July 2010 est. 32 Uganda 11.90 July 2010 est. 33 Croatia 11.83 July 2010 est. 34 Romania 11.78 July 2010 est. 35 Congo, Republic of the 11.75 July 2010 est. 36 Sudan 11.66 July 2010 est. 37 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11.39 July 2010 est. 38 Ethiopia 11.29 July 2010 est. 39 Lithuania 11.25 July 2010 est. 40 Germany 11.00 July 2010 est. 41 Liberia 10.88 July 2010 est. 42 Italy 10.83 July 2010 est. 43 Czech Republic 10.79 July 2010 est. 44 Moldova 10.76 July 2010 est. 45 Portugal 10.74 July 2010 est. 46 Slovenia 10.74 July 2010 est. 47 Guinea 10.72 July 2010 est. 48 Greece 10.60 July 2010 est. 49 Korea, North 10.60 July 2010 est. 50 Belgium 10.50 July 2010 est. 51 Cote d'Ivoire 10.43 July 2010 est. 52 Sweden 10.20 July 2010 est. 53 Denmark 10.19 July 2010 est. 54 Rwanda 10.19 July 2010 est. 55 Finland 10.15 July 2010 est. 56 Poland 10.10 July 2010 est. 57 Austria 10.05 July 2010 est. 58 Burundi 9.87 July 2010 est. 59 Isle of Man 9.87 July 2010 est. 60 Japan 9.83 July 2010 est. 61 Georgia 9.79 July 2010 est. 62 Slovakia 9.56 July 2010 est. 63 Senegal 9.49 July 2010 est. 64 Kazakhstan 9.39 July 2010 est. 65 Tuvalu 9.36 July 2010 est. 66 United Kingdom 9.33 July 2010 est. 67 Equatorial Guinea 9.26 July 2010 est. 68 Kenya 9.26 July 2010 est. 69 Norway 9.26 July 2010 est. 70 Benin 9.23 July 2010 est. 71 Western Sahara 9.13 July 2010 est. 72 Uruguay 9.06 July 2010 est. 73 Botswana 9.02 July 2010 est. 74 Mauritania 9.00 July 2010 est. 75 Ghana 8.93 July 2010 est. 76 Macedonia 8.87 July 2010 est. 77 Netherlands 8.78 July 2010 est. 78 Montenegro 8.76 July 2010 est. 79 Spain 8.72 July 2010 est. 80 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.71 July 2010 est. 81 Faroe Islands 8.66 July 2010 est. 82 France 8.65 July 2010 est. 83 Switzerland 8.65 July 2010 est. 84 Malta 8.49 July 2010 est. 85 Luxembourg 8.46 July 2010 est. 86 Sao Tome and Principe 8.45 July 2010 est. 87 Armenia 8.42 July 2010 est. 88 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.41 July 2010 est. 89 Barbados 8.39 July 2010 est. 90 United States 8.38 July 2010 est. 91 World 8.37 2009 est. 92 Djibouti 8.37 July 2010 est. 93 Guernsey 8.35 July 2010 est. 94 Azerbaijan 8.28 July 2010 est. 95 Laos 8.28 July 2010 est. 96 Eritrea 8.25 July 2010 est. 97 Burma 8.23 July 2010 est. 98 Haiti 8.21 2011 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 8.21 July 2010 est. 100 Cambodia 8.19 July 2010 est. 101 Gibraltar 8.17 July 2010 est. 102 Togo 8.15 July 2010 est. 103 Dominica 8.12 July 2010 est. 104 Greenland 8.05 July 2010 est. 105 Monaco 8.01 July 2010 est. 106 Curacao 8.00 2009 107 Madagascar 7.97 July 2010 est. 108 Grenada 7.90 July 2010 est. 109 Canada 7.87 July 2010 est. 110 Montserrat 7.82 July 2010 est. 111 Puerto Rico 7.82 July 2010 est. 112 Palau 7.81 July 2010 est. 113 Aruba 7.76 July 2010 est. 114 San Marino 7.75 July 2010 est. 115 India 7.53 July 2010 est. 116 Jersey 7.49 July 2010 est. 117 Liechtenstein 7.49 July 2010 est. 118 Vanuatu 7.49 July 2010 est. 119 Kiribati 7.48 July 2010 est. 120 Bermuda 7.43 July 2010 est. 121 Comoros 7.40 July 2010 est. 122 Argentina 7.39 July 2010 est. 123 Cuba 7.29 July 2010 est. 124 Bhutan 7.25 July 2010 est. 125 Guyana 7.24 July 2010 est. 126 Yemen 7.24 July 2010 est. 127 Cook Islands 7.22 NA 128 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.11 July 2010 est. 129 New Zealand 7.10 July 2010 est. 130 Pakistan 7.06 July 2010 est. 131 Mayotte 7.05 July 2010 est. 132 Virgin Islands 6.96 July 2010 est. 133 Bolivia 6.95 July 2010 est. 134 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.94 July 2010 est. 135 Seychelles 6.92 July 2010 est. 136 Hong Kong 6.91 July 2010 est. 137 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6.91 July 2010 est. 138 Iceland 6.90 July 2010 est. 139 Saint Lucia 6.90 July 2010 est. 140 Bahamas, The 6.89 July 2010 est. 141 Nepal 6.89 July 2010 est. 142 China 6.89 July 2010 est. 143 Taiwan 6.87 July 2010 est. 144 Kyrgyzstan 6.85 July 2010 est. 145 Australia 6.81 July 2010 est. 146 Tajikistan 6.72 July 2010 est. 147 Mauritius 6.63 July 2010 est. 148 Papua New Guinea 6.62 July 2010 est. 149 Jamaica 6.48 July 2010 est. 150 Thailand 6.47 July 2010 est. 151 Lebanon 6.46 July 2010 est. 152 Cyprus 6.42 July 2010 est. 153 Cape Verde 6.41 July 2010 est. 154 Brazil 6.35 July 2010 est. 155 Ireland 6.30 July 2010 est. 156 Turkmenistan 6.27 July 2010 est. 157 Indonesia 6.25 July 2010 est. 158 Andorra 6.21 July 2010 est. 159 Sri Lanka 6.20 July 2010 est. 160 Korea, South 6.15 July 2010 est. 161 Nauru 6.15 July 2010 est. 162 Peru 6.13 July 2010 est. 163 Turkey 6.10 July 2010 est. 164 Mongolia 6.08 July 2010 est. 165 Albania 6.04 July 2010 est. 166 Vietnam 5.97 July 2010 est. 167 Iran 5.94 July 2010 est. 168 Timor-Leste 5.93 July 2010 est. 169 Chile 5.90 July 2010 est. 170 Fiji 5.88 July 2010 est. 171 Belize 5.82 July 2010 est. 172 Bangladesh 5.81 July 2010 est. 173 Antigua and Barbuda 5.77 July 2010 est. 174 El Salvador 5.61 July 2010 est. 175 Suriname 5.53 July 2010 est. 176 Israel 5.45 July 2010 est. 177 Samoa 5.36 July 2010 est. 178 Uzbekistan 5.29 July 2010 est. 179 Colombia 5.24 July 2010 est. 180 Tunisia 5.24 July 2010 est. 181 New Caledonia 5.23 July 2010 est. 182 Venezuela 5.14 July 2010 est. 183 Philippines 5.06 July 2010 est. 184 Guatemala 5.04 July 2010 est. 185 Cayman Islands 5.00 July 2010 est. 186 Ecuador 5.00 July 2010 est. 187 Honduras 4.99 July 2010 est. 188 Tonga 4.95 July 2010 est. 189 Iraq 4.92 July 2010 est. 190 Malaysia 4.92 July 2010 est. 191 Egypt 4.85 July 2010 est. 192 Mexico 4.83 July 2010 est. 193 French Polynesia 4.80 July 2010 est. 194 Singapore 4.80 July 2010 est. 195 Morocco 4.74 July 2010 est. 196 Algeria 4.66 July 2010 est. 197 Panama 4.62 July 2010 est. 198 Wallis and Futuna 4.56 NA 199 Paraguay 4.55 July 2010 est. 200 Marshall Islands 4.42 July 2010 est. 201 British Virgin Islands 4.41 July 2010 est. 202 Anguilla 4.40 July 2010 est. 203 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.40 July 2010 est. 204 Bahrain 4.37 July 2010 est. 205 Dominican Republic 4.30 July 2010 est. 206 Costa Rica 4.29 July 2010 est. 207 Nicaragua 4.28 July 2010 est. 208 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.17 July 2010 est. 209 American Samoa 4.09 July 2010 est. 210 Solomon Islands 3.96 July 2010 est. 211 Syria 3.70 July 2010 est. 212 Maldives 3.68 July 2010 est. 213 West Bank 3.62 July 2010 est. 214 Macau 3.60 July 2010 est. 215 Oman 3.47 July 2010 est. 216 Libya 3.40 July 2010 est. 217 Gaza Strip 3.36 July 2010 est. 218 Saudi Arabia 3.34 July 2010 est. 219 Brunei 3.32 July 2010 est. 220 Northern Mariana Islands 3.17 July 2010 est. 221 Sint Maarten 3.00 2009 222 Jordan 2.66 July 2010 est. 223 Qatar 2.44 July 2010 est. 224 Kuwait 2.29 July 2010 est. 225 United Arab Emirates 2.08 July 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2068

Country Comparison :: Dependent areas

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

Rank country Dependent areas Date of Information

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Rank code: 2070

Country Comparison :: Disputes - international

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

Rank country Disputes - international Date of Information

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Rank code: 2075

Country Comparison :: Ethnic groups

This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Lesotho 99.70 NA 2 Mozambique 99.66 NA 3 Egypt 99.60 2006 census 4 Zambia 99.50 2000 Census 5 Morocco 99.10 NA 6 Algeria 99.00 NA 7 Gambia, The 99.00 2003 census 8 Togo 99.00 NA 9 Tanzania 99.00 NA 10 Guinea-Bissau 99.00 NA 11 Kiribati 98.80 2000 census 12 Japan 98.50 2004 13 Vanuatu 98.50 1999 Census 14 Bangladesh 98.00 1998 15 Jordan 98.00 NA 16 Zimbabwe 98.00 NA 17 Tunisia 98.00 NA 18 Armenia 97.90 2001 census 19 Argentina 97.00 NA 20 Libya 97.00 NA 21 Swaziland 97.00 NA 22 Poland 96.70 2002 census 23 Tuvalu 96.00 NA 24 Chile 95.40 2002 census 25 Albania 95.00 NA 26 Lebanon 95.00 NA 27 Paraguay 95.00 NA 28 Hong Kong 95.00 2006 census 29 Haiti 95.00 NA 30 Mongolia 94.90 2000 31 Solomon Islands 94.50 1999 census 32 Norway 94.40 2007 estimate 33 Macau 94.30 2006 census 34 Costa Rica 94.00 NA 35 Iceland 94.00 NA 36 Finland 93.40 2006 37 Barbados 93.00 2000 census 38 Greece 93.00 NA 39 Samoa 92.60 2001 census 40 Hungary 92.30 2001 census 41 Marshall Islands 92.10 2006 42 United Kingdom 92.10 2001 census 43 Australia 92.00 NA 44 Kosovo 92.00 2008 45 American Samoa 91.60 2000 census 46 China 91.50 2000 census 47 Germany 91.50 NA 48 Jamaica 91.20 2001 census 49 Austria 91.10 2001 census 50 Antigua and Barbuda 91.00 2001 census 51 Azerbaijan 90.60 NA 52 Czech Republic 90.40 2001 census 53 Syria 90.30 NA 54 Anguilla 90.10 2001 census 55 Cambodia 90.00 NA 56 Honduras 90.00 NA 57 Turks and Caicos Islands 90.00 NA 58 Saudi Arabia 90.00 NA 59 El Salvador 90.00 NA 60 Croatia 89.60 2001 census 61 Romania 89.50 2002 census 62 Greenland 89.00 2009 63 Uruguay 88.00 NA 64 Cook Islands 87.70 2001 census 65 Namibia 87.50 NA 66 Ireland 87.40 2006 census 67 Dominica 86.80 2001 census 68 Vietnam 86.20 1999 census 69 Slovakia 85.80 2001 census 70 Equatorial Guinea 85.70 1994 census 71 Bahamas, The 85.00 NA 72 Burundi 85.00 NA 73 Somalia 85.00 NA 74 Turkmenistan 85.00 2003 75 Lithuania 84.00 2009 76 Taiwan 84.00 NA 77 Rwanda 84.00 NA 78 Bulgaria 83.90 2001 census 79 Georgia 83.80 2002 census 80 Slovenia 83.10 2002 census 81 West Bank 83.00 NA 82 Serbia 82.90 2002 census 83 Saint Lucia 82.50 2001 census 84 British Virgin Islands 82.00 2008 85 Grenada 82.00 NA 86 Belarus 81.20 1999 census 87 Netherlands 80.70 2008 est. 88 Aruba 80.00 NA 89 Uzbekistan 80.00 NA 90 United States 79.96 NA 91 Tajikistan 79.90 2000 census 92 Russia 79.80 2002 census 93 Botswana 79.00 NA 94 South Africa 79.00 2001 census 95 Moldova 78.20 NA 96 Niue 78.20 2001 census 97 French Polynesia 78.00 NA 98 Ukraine 77.80 2001 census 99 Cyprus 77.00 2001 100 Singapore 76.80 2000 census 101 Israel 76.40 NA 102 Puerto Rico 76.20 2007 103 Virgin Islands 76.20 2000 census 104 Thailand 75.00 NA 105 Sri Lanka 73.80 NA 106 Dominican Republic 73.00 NA 107 India 72.00 2000 108 Cape Verde 71.00 NA 109 Christmas Island 70.00 2001 110 Panama 70.00 NA 111 Palau 69.90 2000 census 112 Nicaragua 69.00 NA 113 Estonia 68.70 2008 census 114 Burma 68.00 NA 115 Mauritius 68.00 NA 116 Brunei 66.30 2004 est. 117 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 66.00 NA 118 Liechtenstein 65.60 2000 census 119 Cuba 65.10 2002 census 120 Ecuador 65.00 NA 121 Switzerland 65.00 NA 122 Kyrgyzstan 64.90 1999 census 123 Macedonia 64.20 2002 census 124 Luxembourg 63.10 2000 census 125 Bahrain 62.40 2001 census 126 Djibouti 60.00 NA 127 Mexico 60.00 NA 128 Guatemala 59.40 2001 census 129 Latvia 59.30 2009 130 Belgium 58.00 NA 131 Colombia 58.00 NA 132 Nauru 58.00 NA 133 Fiji 57.30 2007 census 134 New Zealand 56.80 2006 Census 135 Northern Mariana Islands 56.30 2000 census 136 Niger 55.40 2001 census 137 Svalbard 55.40 1998 138 Eritrea 55.00 NA 139 Laos 55.00 2005 census 140 Bermuda 54.80 2000 census 141 Brazil 53.70 2000 census 142 Kazakhstan 53.40 1999 census 143 Sudan 52.00 NA 144 Jersey 51.10 2001 census 145 Iran 51.00 NA 146 Malaysia 50.40 2004 est. 147 Bhutan 50.00 NA 148 United Arab Emirates 50.00 NA 149 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha50.00 NA 150 Mali 50.00 NA 151 Micronesia, Federated States of 48.80 2000 census 152 Belize 48.70 2000 census 153 Bosnia and Herzegovina 48.00 NA 154 Congo, Republic of the 48.00 NA 155 Monaco 47.00 NA 156 Ghana 45.30 2000 census 157 Kuwait 45.00 NA 158 Peru 45.00 NA 159 Pakistan 44.68 NA 160 Svalbard 44.30 1998 161 New Caledonia 44.10 1996 census 162 Guyana 43.50 2002 census 163 Senegal 43.30 NA 164 Andorra 43.00 1998 165 Montenegro 43.00 2003 census 166 Cote d'Ivoire 42.10 1998 167 Afghanistan 42.00 NA 168 Indonesia 40.60 2000 census 169 Cayman Islands 40.00 NA 170 Qatar 40.00 NA 171 Trinidad and Tobago 40.00 2000 census 172 Mauritania 40.00 NA 173 Guinea 40.00 NA 174 Benin 39.20 2002 census 175 Sudan 39.00 NA 176 Brazil 38.50 2000 census 177 Bahrain 37.60 2001 census 178 Fiji 37.60 2007 census 179 Trinidad and Tobago 37.50 2000 census 180 Bosnia and Herzegovina 37.10 NA 181 Angola 37.00 NA 182 Suriname 37.00 NA 183 Peru 37.00 NA 184 Northern Mariana Islands 36.30 2000 census 185 Bhutan 35.00 NA 186 Sierra Leone 35.00 2008 census 187 Kuwait 35.00 NA 188 Djibouti 35.00 NA 189 Jersey 34.80 2001 census 190 Ethiopia 34.50 2007 Census 191 Liechtenstein 34.40 2000 census 192 Bermuda 34.10 2000 census 193 New Caledonia 34.10 1996 census 194 Andorra 33.00 1998 195 Central African Republic 33.00 NA 196 Nepal 32.70 2001 census 197 Montenegro 32.00 2003 census 198 Belgium 31.00 NA 199 Cameroon 31.00 NA 200 Sierra Leone 31.00 2008 census 201 Suriname 31.00 NA 202 Guyana 30.20 2002 census 203 Bolivia 30.00 NA 204 Mauritania 30.00 NA 205 Mexico 30.00 NA 206 Mauritania 30.00 NA 207 Bolivia 30.00 NA 208 Guinea 30.00 NA 209 Kazakhstan 30.00 1999 census 210 Eritrea 30.00 NA 211 Indonesia 29.90 2000 census 212 Uganda 29.60 2002 census 213 Nigeria 29.00 NA 214 Philippines 28.10 2000 census 215 Canada 28.00 NA 216 Cape Verde 28.00 NA 217 Latvia 27.80 2009 218 Chad 27.70 1993 census 219 Afghanistan 27.00 NA 220 Central African Republic 27.00 NA 221 Mauritius 27.00 NA 222 Ethiopia 26.90 2007 Census 223 Canada 26.00 NA 224 Laos 26.00 2005 census 225 Nauru 26.00 NA 226 Estonia 25.60 2008 census 227 Philippines 25.30 2000 census 228 Macedonia 25.20 2002 census 229 Angola 25.00 NA 230 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha25.00 NA 231 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha25.00 NA 232 India 25.00 2000 233 Ecuador 25.00 NA 234 Bolivia 25.00 NA 235 Belize 24.90 2000 census 236 Cuba 24.80 2002 census 237 Micronesia, Federated States of 24.20 2000 census 238 Iran 24.00 NA 239 Senegal 23.80 NA 240 Malaysia 23.70 2004 est. 241 Israel 23.60 NA 242 Canada 23.00 NA 243 United Arab Emirates 23.00 NA 244 Angola 22.00 NA 245 Kenya 22.00 NA 246 Monaco 21.00 NA 247 Niger 21.00 2001 census 248 Nigeria 21.00 NA 249 Trinidad and Tobago 20.50 2000 census 250 Liberia 20.30 2008 Census 251 Liberia 20.10 2008 Census 252 Aruba 20.00 NA 253 Christmas Island 20.00 2001 254 Congo, Republic of the 20.00 NA 255 Colombia 20.00 NA 256 Guinea 20.00 NA 257 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 258 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 259 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 260 Brunei 19.10 2004 est. 261 Cameroon 19.00 NA 262 United Arab Emirates 19.00 NA 263 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19.00 NA 264 Cyprus 18.00 2001 265 Qatar 18.00 NA 266 Switzerland 18.00 NA 267 Qatar 18.00 NA 268 Nigeria 18.00 NA 269 Cote d'Ivoire 17.60 1998 270 Ukraine 17.30 2001 census 271 Congo, Republic of the 17.00 NA 272 Mali 17.00 NA 273 West Bank 17.00 NA 274 Nicaragua 17.00 NA 275 Uganda 16.90 2002 census 276 Guyana 16.70 2002 census 277 Cote d'Ivoire 16.50 1998 278 Dominican Republic 16.00 NA 279 Monaco 16.00 NA 280 Monaco 16.00 NA 281 Nepal 15.50 2001 census 282 Pakistan 15.42 NA 283 Palau 15.30 2000 census 284 Tajikistan 15.30 2000 census 285 Benin 15.20 2002 census 286 Ghana 15.20 2000 census 287 Bhutan 15.00 NA 288 Canada 15.00 NA 289 Kenya 15.00 NA 290 Peru 15.00 NA 291 Rwanda 15.00 NA 292 Somalia 15.00 NA 293 Suriname 15.00 NA 294 Sierra Leone 15.00 2008 census 295 Indonesia 15.00 2000 census 296 Bolivia 15.00 NA 297 Senegal 14.70 NA 298 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.30 NA 299 Pakistan 14.10 NA 300 Burundi 14.00 NA 301 Taiwan 14.00 NA 302 Thailand 14.00 NA 303 Qatar 14.00 NA 304 Panama 14.00 NA 305 Colombia 14.00 NA 306 Kenya 14.00 NA 307 Singapore 13.90 2000 census 308 Kyrgyzstan 13.80 1999 census 309 New Zealand 13.50 2006 Census 310 Liberia 13.40 2008 Census 311 Luxembourg 13.30 2000 census 312 Philippines 13.10 2000 census 313 Virgin Islands 13.10 2000 census 314 Angola 13.00 NA 315 Grenada 13.00 NA 316 Kenya 13.00 NA 317 Central African Republic 13.00 NA 318 Cameroon 13.00 NA 319 United States 12.85 NA 320 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 1999 census 321 Nepal 12.50 2001 census 322 Benin 12.30 2002 census 323 Chad 12.30 1993 census 324 Russia 12.10 2002 census 325 Bahamas, The 12.00 NA 326 French Polynesia 12.00 NA 327 Montenegro 12.00 2003 census 328 Slovenia 12.00 2002 census 329 Puerto Rico 12.00 2007 330 Mali 12.00 NA 331 Kenya 12.00 NA 332 Congo, Republic of the 12.00 NA 333 Saint Lucia 11.90 2001 census 334 Ghana 11.70 2000 census 335 Chad 11.50 1993 census 336 Belarus 11.40 1999 census 337 Ethiopia 11.30 2007 Census 338 British Virgin Islands 11.20 2008 339 Brunei 11.20 2004 est. 340 Andorra 11.00 1998 341 Belgium 11.00 NA 342 Cameroon 11.00 NA 343 Thailand 11.00 NA 344 Malaysia 11.00 2004 est. 345 Laos 11.00 2005 census 346 Kenya 11.00 NA 347 Greenland 11.00 2009 348 Dominican Republic 11.00 NA 349 Cote d'Ivoire 11.00 1998 350 Botswana 11.00 NA 351 Belize 10.60 2000 census 352 Niue 10.20 2001 census 353 Cuba 10.10 2002 census 354 Cameroon 10.00 NA 355 Guinea 10.00 NA 356 Saudi Arabia 10.00 NA 357 Qatar 10.00 NA 358 Panama 10.00 NA 359 Nigeria 10.00 NA 360 Mali 10.00 NA 361 Liberia 10.00 2008 Census 362 Central African Republic 10.00 NA 363 Cote d'Ivoire 10.00 1998 364 Christmas Island 10.00 2001 365 Turks and Caicos Islands 10.00 NA 366 Switzerland 10.00 NA 367 Suriname 10.00 NA 368 Sri Lanka 10.00 NA 369 Belize 9.70 2000 census 370 New Zealand 9.70 2006 Census 371 Syria 9.70 NA 372 Slovakia 9.70 2001 census 373 South Africa 9.60 2001 census 374 Uganda 9.50 2002 census 375 Bulgaria 9.40 2001 census 376 Senegal 9.40 NA 377 Niger 9.30 2001 census 378 Benin 9.20 2002 census 379 Guatemala 9.10 2001 census 380 Guyana 9.10 2002 census 381 Afghanistan 9.00 NA 382 Philippines 9.00 2000 census 383 Nicaragua 9.00 NA 384 New Caledonia 9.00 1996 census 385 Mexico 9.00 NA 386 Kuwait 9.00 NA 387 El Salvador 9.00 NA 388 Chad 9.00 1993 census 389 Burma 9.00 NA 390 Afghanistan 9.00 NA 391 Dominica 8.90 2001 census 392 South Africa 8.90 2001 census 393 Chad 8.70 1993 census 394 Guatemala 8.60 2001 census 395 China 8.50 2000 census 396 Niger 8.50 2001 census 397 Guatemala 8.40 2001 census 398 Uganda 8.40 2002 census 399 Moldova 8.40 NA 400 Pakistan 8.38 NA 401 Cameroon 8.00 NA 402 Laos 8.00 2005 census 403 Montenegro 8.00 2003 census 404 Serbia 8.00 2002 census 405 Uruguay 8.00 NA 406 United Arab Emirates 8.00 NA 407 Sierra Leone 8.00 2008 census 408 Nauru 8.00 NA 409 New Zealand 8.00 2006 Census 410 Nauru 8.00 NA 411 Liberia 8.00 2008 Census 412 Kosovo 8.00 2008 413 Iran 8.00 NA 414 Guatemala 7.90 2001 census 415 Liberia 7.90 2008 Census 416 Singapore 7.90 2000 census 417 Ghana 7.80 2000 census 418 Malaysia 7.80 2004 est. 419 Philippines 7.60 2000 census 420 Pakistan 7.57 NA 421 Ireland 7.50 2006 census 422 Philippines 7.50 2000 census 423 New Zealand 7.40 2006 Census 424 Ghana 7.30 2000 census 425 Luxembourg 7.30 2000 census 426 Sri Lanka 7.20 NA 427 Malaysia 7.10 2004 est. 428 Andorra 7.00 1998 429 Benin 7.00 2002 census 430 Cameroon 7.00 NA 431 Samoa 7.00 2001 census 432 Nepal 7.00 2001 census 433 Kuwait 7.00 NA 434 Iran 7.00 NA 435 Honduras 7.00 NA 436 Greece 7.00 NA 437 Ecuador 7.00 NA 438 Central African Republic 7.00 NA 439 Burma 7.00 NA 440 Botswana 7.00 NA 441 Australia 7.00 NA 442 Puerto Rico 6.90 2007 443 Uganda 6.90 2002 census 444 British Virgin Islands 6.80 2008 445 Chad 6.70 1993 census 446 Jersey 6.60 2001 census 447 Romania 6.60 2002 census 448 Nepal 6.60 2001 census 449 Chad 6.50 1993 census 450 Equatorial Guinea 6.50 1994 census 451 Namibia 6.50 NA 452 Georgia 6.50 2002 census 453 Cook Islands 6.50 2001 census 454 Bermuda 6.40 2000 census 455 Chad 6.40 1993 census 456 Jersey 6.40 2001 census 457 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.40 2000 census 458 Uganda 6.40 2002 census 459 Chad 6.30 1993 census 460 Guatemala 6.30 2001 census 461 Pakistan 6.28 NA 462 Brazil 6.20 2000 census 463 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.20 2000 census 464 Jamaica 6.20 2001 census 465 Ethiopia 6.20 2007 Census 466 Belize 6.10 2000 census 467 Ethiopia 6.10 2007 Census 468 Uganda 6.10 2002 census 469 Virgin Islands 6.10 2000 census 470 Lithuania 6.10 2009 471 Germany 6.10 NA 472 Benin 6.10 2002 census 473 Andorra 6.00 1998 474 French Polynesia 6.00 NA 475 Iceland 6.00 NA 476 Turkmenistan 6.00 2003 477 Switzerland 6.00 NA 478 Sudan 6.00 NA 479 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.00 NA 480 Philippines 6.00 2000 census 481 Panama 6.00 NA 482 Namibia 6.00 NA 483 Mali 6.00 NA 484 Liberia 6.00 2008 Census 485 Kenya 6.00 NA 486 Kenya 6.00 NA 487 Canada 6.00 NA 488 Croatia 5.90 2001 census 489 Marshall Islands 5.90 2006 490 Cook Islands 5.80 2001 census 491 Hungary 5.80 2001 census 492 Moldova 5.80 NA 493 Georgia 5.70 2002 census 494 Kyrgyzstan 5.70 1999 census 495 Macau 5.70 2006 census 496 Finland 5.60 2006 497 Nepal 5.50 2001 census 498 Uzbekistan 5.50 NA 499 Nepal 5.40 2001 census 500 Luxembourg 5.20 2000 census 501 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.20 2000 census 502 New Caledonia 5.20 1996 census 503 Liberia 5.10 2008 Census 504 Burma 5.00 NA 505 Cambodia 5.00 NA 506 Sierra Leone 5.00 2008 census 507 Paraguay 5.00 NA 508 Nicaragua 5.00 NA 509 Netherlands 5.00 2008 est. 510 Montenegro 5.00 2003 census 511 Mongolia 5.00 2000 512 Mali 5.00 NA 513 Iraq 5.00 NA 514 Haiti 5.00 NA 515 Uzbekistan 5.00 NA 516 Turkmenistan 5.00 2003 517 Grenada 5.00 NA 518 Eritrea 5.00 NA 519 Djibouti 5.00 NA 520 Cyprus 5.00 2001 521 Kazakhstan 4.90 1999 census 522 Lithuania 4.90 2009 523 Palau 4.90 2000 census 524 Liberia 4.80 2008 Census 525 Northern Mariana Islands 4.80 2000 census 526 Netherlands 4.80 2008 est. 527 Bulgaria 4.70 2001 census 528 Niger 4.70 2001 census 529 Chad 4.70 1993 census 530 Uganda 4.70 2002 census 531 Anguilla 4.60 2001 census 532 New Zealand 4.60 2006 Census 533 Sri Lanka 4.60 NA 534 Uganda 4.60 2002 census 535 Croatia 4.50 2001 census 536 Luxembourg 4.50 2000 census 537 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.50 2000 census 538 Niue 4.50 2001 census 539 United States 4.43 NA 540 Antigua and Barbuda 4.40 2001 census 541 Liberia 4.40 2008 Census 542 Moldova 4.40 NA 543 Puerto Rico 4.40 2007 544 Bermuda 4.30 2000 census 545 Luxembourg 4.30 2000 census 546 American Samoa 4.20 2000 census 547 Uganda 4.20 2002 census 548 Nepal 4.20 2001 census 549 Vietnam 4.10 1999 census 550 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 551 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.00 NA 552 Nigeria 4.00 NA 553 Lebanon 4.00 NA 554 Kuwait 4.00 NA 555 Colombia 4.00 NA 556 Chile 4.00 2002 census 557 Central African Republic 4.00 NA 558 Central African Republic 4.00 NA 559 Cambodia 4.00 NA 560 Burma 4.00 NA 561 Benin 4.00 2002 census 562 Austria 4.00 2001 census 563 Uruguay 4.00 NA 564 Tuvalu 4.00 NA 565 Turkmenistan 4.00 2003 566 Ghana 4.00 2000 census 567 French Polynesia 4.00 NA 568 Ethiopia 4.00 2007 Census 569 Eritrea 4.00 NA 570 Czech Republic 4.00 2001 census 571 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 572 Azerbaijan 3.90 NA 573 Belarus 3.90 1999 census 574 Sri Lanka 3.90 NA 575 Serbia 3.90 2002 census 576 Niue 3.90 2001 census 577 Nepal 3.90 2001 census 578 Nepal 3.90 2001 census 579 Macedonia 3.90 2002 census 580 Lithuania 3.90 2009 581 Fiji 3.90 2007 census 582 Russia 3.80 2002 census 583 Anguilla 3.70 2001 census 584 Senegal 3.70 NA 585 Kazakhstan 3.70 1999 census 586 Czech Republic 3.70 2001 census 587 Equatorial Guinea 3.60 1994 census 588 Norway 3.60 2007 estimate 589 Latvia 3.60 2009 590 Ghana 3.60 2000 census 591 Pakistan 3.57 NA 592 Nigeria 3.50 NA 593 Virgin Islands 3.50 2000 census 594 Brunei 3.40 2004 est. 595 Philippines 3.40 2000 census 596 Indonesia 3.30 2000 census 597 Barbados 3.20 2000 census 598 Palau 3.20 2000 census 599 Latvia 3.10 2009 600 Saint Lucia 3.10 2001 census 601 Afghanistan 3.00 NA 602 Argentina 3.00 NA 603 Uzbekistan 3.00 NA 604 Swaziland 3.00 NA 605 Solomon Islands 3.00 1999 census 606 Senegal 3.00 NA 607 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3.00 NA 608 Peru 3.00 NA 609 Niue 3.00 2001 census 610 Mauritius 3.00 NA 611 Libya 3.00 NA 612 Iran 3.00 NA 613 India 3.00 2000 614 Ecuador 3.00 NA 615 Costa Rica 3.00 NA 616 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 NA 617 Colombia 3.00 NA 618 Burma 3.00 NA 619 Botswana 3.00 NA 620 Bahamas, The 3.00 NA 621 Albania 3.00 NA 622 Antigua and Barbuda 2.90 2001 census 623 Dominica 2.90 2001 census 624 Benin 2.90 2002 census 625 American Samoa 2.80 2000 census 626 Cote d'Ivoire 2.80 1998 627 Nepal 2.80 2001 census 628 Indonesia 2.70 2000 census 629 Poland 2.70 2002 census 630 Uganda 2.70 2002 census 631 Macedonia 2.70 2002 census 632 Barbados 2.60 2000 census 633 Ghana 2.60 2000 census 634 New Caledonia 2.60 1996 census 635 Tajikistan 2.60 2000 census 636 Jamaica 2.60 2001 census 637 Benin 2.50 2002 census 638 Georgia 2.50 2002 census 639 Uzbekistan 2.50 NA 640 Uzbekistan 2.50 NA 641 South Africa 2.50 2001 census 642 Romania 2.50 2002 census 643 Nigeria 2.50 NA 644 New Caledonia 2.50 1996 census 645 Latvia 2.50 2009 646 Kazakhstan 2.50 1999 census 647 Ethiopia 2.50 2007 Census 648 Austria 2.40 2001 census 649 Germany 2.40 NA 650 Belarus 2.40 1999 census 651 Indonesia 2.40 2000 census 652 Latvia 2.40 2009 653 Saint Lucia 2.40 2001 census 654 Palau 2.40 2000 census 655 Netherlands 2.40 2008 est. 656 Kazakhstan 2.40 1999 census 657 Indonesia 2.40 2000 census 658 Ethiopia 2.30 2007 Census 659 Luxembourg 2.30 2000 census 660 Azerbaijan 2.20 NA 661 Macedonia 2.20 2002 census 662 Netherlands 2.20 2008 est. 663 Estonia 2.10 2008 census 664 Hong Kong 2.10 2006 census 665 Afghanistan 2.00 NA 666 Suriname 2.00 NA 667 Suriname 2.00 NA 668 Suriname 2.00 NA 669 Sudan 2.00 NA 670 Slovenia 2.00 2002 census 671 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 672 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 673 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 674 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.00 NA 675 Russia 2.00 2002 census 676 Norway 2.00 2007 estimate 677 Netherlands 2.00 2008 est. 678 Netherlands 2.00 2008 est. 679 Taiwan 2.00 NA 680 United Kingdom 2.00 2001 census 681 Mauritius 2.00 NA 682 Marshall Islands 2.00 2006 683 Iran 2.00 NA 684 Iran 2.00 NA 685 Iran 2.00 NA 686 Indonesia 2.00 2000 census 687 Honduras 2.00 NA 688 Eritrea 2.00 NA 689 Central African Republic 2.00 NA 690 Canada 2.00 NA 691 Burma 2.00 NA 692 Burma 2.00 NA 693 Bulgaria 2.00 2001 census 694 Bangladesh 2.00 1998 695 Albania 2.00 NA 696 Angola 2.00 NA 697 Eritrea 2.00 NA 698 Eritrea 2.00 NA 699 Czech Republic 1.90 2001 census 700 Palau 1.90 2000 census 701 Vietnam 1.90 1999 census 702 Hungary 1.90 2001 census 703 Moldova 1.90 NA 704 Azerbaijan 1.80 NA 705 Slovenia 1.80 2002 census 706 United Kingdom 1.80 2001 census 707 Ukraine 1.80 2001 census 708 Slovakia 1.80 2001 census 709 Macedonia 1.80 2002 census 710 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.80 2000 census 711 Northern Mariana Islands 1.80 2000 census 712 Serbia 1.80 2002 census 713 Antigua and Barbuda 1.70 2001 census 714 Ethiopia 1.70 2007 Census 715 Indonesia 1.70 2000 census 716 Vietnam 1.70 1999 census 717 Slovakia 1.70 2001 census 718 Kazakhstan 1.70 1999 census 719 Ethiopia 1.70 2007 Census 720 United States 1.61 NA 721 Austria 1.60 2001 census 722 Benin 1.60 2002 census 723 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 census 724 Equatorial Guinea 1.60 1994 census 725 Ireland 1.60 2006 census 726 Hong Kong 1.60 2006 census 727 Estonia 1.60 2008 census 728 Anguilla 1.50 2001 census 729 Azerbaijan 1.50 NA 730 Vietnam 1.50 1999 census 731 Vanuatu 1.50 1999 Census 732 Uzbekistan 1.50 NA 733 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.50 2000 census 734 Georgia 1.50 2002 census 735 Ethiopia 1.50 2007 Census 736 Equatorial Guinea 1.40 1994 census 737 Ghana 1.40 2000 census 738 Kazakhstan 1.40 1999 census 739 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.40 2000 census 740 New Caledonia 1.40 1996 census 741 Vietnam 1.40 1999 census 742 Singapore 1.40 2000 census 743 Serbia 1.40 2002 census 744 Palau 1.40 2000 census 745 Armenia 1.30 2001 census 746 Ethiopia 1.30 2007 Census 747 United Kingdom 1.30 2001 census 748 Hong Kong 1.30 2006 census 749 Latvia 1.30 2009 750 Moldova 1.30 NA 751 Ireland 1.30 2006 census 752 Estonia 1.20 2008 census 753 Fiji 1.20 2007 census 754 United Kingdom 1.20 2001 census 755 Trinidad and Tobago 1.20 2000 census 756 Solomon Islands 1.20 1999 census 757 Russia 1.20 2002 census 758 Niger 1.20 2001 census 759 Kiribati 1.20 2000 census 760 American Samoa 1.10 2000 census 761 Equatorial Guinea 1.10 1994 census 762 Ireland 1.10 2006 census 763 Belarus 1.10 1999 census 764 Ireland 1.10 2006 census 765 Lithuania 1.10 2009 766 Virgin Islands 1.10 2000 census 767 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 768 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 769 Tajikistan 1.10 2000 census 770 Tajikistan 1.10 2000 census 771 Solomon Islands 1.10 1999 census 772 Slovenia 1.10 2002 census 773 Serbia 1.10 2002 census 774 Senegal 1.10 NA 775 Russia 1.10 2002 census 776 Palau 1.10 2000 census 777 New Caledonia 1.10 1996 census 778 Kyrgyzstan 1.10 1999 census 779 Jersey 1.10 2001 census 780 Angola 1.00 NA 781 Barbados 1.00 2000 census 782 Australia 1.00 NA 783 Burundi 1.00 NA 784 Cape Verde 1.00 NA 785 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 786 Kenya 1.00 NA 787 Jordan 1.00 NA 788 Jordan 1.00 NA 789 Iran 1.00 NA 790 Honduras 1.00 NA 791 Ghana 1.00 2000 census 792 Gambia, The 1.00 2003 census 793 El Salvador 1.00 NA 794 Vietnam 1.00 1999 census 795 Suriname 1.00 NA 796 Sudan 1.00 NA 797 Slovakia 1.00 2001 census 798 Senegal 1.00 NA 799 Rwanda 1.00 NA 800 Mexico 1.00 NA 801 Lebanon 1.00 NA 802 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 803 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 804 Zimbabwe 1.00 NA 805 Tunisia 1.00 NA 806 Tunisia 1.00 NA 807 Tanzania 1.00 NA 808 Switzerland 1.00 NA 809 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 810 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 811 Colombia 1.00 NA 812 Cambodia 1.00 NA 813 United States 0.97 NA 814 Austria 0.90 2001 census 815 Brazil 0.90 2000 census 816 Serbia 0.90 2002 census 817 Dominica 0.80 2001 census 818 Trinidad and Tobago 0.80 2000 census 819 Northern Mariana Islands 0.80 2000 census 820 Netherlands 0.80 2008 est. 821 Estonia 0.80 2008 census 822 Brazil 0.70 2000 census 823 Dominica 0.70 2001 census 824 Morocco 0.70 NA 825 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.60 NA 826 Chile 0.60 2002 census 827 Japan 0.60 2004 828 Ukraine 0.60 2001 census 829 Armenia 0.50 2001 census 830 Finland 0.50 2006 831 Sri Lanka 0.50 NA 832 Guyana 0.50 2002 census 833 Japan 0.50 2004 834 Ukraine 0.50 2001 census 835 Ukraine 0.50 2001 census 836 Zambia 0.50 2000 Census 837 Bermuda 0.40 2000 census 838 Samoa 0.40 2001 census 839 Egypt 0.40 2006 census 840 Ukraine 0.40 2001 census 841 Poland 0.40 2002 census 842 Romania 0.40 2002 census 843 Japan 0.40 2004 844 American Samoa 0.30 2000 census 845 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 846 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 847 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 848 Svalbard 0.30 1998 849 Romania 0.30 2002 census 850 Romania 0.30 2002 census 851 Puerto Rico 0.30 2007 852 Lesotho 0.30 NA 853 Finland 0.30 2006 854 Chad 0.30 1993 census 855 Armenia 0.30 2001 census 856 Barbados 0.20 2000 census 857 Morocco 0.20 NA 858 Mozambique 0.20 NA 859 Niue 0.20 2001 census 860 Ukraine 0.20 2001 census 861 Solomon Islands 0.20 1999 census 862 Romania 0.20 2002 census 863 Romania 0.20 2002 census 864 Puerto Rico 0.20 2007 865 Guatemala 0.20 2001 census 866 United States 0.18 NA 867 Finland 0.10 2006 868 Guatemala 0.10 2001 census 869 Mongolia 0.10 2000 870 Poland 0.10 2002 census 871 Poland 0.10 2002 census 872 Finland 0.10 2006 873 Mozambique 0.08 NA 874 Mozambique 0.06 NA

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Rank code: 2076

Country Comparison :: Exchange rates

This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for the national medium of exchange is presented in parenthesis.

Rank country Exchange rates Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 30,000.00 NA 2 Sao Tome and Principe 19,641.00 NA 3 Vietnam 19,148.90 NA 4 Vietnam 17,799.60 NA 5 Vietnam 16,548.30 NA 6 Vietnam 16,119.00 NA 7 Sao Tome and Principe 16,000.00 NA 8 Vietnam 15,983.00 NA 9 Sao Tome and Principe 14,900.00 NA 10 Turkmenistan 14,250.00 NA 11 Sao Tome and Principe 13,700.00 NA 12 Sao Tome and Principe 12,050.00 NA 13 Indonesia 10,389.90 NA 14 Iran 10,308.20 NA 15 Laos 10,235.00 NA 16 Iran 9,864.30 NA 17 Indonesia 9,698.90 NA 18 Laos 9,658.00 NA 19 Iran 9,407.50 NA 20 Iran 9,227.10 NA 21 Ghana 9,174.80 NA 22 Indonesia 9,169.50 NA 23 Indonesia 9,159.30 NA 24 Indonesia 9,143.00 NA 25 Iran 9,142.80 NA 26 Laos 8,760.69 NA 27 Laos 8,516.04 NA 28 Laos 8,320.27 NA 29 Guinea 6,100.00 NA 30 Paraguay 5,672.80 NA 31 Guinea 5,500.00 NA 32 Guinea 5,500.00 NA 33 Guinea 5,350.00 NA 34 Zambia 5,046.10 NA 35 Paraguay 5,031.00 NA 36 Paraguay 4,965.40 NA 37 Zambia 4,823.60 NA 38 Paraguay 4,767.60 NA 39 Paraguay 4,337.70 NA 40 Cambodia 4,217.96 NA 41 Cambodia 4,139.33 NA 42 Guinea 4,122.80 NA 43 Cambodia 4,103.00 NA 44 Cambodia 4,070.94 NA 45 Cambodia 4,006.00 NA 46 Zambia 3,990.20 NA 47 Korea, North 3,630.00 NA 48 Zambia 3,601.50 NA 49 Zambia 3,512.90 NA 50 Belarus 3,019.90 NA 51 Sierra Leone 2,961.70 NA 52 Sierra Leone 2,889.60 NA 53 Belarus 2,789.50 NA 54 Sierra Leone 2,701.30 NA 55 Colombia 2,358.60 NA 56 Sierra Leone 2,347.90 NA 57 Colombia 2,243.60 NA 58 Uganda 2,166.00 NA 59 Madagascar 2,161.40 NA 60 Colombia 2,157.60 NA 61 Venezuela 2,147.00 NA 62 Venezuela 2,147.00 NA 63 Belarus 2,145.00 NA 64 Belarus 2,144.60 NA 65 Belarus 2,130.00 NA 66 Madagascar 2,062.50 NA 67 Uganda 2,038.90 NA 68 Colombia 2,013.80 NA 69 Madagascar 1,956.21 NA 70 Colombia 1,893.10 NA 71 Madagascar 1,880.00 NA 72 Uganda 1,834.90 NA 73 Korea, North 1,800.00 NA 74 Uganda 1,685.80 NA 75 Uganda 1,658.10 NA 76 Madagascar 1,654.78 NA 77 Uzbekistan 1,588.10 NA 78 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 79 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 80 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 81 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 82 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 83 Uzbekistan 1,466.70 NA 84 Iraq 1,466.00 NA 85 Mongolia 1,442.80 NA 86 Somalia 1,438.30 NA 87 Tanzania 1,423.30 NA 88 Tanzania 1,320.30 NA 89 Uzbekistan 1,317.00 NA 90 Burma 1,296.00 NA 91 Burma 1,280.00 NA 92 Korea, South 1,276.93 NA 93 Mongolia 1,267.51 NA 94 Uzbekistan 1,263.80 NA 95 Iraq 1,255.00 NA 96 Tanzania 1,255.00 NA 97 Tanzania 1,251.90 NA 98 Burundi 1,250.75 NA 99 Burundi 1,230.18 NA 100 Uzbekistan 1,219.80 NA 101 Burma 1,205.00 NA 102 Burundi 1,198.00 NA 103 Tanzania 1,178.10 NA 104 Iraq 1,176.00 NA 105 Iraq 1,170.00 NA 106 Iraq 1,170.00 NA 107 Mongolia 1,170.00 NA 108 Mongolia 1,165.00 NA 109 Korea, South 1,153.77 NA 110 Korea, South 1,101.70 NA 111 Burundi 1,065.00 NA 112 Burma 1,055.00 NA 113 Burundi 1,030.00 NA 114 Burma 1,000.00 NA 115 Korea, South 954.80 NA 116 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 930.00 NA 117 Korea, South 929.20 NA 118 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 810.00 NA 119 Rwanda 586.25 NA 120 Rwanda 585.00 NA 121 Costa Rica 573.29 NA 122 Rwanda 568.18 NA 123 Chile 560.86 NA 124 Rwanda 560.00 NA 125 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 559.00 NA 126 Rwanda 550.00 NA 127 Costa Rica 530.41 NA 128 Chile 530.29 NA 129 Costa Rica 526.68 NA 130 Chile 526.25 NA 131 Chile 525.34 NA 132 Cote d'Ivoire 522.89 NA 133 Gabon 522.89 NA 134 Senegal 522.89 NA 135 Benin 522.59 NA 136 Central African Republic 522.59 NA 137 Togo 522.59 NA 138 Niger 522.59 NA 139 Mali 522.59 NA 140 Guinea-Bissau 522.59 NA 141 Congo, Republic of the 522.59 NA 142 Chad 522.59 NA 143 Burkina Faso 522.59 NA 144 Cameroon 522.59 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 522.40 NA 146 Costa Rica 519.53 NA 147 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 516.00 NA 148 Costa Rica 511.30 NA 149 Chile 509.02 NA 150 Congo, Republic of the 507.71 NA 151 Senegal 507.71 NA 152 Gabon 507.71 NA 153 Togo 507.71 NA 154 Benin 506.04 NA 155 Chad 506.04 NA 156 Cote d'Ivoire 506.04 NA 157 Mali 506.04 NA 158 Niger 506.04 NA 159 Guinea-Bissau 506.04 NA 160 Equatorial Guinea 506.04 NA 161 Central African Republic 506.04 NA 162 Burkina Faso 506.04 NA 163 Cameroon 506.04 NA 164 Benin 493.51 NA 165 Niger 493.51 NA 166 Mali 493.51 NA 167 Guinea-Bissau 493.51 NA 168 Cameroon 493.51 NA 169 Burkina Faso 493.51 NA 170 Congo, Republic of the 483.60 NA 171 Togo 482.71 NA 172 Cote d'Ivoire 481.83 NA 173 Gabon 481.83 NA 174 Senegal 481.83 NA 175 Equatorial Guinea 481.83 NA 176 Central African Republic 481.80 NA 177 Chad 480.10 NA 178 Benin 472.19 NA 179 Equatorial Guinea 472.19 NA 180 Togo 472.19 NA 181 Gabon 472.19 NA 182 Cote d'Ivoire 472.19 NA 183 Congo, Republic of the 472.19 NA 184 Chad 472.19 NA 185 Cameroon 472.19 NA 186 Burkina Faso 472.19 NA 187 Senegal 470.90 NA 188 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 464.69 NA 189 Benin 447.81 NA 190 Burkina Faso 447.81 NA 191 Togo 447.81 NA 192 Senegal 447.81 NA 193 Niger 447.81 NA 194 Mali 447.81 NA 195 Guinea-Bissau 447.81 NA 196 Gabon 447.81 NA 197 Equatorial Guinea 447.81 NA 198 Cote d'Ivoire 447.81 NA 199 Congo, Republic of the 447.81 NA 200 Chad 447.81 NA 201 Central African Republic 447.81 NA 202 Cameroon 447.81 NA 203 Comoros 435.90 NA 204 Armenia 414.69 NA 205 Comoros 396.21 NA 206 Comoros 395.60 NA 207 Comoros 391.80 NA 208 Armenia 374.29 NA 209 Armenia 363.28 NA 210 Comoros 361.40 NA 211 Armenia 344.06 NA 212 Armenia 303.93 NA 213 Mauritania 271.30 NA 214 Mauritania 262.40 NA 215 Mauritania 261.50 NA 216 Mauritania 258.60 NA 217 Mauritania 238.20 NA 218 Zimbabwe 234.25 NA 219 Zimbabwe 234.00 NA 220 Yemen 220.05 NA 221 Hungary 213.69 NA 222 Hungary 210.39 NA 223 Guyana 204.07 NA 224 Guyana 204.02 NA 225 Guyana 203.86 NA 226 Yemen 202.85 NA 227 Hungary 202.34 NA 228 Guyana 201.89 NA 229 Guyana 200.28 NA 230 Yemen 199.76 NA 231 Yemen 199.14 NA 232 Yemen 197.18 NA 233 Hungary 183.83 NA 234 Djibouti 177.72 NA 235 Djibouti 177.72 NA 236 Djibouti 177.72 NA 237 Djibouti 177.71 NA 238 Djibouti 174.75 NA 239 Hungary 171.80 NA 240 Zimbabwe 162.00 NA 241 Malawi 151.65 NA 242 Nigeria 150.88 NA 243 Nigeria 148.84 NA 244 Kazakhstan 147.50 NA 245 Kazakhstan 147.28 NA 246 Malawi 142.41 NA 247 Malawi 141.14 NA 248 Malawi 141.12 NA 249 Korea, North 141.00 NA 250 Korea, North 140.00 NA 251 Iceland 139.32 NA 252 Malawi 135.96 NA 253 Nigeria 127.46 NA 254 Nigeria 127.38 NA 255 Kazakhstan 126.09 NA 256 Iceland 123.64 NA 257 Kazakhstan 122.55 NA 258 Vanuatu 122.19 NA 259 Kazakhstan 120.25 NA 260 Japan 117.99 NA 261 Nigeria 117.80 NA 262 Japan 116.18 NA 263 Sri Lanka 114.95 NA 264 Sri Lanka 113.36 NA 265 Vanuatu 111.93 NA 266 Vanuatu 111.79 NA 267 Sri Lanka 110.78 NA 268 Sri Lanka 108.33 NA 269 Albania 106.50 NA 270 French Polynesia 105.66 NA 271 New Caledonia 105.66 NA 272 Wallis and Futuna 105.66 NA 273 Sri Lanka 103.99 NA 274 Japan 103.58 NA 275 Albania 98.38 NA 276 Vanuatu 97.93 NA 277 French Polynesia 96.04 NA 278 New Caledonia 96.04 NA 279 Wallis and Futuna 96.04 NA 280 French Polynesia 95.89 NA 281 New Caledonia 95.89 NA 282 Wallis and Futuna 95.89 NA 283 Albania 94.98 NA 284 French Polynesia 94.97 NA 285 Wallis and Futuna 94.97 NA 286 New Caledonia 94.97 NA 287 Japan 93.57 NA 288 Albania 92.67 NA 289 Angola 92.08 NA 290 Japan 88.67 NA 291 Cape Verde 88.58 NA 292 Cape Verde 87.95 NA 293 Jamaica 87.89 NA 294 French Polynesia 87.59 NA 295 New Caledonia 87.59 NA 296 Wallis and Futuna 87.59 NA 297 Jamaica 87.41 NA 298 Iceland 85.62 NA 299 Pakistan 85.27 NA 300 Pakistan 81.71 NA 301 Cape Verde 81.24 NA 302 Angola 80.40 NA 303 Serbia 79.98 NA 304 Albania 79.55 NA 305 Cape Verde 79.38 NA 306 Angola 79.33 NA 307 Kenya 79.22 NA 308 Zimbabwe 78.00 NA 309 Nepal 77.44 NA 310 Kenya 77.35 NA 311 Angola 76.60 NA 312 Algeria 76.00 NA 313 Angola 75.02 NA 314 Cape Verde 73.84 NA 315 Algeria 72.65 NA 316 Algeria 72.65 NA 317 Nepal 72.56 NA 318 Nepal 72.45 NA 319 Jamaica 72.24 NA 320 Kenya 72.10 NA 321 Pakistan 70.64 NA 322 Bangladesh 70.59 NA 323 Nepal 70.35 NA 324 Iceland 70.20 NA 325 Algeria 69.90 NA 326 Bangladesh 69.89 NA 327 Bangladesh 69.04 NA 328 Jamaica 69.03 NA 329 Bangladesh 69.03 NA 330 Bangladesh 68.55 NA 331 Kenya 68.36 NA 332 Kenya 68.31 NA 333 Jamaica 65.77 NA 334 Nepal 65.21 NA 335 Iceland 63.39 NA 336 Algeria 63.25 NA 337 Serbia 62.90 NA 338 Pakistan 60.63 NA 339 Pakistan 60.35 NA 340 Serbia 59.98 NA 341 Liberia 59.43 NA 342 Liberia 59.38 NA 343 Liberia 54.91 NA 344 Serbia 54.50 NA 345 Liberia 53.10 NA 346 Syria 51.69 NA 347 Philippines 51.25 NA 348 Afghanistan 50.25 NA 349 Afghanistan 50.23 NA 350 Syria 50.01 NA 351 Afghanistan 50.00 NA 352 Macedonia 48.98 NA 353 India 48.41 NA 354 Afghanistan 48.00 NA 355 Afghanistan 47.70 NA 356 Philippines 47.68 NA 357 Macedonia 47.60 NA 358 Syria 46.71 NA 359 Bhutan 46.60 NA 360 Syria 46.53 NA 361 Syria 46.46 NA 362 Kyrgyzstan 46.34 NA 363 India 46.16 NA 364 Philippines 46.15 NA 365 Afghanistan 46.00 NA 366 Philippines 45.46 NA 367 Bhutan 45.32 NA 368 India 45.30 NA 369 Bhutan 45.28 NA 370 Macedonia 44.73 NA 371 Philippines 44.44 NA 372 Bhutan 44.10 NA 373 Macedonia 44.10 NA 374 India 43.32 NA 375 Kyrgyzstan 42.91 NA 376 Bhutan 41.49 NA 377 India 41.49 NA 378 Macedonia 41.41 NA 379 Haiti 41.20 NA 380 Haiti 41.20 NA 381 Haiti 40.23 NA 382 Kyrgyzstan 40.15 NA 383 Haiti 39.22 NA 384 Thailand 37.88 NA 385 Kyrgyzstan 37.75 NA 386 Haiti 37.14 NA 387 Dominican Republic 36.92 NA 388 Kyrgyzstan 36.11 NA 389 Dominican Republic 36.03 NA 390 Mozambique 35.00 NA 391 Dominican Republic 34.78 NA 392 Thailand 34.52 NA 393 Thailand 34.29 NA 394 Dominican Republic 33.41 NA 395 Thailand 33.37 NA 396 Dominican Republic 33.11 NA 397 Taiwan 33.06 NA 398 Taiwan 32.84 NA 399 Taiwan 32.53 NA 400 Mauritius 31.96 NA 401 Taiwan 31.86 NA 402 Mauritius 31.80 NA 403 Russia 31.74 NA 404 Thailand 31.66 NA 405 Mauritius 31.66 NA 406 Taiwan 31.53 NA 407 Mauritius 30.99 NA 408 Russia 30.00 NA 409 Slovakia 29.61 NA 410 Gambia, The 28.52 NA 411 Gambia, The 28.07 NA 412 Mauritius 27.97 NA 413 Gambia, The 27.79 NA 414 Russia 27.19 NA 415 Gambia, The 26.67 NA 416 Mozambique 26.28 NA 417 Mozambique 26.26 NA 418 Russia 25.58 NA 419 Mozambique 25.40 NA 420 Slovakia 24.92 NA 421 Russia 24.85 NA 422 Mozambique 24.13 NA 423 Uruguay 24.05 NA 424 Uruguay 23.95 NA 425 Gambia, The 22.75 NA 426 Czech Republic 22.60 NA 427 Uruguay 22.57 NA 428 Nicaragua 21.35 NA 429 Slovakia 21.05 NA 430 Uruguay 20.94 NA 431 Czech Republic 20.53 NA 432 Nicaragua 20.34 NA 433 Uruguay 20.28 NA 434 Czech Republic 19.74 NA 435 Nicaragua 19.37 NA 436 Czech Republic 19.06 NA 437 Honduras 18.98 NA 438 Honduras 18.90 NA 439 Honduras 18.90 NA 440 Honduras 18.90 NA 441 Honduras 18.90 NA 442 Nicaragua 18.46 NA 443 Nicaragua 17.58 NA 444 Czech Republic 17.06 NA 445 Eritrea 15.50 NA 446 Eritrea 15.40 NA 447 Eritrea 15.38 NA 448 Eritrea 15.38 NA 449 Eritrea 15.38 NA 450 Ethiopia 14.40 NA 451 Seychelles 13.61 NA 452 Mexico 13.51 NA 453 Moldova 13.13 NA 454 Maldives 12.80 NA 455 Maldives 12.80 NA 456 Maldives 12.80 NA 457 Maldives 12.80 NA 458 Mexico 12.69 NA 459 Estonia 12.47 NA 460 Moldova 12.44 NA 461 Seychelles 12.22 NA 462 Moldova 12.18 NA 463 Estonia 12.11 NA 464 Ethiopia 11.78 NA 465 Estonia 11.54 NA 466 Estonia 11.23 NA 467 Moldova 11.11 NA 468 Mexico 11.02 NA 469 Mexico 10.90 NA 470 Mexico 10.80 NA 471 Estonia 10.70 NA 472 Moldova 10.33 NA 473 Ethiopia 9.57 NA 474 Ethiopia 8.96 NA 475 Morocco 8.77 NA 476 Western Sahara 8.77 NA 477 Ethiopia 8.69 NA 478 Lesotho 8.47 NA 479 Swaziland 8.47 NA 480 Namibia 8.42 NA 481 South Africa 8.42 NA 482 Morocco 8.36 NA 483 Western Sahara 8.36 NA 484 Morocco 8.36 NA 485 Western Sahara 8.36 NA 486 Guatemala 8.16 NA 487 Guatemala 8.08 NA 488 Morocco 8.06 NA 489 Bolivia 8.02 NA 490 Macau 8.01 NA 491 Macau 8.00 NA 492 Seychelles 8.00 NA 493 Macau 7.99 NA 494 Macau 7.98 NA 495 China 7.97 NA 496 South Africa 7.96 NA 497 Ukraine 7.91 NA 498 Lesotho 7.90 NA 499 Bolivia 7.86 NA 500 Hong Kong 7.80 NA 501 Ukraine 7.79 NA 502 Hong Kong 7.78 NA 503 Hong Kong 7.77 NA 504 Hong Kong 7.75 NA 505 Hong Kong 7.75 NA 506 Lesotho 7.75 NA 507 Namibia 7.75 NA 508 Swaziland 7.75 NA 509 Guatemala 7.68 NA 510 Sweden 7.65 NA 511 China 7.61 NA 512 Guatemala 7.60 NA 513 Guatemala 7.59 NA 514 Namibia 7.57 NA 515 Swaziland 7.57 NA 516 Solomon Islands 7.53 NA 517 Morocco 7.53 NA 518 Western Sahara 7.53 NA 519 Sweden 7.51 NA 520 Solomon Islands 7.51 NA 521 Solomon Islands 7.48 NA 522 Swaziland 7.40 NA 523 South Africa 7.38 NA 524 Sweden 7.37 NA 525 Solomon Islands 7.34 NA 526 Bolivia 7.25 NA 527 Lesotho 7.25 NA 528 Namibia 7.18 NA 529 Botswana 7.16 NA 530 Bolivia 7.07 NA 531 Bolivia 7.07 NA 532 South Africa 7.05 NA 533 China 6.94 NA 534 Lesotho 6.85 NA 535 Swaziland 6.85 NA 536 China 6.83 NA 537 Botswana 6.79 NA 538 China 6.79 NA 539 Namibia 6.76 NA 540 South Africa 6.76 NA 541 Sweden 6.76 NA 542 Botswana 6.74 NA 543 Seychelles 6.50 NA 544 Norway 6.42 NA 545 Svalbard 6.42 NA 546 Sweden 6.41 NA 547 Trinidad and Tobago 6.33 NA 548 Trinidad and Tobago 6.33 NA 549 Trinidad and Tobago 6.31 NA 550 Trinidad and Tobago 6.31 NA 551 Trinidad and Tobago 6.29 NA 552 Norway 6.29 NA 553 Botswana 6.20 NA 554 Norway 6.15 NA 555 Svalbard 6.15 NA 556 Denmark 5.95 NA 557 Faroe Islands 5.95 NA 558 Greenland 5.95 NA 559 Croatia 5.86 NA 560 Norway 5.86 NA 561 Svalbard 5.86 NA 562 Botswana 5.84 NA 563 Denmark 5.77 NA 564 Faroe Islands 5.77 NA 565 Greenland 5.77 NA 566 Egypt 5.73 NA 567 Egypt 5.67 NA 568 Norway 5.64 NA 569 Svalbard 5.64 NA 570 Croatia 5.64 NA 571 Egypt 5.61 NA 572 Egypt 5.55 NA 573 Seychelles 5.50 NA 574 Denmark 5.48 NA 575 Greenland 5.48 NA 576 Faroe Islands 5.48 NA 577 Egypt 5.40 NA 578 Croatia 5.37 NA 579 Denmark 5.36 NA 580 Croatia 5.27 NA 581 Ukraine 5.05 NA 582 Ukraine 5.05 NA 583 Denmark 5.02 NA 584 Greenland 5.02 NA 585 Faroe Islands 5.02 NA 586 Croatia 4.98 NA 587 Ukraine 4.95 NA 588 Gaza Strip 4.46 NA 589 Israel 4.46 NA 590 West Bank 4.46 NA 591 Tajikistan 4.38 NA 592 Venezuela 4.30 NA 593 Tajikistan 4.14 NA 594 Gaza Strip 4.14 NA 595 Israel 4.14 NA 596 West Bank 4.14 NA 597 Gaza Strip 3.93 NA 598 Israel 3.93 NA 599 West Bank 3.93 NA 600 Argentina 3.90 NA 601 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 602 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 603 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 604 Gaza Strip 3.75 NA 605 West Bank 3.75 NA 606 Israel 3.75 NA 607 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 608 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 609 Argentina 3.71 NA 610 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 611 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 612 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 613 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 614 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 615 Malaysia 3.67 NA 616 Qatar 3.64 NA 617 Qatar 3.64 NA 618 Qatar 3.64 NA 619 Qatar 3.64 NA 620 Qatar 3.64 NA 621 Israel 3.59 NA 622 Gaza Strip 3.56 NA 623 West Bank 3.56 NA 624 Malaysia 3.52 NA 625 Malaysia 3.46 NA 626 Tajikistan 3.46 NA 627 Tajikistan 3.44 NA 628 Malaysia 3.33 NA 629 Tajikistan 3.30 NA 630 Peru 3.27 NA 631 Malaysia 3.22 NA 632 Romania 3.20 NA 633 Peru 3.17 NA 634 Argentina 3.16 NA 635 Poland 3.12 NA 636 Argentina 3.11 NA 637 Poland 3.10 NA 638 Poland 3.07 NA 639 Papua New Guinea 3.06 NA 640 Argentina 3.05 NA 641 Romania 3.05 NA 642 Papua New Guinea 3.03 NA 643 Peru 3.01 NA 644 Samoa 2.97 NA 645 Peru 2.91 NA 646 Turkmenistan 2.85 NA 647 Turkmenistan 2.85 NA 648 Peru 2.82 NA 649 Poland 2.81 NA 650 Romania 2.81 NA 651 Samoa 2.78 NA 652 Samoa 2.76 NA 653 Papua New Guinea 2.76 NA 654 Papua New Guinea 2.75 NA 655 Lithuania 2.75 NA 656 Suriname 2.75 NA 657 Suriname 2.75 NA 658 Suriname 2.73 NA 659 Suriname 2.73 NA 660 Samoa 2.71 NA 661 Anguilla 2.70 NA 662 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 663 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 664 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 665 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 666 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 667 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 668 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 669 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 670 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 671 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 672 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 673 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 674 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 675 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 676 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 677 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 678 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 679 Montserrat 2.70 NA 680 Montserrat 2.70 NA 681 Montserrat 2.70 NA 682 Montserrat 2.70 NA 683 Montserrat 2.70 NA 684 Grenada 2.70 NA 685 Grenada 2.70 NA 686 Grenada 2.70 NA 687 Grenada 2.70 NA 688 Grenada 2.70 NA 689 Dominica 2.70 NA 690 Dominica 2.70 NA 691 Dominica 2.70 NA 692 Dominica 2.70 NA 693 Dominica 2.70 NA 694 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 695 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 696 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 697 Anguilla 2.70 NA 698 Anguilla 2.70 NA 699 Anguilla 2.70 NA 700 Anguilla 2.70 NA 701 Papua New Guinea 2.70 NA 702 Lithuania 2.66 NA 703 Suriname 2.60 NA 704 Lithuania 2.54 NA 705 Romania 2.50 NA 706 Lithuania 2.48 NA 707 Romania 2.43 NA 708 Sudan 2.36 NA 709 Lithuania 2.33 NA 710 Sudan 2.32 NA 711 Poland 2.30 NA 712 Brazil 2.18 NA 713 Sudan 2.17 NA 714 Venezuela 2.15 NA 715 Venezuela 2.15 NA 716 Tonga 2.14 NA 717 Sudan 2.10 NA 718 Sudan 2.06 NA 719 Tonga 2.03 NA 720 Barbados 2.00 NA 721 Brunei 2.00 NA 722 Brunei 2.00 NA 723 Brunei 2.00 NA 724 Belize 2.00 NA 725 Barbados 2.00 NA 726 Belize 2.00 NA 727 Belize 2.00 NA 728 Belize 2.00 NA 729 Belize 2.00 NA 730 Barbados 2.00 NA 731 Barbados 2.00 NA 732 Brazil 2.00 NA 733 Tonga 1.97 NA 734 Tonga 1.96 NA 735 Fiji 1.90 NA 736 Brazil 1.86 NA 737 Brazil 1.85 NA 738 Georgia 1.80 NA 739 Aruba 1.79 NA 740 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 741 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 742 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 743 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 744 Curacao 1.79 NA 745 Curacao 1.79 NA 746 Curacao 1.79 NA 747 Curacao 1.79 NA 748 Aruba 1.79 NA 749 Aruba 1.79 NA 750 Aruba 1.79 NA 751 Georgia 1.78 NA 752 Brazil 1.77 NA 753 Fiji 1.73 NA 754 Fiji 1.73 NA 755 Georgia 1.70 NA 756 Fiji 1.69 NA 757 Georgia 1.67 NA 758 New Zealand 1.60 NA 759 Pitcairn Islands 1.60 NA 760 Niue 1.60 NA 761 Tokelau 1.60 NA 762 Singapore 1.59 NA 763 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.56 NA 764 Bulgaria 1.56 NA 765 Turkey 1.55 NA 766 Cook Islands 1.54 NA 767 Niue 1.54 NA 768 Tokelau 1.54 NA 769 New Zealand 1.54 NA 770 Pitcairn Islands 1.54 NA 771 Turkey 1.52 NA 772 Bulgaria 1.51 NA 773 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.51 NA 774 Singapore 1.51 NA 775 Georgia 1.47 NA 776 Singapore 1.45 NA 777 Brunei 1.45 NA 778 Brunei 1.45 NA 779 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.44 NA 780 Tunisia 1.44 NA 781 Bulgaria 1.44 NA 782 Turkey 1.43 NA 783 Cook Islands 1.42 NA 784 Pitcairn Islands 1.42 NA 785 Tokelau 1.42 NA 786 New Zealand 1.42 NA 787 Niue 1.42 NA 788 Singapore 1.42 NA 789 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.41 NA 790 Bulgaria 1.40 NA 791 Cook Islands 1.40 NA 792 New Zealand 1.40 NA 793 Tokelau 1.40 NA 794 Pitcairn Islands 1.40 NA 795 Niue 1.40 NA 796 Ghana 1.40 NA 797 Ghana 1.40 NA 798 Cook Islands 1.38 NA 799 New Zealand 1.38 NA 800 Niue 1.38 NA 801 Tokelau 1.38 NA 802 Pitcairn Islands 1.38 NA 803 Singapore 1.37 NA 804 Tunisia 1.35 NA 805 Tunisia 1.33 NA 806 Australia 1.33 NA 807 Christmas Island 1.33 NA 808 Tuvalu 1.33 NA 809 Kiribati 1.33 NA 810 Norfolk Island 1.33 NA 811 Nauru 1.33 NA 812 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.33 NA 813 Turkey 1.32 NA 814 Turkey 1.32 NA 815 Bulgaria 1.32 NA 816 Libya 1.31 NA 817 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.31 NA 818 Australia 1.28 NA 819 Norfolk Island 1.28 NA 820 Nauru 1.28 NA 821 Kiribati 1.28 NA 822 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.28 NA 823 Christmas Island 1.28 NA 824 Tunisia 1.28 NA 825 Libya 1.26 NA 826 Libya 1.26 NA 827 Liechtenstein 1.25 NA 828 Switzerland 1.25 NA 829 Libya 1.25 NA 830 Australia 1.21 NA 831 Christmas Island 1.21 NA 832 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.21 NA 833 Tuvalu 1.21 NA 834 Norfolk Island 1.21 NA 835 Nauru 1.21 NA 836 Kiribati 1.21 NA 837 Libya 1.21 NA 838 Tunisia 1.21 NA 839 Australia 1.21 NA 840 Christmas Island 1.21 NA 841 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.21 NA 842 Tuvalu 1.21 NA 843 Norfolk Island 1.21 NA 844 Nauru 1.21 NA 845 Kiribati 1.21 NA 846 Liechtenstein 1.20 NA 847 Switzerland 1.20 NA 848 Canada 1.14 NA 849 Canada 1.13 NA 850 Australia 1.12 NA 851 Tuvalu 1.12 NA 852 Norfolk Island 1.12 NA 853 Nauru 1.12 NA 854 Kiribati 1.12 NA 855 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.12 NA 856 Christmas Island 1.12 NA 857 Ghana 1.10 NA 858 Liechtenstein 1.09 NA 859 Switzerland 1.09 NA 860 Liechtenstein 1.08 NA 861 Switzerland 1.08 NA 862 Canada 1.07 NA 863 Liechtenstein 1.07 NA 864 Switzerland 1.07 NA 865 Canada 1.04 NA 866 Canada 1.03 NA 867 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 868 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 869 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 870 United States 1.00 NA 871 Panama 1.00 NA 872 Panama 1.00 NA 873 Panama 1.00 NA 874 Panama 1.00 NA 875 Panama 1.00 NA 876 Ecuador 1.00 NA 877 Ecuador 1.00 NA 878 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 879 Ghana 0.95 NA 880 Cuba 0.93 NA 881 Cuba 0.93 NA 882 Cuba 0.93 NA 883 Cuba 0.93 NA 884 Cuba 0.92 NA 885 Azerbaijan 0.89 NA 886 Azerbaijan 0.86 NA 887 Cayman Islands 0.85 NA 888 Azerbaijan 0.82 NA 889 Azerbaijan 0.80 NA 890 Azerbaijan 0.80 NA 891 Andorra 0.80 NA 892 Spain 0.80 NA 893 San Marino 0.80 NA 894 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.80 NA 895 Saint Martin 0.80 NA 896 Netherlands 0.80 NA 897 Montenegro 0.80 NA 898 Monaco 0.80 NA 899 Mayotte 0.80 NA 900 Luxembourg 0.80 NA 901 Italy 0.80 NA 902 Ireland 0.80 NA 903 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.80 NA 904 Greece 0.80 NA 905 Germany 0.80 NA 906 France 0.80 NA 907 Finland 0.80 NA 908 European Union 0.80 NA 909 Saint Barthelemy 0.80 NA 910 Portugal 0.80 NA 911 Belgium 0.80 NA 912 Austria 0.80 NA 913 Cyprus 0.77 NA 914 Netherlands 0.77 NA 915 Slovakia 0.77 NA 916 Portugal 0.77 NA 917 Slovenia 0.77 NA 918 Malta 0.77 NA 919 Akrotiri 0.77 NA 920 Andorra 0.77 NA 921 Austria 0.77 NA 922 Dhekelia 0.77 NA 923 Finland 0.77 NA 924 Spain 0.77 NA 925 San Marino 0.77 NA 926 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.77 NA 927 Saint Martin 0.77 NA 928 Saint Barthelemy 0.77 NA 929 Montenegro 0.77 NA 930 Monaco 0.77 NA 931 Mayotte 0.77 NA 932 Luxembourg 0.77 NA 933 Kosovo 0.77 NA 934 Italy 0.77 NA 935 Ireland 0.77 NA 936 European Union 0.77 NA 937 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.77 NA 938 Greece 0.77 NA 939 Germany 0.77 NA 940 France 0.77 NA 941 Belgium 0.77 NA 942 Austria 0.73 NA 943 Finland 0.73 NA 944 Belgium 0.73 NA 945 European Union 0.73 NA 946 Spain 0.73 NA 947 Slovenia 0.73 NA 948 San Marino 0.73 NA 949 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.73 NA 950 Saint Martin 0.73 NA 951 Saint Barthelemy 0.73 NA 952 Portugal 0.73 NA 953 Montenegro 0.73 NA 954 Monaco 0.73 NA 955 Mayotte 0.73 NA 956 Luxembourg 0.73 NA 957 Kosovo 0.73 NA 958 Italy 0.73 NA 959 Ireland 0.73 NA 960 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.73 NA 961 Greece 0.73 NA 962 Netherlands 0.73 NA 963 Germany 0.73 NA 964 France 0.73 NA 965 Akrotiri 0.73 NA 966 Saint Barthelemy 0.73 NA 967 Saint Martin 0.73 NA 968 European Union 0.73 NA 969 Dhekelia 0.73 NA 970 Kosovo 0.73 NA 971 Andorra 0.73 NA 972 Slovenia 0.72 NA 973 Cyprus 0.72 NA 974 Slovakia 0.72 NA 975 Andorra 0.72 NA 976 Spain 0.72 NA 977 San Marino 0.72 NA 978 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.72 NA 979 Portugal 0.72 NA 980 Italy 0.72 NA 981 Ireland 0.72 NA 982 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.72 NA 983 Greece 0.72 NA 984 Germany 0.72 NA 985 France 0.72 NA 986 Finland 0.72 NA 987 Belgium 0.72 NA 988 Netherlands 0.72 NA 989 Montenegro 0.72 NA 990 Monaco 0.72 NA 991 Mayotte 0.72 NA 992 Malta 0.72 NA 993 Luxembourg 0.72 NA 994 Austria 0.72 NA 995 Jordan 0.71 NA 996 Jordan 0.71 NA 997 Jordan 0.71 NA 998 Jordan 0.71 NA 999 Jordan 0.71 NA 1000 Akrotiri 0.68 NA 1001 Austria 0.68 NA 1002 Belgium 0.68 NA 1003 Cyprus 0.68 NA 1004 Dhekelia 0.68 NA 1005 Andorra 0.68 NA 1006 European Union 0.68 NA 1007 Spain 0.68 NA 1008 Slovenia 0.68 NA 1009 Saint Martin 0.68 NA 1010 Saint Barthelemy 0.68 NA 1011 Portugal 0.68 NA 1012 Netherlands 0.68 NA 1013 Montenegro 0.68 NA 1014 Monaco 0.68 NA 1015 Malta 0.68 NA 1016 Luxembourg 0.68 NA 1017 Kosovo 0.68 NA 1018 Italy 0.68 NA 1019 Ireland 0.68 NA 1020 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.68 NA 1021 Greece 0.68 NA 1022 Germany 0.68 NA 1023 France 0.68 NA 1024 Finland 0.68 NA 1025 Mayotte 0.67 NA 1026 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.67 NA 1027 San Marino 0.67 NA 1028 Guernsey 0.65 NA 1029 Isle of Man 0.65 NA 1030 United Kingdom 0.65 NA 1031 Jersey 0.65 NA 1032 Gibraltar 0.65 NA 1033 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.65 NA 1034 Isle of Man 0.64 NA 1035 Jersey 0.64 NA 1036 United Kingdom 0.64 NA 1037 Latvia 0.56 NA 1038 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.55 NA 1039 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.55 NA 1040 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.55 NA 1041 Latvia 0.54 NA 1042 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.54 NA 1043 Gibraltar 0.54 NA 1044 United Kingdom 0.54 NA 1045 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.54 NA 1046 Jersey 0.54 NA 1047 Isle of Man 0.54 NA 1048 Guernsey 0.54 NA 1049 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.53 NA 1050 United Kingdom 0.53 NA 1051 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.53 NA 1052 Jersey 0.53 NA 1053 Isle of Man 0.53 NA 1054 Guernsey 0.53 NA 1055 Gibraltar 0.53 NA 1056 Latvia 0.52 NA 1057 Latvia 0.51 NA 1058 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.50 NA 1059 Gibraltar 0.50 NA 1060 Guernsey 0.50 NA 1061 United Kingdom 0.50 NA 1062 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.50 NA 1063 Jersey 0.50 NA 1064 Isle of Man 0.50 NA 1065 Latvia 0.47 NA 1066 Cyprus 0.46 NA 1067 Cyprus 0.43 NA 1068 Oman 0.38 NA 1069 Oman 0.38 NA 1070 Oman 0.38 NA 1071 Oman 0.38 NA 1072 Oman 0.38 NA 1073 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1074 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1075 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1076 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1077 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1078 Malta 0.37 NA 1079 Malta 0.31 NA 1080 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1081 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1082 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1083 Kuwait 0.28 NA 1084 Kuwait 0.27 NA

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Rank code: 2077

Country Comparison :: Executive branch

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

Rank country Executive branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2078

Country Comparison :: Exports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Exports Date of Information

1 European Union $ 1,952,000,000,000 2007 2 China $ 1,506,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 Germany $ 1,337,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 United States $ 1,270,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Japan $ 735,800,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 508,700,000,000 2010 est. 7 Korea, South $ 466,300,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 458,400,000,000 2010 est. 9 Netherlands $ 451,300,000,000 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 406,800,000,000 2010 est. 11 United Kingdom $ 405,600,000,000 2010 est. 12 Hong Kong $ 382,600,000,000 2010 est. 13 Russia $ 376,700,000,000 2010 est. 14 Singapore $ 358,300,000,000 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 303,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Belgium $ 279,200,000,000 2010 est. 17 Taiwan $ 277,600,000,000 2010 est. 18 Spain $ 268,300,000,000 2010 est. 19 Saudi Arabia $ 235,300,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 235,200,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 210,700,000,000 2010 est. 22 India $ 201,000,000,000 2010 est. 23 Brazil $ 199,700,000,000 2010 est. 24 United Arab Emirates $ 195,800,000,000 2010 est. 25 Malaysia $ 192,800,000,000 2010 est. 26 Thailand $ 191,300,000,000 2010 est. 27 Sweden $ 162,600,000,000 2010 est. 28 Poland $ 160,800,000,000 2010 est. 29 Austria $ 157,400,000,000 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 146,300,000,000 2010 est. 31 Norway $ 137,000,000,000 2010 est. 32 Turkey $ 117,400,000,000 2010 est. 33 Czech Republic $ 116,500,000,000 2010 est. 34 Ireland $ 115,700,000,000 2010 est. 35 Denmark $ 99,370,000,000 2010 est. 36 Hungary $ 93,740,000,000 2010 est. 37 Iran $ 78,690,000,000 2010 est. 38 South Africa $ 76,860,000,000 2010 est. 39 Nigeria $ 76,330,000,000 2010 est. 40 Finland $ 73,530,000,000 2010 est. 41 Vietnam $ 70,760,000,000 2010 est. 42 Argentina $ 68,010,000,000 2010 est. 43 Kuwait $ 65,030,000,000 2010 est. 44 Venezuela $ 64,870,000,000 2010 est. 45 Chile $ 64,280,000,000 2010 est. 46 Slovakia $ 64,180,000,000 2010 est. 47 Kazakhstan $ 59,230,000,000 2010 est. 48 Qatar $ 57,820,000,000 2010 est. 49 Israel $ 54,310,000,000 2010 est. 50 Algeria $ 52,660,000,000 2010 est. 51 Romania $ 51,910,000,000 2010 est. 52 Angola $ 51,650,000,000 2010 est. 53 Ukraine $ 49,710,000,000 2010 est. 54 Iraq $ 49,100,000,000 2010 est. 55 Puerto Rico $ 46,900,000,000 2001 56 Portugal $ 46,270,000,000 2010 est. 57 Philippines $ 45,890,000,000 2010 est. 58 Libya $ 44,890,000,000 2010 est. 59 Colombia $ 40,240,000,000 2010 est. 60 Oman $ 36,120,000,000 2010 est. 61 Peru $ 33,730,000,000 2010 est. 62 New Zealand $ 33,240,000,000 2010 est. 63 Azerbaijan $ 28,070,000,000 2010 est. 64 Egypt $ 25,340,000,000 2010 est. 65 Slovenia $ 24,970,000,000 2010 est. 66 Belarus $ 24,490,000,000 2010 est. 67 Greece $ 21,140,000,000 2010 est. 68 Pakistan $ 20,290,000,000 2010 est. 69 Bulgaria $ 19,330,000,000 2010 est. 70 Lithuania $ 19,290,000,000 2010 est. 71 Luxembourg $ 17,820,000,000 2010 est. 72 Ecuador $ 17,370,000,000 2010 est. 73 Bangladesh $ 16,240,000,000 2010 74 Tunisia $ 16,110,000,000 2010 est. 75 Bahrain $ 15,130,000,000 2010 est. 76 Morocco $ 14,490,000,000 2010 est. 77 Uzbekistan $ 13,130,000,000 2010 est. 78 Syria $ 12,840,000,000 2010 est. 79 Panama $ 12,520,000,000 2010 est. 80 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,060,000,000 2010 est. 81 Croatia $ 11,510,000,000 2010 est. 82 Estonia $ 10,770,000,000 2010 est. 83 Brunei $ 10,670,000,000 2008 84 Cote d'Ivoire $ 10,250,000,000 2010 est. 85 Equatorial Guinea $ 10,240,000,000 2010 est. 86 Costa Rica $ 10,010,000,000 2010 est. 87 Sudan $ 9,777,000,000 2010 est. 88 Turkmenistan $ 9,672,000,000 2010 est. 89 Serbia $ 9,372,000,000 2010 est. 90 Congo, Republic of the $ 9,200,000,000 2010 est. 91 Guatemala $ 8,470,000,000 2010 est. 92 Sri Lanka $ 7,908,000,000 2010 est. 93 Latvia $ 7,894,000,000 2010 est. 94 Burma $ 7,841,000,000 2010 est. 95 Paraguay $ 7,606,000,000 2010 est. 96 Yemen $ 7,462,000,000 2010 est. 97 Uruguay $ 7,413,000,000 2010 est. 98 Jordan $ 7,333,000,000 2010 est. 99 Ghana $ 7,326,000,000 2010 est. 100 Gabon $ 6,803,000,000 2010 est. 101 Zambia $ 6,463,000,000 2010 est. 102 Dominican Republic $ 6,161,000,000 2010 est. 103 Bolivia $ 6,058,000,000 2010 est. 104 Papua New Guinea $ 5,976,000,000 2010 est. 105 Honduras $ 5,879,000,000 2010 est. 106 Cambodia $ 5,212,000,000 2010 est. 107 Lebanon $ 5,187,000,000 2010 est. 108 Kenya $ 5,141,000,000 2010 est. 109 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,787,000,000 2010 est. 110 San Marino $ 4,628,000,000 2007 111 Iceland $ 4,619,000,000 2010 est. 112 Botswana $ 4,419,000,000 2010 est. 113 El Salvador $ 4,377,000,000 2010 est. 114 Cameroon $ 4,371,000,000 2010 est. 115 Namibia $ 4,277,000,000 2010 est. 116 Virgin Islands $ 4,234,000,000 2001 117 Liechtenstein $ 3,920,000,000 2008 118 Tanzania $ 3,809,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 3,800,000,000 2009 est. 120 Cuba $ 3,311,000,000 2010 est. 121 Nicaragua $ 3,182,000,000 2010 est. 122 Macedonia $ 3,171,000,000 2010 est. 123 Chad $ 3,036,000,000 2010 est. 124 Malta $ 2,954,000,000 2010 est. 125 Uganda $ 2,941,000,000 2010 est. 126 Mozambique $ 2,517,000,000 2010 est. 127 Georgia $ 2,290,000,000 2010 est. 128 Cyprus $ 2,232,000,000 2010 est. 129 Senegal $ 2,112,000,000 2010 est. 130 Mauritius $ 2,041,000,000 2010 est. 131 Korea, North $ 1,997,000,000 2009 132 Mongolia $ 1,902,000,000 2009 133 Zimbabwe $ 1,869,000,000 2010 est. 134 Ethiopia $ 1,729,000,000 2010 est. 135 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,682,000,000 2010 est. 136 Jamaica $ 1,487,000,000 2010 est. 137 Guinea $ 1,468,000,000 2010 est. 138 Moldova $ 1,450,000,000 2010 est. 139 Swaziland $ 1,417,000,000 2010 est. 140 Madagascar $ 1,412,000,000 2010 est. 141 Mauritania $ 1,395,000,000 2006 142 Suriname $ 1,391,000,000 2006 est. 143 New Caledonia $ 1,341,000,000 2006 144 Albania $ 1,339,000,000 2010 est. 145 Tajikistan $ 1,318,000,000 2010 est. 146 Laos $ 1,215,000,000 2010 est. 147 Fiji $ 1,202,000,000 2006 148 Liberia $ 1,197,000,000 2006 149 Malawi $ 1,189,000,000 2010 est. 150 Benin $ 1,125,000,000 2010 est. 151 Burkina Faso $ 991,000,000 2010 est. 152 Lesotho $ 985,000,000 2010 est. 153 Macau $ 950,000,000 2009 est. 154 Curacao $ 876,000,000 2008 est. 155 Togo $ 859,000,000 2010 est. 156 Nepal $ 849,000,000 2009 157 Faroe Islands $ 848,000,000 2008 158 Armenia $ 846,000,000 2010 est. 159 Guyana $ 814,000,000 2010 est. 160 Bermuda $ 763,000,000 2006 161 Monaco $ 716,300,000 2005 162 Bahamas, The $ 674,000,000 2006 163 Haiti $ 559,000,000 2010 est. 164 Afghanistan $ 547,000,000 2009 est. 165 West Bank $ 529,000,000 2008 166 Bhutan $ 513,000,000 2008 167 Greenland $ 485,000,000 2008 168 Seychelles $ 464,000,000 2010 est. 169 American Samoa $ 445,600,000 FY04 est. 170 Niger $ 428,000,000 2006 171 Belize $ 404,000,000 2010 est. 172 Barbados $ 385,000,000 2006 173 Somalia $ 300,000,000 2006 174 Mali $ 294,000,000 2006 175 Saint Lucia $ 288,000,000 2006 176 Gibraltar $ 271,000,000 2004 est. 177 Solomon Islands $ 237,000,000 2006 178 Rwanda $ 226,000,000 2010 est. 179 Sierra Leone $ 216,000,000 2006 180 French Polynesia $ 211,000,000 2005 est. 181 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 193,000,000 2006 182 Montenegro $ 171,300,000 2003 183 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 169,200,000 2000 184 Central African Republic $ 146,700,000 2007 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau $ 133,000,000 2006 186 Samoa $ 131,000,000 2006 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 125,000,000 2004 est. 188 Aruba $ 124,000,000 2006 189 Anguilla $ 119,500,000 2009 est. 190 Cape Verde $ 114,000,000 2010 est. 191 Gambia, The $ 107,000,000 2010 est. 192 Djibouti $ 100,000,000 2009 193 Northern Mariana Islands $ 98,200,000 2008 194 Dominica $ 94,000,000 2006 195 Andorra $ 89,500,000 2008 196 Maldives $ 88,000,000 2009 est. 197 Antigua and Barbuda $ 84,300,000 2007 est. 198 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 84,000,000 2006 199 Burundi $ 71,000,000 2010 est. 200 Vanuatu $ 40,000,000 2006 201 Grenada $ 38,000,000 2006 202 Comoros $ 32,000,000 2006 203 British Virgin Islands $ 25,300,000 2002 204 Eritrea $ 25,000,000 2010 est. 205 Tonga $ 22,000,000 2006 206 Marshall Islands $ 19,400,000 2008 est. 207 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 19,000,000 2004 est. 208 Kiribati $ 17,000,000 2004 est. 209 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 14,000,000 2004 est. 210 Cayman Islands $ 13,800,000 2008 211 Sao Tome and Principe $ 13,000,000 2010 est. 212 Timor-Leste $ 10,000,000 2005 est. 213 Mayotte $ 6,500,000 2005 214 Palau $ 5,882,000 2004 est. 215 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 5,500,000 2005 est. 216 Cook Islands $ 5,222,000 2005 217 Norfolk Island $ 1,500,000 FY91/92 218 Tuvalu $ 1,000,000 2004 est. 219 Montserrat $ 700,000 2001 est. 220 Niue $ 201,400 2004 221 Nauru $ 64,000 2005 est. 222 Wallis and Futuna $ 47,450 2004 223 Tokelau $ 0 2002

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Rank code: 2079

Country Comparison :: Debt - external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Debt - external Date of Information

1 United States $ 13,980,000,000,000 30 June 2010 2 European Union $ 13,720,000,000,000 30 June 2010 3 United Kingdom $ 8,981,000,000,000 30 June 2010 4 Germany $ 4,713,000,000,000 30 June 2010 5 France $ 4,698,000,000,000 30 June 2010 6 Japan $ 2,246,000,000,000 30 June 2010 7 Norway $ 2,232,000,000,000 30 June 2010 8 Italy $ 2,223,000,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 9 Spain $ 2,166,000,000,000 30 June 2010 10 Ireland $ 2,131,000,000,000 30 June 2010 11 Luxembourg $ 1,892,000,000,000 30 June 2010 12 Belgium $ 1,241,000,000,000 30 June 2010 13 Switzerland $ 1,190,000,000,000 30 June 2010 14 Australia $ 1,169,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 1,009,000,000,000 30 June 2010 16 Sweden $ 853,300,000,000 30 June 2010 17 Austria $ 755,000,000,000 30 June 2010 18 Denmark $ 559,500,000,000 30 June 2010 19 Greece $ 532,900,000,000 30 June 2010 20 Portugal $ 497,800,000,000 30 June 2010 21 Russia $ 480,200,000,000 30 November 2010 est. 22 China $ 406,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Finland $ 370,800,000,000 30 June 2010 24 Korea, South $ 370,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Brazil $ 310,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Turkey $ 270,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Poland $ 252,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 India $ 237,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Mexico $ 212,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 155,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Hungary $ 134,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Argentina $ 128,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 United Arab Emirates $ 122,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Romania $ 108,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Ukraine $ 97,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Kazakhstan $ 94,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Taiwan $ 91,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Israel $ 89,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Czech Republic $ 86,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Chile $ 84,510,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Saudi Arabia $ 82,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Thailand $ 82,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 South Africa $ 80,520,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 44 Qatar $ 71,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Hong Kong $ 69,860,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 New Zealand $ 64,330,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Malaysia $ 62,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Philippines $ 61,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Croatia $ 59,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Slovakia $ 59,330,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 51 Colombia $ 57,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Pakistan $ 57,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Kuwait $ 56,810,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Venezuela $ 55,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Iraq $ 52,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Slovenia $ 51,570,000,000 30 June 2010 57 Malta $ 41,020,000,000 30 June 2010 58 Sudan $ 37,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Latvia $ 37,280,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Bulgaria $ 36,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Lebanon $ 34,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Vietnam $ 33,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Peru $ 33,290,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Serbia $ 32,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Egypt $ 30,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Lithuania $ 27,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Estonia $ 25,130,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Belarus $ 24,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Bangladesh $ 24,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Morocco $ 22,690,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Singapore $ 21,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Cuba $ 19,750,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Tunisia $ 18,760,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Monaco $ 18,000,000,000 2000 est. 75 Angola $ 17,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Sri Lanka $ 17,970,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Guatemala $ 17,470,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Ecuador $ 14,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Bahrain $ 14,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Panama $ 13,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Uruguay $ 13,390,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Dominican Republic $ 13,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Iran $ 12,840,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Jamaica $ 12,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Korea, North $ 12,500,000,000 2001 est. 86 Cote d'Ivoire $ 11,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 El Salvador $ 11,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Nigeria $ 11,020,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Costa Rica $ 9,126,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 90 Oman $ 8,829,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 7,996,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Kenya $ 7,935,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Syria $ 7,682,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Tanzania $ 7,576,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 Yemen $ 7,147,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Burma $ 7,145,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 97 Ghana $ 6,483,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Libya $ 6,378,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Bolivia $ 6,130,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 100 Zimbabwe $ 5,772,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 101 Jordan $ 5,522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 102 Macedonia $ 5,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 Armenia $ 5,227,000,000 30 June 2010 104 Mauritius $ 5,043,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Congo, Republic of the $ 5,000,000,000 2000 est. 106 Turkmenistan $ 5,000,000,000 2009 est. 107 Mozambique $ 4,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Nepal $ 4,500,000,000 2009 109 Paraguay $ 4,346,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Cambodia $ 4,338,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 111 Trinidad and Tobago $ 4,303,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 112 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 4,300,000,000 2009 est. 113 Ethiopia $ 4,289,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Uzbekistan $ 4,236,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Moldova $ 4,146,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Algeria $ 4,138,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 117 Nicaragua $ 4,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 118 Senegal $ 3,885,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Kyrgyzstan $ 3,738,000,000 30 June 2010 120 Honduras $ 3,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Zambia $ 3,495,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Georgia $ 3,381,000,000 31 December 2009 123 Cameroon $ 3,344,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Azerbaijan $ 3,221,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Liberia $ 3,200,000,000 2005 est. 126 Laos $ 3,085,000,000 2009 est. 127 Iceland $ 3,073,000,000 2002 128 Guinea $ 3,072,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 129 Somalia $ 3,000,000,000 2001 est. 130 Madagascar $ 2,973,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 131 Benin $ 2,894,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 132 Uganda $ 2,888,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 133 Mali $ 2,800,000,000 2002 134 Afghanistan $ 2,700,000,000 2008/2009 135 Gabon $ 2,374,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 136 Namibia $ 2,373,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 137 Botswana $ 2,222,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 138 Niger $ 2,100,000,000 2003 est. 139 Burkina Faso $ 2,002,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 140 Tajikistan $ 1,997,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 141 Mongolia $ 1,860,000,000 2009 142 Sierra Leone $ 1,610,000,000 2003 est. 143 Albania $ 1,550,000,000 2004 144 Papua New Guinea $ 1,548,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 145 Seychelles $ 1,374,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 146 Malawi $ 1,213,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 147 Burundi $ 1,200,000,000 2003 148 Central African Republic $ 1,153,000,000 2007 est. 149 West Bank $ 1,040,000,000 2010 est. 150 Belize $ 1,010,000,000 2009 est. 151 Guinea-Bissau $ 941,500,000 2000 est. 152 Bhutan $ 836,000,000 2009 153 Equatorial Guinea $ 832,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 154 Guyana $ 804,300,000 30 September 2008 155 Barbados $ 668,000,000 2003 156 Montenegro $ 650,000,000 2006 157 Lesotho $ 647,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 158 Maldives $ 589,000,000 2009 est. 159 Gambia, The $ 530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 160 Suriname $ 504,300,000 2005 est. 161 Swaziland $ 497,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 162 Haiti $ 494,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 163 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 479,000,000 2010 est. 164 Aruba $ 478,600,000 2005 est. 165 Djibouti $ 428,000,000 2006 166 Antigua and Barbuda $ 359,800,000 June 2006 167 Grenada $ 347,000,000 2004 168 Bahamas, The $ 342,600,000 2004 est. 169 Cape Verde $ 325,000,000 2002 170 Sao Tome and Principe $ 318,000,000 2002 171 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 314,000,000 2004 172 Saint Lucia $ 257,000,000 2004 173 Comoros $ 232,000,000 2000 est. 174 Dominica $ 213,000,000 2004 175 Samoa $ 177,000,000 2004 176 Solomon Islands $ 166,000,000 2004 177 Bermuda $ 160,000,000 FY99/00 178 Cook Islands $ 141,000,000 1996 est. 179 Fiji $ 127,000,000 2004 est. 180 Marshall Islands $ 87,000,000 2008 est. 181 Vanuatu $ 81,200,000 2004 182 Tonga $ 80,700,000 2004 183 New Caledonia $ 79,000,000 1998 est. 184 Cayman Islands $ 70,000,000 1996 185 Faroe Islands $ 68,100,000 2006 186 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 60,800,000 FY05 est. 187 Greenland $ 58,000,000 2009 188 British Virgin Islands $ 36,100,000 1997 189 Nauru $ 33,300,000 190 Kiribati $ 10,000,000 1999 est. 191 Montserrat $ 8,900,000 1997 192 Anguilla $ 8,800,000 1998 193 Wallis and Futuna $ 3,670,000 2004 194 Niue $ 418,000 2002 est. 195 Brunei $ 0 2005 196 Liechtenstein $ 0 2001 197 Palau $ 0 FY99/00 198 Macau $ 0 2009

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Rank code: 2080

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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Rank code: 2081

Country Comparison :: Flag description

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

Rank country Flag description Date of Information

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Rank code: 2085

Country Comparison :: Roadways

This entry gives the total length of the road network and includes the length of the paved and unpaved portions.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 6,506,204 2008 2 China 3,583,715 2007 3 India 3,320,410 2009 4 Brazil 1,751,868 2004 5 Japan 1,203,777 2008 6 Canada 1,042,300 2008 7 France 1,027,183 2007 8 Russia 982,000 2009 9 Australia 812,972 2004 10 Spain 681,298 2008 11 Germany 644,480 2008 12 Sweden 572,900 2009 13 Italy 487,700 2007 14 Indonesia 437,759 2008 15 Poland 423,997 2008 16 United Kingdom 394,428 2009 17 Mexico 366,095 2008 18 South Africa 362,099 2002 19 Turkey 352,046 2008 20 Pakistan 259,197 2007 21 Bangladesh 239,226 2003 22 Argentina 231,374 2004 23 Saudi Arabia 221,372 2006 24 Philippines 201,910 2008 25 Romania 198,817 2008 26 Nigeria 193,200 2004 27 Thailand 180,053 2006 28 Iran 172,927 2006 29 Vietnam 171,392 2008 30 Ukraine 169,495 2009 31 Colombia 164,257 2005 32 Kenya 160,886 2008 33 Hungary 160,057 2008 34 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 153,497 2004 35 Belgium 152,256 2006 36 Netherlands 136,827 2008 37 Czech Republic 128,582 2008 38 Greece 117,533 2005 39 Algeria 108,302 2004 40 Austria 107,262 2006 41 Korea, South 103,029 2008 42 Peru 102,887 2007 43 Libya 100,024 2003 44 Malaysia 98,721 2004 45 Syria 97,401 2006 46 Zimbabwe 97,267 2002 47 Venezuela 96,155 2002 48 Ireland 96,036 2008 49 Belarus 94,797 2005 50 New Zealand 93,911 2009 51 Kazakhstan 93,612 2008 52 Norway 92,946 2007 53 Burkina Faso 92,495 2004 54 Sri Lanka 91,907 2008 55 Zambia 91,440 2001 56 Uzbekistan 86,496 2000 57 Portugal 82,900 2008 58 Lithuania 81,030 2008 59 Chile 80,505 2004 60 Cote d'Ivoire 80,000 2006 61 Tanzania 78,892 2007 62 Finland 78,141 2009 63 Uruguay 77,732 2010 64 Denmark 73,197 2008 65 Latvia 73,074 2010 66 Switzerland 71,384 2009 67 Yemen 71,300 2005 68 Uganda 70,746 2003 69 Oman 68,467 2008 70 Madagascar 65,663 2003 71 Egypt 65,050 2009 72 Namibia 64,189 2010 73 Bolivia 62,479 2004 74 Ghana 62,221 2006 75 Cuba 60,858 2000 76 Azerbaijan 59,141 2004 77 Turkmenistan 58,592 2002 78 Estonia 58,034 2009 79 Morocco 57,625 2006 80 Angola 51,429 2001 81 Cameroon 50,000 2004 82 Mongolia 49,250 2009 83 Iraq 44,900 2002 84 Guinea 44,348 2003 85 Slovakia 43,761 2008 86 Ecuador 43,670 2006 87 Afghanistan 42,150 2006 88 Taiwan 41,279 2008 89 Bulgaria 40,231 2008 90 Slovenia 38,873 2008 91 Cambodia 38,093 2007 92 Serbia 36,884 2007 93 Laos 36,831 2007 94 Ethiopia 36,469 2004 95 Costa Rica 35,330 2004 96 Chad 33,400 2002 97 Mozambique 30,400 2000 98 Paraguay 29,500 2000 99 Croatia 29,248 2008 100 Tajikistan 27,767 2000 101 Burma 27,000 2006 102 Puerto Rico 26,670 2008 103 Botswana 25,798 2005 104 Korea, North 25,554 2006 105 Central African Republic 24,307 2000 106 Somalia 22,100 2000 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina 21,846 2006 108 Jamaica 21,552 2005 109 Georgia 20,329 2006 110 Dominican Republic 19,705 2002 111 Tunisia 19,232 2006 112 Nicaragua 19,137 2009 113 Niger 18,949 2008 114 Mali 18,709 2004 115 Kyrgyzstan 18,500 2003 116 Israel 18,096 2008 117 Albania 18,000 2002 118 Congo, Republic of the 17,289 2004 119 Nepal 17,282 2007 120 Benin 16,000 2006 121 Malawi 15,451 2003 122 Cyprus 14,671 2008 123 Honduras 14,239 2009 124 Guatemala 14,095 2000 125 Rwanda 14,008 2004 126 Macedonia 13,736 2009 127 Senegal 13,576 2003 128 Iceland 12,869 2009 129 Burundi 12,322 2004 130 Panama 11,978 2002 131 Sudan 11,900 2000 132 Sierra Leone 11,300 2002 133 Mauritania 11,066 2006 134 El Salvador 10,886 2000 135 Liberia 10,600 2000 136 Papua New Guinea 9,349 2011 137 Moldova 9,343 2008 138 Gabon 9,170 2004 139 Armenia 8,888 2008 140 Trinidad and Tobago 8,320 2000 141 Bhutan 8,050 2003 142 Guyana 7,970 2000 143 Jordan 7,891 2009 144 Qatar 7,790 2006 145 Togo 7,520 2000 146 Montenegro 7,404 2008 147 Lesotho 7,091 2003 148 Lebanon 6,970 2005 149 Timor-Leste 6,040 2005 150 Kuwait 5,749 2004 151 New Caledonia 5,622 2006 152 Luxembourg 5,227 2008 153 West Bank 5,147 2006 154 Suriname 4,304 2003 155 Haiti 4,160 2000 156 United Arab Emirates 4,080 2008 157 Eritrea 4,010 2000 158 Bahrain 3,851 2007 159 Gambia, The 3,742 2004 160 Swaziland 3,594 2002 161 Guinea-Bissau 3,455 2002 162 Fiji 3,440 2000 163 Singapore 3,356 2009 164 Djibouti 3,065 2000 165 Belize 3,007 2006 166 Brunei 2,971 2008 167 Equatorial Guinea 2,880 2000 168 Bahamas, The 2,717 2002 169 French Polynesia 2,590 1999 170 Samoa 2,337 2001 171 Malta 2,227 2005 172 Mauritius 2,066 2009 173 Hong Kong 2,050 2009 174 Marshall Islands 2,028 2007 175 Kosovo 1,926 2009 176 Barbados 1,600 2004 177 Solomon Islands 1,360 2002 178 Cape Verde 1,350 2000 179 Virgin Islands 1,260 2008 180 Saint Lucia 1,210 2002 181 Antigua and Barbuda 1,165 2002 182 Grenada 1,127 2000 183 Vanuatu 1,070 1999 184 Comoros 880 2002 185 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 829 2003 186 Cayman Islands 785 2007 187 Dominica 780 2000 188 Tonga 680 2000 189 Kiribati 670 2000 190 Jersey 576 2010 191 Curacao 550 NA 192 Northern Mariana Islands 536 2008 193 Isle of Man 500 2008 194 Faroe Islands 463 2006 195 Seychelles 458 2003 196 Bermuda 447 2007 197 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 440 2008 198 Macau 413 2009 199 Saint Kitts and Nevis 383 2002 200 Liechtenstein 380 2010 201 Andorra 320 2008 202 Sao Tome and Principe 320 2000 203 Cook Islands 320 2003 204 San Marino 292 2006 205 American Samoa 241 2008 206 Micronesia, Federated States of 240 2000 207 British Virgin Islands 200 2007 208 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha198 2002 209 Anguilla 175 2004 210 Christmas Island 140 2007 211 Turks and Caicos Islands 121 2003 212 Niue 120 2008 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 117 2000 214 Maldives 88 2006 215 Norfolk Island 80 2008 216 Sint Maarten 53 NA 217 Monaco 50 2007 218 Gibraltar 29 2007 219 Nauru 24 2002 220 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 22 2007 221 Tuvalu 8 2002

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Rank code: 2086

Country Comparison :: Illicit drugs

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

Rank country Illicit drugs Date of Information

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Rank code: 2087

Country Comparison :: Imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Imports Date of Information

1 United States $ 1,903,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 European Union $ 1,690,000,000,000 2007 3 China $ 1,307,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,120,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Japan $ 636,800,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 577,700,000,000 2010 est. 7 United Kingdom $ 546,500,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 459,700,000,000 2010 est. 9 Korea, South $ 417,900,000,000 2010 est. 10 Hong Kong $ 413,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Netherlands $ 408,400,000,000 2010 est. 12 Canada $ 406,400,000,000 2010 est. 13 India $ 327,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Spain $ 324,600,000,000 2010 est. 15 Singapore $ 315,600,000,000 2010 est. 16 Mexico $ 306,000,000,000 2010 est. 17 Belgium $ 281,700,000,000 2010 est. 18 Taiwan $ 250,200,000,000 2010 est. 19 Russia $ 237,300,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 220,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 200,400,000,000 2010 est. 22 Brazil $ 187,700,000,000 2010 est. 23 Poland $ 167,400,000,000 2010 est. 24 Turkey $ 166,300,000,000 2010 est. 25 United Arab Emirates $ 159,000,000,000 2010 est. 26 Sweden $ 158,600,000,000 2010 est. 27 Thailand $ 156,900,000,000 2010 est. 28 Austria $ 156,000,000,000 2010 est. 29 Malaysia $ 149,200,000,000 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 111,100,000,000 2010 est. 31 Czech Republic $ 109,200,000,000 2010 est. 32 Saudi Arabia $ 99,170,000,000 2010 est. 33 Denmark $ 90,830,000,000 2010 est. 34 Hungary $ 87,440,000,000 2010 est. 35 Vietnam $ 81,730,000,000 2010 est. 36 South Africa $ 77,040,000,000 2010 est. 37 Norway $ 74,020,000,000 2010 est. 38 Ireland $ 70,360,000,000 2010 est. 39 Finland $ 69,110,000,000 2010 est. 40 Portugal $ 68,220,000,000 2010 est. 41 Slovakia $ 62,430,000,000 2010 est. 42 Romania $ 59,840,000,000 2010 est. 43 Iran $ 58,970,000,000 2010 est. 44 Philippines $ 57,240,000,000 2010 est. 45 Israel $ 55,600,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 54,230,000,000 2010 est. 47 Ukraine $ 53,540,000,000 2010 est. 48 Argentina $ 52,610,000,000 2010 est. 49 Egypt $ 46,520,000,000 2010 est. 50 Greece $ 44,900,000,000 2010 est. 51 Iraq $ 42,560,000,000 2010 est. 52 Algeria $ 37,070,000,000 2010 est. 53 Colombia $ 36,260,000,000 2010 est. 54 Morocco $ 34,190,000,000 2010 est. 55 Nigeria $ 34,180,000,000 2010 est. 56 Pakistan $ 32,710,000,000 2010 est. 57 Venezuela $ 31,370,000,000 2010 est. 58 New Zealand $ 30,240,000,000 2010 est. 59 Kazakhstan $ 30,110,000,000 2010 est. 60 Belarus $ 29,790,000,000 2010 est. 61 Puerto Rico $ 29,100,000,000 2001 62 Slovenia $ 25,960,000,000 2010 est. 63 Peru $ 25,740,000,000 2010 est. 64 Libya $ 24,470,000,000 2010 est. 65 Luxembourg $ 23,670,000,000 2010 est. 66 Qatar $ 23,380,000,000 2010 est. 67 Bulgaria $ 22,780,000,000 2010 est. 68 Bangladesh $ 21,340,000,000 2010 69 Croatia $ 20,930,000,000 2010 est. 70 Kuwait $ 20,360,000,000 2010 est. 71 Lithuania $ 20,340,000,000 2010 est. 72 Tunisia $ 20,020,000,000 2010 est. 73 Oman $ 19,300,000,000 2010 est. 74 Angola $ 18,100,000,000 2010 est. 75 Lebanon $ 17,970,000,000 2010 est. 76 Ecuador $ 17,650,000,000 2010 est. 77 Panama $ 16,050,000,000 2010 est. 78 Serbia $ 15,780,000,000 2010 est. 79 Dominican Republic $ 14,530,000,000 2010 est. 80 Costa Rica $ 13,690,000,000 2010 est. 81 Syria $ 13,570,000,000 2010 est. 82 Jordan $ 12,970,000,000 2010 est. 83 Guatemala $ 12,650,000,000 2010 est. 84 Bahrain $ 12,140,000,000 2010 est. 85 Sri Lanka $ 11,600,000,000 2010 est. 86 Estonia $ 11,520,000,000 2010 est. 87 Kenya $ 10,400,000,000 2010 est. 88 Cuba $ 10,250,000,000 2010 est. 89 Ghana $ 10,180,000,000 2010 est. 90 Uzbekistan $ 9,440,000,000 2010 est. 91 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 9,403,000,000 2010 est. 92 Paraguay $ 9,242,000,000 2010 est. 93 Latvia $ 9,153,000,000 2010 est. 94 Honduras $ 8,878,000,000 2010 est. 95 Uruguay $ 8,519,000,000 2010 est. 96 Sudan $ 8,483,000,000 2010 est. 97 Yemen $ 8,350,000,000 2010 est. 98 Trinidad and Tobago $ 8,234,000,000 2010 est. 99 El Salvador $ 7,980,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cyprus $ 7,962,000,000 2010 est. 101 Ethiopia $ 7,517,000,000 2010 est. 102 Liberia $ 7,143,000,000 2006 103 Azerbaijan $ 7,035,000,000 2010 est. 104 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,015,000,000 2010 est. 105 Cambodia $ 6,944,000,000 2010 est. 106 Tanzania $ 6,334,000,000 2010 est. 107 Equatorial Guinea $ 5,743,000,000 2010 est. 108 Jamaica $ 5,378,000,000 2010 est. 109 Afghanistan $ 5,300,000,000 2008 est. 110 Nepal $ 5,260,000,000 2009 111 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 5,200,000,000 2009 est. 112 Namibia $ 5,152,000,000 2010 est. 113 Macedonia $ 5,113,000,000 2010 est. 114 Bolivia $ 5,006,000,000 2010 est. 115 Zambia $ 4,949,000,000 2010 est. 116 Turkmenistan $ 4,888,000,000 2010 est. 117 Cameroon $ 4,869,000,000 2010 est. 118 Georgia $ 4,828,000,000 2010 est. 119 Nicaragua $ 4,700,000,000 2010 est. 120 Virgin Islands $ 4,609,000,000 2001 121 Burma $ 4,532,000,000 2010 est. 122 Botswana $ 4,518,000,000 2010 est. 123 Macau $ 4,500,000,000 2009 est. 124 Senegal $ 4,474,000,000 2010 est. 125 Uganda $ 4,474,000,000 2010 est. 126 Albania $ 4,337,000,000 2010 est. 127 Malta $ 4,074,000,000 2010 est. 128 Mauritius $ 3,935,000,000 2010 est. 129 West Bank $ 3,772,000,000 2008 130 San Marino $ 3,744,000,000 2007 131 Iceland $ 3,677,000,000 2010 est. 132 Moldova $ 3,660,000,000 2010 est. 133 Congo, Republic of the $ 3,607,000,000 2010 est. 134 Papua New Guinea $ 3,547,000,000 2010 est. 135 Mozambique $ 3,527,000,000 2010 est. 136 Tajikistan $ 3,301,000,000 2010 est. 137 Fiji $ 3,120,000,000 2006 138 Korea, North $ 3,096,000,000 2009 139 Kyrgyzstan $ 3,075,000,000 2010 est. 140 Armenia $ 2,988,000,000 2010 est. 141 Gibraltar $ 2,967,000,000 2004 est. 142 Zimbabwe $ 2,871,000,000 2010 est. 143 Chad $ 2,631,000,000 2010 est. 144 Brunei $ 2,610,000,000 2008 est. 145 Liechtenstein $ 2,590,000,000 2008 146 Haiti $ 2,446,000,000 2010 est. 147 Gabon $ 2,433,000,000 2010 est. 148 Bahamas, The $ 2,401,000,000 2006 149 Mali $ 2,358,000,000 2006 150 Mongolia $ 2,131,000,000 2009 151 New Caledonia $ 1,998,000,000 2006 152 Madagascar $ 1,958,000,000 2010 est. 153 Benin $ 1,812,000,000 2010 est. 154 Andorra $ 1,801,000,000 2008 155 Lesotho $ 1,766,000,000 2010 est. 156 French Polynesia $ 1,706,000,000 2005 est. 157 Malawi $ 1,675,000,000 2010 est. 158 Swaziland $ 1,643,000,000 2010 est. 159 Barbados $ 1,586,000,000 2006 160 Guinea $ 1,551,000,000 2010 est. 161 Laos $ 1,504,000,000 2010 est. 162 Burkina Faso $ 1,480,000,000 2010 est. 163 Mauritania $ 1,475,000,000 2006 164 Guyana $ 1,366,000,000 2010 est. 165 Curacao $ 1,340,000,000 2008 est. 166 Togo $ 1,337,000,000 2010 est. 167 Suriname $ 1,297,000,000 2006 est. 168 Bermuda $ 1,162,000,000 2006 169 Aruba $ 1,054,000,000 2006 170 Rwanda $ 1,047,000,000 2010 est. 171 Faroe Islands $ 983,000,000 2008 172 Monaco $ 916,100,000 2005 173 Cayman Islands $ 876,500,000 2008 174 Greenland $ 867,000,000 2008 175 Cape Verde $ 858,000,000 2010 est. 176 Seychelles $ 831,000,000 2010 est. 177 Niger $ 800,000,000 2006 178 Somalia $ 798,000,000 2006 179 Saint Lucia $ 791,000,000 2006 180 Maldives $ 782,000,000 2008 est. 181 Belize $ 740,000,000 2010 est. 182 Eritrea $ 738,000,000 2010 est. 183 Djibouti $ 644,000,000 2009 est. 184 Montenegro $ 601,700,000 2003 185 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 578,000,000 2006 186 Sierra Leone $ 560,000,000 2006 187 Bhutan $ 533,000,000 2008 188 Antigua and Barbuda $ 522,800,000 2007 est. 189 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 383,000,000 2006 190 Grenada $ 343,000,000 2006 191 Mayotte $ 341,000,000 2005 192 Burundi $ 336,000,000 2010 est. 193 Samoa $ 324,000,000 2006 194 American Samoa $ 308,800,000 FY04 est. 195 Gambia, The $ 306,000,000 2010 est. 196 Dominica $ 296,000,000 2006 197 Solomon Islands $ 256,000,000 2006 198 Central African Republic $ 237,300,000 2007 est. 199 Northern Mariana Islands $ 214,400,000 2001 200 Timor-Leste $ 202,000,000 2004 est. 201 Guinea-Bissau $ 200,000,000 2006 202 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 175,600,000 2000 203 Vanuatu $ 156,000,000 2006 204 Anguilla $ 143,000,000 2006 205 Comoros $ 143,000,000 2006 206 Tonga $ 139,000,000 2006 207 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 132,700,000 2004 208 Palau $ 107,300,000 2004 est. 209 Sao Tome and Principe $ 99,000,000 2010 est. 210 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 90,000,000 2004 est. 211 Cook Islands $ 81,040,000 2005 212 Marshall Islands $ 79,400,000 2008 est. 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 68,200,000 2005 est. 214 Kiribati $ 62,000,000 2004 est. 215 Wallis and Futuna $ 61,170,000 2004 216 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 45,000,000 2004 est. 217 Nauru $ 20,000,000 2004 est. 218 Norfolk Island $ 17,900,000 219 Montserrat $ 17,000,000 220 Tuvalu $ 12,910,000 2005 221 Niue $ 9,038,000 2004 222 Tokelau $ 969,200 2002

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Rank code: 2088

Country Comparison :: Independence

For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries, the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note.

Rank country Independence Date of Information

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Rank code: 2089

Country Comparison :: Industrial production growth rate

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Qatar 27.10 2010 est. 2 Malawi 17.30 2010 est. 3 Uruguay 16.50 2010 est. 4 Taiwan 16.00 2010 est. 5 Thailand 14.50 2010 est. 6 Korea, South 12.10 2010 est. 7 Zambia 12.10 2010 est. 8 Congo, Republic of the 12.00 2010 est. 9 Laos 12.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 11.50 2010 est. 11 Philippines 11.50 2010 est. 12 China 11.00 2010 est. 13 Belarus 10.50 2010 est. 14 Singapore 10.20 2010 est. 15 Estonia 10.00 2010 est. 16 Papua New Guinea 10.00 2010 est. 17 India 9.70 2010 est. 18 Ethiopia 9.50 2010 est. 19 Germany 9.00 2010 est. 20 Yemen 9.00 2010 est. 21 Gambia, The 8.90 2010 est. 22 Malaysia 8.50 2010 est. 23 Peru 8.50 2010 est. 24 Timor-Leste 8.50 2004 est. 25 Russia 8.30 2010 est. 26 Armenia 8.00 2010 est. 27 Faroe Islands 8.00 2007 est. 28 Uzbekistan 8.00 2010 est. 29 Ukraine 8.00 2010 est. 30 Sweden 8.00 2010 est. 31 Mozambique 8.00 2010 est. 32 Eritrea 8.00 2010 est. 33 Japan 7.50 2010 est. 34 Rwanda 7.50 2010 est. 35 Slovakia 7.50 2010 est. 36 Vietnam 7.50 2010 est. 37 Tajikistan 7.50 2010 est. 38 Kazakhstan 7.30 2010 est. 39 Turkmenistan 7.30 2010 est. 40 Burundi 7.00 2010 est. 41 Tanzania 7.00 2010 est. 42 Sao Tome and Principe 7.00 2010 est. 43 Botswana 6.90 2010 est. 44 Sri Lanka 6.90 2010 est. 45 Argentina 6.70 2010 est. 46 Namibia 6.50 2010 est. 47 Suriname 6.50 1994 est. 48 Poland 6.50 2010 est. 49 Paraguay 6.50 2010 est. 50 Bangladesh 6.40 2010 est. 51 Finland 6.00 2010 est. 52 Turkey 6.00 2010 est. 53 Uganda 6.00 2010 est. 54 Syria 6.00 2010 est. 55 Kyrgyzstan 6.00 2010 est. 56 Mexico 6.00 2010 est. 57 Canada 5.80 2010 est. 58 Israel 5.70 2010 est. 59 Burkina Faso 5.50 2010 est. 60 Egypt 5.50 2010 est. 61 Colombia 5.50 2010 est. 62 Niger 5.10 2003 est. 63 Angola 5.00 2010 est. 64 Ghana 5.00 2010 est. 65 Hungary 5.00 2010 est. 66 Ireland 5.00 2010 est. 67 Pakistan 4.90 2010 est. 68 Algeria 4.80 2010 est. 69 Gabon 4.80 2010 est. 70 Iraq 4.80 2010 est. 71 Guinea-Bissau 4.70 2003 est. 72 Cambodia 4.50 2010 est. 73 Cote d'Ivoire 4.50 2010 est. 74 Oman 4.50 2010 est. 75 Moldova 4.50 2010 est. 76 Morocco 4.40 2010 est. 77 Burma 4.30 2010 est. 78 Iran 4.30 2010 est. 79 Belgium 4.00 2010 est. 80 Bolivia 4.00 2010 est. 81 Nigeria 4.00 2010 est. 82 Zimbabwe 4.00 2010 est. 83 Denmark 4.00 2010 est. 84 Kenya 4.00 2010 est. 85 Indonesia 4.00 2010 est. 86 Georgia 4.00 2010 est. 87 Cape Verde 4.00 2010 est. 88 Cameroon 4.00 2010 est. 89 Senegal 3.80 2010 est. 90 European Union 3.80 2010 est. 91 Azerbaijan 3.50 2010 est. 92 Sudan 3.50 2010 est. 93 France 3.50 2010 est. 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.30 2010 est. 95 Mauritius 3.30 2010 est. 96 United States 3.30 2010 est. 97 Chile 3.20 2010 est. 98 Greece 3.20 2010 est. 99 Netherlands 3.20 2010 est. 100 United Arab Emirates 3.20 2010 est. 101 San Marino 3.10 2007 102 Saudi Arabia 3.10 2010 est. 103 Albania 3.00 2010 est. 104 Australia 3.00 2010 est. 105 Benin 3.00 2010 est. 106 Austria 3.00 2010 est. 107 Central African Republic 3.00 2002 108 Costa Rica 3.00 2010 est. 109 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 110 Mongolia 3.00 2006 est. 111 Lesotho 3.00 2010 est. 112 Guinea 3.00 2010 est. 113 Czech Republic 3.00 2010 est. 114 Chad 3.00 2010 est. 115 Samoa 2.80 2000 116 Jordan 2.70 2010 est. 117 Switzerland 2.70 2010 est. 118 Libya 2.70 2010 est. 119 Guatemala 2.60 2010 est. 120 Guyana 2.50 2010 est. 121 Lithuania 2.50 2010 est. 122 Trinidad and Tobago 2.50 2010 est. 123 Togo 2.50 2010 est. 124 Honduras 2.40 2010 est. 125 Kuwait 2.10 2010 est. 126 Lebanon 2.10 2010 est. 127 Ecuador 2.00 2010 est. 128 Panama 2.00 2010 est. 129 Seychelles 2.00 2010 est. 130 New Zealand 2.00 2010 est. 131 Madagascar 2.00 2010 est. 132 Mauritania 2.00 2000 est. 133 United Kingdom 1.90 2010 est. 134 Equatorial Guinea 1.80 2010 est. 135 Nepal 1.80 FY08 136 Luxembourg 1.70 2009 est. 137 Tunisia 1.60 2010 est. 138 Bahrain 1.50 2010 est. 139 Dominican Republic 1.50 2010 est. 140 Romania 1.50 2010 est. 141 Nicaragua 1.50 2010 est. 142 Belize 1.40 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 1.30 2010 est. 144 Serbia 1.30 2010 est. 145 Cook Islands 1.00 2002 146 Tonga 1.00 2003 est. 147 Swaziland 1.00 2010 est. 148 Slovenia 1.00 2010 est. 149 El Salvador 0.90 2010 est. 150 Portugal 0.90 2010 est. 151 Cuba 0.80 2010 est. 152 Italy 0.50 2010 est. 153 Bulgaria 0.40 2010 est. 154 Norway 0.30 2010 est. 155 Cyprus 0.10 2010 est. 156 Hong Kong -0.30 2010 est. 157 Croatia -0.90 2010 est. 158 Maldives -0.90 2004 est. 159 Iceland -1.00 2010 est. 160 Latvia -1.80 2010 est. 161 Jamaica -2.00 2010 est. 162 Spain -2.00 2010 est. 163 Barbados -3.20 2000 est. 164 Brunei -5.40 2008 est. 165 Haiti -8.00 2010 est. 166 Venezuela -8.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2090

Country Comparison :: Industries

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

Rank country Industries Date of Information

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Rank code: 2091

Country Comparison :: Infant mortality rate

This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.

Rank country (deaths/1,000 live births) Date of Information

1 Angola 178.13 2010 est. 2 Afghanistan 151.50 2010 est. 3 Niger 114.50 2010 est. 4 Mali 113.66 2010 est. 5 Somalia 107.42 2010 est. 6 Mozambique 103.82 2010 est. 7 Central African Republic 101.60 2010 est. 8 Guinea-Bissau 98.05 2010 est. 9 Chad 97.05 2010 est. 10 Nigeria 92.99 2010 est. 11 Malawi 83.50 2010 est. 12 Burkina Faso 82.98 2010 est. 13 Sierra Leone 80.16 2010 est. 14 Equatorial Guinea 79.47 2010 est. 15 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 79.36 2010 est. 16 Ethiopia 78.99 2010 est. 17 Congo, Republic of the 77.93 2010 est. 18 Liberia 76.43 2010 est. 19 Sudan 72.39 2010 est. 20 Zambia 68.40 2010 est. 21 Tanzania 68.13 2010 est. 22 Gambia, The 67.49 2010 est. 23 Swaziland 66.71 2010 est. 24 Cote d'Ivoire 66.43 2010 est. 25 Rwanda 65.57 2010 est. 26 Pakistan 65.32 2010 est. 27 Comoros 64.61 2010 est. 28 Uganda 63.70 2010 est. 29 Burundi 63.38 2010 est. 30 Benin 63.13 2010 est. 31 Guinea 63.09 2010 est. 32 Cameroon 62.15 2010 est. 33 Western Sahara 61.97 2010 est. 34 Mauritania 61.94 2010 est. 35 Laos 61.19 2010 est. 36 Senegal 57.70 2010 est. 37 Cambodia 56.94 2010 est. 38 Yemen 56.77 2010 est. 39 Djibouti 56.65 2010 est. 40 Lesotho 56.42 2010 est. 41 Mayotte 54.75 2010 est. 42 Sao Tome and Principe 54.64 2010 est. 43 Haiti 54.02 2011 est. 44 Kenya 53.49 2010 est. 45 Togo 53.23 2010 est. 46 Azerbaijan 52.84 2010 est. 47 Madagascar 52.84 2010 est. 48 Bangladesh 52.54 2010 est. 49 Gabon 50.88 2010 est. 50 Burma 50.76 2010 est. 51 Korea, North 50.15 2010 est. 52 Ghana 49.89 2010 est. 53 India 49.13 2010 est. 54 Vanuatu 48.17 2010 est. 55 Bhutan 46.92 2010 est. 56 Nepal 46.00 2010 est. 57 Namibia 45.52 2010 est. 58 Papua New Guinea 44.59 2010 est. 59 World 44.13 2009 est. 60 Turkmenistan 43.84 2010 est. 61 South Africa 43.78 2010 est. 62 Iran 43.45 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 43.41 2010 est. 64 Iraq 43.16 2010 est. 65 Eritrea 42.33 2010 est. 66 Kiribati 40.13 2010 est. 67 Tajikistan 39.78 2010 est. 68 Timor-Leste 39.32 2010 est. 69 Mongolia 38.56 2010 est. 70 Guyana 37.89 2010 est. 71 Tuvalu 35.52 2010 est. 72 Zimbabwe 30.90 2010 est. 73 Kyrgyzstan 30.25 2010 est. 74 Indonesia 28.94 2010 est. 75 Trinidad and Tobago 28.90 2010 est. 76 Morocco 28.61 2010 est. 77 Maldives 28.47 2010 est. 78 Cape Verde 27.89 2010 est. 79 Peru 27.74 2010 est. 80 Guatemala 26.91 2010 est. 81 Algeria 26.75 2010 est. 82 Egypt 26.20 2010 est. 83 Micronesia, Federated States of 25.20 2010 est. 84 Kazakhstan 24.93 2010 est. 85 Turkey 24.84 2010 est. 86 Marshall Islands 24.57 2010 est. 87 Nicaragua 24.16 2010 est. 88 Paraguay 23.83 2010 est. 89 Samoa 23.21 2010 est. 90 Dominican Republic 23.10 2010 est. 91 Uzbekistan 22.66 2010 est. 92 Belize 22.52 2010 est. 93 Brazil 21.86 2010 est. 94 Tunisia 21.75 2010 est. 95 Vietnam 21.57 2010 est. 96 Venezuela 21.07 2010 est. 97 Honduras 21.04 2010 est. 98 El Salvador 20.97 2010 est. 99 Libya 20.87 2010 est. 100 Ecuador 20.26 2010 est. 101 Philippines 19.94 2010 est. 102 Armenia 19.50 2010 est. 103 Solomon Islands 18.41 2010 est. 104 Suriname 18.19 2010 est. 105 Sri Lanka 18.14 2010 est. 106 Mexico 17.84 2010 est. 107 Gaza Strip 17.71 2010 est. 108 Bulgaria 17.26 2010 est. 109 Jordan 17.03 2010 est. 110 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha16.98 2010 est. 111 Colombia 16.87 2010 est. 112 Saudi Arabia 16.73 2010 est. 113 Thailand 16.71 2010 est. 114 China 16.51 2010 est. 115 Lebanon 16.40 2010 est. 116 Cook Islands 16.33 2010 est. 117 Syria 16.14 2010 est. 118 Oman 16.00 2010 est. 119 Montserrat 15.80 2010 est. 120 Georgia 15.67 2010 est. 121 Malaysia 15.50 2010 est. 122 West Bank 15.41 2010 est. 123 Albania 15.11 2010 est. 124 Antigua and Barbuda 15.10 2010 est. 125 Jamaica 14.91 2010 est. 126 Bahrain 14.76 2010 est. 127 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.70 2010 est. 128 British Virgin Islands 14.11 2010 est. 129 Bahamas, The 13.68 2010 est. 130 Turks and Caicos Islands 13.43 2010 est. 131 Aruba 13.34 2010 est. 132 Dominica 13.20 2010 est. 133 Saint Lucia 13.07 2010 est. 134 Palau 12.78 2010 est. 135 Moldova 12.77 2010 est. 136 United Arab Emirates 12.30 2010 est. 137 Qatar 12.24 2010 est. 138 Barbados 12.09 2010 est. 139 Panama 11.97 2010 est. 140 Seychelles 11.97 2010 est. 141 Brunei 11.87 2010 est. 142 Mauritius 11.85 2010 est. 143 Botswana 11.79 2010 est. 144 Grenada 11.76 2010 est. 145 Romania 11.32 2010 est. 146 Fiji 11.28 2010 est. 147 Tonga 11.28 2010 est. 148 Argentina 11.11 2010 est. 149 Uruguay 10.99 2010 est. 150 Russia 10.32 2010 est. 151 Greenland 10.26 2010 est. 152 American Samoa 9.91 2010 est. 153 Saint Kitts and Nevis 9.90 2010 est. 154 Costa Rica 9.72 2010 est. 155 Cyprus 9.57 2010 est. 156 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.88 2010 est. 157 Nauru 8.81 2010 est. 158 Macedonia 8.76 2010 est. 159 Kuwait 8.75 2010 est. 160 Ukraine 8.73 2010 est. 161 Latvia 8.59 2010 est. 162 Puerto Rico 8.23 2010 est. 163 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 7.65 2010 est. 164 Chile 7.52 2010 est. 165 French Polynesia 7.41 2010 est. 166 Virgin Islands 7.40 2010 est. 167 Estonia 7.19 2010 est. 168 Gibraltar 6.82 2010 est. 169 Cayman Islands 6.78 2010 est. 170 Slovakia 6.71 2010 est. 171 Poland 6.66 2010 est. 172 Serbia 6.65 2010 est. 173 Lithuania 6.37 2010 est. 174 Belarus 6.34 2010 est. 175 Croatia 6.26 2010 est. 176 Faroe Islands 6.18 2010 est. 177 United States 6.14 2010 est. 178 Northern Mariana Islands 5.89 2010 est. 179 New Caledonia 5.80 2010 est. 180 Cuba 5.72 2010 est. 181 European Union 5.61 2010 est. 182 Italy 5.41 2010 est. 183 Hungary 5.38 2010 est. 184 Taiwan 5.26 2010 est. 185 Greece 5.08 2010 est. 186 Canada 4.99 2010 est. 187 New Zealand 4.85 2010 est. 188 San Marino 4.79 2010 est. 189 Wallis and Futuna 4.74 2010 est. 190 Portugal 4.72 2010 est. 191 United Kingdom 4.69 2010 est. 192 Australia 4.67 2010 est. 193 Netherlands 4.66 2010 est. 194 Luxembourg 4.49 2010 est. 195 Belgium 4.38 2010 est. 196 Isle of Man 4.38 2010 est. 197 Austria 4.37 2010 est. 198 Denmark 4.29 2010 est. 199 Korea, South 4.24 2010 est. 200 Slovenia 4.21 2010 est. 201 Liechtenstein 4.20 2010 est. 202 Israel 4.17 2010 est. 203 Switzerland 4.12 2010 est. 204 Jersey 4.02 2010 est. 205 Germany 3.95 2010 est. 206 Ireland 3.89 2010 est. 207 Andorra 3.84 2010 est. 208 Czech Republic 3.76 2010 est. 209 Malta 3.72 2010 est. 210 Guernsey 3.58 2010 est. 211 Norway 3.55 2010 est. 212 Anguilla 3.49 2010 est. 213 Finland 3.45 2010 est. 214 Spain 3.42 2010 est. 215 France 3.31 2010 est. 216 Iceland 3.21 2010 est. 217 Macau 3.20 2010 est. 218 Hong Kong 2.91 2010 est. 219 Japan 2.79 2010 est. 220 Sweden 2.74 2010 est. 221 Bermuda 2.46 2010 est. 222 Singapore 2.32 2010 est. 223 Monaco 1.78 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2092

Country Comparison :: Inflation rate (consumer prices)

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 San Marino -3.50 2008 2 Seychelles -2.20 2010 est. 3 Ireland -1.50 2010 est. 4 Gabon -1.30 2010 est. 5 Latvia -1.20 2010 est. 6 Faroe Islands -1.10 2009 7 Japan -0.90 2010 est. 8 Northern Mariana Islands -0.80 2000 9 Dominica 0.10 2009 est. 10 Niger 0.10 2007 est. 11 Kiribati 0.20 2007 est. 12 Liechtenstein 0.50 2009 13 Cuba 0.70 2010 est. 14 Switzerland 0.70 2010 est. 15 Sint Maarten 0.70 2009 est. 16 El Salvador 0.80 2010 est. 17 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.80 2009 est. 18 Central African Republic 0.90 2007 est. 19 Lithuania 0.90 2010 est. 20 Germany 1.00 2010 est. 21 Finland 1.10 2010 est. 22 French Polynesia 1.10 2007 23 Qatar 1.10 2010 est. 24 Portugal 1.10 2010 est. 25 Netherlands 1.10 2010 est. 26 Macau 1.20 December 2009 27 Slovakia 1.20 2010 est. 28 Senegal 1.20 2010 est. 29 Croatia 1.30 2010 est. 30 Spain 1.30 2010 est. 31 Taiwan 1.30 2010 est. 32 Burkina Faso 1.40 2010 est. 33 Italy 1.40 2010 est. 34 United States 1.40 2010 est. 35 Sweden 1.40 2010 est. 36 Cote d'Ivoire 1.40 2010 est. 37 New Caledonia 1.40 2000 est. 38 Antigua and Barbuda 1.50 2007 est. 39 France 1.50 2010 est. 40 Austria 1.50 2010 est. 41 Macedonia 1.50 2010 est. 42 Benin 1.60 2010 est. 43 Canada 1.60 2010 est. 44 Czech Republic 1.60 2010 est. 45 Chile 1.70 2010 est. 46 Curacao 1.70 2009 est, 47 European Union 1.70 2010 est. 48 Malta 1.70 2010 est. 49 Mayotte 1.70 2005 50 Malaysia 1.80 2010 est. 51 Peru 1.80 2010 est. 52 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.90 2010 est. 53 Saint Lucia 1.90 2007 est. 54 Monaco 1.90 2000 55 Cameroon 1.90 2010 est. 56 Bolivia 2.10 2010 est. 57 Slovenia 2.10 2010 est. 58 Luxembourg 2.10 2010 est. 59 Cook Islands 2.10 2005 est. 60 Bulgaria 2.10 2010 est. 61 Cyprus 2.20 2010 est. 62 Virgin Islands 2.20 2003 63 United Arab Emirates 2.20 2010 est. 64 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.20 2005 65 Hong Kong 2.20 2010 est. 66 Denmark 2.20 2010 est. 67 Andorra 2.30 2008 68 Belgium 2.30 2010 est. 69 Bahamas, The 2.40 2007 est. 70 Norway 2.40 2010 est. 71 Estonia 2.40 2010 est. 72 Poland 2.40 2010 est. 73 World 2.50 74 Cape Verde 2.50 2010 est. 75 Mali 2.50 2007 est. 76 Morocco 2.50 2010 est. 77 Colombia 2.60 2010 est. 78 Israel 2.60 2010 est. 79 New Zealand 2.60 2010 est. 80 Togo 2.60 2010 est. 81 Singapore 2.60 2010 est. 82 Montserrat 2.60 2002 est. 83 Gibraltar 2.60 2006 84 Brunei 2.70 2008 est. 85 Palau 2.70 2005 est. 86 Bermuda 2.80 November 2005 87 Wallis and Futuna 2.80 2005 88 Australia 2.90 2010 est. 89 Mauritius 2.90 2010 est. 90 Comoros 3.00 2007 est. 91 Korea, South 3.00 2010 est. 92 Libya 3.00 2010 est. 93 Isle of Man 3.10 December 2006 est. 94 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha3.20 1997 est. 95 Bahrain 3.30 2010 est. 96 Thailand 3.30 2010 est. 97 United Kingdom 3.30 2010 est. 98 Panama 3.30 2010 est. 99 Albania 3.40 2010 est. 100 Aruba 3.40 2005 101 Montenegro 3.40 2007 102 Guernsey 3.40 June 2006 103 West Bank 3.50 2010 est. 104 Ecuador 3.60 2010 est. 105 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3.60 1998 106 Grenada 3.70 2007 est. 107 Jersey 3.70 December 2006 108 Lebanon 3.70 2010 est. 109 Guinea-Bissau 3.80 2007 est. 110 Kuwait 3.80 2010 est. 111 Tuvalu 3.80 2006 est. 112 Guatemala 3.90 2010 est. 113 Vanuatu 3.90 2007 est. 114 Chad 4.00 2010 est. 115 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.00 1995 116 Niue 4.00 2005 117 Oman 4.00 2010 est. 118 Belize 4.10 2010 est. 119 Mexico 4.10 2010 est. 120 Cambodia 4.10 2010 est. 121 Cayman Islands 4.10 2008 122 Iraq 4.20 2010 est. 123 Paraguay 4.20 2010 est. 124 Philippines 4.20 2010 est. 125 Mongolia 4.20 2009 est. 126 Kenya 4.20 2010 est. 127 Bhutan 4.30 2008 est. 128 Jordan 4.40 2010 est. 129 Greece 4.50 2010 est. 130 Tunisia 4.50 2010 est. 131 South Africa 4.50 2010 est. 132 Saint Kitts and Nevis 4.50 2007 est. 133 Hungary 4.50 2010 est. 134 Haiti 4.60 2010 est. 135 Namibia 4.60 2010 est. 136 Honduras 4.60 2010 est. 137 Nicaragua 4.70 2010 est. 138 Fiji 4.80 2007 139 Kyrgyzstan 4.80 2010 est. 140 Brazil 4.90 2010 est. 141 Serbia 4.90 2010 est. 142 Algeria 5.00 2010 est. 143 China 5.00 2010 est. 144 Swaziland 5.00 2010 est. 145 Zimbabwe 5.03 2010 est. 146 Azerbaijan 5.10 2010 est. 147 Congo, Republic of the 5.20 2010 est. 148 Indonesia 5.20 2010 est. 149 Anguilla 5.30 2006 est. 150 Kosovo 5.30 2007 est. 151 Barbados 5.50 2007 est. 152 Gambia, The 5.50 2010 est. 153 Iceland 5.50 2010 est. 154 Sri Lanka 5.60 2010 est. 155 Georgia 5.70 2010 est. 156 Saudi Arabia 5.70 2010 est. 157 Costa Rica 5.80 2010 est. 158 Tajikistan 5.80 2010 est. 159 Syria 5.90 2010 est. 160 Tonga 5.90 2007 est. 161 Djibouti 6.00 2009 est. 162 Samoa 6.00 2007 est. 163 Romania 6.00 2010 est. 164 Lesotho 6.10 2010 est. 165 Laos 6.20 2010 est. 166 Dominican Republic 6.30 2010 est. 167 Solomon Islands 6.30 2007 est. 168 Rwanda 6.40 2010 est. 169 Suriname 6.40 2007 est. 170 Puerto Rico 6.50 2003 est. 171 Kazakhstan 6.70 2010 est. 172 Russia 6.70 2010 est. 173 Guyana 6.80 2010 est. 174 Uruguay 6.80 2010 est. 175 Papua New Guinea 6.80 2010 est. 176 Armenia 6.90 2010 est. 177 Belarus 7.00 2010 est. 178 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 est. 179 Botswana 7.10 2010 est. 180 British Virgin Islands 7.10 2008 181 Burundi 7.20 2010 est. 182 Tanzania 7.20 2010 est. 183 Maldives 7.30 2009 est. 184 Moldova 7.30 2010 est. 185 Mauritania 7.30 2007 est. 186 Timor-Leste 7.80 2007 est. 187 Malawi 8.00 2010 est. 188 Bangladesh 8.10 2010 est. 189 Madagascar 8.10 2010 est. 190 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.10 2005 191 Equatorial Guinea 8.20 2010 est. 192 Zambia 8.50 2010 est. 193 Nepal 8.60 September 2010 194 Turkey 8.70 2010 est. 195 Greenland 9.40 2008 est. 196 Uganda 9.40 2010 est. 197 Burma 9.60 2010 est. 198 Ukraine 9.80 2010 est. 199 Gaza Strip 9.90 2009 est. 200 Ghana 10.90 2010 est. 201 Vietnam 11.10 2010 est. 202 Liberia 11.20 2007 est. 203 Trinidad and Tobago 11.30 2010 est. 204 India 11.70 2010 est. 205 Sierra Leone 11.70 2007 est. 206 Iran 11.80 2010 est. 207 Sudan 11.80 2010 est. 208 Turkmenistan 12.00 2010 est. 209 Yemen 12.20 2010 est. 210 Egypt 12.80 2010 est. 211 Marshall Islands 12.90 2008 est. 212 Jamaica 13.00 2010 est. 213 Sao Tome and Principe 13.00 2010 est. 214 Afghanistan 13.30 2009 est. 215 Angola 13.30 2010 est. 216 Pakistan 13.40 2010 est. 217 Mozambique 13.50 2010 est. 218 Nigeria 13.90 2010 est. 219 Guinea 15.00 2010 est. 220 Uzbekistan 15.00 2010 est. 221 Eritrea 20.00 2010 est. 222 Argentina 22.00 2010 est. 223 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.20 2010 est. 224 Venezuela 29.80 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2093

Country Comparison :: Waterways

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

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 China 110,000 2010 2 Russia 102,000 2009 3 Brazil 50,000 2010 4 United States 41,009 2008 5 Indonesia 21,579 2011 6 Colombia 18,000 2010 7 Vietnam 17,702 2011 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15,000 2009 9 India 14,500 2008 10 Burma 12,800 2008 11 Argentina 11,000 2007 12 Papua New Guinea 11,000 2006 13 Bolivia 10,000 2010 14 Peru 8,808 2010 15 Nigeria 8,600 2009 16 France 8,501 2008 17 Bangladesh 8,370 2007 18 Finland 7,842 2010 19 Germany 7,467 2008 20 Malaysia 7,200 2011 21 Venezuela 7,100 2010 22 Netherlands 6,215 2007 23 Iraq 5,279 2008 24 Laos 4,600 2010 25 Sudan 4,068 2008 26 Kazakhstan 4,000 2008 27 Thailand 4,000 2010 28 Poland 3,997 2009 29 France 3,760 2008 30 Egypt 3,500 2010 31 Philippines 3,219 2011 32 United Kingdom 3,200 2008 33 Paraguay 3,100 2010 34 Mexico 2,900 2010 35 Central African Republic 2,800 2010 36 Belarus 2,500 2003 37 Cambodia 2,400 2010 38 Italy 2,400 2008 39 Korea, North 2,250 2010 40 Zambia 2,250 2010 41 Nicaragua 2,220 2010 42 Ukraine 2,150 2009 43 Sweden 2,052 2010 44 Belgium 2,043 2008 45 Australia 2,000 2006 46 Mali 1,800 2010 47 Japan 1,770 2010 48 Romania 1,731 2006 49 Hungary 1,622 2010 50 Korea, South 1,608 2010 51 Gabon 1,600 2010 52 Uruguay 1,600 2010 53 Norway 1,577 2008 54 Ecuador 1,500 2010 55 Angola 1,300 2010 56 Turkmenistan 1,300 2008 57 Guinea 1,300 2008 58 Ghana 1,293 2008 59 Afghanistan 1,200 2008 60 Suriname 1,200 2010 61 Turkey 1,200 2008 62 Congo, Republic of the 1,120 2010 63 Uzbekistan 1,100 2009 64 Senegal 1,000 2008 65 Spain 1,000 2008 66 Guatemala 990 2010 67 Cote d'Ivoire 980 2008 68 Ireland 956 2008 69 Syria 900 2010 70 Iran 850 2009 71 Belize 825 2010 72 Panama 800 2010 73 Sierra Leone 800 2007 74 Croatia 785 2009 75 Costa Rica 730 2010 76 Malawi 700 2010 77 Czech Republic 664 2010 78 Canada 636 2008 79 Kyrgyzstan 600 2010 80 Madagascar 600 2008 81 Serbia 587 2009 82 Mongolia 580 2010 83 Moldova 558 2008 84 Estonia 520 2010 85 Bulgaria 470 2009 86 Honduras 465 2010 87 Mozambique 460 2010 88 Lithuania 441 2007 89 Denmark 400 2008 90 Gambia, The 390 2008 91 Austria 358 2007 92 Guyana 330 2010 93 Latvia 300 2010 94 Niger 300 2008 95 Cuba 240 2010 96 Portugal 210 2008 97 Brunei 209 2011 98 Fiji 203 2008 99 Tajikistan 200 2010 100 Slovakia 172 2009 101 Sri Lanka 160 2008 102 Benin 150 2007 103 Switzerland 65 2008 104 Togo 50 2008 105 Albania 43 2010 106 Luxembourg 37 2008 107 Liechtenstein 28 2008 108 Greece 6 2010 109 Kiribati 5 2007

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Rank code: 2094

Country Comparison :: Judicial branch

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

Rank country Judicial branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2095

Country Comparison :: Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.

Rank country Labor force Date of Information

1 China 819,500,000 2010 est. 2 India 478,300,000 2010 est. 3 European Union 225,200,000 2010 est. 4 United States 153,900,000 2010 est. 5 Indonesia 114,900,000 2010 est. 6 Brazil 103,600,000 2010 est. 7 Russia 75,550,000 2010 est. 8 Bangladesh 73,870,000 2010 est. 9 Japan 65,640,000 2010 est. 10 Pakistan 55,770,000 2010 est. 11 Nigeria 48,330,000 2010 est. 12 Vietnam 47,490,000 2010 est. 13 Mexico 46,990,000 2010 est. 14 Germany 43,350,000 2010 est. 15 Philippines 38,910,000 2010 est. 16 Thailand 38,700,000 2010 est. 17 Ethiopia 37,900,000 2007 18 Burma 31,680,000 2010 est. 19 United Kingdom 31,450,000 2010 est. 20 France 28,210,000 2010 est. 21 Egypt 26,100,000 2010 est. 22 Iran 25,700,000 2010 est. 23 Italy 25,050,000 2010 est. 24 Turkey 24,730,000 2010 est. 25 Korea, South 24,620,000 2010 est. 26 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 23,530,000 2007 est. 27 Spain 22,960,000 2010 est. 28 Ukraine 22,060,000 2010 est. 29 Tanzania 21,860,000 2010 est. 30 Colombia 21,270,000 2010 est. 31 Canada 18,590,000 2010 est. 32 Nepal 18,000,000 2009 est. 33 Kenya 17,940,000 2010 est. 34 South Africa 17,320,000 2010 est. 35 Poland 17,000,000 2010 est. 36 Argentina 16,620,000 2010 est. 37 Uzbekistan 16,000,000 2010 est. 38 Uganda 15,510,000 2010 est. 39 Afghanistan 15,000,000 2004 est. 40 Venezuela 13,300,000 2010 est. 41 Korea, North 12,200,000 2009 est. 42 Sudan 11,920,000 2007 est. 43 Morocco 11,630,000 2010 est. 44 Australia 11,620,000 2010 est. 45 Malaysia 11,620,000 2010 est. 46 Taiwan 11,030,000 2010 est. 47 Peru 10,580,000 2010 est. 48 Ghana 10,560,000 2010 est. 49 Algeria 9,877,000 2010 est. 50 Mozambique 9,870,000 2010 est. 51 Madagascar 9,504,000 2007 52 Romania 9,350,000 2010 est. 53 Kazakhstan 8,718,000 2010 est. 54 Iraq 8,500,000 2009 est. 55 Sri Lanka 8,100,000 2010 est. 56 Cambodia 8,000,000 2009 est. 57 Angola 7,977,000 2010 est. 58 Netherlands 7,860,000 2010 est. 59 Cameroon 7,836,000 2010 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 7,617,000 2010 est. 61 Chile 7,580,000 2010 est. 62 Saudi Arabia 7,337,000 2010 est. 63 Yemen 6,832,000 2010 est. 64 Burkina Faso 6,668,000 2007 65 Azerbaijan 5,874,000 2010 est. 66 Malawi 5,747,000 2007 est. 67 Portugal 5,570,000 2010 est. 68 Senegal 5,530,000 2010 est. 69 Syria 5,527,000 2010 est. 70 Zambia 5,524,000 2010 est. 71 Czech Republic 5,370,000 2010 est. 72 Cuba 5,164,000 2010 est. 73 Greece 5,050,000 2010 est. 74 Belgium 5,020,000 2010 est. 75 Belarus 5,000,000 2009 76 Sweden 4,930,000 2010 est. 77 Niger 4,688,000 2007 78 Bolivia 4,614,000 2010 est. 79 Ecuador 4,590,000 2010 est. 80 Dominican Republic 4,498,000 2010 est. 81 Rwanda 4,446,000 2007 82 Guinea 4,392,000 2007 est. 83 Chad 4,293,000 2007 84 Guatemala 4,260,000 2010 est. 85 Burundi 4,245,000 2007 86 Hungary 4,170,000 2010 est. 87 Switzerland 4,130,000 2010 est. 88 United Arab Emirates 3,908,000 2010 est. 89 Zimbabwe 3,848,000 2010 est. 90 Tunisia 3,830,000 2010 est. 91 Papua New Guinea 3,809,000 2010 est. 92 Hong Kong 3,700,000 2010 est. 93 Benin 3,662,000 2007 est. 94 Laos 3,650,000 2009 est. 95 Haiti 3,643,000 2007 96 Austria 3,630,000 2010 est. 97 Somalia 3,447,000 2007 98 Honduras 3,394,000 2010 est. 99 Serbia 3,250,000 2010 est. 100 Mali 3,241,000 2007 est. 101 Singapore 3,090,000 2010 est. 102 Israel 3,080,000 2010 est. 103 Paraguay 3,038,000 2010 est. 104 El Salvador 2,940,000 2010 est. 105 Denmark 2,820,000 2010 est. 106 Finland 2,680,000 2010 est. 107 Slovakia 2,673,000 2010 est. 108 Bulgaria 2,610,000 2010 est. 109 Togo 2,595,000 2007 110 Norway 2,590,000 2010 est. 111 Kyrgyzstan 2,344,000 2007 112 Nicaragua 2,343,000 2010 est. 113 New Zealand 2,320,000 2010 est. 114 Turkmenistan 2,300,000 2008 est. 115 Sierra Leone 2,207,000 2007 est. 116 Ireland 2,180,000 2010 est. 117 Costa Rica 2,170,000 2010 est. 118 Kuwait 2,154,000 2010 est. 119 Tajikistan 2,100,000 2009 120 Eritrea 1,935,000 2007 121 Central African Republic 1,926,000 2007 122 Georgia 1,918,000 2007 est. 123 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,863,000 2007 124 Croatia 1,762,000 2010 est. 125 Libya 1,729,000 2010 est. 126 Jordan 1,719,000 2010 est. 127 Uruguay 1,637,000 2010 est. 128 Lithuania 1,633,000 2010 est. 129 Congo, Republic of the 1,514,000 2007 130 Panama 1,490,000 2010 est. 131 Armenia 1,481,000 2007 est. 132 Lebanon 1,481,000 2007 est. 133 Puerto Rico 1,479,000 2007 134 Liberia 1,372,000 2007 135 Mauritania 1,318,000 2007 136 Jamaica 1,317,000 2010 est. 137 Qatar 1,254,000 2010 est. 138 Moldova 1,203,000 2010 est. 139 Latvia 1,178,000 2010 est. 140 Albania 1,100,000 2009 est. 141 Mongolia 1,068,000 2008 142 Oman 968,800 2007 143 Macedonia 942,000 2010 est. 144 Slovenia 930,000 2010 est. 145 Lesotho 854,600 2007 est. 146 Gambia, The 777,100 2007 147 Namibia 729,000 2010 est. 148 Gabon 712,000 2010 est. 149 West Bank 694,000 2009 150 Estonia 688,000 2010 est. 151 Botswana 685,300 2007 152 Guinea-Bissau 632,700 2007 153 Trinidad and Tobago 631,000 2010 est. 154 Bahrain 611,000 2010 est. 155 Mauritius 597,000 2010 est. 156 Swaziland 457,900 2007 157 Timor-Leste 414,200 2007 158 Cyprus 400,000 2010 est. 159 Djibouti 351,700 2007 160 Gaza Strip 339,000 2009 161 Fiji 335,000 2007 est. 162 Guyana 333,900 2007 est. 163 Macau 322,000 2009 est. 164 Bhutan 299,900 2008 165 Comoros 268,500 2007 est. 166 Montenegro 259,100 2004 167 Luxembourg 206,000 2010 est. 168 Solomon Islands 202,500 2007 169 Cape Verde 196,100 2007 170 Equatorial Guinea 195,200 2007 171 Brunei 188,800 2008 est. 172 Iceland 188,000 2010 est. 173 Bahamas, The 184,000 2009 174 Barbados 175,000 2007 est. 175 Malta 174,000 2009 est. 176 Suriname 165,600 2007 177 Maldives 144,000 2009 178 Western Sahara 144,000 2005 est. 179 Belize 120,500 2008 est. 180 French Polynesia 116,000 2007 181 Vanuatu 115,900 2007 182 New Caledonia 102,600 2007 183 Saint Lucia 79,700 2007 184 Samoa 66,270 2007 est. 185 Curacao 63,000 NA 186 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 57,520 2007 est. 187 Jersey 53,560 June 2006 188 Sao Tome and Principe 52,490 2007 189 Virgin Islands 49,820 2007 est. 190 Mayotte 44,560 2002 191 Monaco 44,000 2005 est. 192 Grenada 42,300 1996 193 Andorra 42,220 2008 194 Aruba 41,500 2004 est. 195 Tonga 39,960 2007 196 Isle of Man 39,690 2001 197 Seychelles 39,560 2006 198 Cayman Islands 39,000 2007 199 Northern Mariana Islands 38,450 2005 est. 200 Bermuda 38,360 2004 201 Faroe Islands 34,680 November 2008 202 Liechtenstein 32,440 2008 203 Guernsey 31,470 March 2006 204 Antigua and Barbuda 30,000 1991 205 Greenland 28,240 January 2009 206 Dominica 25,000 2000 est. 207 Sint Maarten 23,200 2008 est. 208 San Marino 22,660 2008 209 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18,170 June 1995 210 American Samoa 17,630 2005 211 Micronesia, Federated States of 16,360 2008 212 Marshall Islands 14,680 2000 213 British Virgin Islands 12,770 2004 214 Gibraltar 12,690 2001 215 Palau 9,777 2005 216 Kiribati 7,870 2001 est. 217 Cook Islands 6,820 2001 218 Anguilla 6,049 2001 219 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,848 1990 est. 220 Tuvalu 3,615 2004 est. 221 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 3,450 2005 222 Wallis and Futuna 3,104 2003 223 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,486 1998 est. 224 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,724 1996 225 Svalbard 1,234 2003 226 Norfolk Island 978 2006 227 Niue 663 2001 228 Tokelau 440 2001 229 Pitcairn Islands 15 2004

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Rank code: 2096

Country Comparison :: Land boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 China 22,117.00 NA 2 Russia 20,241.50 NA 3 Brazil 16,885.00 NA 4 India 14,103.00 NA 5 European Union 12,440.80 NA 6 Kazakhstan 12,185.00 NA 7 United States 12,034.00 NA 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,730.00 NA 9 Argentina 9,861.00 NA 10 Canada 8,893.00 NA 11 United States 8,893.00 NA 12 Canada 8,893.00 NA 13 Mongolia 8,220.00 NA 14 Sudan 7,687.00 NA 15 Peru 7,461.00 NA 16 Mali 7,243.00 NA 17 Bolivia 6,940.00 NA 18 Kazakhstan 6,846.00 NA 19 Russia 6,846.00 NA 20 Pakistan 6,774.00 NA 21 Algeria 6,343.00 NA 22 Chile 6,339.00 NA 23 Colombia 6,309.00 NA 24 Uzbekistan 6,221.00 NA 25 Chad 5,968.00 NA 26 Burma 5,876.00 NA 27 Niger 5,697.00 NA 28 Zambia 5,664.00 NA 29 Afghanistan 5,529.00 NA 30 Congo, Republic of the 5,504.00 NA 31 Iran 5,440.00 NA 32 Ethiopia 5,328.00 NA 33 Argentina 5,308.00 NA 34 Chile 5,308.00 NA 35 Central African Republic 5,203.00 NA 36 Angola 5,198.00 NA 37 Laos 5,083.00 NA 38 Mauritania 5,074.00 NA 39 Venezuela 4,993.00 NA 40 Thailand 4,863.00 NA 41 South Africa 4,862.00 NA 42 China 4,677.00 NA 43 Mongolia 4,677.00 NA 44 Vietnam 4,639.00 NA 45 Cameroon 4,591.00 NA 46 Mozambique 4,571.00 NA 47 Ukraine 4,566.00 NA 48 Saudi Arabia 4,431.00 NA 49 Mexico 4,353.00 NA 50 Libya 4,348.00 NA 51 Bangladesh 4,246.00 NA 52 Bangladesh 4,053.00 NA 53 India 4,053.00 NA 54 Nigeria 4,047.00 NA 55 Botswana 4,013.00 NA 56 Paraguay 3,995.00 NA 57 Namibia 3,936.00 NA 58 Tanzania 3,861.00 NA 59 Turkmenistan 3,736.00 NA 60 Tajikistan 3,651.00 NA 61 Iraq 3,650.00 NA 62 Germany 3,621.00 NA 63 China 3,605.00 NA 64 Russia 3,605.00 NA 65 Mongolia 3,543.00 NA 66 Kenya 3,477.00 NA 67 Russia 3,441.00 NA 68 Bolivia 3,423.00 NA 69 Brazil 3,423.00 NA 70 Guinea 3,399.00 NA 71 China 3,380.00 NA 72 India 3,380.00 NA 73 Belarus 3,306.00 NA 74 Burkina Faso 3,193.00 NA 75 Mexico 3,141.00 NA 76 United States 3,141.00 NA 77 Cote d'Ivoire 3,110.00 NA 78 Zimbabwe 3,066.00 NA 79 Kyrgyzstan 3,051.00 NA 80 Poland 3,047.00 NA 81 Brazil 2,995.00 NA 82 Peru 2,995.00 NA 83 Guyana 2,949.00 NA 84 Nepal 2,926.00 NA 85 India 2,912.00 NA 86 Pakistan 2,912.00 NA 87 France 2,889.00 NA 88 Malawi 2,881.00 NA 89 Indonesia 2,830.00 NA 90 Uganda 2,698.00 NA 91 Malaysia 2,669.00 NA 92 Egypt 2,665.00 NA 93 Finland 2,654.00 NA 94 Turkey 2,648.00 NA 95 Senegal 2,640.00 NA 96 Cambodia 2,572.00 NA 97 Austria 2,562.00 NA 98 Gabon 2,551.00 NA 99 Norway 2,542.00 NA 100 Angola 2,511.00 NA 101 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,511.00 NA 102 Romania 2,508.00 NA 103 Afghanistan 2,430.00 NA 104 Pakistan 2,430.00 NA 105 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,410.00 NA 106 Congo, Republic of the 2,410.00 NA 107 European Union 2,348.00 NA 108 Somalia 2,340.00 NA 109 European Union 2,257.00 NA 110 Syria 2,253.00 NA 111 Mali 2,237.00 NA 112 Mauritania 2,237.00 NA 113 Sweden 2,233.00 NA 114 Kazakhstan 2,203.00 NA 115 Uzbekistan 2,203.00 NA 116 Brazil 2,200.00 NA 117 Venezuela 2,200.00 NA 118 Burma 2,185.00 NA 119 Hungary 2,185.00 NA 120 China 2,185.00 NA 121 Laos 2,130.00 NA 122 Vietnam 2,130.00 NA 123 Ghana 2,094.00 NA 124 Colombia 2,050.00 NA 125 Venezuela 2,050.00 NA 126 Western Sahara 2,046.00 NA 127 Serbia 2,026.00 NA 128 Morocco 2,017.90 NA 129 Azerbaijan 2,013.00 NA 130 Ecuador 2,010.00 NA 131 Benin 1,989.00 NA 132 Czech Republic 1,989.00 NA 133 Croatia 1,982.00 NA 134 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,930.00 NA 135 Zambia 1,930.00 NA 136 Spain 1,917.80 NA 137 Congo, Republic of the 1,903.00 NA 138 Gabon 1,903.00 NA 139 Italy 1,899.20 NA 140 Argentina 1,880.00 NA 141 Paraguay 1,880.00 NA 142 Switzerland 1,852.00 NA 143 Botswana 1,840.00 NA 144 South Africa 1,840.00 NA 145 European Union 1,811.00 NA 146 Bulgaria 1,808.00 NA 147 Burma 1,800.00 NA 148 Peru 1,800.00 NA 149 Thailand 1,800.00 NA 150 Colombia 1,800.00 NA 151 Indonesia 1,782.00 NA 152 Malaysia 1,782.00 NA 153 Laos 1,754.00 NA 154 Thailand 1,754.00 NA 155 Yemen 1,746.00 NA 156 Suriname 1,703.00 NA 157 Cameroon 1,690.00 NA 158 Nepal 1,690.00 NA 159 Nigeria 1,690.00 NA 160 India 1,690.00 NA 161 Guatemala 1,687.00 NA 162 Korea, North 1,673.00 NA 163 Uruguay 1,648.00 NA 164 Togo 1,647.00 NA 165 Brazil 1,644.00 NA 166 Colombia 1,644.00 NA 167 Jordan 1,635.00 NA 168 Eritrea 1,626.00 NA 169 Turkmenistan 1,621.00 NA 170 Uzbekistan 1,621.00 NA 171 Norway 1,619.00 NA 172 Sweden 1,619.00 NA 173 Brazil 1,606.00 NA 174 Ethiopia 1,606.00 NA 175 Guyana 1,606.00 NA 176 Sudan 1,606.00 NA 177 Ethiopia 1,600.00 NA 178 Somalia 1,600.00 NA 179 Liberia 1,585.00 NA 180 Central African Republic 1,577.00 NA 181 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,577.00 NA 182 Russia 1,576.00 NA 183 Ukraine 1,576.00 NA 184 Lithuania 1,574.00 NA 185 Malawi 1,569.00 NA 186 Mozambique 1,569.00 NA 187 Mauritania 1,561.00 NA 188 Western Sahara 1,561.00 NA 189 Algeria 1,559.00 NA 190 Morocco 1,559.00 NA 191 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,538.00 NA 192 China 1,533.00 NA 193 Kazakhstan 1,533.00 NA 194 Honduras 1,520.00 NA 195 Niger 1,497.00 NA 196 Nigeria 1,497.00 NA 197 Slovakia 1,474.00 NA 198 Burma 1,463.00 NA 199 India 1,463.00 NA 200 Georgia 1,461.00 NA 201 Iran 1,458.00 NA 202 Iraq 1,458.00 NA 203 Yemen 1,458.00 NA 204 Saudi Arabia 1,458.00 NA 205 Tunisia 1,424.00 NA 206 Ecuador 1,420.00 NA 207 Peru 1,420.00 NA 208 China 1,416.00 NA 209 Korea, North 1,416.00 NA 210 Moldova 1,390.00 NA 211 Belgium 1,385.00 NA 212 Latvia 1,382.00 NA 213 Algeria 1,376.00 NA 214 Angola 1,376.00 NA 215 Namibia 1,376.00 NA 216 Mali 1,376.00 NA 217 Oman 1,374.00 NA 218 Brazil 1,365.00 NA 219 Paraguay 1,365.00 NA 220 Botswana 1,360.00 NA 221 Sudan 1,360.00 NA 222 Namibia 1,360.00 NA 223 Chad 1,360.00 NA 224 Finland 1,313.00 NA 225 Russia 1,313.00 NA 226 China 1,281.00 NA 227 Vietnam 1,281.00 NA 228 Egypt 1,273.00 NA 229 Sudan 1,273.00 NA 230 Argentina 1,261.00 NA 231 Brazil 1,261.00 NA 232 European Union 1,257.00 NA 233 Armenia 1,254.00 NA 234 China 1,236.00 NA 235 Nepal 1,236.00 NA 236 Mozambique 1,231.00 NA 237 Zimbabwe 1,231.00 NA 238 Nicaragua 1,231.00 NA 239 Cambodia 1,228.00 NA 240 Greece 1,228.00 NA 241 Vietnam 1,228.00 NA 242 Kazakhstan 1,224.00 NA 243 Kyrgyzstan 1,224.00 NA 244 Portugal 1,214.00 NA 245 Portugal 1,214.00 NA 246 Spain 1,214.00 NA 247 Afghanistan 1,206.00 NA 248 Tajikistan 1,206.00 NA 249 Central African Republic 1,197.00 NA 250 Chad 1,197.00 NA 251 France 1,183.00 NA 252 Chad 1,175.00 NA 253 Niger 1,175.00 NA 254 Central African Republic 1,165.00 NA 255 Sudan 1,165.00 NA 256 Tajikistan 1,161.00 NA 257 Uzbekistan 1,161.00 NA 258 Egypt 1,115.00 NA 259 Libya 1,115.00 NA 260 Angola 1,110.00 NA 261 Zambia 1,110.00 NA 262 Kyrgyzstan 1,099.00 NA 263 Uzbekistan 1,099.00 NA 264 Cameroon 1,094.00 NA 265 Chad 1,094.00 NA 266 Slovenia 1,086.00 NA 267 Bhutan 1,075.00 NA 268 Bolivia 1,075.00 NA 269 Peru 1,075.00 NA 270 Brazil 1,068.00 NA 271 Uruguay 1,068.00 NA 272 Chad 1,055.00 NA 273 Libya 1,055.00 NA 274 European Union 1,050.00 NA 275 Netherlands 1,027.00 NA 276 Israel 1,017.00 NA 277 Burkina Faso 1,000.00 NA 278 Mali 1,000.00 NA 279 European Union 999.00 NA 280 Iran 992.00 NA 281 Turkmenistan 992.00 NA 282 Algeria 982.00 NA 283 Libya 982.00 NA 284 Burundi 974.00 NA 285 Namibia 967.00 NA 286 South Africa 967.00 NA 287 Algeria 965.00 NA 288 Tunisia 965.00 NA 289 Guatemala 962.00 NA 290 Mexico 962.00 NA 291 Belarus 959.00 NA 292 Russia 959.00 NA 293 Sierra Leone 958.00 NA 294 Algeria 956.00 NA 295 Niger 956.00 NA 296 European Union 945.00 NA 297 Moldova 940.00 NA 298 Ukraine 940.00 NA 299 Afghanistan 936.00 NA 300 Iran 936.00 NA 301 Kenya 933.00 NA 302 Uganda 933.00 NA 303 Bosnia and Herzegovina 932.00 NA 304 Croatia 932.00 NA 305 Honduras 922.00 NA 306 Nicaragua 922.00 NA 307 Eritrea 912.00 NA 308 Ethiopia 912.00 NA 309 Iran 909.00 NA 310 Lesotho 909.00 NA 311 Lesotho 909.00 NA 312 Pakistan 909.00 NA 313 South Africa 909.00 NA 314 Rwanda 893.00 NA 315 Belarus 891.00 NA 316 Ukraine 891.00 NA 317 Ghana 877.00 NA 318 Togo 877.00 NA 319 Kyrgyzstan 870.00 NA 320 Tajikistan 870.00 NA 321 United Arab Emirates 867.00 NA 322 Ethiopia 861.00 NA 323 Kenya 861.00 NA 324 Bolivia 860.00 NA 325 Chile 860.00 NA 326 China 858.00 NA 327 Guinea 858.00 NA 328 Kyrgyzstan 858.00 NA 329 Mali 858.00 NA 330 Malawi 837.00 NA 331 Zambia 837.00 NA 332 Argentina 832.00 NA 333 Bolivia 832.00 NA 334 Syria 822.00 NA 335 Turkey 822.00 NA 336 Mali 821.00 NA 337 Niger 821.00 NA 338 Indonesia 820.00 NA 339 Papua New Guinea 820.00 NA 340 Papua New Guinea 820.00 NA 341 Czech Republic 815.00 NA 342 Iraq 814.00 NA 343 Saudi Arabia 814.00 NA 344 Botswana 813.00 NA 345 Zimbabwe 813.00 NA 346 Senegal 813.00 NA 347 Mauritania 813.00 NA 348 Cambodia 803.00 NA 349 Thailand 803.00 NA 350 Cameroon 797.00 NA 351 Central African Republic 797.00 NA 352 Zambia 797.00 NA 353 Zimbabwe 797.00 NA 354 Austria 784.00 NA 355 Germany 784.00 NA 356 Benin 773.00 NA 357 Nigeria 773.00 NA 358 Kenya 769.00 NA 359 Tanzania 769.00 NA 360 Macedonia 766.00 NA 361 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 765.00 NA 362 Uganda 765.00 NA 363 Mozambique 756.00 NA 364 Tanzania 756.00 NA 365 Bolivia 750.00 NA 366 Paraguay 750.00 NA 367 Afghanistan 744.00 NA 368 Turkmenistan 744.00 NA 369 Saudi Arabia 744.00 NA 370 Jordan 744.00 NA 371 Guyana 743.00 NA 372 Venezuela 743.00 NA 373 Gambia, The 740.00 NA 374 Senegal 740.00 NA 375 Switzerland 740.00 NA 376 Italy 740.00 NA 377 Gambia, The 740.00 NA 378 Brazil 730.00 NA 379 Finland 727.00 NA 380 Norway 727.00 NA 381 Guinea-Bissau 724.00 NA 382 Georgia 723.00 NA 383 Russia 723.00 NA 384 Albania 717.00 NA 385 Cote d'Ivoire 716.00 NA 386 Liberia 716.00 NA 387 Kosovo 702.00 NA 388 Kenya 682.00 NA 389 Somalia 682.00 NA 390 Belarus 680.00 NA 391 Lithuania 680.00 NA 392 Hungary 676.00 NA 393 Saudi Arabia 676.00 NA 394 Slovakia 676.00 NA 395 Oman 676.00 NA 396 France 673.00 NA 397 Cote d'Ivoire 668.00 NA 398 Ghana 668.00 NA 399 Guinea 652.00 NA 400 Sierra Leone 652.00 NA 401 Germany 646.00 NA 402 Benin 644.00 NA 403 Togo 644.00 NA 404 Costa Rica 639.00 NA 405 Estonia 633.00 NA 406 Burkina Faso 628.00 NA 407 Niger 628.00 NA 408 Sudan 628.00 NA 409 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 628.00 NA 410 Montenegro 625.00 NA 411 France 623.00 NA 412 Spain 623.00 NA 413 Belgium 620.00 NA 414 France 620.00 NA 415 Czech Republic 615.00 NA 416 Poland 615.00 NA 417 Finland 614.00 NA 418 Sweden 614.00 NA 419 Cote d'Ivoire 610.00 NA 420 Guinea 610.00 NA 421 Bulgaria 608.00 NA 422 Romania 608.00 NA 423 Belarus 605.00 NA 424 Bhutan 605.00 NA 425 Syria 605.00 NA 426 Sudan 605.00 NA 427 Poland 605.00 NA 428 Iraq 605.00 NA 429 India 605.00 NA 430 Eritrea 605.00 NA 431 Guyana 600.00 NA 432 Suriname 600.00 NA 433 Brazil 593.00 NA 434 Suriname 593.00 NA 435 Colombia 590.00 NA 436 Ecuador 590.00 NA 437 Burkina Faso 584.00 NA 438 Cote d'Ivoire 584.00 NA 439 Argentina 580.00 NA 440 Uruguay 580.00 NA 441 Germany 577.00 NA 442 Netherlands 577.00 NA 443 Latvia 576.00 NA 444 Lithuania 576.00 NA 445 France 573.00 NA 446 Switzerland 573.00 NA 447 Armenia 566.00 NA 448 Azerbaijan 566.00 NA 449 Guinea 563.00 NA 450 Liberia 563.00 NA 451 Panama 555.00 NA 452 Burkina Faso 549.00 NA 453 Ghana 549.00 NA 454 El Salvador 545.00 NA 455 Cambodia 541.00 NA 456 Laos 541.00 NA 457 Equatorial Guinea 539.00 NA 458 Swaziland 535.00 NA 459 Cote d'Ivoire 532.00 NA 460 Mali 532.00 NA 461 Cameroon 523.00 NA 462 Pakistan 523.00 NA 463 China 523.00 NA 464 Congo, Republic of the 523.00 NA 465 Belize 516.00 NA 466 Djibouti 516.00 NA 467 France 510.00 NA 468 Suriname 510.00 NA 469 Malaysia 506.00 NA 470 Thailand 506.00 NA 471 Iran 499.00 NA 472 Turkey 499.00 NA 473 Bulgaria 494.00 NA 474 Greece 494.00 NA 475 Mozambique 491.00 NA 476 South Africa 491.00 NA 477 France 488.00 NA 478 Italy 488.00 NA 479 Romania 476.00 NA 480 Serbia 476.00 NA 481 Malawi 475.00 NA 482 Tanzania 475.00 NA 483 Bhutan 470.00 NA 484 China 470.00 NA 485 Central African Republic 467.00 NA 486 Congo, Republic of the 467.00 NA 487 Algeria 463.00 NA 488 Mauritania 463.00 NA 489 Kuwait 462.00 NA 490 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 459.00 NA 491 Tanzania 459.00 NA 492 Tunisia 459.00 NA 493 Libya 459.00 NA 494 Saudi Arabia 457.00 NA 495 United Arab Emirates 457.00 NA 496 Germany 456.00 NA 497 Poland 456.00 NA 498 Croatia 455.00 NA 499 Slovenia 455.00 NA 500 Lebanon 454.00 NA 501 Burundi 451.00 NA 502 Tanzania 451.00 NA 503 France 451.00 NA 504 Germany 451.00 NA 505 Belgium 450.00 NA 506 European Union 450.00 NA 507 Romania 450.00 NA 508 Netherlands 450.00 NA 509 Moldova 450.00 NA 510 European Union 446.00 NA 511 Hungary 443.00 NA 512 Morocco 443.00 NA 513 Romania 443.00 NA 514 Western Sahara 443.00 NA 515 Sudan 435.00 NA 516 Uganda 435.00 NA 517 Azerbaijan 432.00 NA 518 Iran 432.00 NA 519 Russia 432.00 NA 520 Poland 432.00 NA 521 Austria 430.00 NA 522 Swaziland 430.00 NA 523 South Africa 430.00 NA 524 Italy 430.00 NA 525 Poland 428.00 NA 526 Ukraine 428.00 NA 527 China 423.00 NA 528 Laos 423.00 NA 529 Poland 420.00 NA 530 Slovakia 420.00 NA 531 Mali 419.00 NA 532 Zambia 419.00 NA 533 Senegal 419.00 NA 534 Mozambique 419.00 NA 535 China 414.00 NA 536 Tajikistan 414.00 NA 537 Oman 410.00 NA 538 United Arab Emirates 410.00 NA 539 West Bank 404.00 NA 540 Tanzania 396.00 NA 541 Uganda 396.00 NA 542 European Union 394.00 NA 543 Guinea 386.00 NA 544 Guinea-Bissau 386.00 NA 545 Libya 383.00 NA 546 Sudan 383.00 NA 547 Brunei 381.00 NA 548 Brunei 381.00 NA 549 Malaysia 381.00 NA 550 Kazakhstan 379.00 NA 551 Turkmenistan 379.00 NA 552 Jordan 375.00 NA 553 Lebanon 375.00 NA 554 Syria 375.00 NA 555 Syria 375.00 NA 556 Austria 366.00 NA 557 Hungary 366.00 NA 558 Austria 362.00 NA 559 Ukraine 362.00 NA 560 Romania 362.00 NA 561 Czech Republic 362.00 NA 562 Dominican Republic 360.00 NA 563 Haiti 360.00 NA 564 United Kingdom 360.00 NA 565 United Kingdom 360.00 NA 566 Ireland 360.00 NA 567 Ireland 360.00 NA 568 Haiti 360.00 NA 569 Dominican Republic 360.00 NA 570 Luxembourg 359.00 NA 571 Bosnia and Herzegovina 357.00 NA 572 Libya 354.00 NA 573 Niger 354.00 NA 574 Iraq 352.00 NA 575 Turkey 352.00 NA 576 Serbia 352.00 NA 577 Kosovo 352.00 NA 578 Equatorial Guinea 350.00 NA 579 Gabon 350.00 NA 580 Djibouti 349.00 NA 581 Ethiopia 349.00 NA 582 Estonia 343.00 NA 583 Latvia 343.00 NA 584 El Salvador 342.00 NA 585 Honduras 342.00 NA 586 Guinea-Bissau 338.00 NA 587 Tanzania 338.00 NA 588 Senegal 338.00 NA 589 Zambia 338.00 NA 590 Germany 334.00 NA 591 Switzerland 334.00 NA 592 Austria 330.00 NA 593 Guinea 330.00 NA 594 Slovenia 330.00 NA 595 Senegal 330.00 NA 596 Panama 330.00 NA 597 Costa Rica 330.00 NA 598 Croatia 329.00 NA 599 Hungary 329.00 NA 600 Azerbaijan 322.00 NA 601 Georgia 322.00 NA 602 Bulgaria 318.00 NA 603 Serbia 318.00 NA 604 Costa Rica 309.00 NA 605 Nicaragua 309.00 NA 606 Israel 307.00 NA 607 West Bank 307.00 NA 608 Benin 306.00 NA 609 Burkina Faso 306.00 NA 610 Liberia 306.00 NA 611 Sierra Leone 306.00 NA 612 Serbia 302.00 NA 613 Cameroon 298.00 NA 614 Gabon 298.00 NA 615 Latvia 292.00 NA 616 Russia 292.00 NA 617 Burundi 290.00 NA 618 Rwanda 290.00 NA 619 Russia 290.00 NA 620 Estonia 290.00 NA 621 Oman 288.00 NA 622 Yemen 288.00 NA 623 Azerbaijan 284.00 NA 624 Russia 284.00 NA 625 Albania 282.00 NA 626 European Union 282.00 NA 627 Greece 282.00 NA 628 Armenia 268.00 NA 629 Turkey 268.00 NA 630 Belize 266.00 NA 631 Benin 266.00 NA 632 Guatemala 266.00 NA 633 Israel 266.00 NA 634 Niger 266.00 NA 635 Egypt 266.00 NA 636 Guatemala 256.00 NA 637 Honduras 256.00 NA 638 Georgia 252.00 NA 639 Turkey 252.00 NA 640 Belize 250.00 NA 641 Mexico 250.00 NA 642 Bosnia and Herzegovina 249.00 NA 643 Greece 246.00 NA 644 Macedonia 246.00 NA 645 Croatia 241.00 NA 646 Serbia 241.00 NA 647 Bulgaria 240.00 NA 648 Turkey 240.00 NA 649 Iraq 240.00 NA 650 Kuwait 240.00 NA 651 Israel 238.00 NA 652 Korea, North 238.00 NA 653 Jordan 238.00 NA 654 Korea, South 238.00 NA 655 Korea, South 238.00 NA 656 Burma 235.00 NA 657 Laos 235.00 NA 658 Burundi 233.00 NA 659 Zambia 233.00 NA 660 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 233.00 NA 661 Namibia 233.00 NA 662 Kenya 232.00 NA 663 Sudan 232.00 NA 664 Indonesia 228.00 NA 665 Timor-Leste 228.00 NA 666 Timor-Leste 228.00 NA 667 Lithuania 227.00 NA 668 Russia 227.00 NA 669 Colombia 225.00 NA 670 Montenegro 225.00 NA 671 Zimbabwe 225.00 NA 672 South Africa 225.00 NA 673 Panama 225.00 NA 674 Kuwait 222.00 NA 675 Saudi Arabia 222.00 NA 676 Armenia 221.00 NA 677 Azerbaijan 221.00 NA 678 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 217.00 NA 679 Rwanda 217.00 NA 680 Tanzania 217.00 NA 681 Rwanda 217.00 NA 682 Greece 206.00 NA 683 Turkey 206.00 NA 684 El Salvador 203.00 NA 685 Guatemala 203.00 NA 686 Angola 201.00 NA 687 Congo, Republic of the 201.00 NA 688 Italy 199.00 NA 689 Slovenia 199.00 NA 690 Czech Republic 197.00 NA 691 Slovakia 197.00 NA 692 Norway 196.00 NA 693 Russia 196.00 NA 694 Bangladesh 193.00 NA 695 Burma 193.00 NA 696 Cameroon 189.00 NA 697 Equatorial Guinea 189.00 NA 698 Iraq 181.00 NA 699 Jordan 181.00 NA 700 Azerbaijan 179.00 NA 701 Iran 179.00 NA 702 Ukraine 176.00 NA 703 Albania 172.00 NA 704 Montenegro 172.00 NA 705 Belarus 171.00 NA 706 Chile 171.00 NA 707 Peru 171.00 NA 708 Latvia 171.00 NA 709 Romania 169.00 NA 710 Uganda 169.00 NA 711 Rwanda 169.00 NA 712 Belgium 167.00 NA 713 Germany 167.00 NA 714 Hungary 166.00 NA 715 Armenia 164.00 NA 716 Switzerland 164.00 NA 717 Georgia 164.00 NA 718 Austria 164.00 NA 719 Kosovo 159.00 NA 720 Macedonia 159.00 NA 721 Albania 151.00 NA 722 Macedonia 151.00 NA 723 Serbia 151.00 NA 724 Cyprus 150.40 NA 725 Belgium 148.00 NA 726 Macedonia 148.00 NA 727 Bulgaria 148.00 NA 728 Luxembourg 148.00 NA 729 Germany 138.00 NA 730 Luxembourg 138.00 NA 731 Afghanistan 137.00 NA 732 Uzbekistan 137.00 NA 733 Burkina Faso 126.00 NA 734 Togo 126.00 NA 735 Montenegro 124.00 NA 736 Serbia 124.00 NA 737 Andorra 120.30 NA 738 European Union 120.30 NA 739 Albania 112.00 NA 740 Kosovo 112.00 NA 741 Djibouti 109.00 NA 742 Eritrea 109.00 NA 743 Mozambique 105.00 NA 744 Swaziland 105.00 NA 745 Dhekelia 103.00 NA 746 Dhekelia 103.00 NA 747 Ukraine 103.00 NA 748 Hungary 103.00 NA 749 Hungary 102.00 NA 750 Slovenia 102.00 NA 751 Jordan 97.00 NA 752 West Bank 97.00 NA 753 Austria 91.00 NA 754 Slovakia 91.00 NA 755 Poland 91.00 NA 756 Lithuania 91.00 NA 757 Slovakia 90.00 NA 758 Ukraine 90.00 NA 759 Chad 87.00 NA 760 Nigeria 87.00 NA 761 Israel 79.00 NA 762 Montenegro 79.00 NA 763 Lebanon 79.00 NA 764 Kosovo 79.00 NA 765 Afghanistan 76.00 NA 766 China 76.00 NA 767 Syria 76.00 NA 768 Liechtenstein 76.00 NA 769 Israel 76.00 NA 770 France 73.00 NA 771 Luxembourg 73.00 NA 772 Denmark 68.00 NA 773 Denmark 68.00 NA 774 Germany 68.00 NA 775 Andorra 63.70 NA 776 Spain 63.70 NA 777 Gaza Strip 62.00 NA 778 Serbia 62.00 NA 779 Macedonia 62.00 NA 780 Qatar 60.00 NA 781 Qatar 60.00 NA 782 Saudi Arabia 60.00 NA 783 Djibouti 58.00 NA 784 Somalia 58.00 NA 785 Andorra 56.60 NA 786 France 56.60 NA 787 Gaza Strip 51.00 NA 788 Israel 51.00 NA 789 Akrotiri 47.40 NA 790 Akrotiri 47.40 NA 791 Algeria 42.00 NA 792 Western Sahara 42.00 NA 793 Liechtenstein 41.10 NA 794 Switzerland 41.00 NA 795 China 40.00 NA 796 Russia 40.00 NA 797 Italy 39.00 NA 798 European Union 39.00 NA 799 San Marino 39.00 NA 800 San Marino 39.00 NA 801 Armenia 35.00 NA 802 Austria 35.00 NA 803 Iran 35.00 NA 804 Liechtenstein 34.90 NA 805 European Union 34.90 NA 806 China 30.00 NA 807 Hong Kong 30.00 NA 808 Hong Kong 30.00 NA 809 Cuba 29.00 NA 810 Cuba 29.00 NA 811 Croatia 25.00 NA 812 Montenegro 25.00 NA 813 Korea, North 19.00 NA 814 Russia 17.50 NA 815 Saint Martin 15.00 NA 816 Sint Maarten 15.00 NA 817 Saint Martin 15.00 NA 818 Sint Maarten 15.00 NA 819 Egypt 11.00 NA 820 Gaza Strip 11.00 NA 821 Morocco 9.60 NA 822 Spain 9.60 NA 823 Azerbaijan 9.00 NA 824 Turkey 9.00 NA 825 Morocco 6.30 NA 826 Spain 6.30 NA 827 France 4.40 NA 828 European Union 4.40 NA 829 Monaco 4.40 NA 830 Monaco 4.40 NA 831 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.20 NA 832 European Union 3.20 NA 833 Italy 3.20 NA 834 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.20 NA 835 Gibraltar 1.20 NA 836 Gibraltar 1.20 NA 837 Spain 1.20 NA 838 China 0.34 NA 839 Macau 0.34 NA 840 Macau 0.34 NA 841 American Samoa 0.00 NA 842 Anguilla 0.00 NA 843 Antarctica 0.00 NA 844 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 NA 845 Montserrat 0.00 NA 846 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 NA 847 Mayotte 0.00 NA 848 Mauritius 0.00 NA 849 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 850 Malta 0.00 NA 851 Maldives 0.00 NA 852 Madagascar 0.00 NA 853 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 854 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 855 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 856 Solomon Islands 0.00 NA 857 Singapore 0.00 NA 858 Seychelles 0.00 NA 859 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 NA 860 Samoa 0.00 NA 861 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 NA 862 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 NA 863 Taiwan 0.00 NA 864 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 865 Wake Island 0.00 NA 866 Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 867 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 868 Tuvalu 0.00 NA 869 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 NA 870 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 NA 871 Tonga 0.00 NA 872 Tokelau 0.00 NA 873 Svalbard 0.00 NA 874 Sri Lanka 0.00 NA 875 Saint Lucia 0.00 NA 876 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 NA 877 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 878 Saint Barthelemy 0.00 NA 879 Puerto Rico 0.00 NA 880 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 881 Philippines 0.00 NA 882 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 883 Palau 0.00 NA 884 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 NA 885 Norfolk Island 0.00 NA 886 Niue 0.00 NA 887 New Zealand 0.00 NA 888 New Caledonia 0.00 NA 889 Navassa Island 0.00 NA 890 Nauru 0.00 NA 891 Iceland 0.00 NA 892 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 893 Guernsey 0.00 NA 894 Grenada 0.00 NA 895 Greenland 0.00 NA 896 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 897 Cook Islands 0.00 NA 898 Comoros 0.00 NA 899 Kiribati 0.00 NA 900 Jersey 0.00 NA 901 Japan 0.00 NA 902 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 903 Jamaica 0.00 NA 904 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 NA 905 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 906 Christmas Island 0.00 NA 907 Cayman Islands 0.00 NA 908 Cape Verde 0.00 NA 909 British Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 910 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 911 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA 912 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 913 French Polynesia 0.00 NA 914 Fiji 0.00 NA 915 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 916 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 NA 917 Dominica 0.00 NA 918 Bermuda 0.00 NA 919 Barbados 0.00 NA 920 Bahrain 0.00 NA 921 Bahamas, The 0.00 NA 922 Aruba 0.00 NA 923 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 924 Australia 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2097

Country Comparison :: Land use

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Anguilla 100.00 2005 2 Antarctica 100.00 2005 3 Bouvet Island 100.00 2005 4 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 100.00 2005 5 British Indian Ocean Territory 100.00 2005 6 Clipperton Island 100.00 2005 7 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 100.00 2005 8 Coral Sea Islands 100.00 2005 9 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 100.00 2005 10 Spratly Islands 100.00 2005 11 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands100.00 2005 12 Paracel Islands 100.00 2005 13 Norfolk Island 100.00 2005 14 Navassa Island 100.00 2005 15 Nauru 100.00 2005 16 Monaco 100.00 2005 17 Macau 100.00 2005 18 Jersey 100.00 2005 19 Wake Island 100.00 2005 20 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges100.00 2008 21 Tokelau 100.00 2005 22 Svalbard 100.00 2005 23 Jan Mayen 100.00 2005 24 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 2005 25 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 100.00 2005 26 Greenland 100.00 2005 27 Gibraltar 100.00 2005 28 Christmas Island 100.00 2005 29 Western Sahara 99.98 2005 30 Djibouti 99.96 2005 31 Iceland 99.93 2005 32 Mauritania 99.79 2005 33 Oman 99.74 2005 34 Suriname 99.58 2005 35 New Caledonia 99.46 2005 36 Botswana 99.34 2005 37 Mongolia 99.24 2005 38 Bahamas, The 99.13 2005 39 Namibia 99.00 2005 40 Kuwait 98.99 2005 41 Libya 98.78 2005 42 Congo, Republic of the 98.40 2005 43 Somalia 98.32 2005 44 Saudi Arabia 98.24 2005 45 Gabon 98.15 2005 46 Papua New Guinea 98.11 2005 47 Qatar 98.09 2005 48 Andorra 97.87 2005 49 Faroe Islands 97.86 2005 50 Turks and Caicos Islands 97.67 2005 51 Guyana 97.63 2005 52 Solomon Islands 97.34 2005 53 Norway 97.30 2005 54 Bhutan 97.27 2005 55 Chad 97.18 2005 56 Angola 97.12 2005 57 Singapore 97.06 2005 58 Brunei 97.05 2005 59 Bolivia 97.03 2005 60 United Arab Emirates 96.96 2005 61 Chile 96.95 2005 62 Yemen 96.84 2005 63 Central African Republic 96.75 2005 64 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 96.67 2005 65 Peru 96.65 2005 66 Colombia 96.62 2005 67 Egypt 96.58 2005 68 Algeria 96.55 2005 69 Venezuela 96.27 2005 70 Mali 96.21 2005 71 Cayman Islands 96.15 2005 72 Laos 95.65 2005 73 Belize 95.56 2005 74 Jordan 95.50 2005 75 Turkmenistan 95.35 2005 76 Eritrea 95.19 2005 77 Canada 94.78 2005 78 Tanzania 94.61 2005 79 Liberia 94.59 2005 80 Mozambique 94.28 2005 81 Sweden 94.06 2005 82 Madagascar 93.95 2005 83 Hong Kong 93.94 2001 84 Australia 93.81 2005 85 French Polynesia 93.75 2005 86 Finland 93.44 2005 87 Kyrgyzstan 93.17 2005 88 Sudan 93.05 2005 89 Zambia 92.97 2005 90 Guinea 92.89 2005 91 Russia 92.72 2005 92 Tajikistan 92.59 2005 93 Paraguay 92.29 2005 94 Brazil 92.18 2005 95 Uruguay 91.99 2005 96 Equatorial Guinea 91.80 2005 97 Kazakhstan 91.67 2005 98 Bahrain 91.55 2005 99 Virgin Islands 91.43 2005 100 Zimbabwe 91.43 2005 101 Vanuatu 91.39 2005 102 Kenya 91.02 2005 103 Isle of Man 91.00 2002 104 Sierra Leone 91.00 2005 105 Panama 90.79 2005 106 Puerto Rico 90.72 2005 107 Slovenia 90.04 2005 108 Curacao 90.00 NA 109 Sint Maarten 90.00 NA 110 Costa Rica 89.73 2005 111 Argentina 89.61 2005 112 Switzerland 89.51 2005 113 Ecuador 89.48 2005 114 Aruba 89.47 2005 115 Ethiopia 89.34 2005 116 Lesotho 89.00 2005 117 Swaziland 88.94 2005 118 Iran 88.93 2005 119 Uzbekistan 88.73 2005 120 Niger 88.56 2005 121 Cape Verde 87.85 2005 122 Afghanistan 87.66 2005 123 Estonia 87.60 2005 124 New Zealand 87.54 2005 125 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 87.50 2005 126 Japan 87.46 2005 127 Honduras 87.26 2005 128 Senegal 87.25 2005 129 Timor-Leste 87.23 2005 130 South Africa 87.11 2005 131 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha87.10 2005 132 Palau 86.95 2005 133 Iraq 86.27 2005 134 Mexico 86.06 2005 135 Montenegro 85.30 NA 136 Cameroon 84.94 2005 137 Cyprus 84.87 2005 138 Seychelles 84.79 2005 139 Guinea-Bissau 84.77 2005 140 Georgia 84.70 2005 141 Fiji 84.40 2005 142 China 83.87 2005 143 Burma 83.77 2005 144 Nicaragua 83.37 2005 145 San Marino 83.33 2005 146 Ireland 83.15 2005 147 Nepal 83.08 2005 148 Northern Mariana Islands 82.61 2005 149 Austria 82.56 2005 150 Burkina Faso 82.12 2005 151 Indonesia 81.93 2005 152 United States 81.78 2005 153 Korea, South 81.41 2005 154 Armenia 81.21 2005 155 Guatemala 81.18 2005 156 Israel 80.67 2005 157 Bermuda 80.00 2005 158 Montserrat 80.00 2005 159 Morocco 79.00 2005 160 Cambodia 78.97 2005 161 Cote d'Ivoire 78.61 2005 162 Bosnia and Herzegovina 78.50 2005 163 Malawi 78.14 2005 164 Saint Kitts and Nevis 77.78 2005 165 Antigua and Barbuda 77.27 2005 166 Netherlands 77.27 2005 167 Malaysia 77.00 2005 168 Azerbaijan 76.77 2005 169 United Kingdom 76.57 2005 170 Trinidad and Tobago 76.22 2005 171 Macedonia 76.20 2005 172 Korea, North 75.94 2005 173 Albania 75.69 2005 174 American Samoa 75.00 2005 175 Cook Islands 75.00 2005 176 Liechtenstein 75.00 2005 177 Taiwan 75.00 2001 178 Portugal 74.87 2005 179 Pakistan 74.72 2005 180 Jamaica 74.16 2005 181 Benin 74.10 2005 182 British Virgin Islands 73.33 2005 183 Ghana 73.24 2005 184 Niue 73.08 2005 185 Vietnam 72.93 2005 186 Belarus 72.63 2005 187 Dominica 72.00 2005 188 Croatia 71.99 2005 189 Belgium 71.89 2005 190 Luxembourg 71.89 2005 191 Gambia, The 71.68 2005 192 Latvia 71.36 2005 193 Saint Lucia 70.97 2005 194 Greece 70.96 2005 195 Sri Lanka 70.80 2005 196 Syria 70.73 2005 197 Lebanon 69.90 2005 198 Tunisia 69.87 2005 199 Uganda 69.51 2005 200 Bulgaria 68.16 2005 201 Slovakia 68.10 2005 202 Dominican Republic 67.25 2005 203 Turkey 66.80 2005 204 Tuvalu 66.67 2005 205 Germany 66.27 2005 206 Cuba 65.83 2005 207 Malta 65.62 2005 208 Thailand 65.53 2005 209 Tonga 65.33 2005 210 Grenada 64.71 2005 211 France 64.51 2005 212 Italy 64.50 2005 213 Philippines 64.33 2005 214 West Bank 64.13 2001 215 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 64.10 2005 216 Nigeria 63.84 2005 217 Spain 62.97 2005 218 Barbados 60.46 2005 219 Haiti 60.36 2005 220 Poland 58.75 2005 221 Romania 58.59 2005 222 Czech Republic 58.18 2005 223 Wallis and Futuna 57.15 2005 224 El Salvador 56.75 2005 225 Maldives 56.67 2005 226 Bangladesh 55.39 2005 227 Samoa 54.57 2005 228 Moldova 54.52 2005 229 Lithuania 54.29 2005 230 Ukraine 53.80 2005 231 Togo 53.69 2005 232 Denmark 52.59 2005 233 Burundi 51.31 2005 234 Gaza Strip 50.00 2002 235 Hungary 49.58 2005 236 Kiribati 49.31 2005 237 Mauritius 49.02 2005 238 Sao Tome and Principe 48.96 2005 239 India 48.83 2005 240 Micronesia, Federated States of 48.58 2005 241 India 48.37 2005 242 Hungary 48.36 2005 243 Mauritius 48.04 2005 244 Kiribati 47.95 2005 245 Denmark 47.22 2005 246 Micronesia, Federated States of 45.71 2005 247 Rwanda 45.56 2005 248 Lithuania 44.81 2005 249 Ukraine 44.70 2005 250 Marshall Islands 44.45 2005 251 Marshall Islands 44.44 2005 252 Togo 44.20 2005 253 Rwanda 44.19 2005 254 Sao Tome and Principe 42.71 2005 255 Bangladesh 41.53 2005 256 Comoros 40.81 2005 257 Poland 40.25 2005 258 Romania 39.49 2005 259 Czech Republic 38.82 2005 260 Barbados 37.21 2005 261 Moldova 36.67 2005 262 Comoros 35.87 2005 263 Wallis and Futuna 35.71 2005 264 Burundi 35.57 2005 265 France 33.46 2005 266 Tuvalu 33.33 2005 267 Germany 33.13 2005 268 Nigeria 33.02 2005 269 El Salvador 31.37 2005 270 Malta 31.25 2005 271 Maldives 30.00 2005 272 Bulgaria 29.94 2005 273 Turkey 29.81 2005 274 Grenada 29.41 2005 275 Slovakia 29.23 2005 276 Gaza Strip 29.00 2002 277 Latvia 28.19 2005 278 Haiti 28.11 2005 279 Gambia, The 27.88 2005 280 Cuba 27.63 2005 281 Thailand 27.54 2005 282 Belgium 27.42 2005 283 Luxembourg 27.42 2005 284 Spain 27.18 2005 285 Belarus 26.77 2005 286 Italy 26.41 2005 287 Croatia 25.82 2005 288 Liechtenstein 25.00 2005 289 Syria 24.80 2005 290 Pakistan 24.44 2005 291 Samoa 24.30 2005 292 Taiwan 24.00 2001 293 Benin 23.53 2005 294 Comoros 23.32 2005 295 United Kingdom 23.23 2005 296 Saint Lucia 22.58 2005 297 Dominican Republic 22.49 2005 298 Korea, North 22.40 2005 299 Macedonia 22.01 2005 300 Netherlands 21.96 2005 301 Uganda 21.57 2005 302 Dominica 21.33 2005 303 Samoa 21.13 2005 304 Gaza Strip 21.00 2002 305 Malawi 20.68 2005 306 Azerbaijan 20.62 2005 307 Greece 20.45 2005 308 Cambodia 20.44 2005 309 Vietnam 20.14 2005 310 Albania 20.10 2005 311 Bermuda 20.00 2005 312 British Virgin Islands 20.00 2005 313 Montserrat 20.00 2005 314 Tonga 20.00 2005 315 Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.61 2005 316 Saint Kitts and Nevis 19.44 2005 317 Morocco 19.00 2005 318 Philippines 19.00 2005 319 West Bank 18.97 2001 320 Antigua and Barbuda 18.18 2005 321 United States 18.01 2005 322 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.95 2005 323 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.95 2005 324 Burkina Faso 17.66 2005 325 Ghana 17.54 2005 326 Malaysia 17.54 2005 327 Portugal 17.29 2005 328 Tunisia 17.05 2005 329 West Bank 16.90 2001 330 Ireland 16.82 2005 331 Armenia 16.78 2005 332 Cook Islands 16.67 2005 333 San Marino 16.67 2005 334 Philippines 16.67 2005 335 Austria 16.59 2005 336 Korea, South 16.58 2005 337 Lebanon 16.35 2005 338 Nepal 16.07 2005 339 Jamaica 15.83 2005 340 Israel 15.45 2005 341 Niue 15.38 2005 342 Sri Lanka 15.24 2005 343 American Samoa 15.00 2005 344 Burma 14.92 2005 345 China 14.86 2005 346 Nicaragua 14.81 2005 347 Tonga 14.67 2005 348 Trinidad and Tobago 14.62 2005 349 Sri Lanka 13.96 2005 350 Lebanon 13.75 2005 351 Montenegro 13.70 NA 352 Maldives 13.33 2005 353 Guatemala 13.22 2005 354 Burundi 13.12 2005 355 Iraq 13.12 2005 356 Tunisia 13.08 2005 357 Northern Mariana Islands 13.04 2005 358 Seychelles 13.04 2005 359 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha12.90 2005 360 Mexico 12.66 2005 361 Cameroon 12.54 2005 362 Senegal 12.51 2005 363 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 12.50 2005 364 Afghanistan 12.13 2005 365 South Africa 12.10 2005 366 Estonia 12.05 2005 367 El Salvador 11.88 2005 368 Japan 11.64 2005 369 Niue 11.54 2005 370 Haiti 11.53 2005 371 Georgia 11.51 2005 372 Niger 11.43 2005 373 Cape Verde 11.41 2005 374 Cote d'Ivoire 11.16 2005 375 Marshall Islands 11.11 2005 376 Indonesia 11.03 2005 377 Fiji 10.95 2005 378 Lesotho 10.87 2005 379 Cyprus 10.81 2005 380 Aruba 10.53 2005 381 Uzbekistan 10.51 2005 382 Dominican Republic 10.26 2005 383 Rwanda 10.25 2005 384 Swaziland 10.25 2005 385 Cote d'Ivoire 10.23 2005 386 Argentina 10.03 2005 387 Ethiopia 10.01 2005 388 Jamaica 10.01 2005 389 American Samoa 10.00 2005 390 Sint Maarten 10.00 NA 391 Curacao 10.00 NA 392 Switzerland 9.91 2005 393 Spain 9.85 2005 394 Iran 9.78 2005 395 Honduras 9.53 2005 396 Ghana 9.22 2005 397 Trinidad and Tobago 9.16 2005 398 Italy 9.09 2005 399 Isle of Man 9.00 2002 400 Uganda 8.92 2005 401 Moldova 8.81 2005 402 Palau 8.70 2005 403 Greece 8.59 2005 404 Slovenia 8.53 2005 405 Cook Islands 8.33 2005 406 Sao Tome and Principe 8.33 2005 407 Guinea-Bissau 8.31 2005 408 Kazakhstan 8.28 2005 409 Zimbabwe 8.24 2005 410 Timor-Leste 8.20 2005 411 Kenya 8.01 2005 412 Sierra Leone 7.95 2005 413 Portugal 7.84 2005 414 Uruguay 7.77 2005 415 Paraguay 7.47 2005 416 Panama 7.26 2005 417 Russia 7.17 2005 418 Wallis and Futuna 7.14 2005 419 Indonesia 7.04 2005 420 Zambia 6.99 2005 421 Vanuatu 6.97 2005 422 Brazil 6.93 2005 423 Vietnam 6.93 2005 424 Thailand 6.93 2005 425 Guinea-Bissau 6.92 2005 426 New Zealand 6.92 2005 427 Sudan 6.78 2005 428 British Virgin Islands 6.67 2005 429 Dominica 6.67 2005 430 Kyrgyzstan 6.55 2005 431 Cuba 6.54 2005 432 Finland 6.54 2005 433 Tajikistan 6.52 2005 434 Saint Lucia 6.45 2005 435 Australia 6.15 2005 436 Sweden 5.93 2005 437 Grenada 5.88 2005 438 Costa Rica 5.87 2005 439 Ecuador 5.71 2005 440 Virgin Islands 5.71 2005 441 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.71 2005 442 Bahrain 5.63 2005 443 Guatemala 5.60 2005 444 Puerto Rico 5.59 2005 445 New Zealand 5.54 2005 446 French Polynesia 5.50 2005 447 Malaysia 5.46 2005 448 Mozambique 5.43 2005 449 Hong Kong 5.05 2001 450 Madagascar 5.03 2005 451 Ecuador 4.81 2005 452 Eritrea 4.78 2005 453 Fiji 4.65 2005 454 Equatorial Guinea 4.63 2005 455 Canada 4.57 2005 456 Timor-Leste 4.57 2005 457 Antigua and Barbuda 4.55 2005 458 Turkmenistan 4.51 2005 459 Guinea 4.47 2005 460 Syria 4.47 2005 461 Costa Rica 4.40 2005 462 Northern Mariana Islands 4.35 2005 463 Palau 4.35 2005 464 Cyprus 4.32 2005 465 Tanzania 4.23 2005 466 Albania 4.21 2005 467 Laos 4.01 2005 468 Israel 3.88 2005 469 Cayman Islands 3.85 2005 470 Georgia 3.79 2005 471 Mali 3.76 2005 472 Puerto Rico 3.69 2005 473 Equatorial Guinea 3.57 2005 474 Liberia 3.43 2005 475 Turkey 3.39 2005 476 Jordan 3.32 2005 477 Honduras 3.21 2005 478 Algeria 3.17 2005 479 Nigeria 3.14 2005 480 Malta 3.13 2005 481 Central African Republic 3.10 2005 482 Bangladesh 3.08 2005 483 Belize 3.05 2005 484 Czech Republic 3.00 2005 485 Mauritius 2.94 2005 486 Egypt 2.92 2005 487 Yemen 2.91 2005 488 Peru 2.88 2005 489 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.86 2005 490 Virgin Islands 2.86 2005 491 Venezuela 2.85 2005 492 Bahrain 2.82 2005 493 Chad 2.80 2005 494 India 2.80 2005 495 Bolivia 2.78 2005 496 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.78 2005 497 Kiribati 2.74 2005 498 Norway 2.70 2005 499 Slovakia 2.67 2005 500 Angola 2.65 2005 501 Guinea 2.64 2005 502 Chile 2.62 2005 503 Azerbaijan 2.61 2005 504 Cameroon 2.52 2005 505 Benin 2.37 2005 506 Barbados 2.33 2005 507 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.33 2005 508 Bhutan 2.30 2005 509 United Arab Emirates 2.27 2005 510 Guyana 2.23 2005 511 Croatia 2.19 2005 512 Seychelles 2.17 2005 513 Faroe Islands 2.14 2005 514 Andorra 2.13 2005 515 Togo 2.11 2005 516 Brunei 2.08 2005 517 Hungary 2.06 2005 518 Solomon Islands 2.04 2005 519 France 2.03 2005 520 Armenia 2.01 2005 521 Korea, South 2.01 2005 522 Colombia 2.01 2005 523 Morocco 2.00 2005 524 Liberia 1.98 2005 525 Panama 1.95 2005 526 Romania 1.92 2005 527 Bulgaria 1.90 2005 528 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.89 2005 529 Nicaragua 1.82 2005 530 Macedonia 1.79 2005 531 Saudi Arabia 1.67 2005 532 Korea, North 1.66 2005 533 Qatar 1.64 2005 534 Vanuatu 1.64 2005 535 Somalia 1.64 2005 536 Ukraine 1.50 2005 537 Singapore 1.47 2005 538 Singapore 1.47 2005 539 Congo, Republic of the 1.45 2005 540 Slovenia 1.43 2005 541 Papua New Guinea 1.40 2005 542 Belize 1.39 2005 543 Colombia 1.37 2005 544 Burma 1.31 2005 545 Iran 1.29 2005 546 Mexico 1.28 2005 547 China 1.27 2005 548 Gabon 1.21 2005 549 Jordan 1.18 2005 550 Malawi 1.18 2005 551 Tanzania 1.16 2005 552 Sierra Leone 1.05 2005 553 Libya 1.03 2005 554 Madagascar 1.02 2005 555 Hong Kong 1.01 2001 556 Montenegro 1.00 NA 557 Poland 1.00 2005 558 Taiwan 1.00 2001 559 Namibia 0.99 2005 560 Kenya 0.97 2005 561 Japan 0.90 2005 562 Lithuania 0.90 2005 563 Brazil 0.89 2005 564 Tajikistan 0.89 2005 565 Venezuela 0.88 2005 566 Brunei 0.87 2005 567 Austria 0.85 2005 568 Nepal 0.85 2005 569 Kuwait 0.84 2005 570 Pakistan 0.84 2005 571 Swaziland 0.81 2005 572 South Africa 0.79 2005 573 Netherlands 0.77 2005 574 United Arab Emirates 0.77 2005 575 Mongolia 0.76 2005 576 Uzbekistan 0.76 2005 577 French Polynesia 0.75 2005 578 Cape Verde 0.74 2005 579 Belgium 0.69 2005 580 Luxembourg 0.69 2005 581 Botswana 0.65 2005 582 Canada 0.65 2005 583 Ethiopia 0.65 2005 584 Gabon 0.64 2005 585 Solomon Islands 0.62 2005 586 Iraq 0.61 2005 587 Belarus 0.60 2005 588 Germany 0.60 2005 589 Cambodia 0.59 2005 590 Bahamas, The 0.58 2005 591 Switzerland 0.58 2005 592 Egypt 0.50 2005 593 Papua New Guinea 0.49 2005 594 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.47 2005 595 Peru 0.47 2005 596 Latvia 0.45 2005 597 Gambia, The 0.44 2005 598 Bhutan 0.43 2005 599 Chile 0.43 2005 600 Argentina 0.36 2005 601 Suriname 0.36 2005 602 Estonia 0.35 2005 603 Laos 0.34 2005 604 Zimbabwe 0.33 2005 605 New Caledonia 0.32 2005 606 Bahamas, The 0.29 2005 607 Mozambique 0.29 2005 608 Algeria 0.28 2005 609 Kyrgyzstan 0.28 2005 610 Qatar 0.27 2005 611 Yemen 0.25 2005 612 Paraguay 0.24 2005 613 Uruguay 0.24 2005 614 Senegal 0.24 2005 615 Angola 0.23 2005 616 Burkina Faso 0.22 2005 617 New Caledonia 0.22 2005 618 Afghanistan 0.21 2005 619 United States 0.21 2005 620 Mauritania 0.20 2005 621 United Kingdom 0.20 2005 622 Bolivia 0.19 2005 623 Libya 0.19 2005 624 Denmark 0.19 2005 625 Kuwait 0.17 2005 626 Sudan 0.17 2005 627 Central African Republic 0.15 2005 628 Congo, Republic of the 0.15 2005 629 Guyana 0.14 2005 630 Turkmenistan 0.14 2005 631 Oman 0.14 2005 632 Lesotho 0.13 2005 633 Oman 0.12 2005 634 Russia 0.11 2005 635 Saudi Arabia 0.09 2005 636 Iceland 0.07 2005 637 Suriname 0.06 2005 638 Kazakhstan 0.05 2005 639 Australia 0.04 2005 640 Zambia 0.04 2005 641 Somalia 0.04 2005 642 Djibouti 0.04 2005 643 Eritrea 0.03 2005 644 Mali 0.03 2005 645 Ireland 0.03 2005 646 Chad 0.02 2005 647 Finland 0.02 2005 648 Western Sahara 0.02 2005 649 Botswana 0.01 2005 650 Mauritania 0.01 2005 651 Namibia 0.01 2005 652 Niger 0.01 2005 653 Sweden 0.01 2005 654 Andorra 0.00 2005 655 Antarctica 0.00 2005 656 Bouvet Island 0.00 2005 657 Wake Island 0.00 2005 658 Wake Island 0.00 2005 659 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 2008 660 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 2008 661 Tuvalu 0.00 2005 662 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2005 663 Tokelau 0.00 2005 664 Tokelau 0.00 2005 665 Spratly Islands 0.00 2005 666 Western Sahara 0.00 2005 667 Spratly Islands 0.00 2005 668 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2005 669 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2005 670 Sint Maarten 0.00 NA 671 San Marino 0.00 2005 672 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2005 673 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 674 Paracel Islands 0.00 2005 675 Svalbard 0.00 2005 676 Svalbard 0.00 2005 677 Paracel Islands 0.00 2005 678 Norway 0.00 2005 679 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 680 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 681 Navassa Island 0.00 2005 682 Navassa Island 0.00 2005 683 Nauru 0.00 2005 684 Nauru 0.00 2005 685 Montserrat 0.00 2005 686 Mongolia 0.00 2005 687 Monaco 0.00 2005 688 Monaco 0.00 2005 689 Macau 0.00 2005 690 Macau 0.00 2005 691 Liechtenstein 0.00 2005 692 Jan Mayen 0.00 2005 693 Jan Mayen 0.00 2005 694 Isle of Man 0.00 2002 695 Iceland 0.00 2005 696 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2005 697 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2005 698 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 2005 699 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 2005 700 Greenland 0.00 2005 701 Jersey 0.00 2005 702 Jersey 0.00 2005 703 Gibraltar 0.00 2005 704 Gibraltar 0.00 2005 705 Faroe Islands 0.00 2005 706 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2005 707 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2005 708 Djibouti 0.00 2005 709 Curacao 0.00 NA 710 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2005 711 Greenland 0.00 2005 712 Clipperton Island 0.00 2005 713 Clipperton Island 0.00 2005 714 Christmas Island 0.00 2005 715 Christmas Island 0.00 2005 716 Cayman Islands 0.00 2005 717 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 2005 718 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 2005 719 Bouvet Island 0.00 2005 720 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 2005 721 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 2005 722 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2005 723 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 2005 724 Bermuda 0.00 2005 725 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 2005 726 Aruba 0.00 2005 727 Antarctica 0.00 2005 728 Anguilla 0.00 2005 729 Anguilla 0.00 2005

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Rank code: 2098

Country Comparison :: Languages

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 France 100.00 NA 2 Greece 99.00 NA 3 Marshall Islands 98.20 NA 4 Poland 97.80 2002 census 5 Armenia 97.70 2001 census 6 Nicaragua 97.50 NA 7 Croatia 96.10 2001 census 8 Cambodia 95.00 NA 9 Cayman Islands 95.00 1999 census 10 Kazakhstan 95.00 2001 est. 11 Czech Republic 94.90 2001 census 12 Jersey 94.50 2001 census 13 Hungary 93.60 2001 census 14 Mexico 92.70 2005 15 Seychelles 91.80 2002 census 16 Finland 91.20 2007 17 New Zealand 91.20 2006 Census 18 Slovenia 91.10 2002 census 19 Romania 91.00 NA 20 Hong Kong 90.80 2006 census 21 American Samoa 90.60 2000 census 22 Azerbaijan 90.30 1999 census 23 Malta 90.20 2005 census 24 Mongolia 90.00 1999 25 Austria 88.60 2001 census 26 Serbia 88.30 NA 27 Macau 85.70 2001 census 28 Bulgaria 84.50 2001 census 29 Peru 84.10 2007 Census 30 Slovakia 83.90 2001 census 31 United States 82.10 NA 32 Lithuania 82.00 2001 census 33 Curacao 81.20 2001 census 34 Mauritius 80.50 2000 census 35 Mali 80.00 NA 36 Australia 78.50 2006 Census 37 Botswana 78.20 2001 census 38 Virgin Islands 74.70 2000 census 39 Uzbekistan 74.30 NA 40 Spain 74.00 NA 41 Sri Lanka 74.00 NA 42 Vanuatu 72.60 1999 Census 43 Turkmenistan 72.00 NA 44 Georgia 71.00 NA 45 Equatorial Guinea 67.60 1994 census 46 Sint Maarten 67.50 2001 census 47 Estonia 67.30 2000 census 48 Ukraine 67.00 NA 49 Macedonia 66.50 2002 census 50 Aruba 66.30 2000 census 51 Kyrgyzstan 64.70 1999 census 52 Palau 64.70 2000 census 53 Kazakhstan 64.40 2001 est. 54 Switzerland 63.70 NA 55 Montenegro 63.60 2003 census 56 Belarus 62.80 1999 census 57 French Polynesia 61.10 2002 census 58 Bolivia 60.70 2001 census 59 Belgium 60.00 NA 60 Guatemala 60.00 NA 61 Wallis and Futuna 58.90 2003 census 62 Canada 58.80 2006 Census 63 Latvia 58.20 2000 census 64 Iran 58.00 NA 65 Malawi 57.20 1998 census 66 Afghanistan 50.00 NA 67 Pakistan 48.00 NA 68 Nepal 47.80 2001 est. 69 Belize 46.00 2000 census 70 India 41.00 2001 census 71 Belgium 40.00 NA 72 Guatemala 40.00 NA 73 Latvia 37.50 2000 census 74 Belarus 36.70 1999 census 75 Ghana 36.10 2000 census 76 Afghanistan 35.00 NA 77 Singapore 35.00 2000 census 78 Belize 32.90 2000 census 79 Ethiopia 32.70 1994 census 80 Equatorial Guinea 32.40 1994 census 81 Mozambique 32.00 1997 census 82 Namibia 32.00 NA 83 Ethiopia 31.60 1994 census 84 French Polynesia 31.40 2002 census 85 Wallis and Futuna 30.10 2003 census 86 Zambia 30.10 2000 Census 87 Estonia 29.70 2000 census 88 Mozambique 26.10 1997 census 89 Iran 26.00 NA 90 Macedonia 25.10 2002 census 91 Northern Mariana Islands 24.40 2000 census 92 Ukraine 24.00 NA 93 South Africa 23.80 2001 census 94 Northern Mariana Islands 23.40 2000 census 95 Vanuatu 23.10 1999 Census 96 Singapore 23.00 2000 census 97 Zambia 22.50 2000 Census 98 Northern Mariana Islands 22.40 2000 census 99 Montenegro 22.00 2003 census 100 Canada 21.60 2006 Census 101 Bolivia 21.20 2001 census 102 Switzerland 20.40 NA 103 Liberia 20.00 NA 104 Canada 19.60 2006 Census 105 Sri Lanka 18.00 NA 106 South Africa 17.60 2001 census 107 Spain 17.00 NA 108 Virgin Islands 16.80 2000 census 109 Ethiopia 14.80 1994 census 110 Ghana 14.80 2000 census 111 Bolivia 14.60 2001 census 112 Uzbekistan 14.20 NA 113 Singapore 14.10 2000 census 114 Kyrgyzstan 13.60 1999 census 115 Palau 13.50 2000 census 116 South Africa 13.30 2001 census 117 Peru 13.00 2007 Census 118 New Zealand 12.90 2006 Census 119 Sint Maarten 12.90 2001 census 120 Malawi 12.80 1998 census 121 Ghana 12.70 2000 census 122 Aruba 12.60 2000 census 123 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 1999 census 124 Mauritius 12.10 2000 census 125 Nepal 12.10 2001 est. 126 Pakistan 12.00 NA 127 Turkmenistan 12.00 NA 128 Singapore 11.40 2000 census 129 Mozambique 11.30 1997 census 130 Afghanistan 11.00 NA 131 Northern Mariana Islands 10.80 2000 census 132 Wallis and Futuna 10.80 2003 census 133 Slovakia 10.70 2001 census 134 Zambia 10.70 2000 Census 135 United States 10.70 NA 136 Zambia 10.60 2000 Census 137 Malawi 10.10 1998 census 138 Nepal 10.00 2001 est. 139 Pakistan 10.00 NA 140 Ghana 9.90 2000 census 141 Bulgaria 9.60 2001 census 142 Northern Mariana Islands 9.60 2000 census 143 Malawi 9.50 1998 census 144 Northern Mariana Islands 9.50 2000 census 145 Palau 9.40 2000 census 146 South Africa 9.40 2001 census 147 Georgia 9.00 NA 148 Ukraine 9.00 NA 149 Iran 9.00 NA 150 Turkmenistan 9.00 NA 151 Belize 8.90 2000 census 152 Mozambique 8.80 1997 census 153 Botswana 8.60 2001 census 154 Australia 8.20 2006 Census 155 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 156 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 157 Sint Maarten 8.20 2001 census 158 Kyrgyzstan 8.20 1999 census 159 India 8.10 2001 census 160 Curacao 8.00 2001 census 161 Lithuania 8.00 2001 census 162 Pakistan 8.00 NA 163 Pakistan 8.00 NA 164 Sri Lanka 8.00 NA 165 Pakistan 8.00 NA 166 Botswana 7.90 2001 census 167 South Africa 7.90 2001 census 168 Aruba 7.70 2000 census 169 Mozambique 7.60 1997 census 170 Nepal 7.40 2001 est. 171 India 7.20 2001 census 172 South Africa 7.20 2001 census 173 Uzbekistan 7.10 NA 174 Georgia 7.00 NA 175 India 7.00 2001 census 176 Spain 7.00 NA 177 Turkmenistan 7.00 NA 178 Namibia 7.00 NA 179 Georgia 7.00 NA 180 Mozambique 6.80 1997 census 181 Romania 6.70 NA 182 Virgin Islands 6.60 2000 census 183 Switzerland 6.50 NA 184 Hungary 6.40 2001 census 185 Ethiopia 6.10 1994 census 186 Ethiopia 6.00 1994 census 187 French Polynesia 6.00 2002 census 188 Malta 6.00 2005 census 189 Georgia 6.00 NA 190 India 5.90 2001 census 191 India 5.90 2001 census 192 Aruba 5.80 2000 census 193 Nepal 5.80 2001 est. 194 Mozambique 5.80 1997 census 195 Australia 5.70 2006 Census 196 Zambia 5.70 2000 Census 197 Singapore 5.70 2000 census 198 Palau 5.70 2000 census 199 Mexico 5.70 2005 200 Lithuania 5.60 2001 census 201 Finland 5.50 2007 202 Montenegro 5.50 2003 census 203 Aruba 5.30 2000 census 204 Austria 5.30 2001 census 205 Montenegro 5.30 2003 census 206 Nepal 5.10 2001 est. 207 India 5.00 2001 census 208 Seychelles 4.90 2002 census 209 Singapore 4.90 2000 census 210 Zambia 4.90 2000 Census 211 Ghana 4.60 2000 census 212 Jersey 4.60 2001 census 213 India 4.50 2001 census 214 Slovenia 4.50 2002 census 215 Hong Kong 4.40 2006 census 216 South Africa 4.40 2001 census 217 Lithuania 4.40 2001 census 218 Slovenia 4.40 2002 census 219 Uzbekistan 4.40 NA 220 Ghana 4.30 2000 census 221 Latvia 4.30 2000 census 222 Ghana 4.30 2000 census 223 Sint Maarten 4.20 2001 census 224 Bulgaria 4.10 2001 census 225 Serbia 4.10 NA 226 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 227 Macau 4.00 2001 census 228 Curacao 4.00 2001 census 229 Belize 3.90 2000 census 230 Curacao 3.90 2001 census 231 New Zealand 3.90 2006 Census 232 Serbia 3.80 NA 233 United States 3.80 NA 234 Ghana 3.70 2000 census 235 India 3.70 2001 census 236 Mauritius 3.70 2000 census 237 Montenegro 3.70 2003 census 238 Malawi 3.60 1998 census 239 Nepal 3.60 2001 est. 240 Ethiopia 3.50 1994 census 241 Sint Maarten 3.50 2001 census 242 Ethiopia 3.50 1994 census 243 Macedonia 3.50 2002 census 244 Belize 3.40 2000 census 245 Zambia 3.40 2000 Census 246 Mauritius 3.40 2000 census 247 Ghana 3.40 2000 census 248 Ghana 3.40 2000 census 249 Azerbaijan 3.30 1999 census 250 Finland 3.30 2007 251 Nepal 3.30 2001 est. 252 Belize 3.30 2000 census 253 Cayman Islands 3.20 1999 census 254 India 3.20 2001 census 255 Macau 3.20 2001 census 256 India 3.20 2001 census 257 Singapore 3.20 2000 census 258 Seychelles 3.10 2002 census 259 Malta 3.00 2005 census 260 Pakistan 3.00 NA 261 American Samoa 2.90 2000 census 262 Croatia 2.90 2001 census 263 Ghana 2.90 2000 census 264 Curacao 2.90 2001 census 265 Botswana 2.80 2001 census 266 Switzerland 2.80 NA 267 India 2.80 2001 census 268 Hong Kong 2.80 2006 census 269 Macau 2.70 2001 census 270 Malawi 2.70 1998 census 271 United States 2.70 NA 272 Slovakia 2.60 2001 census 273 Australia 2.50 2006 Census 274 Nepal 2.50 2001 est. 275 Zambia 2.50 2000 Census 276 American Samoa 2.40 2000 census 277 Nepal 2.40 2001 est. 278 Malawi 2.40 1998 census 279 Bolivia 2.40 2001 census 280 Austria 2.30 2001 census 281 Estonia 2.30 2000 census 282 Czech Republic 2.30 2001 census 283 Palau 2.30 2000 census 284 Aruba 2.20 2000 census 285 Zambia 2.20 2000 Census 286 Austria 2.20 2001 census 287 Poland 2.20 2002 census 288 Azerbaijan 2.20 1999 census 289 Sint Maarten 2.20 2001 census 290 American Samoa 2.10 2000 census 291 Botswana 2.10 2001 census 292 New Zealand 2.10 2006 Census 293 American Samoa 2.00 2000 census 294 Zambia 2.00 2000 Census 295 Zambia 2.00 2000 Census 296 Pakistan 2.00 NA 297 Iran 2.00 NA 298 Iran 2.00 NA 299 Czech Republic 2.00 2001 census 300 Macedonia 1.90 2002 census 301 Vanuatu 1.90 1999 Census 302 Virgin Islands 1.90 2000 census 303 Azerbaijan 1.80 1999 census 304 Marshall Islands 1.80 NA 305 Serbia 1.80 NA 306 Slovakia 1.80 2001 census 307 Singapore 1.80 2000 census 308 Bulgaria 1.80 2001 census 309 Cayman Islands 1.80 1999 census 310 Macedonia 1.80 2002 census 311 Ethiopia 1.70 1994 census 312 Peru 1.70 2007 Census 313 Malawi 1.70 1998 census 314 Zambia 1.70 2000 Census 315 Zambia 1.70 2000 Census 316 Nicaragua 1.70 NA 317 Australia 1.60 2006 Census 318 Macau 1.60 2001 census 319 Austria 1.60 2001 census 320 Azerbaijan 1.50 1999 census 321 Palau 1.50 2000 census 322 Palau 1.50 2000 census 323 Palau 1.50 2000 census 324 Macau 1.50 2001 census 325 Sint Maarten 1.50 2001 census 326 Switzerland 1.50 NA 327 Belize 1.40 2000 census 328 Vanuatu 1.40 1999 Census 329 Australia 1.30 2006 Census 330 India 1.30 2001 census 331 Switzerland 1.30 NA 332 Macau 1.30 2001 census 333 New Zealand 1.30 2006 Census 334 Mozambique 1.30 1997 census 335 Australia 1.20 2006 Census 336 Bolivia 1.20 2001 census 337 Switzerland 1.20 NA 338 Romania 1.20 NA 339 Macedonia 1.20 2002 census 340 India 1.20 2001 census 341 French Polynesia 1.20 2002 census 342 Hong Kong 1.10 2006 census 343 New Zealand 1.10 2006 Census 344 Switzerland 1.10 NA 345 Serbia 1.10 NA 346 Romania 1.10 NA 347 New Zealand 1.10 2006 Census 348 Armenia 1.00 2001 census 349 Australia 1.00 2006 Census 350 Iran 1.00 NA 351 Namibia 1.00 NA 352 Switzerland 1.00 NA 353 Slovakia 1.00 2001 census 354 Pakistan 1.00 NA 355 New Zealand 1.00 2006 Census 356 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 357 Iran 1.00 NA 358 Iran 1.00 NA 359 Greece 1.00 NA 360 Croatia 1.00 2001 census 361 Azerbaijan 1.00 1999 census 362 Armenia 0.90 2001 census 363 Hong Kong 0.90 2006 census 364 Singapore 0.90 2000 census 365 Serbia 0.90 NA 366 Jersey 0.90 2001 census 367 Czech Republic 0.80 2001 census 368 Mexico 0.80 2005 369 Nicaragua 0.80 NA 370 Malta 0.80 2005 census 371 Estonia 0.70 2000 census 372 Vanuatu 0.70 1999 Census 373 United States 0.70 NA 374 Peru 0.70 2007 Census 375 Belarus 0.50 1999 census 376 Switzerland 0.50 NA 377 Armenia 0.40 2001 census 378 Botswana 0.40 2001 census 379 French Polynesia 0.30 2002 census 380 Vanuatu 0.30 1999 Census 381 Mozambique 0.30 1997 census 382 Peru 0.30 2007 Census 383 Mauritius 0.30 2000 census 384 Belize 0.20 2000 census 385 Peru 0.20 2007 Census 386 Wallis and Futuna 0.20 2003 census 387 Seychelles 0.20 2002 census

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Rank code: 2100

Country Comparison :: Legal system

This entry provides the description of a country's legal system; it also includes information on acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another - is also addressed below. The following list describes these legal systems, the countries or world regions where these systems are enforced, and a brief statement on the origins and major features of each. Civil Law - The most widespread type of legal system in the world, applied in various forms in approximately 150 countries. Also referred to as European continental law, the civil law system is derived mainly from the Roman Corpus Juris Civilus, (Body of Civil Law), a collection of laws and legal interpretations compiled under the East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 528 and 565. The major feature of civil law systems is that the laws are organized into systematic written codes. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation - especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments - and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in some countries are based on more than one code. Common Law - A type of legal system, often synonymous with "English common law," which is the system of England and Wales in the UK, and is also in force in approximately 80 countries formerly part of or influenced by the former British Empire. English common law reflects Biblical influences as well as remnants of law systems imposed by early conquerors including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. Some legal scholars attribute the formation of the English common law system to King Henry II (r.1154-1189). Until the time of his reign, laws customary among England's various manorial and ecclesiastical (church) jurisdictions were administered locally. Henry II established the king's court and designated that laws were "common" to the entire English realm. The foundation of English common law is "legal precedent" - referred to as stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." In the English common law system, court judges are bound in their decisions in large part by the rules and other doctrines developed - and supplemented over time - by the judges of earlier English courts. Customary Law - A type of legal system that serves as the basis of, or has influenced, the present-day laws in approximately 40 countries - mostly in Africa, but some in the Pacific islands, Europe, and the Near East. Customary law is also referred to as "primitive law," "unwritten law," "indigenous law," and "folk law." There is no single history of customary law such as that found in Roman civil law, English common law, Islamic law, or the Napoleonic Civil Code. The earliest systems of law in human society were customary, and usually developed in small agrarian and hunter-gatherer communities. As the term implies, customary law is based upon the customs of a community. Common attributes of customary legal systems are that they are seldom written down, they embody an organized set of rules regulating social relations, and they are agreed upon by members of the community. Although such law systems include sanctions for law infractions, resolution tends to be reconciliatory rather than punitive. A number of African states practiced customary law many centuries prior to colonial influences. Following colonization, such laws were written down and incorporated to varying extents into the legal systems imposed by their colonial powers. European Union Law - A sub-discipline of international law known as "supranational law" in which the rights of sovereign nations are limited in relation to one another. Also referred to as the Law of the European Union or Community Law, it is the unique and complex legal system that operates in tandem with the laws of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Similar to federal states, the EU legal system ensures compliance from the member states because of the Union's decentralized political nature. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), established in 1952 by the Treaty of Paris, has been largely responsible for the development of EU law. Fundamental principles of European Union law include: subsidiarity - the notion that issues be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority; proportionality - the EU may only act to the extent needed to achieve its objectives; conferral - the EU is a union of member states, and all its authorities are voluntarily granted by its members; legal certainty - requires that legal rules be clear and precise; and precautionary principle - a moral and political principle stating that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. French Law - A type of civil law that is the legal system of France. The French system also serves as the basis for, or is mixed with, other legal systems in approximately 50 countries, notably in North Africa, the Near East, and the French territories and dependencies. French law is primarily codified or systematic written civil law. Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), France had no single national legal system. Laws in the northern areas of present-day France were mostly local customs based on privileges and exemptions granted by kings and feudal lords, while in the southern areas Roman law predominated. The introduction of the Napoleonic Civil Code during the reign of Napoleon I in the first decade of the 19th century brought major reforms to the French legal system, many of which remain part of France's current legal structure, though all have been extensively amended or redrafted to address a modern nation. French law distinguishes between "public law" and "private law." Public law relates to government, the French Constitution, public administration, and criminal law. Private law covers issues between private citizens or corporations. The most recent changes to the French legal system - introduced in the 1980s - were the decentralization laws, which transferred authority from centrally appointed government representatives to locally elected representatives of the people. International Law - The law of the international community, or the body of customary rules and treaty rules accepted as legally binding by states in their relations with each other. International law differs from other legal systems in that it primarily concerns sovereign political entities. There are three separate disciplines of international law: public international law, which governs the relationship between provinces and international entities and includes treaty law, law of the sea, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law; private international law, which addresses legal jurisdiction; and supranational law - a legal framework wherein countries are bound by regional agreements in which the laws of the member countries are held inapplicable when in conflict with supranational laws. At present the European Union is the only entity under a supranational legal system. The term "international law" was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 in his Principles of Morals and Legislation, though laws governing relations between states have been recognized from very early times (many centuries B.C.). Modern international law developed alongside the emergence and growth of the European nation-states beginning in the early 16th century. Other factors that influenced the development of international law included the revival of legal studies, the growth of international trade, and the practice of exchanging emissaries and establishing legations. The sources of International law are set out in Article 38-1 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice within the UN Charter. Islamic Law - The most widespread type of religious law, it is the legal system enforced in over 30 countries, particularly in the Near East, but also in Central and South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. In many countries Islamic law operates in tandem with a civil law system. Islamic law is embodied in the sharia, an Arabic word meaning "the right path." Sharia covers all aspects of public and private life and organizes them into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. The primary sources of sharia law are the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet and his works. In addition to these two primary sources, traditional Sunni Muslims recognize the consensus of Muhammad's companions and Islamic jurists on certain issues, called ijmas, and various forms of reasoning, including analogy by legal scholars, referred to as qiyas. Shia Muslims reject ijmas and qiyas as sources of sharia law. Mixed Law - Also referred to as pluralistic law, mixed law consists of elements of some or all of the other main types of legal systems - civil, common, customary, and religious. The mixed legal systems of a number of countries came about when colonial powers overlaid their own legal systems upon colonized regions but retained elements of the colonies' existing legal systems. Napoleonic Civil Code - A type of civil law, referred to as the Civil Code or Code Civil des Francais, forms part of the legal system of France, and underpins the legal systems of Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Poland, and the US state of Louisiana. The Civil Code was established under Napoleon I, enacted in 1804, and officially designated the Code Napoleon in 1807. This legal system combined the Teutonic civil law tradition of the northern provinces of France with the Roman law tradition of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The Civil Code bears similarities in its arrangement to the Roman Body of Civil Law (see Civil Law above). As enacted in 1804, the Code addressed personal status, property, and the acquisition of property. Codes added over the following six years included civil procedures, commercial law, criminal law and procedures, and a penal code. Religious Law - A legal system which stems from the sacred texts of religious traditions and in most cases professes to cover all aspects of life as a seamless part of devotional obligations to a transcendent, imminent, or deep philosophical reality. Implied as the basis of religious law is the concept of unalterability, because the word of God cannot be amended or legislated against by judges or governments. However, a detailed legal system generally requires human elaboration. The main types of religious law are sharia in Islam, halakha in Judaism, and canon law in some Christian groups. Sharia is the most widespread religious legal system (see Islamic Law), and is the sole system of law for countries including Iran, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia. No country is fully governed by halakha, but Jewish people may decide to settle disputes through Jewish courts and be bound by their rulings. Canon law is not a divine law as such because it is not found in revelation. It is viewed instead as human law inspired by the word of God and applying the demands of that revelation to the actual situation of the church. Canon law regulates the internal ordering of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Roman Law - A type of civil law developed in ancient Rome and practiced from the time of the city's founding (traditionally 753 B.C.) until the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century A.D. Roman law remained the legal system of the Byzantine (Eastern Empire) until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Preserved fragments of the first legal text, known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, dating from the 5th century B.C., contained specific provisions designed to change the prevailing customary law. Early Roman law was drawn from custom and statutes; later, during the time of the empire, emperors asserted their authority as the ultimate source of law. The basis for Roman laws was the idea that the exact form - not the intention - of words or of actions produced legal consequences. It was only in the late 6th century A.D. that a comprehensive Roman code of laws was published (see Civil Law above). Roman law served as the basis of law systems developed in a number of continental European countries. Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands. Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652. Spanish Law - A type of civil law, often referred to as the Spanish Civil Code, it is the present legal system of Spain and is the basis of legal systems in 12 countries mostly in Central and South America, but also in southwestern Europe, northern and western Africa, and southeastern Asia. The Spanish Civil Code reflects a complex mixture of customary, Roman, Napoleonic, local, and modern codified law. The laws of the Visigoth invaders of Spain in the 5th to 7th centuries had the earliest major influence on Spanish legal system development. The Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 11th through 15th centuries witnessed the development of customary law, which combined canon (religious) and Roman law. During several centuries of Hapsburg and Bourbon rule, systematic recompilations of the existing national legal system were attempted, but these often conflicted with local and regional customary civil laws. Legal system development for most of the 19th century concentrated on formulating a national civil law system, which was finally enacted in 1889 as the Spanish Civil Code. Several sections of the code have been revised, the most recent of which are the penal code in 1989 and the judiciary code in 2001. The Spanish Civil Code separates public and private law. Public law includes constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, process law, financial and tax law, and international public law. Private law includes civil law, commercial law, labor law, and international private law. United States Law - A type of common law, which is the basis of the legal system of the United States and that of its island possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This legal system has several layers, more possibly than in most other countries, and is due in part to the division between federal and state law. The United States was founded not as one nation but as a union of 13 colonies, each claiming independence from the British Crown. The US Constitution, implemented in 1789, began shifting power away from the states and toward the federal government, though the states today retain substantial legal authority. US law draws its authority from four sources: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and case law. Constitutional law is based on the US Constitution and serves as the supreme federal law. Taken together with those of the state constitutions, these documents outline the general structure of the federal and state governments and provide the rules and limits of power. US statutory law is legislation enacted by the US Congress and is codified in the United States Code. The 50 state legislatures have similar authority to enact state statutes. Administrative law is the authority delegated to federal and state executive agencies. Case law, also referred to as common law, covers areas where constitutional or statutory law is lacking. Case law is a collection of judicial decisions, customs, and general principles that began in England centuries ago, that were adopted in America at the time of the Revolution, and that continue to develop today.

Rank country Legal system Date of Information

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Rank code: 2101

Country Comparison :: Legislative branch

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

Rank country Legislative branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2102

Country Comparison :: Life expectancy at birth

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

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Monaco 89.78 2010 est. 2 Macau 84.38 2010 est. 3 San Marino 82.95 2010 est. 4 Andorra 82.36 2010 est. 5 Japan 82.17 2010 est. 6 Guernsey 82.08 2010 est. 7 Singapore 82.06 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong 81.96 2010 est. 9 Australia 81.72 2010 est. 10 Canada 81.29 2010 est. 11 Jersey 81.28 2010 est. 12 France 81.09 2010 est. 13 Spain 81.07 2010 est. 14 Sweden 80.97 2010 est. 15 Switzerland 80.97 2010 est. 16 Israel 80.86 2010 est. 17 Iceland 80.79 2010 est. 18 Anguilla 80.77 2010 est. 19 Bermuda 80.60 2010 est. 20 Cayman Islands 80.57 2010 est. 21 Isle of Man 80.53 2010 est. 22 New Zealand 80.48 2010 est. 23 Italy 80.33 2010 est. 24 Liechtenstein 80.19 2010 est. 25 Norway 80.08 2010 est. 26 Ireland 80.07 2010 est. 27 Jordan 79.92 2010 est. 28 United Kingdom 79.92 2010 est. 29 Greece 79.80 2010 est. 30 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 79.74 2010 est. 31 Austria 79.65 2010 est. 32 Malta 79.59 2010 est. 33 Faroe Islands 79.58 2010 est. 34 Netherlands 79.55 2010 est. 35 Luxembourg 79.48 2010 est. 36 Germany 79.41 2010 est. 37 Belgium 79.37 2010 est. 38 Virgin Islands 79.19 2010 est. 39 Finland 79.13 2010 est. 40 Wallis and Futuna 78.83 2010 est. 41 European Union 78.82 2010 est. 42 Korea, South 78.81 2010 est. 43 Puerto Rico 78.77 2010 est. 44 Bosnia and Herzegovina 78.66 2010 est. 45 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha78.60 2010 est. 46 Gibraltar 78.53 2010 est. 47 Denmark 78.47 2010 est. 48 Portugal 78.38 2010 est. 49 United States 78.24 2010 est. 50 Taiwan 78.15 2010 est. 51 Kuwait 77.89 2010 est. 52 Cyprus 77.66 2010 est. 53 Cuba 77.64 2010 est. 54 Panama 77.61 2010 est. 55 Costa Rica 77.54 2010 est. 56 Chile 77.53 2010 est. 57 Libya 77.47 2010 est. 58 British Virgin Islands 77.45 2010 est. 59 Albania 77.22 2010 est. 60 Dominican Republic 77.15 2010 est. 61 Slovenia 77.12 2010 est. 62 Czech Republic 77.01 2010 est. 63 Georgia 76.93 2010 est. 64 French Polynesia 76.91 2010 est. 65 Northern Mariana Islands 76.90 2010 est. 66 Argentina 76.76 2010 est. 67 Saint Lucia 76.65 2010 est. 68 New Caledonia 76.56 2010 est. 69 Uruguay 76.55 2010 est. 70 United Arab Emirates 76.32 2010 est. 71 Mexico 76.26 2010 est. 72 Paraguay 75.99 2010 est. 73 Tunisia 75.99 2010 est. 74 Brunei 75.96 2010 est. 75 Poland 75.85 2010 est. 76 Dominica 75.77 2010 est. 77 Morocco 75.69 2010 est. 78 Turks and Caicos Islands 75.64 2010 est. 79 Slovakia 75.62 2010 est. 80 Croatia 75.58 2010 est. 81 Ecuador 75.52 2010 est. 82 Aruba 75.51 2010 est. 83 Qatar 75.51 2010 est. 84 Bahrain 75.40 2010 est. 85 Sri Lanka 75.30 2010 est. 86 Antigua and Barbuda 75.26 2010 est. 87 Lithuania 75.12 2010 est. 88 Thailand 75.02 2010 est. 89 Macedonia 74.92 2010 est. 90 Lebanon 74.79 2010 est. 91 West Bank 74.78 2010 est. 92 Hungary 74.57 2010 est. 93 China 74.51 2010 est. 94 Cook Islands 74.47 2010 est. 95 Syria 74.46 2010 est. 96 Saint Kitts and Nevis 74.37 2010 est. 97 Colombia 74.31 2010 est. 98 Algeria 74.26 2010 est. 99 Mauritius 74.25 2010 est. 100 Maldives 74.21 2010 est. 101 Barbados 74.14 2010 est. 102 Serbia 74.09 2010 est. 103 Suriname 73.98 2010 est. 104 American Samoa 73.97 2010 est. 105 Oman 73.97 2010 est. 106 Solomon Islands 73.94 2010 est. 107 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 73.90 2010 est. 108 Saudi Arabia 73.87 2010 est. 109 Venezuela 73.77 2010 est. 110 Romania 73.74 2010 est. 111 Gaza Strip 73.68 2010 est. 112 Malaysia 73.55 2010 est. 113 Jamaica 73.48 2010 est. 114 Bulgaria 73.35 2010 est. 115 Seychelles 73.28 2010 est. 116 El Salvador 73.18 2010 est. 117 Estonia 73.08 2010 est. 118 Armenia 72.96 2010 est. 119 Montserrat 72.91 2010 est. 120 Grenada 72.79 2010 est. 121 Latvia 72.42 2010 est. 122 Egypt 72.40 2010 est. 123 Brazil 72.26 2010 est. 124 Uzbekistan 72.24 2010 est. 125 Turkey 72.23 2010 est. 126 Samoa 72.13 2010 est. 127 Vietnam 71.94 2010 est. 128 Nicaragua 71.78 2010 est. 129 Palau 71.51 2010 est. 130 Marshall Islands 71.48 2010 est. 131 Philippines 71.38 2010 est. 132 Micronesia, Federated States of 71.23 2010 est. 133 Moldova 71.09 2010 est. 134 Trinidad and Tobago 71.09 2010 est. 135 Indonesia 71.05 2010 est. 136 Fiji 71.03 2010 est. 137 Tonga 71.03 2010 est. 138 Peru 71.03 2010 est. 139 Belarus 70.92 2010 est. 140 Bahamas, The 70.84 2010 est. 141 Greenland 70.67 2010 est. 142 Guatemala 70.59 2010 est. 143 Honduras 70.51 2010 est. 144 Cape Verde 70.41 2010 est. 145 Iraq 70.25 2010 est. 146 Iran 69.77 2010 est. 147 Kyrgyzstan 69.74 2010 est. 148 Bangladesh 69.44 2010 est. 149 Ukraine 68.46 2010 est. 150 Belize 68.23 2010 est. 151 Turkmenistan 68.20 2010 est. 152 Kazakhstan 68.19 2010 est. 153 Mongolia 67.98 2010 est. 154 Timor-Leste 67.61 2010 est. 155 Bolivia 67.23 2010 est. 156 Azerbaijan 67.01 2010 est. 157 Guyana 66.74 2010 est. 158 Bhutan 66.71 2010 est. 159 India 66.46 2010 est. 160 Russia 66.16 2010 est. 161 World 66.12 2009 est. 162 Papua New Guinea 65.99 2010 est. 163 Nepal 65.81 2010 est. 164 Tajikistan 65.68 2010 est. 165 Pakistan 65.63 2010 est. 166 Nauru 64.99 2010 est. 167 Burma 64.52 2010 est. 168 Tuvalu 64.39 2010 est. 169 Vanuatu 64.33 2010 est. 170 Korea, North 64.13 2010 est. 171 Kiribati 64.03 2010 est. 172 Comoros 63.83 2010 est. 173 Yemen 63.36 2010 est. 174 Mayotte 63.28 2010 est. 175 Madagascar 63.26 2010 est. 176 Sao Tome and Principe 62.73 2010 est. 177 Cambodia 62.28 2010 est. 178 Togo 62.25 2010 est. 179 Haiti 62.17 2011 est. 180 Eritrea 62.15 2010 est. 181 Laos 62.00 2010 est. 182 Equatorial Guinea 61.98 2010 est. 183 Botswana 60.93 2010 est. 184 Mauritania 60.75 2010 est. 185 Western Sahara 60.74 2010 est. 186 Djibouti 60.73 2010 est. 187 Ghana 60.55 2010 est. 188 Benin 59.42 2010 est. 189 Senegal 59.38 2010 est. 190 Kenya 58.82 2010 est. 191 Burundi 58.29 2010 est. 192 Guinea 57.60 2010 est. 193 Rwanda 57.46 2010 est. 194 Liberia 56.58 2010 est. 195 Cote d'Ivoire 56.19 2010 est. 196 Ethiopia 55.80 2010 est. 197 Sierra Leone 55.69 2010 est. 198 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 54.73 2010 est. 199 Congo, Republic of the 54.54 2010 est. 200 Sudan 54.21 2010 est. 201 Gambia, The 54.07 2010 est. 202 Cameroon 54.04 2010 est. 203 Burkina Faso 53.32 2010 est. 204 Niger 52.99 2010 est. 205 Uganda 52.98 2010 est. 206 Gabon 52.75 2010 est. 207 Tanzania 52.49 2010 est. 208 Mali 52.17 2010 est. 209 Zambia 52.03 2010 est. 210 Namibia 51.95 2010 est. 211 Malawi 50.92 2010 est. 212 Lesotho 50.67 2010 est. 213 Somalia 50.00 2010 est. 214 Central African Republic 49.68 2010 est. 215 South Africa 49.20 2010 est. 216 Guinea-Bissau 48.30 2010 est. 217 Chad 47.99 2010 est. 218 Swaziland 47.97 2010 est. 219 Zimbabwe 47.55 2010 est. 220 Nigeria 47.24 2010 est. 221 Afghanistan 44.65 2010 est. 222 Mozambique 41.37 2010 est. 223 Angola 38.48 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2103

Country Comparison :: Literacy

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Andorra 100.00 NA 2 Finland 100.00 2000 est. 3 Georgia 100.00 2004 est. 4 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 NA 5 Luxembourg 100.00 2000 est. 6 Norway 100.00 NA 7 Liechtenstein 100.00 NA 8 Greenland 100.00 2001 est. 9 Cuba 99.80 2002 census 10 Estonia 99.80 2000 census 11 Poland 99.80 2003 est. 12 Barbados 99.70 2002 est. 13 Samoa 99.70 2003 est. 14 Slovenia 99.70 NA 15 Latvia 99.70 2000 census 16 Belarus 99.60 1999 census 17 Lithuania 99.60 2001 census 18 Slovakia 99.60 2004 19 Kazakhstan 99.50 1999 est. 20 Tajikistan 99.50 2000 census 21 Armenia 99.40 2001 census 22 Ukraine 99.40 2001 census 23 Hungary 99.40 2003 est. 24 Russia 99.40 2002 census 25 Uzbekistan 99.30 2003 est. 26 Moldova 99.10 2005 est. 27 Australia 99.00 2003 est. 28 Sweden 99.00 2003 est. 29 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 99.00 1982 est. 30 New Zealand 99.00 2003 est. 31 Netherlands 99.00 2003 est. 32 Monaco 99.00 2003 est. 33 Korea, North 99.00 NA 34 Japan 99.00 2002 35 Ireland 99.00 2003 est. 36 Iceland 99.00 2003 est. 37 United States 99.00 2003 est. 38 United Kingdom 99.00 2003 est. 39 Switzerland 99.00 2003 est. 40 Denmark 99.00 2003 est. 41 Belgium 99.00 2003 est. 42 Canada 99.00 2003 est. 43 Germany 99.00 2003 est. 44 France 99.00 2003 est. 45 Czech Republic 99.00 2003 est. 46 Tonga 98.90 1999 est. 47 Azerbaijan 98.80 1999 census 48 Turkmenistan 98.80 1999 est. 49 Albania 98.70 2001 census 50 Kyrgyzstan 98.70 1999 census 51 Trinidad and Tobago 98.60 2003 est. 52 Italy 98.40 2001 census 53 Bulgaria 98.20 2001 census 54 Croatia 98.10 2001 census 55 Austria 98.00 NA 56 Bermuda 98.00 2005 est. 57 Cayman Islands 98.00 1970 est. 58 French Polynesia 98.00 1977 est. 59 Uruguay 98.00 2003 est. 60 Turks and Caicos Islands 98.00 1970 est. 61 Korea, South 97.90 2002 62 Spain 97.90 2003 est. 63 British Virgin Islands 97.80 NA 64 Saint Kitts and Nevis 97.80 2003 est. 65 Mongolia 97.80 2000 census 66 Cyprus 97.60 2001 census 67 Aruba 97.30 2000 census 68 Romania 97.30 2002 census 69 Argentina 97.20 2001 census 70 Israel 97.10 2004 est. 71 American Samoa 97.00 1980 est. 72 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha97.00 1987 est. 73 Northern Mariana Islands 97.00 1980 est. 74 Montserrat 97.00 1970 est. 75 Bosnia and Herzegovina 96.70 2000 est. 76 Serbia 96.40 NA 77 New Caledonia 96.20 1996 census 78 Macedonia 96.10 2002 census 79 Taiwan 96.10 2003 80 Greece 96.00 2001 census 81 San Marino 96.00 NA 82 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 96.00 1970 est. 83 Grenada 96.00 2003 est. 84 Chile 95.70 2002 census 85 Bahamas, The 95.60 2003 est. 86 Anguilla 95.00 1984 est. 87 Cook Islands 95.00 NA 88 Niue 95.00 NA 89 Costa Rica 94.90 2000 census 90 Puerto Rico 94.10 2002 est. 91 Dominica 94.00 2003 est. 92 Paraguay 94.00 2003 est. 93 Maldives 93.80 2006 Census 94 Fiji 93.70 2003 est. 95 Marshall Islands 93.70 1999 96 Hong Kong 93.50 2002 97 Kuwait 93.30 2005 census 98 Portugal 93.30 2003 est. 99 Venezuela 93.00 2001 census 100 Peru 92.90 2007 Census 101 Malta 92.80 2005 Census 102 Brunei 92.70 2001 census 103 Philippines 92.60 2000 census 104 Thailand 92.60 2000 census 105 Singapore 92.50 2000 census 106 Gaza Strip 92.40 2004 est. 107 West Bank 92.40 2004 est. 108 Palau 92.00 1980 est. 109 Kosovo 91.90 2007 Census 110 Panama 91.90 2000 census 111 Guyana 91.80 2002 Census 112 Seychelles 91.80 2002 census 113 China 91.60 2007 114 Macau 91.30 2001 census 115 Ecuador 91.00 2001 census 116 Sri Lanka 90.70 2001 census 117 Zimbabwe 90.70 2003 est. 118 Colombia 90.40 2005 census 119 Indonesia 90.40 2004 est. 120 Vietnam 90.30 2002 est. 121 Saint Lucia 90.10 2001 est. 122 Burma 89.90 2006 est. 123 Jordan 89.90 2003 est. 124 Suriname 89.60 2004 census 125 Micronesia, Federated States of 89.00 1980 est. 126 Qatar 89.00 2004 census 127 Malaysia 88.70 2000 census 128 Brazil 88.60 2004 est. 129 Jamaica 87.90 2003 est. 130 Lebanon 87.40 2003 est. 131 Turkey 87.40 2004 est. 132 Dominican Republic 87.00 2002 census 133 Equatorial Guinea 87.00 2000 est. 134 Bolivia 86.70 2001 census 135 Bahrain 86.50 2001 census 136 South Africa 86.40 2003 est. 137 Mexico 86.10 2005 Census 138 Antigua and Barbuda 85.80 2003 est. 139 Kenya 85.10 2003 est. 140 Namibia 85.00 2001 census 141 Sao Tome and Principe 84.90 2001 census 142 Lesotho 84.80 2003 est. 143 Mauritius 84.40 2000 census 144 Congo, Republic of the 83.80 2003 est. 145 Libya 82.60 2003 est. 146 Swaziland 81.60 2003 est. 147 Oman 81.40 2003 census 148 Botswana 81.20 2003 est. 149 El Salvador 81.10 2007 census 150 Zambia 80.60 2003 est. 151 Gibraltar 80.00 NA 152 Honduras 80.00 2001 census 153 Syria 79.60 2004 census 154 Saudi Arabia 78.80 2003 est. 155 United Arab Emirates 77.90 2003 est. 156 Iran 77.00 2002 est. 157 Belize 76.90 2000 census 158 Cape Verde 76.60 2003 est. 159 Tunisia 74.30 2004 census 160 Iraq 74.10 2000 est. 161 Vanuatu 74.00 1999 census 162 Cambodia 73.60 2004 est. 163 Laos 73.00 2005 Census 164 Egypt 71.40 2005 est. 165 Rwanda 70.40 2003 est. 166 Algeria 69.90 2002 est. 167 Tanzania 69.40 2002 census 168 Guatemala 69.10 2002 census 169 Madagascar 68.90 2003 est. 170 Nigeria 68.00 2003 est. 171 Cameroon 67.90 2001 est. 172 Djibouti 67.90 2003 est. 173 Nicaragua 67.50 2003 est. 174 Angola 67.40 2001 est. 175 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 67.20 2001 est. 176 Uganda 66.80 2002 census 177 Gabon 63.20 1995 est. 178 Malawi 62.70 2003 est. 179 Sudan 61.10 2003 est. 180 India 61.00 2001 census 181 Togo 60.90 2003 est. 182 Burundi 59.30 2000 est. 183 Eritrea 58.60 2003 est. 184 Timor-Leste 58.60 2002 185 Ghana 57.90 2000 census 186 Liberia 57.50 NA 187 Papua New Guinea 57.30 2000 census 188 Comoros 56.50 2003 est. 189 Haiti 52.90 2003 est. 190 Morocco 52.30 2004 census 191 Mauritania 51.20 2000 census 192 Yemen 50.20 2003 est. 193 Wallis and Futuna 50.00 1969 est. 194 Pakistan 49.90 2005 est. 195 Cote d'Ivoire 48.70 2000 est. 196 Central African Republic 48.60 2000 est. 197 Nepal 48.60 2001 census 198 Bangladesh 47.90 2001 Census 199 Mozambique 47.80 2003 est. 200 Bhutan 47.00 2003 est. 201 Mali 46.40 2003 est. 202 Ethiopia 42.70 2003 est. 203 Guinea-Bissau 42.40 2003 est. 204 Gambia, The 40.10 2003 est. 205 Senegal 39.30 2002 est. 206 Somalia 37.80 2001 est. 207 Sierra Leone 35.10 2004 est. 208 Benin 34.70 2002 census 209 Guinea 29.50 2003 est. 210 Niger 28.70 2005 est. 211 Afghanistan 28.10 2000 est. 212 Chad 25.70 2000 est. 213 Burkina Faso 21.80 2003 est.

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Rank code: 2105

Country Comparison :: Manpower available for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.

Rank country Manpower available for military serviceDate of Information

1 China 381,747,145.00 2010 est. 2 China 360,385,629.00 2010 est. 3 India 313,905,989.00 2010 est. 4 India 291,755,100.00 2010 est. 5 United States 73,145,586.00 2010 est. 6 United States 71,880,788.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 65,166,986.00 2010 est. 8 Indonesia 62,715,534.00 2010 est. 9 Brazil 53,038,688.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 52,942,805.00 2010 est. 11 Pakistan 45,829,360.00 2010 est. 12 Pakistan 41,716,682.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 36,560,110.00 2010 est. 14 Nigeria 36,203,921.00 2010 est. 15 Russia 35,693,977.00 2010 est. 16 Russia 34,850,217.00 2010 est. 17 Nigeria 34,409,821.00 2010 est. 18 Mexico 30,048,077.00 2010 est. 19 Mexico 28,475,126.00 2010 est. 20 Japan 27,461,338.00 2010 est. 21 Japan 26,478,466.00 2010 est. 22 Vietnam 25,402,395.00 2010 est. 23 Philippines 25,079,262.00 2010 est. 24 Vietnam 24,834,928.00 2010 est. 25 Philippines 24,556,912.00 2010 est. 26 Turkey 20,832,658.00 2010 est. 27 Iran 20,763,890.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 20,619,887.00 2010 est. 29 Turkey 20,337,037.00 2010 est. 30 Iran 20,157,570.00 2010 est. 31 Egypt 19,785,004.00 2010 est. 32 Germany 19,195,804.00 2010 est. 33 Ethiopia 19,145,307.00 2010 est. 34 Ethiopia 18,485,269.00 2010 est. 35 Germany 18,159,851.00 2010 est. 36 Thailand 17,762,077.00 2010 est. 37 Thailand 17,650,648.00 2010 est. 38 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15,192,858.00 2010 est. 39 United Kingdom 14,732,445.00 2010 est. 40 France 14,591,656.00 2010 est. 41 Burma 14,558,921.00 2010 est. 42 Burma 14,539,703.00 2010 est. 43 France 14,285,551.00 2010 est. 44 United Kingdom 14,118,320.00 2010 est. 45 Italy 13,705,846.00 2010 est. 46 South Africa 13,508,255.00 2010 est. 47 Korea, South 13,274,442.00 2010 est. 48 Italy 12,929,946.00 2010 est. 49 Korea, South 12,542,699.00 2010 est. 50 South Africa 12,541,371.00 2010 est. 51 Colombia 11,609,122.00 2010 est. 52 Colombia 11,556,939.00 2010 est. 53 Ukraine 11,437,891.00 2010 est. 54 Ukraine 11,149,646.00 2010 est. 55 Sudan 10,264,087.00 2010 est. 56 Algeria 10,113,472.00 2010 est. 57 Algeria 9,959,693.00 2010 est. 58 Argentina 9,934,765.00 2010 est. 59 Sudan 9,894,457.00 2010 est. 60 Argentina 9,868,008.00 2010 est. 61 Spain 9,851,306.00 2010 est. 62 Tanzania 9,683,768.00 2010 est. 63 Poland 9,597,047.00 2010 est. 64 Spain 9,574,929.00 2010 est. 65 Kenya 9,525,556.00 2010 est. 66 Poland 9,364,939.00 2010 est. 67 Kenya 9,242,381.00 2010 est. 68 Saudi Arabia 8,752,167.00 2010 est. 69 Morocco 8,599,418.00 2010 est. 70 Morocco 8,167,760.00 2010 est. 71 Canada 8,051,656.00 2010 est. 72 Peru 7,920,056.00 2010 est. 73 Peru 7,795,130.00 2010 est. 74 Uzbekistan 7,783,901.00 2010 est. 75 Canada 7,780,644.00 2010 est. 76 Uzbekistan 7,776,645.00 2010 est. 77 Iraq 7,541,723.00 2010 est. 78 Nepal 7,388,240.00 2010 est. 79 Iraq 7,238,553.00 2010 est. 80 Venezuela 7,047,565.00 2010 est. 81 Uganda 6,972,134.00 2010 est. 82 Venezuela 6,891,648.00 2010 est. 83 Afghanistan 6,800,888.00 2010 est. 84 Uganda 6,752,005.00 2010 est. 85 Nepal 6,699,614.00 2010 est. 86 Malaysia 6,692,438.00 2010 est. 87 Saudi Arabia 6,680,315.00 2010 est. 88 Malaysia 6,494,413.00 2010 est. 89 Afghanistan 6,413,647.00 2010 est. 90 Taiwan 6,218,009.00 2010 est. 91 Korea, North 6,132,987.00 2010 est. 92 Ghana 6,126,707.00 2010 est. 93 Korea, North 6,119,405.00 2010 est. 94 Ghana 6,058,958.00 2010 est. 95 Taiwan 6,038,964.00 2010 est. 96 Syria 5,766,853.00 2010 est. 97 Sri Lanka 5,622,632.00 2010 est. 98 Romania 5,617,144.00 2010 est. 99 Syria 5,540,828.00 2010 est. 100 Sri Lanka 5,493,050.00 2010 est. 101 Romania 5,487,510.00 2010 est. 102 Yemen 5,458,642.00 2010 est. 103 Australia 5,275,667.00 2010 est. 104 Yemen 5,205,387.00 2010 est. 105 Cote d'Ivoire 5,094,762.00 2010 est. 106 Australia 5,082,543.00 2010 est. 107 Cote d'Ivoire 4,895,446.00 2010 est. 108 Mozambique 4,787,832.00 2010 est. 109 Madagascar 4,750,188.00 2010 est. 110 Madagascar 4,745,274.00 2010 est. 111 Cameroon 4,553,576.00 2010 est. 112 Cameroon 4,443,217.00 2010 est. 113 Chile 4,301,900.00 2010 est. 114 Chile 4,232,956.00 2010 est. 115 Kazakhstan 4,202,422.00 2010 est. 116 Kazakhstan 4,176,999.00 2010 est. 117 Cambodia 3,980,995.00 2010 est. 118 Cambodia 3,970,244.00 2010 est. 119 Netherlands 3,927,311.00 2010 est. 120 Netherlands 3,831,110.00 2010 est. 121 Ecuador 3,781,102.00 2010 est. 122 Ecuador 3,662,176.00 2010 est. 123 Burkina Faso 3,608,963.00 2010 est. 124 Malawi 3,402,724.00 2010 est. 125 Guatemala 3,266,655.00 2010 est. 126 Senegal 3,250,128.00 2010 est. 127 Senegal 3,211,279.00 2010 est. 128 Niger 3,202,237.00 2010 est. 129 Niger 3,151,521.00 2010 est. 130 Cuba 3,078,049.00 2010 est. 131 Tunisia 3,065,431.00 2010 est. 132 Guatemala 3,062,027.00 2010 est. 133 Cuba 3,004,713.00 2010 est. 134 Angola 2,991,424.00 2010 est. 135 Tunisia 2,974,060.00 2010 est. 136 Mali 2,894,776.00 2010 est. 137 Angola 2,893,898.00 2010 est. 138 Zambia 2,824,372.00 2010 est. 139 Mali 2,759,648.00 2010 est. 140 Zimbabwe 2,742,036.00 2010 est. 141 Zambia 2,685,883.00 2010 est. 142 United Arab Emirates 2,589,714.00 2010 est. 143 Rwanda 2,573,834.00 2010 est. 144 Portugal 2,572,007.00 2010 est. 145 Rwanda 2,553,707.00 2010 est. 146 Czech Republic 2,517,268.00 2010 est. 147 Dominican Republic 2,514,160.00 2010 est. 148 Greece 2,502,268.00 2010 est. 149 Greece 2,486,171.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 2,482,359.00 2010 est. 151 Portugal 2,474,719.00 2010 est. 152 Belarus 2,466,762.00 2010 est. 153 Belarus 2,435,318.00 2010 est. 154 Czech Republic 2,418,163.00 2010 est. 155 Bolivia 2,415,712.00 2010 est. 156 Dominican Republic 2,395,804.00 2010 est. 157 Hungary 2,380,381.00 2010 est. 158 Chad 2,377,898.00 2010 est. 159 Belgium 2,377,191.00 2010 est. 160 Zimbabwe 2,366,038.00 2010 est. 161 Azerbaijan 2,336,611.00 2010 est. 162 Azerbaijan 2,329,275.00 2010 est. 163 Hungary 2,319,142.00 2010 est. 164 Belgium 2,309,941.00 2010 est. 165 Guinea 2,292,338.00 2010 est. 166 Haiti 2,283,915.00 2010 est. 167 Guinea 2,264,589.00 2010 est. 168 Somalia 2,261,704.00 2010 est. 169 Haiti 2,250,220.00 2010 est. 170 Somalia 2,217,584.00 2010 est. 171 Burundi 2,118,918.00 2010 est. 172 Burundi 2,099,541.00 2010 est. 173 Sweden 2,065,782.00 2010 est. 174 Chad 2,025,929.00 2010 est. 175 Benin 2,023,449.00 2010 est. 176 Sweden 1,995,451.00 2010 est. 177 Tajikistan 1,990,084.00 2010 est. 178 Honduras 1,989,556.00 2010 est. 179 Tajikistan 1,980,012.00 2010 est. 180 Benin 1,971,788.00 2010 est. 181 Austria 1,960,781.00 2010 est. 182 Honduras 1,939,462.00 2010 est. 183 Austria 1,926,134.00 2010 est. 184 Hong Kong 1,899,296.00 2010 est. 185 Switzerland 1,839,382.00 2010 est. 186 Switzerland 1,797,317.00 2010 est. 187 Israel 1,771,661.00 2010 est. 188 Libya 1,746,512.00 2010 est. 189 Hong Kong 1,729,179.00 2010 est. 190 Israel 1,687,698.00 2010 est. 191 Libya 1,683,390.00 2010 est. 192 Bulgaria 1,660,930.00 2010 est. 193 Laos 1,654,235.00 2010 est. 194 Jordan 1,646,215.00 2010 est. 195 Bulgaria 1,646,170.00 2010 est. 196 Paraguay 1,640,761.00 2010 est. 197 Paraguay 1,637,460.00 2010 est. 198 Laos 1,633,725.00 2010 est. 199 Nicaragua 1,605,398.00 2010 est. 200 Nicaragua 1,594,270.00 2010 est. 201 El Salvador 1,590,778.00 2010 est. 202 Jordan 1,579,268.00 2010 est. 203 Papua New Guinea 1,532,378.00 2010 est. 204 Togo 1,463,189.00 2010 est. 205 Togo 1,462,206.00 2010 est. 206 Kyrgyzstan 1,455,806.00 2010 est. 207 Papua New Guinea 1,440,528.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 1,439,750.00 2010 est. 209 El Salvador 1,426,142.00 2010 est. 210 Slovakia 1,413,079.00 2010 est. 211 Slovakia 1,377,754.00 2010 est. 212 Turkmenistan 1,368,265.00 2010 est. 213 Turkmenistan 1,360,898.00 2010 est. 214 Eritrea 1,319,682.00 2010 est. 215 Eritrea 1,307,012.00 2010 est. 216 Singapore 1,266,426.00 2010 est. 217 Costa Rica 1,241,183.00 2010 est. 218 Denmark 1,235,947.00 2010 est. 219 Denmark 1,221,386.00 2010 est. 220 Costa Rica 1,217,037.00 2010 est. 221 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,194,832.00 2010 est. 222 Moldova 1,168,169.00 2010 est. 223 Finland 1,160,812.00 2010 est. 224 Sierra Leone 1,156,724.00 2010 est. 225 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,156,698.00 2010 est. 226 Moldova 1,150,585.00 2010 est. 227 Georgia 1,140,758.00 2010 est. 228 Kuwait 1,131,529.00 2010 est. 229 Central African Republic 1,121,548.00 2010 est. 230 Central African Republic 1,118,432.00 2010 est. 231 Lebanon 1,112,139.00 2010 est. 232 Finland 1,111,743.00 2010 est. 233 Georgia 1,094,390.00 2010 est. 234 Norway 1,078,562.00 2010 est. 235 Lebanon 1,075,503.00 2010 est. 236 Norway 1,049,529.00 2010 est. 237 Ireland 1,031,985.00 2010 est. 238 Ireland 1,030,606.00 2010 est. 239 Croatia 1,023,465.00 2010 est. 240 Croatia 1,021,904.00 2010 est. 241 New Zealand 1,017,575.00 2010 est. 242 New Zealand 1,003,087.00 2010 est. 243 Oman 964,200.00 2010 est. 244 United Arab Emirates 950,460.00 2010 est. 245 Albania 947,446.00 2010 est. 246 Albania 910,145.00 2010 est. 247 Lithuania 900,746.00 2010 est. 248 Congo, Republic of the 898,850.00 2010 est. 249 Lithuania 887,843.00 2010 est. 250 Mongolia 887,059.00 2010 est. 251 Congo, Republic of the 886,063.00 2010 est. 252 Mongolia 880,788.00 2010 est. 253 Panama 878,281.00 2010 est. 254 Armenia 862,679.00 2010 est. 255 Uruguay 849,358.00 2010 est. 256 Uruguay 832,774.00 2010 est. 257 Armenia 809,293.00 2010 est. 258 Liberia 808,017.00 2010 est. 259 Liberia 797,084.00 2010 est. 260 Mauritania 783,108.00 2010 est. 261 Jamaica 730,845.00 2010 est. 262 Oman 714,421.00 2010 est. 263 Jamaica 712,627.00 2010 est. 264 Mauritania 699,028.00 2010 est. 265 Kuwait 612,126.00 2010 est. 266 Latvia 554,943.00 2010 est. 267 Namibia 554,531.00 2010 est. 268 Latvia 550,700.00 2010 est. 269 Botswana 543,097.00 2010 est. 270 Macedonia 530,966.00 2010 est. 271 Botswana 520,896.00 2010 est. 272 Macedonia 511,534.00 2010 est. 273 Lesotho 505,707.00 2010 est. 274 Slovenia 483,488.00 2010 est. 275 Slovenia 470,325.00 2010 est. 276 Lesotho 469,509.00 2010 est. 277 Gambia, The 406,100.00 2010 est. 278 Gambia, The 402,073.00 2010 est. 279 Qatar 387,399.00 2010 est. 280 Gaza Strip 372,843.00 2010 est. 281 Guinea-Bissau 363,488.00 2010 est. 282 Guinea-Bissau 361,785.00 2010 est. 283 Trinidad and Tobago 347,044.00 2010 est. 284 Gabon 345,292.00 2010 est. 285 Gabon 344,147.00 2010 est. 286 Mauritius 343,279.00 2010 est. 287 Swaziland 336,436.00 2010 est. 288 Trinidad and Tobago 323,847.00 2010 est. 289 Cyprus 322,807.00 2010 est. 290 Estonia 308,229.00 2010 est. 291 Timor-Leste 299,008.00 2010 est. 292 Estonia 297,096.00 2010 est. 293 Timor-Leste 286,465.00 2010 est. 294 Cyprus 284,386.00 2010 est. 295 Fiji 248,020.00 2010 est. 296 Fiji 243,468.00 2010 est. 297 Djibouti 213,894.00 2010 est. 298 Bahrain 208,365.00 2010 est. 299 Bhutan 198,553.00 2010 est. 300 Guyana 189,456.00 2010 est. 301 Comoros 178,670.00 2010 est. 302 Comoros 177,811.00 2010 est. 303 Bhutan 176,226.00 2010 est. 304 Bahrain 174,375.00 2010 est. 305 Djibouti 165,000.00 2010 est. 306 Qatar 163,652.00 2010 est. 307 Maldives 158,307.00 2010 est. 308 Solomon Islands 150,987.00 2010 est. 309 Macau 150,712.00 2010 est. 310 Equatorial Guinea 146,241.00 2010 est. 311 Equatorial Guinea 146,138.00 2010 est. 312 Cape Verde 133,581.00 2010 est. 313 Suriname 133,487.00 2010 est. 314 Suriname 133,417.00 2010 est. 315 Cape Verde 128,858.00 2010 est. 316 Luxembourg 117,892.00 2010 est. 317 Luxembourg 116,517.00 2010 est. 318 Brunei 115,071.00 2010 est. 319 Brunei 111,166.00 2010 est. 320 Maldives 97,166.00 2010 est. 321 Malta 95,899.00 2010 est. 322 Malta 91,412.00 2010 est. 323 Bahamas, The 84,903.00 2010 est. 324 French Polynesia 81,794.00 2010 est. 325 Belize 79,088.00 2010 est. 326 Belize 77,147.00 2010 est. 327 Iceland 75,259.00 2010 est. 328 Barbados 74,450.00 2010 est. 329 Barbados 74,418.00 2010 est. 330 Vanuatu 61,178.00 2010 est. 331 New Caledonia 59,612.00 2010 est. 332 Samoa 47,423.00 2010 est. 333 Saint Lucia 41,177.00 2010 est. 334 Sao Tome and Principe 38,929.00 2010 est. 335 Sao Tome and Principe 38,211.00 2010 est. 336 Tonga 34,254.00 2010 est. 337 Tonga 32,974.00 2010 est. 338 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27,940.00 2010 est. 339 Grenada 27,453.00 2010 est. 340 Micronesia, Federated States of 26,687.00 2010 est. 341 Aruba 26,090.00 2010 est. 342 Seychelles 26,040.00 2010 est. 343 Aruba 24,779.00 2010 est. 344 Kiribati 24,734.00 2010 est. 345 Seychelles 23,961.00 2010 est. 346 Antigua and Barbuda 23,815.00 2010 est. 347 Andorra 22,776.00 2010 est. 348 Antigua and Barbuda 20,909.00 2010 est. 349 Dominica 18,975.00 2010 est. 350 Marshall Islands 16,138.00 2010 est. 351 Greenland 15,474.00 2010 est. 352 Bermuda 15,217.00 2010 est. 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13,510.00 2010 est. 354 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13,075.00 2010 est. 355 Cayman Islands 12,108.00 2010 est. 356 Faroe Islands 11,788.00 2010 est. 357 Liechtenstein 8,041.00 2010 est. 358 British Virgin Islands 7,230.00 2010 est. 359 Palau 6,955.00 2010 est. 360 Gibraltar 6,949.00 2010 est. 361 San Marino 6,893.00 2010 est. 362 Monaco 5,814.00 2010 est. 363 Nauru 3,682.00 2010 est. 364 Anguilla 3,611.00 2010 est. 365 Montserrat 1,339.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2106

Country Comparison :: Maritime claims

This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the mean low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states. contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea). exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof. exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g., the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles.

Rank country Maritime claims Date of Information

1 American Samoa 200.00 NA 2 Angola 200.00 NA 3 Anguilla 200.00 NA 4 Antigua and Barbuda 200.00 NA 5 Argentina 200.00 NA 6 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 200.00 NA 7 Australia 200.00 NA 8 Bangladesh 200.00 NA 9 Belize 200.00 NA 10 Burma 200.00 NA 11 Bulgaria 200.00 NA 12 Brunei 200.00 NA 13 British Virgin Islands 200.00 NA 14 British Indian Ocean Territory 200.00 NA 15 Brazil 200.00 NA 16 Brazil 200.00 NA 17 Bermuda 200.00 NA 18 Benin 200.00 NA 19 Colombia 200.00 NA 20 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 200.00 NA 21 Clipperton Island 200.00 NA 22 Christmas Island 200.00 NA 23 China 200.00 NA 24 China 200.00 NA 25 Chile 200.00 NA 26 Cayman Islands 200.00 NA 27 Cape Verde 200.00 NA 28 Canada 200.00 NA 29 Canada 200.00 NA 30 Cambodia 200.00 NA 31 Cambodia 200.00 NA 32 Burma 200.00 NA 33 Ecuador 200.00 NA 34 Dominican Republic 200.00 NA 35 Dominican Republic 200.00 NA 36 Dominica 200.00 NA 37 Djibouti 200.00 NA 38 Denmark 200.00 NA 39 Cuba 200.00 NA 40 Cote d'Ivoire 200.00 NA 41 Cote d'Ivoire 200.00 NA 42 Costa Rica 200.00 NA 43 Costa Rica 200.00 NA 44 Coral Sea Islands 200.00 NA 45 Cook Islands 200.00 NA 46 Cook Islands 200.00 NA 47 Congo, Republic of the 200.00 NA 48 Comoros 200.00 NA 49 Guyana 200.00 NA 50 Guyana 200.00 NA 51 Guinea-Bissau 200.00 NA 52 Guinea 200.00 NA 53 Guatemala 200.00 NA 54 Grenada 200.00 NA 55 Greenland 200.00 NA 56 Greenland 200.00 NA 57 Ghana 200.00 NA 58 Korea, North 200.00 NA 59 Kiribati 200.00 NA 60 Kenya 200.00 NA 61 Kenya 200.00 NA 62 Japan 200.00 NA 63 Jan Mayen 200.00 NA 64 Jamaica 200.00 NA 65 Jamaica 200.00 NA 66 Ireland 200.00 NA 67 Montserrat 200.00 NA 68 Micronesia, Federated States of 200.00 NA 69 Mexico 200.00 NA 70 Mexico 200.00 NA 71 Mayotte 200.00 NA 72 Mauritius 200.00 NA 73 Mauritius 200.00 NA 74 Mauritania 200.00 NA 75 Mauritania 200.00 NA 76 Pakistan 200.00 NA 77 Oman 200.00 NA 78 Norway 200.00 NA 79 Norway 200.00 NA 80 Northern Mariana Islands 200.00 NA 81 Norfolk Island 200.00 NA 82 Niue 200.00 NA 83 Nigeria 200.00 NA 84 New Zealand 200.00 NA 85 Taiwan 200.00 NA 86 Yemen 200.00 NA 87 Yemen 200.00 NA 88 Wallis and Futuna 200.00 NA 89 Wake Island 200.00 NA 90 Virgin Islands 200.00 NA 91 Vietnam 200.00 NA 92 Vietnam 200.00 NA 93 Venezuela 200.00 NA 94 Vanuatu 200.00 NA 95 Vanuatu 200.00 NA 96 Uruguay 200.00 NA 97 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges200.00 NA 98 United States 200.00 NA 99 United Kingdom 200.00 NA 100 United Arab Emirates 200.00 NA 101 United Arab Emirates 200.00 NA 102 Ukraine 200.00 NA 103 Tuvalu 200.00 NA 104 Turks and Caicos Islands 200.00 NA 105 Trinidad and Tobago 200.00 NA 106 Trinidad and Tobago 200.00 NA 107 Tonga 200.00 NA 108 Tokelau 200.00 NA 109 Togo 200.00 NA 110 Timor-Leste 200.00 NA 111 Thailand 200.00 NA 112 Tanzania 200.00 NA 113 Svalbard 200.00 NA 114 Suriname 200.00 NA 115 Sri Lanka 200.00 NA 116 Sri Lanka 200.00 NA 117 Spain 200.00 NA 118 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands200.00 NA 119 South Africa 200.00 NA 120 South Africa 200.00 NA 121 Somalia 200.00 NA 122 Solomon Islands 200.00 NA 123 Solomon Islands 200.00 NA 124 Sierra Leone 200.00 NA 125 Sierra Leone 200.00 NA 126 Seychelles 200.00 NA 127 Seychelles 200.00 NA 128 Senegal 200.00 NA 129 Senegal 200.00 NA 130 Sao Tome and Principe 200.00 NA 131 Samoa 200.00 NA 132 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 200.00 NA 133 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 200.00 NA 134 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 200.00 NA 135 Saint Lucia 200.00 NA 136 Saint Lucia 200.00 NA 137 Saint Kitts and Nevis 200.00 NA 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 200.00 NA 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha200.00 NA 140 Russia 200.00 NA 141 Romania 200.00 NA 142 Puerto Rico 200.00 NA 143 Portugal 200.00 NA 144 Pitcairn Islands 200.00 NA 145 Philippines 200.00 NA 146 Peru 200.00 NA 147 Peru 200.00 NA 148 Papua New Guinea 200.00 NA 149 Panama 200.00 NA 150 Palau 200.00 NA 151 Pakistan 200.00 NA 152 New Zealand 200.00 NA 153 New Caledonia 200.00 NA 154 Netherlands 200.00 NA 155 Navassa Island 200.00 NA 156 Nauru 200.00 NA 157 Namibia 200.00 NA 158 Mozambique 200.00 NA 159 Morocco 200.00 NA 160 Marshall Islands 200.00 NA 161 Maldives 200.00 NA 162 Malaysia 200.00 NA 163 Madagascar 200.00 NA 164 Madagascar 200.00 NA 165 Liberia 200.00 NA 166 Latvia 200.00 NA 167 Korea, South 200.00 NA 168 Indonesia 200.00 NA 169 India 200.00 NA 170 India 200.00 NA 171 Iceland 200.00 NA 172 Iceland 200.00 NA 173 Honduras 200.00 NA 174 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 200.00 NA 175 Haiti 200.00 NA 176 Ghana 200.00 NA 177 Germany 200.00 NA 178 Georgia 200.00 NA 179 Gambia, The 200.00 NA 180 Gabon 200.00 NA 181 French Southern and Antarctic Lands200.00 NA 182 French Polynesia 200.00 NA 183 France 200.00 NA 184 Fiji 200.00 NA 185 Faroe Islands 200.00 NA 186 Faroe Islands 200.00 NA 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 200.00 NA 188 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 200.00 NA 189 Equatorial Guinea 200.00 NA 190 El Salvador 200.00 NA 191 Egypt 200.00 NA 192 Barbados 200.00 NA 193 Bahamas, The 200.00 NA 194 Australia 200.00 NA 195 Argentina 200.00 NA 196 Antigua and Barbuda 200.00 NA 197 Libya 62.00 NA 198 Togo 30.00 NA 199 Malta 25.00 NA 200 Angola 24.00 NA 201 Argentina 24.00 NA 202 Antigua and Barbuda 24.00 NA 203 Cape Verde 24.00 NA 204 Canada 24.00 NA 205 Cameroon 24.00 NA 206 Cambodia 24.00 NA 207 Burma 24.00 NA 208 Bulgaria 24.00 NA 209 Brazil 24.00 NA 210 Belgium 24.00 NA 211 Bahrain 24.00 NA 212 Yemen 24.00 NA 213 Vietnam 24.00 NA 214 Vanuatu 24.00 NA 215 Uruguay 24.00 NA 216 United States 24.00 NA 217 United Arab Emirates 24.00 NA 218 Tuvalu 24.00 NA 219 Tunisia 24.00 NA 220 Trinidad and Tobago 24.00 NA 221 Timor-Leste 24.00 NA 222 Syria 24.00 NA 223 Sri Lanka 24.00 NA 224 Spain 24.00 NA 225 South Africa 24.00 NA 226 Sierra Leone 24.00 NA 227 Seychelles 24.00 NA 228 Senegal 24.00 NA 229 Samoa 24.00 NA 230 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 24.00 NA 231 Saint Lucia 24.00 NA 232 Saint Kitts and Nevis 24.00 NA 233 Russia 24.00 NA 234 Romania 24.00 NA 235 Qatar 24.00 NA 236 Portugal 24.00 NA 237 Panama 24.00 NA 238 Pakistan 24.00 NA 239 Oman 24.00 NA 240 Nicaragua 24.00 NA 241 New Zealand 24.00 NA 242 Netherlands 24.00 NA 243 Nauru 24.00 NA 244 Namibia 24.00 NA 245 Morocco 24.00 NA 246 Mexico 24.00 NA 247 Mauritania 24.00 NA 248 Marshall Islands 24.00 NA 249 Malta 24.00 NA 250 Maldives 24.00 NA 251 Madagascar 24.00 NA 252 Korea, South 24.00 NA 253 Japan 24.00 NA 254 Jamaica 24.00 NA 255 Iran 24.00 NA 256 India 24.00 NA 257 Honduras 24.00 NA 258 Haiti 24.00 NA 259 Egypt 24.00 NA 260 Dominican Republic 24.00 NA 261 Dominica 24.00 NA 262 Djibouti 24.00 NA 263 Denmark 24.00 NA 264 Cyprus 24.00 NA 265 Cuba 24.00 NA 266 China 24.00 NA 267 Chile 24.00 NA 268 Ghana 24.00 NA 269 Gabon 24.00 NA 270 France 24.00 NA 271 Finland 24.00 NA 272 El Salvador 24.00 NA 273 Australia 24.00 NA 274 Bangladesh 18.00 NA 275 Sudan 18.00 NA 276 Saudi Arabia 18.00 NA 277 Gambia, The 18.00 NA 278 Venezuela 15.00 NA 279 Albania 12.00 NA 280 Antigua and Barbuda 12.00 NA 281 Algeria 12.00 NA 282 Angola 12.00 NA 283 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 12.00 NA 284 Bahamas, The 12.00 NA 285 Comoros 12.00 NA 286 Colombia 12.00 NA 287 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 12.00 NA 288 Clipperton Island 12.00 NA 289 Christmas Island 12.00 NA 290 Christmas Island 12.00 NA 291 Burma 12.00 NA 292 Bulgaria 12.00 NA 293 Brunei 12.00 NA 294 Cook Islands 12.00 NA 295 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 12.00 NA 296 Brazil 12.00 NA 297 Bermuda 12.00 NA 298 Belize 12.00 NA 299 Belgium 12.00 NA 300 Barbados 12.00 NA 301 Bangladesh 12.00 NA 302 Bahrain 12.00 NA 303 Australia 12.00 NA 304 Haiti 12.00 NA 305 Guyana 12.00 NA 306 Guinea-Bissau 12.00 NA 307 Guinea 12.00 NA 308 Guernsey 12.00 NA 309 Guatemala 12.00 NA 310 Grenada 12.00 NA 311 Greece 12.00 NA 312 Finland 12.00 NA 313 Jamaica 12.00 NA 314 Italy 12.00 NA 315 Israel 12.00 NA 316 Isle of Man 12.00 NA 317 Isle of Man 12.00 NA 318 Ireland 12.00 NA 319 Iraq 12.00 NA 320 Iran 12.00 NA 321 Indonesia 12.00 NA 322 India 12.00 NA 323 Iceland 12.00 NA 324 Honduras 12.00 NA 325 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 12.00 NA 326 Taiwan 12.00 NA 327 Yemen 12.00 NA 328 Wallis and Futuna 12.00 NA 329 Wake Island 12.00 NA 330 Virgin Islands 12.00 NA 331 Vietnam 12.00 NA 332 Venezuela 12.00 NA 333 Vanuatu 12.00 NA 334 Uruguay 12.00 NA 335 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges12.00 NA 336 United States 12.00 NA 337 United Kingdom 12.00 NA 338 United Arab Emirates 12.00 NA 339 Ukraine 12.00 NA 340 Tuvalu 12.00 NA 341 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 NA 342 Turkey 12.00 NA 343 Tunisia 12.00 NA 344 Tunisia 12.00 NA 345 Trinidad and Tobago 12.00 NA 346 Tonga 12.00 NA 347 Tokelau 12.00 NA 348 Timor-Leste 12.00 NA 349 Thailand 12.00 NA 350 Tanzania 12.00 NA 351 Syria 12.00 NA 352 Sweden 12.00 NA 353 Suriname 12.00 NA 354 Sudan 12.00 NA 355 Sri Lanka 12.00 NA 356 Spain 12.00 NA 357 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands12.00 NA 358 South Africa 12.00 NA 359 Solomon Islands 12.00 NA 360 Slovenia 12.00 NA 361 Sierra Leone 12.00 NA 362 Seychelles 12.00 NA 363 Senegal 12.00 NA 364 Saudi Arabia 12.00 NA 365 Sao Tome and Principe 12.00 NA 366 Samoa 12.00 NA 367 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 NA 368 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 12.00 NA 369 Saint Lucia 12.00 NA 370 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 NA 371 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha12.00 NA 372 Russia 12.00 NA 373 Romania 12.00 NA 374 Qatar 12.00 NA 375 Puerto Rico 12.00 NA 376 Portugal 12.00 NA 377 Poland 12.00 NA 378 Papua New Guinea 12.00 NA 379 Panama 12.00 NA 380 Pakistan 12.00 NA 381 Oman 12.00 NA 382 Norway 12.00 NA 383 Northern Mariana Islands 12.00 NA 384 Norfolk Island 12.00 NA 385 Niue 12.00 NA 386 Nigeria 12.00 NA 387 Nicaragua 12.00 NA 388 New Zealand 12.00 NA 389 New Caledonia 12.00 NA 390 Netherlands 12.00 NA 391 Navassa Island 12.00 NA 392 Morocco 12.00 NA 393 Montenegro 12.00 NA 394 Monaco 12.00 NA 395 Monaco 12.00 NA 396 Micronesia, Federated States of 12.00 NA 397 Mexico 12.00 NA 398 Mayotte 12.00 NA 399 Mauritius 12.00 NA 400 Mauritania 12.00 NA 401 Nauru 12.00 NA 402 Namibia 12.00 NA 403 Mozambique 12.00 NA 404 Marshall Islands 12.00 NA 405 Malta 12.00 NA 406 Maldives 12.00 NA 407 Malaysia 12.00 NA 408 Madagascar 12.00 NA 409 Lithuania 12.00 NA 410 Libya 12.00 NA 411 Lebanon 12.00 NA 412 Latvia 12.00 NA 413 Kuwait 12.00 NA 414 Korea, South 12.00 NA 415 Korea, North 12.00 NA 416 Kiribati 12.00 NA 417 Kenya 12.00 NA 418 Jersey 12.00 NA 419 Japan 12.00 NA 420 Finland 12.00 NA 421 Fiji 12.00 NA 422 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 12.00 NA 423 Estonia 12.00 NA 424 Eritrea 12.00 NA 425 Equatorial Guinea 12.00 NA 426 El Salvador 12.00 NA 427 Egypt 12.00 NA 428 Ghana 12.00 NA 429 Germany 12.00 NA 430 Georgia 12.00 NA 431 Gambia, The 12.00 NA 432 Gabon 12.00 NA 433 French Southern and Antarctic Lands12.00 NA 434 French Polynesia 12.00 NA 435 France 12.00 NA 436 Dominica 12.00 NA 437 Djibouti 12.00 NA 438 Denmark 12.00 NA 439 Cyprus 12.00 NA 440 Cuba 12.00 NA 441 Croatia 12.00 NA 442 Cote d'Ivoire 12.00 NA 443 Costa Rica 12.00 NA 444 China 12.00 NA 445 Chile 12.00 NA 446 Cayman Islands 12.00 NA 447 Cape Verde 12.00 NA 448 Canada 12.00 NA 449 Cameroon 12.00 NA 450 Cambodia 12.00 NA 451 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 12.00 NA 452 Aruba 12.00 NA 453 Argentina 12.00 NA 454 American Samoa 12.00 NA 455 Jan Mayen 10.00 NA 456 Norway 10.00 NA 457 Dominican Republic 6.00 NA 458 Turkey 6.00 NA 459 Bouvet Island 4.00 NA 460 Jan Mayen 4.00 NA 461 Svalbard 4.00 NA 462 Anguilla 3.00 NA 463 Guernsey 3.00 NA 464 Singapore 3.00 NA 465 Pitcairn Islands 3.00 NA 466 Palau 3.00 NA 467 Montserrat 3.00 NA 468 Jordan 3.00 NA 469 Jersey 3.00 NA 470 Hong Kong 3.00 NA 471 Greenland 3.00 NA 472 British Virgin Islands 3.00 NA 473 Coral Sea Islands 3.00 NA 474 Gibraltar 3.00 NA 475 Faroe Islands 3.00 NA 476 British Indian Ocean Territory 3.00 NA

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Rank code: 2107

Country Comparison :: International organization participation

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

Rank country International organization participationDate of Information

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Rank code: 2108

Country Comparison :: Merchant marine

Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries. Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc., that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line. GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton; there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT. Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers, combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers, petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers. Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong to owners in another. Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one country but fly the flag of another.

Rank country Merchant marine Date of Information

1 Panama 6,379 2010 2 Liberia 2,512 2010 3 China 2,010 2010 4 Malta 1,571 2010 5 Hong Kong 1,429 2010 6 Singapore 1,422 2010 7 Marshall Islands 1,381 2010 8 Indonesia 1,244 2010 9 Antigua and Barbuda 1,219 2010 10 Bahamas, The 1,170 2010 11 Russia 1,097 2010 12 Greece 886 2010 13 Cyprus 839 2010 14 Korea, South 819 2010 15 Netherlands 706 2010 16 Japan 673 2010 17 Italy 667 2010 18 Turkey 645 2010 19 Norway 632 2010 20 Cambodia 620 2010 21 Vietnam 537 2010 22 United Kingdom 527 2010 23 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 444 2010 24 Philippines 428 2010 25 Germany 421 2010 26 United States 418 2010 27 Thailand 382 2010 28 Denmark 347 2010 29 India 324 2010 30 Malaysia 321 2010 31 Isle of Man 292 2010 32 Gibraltar 265 2010 33 Belize 231 2010 34 Georgia 193 2010 35 Sierra Leone 189 2010 36 Canada 184 2010 37 Comoros 177 2010 38 France 167 2010 39 Sweden 163 2010 40 Saint Kitts and Nevis 160 2010 41 Ukraine 160 2010 42 Korea, North 158 2010 43 Bermuda 139 2010 44 Spain 138 2010 45 Brazil 126 2010 46 Cayman Islands 113 2010 47 Portugal 111 2010 48 Moldova 107 2010 49 Honduras 104 2010 50 Taiwan 101 2010 51 Nigeria 98 2010 52 Barbados 95 2010 53 Finland 93 2010 54 Azerbaijan 92 2010 55 Belgium 81 2010 56 Croatia 75 2010 57 Iran 74 2010 58 Saudi Arabia 74 2010 59 Tanzania 72 2010 60 Vanuatu 72 2010 61 Kiribati 71 2010 62 Monaco 68 2010 63 Egypt 66 2010 64 Tuvalu 66 2010 65 Mexico 60 2010 66 Venezuela 59 2010 67 Mongolia 58 2010 68 United Arab Emirates 57 2010 69 Togo 53 2010 70 Bangladesh 50 2010 71 Chile 48 2010 72 Luxembourg 47 2010 73 Australia 45 2010 74 Argentina 43 2010 75 Lithuania 42 2010 76 Ecuador 41 2010 77 Syria 41 2010 78 Dominica 40 2010 79 Bulgaria 37 2010 80 Algeria 35 2010 81 Switzerland 35 2010 82 Cook Islands 34 2010 83 Kuwait 30 2010 84 Morocco 30 2010 85 Lebanon 29 2010 86 Qatar 29 2010 87 Ireland 28 2010 88 Papua New Guinea 28 2010 89 Libya 27 2010 90 Burma 26 2010 91 Faroe Islands 26 2010 92 Albania 25 2010 93 Slovenia 25 2010 94 Estonia 24 2010 95 Maldives 24 2010 96 Paraguay 23 2010 97 Slovakia 23 2010 98 Bolivia 22 2010 99 Sri Lanka 22 2010 100 Jamaica 19 2010 101 Uruguay 18 2010 102 Romania 15 2010 103 New Zealand 14 2010 104 Cape Verde 13 2010 105 Colombia 13 2010 106 Peru 13 2010 107 Latvia 13 2010 108 Jordan 13 2010 109 French Polynesia 13 2010 110 Jersey 11 2010 111 Tunisia 11 2010 112 Fiji 10 2010 113 Israel 10 2010 114 Pakistan 10 2010 115 Tonga 10 2010 116 Poland 10 2010 117 Brunei 9 2010 118 Ethiopia 9 2010 119 Turkmenistan 9 2010 120 Seychelles 9 2010 121 Guyana 8 2010 122 Wallis and Futuna 8 2008 123 Kazakhstan 8 2010 124 Madagascar 8 2010 125 Angola 7 2010 126 Bahrain 7 2010 127 Trinidad and Tobago 6 2010 128 Yemen 6 2010 129 Cuba 5 2010 130 Gambia, The 5 2010 131 Equatorial Guinea 4 2010 132 Eritrea 4 2010 133 South Africa 4 2010 134 Oman 4 2010 135 Ghana 4 2010 136 Mauritius 3 2010 137 Sao Tome and Principe 3 2010 138 Puerto Rico 3 2008 139 New Caledonia 3 2010 140 Micronesia, Federated States of 3 2010 141 Austria 2 2010 142 Sudan 2 2010 143 Samoa 2 2010 144 Montenegro 2 2010 145 Mozambique 2 2010 146 Iceland 2 2010 147 Iraq 2 2010 148 Gabon 2 2010 149 British Virgin Islands 1 2008 150 Kenya 1 2010 151 Turks and Caicos Islands 1 2008 152 Timor-Leste 1 2010 153 Suriname 1 2008 154 Somalia 1 2008 155 Senegal 1 2010 156 Namibia 1 2010 157 Laos 1 2008 158 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1 2010 159 Greenland 1 2010 160 Costa Rica 1 2010 161 Dominican Republic 1 2008 162 Czech Republic 1 2010 163 Congo, Republic of the 1 2010

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Rank code: 2109

Country Comparison :: National holiday

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

Rank country National holiday Date of Information

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Rank code: 2110

Country Comparison :: Nationality

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

Rank country Nationality Date of Information

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Rank code: 2111

Country Comparison :: Natural resources

This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance, such as rare earth elements (REEs).

Rank country Natural resources Date of Information

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Rank code: 2112

Country Comparison :: Net migration rate

This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. The net migration rate does not distinguish between economic migrants, refugees, and other types of migrants nor does it distinguish between lawful migrants and undocumented migrants.

Rank country (migrant(s)/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 21.71 2010 est. 2 Cayman Islands 16.09 2010 est. 3 Kuwait 15.65 2010 est. 4 Sint Maarten 14.24 2008 5 Anguilla 13.54 2010 est. 6 Zimbabwe 12.87 2009 est. 7 Cyprus 11.68 2010 est. 8 San Marino 9.63 2010 est. 9 Aruba 9.56 2010 est. 10 Turks and Caicos Islands 8.63 2010 est. 11 Luxembourg 8.34 2010 est. 12 Isle of Man 8.01 2010 est. 13 British Virgin Islands 7.74 2010 est. 14 Australia 6.13 2010 est. 15 Canada 5.64 2010 est. 16 Jersey 5.36 2010 est. 17 Botswana 4.91 2010 est. 18 Singapore 4.79 2010 est. 19 Liechtenstein 4.63 2010 est. 20 Djibouti 4.60 NA 21 New Caledonia 4.31 2009 est. 22 United States 4.25 2010 est. 23 Afghanistan 4.24 2010 est. 24 Hong Kong 4.22 2010 est. 25 Burundi 4.06 2010 est. 26 Macau 3.52 2010 est. 27 Portugal 3.06 2010 est. 28 Guernsey 2.76 2010 est. 29 Spain 2.73 2010 est. 30 French Polynesia 2.69 2010 est. 31 Brunei 2.64 2010 est. 32 United Kingdom 2.61 2010 est. 33 Denmark 2.47 2010 est. 34 Netherlands 2.38 2010 est. 35 Antigua and Barbuda 2.35 2010 est. 36 Greece 2.33 2010 est. 37 New Zealand 2.30 2010 est. 38 Israel 2.22 2010 est. 39 Germany 2.19 2010 est. 40 Bermuda 2.15 2010 est. 41 Italy 2.07 2010 est. 42 Malta 2.02 2010 est. 43 Austria 1.83 2010 est. 44 Norway 1.70 2010 est. 45 Sweden 1.65 2010 est. 46 Croatia 1.59 2010 est. 47 France 1.47 2010 est. 48 Hungary 1.40 2010 est. 49 Switzerland 1.31 2010 est. 50 Curacao 1.27 2008 51 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.26 2010 est. 52 Belgium 1.22 2010 est. 53 Costa Rica 1.11 2010 est. 54 Rwanda 1.11 2010 est. 55 Angola 1.05 2010 est. 56 Seychelles 1.04 2010 est. 57 Czech Republic 0.97 2010 est. 58 Palau 0.86 2010 est. 59 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.77 2010 est. 60 Finland 0.62 2010 est. 61 Liberia 0.56 2010 est. 62 Iceland 0.54 2010 est. 63 Turkey 0.53 2010 est. 64 Slovenia 0.40 2010 est. 65 Belarus 0.38 2010 est. 66 Slovakia 0.29 2010 est. 67 Russia 0.28 2010 est. 68 Namibia 0.25 2010 est. 69 Sudan 0.05 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 0.03 2010 est. 71 Andorra 0.00 2010 est. 72 Bahrain 0.00 2010 est. 73 Eritrea 0.00 NA 74 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 NA 75 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 NA 76 Comoros 0.00 NA 77 Chile 0.00 NA 78 Central African Republic 0.00 NA 79 Cameroon 0.00 NA 80 Burkina Faso 0.00 NA 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2010 est. 82 Iraq 0.00 NA 83 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2010 est. 84 Guinea 0.00 2010 est. 85 Gaza Strip 0.00 2010 est. 86 Gambia, The 0.00 2010 est. 87 Faroe Islands 0.00 2010 est. 88 Bhutan 0.00 NA 89 Benin 0.00 2010 est. 90 Belize 0.00 NA 91 Malawi 0.00 NA 92 Madagascar 0.00 NA 93 Libya 0.00 NA 94 Korea, South 0.00 2010 est. 95 Kenya 0.00 2010 est. 96 Japan 0.00 NA 97 Ireland 0.00 2010 est. 98 Bahamas, The 0.00 2010 est. 99 Yemen 0.00 NA 100 West Bank 0.00 2010 est. 101 Venezuela 0.00 2010 est. 102 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 103 Tonga 0.00 NA 104 Togo 0.00 NA 105 Timor-Leste 0.00 NA 106 Thailand 0.00 NA 107 Swaziland 0.00 NA 108 Suriname 0.00 2010 est. 109 Somalia 0.00 2010 est. 110 Serbia 0.00 2010 est. 111 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 112 Papua New Guinea 0.00 NA 113 Niger 0.00 2010 est. 114 Mozambique 0.00 NA 115 Montserrat 0.00 NA 116 Mongolia 0.00 NA 117 Mayotte 0.00 2010 est. 118 Argentina 0.00 2010 est. 119 Ethiopia -0.02 2010 est. 120 Uganda -0.02 2010 est. 121 Mauritius -0.03 2010 est. 122 Iran -0.04 2010 est. 123 India -0.05 2010 est. 124 Paraguay -0.08 2010 est. 125 Brazil -0.09 2010 est. 126 Korea, North -0.09 2010 est. 127 Nigeria -0.10 2010 est. 128 Ukraine -0.10 2010 est. 129 Uruguay -0.14 2010 est. 130 Egypt -0.21 2010 est. 131 Romania -0.27 2010 est. 132 Algeria -0.28 2010 est. 133 Barbados -0.30 2010 est. 134 Burma -0.31 NA 135 China -0.34 2010 est. 136 Cambodia -0.35 NA 137 Vietnam -0.37 2010 est. 138 Tunisia -0.38 2010 est. 139 Malaysia -0.40 2009 est. 140 Panama -0.46 2010 est. 141 Poland -0.47 2010 est. 142 Macedonia -0.48 2010 est. 143 Oman -0.48 2010 est. 144 Ghana -0.61 2010 est. 145 Saudi Arabia -0.61 2010 est. 146 Zambia -0.62 2010 est. 147 Ecuador -0.66 2010 est. 148 Cape Verde -0.67 2010 est. 149 Colombia -0.68 2010 est. 150 Lithuania -0.72 2010 est. 151 Tanzania -0.81 2010 est. 152 Monaco -0.85 2010 est. 153 Puerto Rico -0.91 2010 est. 154 Peru -0.93 2010 est. 155 Mauritania -0.94 2010 est. 156 Bolivia -1.01 2010 est. 157 Sri Lanka -1.05 2010 est. 158 Nicaragua -1.09 2010 est. 159 Moldova -1.13 2010 est. 160 Laos -1.18 NA 161 Congo, Republic of the -1.20 2010 est. 162 Syria -1.20 NA 163 Indonesia -1.23 2010 est. 164 Tajikistan -1.26 2010 est. 165 Honduras -1.27 2010 est. 166 Philippines -1.31 2010 est. 167 Nepal -1.35 2010 est. 168 Azerbaijan -1.42 2010 est. 169 Cuba -1.56 2010 est. 170 Solomon Islands -1.94 2009 est. 171 Turkmenistan -1.95 2010 est. 172 Senegal -1.99 2010 est. 173 Dominican Republic -2.04 2010 est. 174 Bangladesh -2.12 2010 est. 175 Guatemala -2.17 2010 est. 176 Gabon -2.24 2010 est. 177 Latvia -2.32 2010 est. 178 Pakistan -2.36 2010 est. 179 Lebanon -2.43 NA 180 Kyrgyzstan -2.58 2010 est. 181 Bulgaria -2.80 2010 est. 182 Jordan -2.81 2010 est. 183 Uzbekistan -2.84 2010 est. 184 Kiribati -2.87 NA 185 South Africa -3.13 2010 est. 186 Kazakhstan -3.28 2010 est. 187 Estonia -3.29 2010 est. 188 Gibraltar -3.32 2010 est. 189 Albania -3.35 2010 est. 190 Mexico -3.38 2010 est. 191 Grenada -3.67 2010 est. 192 Morocco -3.88 2010 est. 193 Saint Lucia -3.93 2010 est. 194 Chad -3.95 2010 est. 195 Armenia -4.16 2010 est. 196 Georgia -4.16 2010 est. 197 Qatar -4.41 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone -4.66 2010 est. 199 Virgin Islands -5.27 2010 est. 200 Marshall Islands -5.30 2010 est. 201 Mali -5.38 2010 est. 202 Dominica -5.44 2010 est. 203 Jamaica -5.52 2010 est. 204 Wallis and Futuna -5.87 2010 est. 205 Greenland -5.99 2010 est. 206 American Samoa -6.83 2010 est. 207 Tuvalu -7.07 NA 208 Trinidad and Tobago -7.11 2010 est. 209 Fiji -7.37 2010 est. 210 Haiti -8.32 2011 est. 211 Lesotho -8.68 2010 est. 212 El Salvador -9.13 2010 est. 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon -9.25 2010 est. 214 Sao Tome and Principe -9.52 2010 est. 215 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -11.36 2010 est. 216 Samoa -11.52 2010 est. 217 Maldives -12.60 2010 est. 218 Guyana -15.83 2010 est. 219 Nauru -16.08 NA 220 Micronesia, Federated States of -21.01 2010 est. 221 Northern Mariana Islands -73.56 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2113

Country Comparison :: Geography - note

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

Rank country Geography - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2115

Country Comparison :: Political pressure groups and leaders

This entry includes a listing of a country's political, social, labor, or religious organizations that are involved in politics, or that exert political pressure, but whose leaders do not stand for legislative election. International movements or organizations are generally not listed.

Rank country Political pressure groups and leadersDate of Information

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Rank code: 2116

Country Comparison :: Economy - overview

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

Rank country Economy - overview Date of Information

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Rank code: 2117

Country Comparison :: Pipelines

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

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 548,665.00 2009 2 United States 244,620.00 2009 3 Russia 159,552.00 2009 4 Canada 74,980.00 2009 5 Russia 74,285.00 2009 6 Ukraine 33,327.00 2009 7 China 32,545.00 2009 8 Argentina 28,248.00 2009 9 Australia 27,105.00 2009 10 Germany 24,364.00 2009 11 Canada 23,564.00 2009 12 Mexico 22,705.00 2009 13 China 20,097.00 2009 14 Iran 19,246.00 2009 15 Italy 17,558.00 2009 16 France 14,688.00 2009 17 Algeria 14,648.00 2009 18 Russia 13,658.00 2009 19 Poland 13,631.00 2009 20 Kazakhstan 11,146.00 2009 21 China 10,915.00 2009 22 Turkey 10,630.00 2009 23 Pakistan 10,402.00 2009 24 Kazakhstan 10,376.00 2009 25 Brazil 9,989.00 2009 26 Uzbekistan 9,706.00 2009 27 Mexico 8,688.00 2009 28 United Kingdom 7,992.00 2009 29 Iran 7,936.00 2009 30 Spain 7,738.00 2009 31 India 7,659.00 2009 32 Algeria 7,579.00 2009 33 India 7,542.00 2009 34 India 7,201.00 2009 35 Iran 7,018.00 2009 36 Czech Republic 7,010.00 2009 37 Libya 6,987.00 2009 38 Slovakia 6,769.00 2009 39 Venezuela 6,695.00 2009 40 Mexico 6,520.00 2009 41 Turkmenistan 6,417.00 2009 42 Egypt 6,262.00 2009 43 Colombia 6,097.00 2009 44 Argentina 5,977.00 2009 45 Indonesia 5,800.00 2009 46 Indonesia 5,721.00 2009 47 Venezuela 5,258.00 2009 48 Belarus 5,250.00 2009 49 Bolivia 5,192.00 2009 50 France 5,080.00 2009 51 Iraq 5,032.00 2009 52 Colombia 4,567.00 2009 53 Brazil 4,517.00 2009 54 Ukraine 4,514.00 2009 55 Brazil 4,465.00 2009 56 United Kingdom 4,417.00 2009 57 Hungary 4,407.00 2009 58 Egypt 4,319.00 2009 59 Saudi Arabia 4,241.00 2009 60 Ukraine 4,211.00 2009 61 Oman 4,209.00 2009 62 Nigeria 4,090.00 2009 63 Sudan 4,070.00 2009 64 Japan 3,879.00 2009 65 Germany 3,843.00 2009 66 Netherlands 3,816.00 2009 67 Argentina 3,636.00 2009 68 Turkey 3,636.00 2009 69 Romania 3,588.00 2009 70 Oman 3,558.00 2009 71 Spain 3,445.00 2009 72 Nigeria 3,424.00 2009 73 Colombia 3,382.00 2009 74 Germany 3,379.00 2009 75 Azerbaijan 3,361.00 2009 76 Australia 3,258.00 2009 77 Syria 3,101.00 2009 78 France 2,943.00 2009 79 Algeria 2,933.00 2009 80 Bulgaria 2,926.00 2009 81 Libya 2,860.00 2009 82 Denmark 2,858.00 2009 83 Austria 2,721.00 2009 84 Chile 2,673.00 2009 85 Bangladesh 2,597.00 2009 86 Nigeria 2,565.00 2009 87 Iraq 2,501.00 2009 88 Bolivia 2,488.00 2009 89 Romania 2,424.00 2009 90 Armenia 2,233.00 2009 91 Burma 2,228.00 2009 92 Tunisia 2,179.00 2009 93 India 2,163.00 2009 94 United Arab Emirates 2,152.00 2009 95 Pakistan 2,011.00 2009 96 Syria 1,997.00 2009 97 Malaysia 1,965.00 2009 98 Algeria 1,937.00 2009 99 Serbia 1,921.00 2009 100 Moldova 1,906.00 2009 101 Saudi Arabia 1,880.00 2009 102 Mexico 1,875.00 2009 103 New Zealand 1,838.00 2009 104 Belarus 1,730.00 2009 105 Lithuania 1,695.00 2009 106 Switzerland 1,662.00 2009 107 Iraq 1,637.00 2009 108 Sudan 1,613.00 2009 109 Georgia 1,596.00 2009 110 Bolivia 1,590.00 2009 111 Ireland 1,550.00 2009 112 Belarus 1,528.00 2009 113 Venezuela 1,484.00 2009 114 Turkmenistan 1,457.00 2009 115 Azerbaijan 1,424.00 2009 116 Korea, South 1,423.00 2009 117 Poland 1,384.00 2009 118 South Africa 1,379.00 2009 119 Ecuador 1,374.00 2009 120 Indonesia 1,370.00 2009 121 Yemen 1,367.00 2009 122 Thailand 1,348.00 2009 123 Belgium 1,330.00 2009 124 Croatia 1,327.00 2009 125 United Arab Emirates 1,310.00 2009 126 Ecuador 1,301.00 2009 127 Tunisia 1,285.00 2009 128 Georgia 1,258.00 2009 129 Italy 1,241.00 2009 130 Greece 1,197.00 2009 131 Saudi Arabia 1,183.00 2009 132 Saudi Arabia 1,148.00 2009 133 Portugal 1,098.00 2009 134 Kazakhstan 1,095.00 2009 135 Peru 1,083.00 2009 136 Peru 1,018.00 2009 137 Hungary 987.00 2009 138 Qatar 980.00 2009 139 South Africa 980.00 2009 140 Venezuela 980.00 2009 141 Egypt 956.00 2009 142 Latvia 948.00 2009 143 Kenya 928.00 2009 144 Iraq 918.00 2009 145 Mozambique 918.00 2009 146 South Africa 908.00 2009 147 Egypt 895.00 2009 148 Chile 892.00 2009 149 Cameroon 889.00 2009 150 Tanzania 888.00 2009 151 Uzbekistan 868.00 2009 152 Estonia 859.00 2009 153 Gabon 858.00 2009 154 Slovenia 840.00 2009 155 Morocco 830.00 2009 156 Korea, South 827.00 2009 157 Costa Rica 796.00 2009 158 Pakistan 787.00 2009 159 Sweden 786.00 2009 160 Poland 777.00 2009 161 Libya 776.00 2009 162 Zambia 771.00 2009 163 Chile 769.00 2009 164 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 756.00 2009 165 Indonesia 735.00 2009 166 Netherlands 716.00 2009 167 United Kingdom 699.00 2009 168 Finland 694.00 2009 169 Peru 677.00 2009 170 Austria 663.00 2009 171 Trinidad and Tobago 659.00 2009 172 Kazakhstan 658.00 2009 173 Croatia 583.00 2009 174 Iran 570.00 2009 175 Spain 560.00 2009 176 Burma 558.00 2009 177 Tajikistan 549.00 2009 178 Czech Republic 547.00 2009 179 Kuwait 540.00 2009 180 Laos 540.00 2009 181 Belgium 535.00 2009 182 Peru 533.00 2009 183 Chile 519.00 2009 184 Guatemala 480.00 2009 185 Afghanistan 466.00 2009 186 United Arab Emirates 458.00 2009 187 Israel 442.00 2009 188 Jordan 439.00 2009 189 Morocco 439.00 2009 190 Ecuador 435.00 2009 191 Yemen 423.00 2009 192 Slovakia 416.00 2009 193 Latvia 415.00 2009 194 Taiwan 405.00 2009 195 Qatar 382.00 2009 196 Tunisia 372.00 2009 197 Netherlands 365.00 2009 198 Brazil 353.00 2009 199 Albania 339.00 2009 200 Bulgaria 339.00 2009 201 Trinidad and Tobago 336.00 2009 202 Hungary 335.00 2009 203 New Zealand 331.00 2009 204 Serbia 323.00 2009 205 Thailand 323.00 2009 206 Egypt 320.00 2009 207 Ghana 309.00 2009 208 New Zealand 288.00 2009 209 Mozambique 278.00 2009 210 Zimbabwe 270.00 2009 211 Kuwait 269.00 2009 212 Macedonia 268.00 2009 213 Oman 263.00 2009 214 Israel 261.00 2009 215 Kyrgyzstan 254.00 2009 216 Tanzania 254.00 2009 217 Chad 250.00 2009 218 Australia 240.00 2009 219 Gabon 240.00 2009 220 Cuba 230.00 2009 221 Mexico 228.00 2009 222 Uruguay 226.00 2009 223 United Arab Emirates 220.00 2009 224 Saudi Arabia 212.00 2009 225 United Arab Emirates 212.00 2009 226 Congo, Republic of the 211.00 2009 227 Albania 207.00 2009 228 Vietnam 206.00 2009 229 New Zealand 198.00 2009 230 Papua New Guinea 195.00 2009 231 Portugal 188.00 2009 232 Cote d'Ivoire 180.00 2009 233 Israel 176.00 2009 234 New Zealand 172.00 2009 235 Japan 167.00 2009 236 Belgium 158.00 2009 237 Austria 157.00 2009 238 Bulgaria 156.00 2009 239 Sudan 156.00 2009 240 Luxembourg 155.00 2009 241 Uruguay 155.00 2009 242 Korea, North 154.00 2009 243 Qatar 145.00 2009 244 Venezuela 141.00 2009 245 Qatar 132.00 2009 246 Russia 127.00 2009 247 Russia 122.00 2009 248 Macedonia 120.00 2009 249 Lithuania 114.00 2009 250 Malaysia 114.00 2009 251 Philippines 112.00 2009 252 Denmark 107.00 2009 253 Philippines 107.00 2009 254 Singapore 106.00 2009 255 Nigeria 97.00 2009 256 Czech Republic 94.00 2009 257 Switzerland 94.00 2009 258 Cote d'Ivoire 92.00 2009 259 Qatar 90.00 2009 260 Angola 87.00 2009 261 Cote d'Ivoire 86.00 2009 262 Greece 75.00 2009 263 Indonesia 73.00 2009 264 Vietnam 66.00 2009 265 Norway 64.00 2009 266 Brazil 62.00 2009 267 Egypt 59.00 2009 268 United Kingdom 59.00 2009 269 Kuwait 57.00 2009 270 Nicaragua 54.00 2009 271 Japan 53.00 2009 272 Bolivia 51.00 2009 273 Suriname 50.00 2009 274 Jordan 49.00 2009 275 Lebanon 43.00 2009 276 United Kingdom 43.00 2009 277 Senegal 43.00 2009 278 Vietnam 42.00 2009 279 Argentina 41.00 2009 280 Cuba 41.00 2009 281 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 39.00 2009 282 Equatorial Guinea 38.00 2009 283 Tajikistan 38.00 2009 284 Brunei 37.00 2009 285 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.00 2009 286 Bahrain 32.00 2009 287 Malaysia 31.00 2009 288 Norway 31.00 2009 289 Nigeria 26.00 2009 290 Yemen 22.00 2009 291 Bahrain 20.00 2009 292 Liechtenstein 20.00 2009 293 Brunei 18.00 2009 294 Kyrgyzstan 16.00 2009 295 Peru 15.00 2009 296 Egypt 13.00 2009 297 Indonesia 12.00 2009 298 Iran 12.00 2009 299 Portugal 11.00 2009 300 Slovenia 11.00 2009 301 South Africa 11.00 2009 302 Senegal 8.00 2009 303 Tanzania 8.00 2009 304 Congo, Republic of the 7.00 2009 305 Iran 7.00 2009 306 Switzerland 7.00 2009 307 Ecuador 5.00 2009 308 Ghana 5.00 2009 309 Kenya 4.00 2009 310 Egypt 3.00 2009 311 Malaysia 3.00 2009 312 Angola 2.00 2009 313 India 2.00 2009 314 Australia 1.00 2009 315 Azerbaijan 1.00 2009

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Rank code: 2118

Country Comparison :: Political parties and leaders

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

Rank country Political parties and leaders Date of Information

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Rank code: 2119

Country Comparison :: Population

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

Rank country Population Date of Information

1 China 1,330,141,295 July 2010 est. 2 India 1,173,108,018 July 2010 est. 3 United States 310,232,863 July 2010 est. 4 Indonesia 242,968,342 July 2010 est. 5 Brazil 201,103,330 July 2010 est. 6 Pakistan 184,404,791 July 2010 est. 7 Bangladesh 156,118,464 July 2010 est. 8 Nigeria 152,217,341 July 2010 est. 9 Russia 139,390,205 July 2010 est. 10 Japan 126,804,433 July 2010 est. 11 Mexico 112,468,855 July 2010 est. 12 Philippines 99,900,177 July 2010 est. 13 Vietnam 89,571,130 July 2010 est. 14 Ethiopia 88,013,491 July 2010 est. 15 Germany 82,282,988 July 2010 est. 16 Egypt 80,471,869 July 2010 est. 17 Turkey 77,804,122 July 2010 est. 18 Iran 76,923,300 July 2010 est. 19 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 70,916,439 July 2010 est. 20 Thailand 67,089,500 July 2010 est. 21 France 64,768,389 July 2010 est. 22 United Kingdom 62,348,447 July 2010 est. 23 Italy 58,090,681 July 2010 est. 24 Burma 53,414,374 July 2010 est. 25 South Africa 49,109,107 July 2010 est. 26 Korea, South 48,636,068 July 2010 est. 27 Spain 46,505,963 July 2010 est. 28 Ukraine 45,415,596 July 2010 est. 29 Colombia 44,205,293 July 2010 est. 30 Sudan 43,939,598 July 2010 est. 31 Tanzania 41,892,895 July 2010 est. 32 Argentina 41,343,201 July 2010 est. 33 Kenya 40,046,566 July 2010 est. 34 Poland 38,463,689 July 2010 est. 35 Algeria 34,586,184 July 2010 est. 36 Canada 33,759,742 July 2010 est. 37 Uganda 33,398,682 July 2010 est. 38 Morocco 31,627,428 July 2010 est. 39 Peru 29,907,003 July 2010 est. 40 Iraq 29,671,605 July 2010 est. 41 Afghanistan 29,121,286 July 2010 est. 42 Nepal 28,951,852 July 2010 est. 43 Malaysia 28,274,729 July 2010 est. 44 Uzbekistan 27,865,738 July 2010 est. 45 Venezuela 27,223,228 July 2010 est. 46 Saudi Arabia 25,731,776 July 2010 est. 47 Ghana 24,339,838 July 2010 est. 48 Yemen 23,495,361 July 2010 est. 49 Taiwan 23,024,956 July 2010 est. 50 Korea, North 22,757,275 July 2010 est. 51 Syria 22,198,110 NA 52 Mozambique 22,061,451 July 2010 est. 53 Romania 21,959,278 July 2010 est. 54 Australia 21,515,754 July 2010 est. 55 Sri Lanka 21,513,990 July 2010 est. 56 Madagascar 21,281,844 July 2010 est. 57 Cote d'Ivoire 21,058,798 July 2010 est. 58 Cameroon 19,294,149 July 2010 est. 59 Netherlands 16,783,092 July 2010 est. 60 Chile 16,746,491 July 2010 est. 61 Burkina Faso 16,241,811 July 2010 est. 62 Niger 15,878,271 July 2010 est. 63 Kazakhstan 15,460,484 July 2010 est. 64 Malawi 15,447,500 July 2010 est. 65 Ecuador 14,790,608 July 2010 est. 66 Cambodia 14,453,680 July 2010 est. 67 Mali 13,796,354 July 2010 est. 68 Guatemala 13,550,440 July 2010 est. 69 Zambia 13,460,305 July 2010 est. 70 Angola 13,068,161 July 2010 est. 71 Senegal 12,323,252 July 2010 est. 72 Zimbabwe 11,651,858 July 2010 est. 73 Cuba 11,477,459 July 2010 est. 74 Rwanda 11,055,976 July 2010 est. 75 Greece 10,749,943 July 2010 est. 76 Portugal 10,735,765 July 2010 est. 77 Tunisia 10,589,025 July 2010 est. 78 Chad 10,543,464 July 2010 est. 79 Belgium 10,423,493 July 2010 est. 80 Guinea 10,324,025 July 2010 est. 81 Czech Republic 10,201,707 July 2010 est. 82 Somalia 10,112,453 July 2010 est. 83 Hungary 9,992,339 July 2010 est. 84 Bolivia 9,947,418 July 2010 est. 85 Burundi 9,863,117 July 2010 est. 86 Dominican Republic 9,823,821 July 2010 est. 87 Haiti 9,719,932 2011 est. 88 Belarus 9,612,632 July 2010 est. 89 Sweden 9,074,055 July 2010 est. 90 Benin 9,056,010 July 2010 est. 91 Azerbaijan 8,303,512 July 2010 est. 92 Austria 8,214,160 July 2010 est. 93 Honduras 7,989,415 July 2010 est. 94 Switzerland 7,623,438 July 2010 est. 95 Tajikistan 7,487,489 July 2010 est. 96 Israel 7,353,985 NA 97 Serbia 7,344,847 July 2010 est. 98 Bulgaria 7,148,785 July 2010 est. 99 Hong Kong 7,089,705 July 2010 est. 100 Togo 6,587,239 July 2010 est. 101 Libya 6,461,454 July 2010 est. 102 Jordan 6,407,085 July 2010 est. 103 Paraguay 6,375,830 July 2010 est. 104 Laos 6,368,162 July 2010 est. 105 Papua New Guinea 6,064,515 July 2010 est. 106 El Salvador 6,052,064 July 2010 est. 107 Nicaragua 5,995,928 July 2010 est. 108 Eritrea 5,792,984 July 2010 est. 109 Denmark 5,515,575 July 2010 est. 110 Kyrgyzstan 5,508,626 July 2010 est. 111 Slovakia 5,470,306 July 2010 est. 112 Finland 5,255,068 July 2010 est. 113 Sierra Leone 5,245,695 July 2010 est. 114 United Arab Emirates 4,975,593 July 2010 est. 115 Turkmenistan 4,940,916 July 2010 est. 116 Central African Republic 4,844,927 July 2010 est. 117 Singapore 4,701,069 July 2010 est. 118 Norway 4,676,305 July 2010 est. 119 Ireland 4,622,917 July 2010 est. 120 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4,621,598 July 2010 est. 121 Georgia 4,600,825 July 2010 est. 122 Costa Rica 4,516,220 July 2010 est. 123 Croatia 4,486,881 July 2010 est. 124 Moldova 4,317,483 July 2010 est. 125 New Zealand 4,252,277 July 2010 est. 126 Congo, Republic of the 4,125,916 July 2010 est. 127 Lebanon 4,125,247 July 2010 est. 128 Puerto Rico 3,978,702 July 2010 est. 129 Liberia 3,685,076 July 2010 est. 130 Lithuania 3,545,319 July 2010 est. 131 Uruguay 3,510,386 July 2010 est. 132 Panama 3,410,676 July 2010 est. 133 Mauritania 3,205,060 July 2010 est. 134 Mongolia 3,086,918 July 2010 est. 135 Albania 2,986,952 July 2010 est. 136 Oman 2,967,717 July 2010 est. 137 Armenia 2,966,802 July 2010 est. 138 Jamaica 2,847,232 July 2010 est. 139 Kuwait 2,789,132 July 2010 est. 140 West Bank 2,514,845 NA 141 Latvia 2,217,969 July 2010 est. 142 Namibia 2,128,471 July 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 2,072,086 July 2010 est. 144 Botswana 2,029,307 July 2010 est. 145 Slovenia 2,003,136 July 2010 est. 146 Lesotho 1,919,552 July 2010 est. 147 Gambia, The 1,824,158 July 2010 est. 148 Kosovo 1,815,048 July 2010 est. 149 Gaza Strip 1,604,238 July 2010 est. 150 Guinea-Bissau 1,565,126 July 2010 est. 151 Gabon 1,545,255 July 2010 est. 152 Swaziland 1,354,051 July 2010 est. 153 Mauritius 1,294,104 July 2010 est. 154 Estonia 1,291,170 July 2010 est. 155 Trinidad and Tobago 1,228,691 July 2010 est. 156 Timor-Leste 1,154,625 July 2010 est. 157 Cyprus 1,102,677 July 2010 est. 158 Fiji 875,983 July 2010 est. 159 Qatar 840,926 July 2010 est. 160 Comoros 773,407 July 2010 est. 161 Guyana 748,486 July 2010 est. 162 Djibouti 740,528 July 2010 est. 163 Bahrain 738,004 July 2010 est. 164 Bhutan 699,847 July 2010 est. 165 Montenegro 666,730 July 2010 est. 166 Equatorial Guinea 650,702 July 2010 est. 167 Macau 567,957 July 2010 est. 168 Solomon Islands 559,198 July 2010 est. 169 Cape Verde 508,659 July 2010 est. 170 Luxembourg 497,538 July 2010 est. 171 Western Sahara 491,519 July 2010 est. 172 Suriname 486,618 July 2010 est. 173 Malta 406,771 July 2010 est. 174 Maldives 395,650 July 2010 est. 175 Brunei 395,027 July 2010 est. 176 Belize 314,522 July 2010 est. 177 Bahamas, The 310,426 July 2010 est. 178 Iceland 308,910 July 2010 est. 179 French Polynesia 291,000 July 2010 est. 180 Barbados 285,653 July 2010 est. 181 New Caledonia 252,352 July 2010 est. 182 Mayotte 231,139 July 2010 est. 183 Vanuatu 221,552 July 2010 est. 184 Samoa 192,001 July 2010 est. 185 Sao Tome and Principe 175,808 July 2010 est. 186 Saint Lucia 160,922 July 2010 est. 187 Curacao 142,180 est. January 2010 188 Tonga 122,580 July 2010 est. 189 Virgin Islands 109,750 July 2010 est. 190 Grenada 107,818 July 2010 est. 191 Micronesia, Federated States of 107,154 July 2010 est. 192 Aruba 104,589 July 2010 est. 193 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 104,217 July 2010 est. 194 Kiribati 99,482 July 2010 est. 195 Jersey 93,363 July 2010 est. 196 Seychelles 88,340 July 2010 est. 197 Antigua and Barbuda 86,754 July 2010 est. 198 Andorra 84,525 July 2010 est. 199 Isle of Man 83,859 July 2010 est. 200 Dominica 72,813 July 2010 est. 201 Bermuda 68,265 July 2010 est. 202 American Samoa 66,432 July 2010 est. 203 Marshall Islands 65,859 July 2010 est. 204 Guernsey 64,775 July 2010 est. 205 Greenland 57,637 July 2010 est. 206 Cayman Islands 50,209 July 2010 est. 207 Saint Kitts and Nevis 49,898 July 2010 est. 208 Faroe Islands 49,057 July 2010 est. 209 Northern Mariana Islands 48,317 July 2010 est. 210 Sint Maarten 37,429 January 2010 est. 211 Liechtenstein 35,002 July 2010 est. 212 San Marino 31,477 July 2010 est. 213 Monaco 30,586 July 2010 est. 214 Saint Martin 30,235 July 2010 est. 215 Gibraltar 28,877 July 2010 est. 216 British Virgin Islands 24,939 July 2010 est. 217 Turks and Caicos Islands 23,528 July 2010 est. 218 Palau 20,879 July 2010 est. 219 Akrotiri 15,700 NA 220 Dhekelia 15,700 NA 221 Wallis and Futuna 15,343 July 2010 est. 222 Anguilla 14,766 July 2010 est. 223 Cook Islands 11,488 July 2010 est. 224 Tuvalu 10,472 July 2010 est. 225 Nauru 9,267 July 2010 est. 226 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha7,670 July 2010 est. 227 Saint Barthelemy 7,406 July 2010 est. 228 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5,943 July 2010 est. 229 Montserrat 5,118 July 2010 est. 230 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3,140 July 2008 est. 231 Norfolk Island 2,155 July 2010 est. 232 Svalbard 2,067 July 2010 est. 233 Christmas Island 1,402 July 2010 est. 234 Tokelau 1,400 July 2010 est. 235 Niue 1,354 July 2010 est. 236 Holy See (Vatican City) 829 July 2010 est. 237 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 596 July 2010 est. 238 Pitcairn Islands 48 July 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2120

Country Comparison :: Ports and terminals

This entry lists major ports and terminals primarily on the basis of the amount of cargo tonnage shipped through the facilities on an annual basis. In some instances, the number of containers handled or ship visits were also considered.

Rank country Ports and terminals Date of Information

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Rank code: 2121

Country Comparison :: Railways

This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual. Other gauges are listed under note.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 226,427 2007 2 Russia 87,157 2006 3 China 77,834 2008 4 India 64,015 2009 5 Canada 46,688 2008 6 Germany 41,896 2008 7 Australia 37,855 2008 8 Argentina 31,409 2008 9 France 29,213 2008 10 Brazil 28,857 2008 11 Japan 26,435 2009 12 Poland 22,314 2007 13 Ukraine 21,658 2009 14 South Africa 20,872 2008 15 Italy 19,729 2008 16 Mexico 17,516 2008 17 United Kingdom 16,454 2008 18 Spain 15,288 2008 19 Kazakhstan 15,082 2008 20 Sweden 11,633 2008 21 Romania 10,788 2008 22 Czech Republic 9,620 2008 23 Turkey 8,697 2008 24 Cuba 8,598 2006 25 Indonesia 8,529 2008 26 Iran 8,442 2008 27 Hungary 8,057 2008 28 Pakistan 7,791 2007 29 Austria 6,399 2008 30 Sudan 5,978 2008 31 Finland 5,794 2008 32 Belarus 5,537 2008 33 Egypt 5,500 2009 34 Chile 5,483 2008 35 Korea, North 5,242 2009 36 Switzerland 4,888 2008 37 Mozambique 4,787 2008 38 Bulgaria 4,294 2008 39 New Zealand 4,128 2008 40 Norway 4,114 2009 41 Thailand 4,071 2008 42 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4,007 2008 43 Algeria 3,973 2008 44 Burma 3,955 2008 45 Colombia 3,802 2008 46 Tanzania 3,689 2008 47 Uzbekistan 3,645 2008 48 Slovakia 3,622 2008 49 Nigeria 3,505 2008 50 Bolivia 3,504 2008 51 Korea, South 3,381 2008 52 Serbia 3,379 2006 53 Ireland 3,237 2008 54 Belgium 3,233 2008 55 Zimbabwe 3,077 2008 56 Turkmenistan 2,980 2008 57 Azerbaijan 2,918 2009 58 Netherlands 2,896 2009 59 Portugal 2,786 2008 60 Kenya 2,778 2008 61 Bangladesh 2,768 2008 62 Angola 2,764 2008 63 Croatia 2,722 2009 64 Denmark 2,667 2008 65 Namibia 2,629 2008 66 Greece 2,548 2008 67 Vietnam 2,347 2008 68 Latvia 2,298 2008 69 Iraq 2,272 2008 70 Tunisia 2,167 2008 71 Zambia 2,157 2008 72 Syria 2,052 2008 73 Peru 1,989 2008 74 Morocco 1,907 2008 75 Malaysia 1,849 2008 76 Mongolia 1,810 2008 77 Dominican Republic 1,784 2008 78 Lithuania 1,768 2009 79 Uruguay 1,641 2010 80 Georgia 1,612 2008 81 Taiwan 1,582 2008 82 Sri Lanka 1,449 2007 83 Saudi Arabia 1,392 2008 84 Uganda 1,244 2008 85 Slovenia 1,228 2007 86 Estonia 1,196 2008 87 Guinea 1,185 2008 88 Moldova 1,138 2008 89 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,000 2008 90 Cameroon 987 2008 91 Ecuador 965 2008 92 Israel 949 2008 93 Ghana 947 2008 94 Senegal 906 2008 95 Philippines 897 2008 96 Albania 896 2008 97 Botswana 888 2008 98 Madagascar 854 2008 99 Armenia 845 2008 100 Gabon 814 2008 101 Venezuela 806 2008 102 Malawi 797 2008 103 Congo, Republic of the 795 2008 104 Macedonia 699 2009 105 Cambodia 690 2010 106 Ethiopia 681 2008 107 Tajikistan 680 2008 108 Cote d'Ivoire 660 2008 109 Burkina Faso 622 2008 110 Fiji 597 2008 111 Mali 593 2008 112 Benin 578 2008 113 Togo 532 2008 114 Jordan 507 2008 115 Kyrgyzstan 470 2008 116 Kosovo 430 2007 117 Liberia 429 2008 118 Lebanon 401 2008 119 Guatemala 332 2008 120 Eritrea 306 2008 121 Swaziland 301 2008 122 El Salvador 283 2008 123 Costa Rica 278 2008 124 Luxembourg 275 2008 125 Montenegro 250 2007 126 Djibouti 100 2008 127 Panama 76 2008 128 Honduras 75 2009 129 Isle of Man 63 2008 130 Nepal 59 2008 131 Saint Kitts and Nevis 50 2008 132 Paraguay 36 2008 133 Christmas Island 18 2010

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Rank code: 2122

Country Comparison :: Religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved - for one or for all, and by whom - religious orders or laity. Basic Groupings Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity. Mormonism (including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints): Originating in 1830 in the United States under Joseph Smith, Mormonism is not characterized as a form of Protestant Christianity because it claims additional revealed Christian scriptures after the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. Mormonism believes earlier Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant reform faiths, are apostasies and that Joseph Smith's revelation of the Book of Mormon is a restoration of true Christianity. Mormons have a hierarchical religious leadership structure, and actively proselytize their faith; they are located primarily in the Americas and in a number of other Western countries. Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope. Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to state, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant Christianities include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterians), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalians), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - The third of the monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets. Sunni Islam accounts for over 75% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid. Shia Islam represents 10-20% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant. Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India, and Pakistan.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Mauritania 100.00 NA 2 Pitcairn Islands 100.00 NA 3 Saudi Arabia 100.00 NA 4 Turkey 99.80 NA 5 Gaza Strip 99.30 NA 6 Algeria 99.00 NA 7 Wallis and Futuna 99.00 NA 8 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 99.00 NA 9 Morocco 98.70 NA 10 Comoros 98.00 NA 11 Moldova 98.00 NA 12 Iran 98.00 NA 13 Timor-Leste 98.00 2005 14 Tunisia 98.00 NA 15 Malta 98.00 NA 16 Greece 98.00 NA 17 Honduras 97.00 NA 18 Tuvalu 97.00 NA 19 Mayotte 97.00 NA 20 Libya 97.00 NA 21 Iraq 97.00 NA 22 Cambodia 96.40 1998 census 23 United Arab Emirates 96.00 NA 24 Venezuela 96.00 NA 25 Bolivia 95.00 NA 26 Denmark 95.00 NA 27 Dominican Republic 95.00 NA 28 Ecuador 95.00 NA 29 Pakistan 95.00 NA 30 Armenia 94.70 NA 31 Thailand 94.60 2000 census 32 Djibouti 94.00 NA 33 Senegal 94.00 NA 34 Spain 94.00 NA 35 Azerbaijan 93.40 NA 36 Taiwan 93.00 NA 37 Argentina 92.00 NA 38 Jordan 92.00 NA 39 Colombia 90.00 NA 40 Monaco 90.00 NA 41 Egypt 90.00 NA 42 Hong Kong 90.00 NA 43 Mali 90.00 NA 44 Italy 90.00 NA 45 Gambia, The 90.00 NA 46 Poland 89.80 2002 47 Paraguay 89.60 2002 census 48 Bangladesh 89.50 2004 49 Burma 89.00 NA 50 Turkmenistan 89.00 NA 51 Uzbekistan 88.00 NA 52 Croatia 87.80 2001 census 53 Ireland 87.40 2006 census 54 Luxembourg 87.00 2000 55 Sweden 87.00 NA 56 Romania 86.80 2002 census 57 Indonesia 86.10 2000 census 58 British Virgin Islands 86.00 1991 59 Norway 85.70 2004 60 Liberia 85.60 2008 Census 61 Guinea 85.00 NA 62 Kuwait 85.00 NA 63 Panama 85.00 NA 64 Puerto Rico 85.00 NA 65 Tajikistan 85.00 2003 est. 66 Serbia 85.00 2002 census 67 Portugal 84.50 2001 census 68 Georgia 83.90 2002 census 69 Japan 83.90 2005 70 Faroe Islands 83.80 2006 census 71 Bulgaria 82.60 2001 census 72 Finland 82.50 2006 73 Seychelles 82.30 2002 census 74 Peru 81.30 2007 Census 75 Bahrain 81.20 2001 census 76 Philippines 80.90 2000 census 77 Aruba 80.80 NA 78 Vietnam 80.80 1999 census 79 Iceland 80.70 2006 est. 80 Nepal 80.60 NA 81 India 80.50 2001 census 82 Curacao 80.10 2001 census 83 Afghanistan 80.00 NA 84 Niger 80.00 NA 85 Haiti 80.00 NA 86 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 80.00 2002 est. 87 Belarus 80.00 NA 88 Malawi 79.90 1998 census 89 Lithuania 79.00 2001 census 90 Gibraltar 78.10 2001 census 91 Cyprus 78.00 NA 92 Qatar 77.50 2004 census 93 Mexico 76.50 2000 census 94 Costa Rica 76.30 NA 95 Liechtenstein 76.20 June 2002 96 Israel 75.50 2008 97 Belgium 75.00 NA 98 Bhutan 75.00 NA 99 Oman 75.00 NA 100 West Bank 75.00 NA 101 Kyrgyzstan 75.00 NA 102 Montenegro 74.20 2003 census 103 Syria 74.00 NA 104 Austria 73.60 2001 census 105 Brazil 73.60 2000 census 106 Botswana 71.60 2001 census 107 United Kingdom 71.60 2001 census 108 Japan 71.40 2005 109 Sao Tome and Principe 70.30 2001 census 110 Albania 70.00 NA 111 Chile 70.00 2002 census 112 Tokelau 70.00 NA 113 Sudan 70.00 NA 114 Sri Lanka 69.10 NA 115 Slovakia 68.90 2001 census 116 Ghana 68.80 2000 census 117 Saint Lucia 67.50 2001 census 118 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 67.20 2006 census 119 Brunei 67.00 NA 120 Burundi 67.00 NA 121 Laos 67.00 2005 census 122 Macedonia 64.70 2002 census 123 Fiji 64.50 2007 census 124 Latvia 63.70 2006 125 Barbados 63.40 2008 est. 126 Jamaica 62.50 2001 census 127 Dominica 61.40 2001 census 128 Niue 61.10 2001 census 129 Malaysia 60.40 2000 census 130 New Caledonia 60.00 NA 131 Sierra Leone 60.00 NA 132 Lebanon 59.70 NA 133 Czech Republic 59.00 2001 census 134 Nicaragua 58.50 2005 census 135 Slovenia 57.80 2002 census 136 El Salvador 57.10 2003 est. 137 Rwanda 56.50 NA 138 Cook Islands 55.90 2001 census 139 Kiribati 55.00 2005 census 140 Marshall Islands 54.80 1999 census 141 French Polynesia 54.00 NA 142 Chad 53.10 1993 census 143 Grenada 53.00 NA 144 Micronesia, Federated States of 52.70 2000 Census 145 Madagascar 52.00 NA 146 Hungary 51.90 2001 census 147 United States 51.30 2007 est. 148 Togo 51.00 NA 149 Ukraine 50.40 2006 est. 150 American Samoa 50.00 NA 151 Zimbabwe 50.00 NA 152 Nigeria 50.00 NA 153 Mongolia 50.00 2004 154 Macau 50.00 NA 155 Guinea-Bissau 50.00 NA 156 Congo, Republic of the 50.00 NA 157 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 50.00 NA 158 Burkina Faso 50.00 NA 159 Belize 49.60 NA 160 Korea, South 49.30 1995 census 161 Congo, Republic of the 48.00 NA 162 Mauritius 48.00 2000 census 163 Uruguay 47.10 2006 164 Angola 47.00 NA 165 Kazakhstan 47.00 NA 166 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 47.00 NA 167 Kenya 45.00 NA 168 Kazakhstan 44.00 NA 169 Ethiopia 43.50 2007 Census 170 Benin 42.80 2002 census 171 Canada 42.60 2001 census 172 Singapore 42.50 2000 census 173 Netherlands 42.00 2006 174 Virgin Islands 42.00 NA 175 Uganda 42.00 2002 census 176 Uganda 41.90 2002 census 177 Switzerland 41.80 2000 census 178 Palau 41.60 2000 census 179 Madagascar 41.00 NA 180 Micronesia, Federated States of 40.10 2000 Census 181 Bosnia and Herzegovina 40.00 NA 182 Cameroon 40.00 NA 183 Cameroon 40.00 NA 184 Turks and Caicos Islands 40.00 NA 185 Swaziland 40.00 NA 186 Nigeria 40.00 NA 187 Mongolia 40.00 2004 188 Guinea-Bissau 40.00 NA 189 Burkina Faso 40.00 NA 190 Lebanon 39.00 NA 191 Sint Maarten 39.00 2001 census 192 Cote d'Ivoire 38.60 NA 193 Angola 38.00 NA 194 Christmas Island 36.00 1997 195 South Africa 36.00 2001 census 196 Kiribati 36.00 2005 census 197 Bahamas, The 35.40 2000 census 198 Nauru 35.40 2002 census 199 Switzerland 35.30 2000 census 200 Central African Republic 35.00 NA 201 Macau 35.00 NA 202 Tanzania 35.00 NA 203 Samoa 34.80 2001 census 204 Estonia 34.10 2000 census 205 Germany 34.00 NA 206 Virgin Islands 34.00 NA 207 Germany 34.00 NA 208 Ethiopia 33.90 2007 Census 209 Macedonia 33.30 2002 census 210 Grenada 33.20 NA 211 Nauru 33.20 2002 census 212 Kenya 33.00 NA 213 Cote d'Ivoire 32.80 NA 214 Solomon Islands 32.80 1999 census 215 New Zealand 32.20 2006 Census 216 Estonia 32.00 2000 census 217 Norfolk Island 31.80 2006 census 218 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 31.50 2006 census 219 Laos 31.50 2005 census 220 Vanuatu 31.40 1999 Census 221 Bosnia and Herzegovina 31.00 NA 222 Anguilla 30.20 2001 census 223 American Samoa 30.00 NA 224 Tanzania 30.00 NA 225 Swaziland 30.00 NA 226 Sierra Leone 30.00 NA 227 New Caledonia 30.00 NA 228 Netherlands 30.00 2006 229 French Polynesia 30.00 NA 230 Anguilla 29.00 2001 census 231 Togo 29.00 NA 232 Guyana 28.40 2002 census 233 Germany 28.30 NA 234 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 28.00 NA 235 Tokelau 28.00 NA 236 Fiji 27.90 2007 census 237 Suriname 27.40 NA 238 Belize 27.00 NA 239 Papua New Guinea 27.00 2000 census 240 Sint Maarten 27.00 2001 census 241 Czech Republic 26.80 2001 census 242 Korea, South 26.30 1995 census 243 Ukraine 26.10 2006 est. 244 Rwanda 26.00 NA 245 Trinidad and Tobago 26.00 2000 census 246 Australia 25.80 2006 Census 247 Marshall Islands 25.80 1999 census 248 Antigua and Barbuda 25.70 2001 census 249 Cayman Islands 25.50 2007 250 Suriname 25.20 NA 251 Belgium 25.00 NA 252 Bhutan 25.00 NA 253 Central African Republic 25.00 NA 254 Zimbabwe 25.00 NA 255 Sudan 25.00 NA 256 Oman 25.00 NA 257 Christmas Island 25.00 1997 258 Central African Republic 25.00 NA 259 Benin 24.40 2002 census 260 Zimbabwe 24.00 NA 261 Anguilla 23.90 2001 census 262 United States 23.90 2007 est. 263 Mozambique 23.80 1997 census 264 Mauritius 23.60 2000 census 265 Canada 23.30 2001 census 266 Palau 23.30 2000 census 267 Korea, South 23.20 1995 census 268 Uruguay 23.20 2006 269 Mozambique 23.10 1997 census 270 United Kingdom 23.10 2001 census 271 Bermuda 23.00 2000 census 272 Slovenia 23.00 2002 census 273 Burundi 23.00 NA 274 Suriname 22.80 NA 275 Trinidad and Tobago 22.50 2000 census 276 Nicaragua 21.60 2005 census 277 El Salvador 21.20 2003 est. 278 Christmas Island 21.00 1997 279 Jamaica 20.90 2001 census 280 Barbados 20.60 2008 est. 281 Botswana 20.60 2001 census 282 Chad 20.10 1993 census 283 Albania 20.00 NA 284 Belarus 20.00 NA 285 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 20.00 2002 est. 286 Kyrgyzstan 20.00 NA 287 Niger 20.00 NA 288 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20.00 NA 289 Cameroon 20.00 NA 290 Togo 20.00 NA 291 Swaziland 20.00 NA 292 American Samoa 20.00 NA 293 Norfolk Island 19.90 2006 census 294 Latvia 19.60 2006 295 Samoa 19.60 2001 census 296 Suriname 19.60 NA 297 Papua New Guinea 19.50 2000 census 298 Sao Tome and Principe 19.40 2001 census 299 Malaysia 19.20 2000 census 300 Afghanistan 19.00 NA 301 Solomon Islands 19.00 1999 census 302 Australia 18.70 2006 Census 303 Australia 18.70 2006 Census 304 Ethiopia 18.60 2007 Census 305 Bermuda 18.00 2000 census 306 Cyprus 18.00 NA 307 Turks and Caicos Islands 18.00 NA 308 Christmas Island 18.00 1997 309 Mozambique 17.80 1997 census 310 Mozambique 17.80 1997 census 311 Guyana 17.70 2002 census 312 Montenegro 17.70 2003 census 313 Mozambique 17.50 1997 census 314 Benin 17.30 2002 census 315 Uruguay 17.20 2006 316 Solomon Islands 17.00 1999 census 317 Virgin Islands 17.00 NA 318 West Bank 17.00 NA 319 Guyana 16.90 2002 census 320 Cook Islands 16.80 2001 census 321 Israel 16.80 2008 322 El Salvador 16.80 2003 est. 323 Cote d'Ivoire 16.70 NA 324 Mauritius 16.60 2000 census 325 Norfolk Island 16.60 2006 census 326 Palau 16.40 2000 census 327 Faroe Islands 16.20 2006 census 328 Canada 16.00 2001 census 329 Haiti 16.00 NA 330 Turks and Caicos Islands 16.00 NA 331 Syria 16.00 NA 332 Ghana 15.90 2000 census 333 Hungary 15.90 2001 census 334 Nicaragua 15.70 2005 census 335 Benin 15.50 2002 census 336 Brazil 15.40 2000 census 337 Latvia 15.30 2006 338 Bahamas, The 15.20 2000 census 339 Bahamas, The 15.10 2000 census 340 South Africa 15.10 2001 census 341 Finland 15.10 2006 342 Chile 15.10 2002 census 343 Angola 15.00 NA 344 Bosnia and Herzegovina 15.00 NA 345 Macau 15.00 NA 346 Puerto Rico 15.00 NA 347 Samoa 15.00 2001 census 348 Panama 15.00 NA 349 Kuwait 15.00 NA 350 Central African Republic 15.00 NA 351 Bermuda 15.00 2000 census 352 Singapore 14.90 2000 census 353 Singapore 14.80 2000 census 354 Hungary 14.50 2001 census 355 Chad 14.20 1993 census 356 Jamaica 14.20 2001 census 357 Nauru 14.10 2002 census 358 Belize 14.00 NA 359 Turks and Caicos Islands 14.00 NA 360 Qatar 14.00 2004 census 361 Bermuda 14.00 2000 census 362 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.00 NA 363 Grenada 13.80 NA 364 Vanuatu 13.80 1999 Census 365 New Zealand 13.80 2006 Census 366 Mexico 13.80 2000 census 367 Costa Rica 13.70 NA 368 Estonia 13.60 2000 census 369 Bahamas, The 13.50 2000 census 370 India 13.40 2001 census 371 Vanuatu 13.40 1999 Census 372 Vanuatu 13.10 1999 Census 373 Brunei 13.00 NA 374 Sweden 13.00 NA 375 Slovakia 13.00 2001 census 376 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.00 NA 377 Luxembourg 13.00 2000 378 Estonia 12.80 2000 census 379 Malawi 12.80 1998 census 380 Samoa 12.70 2001 census 381 Cayman Islands 12.60 2007 382 New Zealand 12.60 2006 Census 383 Peru 12.50 2007 Census 384 Antigua and Barbuda 12.30 2001 census 385 Bulgaria 12.20 2001 census 386 Liberia 12.20 2008 Census 387 Uganda 12.10 2002 census 388 United States 12.10 2007 est. 389 Austria 12.00 2001 census 390 Bermuda 12.00 2000 census 391 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 NA 392 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 NA 393 Cote d'Ivoire 11.90 NA 394 Canada 11.80 2001 census 395 Sint Maarten 11.60 2001 census 396 Norfolk Island 11.50 2006 census 397 Papua New Guinea 11.50 2000 census 398 Australia 11.30 2006 Census 399 Solomon Islands 11.20 1999 census 400 Hungary 11.10 2001 census 401 South Africa 11.10 2001 census 402 Uruguay 11.10 2006 403 Switzerland 11.10 2000 census 404 Rwanda 11.10 NA 405 Bermuda 11.00 2000 census 406 Netherlands 11.00 2006 407 Slovakia 10.80 2001 census 408 Vanuatu 10.80 1999 Census 409 Trinidad and Tobago 10.80 2000 census 410 Nepal 10.70 NA 411 Antigua and Barbuda 10.60 2001 census 412 Norfolk Island 10.60 2006 census 413 Liechtenstein 10.60 June 2002 414 Antigua and Barbuda 10.50 2001 census 415 Antigua and Barbuda 10.40 2001 census 416 Nauru 10.40 2002 census 417 Solomon Islands 10.30 1999 census 418 Slovenia 10.10 2002 census 419 Albania 10.00 NA 420 British Virgin Islands 10.00 1991 421 Burkina Faso 10.00 NA 422 Brunei 10.00 NA 423 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 424 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 425 French Polynesia 10.00 NA 426 Hong Kong 10.00 NA 427 Papua New Guinea 10.00 2000 census 428 Nigeria 10.00 NA 429 New Zealand 10.00 2006 Census 430 New Caledonia 10.00 NA 431 Monaco 10.00 NA 432 Kenya 10.00 NA 433 Kenya 10.00 NA 434 Italy 10.00 NA 435 Guinea-Bissau 10.00 NA 436 Tajikistan 10.00 2003 est. 437 Syria 10.00 NA 438 Swaziland 10.00 NA 439 Sri Lanka 10.00 NA 440 Sierra Leone 10.00 NA 441 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 442 Colombia 10.00 NA 443 Brunei 10.00 NA 444 Burundi 10.00 NA 445 Georgia 9.90 2002 census 446 New Zealand 9.90 2006 Census 447 Bahrain 9.80 2001 census 448 Singapore 9.80 2000 census 449 Bangladesh 9.60 2004 450 Vanuatu 9.60 1999 Census 451 Lithuania 9.50 2001 census 452 Belize 9.40 NA 453 Vietnam 9.30 1999 census 454 Cayman Islands 9.20 2007 455 Malaysia 9.10 2000 census 456 Bahrain 9.00 2001 census 457 Egypt 9.00 NA 458 Mali 9.00 NA 459 Portugal 9.00 2001 census 460 Uzbekistan 9.00 NA 461 Turkmenistan 9.00 NA 462 Papua New Guinea 8.90 2000 census 463 Czech Republic 8.80 2001 census 464 Niue 8.80 2001 census 465 Palau 8.80 2000 census 466 Niue 8.70 2001 census 467 Mauritius 8.60 2000 census 468 Papua New Guinea 8.60 2000 census 469 Ghana 8.50 2000 census 470 Singapore 8.50 2000 census 471 Saint Lucia 8.50 2001 census 472 Qatar 8.50 2004 census 473 Cayman Islands 8.40 2007 474 Marshall Islands 8.40 1999 census 475 Niue 8.40 2001 census 476 Cayman Islands 8.30 2007 477 Chile 8.30 2002 census 478 Poland 8.30 2002 479 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 480 Bahamas, The 8.10 2000 census 481 Guyana 8.10 2002 census 482 Norway 8.10 2004 483 Gambia, The 8.00 NA 484 Ukraine 8.00 2006 est. 485 West Bank 8.00 NA 486 Guinea 8.00 NA 487 Antigua and Barbuda 7.90 2001 census 488 Cook Islands 7.90 2001 census 489 Australia 7.90 2006 Census 490 Japan 7.80 2005 491 Trinidad and Tobago 7.80 2000 census 492 Dominica 7.70 2001 census 493 Sri Lanka 7.60 NA 494 Romania 7.50 2002 census 495 Brazil 7.40 2000 census 496 Chad 7.30 1993 census 497 Guyana 7.20 2002 census 498 Niue 7.20 2001 census 499 Ukraine 7.20 2006 est. 500 Trinidad and Tobago 7.20 2000 census 501 South Africa 7.10 2001 census 502 Sri Lanka 7.10 NA 503 Barbados 7.00 2008 est. 504 Virgin Islands 7.00 NA 505 Madagascar 7.00 NA 506 Liechtenstein 7.00 June 2002 507 Kazakhstan 7.00 NA 508 Gibraltar 7.00 2001 census 509 Guinea 7.00 NA 510 Guyana 6.90 2002 census 511 South Africa 6.80 2001 census 512 Trinidad and Tobago 6.80 2000 census 513 Cayman Islands 6.70 2007 514 Vietnam 6.70 1999 census 515 South Africa 6.70 2001 census 516 Sint Maarten 6.70 2001 census 517 Samoa 6.60 2001 census 518 Cayman Islands 6.50 2007 519 Seychelles 6.40 2002 census 520 Fiji 6.30 2007 census 521 Malaysia 6.30 2000 census 522 Mexico 6.30 2000 census 523 Iceland 6.20 2006 est. 524 Liechtenstein 6.20 June 2002 525 Sint Maarten 6.20 2001 census 526 Sri Lanka 6.20 NA 527 Paraguay 6.20 2002 census 528 Cayman Islands 6.10 2007 529 Ghana 6.10 2000 census 530 Estonia 6.10 2000 census 531 Dominica 6.10 2001 census 532 Bermuda 6.00 2000 census 533 Djibouti 6.00 NA 534 Botswana 6.00 2001 census 535 Mongolia 6.00 2004 536 Netherlands 6.00 2006 537 Spain 6.00 NA 538 Jordan 6.00 NA 539 French Polynesia 6.00 NA 540 Dominica 6.00 2001 census 541 Antigua and Barbuda 5.80 2001 census 542 Trinidad and Tobago 5.80 2000 census 543 Cook Islands 5.80 2001 census 544 Netherlands 5.80 2006 545 Trinidad and Tobago 5.80 2000 census 546 Anguilla 5.70 2001 census 547 Australia 5.70 2006 Census 548 Saint Lucia 5.70 2001 census 549 Indonesia 5.70 2000 census 550 Cayman Islands 5.70 2007 551 Dominica 5.60 2001 census 552 Norfolk Island 5.60 2006 census 553 Vanuatu 5.60 1999 Census 554 Curacao 5.50 2001 census 555 Lithuania 5.50 2001 census 556 Serbia 5.50 2002 census 557 Antigua and Barbuda 5.40 2001 census 558 Sint Maarten 5.40 2001 census 559 Palau 5.30 2000 census 560 Anguilla 5.20 2001 census 561 Papua New Guinea 5.20 2000 census 562 Croatia 5.20 2001 census 563 Aruba 5.10 NA 564 Saint Lucia 5.10 2001 census 565 Bolivia 5.00 NA 566 Guyana 5.00 2002 census 567 Sudan 5.00 NA 568 Tajikistan 5.00 2003 est. 569 Suriname 5.00 NA 570 Senegal 5.00 NA 571 Philippines 5.00 2000 census 572 Pakistan 5.00 NA 573 Kyrgyzstan 5.00 NA 574 Ecuador 5.00 NA 575 Dominican Republic 5.00 NA 576 Antigua and Barbuda 4.90 2001 census 577 Bahamas, The 4.80 2000 census 578 Barbados 4.80 2008 est. 579 Singapore 4.80 2000 census 580 Costa Rica 4.80 NA 581 Austria 4.70 2001 census 582 Romania 4.70 2002 census 583 Aruba 4.60 NA 584 Curacao 4.60 2001 census 585 New Zealand 4.60 2006 Census 586 Thailand 4.60 2000 census 587 Rwanda 4.60 NA 588 Chile 4.60 2002 census 589 Antigua and Barbuda 4.50 2001 census 590 Taiwan 4.50 NA 591 Samoa 4.50 2001 census 592 Saint Lucia 4.50 2001 census 593 Philippines 4.50 2000 census 594 Nauru 4.50 2002 census 595 Canada 4.40 2001 census 596 Croatia 4.40 2001 census 597 Solomon Islands 4.40 1999 census 598 Anguilla 4.30 2001 census 599 Malawi 4.30 1998 census 600 Guyana 4.30 2002 census 601 Switzerland 4.30 2000 census 602 Switzerland 4.30 2000 census 603 Guyana 4.30 2002 census 604 Austria 4.20 2001 census 605 Ireland 4.20 2006 census 606 Nepal 4.20 NA 607 Barbados 4.20 2008 est. 608 Cook Islands 4.20 2001 census 609 Bahamas, The 4.20 2000 census 610 Aruba 4.10 NA 611 Lithuania 4.10 2001 census 612 Dominica 4.10 2001 census 613 Slovakia 4.10 2001 census 614 Argentina 4.00 NA 615 Burma 4.00 NA 616 United States 4.00 2007 est. 617 United Arab Emirates 4.00 NA 618 Trinidad and Tobago 4.00 2000 census 619 Singapore 4.00 2000 census 620 Mongolia 4.00 2004 621 Gibraltar 4.00 2001 census 622 France 4.00 NA 623 Cyprus 4.00 NA 624 Cayman Islands 4.00 2007 625 Burma 4.00 NA 626 Armenia 4.00 NA 627 Bulgaria 4.00 2001 census 628 Cayman Islands 3.90 2007 629 Portugal 3.90 2001 census 630 Georgia 3.90 2002 census 631 Israel 3.90 2008 632 Cook Islands 3.80 2001 census 633 Micronesia, Federated States of 3.80 2000 Census 634 New Zealand 3.80 2006 Census 635 South Africa 3.80 2001 census 636 Dominica 3.70 2001 census 637 Germany 3.70 NA 638 Iceland 3.60 2006 est. 639 Nepal 3.60 NA 640 Marshall Islands 3.60 1999 census 641 Austria 3.50 2001 census 642 Slovenia 3.50 2002 census 643 Samoa 3.50 2001 census 644 Montenegro 3.50 2003 census 645 Curacao 3.50 2001 census 646 Indonesia 3.40 2000 census 647 Sao Tome and Principe 3.40 2001 census 648 Seychelles 3.40 2002 census 649 Sint Maarten 3.40 2001 census 650 Czech Republic 3.30 2001 census 651 Peru 3.30 2007 Census 652 Papua New Guinea 3.30 2000 census 653 Cayman Islands 3.20 2007 654 Costa Rica 3.20 NA 655 Norfolk Island 3.20 2006 census 656 Ukraine 3.20 2006 est. 657 Slovakia 3.20 2001 census 658 Serbia 3.20 2002 census 659 Papua New Guinea 3.20 2000 census 660 Gibraltar 3.20 2001 census 661 Chad 3.10 1993 census 662 Uganda 3.10 2002 census 663 Kiribati 3.10 2005 census 664 Sao Tome and Principe 3.10 2001 census 665 Palau 3.10 2000 census 666 Mexico 3.10 2000 census 667 Australia 3.00 2006 Census 668 Iceland 3.00 2006 est. 669 Uzbekistan 3.00 NA 670 Netherlands 3.00 2006 671 Montenegro 3.00 2003 census 672 Mayotte 3.00 NA 673 Malawi 3.00 1998 census 674 Libya 3.00 NA 675 Iraq 3.00 NA 676 Indonesia 3.00 2000 census 677 Hungary 3.00 2001 census 678 Cook Islands 3.00 2001 census 679 New Zealand 3.00 2006 Census 680 Denmark 3.00 NA 681 Haiti 3.00 NA 682 Honduras 3.00 NA 683 Bahamas, The 2.90 2000 census 684 Ireland 2.90 2006 census 685 Gibraltar 2.90 2001 census 686 Peru 2.90 2007 Census 687 Marshall Islands 2.80 1999 census 688 Philippines 2.80 2000 census 689 Australia 2.70 2006 Census 690 United Kingdom 2.70 2001 census 691 Cook Islands 2.60 2001 census 692 Hungary 2.60 2001 census 693 Malaysia 2.60 2000 census 694 Jamaica 2.60 2001 census 695 Serbia 2.60 2002 census 696 Serbia 2.60 2002 census 697 Ethiopia 2.60 2007 Census 698 Aruba 2.50 NA 699 Mauritius 2.50 2000 census 700 Iceland 2.50 2006 est. 701 Taiwan 2.50 NA 702 United States 2.50 2007 est. 703 Papua New Guinea 2.50 2000 census 704 Azerbaijan 2.50 NA 705 Australia 2.40 2006 Census 706 Nauru 2.40 2002 census 707 Slovenia 2.40 2002 census 708 Solomon Islands 2.40 1999 census 709 Solomon Islands 2.40 1999 census 710 Norway 2.40 2004 711 Niue 2.40 2001 census 712 Iceland 2.40 2006 est. 713 Azerbaijan 2.30 NA 714 El Salvador 2.30 2003 est. 715 South Africa 2.30 2001 census 716 Slovenia 2.30 2002 census 717 Philippines 2.30 2000 census 718 India 2.30 2001 census 719 Curacao 2.20 2001 census 720 Ukraine 2.20 2006 est. 721 Ukraine 2.20 2006 est. 722 Kiribati 2.20 2005 census 723 Portugal 2.20 2001 census 724 New Zealand 2.20 2006 Census 725 Netherlands 2.20 2006 726 Australia 2.10 2006 Census 727 Cambodia 2.10 1998 census 728 Seychelles 2.10 2002 census 729 Saint Lucia 2.10 2001 census 730 Ireland 2.10 2006 census 731 Marshall Islands 2.10 1999 census 732 Israel 2.10 2008 733 Czech Republic 2.10 2001 census 734 Gibraltar 2.10 2001 census 735 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 2001 census 736 Argentina 2.00 NA 737 Argentina 2.00 NA 738 New Zealand 2.00 2006 Census 739 Gambia, The 2.00 NA 740 France 2.00 NA 741 Denmark 2.00 NA 742 Congo, Republic of the 2.00 NA 743 Comoros 2.00 NA 744 Burma 2.00 NA 745 British Virgin Islands 2.00 1991 746 British Virgin Islands 2.00 1991 747 Venezuela 2.00 NA 748 Venezuela 2.00 NA 749 Turkmenistan 2.00 NA 750 Tokelau 2.00 NA 751 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2001 census 752 Saint Lucia 2.00 2001 census 753 Saint Lucia 2.00 2001 census 754 Philippines 2.00 2000 census 755 Kenya 2.00 NA 756 Kazakhstan 2.00 NA 757 Jordan 2.00 NA 758 Japan 2.00 2005 759 Iran 2.00 NA 760 Austria 2.00 2001 census 761 Canada 1.90 2001 census 762 El Salvador 1.90 2003 est. 763 Trinidad and Tobago 1.90 2000 census 764 Samoa 1.90 2001 census 765 Paraguay 1.90 2002 census 766 Niue 1.90 2001 census 767 Lithuania 1.90 2001 census 768 Kiribati 1.90 2005 census 769 India 1.90 2001 census 770 Ireland 1.90 2006 census 771 Azerbaijan 1.80 NA 772 Switzerland 1.80 2000 census 773 Sao Tome and Principe 1.80 2001 census 774 Philippines 1.80 2000 census 775 Norway 1.80 2004 776 Kiribati 1.80 2005 census 777 Brazil 1.80 2000 census 778 India 1.80 2001 census 779 Indonesia 1.80 2000 census 780 Gibraltar 1.80 2001 census 781 Anguilla 1.70 2001 census 782 United States 1.70 2007 est. 783 United States 1.70 2007 est. 784 Rwanda 1.70 NA 785 Nicaragua 1.70 2005 census 786 Israel 1.70 2008 787 Guyana 1.70 2002 census 788 Curacao 1.70 2001 census 789 Australia 1.70 2006 Census 790 Chad 1.70 1993 census 791 Macedonia 1.63 2002 census 792 Dominica 1.60 2001 census 793 Iceland 1.60 2006 est. 794 United States 1.60 2007 est. 795 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 census 796 Nicaragua 1.60 2005 census 797 New Zealand 1.60 2006 Census 798 New Zealand 1.60 2006 Census 799 Aruba 1.50 NA 800 Ireland 1.50 2006 census 801 Laos 1.50 2005 census 802 Malaysia 1.50 2000 census 803 Saint Lucia 1.50 2001 census 804 Vietnam 1.50 1999 census 805 South Africa 1.50 2001 census 806 Seychelles 1.50 2002 census 807 Seychelles 1.50 2002 census 808 Moldova 1.50 NA 809 Marshall Islands 1.50 1999 census 810 Botswana 1.40 2001 census 811 Tuvalu 1.40 NA 812 Trinidad and Tobago 1.40 2000 census 813 Estonia 1.40 2000 census 814 Niue 1.40 2001 census 815 South Africa 1.40 2001 census 816 New Zealand 1.40 2006 Census 817 Liberia 1.40 2008 Census 818 Armenia 1.30 NA 819 Vanuatu 1.30 1999 Census 820 Samoa 1.30 2001 census 821 Poland 1.30 2002 822 New Zealand 1.30 2006 Census 823 Lebanon 1.30 NA 824 Korea, South 1.30 1995 census 825 Greece 1.30 NA 826 Dominica 1.30 2001 census 827 Brazil 1.30 2000 census 828 Costa Rica 1.30 NA 829 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.30 2006 census 830 Curacao 1.30 2001 census 831 Croatia 1.30 2001 census 832 Cambodia 1.30 1998 census 833 Aruba 1.20 NA 834 Dominica 1.20 2001 census 835 Dominica 1.20 2001 census 836 Bulgaria 1.20 2001 census 837 Chile 1.10 2002 census 838 Paraguay 1.10 2002 census 839 Saint Lucia 1.10 2001 census 840 Seychelles 1.10 2002 census 841 Uruguay 1.10 2006 842 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 843 Seychelles 1.10 2002 census 844 Serbia 1.10 2002 census 845 Paraguay 1.10 2002 census 846 Morocco 1.10 NA 847 Finland 1.10 2006 848 Guyana 1.10 2002 census 849 Finland 1.10 2006 850 Afghanistan 1.00 NA 851 Vanuatu 1.00 1999 Census 852 United Kingdom 1.00 2001 census 853 Senegal 1.00 NA 854 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 NA 855 Norway 1.00 2004 856 Norway 1.00 2004 857 Montenegro 1.00 2003 census 858 Marshall Islands 1.00 1999 census 859 Mali 1.00 NA 860 Latvia 1.00 2006 861 Hungary 1.00 2001 census 862 Zimbabwe 1.00 NA 863 Zambia 1.00 NA 864 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 NA 865 Tuvalu 1.00 NA 866 Tunisia 1.00 NA 867 Tunisia 1.00 NA 868 Timor-Leste 1.00 2005 869 Timor-Leste 1.00 2005 870 Switzerland 1.00 2000 census 871 Egypt 1.00 NA 872 Chile 1.00 2002 census 873 Burma 1.00 NA 874 Haiti 1.00 NA 875 France 1.00 NA 876 Bermuda 1.00 2000 census 877 Algeria 1.00 NA 878 Bangladesh 0.90 2004 879 Uganda 0.90 2002 census 880 Slovenia 0.90 2002 census 881 Romania 0.90 2002 census 882 Palau 0.90 2000 census 883 Nicaragua 0.90 2005 census 884 Nepal 0.90 NA 885 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.90 2000 Census 886 Gibraltar 0.90 2001 census 887 Croatia 0.90 2001 census 888 Bahamas, The 0.80 2000 census 889 Georgia 0.80 2002 census 890 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.80 2000 Census 891 Malaysia 0.80 2000 census 892 Georgia 0.80 2002 census 893 Curacao 0.80 2001 census 894 Costa Rica 0.70 NA 895 Greece 0.70 NA 896 Thailand 0.70 2000 census 897 Sint Maarten 0.70 2001 census 898 Singapore 0.70 2000 census 899 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.70 2000 Census 900 Ghana 0.70 2000 census 901 Georgia 0.70 2002 census 902 Gaza Strip 0.70 NA 903 Fiji 0.70 2007 census 904 El Salvador 0.70 2003 est. 905 United States 0.70 2007 est. 906 Ethiopia 0.70 2007 Census 907 Ethiopia 0.70 2007 Census 908 Liberia 0.60 2008 Census 909 Philippines 0.60 2000 census 910 United States 0.60 2007 est. 911 Ukraine 0.60 2006 est. 912 Tuvalu 0.60 NA 913 Seychelles 0.60 2002 census 914 Montenegro 0.60 2003 census 915 Palau 0.60 2000 census 916 Chad 0.50 1993 census 917 Vietnam 0.50 1999 census 918 Moldova 0.50 NA 919 Botswana 0.40 2001 census 920 Latvia 0.40 2006 921 Mauritius 0.40 2000 census 922 Croatia 0.40 2001 census 923 Switzerland 0.40 2000 census 924 Macedonia 0.37 2002 census 925 Brazil 0.30 2000 census 926 Curacao 0.30 2001 census 927 Fiji 0.30 2007 census 928 Mauritius 0.30 2000 census 929 Uruguay 0.30 2006 930 Solomon Islands 0.30 1999 census 931 Portugal 0.30 2001 census 932 Poland 0.30 2002 933 Poland 0.30 2002 934 Papua New Guinea 0.30 2000 census 935 Mexico 0.30 2000 census 936 Fiji 0.30 2007 census 937 Aruba 0.20 NA 938 Brazil 0.20 2000 census 939 Turkey 0.20 NA 940 Solomon Islands 0.20 1999 census 941 Morocco 0.20 NA 942 Cambodia 0.20 1998 census 943 Liberia 0.20 2008 Census 944 Finland 0.10 2006 945 Vietnam 0.10 1999 census 946 Thailand 0.10 2000 census 947 Samoa 0.10 2001 census 948 Rwanda 0.10 NA 949 India 0.10 2001 census 950 Romania 0.10 2002 census 951 Philippines 0.10 2000 census

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Rank code: 2123

Country Comparison :: Suffrage

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

Rank country Suffrage Date of Information

1 Bolivia 21.00 NA 2 Central African Republic 21.00 NA 3 Gabon 21.00 NA 4 Fiji 21.00 NA 5 Lebanon 21.00 NA 6 Malaysia 21.00 NA 7 Samoa 21.00 NA 8 Singapore 21.00 NA 9 Tokelau 21.00 NA 10 Tonga 21.00 NA 11 Solomon Islands 21.00 NA 12 Saudi Arabia 21.00 NA 13 Oman 21.00 NA 14 Bahrain 20.00 NA 15 Cameroon 20.00 NA 16 Nauru 20.00 NA 17 Taiwan 20.00 NA 18 Japan 20.00 NA 19 Korea, South 19.00 NA 20 Afghanistan 18.00 NA 21 Albania 18.00 NA 22 Algeria 18.00 NA 23 American Samoa 18.00 NA 24 Andorra 18.00 NA 25 Angola 18.00 NA 26 Anguilla 18.00 NA 27 Azerbaijan 18.00 NA 28 Bolivia 18.00 NA 29 Bhutan 18.00 NA 30 Bermuda 18.00 NA 31 Benin 18.00 NA 32 Belize 18.00 NA 33 Belgium 18.00 NA 34 Belarus 18.00 NA 35 Barbados 18.00 NA 36 Bangladesh 18.00 NA 37 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18.00 NA 38 Comoros 18.00 NA 39 Colombia 18.00 NA 40 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 18.00 NA 41 Christmas Island 18.00 NA 42 China 18.00 NA 43 Chile 18.00 NA 44 Chad 18.00 NA 45 Cayman Islands 18.00 NA 46 Ethiopia 18.00 NA 47 Estonia 18.00 NA 48 Eritrea 18.00 NA 49 Equatorial Guinea 18.00 NA 50 El Salvador 18.00 NA 51 Egypt 18.00 NA 52 Dominican Republic 18.00 NA 53 Dominica 18.00 NA 54 Djibouti 18.00 NA 55 Guyana 18.00 NA 56 Guinea-Bissau 18.00 NA 57 Guinea 18.00 NA 58 Guatemala 18.00 NA 59 Grenada 18.00 NA 60 Greenland 18.00 NA 61 Greece 18.00 NA 62 Gibraltar 18.00 NA 63 Ghana 18.00 NA 64 Kosovo 18.00 NA 65 Kiribati 18.00 NA 66 Kenya 18.00 NA 67 Kazakhstan 18.00 NA 68 Jordan 18.00 NA 69 Jamaica 18.00 NA 70 Italy 18.00 NA 71 Israel 18.00 NA 72 Ireland 18.00 NA 73 Mongolia 18.00 NA 74 Monaco 18.00 NA 75 Moldova 18.00 NA 76 Micronesia, Federated States of 18.00 NA 77 Mexico 18.00 NA 78 Mayotte 18.00 NA 79 Mauritius 18.00 NA 80 Mauritania 18.00 NA 81 Marshall Islands 18.00 NA 82 Yemen 18.00 NA 83 Wallis and Futuna 18.00 NA 84 Virgin Islands 18.00 NA 85 Vietnam 18.00 NA 86 Venezuela 18.00 NA 87 Vanuatu 18.00 NA 88 Uzbekistan 18.00 NA 89 Uruguay 18.00 NA 90 United States 18.00 NA 91 United Kingdom 18.00 NA 92 Ukraine 18.00 NA 93 Uganda 18.00 NA 94 Tuvalu 18.00 NA 95 Turks and Caicos Islands 18.00 NA 96 Turkmenistan 18.00 NA 97 Turkey 18.00 NA 98 Tunisia 18.00 NA 99 Trinidad and Tobago 18.00 NA 100 Togo 18.00 NA 101 Thailand 18.00 NA 102 Tanzania 18.00 NA 103 Tajikistan 18.00 NA 104 Syria 18.00 NA 105 Switzerland 18.00 NA 106 Sweden 18.00 NA 107 Swaziland 18.00 NA 108 Suriname 18.00 NA 109 Sri Lanka 18.00 NA 110 Spain 18.00 NA 111 South Africa 18.00 NA 112 Somalia 18.00 NA 113 Slovenia 18.00 NA 114 Slovakia 18.00 NA 115 Sierra Leone 18.00 NA 116 Serbia 18.00 NA 117 Senegal 18.00 NA 118 Sao Tome and Principe 18.00 NA 119 San Marino 18.00 NA 120 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18.00 NA 121 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 18.00 NA 122 Saint Martin 18.00 NA 123 Saint Lucia 18.00 NA 124 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18.00 NA 125 Rwanda 18.00 NA 126 Russia 18.00 NA 127 Romania 18.00 NA 128 Qatar 18.00 NA 129 Puerto Rico 18.00 NA 130 Portugal 18.00 NA 131 Poland 18.00 NA 132 Pitcairn Islands 18.00 NA 133 Philippines 18.00 NA 134 Peru 18.00 NA 135 Paraguay 18.00 NA 136 Papua New Guinea 18.00 NA 137 Panama 18.00 NA 138 Palau 18.00 NA 139 Pakistan 18.00 NA 140 Norway 18.00 NA 141 Northern Mariana Islands 18.00 NA 142 Norfolk Island 18.00 NA 143 Niue 18.00 NA 144 Nigeria 18.00 NA 145 Niger 18.00 NA 146 New Zealand 18.00 NA 147 New Caledonia 18.00 NA 148 Netherlands 18.00 NA 149 Nepal 18.00 NA 150 Namibia 18.00 NA 151 Mozambique 18.00 NA 152 Morocco 18.00 NA 153 Montserrat 18.00 NA 154 Montenegro 18.00 NA 155 Zimbabwe 18.00 NA 156 Zambia 18.00 NA 157 Malta 18.00 NA 158 Mali 18.00 NA 159 Maldives 18.00 NA 160 Malawi 18.00 NA 161 Madagascar 18.00 NA 162 Macedonia 18.00 NA 163 Macau 18.00 NA 164 Luxembourg 18.00 NA 165 Lithuania 18.00 NA 166 Liechtenstein 18.00 NA 167 Libya 18.00 NA 168 Liberia 18.00 NA 169 Lesotho 18.00 NA 170 Latvia 18.00 NA 171 Laos 18.00 NA 172 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 NA 173 Iraq 18.00 NA 174 Iran 18.00 NA 175 India 18.00 NA 176 Iceland 18.00 NA 177 Hungary 18.00 NA 178 Hong Kong 18.00 NA 179 Honduras 18.00 NA 180 Haiti 18.00 NA 181 Germany 18.00 NA 182 Georgia 18.00 NA 183 Gambia, The 18.00 NA 184 French Polynesia 18.00 NA 185 France 18.00 NA 186 Finland 18.00 NA 187 Faroe Islands 18.00 NA 188 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 18.00 NA 189 Denmark 18.00 NA 190 Czech Republic 18.00 NA 191 Cyprus 18.00 NA 192 Croatia 18.00 NA 193 Cote d'Ivoire 18.00 NA 194 Costa Rica 18.00 NA 195 Cook Islands 18.00 NA 196 Congo, Republic of the 18.00 NA 197 Cape Verde 18.00 NA 198 Canada 18.00 NA 199 Cambodia 18.00 NA 200 Burma 18.00 NA 201 Bulgaria 18.00 NA 202 British Virgin Islands 18.00 NA 203 Botswana 18.00 NA 204 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.00 NA 205 Bahamas, The 18.00 NA 206 Antigua and Barbuda 18.00 NA 207 Argentina 18.00 NA 208 Armenia 18.00 NA 209 Aruba 18.00 NA 210 Australia 18.00 NA 211 Indonesia 17.00 NA 212 Korea, North 17.00 NA 213 Timor-Leste 17.00 NA 214 Sudan 17.00 NA 215 Seychelles 17.00 NA 216 Austria 16.00 NA 217 Ecuador 16.00 NA 218 Isle of Man 16.00 NA 219 Nicaragua 16.00 NA 220 Jersey 16.00 NA 221 Guernsey 16.00 NA 222 Cuba 16.00 NA

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Rank code: 2124

Country Comparison :: Telephone system

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

Rank country Telephone system Date of Information

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Rank code: 2125

Country Comparison :: Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.

Rank country Terrain Date of Information

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Rank code: 2127

Country Comparison :: Total fertility rate

This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population change in the country. A rate of two children per woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting in relative stability in terms of total numbers. Rates above two children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe, where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the next 50 years.

Rank country (children born/woman) Date of Information

1 Niger 7.68 2010 est. 2 Uganda 6.73 2010 est. 3 Mali 6.54 2010 est. 4 Somalia 6.44 2010 est. 5 Burundi 6.25 2010 est. 6 Burkina Faso 6.21 2010 est. 7 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.11 2010 est. 8 Ethiopia 6.07 2010 est. 9 Zambia 6.07 2010 est. 10 Angola 6.05 2010 est. 11 Congo, Republic of the 5.77 2010 est. 12 Malawi 5.51 2010 est. 13 Afghanistan 5.50 2010 est. 14 Benin 5.40 2010 est. 15 Mayotte 5.40 2010 est. 16 Liberia 5.24 2010 est. 17 Sao Tome and Principe 5.21 2010 est. 18 Chad 5.18 2010 est. 19 Guinea 5.15 2010 est. 20 Mozambique 5.13 2010 est. 21 Madagascar 5.09 2010 est. 22 Equatorial Guinea 5.00 2010 est. 23 Rwanda 4.99 2010 est. 24 Sierra Leone 4.97 2010 est. 25 Gambia, The 4.96 2010 est. 26 Sudan 4.93 2010 est. 27 Gaza Strip 4.90 2010 est. 28 Senegal 4.86 2010 est. 29 Nigeria 4.82 2010 est. 30 Yemen 4.81 2010 est. 31 Comoros 4.78 2010 est. 32 Togo 4.74 2010 est. 33 Central African Republic 4.68 2010 est. 34 Gabon 4.62 2010 est. 35 Eritrea 4.60 2010 est. 36 Guinea-Bissau 4.58 2010 est. 37 Kenya 4.38 2010 est. 38 Mauritania 4.37 2010 est. 39 Western Sahara 4.37 2010 est. 40 Tanzania 4.31 2010 est. 41 Cameroon 4.25 2010 est. 42 Cote d'Ivoire 4.01 2010 est. 43 Iraq 3.76 2010 est. 44 Solomon Islands 3.67 2010 est. 45 Zimbabwe 3.66 2010 est. 46 Ghana 3.57 2010 est. 47 Papua New Guinea 3.54 2010 est. 48 Marshall Islands 3.51 2010 est. 49 Jordan 3.42 2010 est. 50 Guatemala 3.36 2010 est. 51 Samoa 3.32 2010 est. 52 Belize 3.28 2010 est. 53 Pakistan 3.28 2010 est. 54 Philippines 3.23 2010 est. 55 American Samoa 3.22 2010 est. 56 Laos 3.22 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 3.20 2010 est. 58 Swaziland 3.19 2010 est. 59 Honduras 3.17 2010 est. 60 Tuvalu 3.14 2010 est. 61 Nauru 3.13 2010 est. 62 West Bank 3.12 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 3.07 2010 est. 64 Haiti 3.07 2011 est. 65 Syria 3.02 2010 est. 66 Egypt 3.01 2010 est. 67 Libya 3.01 2010 est. 68 Lesotho 3.00 2010 est. 69 Tajikistan 2.94 2010 est. 70 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.92 2010 est. 71 Cambodia 2.90 2010 est. 72 Oman 2.87 2010 est. 73 Kiribati 2.86 2010 est. 74 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.80 2010 est. 75 Djibouti 2.79 2010 est. 76 Israel 2.72 2010 est. 77 Kuwait 2.70 2010 est. 78 Malaysia 2.70 2010 est. 79 Bangladesh 2.65 2010 est. 80 Fiji 2.65 2010 est. 81 India 2.65 2010 est. 82 Kyrgyzstan 2.64 2010 est. 83 Namibia 2.57 2010 est. 84 World 2.56 2009 est. 85 Botswana 2.54 2010 est. 86 Cape Verde 2.54 2010 est. 87 Nepal 2.53 2010 est. 88 Nicaragua 2.51 2010 est. 89 Panama 2.48 2010 est. 90 Bahrain 2.47 2010 est. 91 Dominican Republic 2.47 2010 est. 92 Ecuador 2.46 2010 est. 93 Venezuela 2.45 2010 est. 94 Qatar 2.44 2010 est. 95 Cook Islands 2.43 2010 est. 96 Vanuatu 2.43 2010 est. 97 Faroe Islands 2.43 2010 est. 98 United Arab Emirates 2.41 2010 est. 99 Guyana 2.40 2010 est. 100 Saudi Arabia 2.35 2010 est. 101 Argentina 2.33 2010 est. 102 South Africa 2.33 2010 est. 103 Peru 2.32 2010 est. 104 Mexico 2.31 2010 est. 105 Bhutan 2.29 2010 est. 106 Burma 2.28 2010 est. 107 Indonesia 2.28 2010 est. 108 Morocco 2.23 2010 est. 109 Mongolia 2.22 2010 est. 110 Grenada 2.21 2010 est. 111 Jamaica 2.21 2010 est. 112 Brazil 2.19 2010 est. 113 Turkmenistan 2.19 2010 est. 114 Colombia 2.18 2010 est. 115 Turkey 2.18 2010 est. 116 Northern Mariana Islands 2.18 2010 est. 117 Greenland 2.16 2010 est. 118 Paraguay 2.16 2010 est. 119 El Salvador 2.12 2010 est. 120 Curacao 2.10 2009 121 New Caledonia 2.09 2010 est. 122 New Zealand 2.09 2010 est. 123 Dominica 2.08 2010 est. 124 Antigua and Barbuda 2.06 2010 est. 125 United States 2.06 2010 est. 126 Azerbaijan 2.03 2010 est. 127 Ireland 2.03 2010 est. 128 Bahamas, The 2.00 2010 est. 129 Tonga 2.00 2010 est. 130 Bermuda 1.98 2010 est. 131 France 1.97 2010 est. 132 Isle of Man 1.97 2010 est. 133 Suriname 1.97 2010 est. 134 Gibraltar 1.96 2010 est. 135 Sri Lanka 1.96 2010 est. 136 Korea, North 1.94 2010 est. 137 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.94 2010 est. 138 Costa Rica 1.93 2010 est. 139 Vietnam 1.93 2010 est. 140 Seychelles 1.92 2010 est. 141 Uzbekistan 1.92 2010 est. 142 United Kingdom 1.92 2010 est. 143 Chile 1.90 2010 est. 144 Iceland 1.90 2010 est. 145 French Polynesia 1.89 2010 est. 146 Uruguay 1.89 2010 est. 147 Iran 1.89 2010 est. 148 Brunei 1.88 2010 est. 149 Cayman Islands 1.88 2010 est. 150 Kazakhstan 1.87 2010 est. 151 Aruba 1.85 2010 est. 152 Wallis and Futuna 1.84 2010 est. 153 Maldives 1.83 2010 est. 154 Saint Lucia 1.82 2010 est. 155 Virgin Islands 1.81 2010 est. 156 Mauritius 1.80 2010 est. 157 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.79 2010 est. 158 Australia 1.78 2010 est. 159 Luxembourg 1.78 2010 est. 160 Lebanon 1.78 2010 est. 161 Norway 1.77 2010 est. 162 Algeria 1.76 2010 est. 163 Anguilla 1.75 2010 est. 164 Denmark 1.74 2010 est. 165 Finland 1.73 2010 est. 166 Palau 1.73 2010 est. 167 Trinidad and Tobago 1.72 2010 est. 168 British Virgin Islands 1.71 2010 est. 169 Tunisia 1.71 2010 est. 170 Sint Maarten 1.70 2009 171 Barbados 1.68 2010 est. 172 Sweden 1.67 2010 est. 173 Jersey 1.66 2010 est. 174 Netherlands 1.66 2010 est. 175 Belgium 1.65 2010 est. 176 Thailand 1.65 2010 est. 177 Puerto Rico 1.62 2010 est. 178 Cuba 1.61 2010 est. 179 Canada 1.58 2010 est. 180 Macedonia 1.58 2010 est. 181 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.56 2010 est. 182 China 1.54 2010 est. 183 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.54 2010 est. 184 Guernsey 1.53 2010 est. 185 Liechtenstein 1.53 2010 est. 186 Malta 1.52 2010 est. 187 Monaco 1.50 2010 est. 188 Portugal 1.50 2010 est. 189 Albania 1.47 2010 est. 190 Spain 1.47 2010 est. 191 San Marino 1.46 2010 est. 192 Switzerland 1.46 2010 est. 193 Cyprus 1.45 2010 est. 194 Georgia 1.44 2010 est. 195 Croatia 1.43 2010 est. 196 Estonia 1.43 2010 est. 197 Germany 1.42 2010 est. 198 Bulgaria 1.41 2010 est. 199 Russia 1.41 2010 est. 200 Austria 1.39 2010 est. 201 Serbia 1.39 2010 est. 202 Hungary 1.39 2010 est. 203 Greece 1.37 2010 est. 204 Armenia 1.36 2010 est. 205 Slovakia 1.36 2010 est. 206 Andorra 1.34 2010 est. 207 Italy 1.32 2010 est. 208 Latvia 1.31 2010 est. 209 Poland 1.29 2010 est. 210 Slovenia 1.29 2010 est. 211 Moldova 1.28 2010 est. 212 Romania 1.27 2010 est. 213 Ukraine 1.27 2010 est. 214 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.26 2010 est. 215 Belarus 1.25 2010 est. 216 Czech Republic 1.25 2010 est. 217 Montserrat 1.25 2010 est. 218 Lithuania 1.24 2010 est. 219 Korea, South 1.22 2010 est. 220 Japan 1.20 2010 est. 221 Taiwan 1.15 2010 est. 222 Singapore 1.10 2010 est. 223 Hong Kong 1.04 2010 est. 224 Macau 0.91 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2128

Country Comparison :: Government type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population.

Rank country Government type Date of Information

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Rank code: 2129

Country Comparison :: Unemployment rate

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Monaco 0.00 2005 2 Qatar 0.50 2010 est. 3 Azerbaijan 0.90 2010 est. 4 Guernsey 0.90 March 2006 est. 5 Belarus 1.00 2009 est. 6 Uzbekistan 1.10 2010 est. 7 Thailand 1.20 2010 est. 8 Liechtenstein 1.50 31 December 2007 9 Vanuatu 1.70 1999 10 Isle of Man 1.80 October 2010 est. 11 Papua New Guinea 1.80 2004 12 Cuba 2.00 2010 est. 13 Seychelles 2.00 2006 est. 14 Kiribati 2.00 1992 est. 15 Bermuda 2.10 2004 est. 16 Jersey 2.20 2006 est. 17 Tajikistan 2.20 2009 est. 18 Kuwait 2.20 2004 est. 19 Singapore 2.30 2010 est. 20 United Arab Emirates 2.40 2001 21 Laos 2.50 2009 est. 22 Mongolia 2.80 2008 23 Gibraltar 3.00 2005 est. 24 San Marino 3.10 2008 25 Guatemala 3.20 2005 est. 26 Moldova 3.40 2010 est. 27 Cambodia 3.50 2007 est. 28 Malaysia 3.50 2010 est. 29 British Virgin Islands 3.60 1997 30 Macau 3.60 2009 31 Brunei 3.70 2008 32 Norway 3.70 2010 est. 33 Korea, South 3.70 2010 est. 34 Faroe Islands 3.90 2009 35 Switzerland 3.90 2010 est. 36 Bhutan 4.00 2009 37 Cayman Islands 4.00 2008 38 Denmark 4.20 2010 est. 39 Palau 4.20 2005 est. 40 China 4.30 September 2009 est. 41 Panama 4.40 2010 est. 42 Saint Kitts and Nevis 4.50 1997 43 Austria 4.60 2010 est. 44 Hong Kong 4.60 2010 est. 45 Nigeria 4.90 2007 est. 46 Australia 5.10 2010 est. 47 Bangladesh 5.10 2010 est. 48 Honduras 5.10 2010 est. 49 Japan 5.20 2010 est. 50 Taiwan 5.20 2010 est. 51 Sri Lanka 5.40 2010 est. 52 Kazakhstan 5.50 2010 est. 53 Luxembourg 5.50 2010 est. 54 Netherlands 5.50 2010 est. 55 Mexico 5.60 2010 est. 56 Burma 5.70 2010 est. 57 Cyprus 6.00 2010 est. 58 Montserrat 6.00 1998 est. 59 Virgin Islands 6.20 2004 60 Israel 6.40 2010 est. 61 Vietnam 6.40 2010 est. 62 Trinidad and Tobago 6.40 2010 est. 63 New Zealand 6.50 2010 est. 64 Costa Rica 6.60 2010 est. 65 Peru 6.70 2010 est. 66 Greenland 6.80 2007 est. 67 Aruba 6.90 2005 est. 68 Paraguay 6.90 2010 est. 69 Andorra 7.00 2008 70 Malta 7.00 2009 est. 71 Brazil 7.00 2010 est. 72 El Salvador 7.00 2010 est. 73 Armenia 7.10 2007 est. 74 Indonesia 7.10 2010 est. 75 Germany 7.10 2010 est. 76 Uruguay 7.40 2010 est. 77 Botswana 7.50 2007 est. 78 Mauritius 7.50 2010 est. 79 Philippines 7.50 2010 est. 80 Bahamas, The 7.60 2006 est. 81 Fiji 7.60 1999 82 Ecuador 7.60 2010 est. 83 Russia 7.60 2010 est. 84 Argentina 7.90 2010 est. 85 Finland 7.90 2010 est. 86 United Kingdom 7.90 2010 est. 87 Anguilla 8.00 2002 88 Northern Mariana Islands 8.00 2005 est. 89 Nicaragua 8.00 2010 est. 90 Central African Republic 8.00 2001 est. 91 Canada 8.00 2010 est. 92 Belgium 8.10 2010 est. 93 Romania 8.20 2010 est. 94 Bolivia 8.30 2010 est. 95 Syria 8.30 2010 est. 96 Sweden 8.30 2010 est. 97 Italy 8.40 2010 est. 98 Ukraine 8.40 2010 est. 99 Iceland 8.60 2010 est. 100 Chile 8.70 2010 est. 101 World 8.80 2010 est. 102 Czech Republic 9.30 2010 est. 103 Bulgaria 9.50 2010 est. 104 European Union 9.50 2010 est. 105 Suriname 9.50 2004 106 France 9.50 2010 est. 107 United States 9.60 2010 est. 108 Egypt 9.70 2010 est. 109 Morocco 9.80 2010 est. 110 Algeria 9.90 2010 est. 111 Turks and Caicos Islands 10.00 1997 est. 112 Curacao 10.30 2008 est. 113 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 10.30 1999 114 Sint Maarten 10.60 2008 est. 115 Slovenia 10.60 2010 est. 116 Barbados 10.70 2003 est. 117 Portugal 10.70 2010 est. 118 India 10.80 2010 est. 119 Saudi Arabia 10.80 2010 est. 120 Antigua and Barbuda 11.00 2001 est. 121 Guyana 11.00 2007 122 Ghana 11.00 2000 est. 123 Colombia 11.20 2010 est. 124 Hungary 11.50 2010 est. 125 French Polynesia 11.70 2005 126 Poland 11.80 2010 est. 127 Greece 12.00 2010 est. 128 Niue 12.00 2001 129 Puerto Rico 12.00 2002 130 Venezuela 12.10 2010 est. 131 Turkey 12.40 2010 est. 132 Grenada 12.50 2000 133 Slovakia 12.50 2010 est. 134 Albania 12.70 2010 est. 135 Jamaica 12.90 2010 est. 136 Tonga 13.00 FY03/04 est. 137 Belize 13.10 2009 138 Cook Islands 13.10 2005 139 Jordan 13.40 2010 est. 140 Estonia 13.50 2010 est. 141 Ireland 13.70 2010 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha14.00 1998 est. 143 Tunisia 14.00 2010 est. 144 Dominican Republic 14.20 2010 est. 145 Maldives 14.40 2006 est. 146 Iran 14.60 2010 est. 147 Montenegro 14.70 2007 est. 148 Bahrain 15.00 2005 est. 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15.00 2001 est. 150 Pakistan 15.00 2010 est. 151 Oman 15.00 2004 est. 152 Wallis and Futuna 15.20 2003 153 Iraq 15.30 2009 est. 154 Lithuania 16.00 2010 est. 155 Georgia 16.40 2009 est. 156 West Bank 16.50 2010 est. 157 Kosovo 16.60 2009 est. 158 New Caledonia 17.10 2004 159 Serbia 17.20 2010 est. 160 Croatia 17.60 2010 est. 161 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 2004 est. 162 Sudan 18.70 2002 est. 163 Latvia 19.10 2010 est. 164 Comoros 20.00 1996 est. 165 Saint Lucia 20.00 2003 est. 166 Timor-Leste 20.00 2006 est. 167 Spain 20.00 2010 est. 168 Cape Verde 21.00 2000 est. 169 Mozambique 21.00 1997 est. 170 Gabon 21.00 2006 est. 171 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.00 2000 est. 172 Dominica 23.00 2000 est. 173 South Africa 23.30 2010 est. 174 Mayotte 25.40 2005 175 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27.20 2010 est. 176 American Samoa 29.80 2005 177 Cameroon 30.00 2001 est. 178 Mali 30.00 2004 est. 179 Mauritania 30.00 2008 est. 180 Libya 30.00 2004 est. 181 Equatorial Guinea 30.00 1998 est. 182 Macedonia 33.10 2010 est. 183 Afghanistan 35.00 2008 est. 184 Yemen 35.00 2003 est. 185 Marshall Islands 36.00 2006 est. 186 Gaza Strip 40.00 2010 est. 187 Kenya 40.00 2008 est. 188 Swaziland 40.00 2006 est. 189 Lesotho 45.00 2002 190 Nepal 46.00 2008 est. 191 Senegal 48.00 2007 est. 192 Zambia 50.00 2000 est. 193 Namibia 51.20 2008 est. 194 Djibouti 59.00 2007 est. 195 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 60.00 2000 est. 196 Turkmenistan 60.00 2004 est. 197 Burkina Faso 77.00 2004 198 Liberia 85.00 2003 est. 199 Nauru 90.00 2004 est. 200 Zimbabwe 95.00 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2137

Country Comparison :: Military - note

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

Rank country Military - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2138

Country Comparison :: Communications - note

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

Rank country Communications - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2140

Country Comparison :: Government - note

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

Rank country Government - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2141

Country Comparison :: Group

Rank country Group Date of Information

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Rank code: 2142

Country Comparison :: Country name

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

Rank country Country name Date of Information

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Rank code: 2144

Country Comparison :: Location

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

Rank country Location Date of Information

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Rank code: 2145

Country Comparison :: Map references

This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. Note that boundary representations on these maps are not necessarily authoritative. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries.

Rank country Map references Date of Information

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Rank code: 2146

Country Comparison :: Irrigated land

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

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

1 India 558,080.00 2003 2 China 545,960.00 2003 3 United States 223,850.00 2003 4 Pakistan 182,300.00 2003 5 European Union 168,050.00 2003 est. 6 Iran 76,500.00 2003 7 Mexico 63,200.00 2003 8 Turkey 52,150.00 2003 9 Thailand 49,860.00 2003 10 Bangladesh 47,250.00 2003 11 Russia 46,000.00 2003 12 Indonesia 45,000.00 2003 13 Uzbekistan 42,810.00 2003 14 Spain 37,800.00 2003 15 Kazakhstan 35,560.00 2003 16 Iraq 35,250.00 2003 17 Egypt 34,220.00 2003 18 Romania 30,770.00 2003 19 Vietnam 30,000.00 2003 20 Brazil 29,200.00 2003 21 Italy 27,500.00 2003 22 Afghanistan 27,200.00 2003 23 Japan 25,920.00 2003 24 Australia 25,450.00 2003 25 Ukraine 22,080.00 2003 26 Chile 19,000.00 2003 27 Burma 18,700.00 2003 28 Sudan 18,630.00 2003 29 Turkmenistan 18,000.00 2003 30 Saudi Arabia 16,200.00 2003 31 Argentina 15,500.00 2003 32 Philippines 15,500.00 2003 33 South Africa 14,980.00 2003 34 Korea, North 14,600.00 2003 35 Azerbaijan 14,550.00 2003 36 Greece 14,530.00 2003 37 Morocco 14,450.00 2003 38 Syria 13,330.00 2003 39 Peru 12,000.00 2003 40 Nepal 11,700.00 2003 41 Madagascar 10,860.00 2003 42 Kyrgyzstan 10,720.00 2003 43 Colombia 9,000.00 2003 44 Korea, South 8,780.00 2003 45 Cuba 8,700.00 2003 46 Ecuador 8,650.00 2003 47 Canada 7,850.00 2003 48 Sri Lanka 7,430.00 2003 49 Tajikistan 7,220.00 2003 50 Portugal 6,500.00 2003 51 Bulgaria 5,880.00 2003 52 Venezuela 5,750.00 2003 53 Algeria 5,690.00 2003 54 Netherlands 5,650.00 2003 55 Yemen 5,500.00 2003 56 Germany 4,850.00 2003 57 Libya 4,700.00 2003 58 Georgia 4,690.00 2003 59 Denmark 4,490.00 2003 60 Tunisia 3,940.00 2003 61 Malaysia 3,650.00 2003 62 Albania 3,530.00 2003 63 Moldova 3,000.00 2003 64 Ethiopia 2,900.00 2003 65 Armenia 2,860.00 2003 66 New Zealand 2,850.00 2003 67 Nigeria 2,820.00 2003 68 Dominican Republic 2,750.00 2003 69 Cambodia 2,700.00 2003 70 Mali 2,360.00 2003 71 Hungary 2,300.00 2003 72 Uruguay 2,100.00 2003 73 Somalia 2,000.00 2003 74 Israel 1,940.00 2003 75 Tanzania 1,840.00 2003 76 Slovakia 1,830.00 2003 77 Laos 1,750.00 2003 78 Zimbabwe 1,740.00 2003 79 United Kingdom 1,700.00 2003 80 Zambia 1,560.00 2003 81 Guyana 1,500.00 2003 82 Bolivia 1,320.00 2003 83 Belarus 1,310.00 2003 84 Guatemala 1,300.00 2003 85 Norway 1,270.00 2003 86 Senegal 1,200.00 2003 87 Mozambique 1,180.00 2003 88 Sweden 1,150.00 2003 89 Costa Rica 1,080.00 2003 90 Timor-Leste 1,065.00 NA 91 Lebanon 1,040.00 2003 92 Kenya 1,030.00 2003 93 Poland 1,000.00 2003 94 Guinea 950.00 2003 95 Haiti 920.00 2003 96 Mongolia 840.00 2003 97 Angola 800.00 2003 98 Honduras 800.00 2003 99 United Arab Emirates 760.00 2003 100 Jordan 750.00 2003 101 Cote d'Ivoire 730.00 2003 102 Niger 730.00 2003 103 Oman 720.00 2003 104 Paraguay 670.00 2003 105 Finland 640.00 2003 106 Nicaragua 610.00 2003 107 Malawi 560.00 2003 108 Macedonia 550.00 2003 109 Suriname 510.00 2003 110 Swaziland 500.00 2003 111 Mauritania 490.00 2002 112 El Salvador 450.00 2003 113 Panama 430.00 2003 114 Belgium 400.00 2003 115 Cyprus 400.00 2003 116 Puerto Rico 400.00 2003 117 Bhutan 400.00 2003 118 Ghana 310.00 2003 119 Chad 300.00 2003 120 Sierra Leone 300.00 2003 121 Cameroon 260.00 2003 122 Burkina Faso 250.00 2003 123 Switzerland 250.00 2003 124 Jamaica 250.00 2002 125 Guinea-Bissau 250.00 2003 126 Czech Republic 240.00 2003 127 Mauritius 220.00 2003 128 Burundi 210.00 2003 129 Eritrea 210.00 2003 130 Latvia 200.00 2003 131 Kuwait 130.00 2003 132 Qatar 130.00 2002 133 Benin 120.00 2003 134 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 110.00 2003 135 Croatia 110.00 2003 136 New Caledonia 100.00 2003 137 Sao Tome and Principe 100.00 2003 138 Rwanda 90.00 2003 139 Uganda 90.00 2003 140 Namibia 80.00 2003 141 Gabon 70.00 2003 142 Lithuania 70.00 2003 143 Togo 70.00 2003 144 Barbados 50.00 2003 145 Austria 40.00 2003 146 Trinidad and Tobago 40.00 2003 147 Estonia 40.00 2003 148 Bahrain 40.00 2003 149 Belize 30.00 2003 150 Slovenia 30.00 2003 151 Saint Lucia 30.00 2003 152 Liberia 30.00 2003 153 Lesotho 30.00 2003 154 Fiji 30.00 2003 155 Cape Verde 30.00 2003 156 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30.00 2003 157 Central African Republic 20.00 2003 158 Malta 20.00 2003 159 Gambia, The 20.00 2003 160 Hong Kong 20.00 1998 est. 161 Congo, Republic of the 20.00 2003 162 Bahamas, The 10.00 2003 163 Brunei 10.00 2003 164 Botswana 10.00 2003 165 Djibouti 10.00 2003 166 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.00 2003 167 French Polynesia 10.00 2003 168 Aruba 0.01 1998 est. 169 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 170 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 171 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 172 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 NA 173 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 174 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 175 Wake Island 0.00 NA 176 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 177 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 178 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 179 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 180 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 181 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 182 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 183 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 184 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2147

Country Comparison :: Area

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

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

1 Russia 17,098,242 NA 2 Canada 9,984,670 NA 3 United States 9,826,675 NA 4 China 9,596,961 NA 5 Brazil 8,514,877 NA 6 Australia 7,741,220 NA 7 India 3,287,263 NA 8 Argentina 2,780,400 NA 9 Kazakhstan 2,724,900 NA 10 Sudan 2,505,813 NA 11 Algeria 2,381,741 NA 12 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,344,858 NA 13 Greenland 2,166,086 NA 14 Saudi Arabia 2,149,690 NA 15 Mexico 1,964,375 NA 16 Indonesia 1,904,569 NA 17 Libya 1,759,540 NA 18 Iran 1,648,195 NA 19 Mongolia 1,564,116 NA 20 Peru 1,285,216 NA 21 Chad 1,284,000 NA 22 Niger 1,267,000 NA 23 Angola 1,246,700 NA 24 Mali 1,240,192 NA 25 South Africa 1,219,090 NA 26 Colombia 1,138,910 NA 27 Ethiopia 1,104,300 NA 28 Bolivia 1,098,581 NA 29 Mauritania 1,030,700 NA 30 Egypt 1,001,450 NA 31 Tanzania 947,300 NA 32 Nigeria 923,768 NA 33 Venezuela 912,050 NA 34 Namibia 824,292 NA 35 Mozambique 799,380 NA 36 Pakistan 796,095 NA 37 Turkey 783,562 NA 38 Chile 756,102 NA 39 Zambia 752,618 NA 40 Burma 676,578 NA 41 Afghanistan 652,230 NA 42 France 643,427 NA 43 Somalia 637,657 NA 44 Central African Republic 622,984 NA 45 Ukraine 603,550 NA 46 Madagascar 587,041 NA 47 Botswana 581,730 NA 48 Kenya 580,367 NA 49 Yemen 527,968 NA 50 Thailand 513,120 NA 51 Spain 505,370 NA 52 Turkmenistan 488,100 NA 53 Cameroon 475,440 NA 54 Papua New Guinea 462,840 NA 55 Sweden 450,295 NA 56 Uzbekistan 447,400 NA 57 Morocco 446,550 NA 58 Iraq 438,317 NA 59 Paraguay 406,752 NA 60 Zimbabwe 390,757 NA 61 Japan 377,915 NA 62 Germany 357,022 NA 63 Congo, Republic of the 342,000 NA 64 Finland 338,145 NA 65 Vietnam 331,210 NA 66 Malaysia 329,847 NA 67 Norway 323,802 NA 68 Cote d'Ivoire 322,463 NA 69 Poland 312,685 NA 70 Oman 309,500 NA 71 Italy 301,340 NA 72 Philippines 300,000 NA 73 Ecuador 283,561 NA 74 Burkina Faso 274,200 NA 75 New Zealand 267,710 NA 76 Gabon 267,667 NA 77 Western Sahara 266,000 NA 78 Guinea 245,857 NA 79 United Kingdom 243,610 NA 80 Uganda 241,038 NA 81 Ghana 238,533 NA 82 Romania 238,391 NA 83 Laos 236,800 NA 84 Guyana 214,969 NA 85 Belarus 207,600 NA 86 Kyrgyzstan 199,951 NA 87 Senegal 196,722 NA 88 Syria 185,180 NA 89 Cambodia 181,035 NA 90 Uruguay 176,215 NA 91 Suriname 163,820 NA 92 Tunisia 163,610 NA 93 Nepal 147,181 NA 94 Bangladesh 143,998 NA 95 Tajikistan 143,100 NA 96 Greece 131,957 NA 97 Nicaragua 130,370 NA 98 Korea, North 120,538 NA 99 Malawi 118,484 NA 100 Eritrea 117,600 NA 101 Benin 112,622 NA 102 Honduras 112,090 NA 103 Liberia 111,369 NA 104 Bulgaria 110,879 NA 105 Cuba 110,860 NA 106 Guatemala 108,889 NA 107 Iceland 103,000 NA 108 Korea, South 99,720 NA 109 Hungary 93,028 NA 110 Portugal 92,090 NA 111 Jordan 89,342 NA 112 Azerbaijan 86,600 NA 113 Austria 83,871 NA 114 United Arab Emirates 83,600 NA 115 Czech Republic 78,867 NA 116 Serbia 77,474 NA 117 Panama 75,420 NA 118 Sierra Leone 71,740 NA 119 Ireland 70,273 NA 120 Georgia 69,700 NA 121 Sri Lanka 65,610 NA 122 Lithuania 65,300 NA 123 Latvia 64,589 NA 124 Svalbard 62,045 NA 125 Togo 56,785 NA 126 Croatia 56,594 NA 127 British Indian Ocean Territory 54,400 NA 128 Bosnia and Herzegovina 51,197 NA 129 Costa Rica 51,100 NA 130 Slovakia 49,035 NA 131 Dominican Republic 48,670 NA 132 Estonia 45,228 NA 133 Denmark 43,094 NA 134 Netherlands 41,543 NA 135 Switzerland 41,277 NA 136 Bhutan 38,394 NA 137 Guinea-Bissau 36,125 NA 138 Taiwan 35,980 NA 139 Moldova 33,851 NA 140 Belgium 30,528 NA 141 Lesotho 30,355 NA 142 Armenia 29,743 NA 143 Solomon Islands 28,896 NA 144 Albania 28,748 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 28,051 NA 146 Burundi 27,830 NA 147 Haiti 27,750 NA 148 Rwanda 26,338 NA 149 Macedonia 25,713 NA 150 Djibouti 23,200 NA 151 Belize 22,966 NA 152 Israel 22,072 NA 153 El Salvador 21,041 NA 154 Slovenia 20,273 NA 155 New Caledonia 18,575 NA 156 Fiji 18,274 NA 157 Kuwait 17,818 NA 158 Swaziland 17,364 NA 159 Timor-Leste 14,874 NA 160 Bahamas, The 13,880 NA 161 Montenegro 13,812 NA 162 Puerto Rico 13,790 NA 163 Vanuatu 12,189 NA 164 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 12,173 NA 165 Qatar 11,586 NA 166 Gambia, The 11,295 NA 167 Jamaica 10,991 NA 168 Kosovo 10,887 NA 169 Lebanon 10,400 NA 170 Cyprus 9,251 NA 171 West Bank 5,860 NA 172 Brunei 5,765 NA 173 Trinidad and Tobago 5,128 NA 174 French Polynesia 4,167 NA 175 Cape Verde 4,033 NA 176 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands3,903 NA 177 Samoa 2,831 NA 178 Luxembourg 2,586 NA 179 Comoros 2,235 NA 180 Mauritius 2,040 NA 181 Virgin Islands 1,910 NA 182 Faroe Islands 1,393 NA 183 Hong Kong 1,104 NA 184 Sao Tome and Principe 964 NA 185 Turks and Caicos Islands 948 NA 186 Kiribati 811 NA 187 Bahrain 760 NA 188 Dominica 751 NA 189 Tonga 747 NA 190 Micronesia, Federated States of 702 NA 191 Singapore 697 NA 192 Saint Lucia 616 NA 193 Isle of Man 572 NA 194 Andorra 468 NA 195 Northern Mariana Islands 464 NA 196 Palau 459 NA 197 Seychelles 455 NA 198 Curacao 444 NA 199 Antigua and Barbuda 443 NA 200 Barbados 430 NA 201 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 412 NA 202 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 389 NA 203 Jan Mayen 377 NA 204 Mayotte 374 NA 205 Gaza Strip 360 NA 206 Grenada 344 NA 207 Malta 316 NA 208 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha308 NA 209 Maldives 298 NA 210 Cayman Islands 264 NA 211 Saint Kitts and Nevis 261 NA 212 Niue 260 NA 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 242 NA 214 Cook Islands 236 NA 215 American Samoa 199 NA 216 Marshall Islands 181 NA 217 Aruba 180 NA 218 Liechtenstein 160 NA 219 British Virgin Islands 151 NA 220 Wallis and Futuna 142 NA 221 Christmas Island 135 NA 222 Dhekelia 131 NA 223 Akrotiri 123 NA 224 Jersey 116 NA 225 Montserrat 102 NA 226 Anguilla 91 NA 227 Guernsey 78 NA 228 San Marino 61 NA 229 French Southern and Antarctic Lands55 NA 230 Saint Martin 54 NA 231 Bermuda 54 NA 232 Bouvet Island 49 NA 233 Pitcairn Islands 47 NA 234 Norfolk Island 36 NA 235 Sint Maarten 34 NA 236 Macau 28 NA 237 Tuvalu 26 NA 238 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges22 NA 239 Nauru 21 NA 240 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 14 NA 241 Tokelau 12 NA 242 Gibraltar 7 NA 243 Wake Island 7 NA 244 Clipperton Island 6 NA 245 Navassa Island 5 NA 246 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 5 NA 247 Spratly Islands 5 NA 248 Coral Sea Islands 3 NA 249 Monaco 2 NA 250 Holy See (Vatican City) 0 NA

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Rank code: 2149

Country Comparison :: Diplomatic representation in the US

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

Rank country Diplomatic representation in the USDate of Information

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Rank code: 2150

Country Comparison :: Telephones - main lines in use

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

Rank country Telephones - main lines in useDate of Information

1 China 313,680,000 2009 2 United States 141,000,000 2009 3 Germany 48,700,000 2009 4 Russia 44,802,000 2009 5 Japan 44,364,000 2009 6 Brazil 41,497,000 2009 7 France 36,431,000 2009 8 India 35,770,000 2010 9 Indonesia 33,958,000 2009 10 United Kingdom 32,117,000 2009 11 Iran 25,804,000 2009 12 Italy 21,300,000 2009 13 Spain 20,057,000 2009 14 Mexico 19,425,000 2009 15 Korea, South 19,289,000 2009 16 Canada 18,251,000 2009 17 Vietnam 17,427,000 2009 18 Turkey 16,534,000 2009 19 Taiwan 14,596,000 2009 20 Ukraine 13,026,000 2009 21 Egypt 10,313,000 2009 22 Argentina 9,764,000 2009 23 Poland 9,556,000 2009 24 Australia 9,020,000 2009 25 Colombia 7,500,000 2009 26 Netherlands 7,320,000 2009 27 Thailand 7,024,000 2009 28 Venezuela 6,867,000 2009 29 Greece 5,930,000 2009 30 Romania 5,313,000 2009 31 Sweden 5,146,000 2009 32 Switzerland 4,650,000 2009 33 South Africa 4,320,000 2009 34 Malaysia 4,312,000 2009 35 Hong Kong 4,188,000 2009 36 Saudi Arabia 4,171,000 2009 37 Philippines 4,100,000 2009 38 Pakistan 4,058,000 2009 39 Portugal 4,049,000 2009 40 Belarus 3,969,000 2009 41 Syria 3,871,000 2009 42 Kazakhstan 3,763,000 2009 43 Chile 3,575,000 2009 44 Sri Lanka 3,523,000 2010 45 Morocco 3,516,000 2009 46 Austria 3,253,000 2009 47 Israel 3,250,000 2009 48 Serbia 3,106,000 2009 49 Hungary 3,069,000 2009 50 Peru 2,965,000 2009 51 Algeria 2,576,000 2009 52 Bulgaria 2,164,000 2009 53 Czech Republic 2,092,000 2009 54 Ireland 2,080,000 2009 55 Denmark 2,062,000 2009 56 Ecuador 2,004,000 2009 57 Norway 1,900,000 2009 58 New Zealand 1,870,000 2009 59 Croatia 1,859,000 2009 60 Uzbekistan 1,857,000 2009 61 Singapore 1,852,000 2009 62 United Arab Emirates 1,561,000 2009 63 Bangladesh 1,522,000 2009 64 Costa Rica 1,493,000 2009 65 Finland 1,430,000 2009 66 Nigeria 1,419,000 2009 67 Guatemala 1,413,000 2009 68 Azerbaijan 1,397,000 2009 69 Tunisia 1,279,000 2009 70 Korea, North 1,180,000 2008 71 Cuba 1,168,000 2009 72 Moldova 1,139,000 2009 73 Iraq 1,108,000 2009 74 Libya 1,101,000 2009 75 El Salvador 1,099,000 2009 76 Slovenia 1,034,000 2009 77 Slovakia 1,022,000 2009 78 Bosnia and Herzegovina 998,600 2009 79 Yemen 997,000 2009 80 Dominican Republic 965,400 2009 81 Uruguay 953,400 2009 82 Ethiopia 915,100 2009 83 Puerto Rico 870,100 2009 84 Honduras 830,000 2009 85 Nepal 820,500 2009 86 Burma 812,000 2009 87 Bolivia 810,200 2009 88 Lebanon 750,000 2009 89 Lithuania 747,400 2009 90 Kenya 664,100 2009 91 Latvia 644,000 2009 92 Armenia 630,000 2009 93 Georgia 620,000 2009 94 Kuwait 553,500 2009 95 Panama 537,100 2009 96 Jordan 501,200 2009 97 Kyrgyzstan 498,300 2009 98 Estonia 492,800 2009 99 Turkmenistan 478,000 2009 100 Macedonia 442,200 2009 101 Cyprus 414,500 NA 102 Paraguay 387,300 2009 103 Zimbabwe 385,100 2009 104 Mauritius 379,100 2009 105 Sudan 370,400 2009 106 Montenegro 366,600 2009 107 Albania 363,000 2009 108 Gaza Strip 360,400 2010 109 West Bank 360,400 2010 110 Cameroon 323,800 2009 111 Trinidad and Tobago 314,800 2009 112 Angola 303,200 2009 113 Jamaica 302,300 2009 114 Oman 300,100 2009 115 Tajikistan 290,000 2009 116 Qatar 285,300 2009 117 Cote d'Ivoire 282,100 2009 118 Senegal 278,800 2009 119 Luxembourg 273,600 2009 120 Ghana 267,400 2009 121 Nicaragua 255,000 2009 122 Malta 252,700 2009 123 Bahrain 238,400 2009 124 Uganda 233,500 2009 125 Mongolia 188,900 2009 126 Iceland 185,200 2009 127 Madagascar 181,200 2009 128 Togo 178,700 2009 129 Malawi 175,000 2009 130 Tanzania 173,552 2010 131 Macau 168,903 2010 132 Burkina Faso 167,000 2009 133 Botswana 144,200 2009 134 Namibia 142,100 2009 135 Fiji 136,800 2009 136 Barbados 135,700 2009 137 Laos 132,200 2009 138 Guyana 130,000 2009 139 Afghanistan 129,300 2009 140 Bahamas, The 129,000 2009 141 Benin 127,100 2009 142 Haiti 108,300 2009 143 Kosovo 106,300 2006 144 Somalia 100,000 2009 145 Zambia 90,300 2009 146 Suriname 83,700 2009 147 Mozambique 82,400 2009 148 Mali 81,000 2009 149 Brunei 80,500 2009 150 Virgin Islands 75,000 2009 151 Mauritania 74,500 2009 152 Jersey 73,900 2009 153 Cape Verde 72,200 2009 154 New Caledonia 65,900 2009 155 Niger 65,000 2009 156 Papua New Guinea 60,000 2009 157 Bermuda 57,700 2009 158 French Polynesia 54,300 2009 159 Cambodia 54,200 2009 160 Isle of Man 51,000 1999 161 Maldives 49,913 2009 162 Gambia, The 49,000 2009 163 Eritrea 48,500 2009 164 Guernsey 45,100 2009 165 Swaziland 44,000 2009 166 Saint Lucia 41,000 2009 167 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 40,000 2009 168 Lesotho 40,000 2009 169 Aruba 38,300 2009 170 Cayman Islands 38,000 2009 171 Andorra 37,900 2009 172 Antigua and Barbuda 37,400 2009 173 Monaco 35,400 2009 174 Rwanda 33,500 2009 175 Sierra Leone 32,800 2009 176 Samoa 31,900 2009 177 Burundi 31,500 2009 178 Belize 31,200 2009 179 Tonga 31,000 2009 180 Grenada 28,600 2009 181 Gabon 26,500 2009 182 Bhutan 26,300 2009 183 Comoros 25,400 2009 184 Northern Mariana Islands 25,100 2009 185 Congo, Republic of the 24,300 2009 186 Gibraltar 24,000 2009 187 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 23,000 2009 188 Seychelles 22,100 2009 189 Greenland 22,000 2009 190 Guinea 22,000 2009 191 San Marino 21,500 2009 192 Faroe Islands 20,900 2009 193 Saint Kitts and Nevis 20,500 2009 194 British Virgin Islands 20,100 2009 195 Liechtenstein 19,600 2009 196 Dominica 17,500 2009 197 Djibouti 16,800 2009 198 Chad 13,000 2009 199 Central African Republic 12,000 2009 200 American Samoa 10,400 2009 201 Equatorial Guinea 10,000 2009 202 Mayotte 10,000 2009 203 Micronesia, Federated States of 8,700 2009 204 Solomon Islands 8,200 2009 205 Sao Tome and Principe 7,800 2009 206 Vanuatu 7,200 2009 207 Palau 7,100 2009 208 Cook Islands 6,900 2009 209 Anguilla 6,300 2009 210 Sint Maarten 5,153 2001 211 Holy See (Vatican City) 5,120 2005 212 Guinea-Bissau 4,800 2009 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,800 2009 214 Marshall Islands 4,400 2009 215 Belgium 4,255 2009 216 Kiribati 4,000 2009 217 Turks and Caicos Islands 3,700 2009 218 Wallis and Futuna 3,000 2009 219 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,900 2009 220 Montserrat 2,700 2009 221 Norfolk Island 2,532 2004 222 Timor-Leste 2,400 2009 223 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2,000 2009 224 Liberia 2,000 2009 225 Nauru 1,900 2009 226 Tuvalu 1,700 2009 227 Niue 1,100 2009 228 Tokelau 300 2009 229 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 287 1992 230 Pitcairn Islands 1 2004 231 Antarctica 0 2001

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Rank code: 2151

Country Comparison :: Telephones - mobile cellular

This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephone subscribers.

Rank country Telephones - mobile cellular Date of Information

1 China 747,000,000 2009 2 India 670,000,000 2010 3 United States 286,000,000 2009 4 Russia 230,500,000 2009 5 Brazil 173,959,000 2009 6 Indonesia 159,248,000 2009 7 Japan 114,917,000 2009 8 Germany 105,000,000 2009 9 Pakistan 103,000,000 2009 10 Vietnam 98,224,000 2009 11 Italy 90,613,000 2009 12 Mexico 83,528,000 2009 13 Thailand 83,057,000 2009 14 United Kingdom 80,375,000 2009 15 Philippines 74,489,000 2009 16 Nigeria 73,099,000 2009 17 Turkey 62,780,000 2009 18 France 60,950,000 2009 19 Egypt 55,352,000 2009 20 Ukraine 55,333,000 2009 21 Iran 52,555,000 2009 22 Argentina 51,891,000 2009 23 Spain 50,991,000 2009 24 Bangladesh 50,400,000 2009 25 Korea, South 47,944,000 2009 26 South Africa 46,436,000 2009 27 Saudi Arabia 44,864,000 2009 28 Poland 44,553,000 2009 29 Colombia 42,160,000 2009 30 Algeria 32,730,000 2009 31 Malaysia 30,379,000 2009 32 Venezuela 28,124,000 2009 33 Taiwan 26,959,000 2009 34 Romania 25,377,000 2009 35 Morocco 25,311,000 2009 36 Peru 24,700,000 2009 37 Australia 24,220,000 2009 38 Canada 23,081,000 2009 39 Netherlands 21,182,000 2009 40 Iraq 19,722,000 2009 41 Kenya 19,365,000 2009 42 Tanzania 17,677,000 2010 43 Guatemala 17,308,000 2009 44 Chile 16,450,000 2009 45 Uzbekistan 16,418,000 2009 46 Sri Lanka 15,868,000 2010 47 Sudan 15,340,000 2009 48 Portugal 15,178,000 2009 49 Ghana 15,109,000 2009 50 Kazakhstan 14,995,000 2009 51 Czech Republic 14,258,000 2009 52 Ecuador 13,635,000 2009 53 Cote d'Ivoire 13,346,000 2009 54 Greece 13,295,000 2009 55 Belgium 12,419,000 2009 56 Hong Kong 12,207,000 2009 57 Afghanistan 12,000,000 2009 58 Hungary 11,793,000 2009 59 Austria 11,773,000 2009 60 Sweden 11,426,000 2009 61 United Arab Emirates 10,672,000 2009 62 Bulgaria 10,617,000 2009 63 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,163,000 2009 64 Serbia 9,912,000 2009 65 Tunisia 9,754,000 2009 66 Syria 9,697,000 2009 67 Belarus 9,686,000 2009 68 Uganda 9,384,000 2009 69 Switzerland 9,255,000 2009 70 Israel 9,022,000 2009 71 Dominican Republic 8,630,000 2009 72 Yemen 8,313,000 2009 73 Angola 8,109,000 2009 74 Azerbaijan 7,757,000 2009 75 Honduras 7,714,000 2009 76 Finland 7,700,000 2009 77 Nepal 7,618,000 2009 78 El Salvador 7,566,000 2009 79 Denmark 7,406,000 2009 80 Cameroon 7,397,000 2009 81 Bolivia 7,148,000 2009 82 Senegal 6,902,000 2009 83 Singapore 6,652,000 2009 84 Croatia 6,035,000 2009 85 Jordan 6,014,000 2009 86 Madagascar 5,997,000 2009 87 Mozambique 5,971,000 2009 88 Panama 5,677,000 2009 89 Paraguay 5,619,000 2009 90 Guinea 5,607,000 2009 91 Cambodia 5,593,000 2009 92 Slovakia 5,498,000 2009 93 Norway 5,336,000 2009 94 Benin 5,033,000 2009 95 Libya 5,004,000 2009 96 Lithuania 4,962,000 2009 97 Tajikistan 4,900,000 2009 98 Ireland 4,871,000 2009 99 New Zealand 4,700,000 2009 100 Kyrgyzstan 4,487,000 2009 101 Zambia 4,407,000 2009 102 Albania 4,162,000 2009 103 Ethiopia 4,052,000 2009 104 Oman 3,971,000 2009 105 Kuwait 3,876,000 2009 106 Uruguay 3,802,000 2009 107 Mali 3,742,000 2009 108 Haiti 3,648,000 2009 109 Burkina Faso 3,299,000 2009 110 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,257,000 2009 111 Laos 3,235,000 2009 112 Nicaragua 3,204,000 2009 113 Zimbabwe 2,991,000 2009 114 Jamaica 2,971,000 2009 115 Georgia 2,837,000 2009 116 Moldova 2,785,000 2009 117 Estonia 2,720,000 2009 118 Puerto Rico 2,716,000 2009 119 Chad 2,686,000 2009 120 Armenia 2,620,000 2009 121 Niger 2,599,000 2009 122 Qatar 2,472,000 2009 123 Rwanda 2,429,000 2009 124 Gaza Strip 2,405,000 2010 125 West Bank 2,405,000 2010 126 Malawi 2,400,000 2009 127 Mongolia 2,249,000 2009 128 Latvia 2,243,000 2009 129 Togo 2,187,000 2009 130 Mauritania 2,182,000 2009 131 Congo, Republic of the 2,171,000 2009 132 Slovenia 2,100,000 2009 133 Trinidad and Tobago 1,970,000 2009 134 Costa Rica 1,950,000 2009 135 Macedonia 1,943,000 2009 136 Botswana 1,874,000 2009 137 Bahrain 1,578,000 2009 138 Lebanon 1,526,000 2009 139 Turkmenistan 1,500,000 2009 140 Gambia, The 1,433,000 2009 141 Gabon 1,373,000 2009 142 Namibia 1,217,000 2009 143 Sierra Leone 1,160,000 2009 144 Macau 1,109,000 2010 145 Mauritius 1,087,000 2009 146 Cyprus 977,500 NA 147 Papua New Guinea 900,000 2009 148 Liberia 842,000 2009 149 Burundi 838,400 2009 150 Suriname 763,900 2009 151 Montenegro 752,000 2009 152 Luxembourg 719,000 2009 153 Lesotho 661,000 2009 154 Swaziland 656,000 2009 155 Somalia 641,000 2009 156 Fiji 640,000 2009 157 Kosovo 562,000 2007 158 Guinea-Bissau 560,300 2009 159 Maldives 461,149 2009 160 Burma 448,000 2009 161 Equatorial Guinea 445,000 2009 162 Cuba 443,000 2009 163 Brunei 425,000 2009 164 Malta 422,100 2009 165 Cape Verde 392,000 2009 166 Bahamas, The 358,800 2009 167 Iceland 349,000 2009 168 Barbados 337,100 2009 169 Bhutan 327,100 2009 170 Guyana 281,400 2005 171 French Polynesia 208,300 2009 172 New Caledonia 208,000 2009 173 Saint Lucia 176,000 2009 174 Central African Republic 168,000 2009 175 Belize 161,800 2009 176 Samoa 151,000 2009 177 Eritrea 141,100 2009 178 Antigua and Barbuda 134,900 2009 179 Djibouti 128,800 2009 180 Aruba 128,000 2009 181 Vanuatu 126,500 2009 182 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 121,100 2009 183 Timor-Leste 116,000 2009 184 Dominica 106,000 2009 185 Comoros 100,000 2009 186 Seychelles 92,300 2009 187 Bermuda 85,000 2009 188 Jersey 83,900 2004 189 Saint Kitts and Nevis 83,000 2009 190 Virgin Islands 80,300 2005 191 Andorra 64,500 2009 192 Grenada 64,000 2009 193 Sao Tome and Principe 64,000 2009 194 Faroe Islands 57,000 2009 195 Greenland 53,500 2009 196 Tonga 53,000 2009 197 Mayotte 48,100 2005 198 Guernsey 43,800 2004 199 Micronesia, Federated States of 38,000 2009 200 Liechtenstein 35,000 2009 201 Cayman Islands 33,800 2004 202 Solomon Islands 30,000 2009 203 Gibraltar 28,600 2009 204 Anguilla 27,000 2009 205 Turks and Caicos Islands 25,100 2004 206 British Virgin Islands 24,000 2009 207 San Marino 24,000 2009 208 Monaco 23,000 2009 209 Northern Mariana Islands 20,500 2004 210 Palau 13,200 2009 211 Cook Islands 7,000 2009 212 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3,300 2009 213 Montserrat 3,000 2008 214 American Samoa 2,200 2004 215 Tuvalu 2,000 2009 216 Nauru 1,500 2002 217 Kiribati 1,000 2009 218 Marshall Islands 1,000 2009 219 Niue 600 2004 220 Norfolk Island 0 2002 221 Western Sahara 0 1999

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Rank code: 2152

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 7,000.00 2002 est. 2 Canada 760.00 2000 est. 3 Australia 571.00 2002 4 Russia 300.00 June 2000 5 Ukraine 260.00 2001 6 Bulgaria 200.00 2001 7 Germany 200.00 2001 8 South Africa 150.00 2001 9 Iran 100.00 2002 10 Italy 93.00 2000 11 Puerto Rico 76.00 2000 12 Japan 73.00 2000 13 Kenya 65.00 2001 14 France 62.00 2000 15 Belgium 61.00 2000 16 Spain 56.00 2000 17 Netherlands 52.00 2000 18 Mexico 51.00 2000 19 Brazil 50.00 2000 20 Turkey 50.00 2001 21 Virgin Islands 50.00 2000 22 Egypt 50.00 2000 23 Liechtenstein 44.00 2000 24 Switzerland 44.00 2000 25 India 43.00 2000 26 Uzbekistan 42.00 2000 27 Latvia 41.00 2001 28 Estonia 38.00 2001 29 Romania 38.00 2000 30 Austria 37.00 2000 31 New Zealand 36.00 2000 32 Argentina 33.00 2000 33 Philippines 33.00 2000 34 Lithuania 32.00 2001 35 Ecuador 31.00 2001 36 Pakistan 30.00 2000 37 Sweden 29.00 2000 38 Greece 27.00 2000 39 Dominican Republic 24.00 2000 40 Indonesia 24.00 2000 41 Belarus 23.00 2002 42 Ireland 22.00 2000 43 Saudi Arabia 22.00 2003 44 Lebanon 22.00 2000 45 Israel 21.00 2000 46 Jamaica 21.00 2000 47 Bermuda 20.00 2000 48 Iceland 20.00 2001 49 Bahamas, The 19.00 2000 50 Poland 19.00 2000 51 Barbados 19.00 2000 52 Colombia 18.00 2000 53 Hong Kong 17.00 2000 54 Montserrat 17.00 2000 55 Trinidad and Tobago 17.00 2000 56 Anguilla 16.00 2000 57 British Virgin Islands 16.00 2000 58 Antigua and Barbuda 16.00 2000 59 Dominica 16.00 2000 60 Hungary 16.00 2000 61 Venezuela 16.00 2000 62 Saint Kitts and Nevis 16.00 2000 63 Portugal 16.00 2000 64 Cayman Islands 16.00 2000 65 Saint Lucia 15.00 2000 66 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15.00 2000 67 Thailand 15.00 2000 68 Grenada 14.00 2000 69 Uruguay 14.00 2001 70 Turks and Caicos Islands 14.00 2000 71 Denmark 13.00 2000 72 Norway 13.00 2000 73 Jan Mayen 13.00 2000 74 Svalbard 13.00 2000 75 Mali 13.00 2001 76 Ghana 12.00 2000 77 Botswana 11.00 2001 78 Slovenia 11.00 2000 79 Korea, South 11.00 2000 80 Nigeria 11.00 2000 81 Mozambique 11.00 2002 82 Albania 10.00 2001 83 Kazakhstan 10.00 2001 84 Peru 10.00 2000 85 Bangladesh 10.00 2000 86 Armenia 9.00 2001 87 Singapore 9.00 2000 88 Croatia 9.00 2000 89 Bolivia 9.00 2000 90 Honduras 8.00 2000 91 West Bank 8.00 1999 92 Taiwan 8.00 2000 93 Morocco 8.00 2000 94 Luxembourg 8.00 2000 95 Chile 7.00 2000 96 Malaysia 7.00 2000 97 Cyprus 6.00 2000 98 Zimbabwe 6.00 2000 99 Tanzania 6.00 2000 100 Slovakia 6.00 2000 101 Georgia 6.00 2000 102 Macedonia 6.00 2000 103 Malta 6.00 2002 104 Panama 6.00 2000 105 Nepal 6.00 2000 106 Cote d'Ivoire 5.00 2001 107 Cuba 5.00 2001 108 Guatemala 5.00 2000 109 Zambia 5.00 2001 110 Vietnam 5.00 2000 111 Swaziland 5.00 2002 112 Sri Lanka 5.00 2000 113 Mongolia 5.00 2001 114 Mauritania 5.00 2001 115 Jordan 5.00 2000 116 Eritrea 5.00 2001 117 Benin 4.00 2002 118 Tajikistan 4.00 2002 119 Paraguay 4.00 2000 120 El Salvador 4.00 2000 121 Guinea 4.00 2001 122 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.00 2000 123 China 3.00 2000 124 Costa Rica 3.00 2000 125 Cook Islands 3.00 2000 126 Togo 3.00 2001 127 Somalia 3.00 2000 128 Papua New Guinea 3.00 2000 129 Nicaragua 3.00 2000 130 Malawi 3.00 2002 131 Kuwait 3.00 2000 132 Haiti 3.00 2000 133 Guyana 3.00 2000 134 Gaza Strip 3.00 1999 135 Finland 3.00 2002 136 Algeria 2.00 2000 137 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 2.00 2000 138 Cambodia 2.00 2000 139 Azerbaijan 2.00 2000 140 Faroe Islands 2.00 2000 141 Gibraltar 2.00 2000 142 Suriname 2.00 2000 143 Sudan 2.00 2002 144 San Marino 2.00 2000 145 Samoa 2.00 2000 146 Rwanda 2.00 2002 147 Norfolk Island 2.00 2000 148 Namibia 2.00 2000 149 Monaco 2.00 2000 150 Moldova 2.00 1999 151 Mauritius 2.00 2000 152 Madagascar 2.00 2000 153 Liberia 2.00 2001 154 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2002 155 Uganda 2.00 2000 156 Tonga 2.00 2000 157 Gambia, The 2.00 2001 158 French Polynesia 2.00 2000 159 Fiji 2.00 2000 160 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2000 161 Christmas Island 2.00 2000 162 Belize 2.00 2000 163 Brunei 2.00 2000 164 Afghanistan 1.00 2000 165 Tokelau 1.00 2000 166 Syria 1.00 2000 167 Solomon Islands 1.00 2000 168 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 169 Seychelles 1.00 2000 170 Senegal 1.00 2002 171 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2002 172 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2000 173 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2000 174 Yemen 1.00 2000 175 Western Sahara 1.00 2000 176 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2000 177 Vanuatu 1.00 2000 178 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2000 179 Tuvalu 1.00 2000 180 Tunisia 1.00 2000 181 Qatar 1.00 2000 182 Palau 1.00 2002 183 Oman 1.00 2000 184 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2001 185 Niue 1.00 2000 186 Niger 1.00 2002 187 New Caledonia 1.00 2000 188 Maldives 1.00 2000 189 Macau 1.00 2000 190 Libya 1.00 2002 191 Lesotho 1.00 2000 192 Laos 1.00 2000 193 Korea, North 1.00 2000 194 Kiribati 1.00 2000 195 Iraq 1.00 2000 196 Djibouti 1.00 2000 197 Nauru 1.00 2000 198 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2000 199 Marshall Islands 1.00 2002 200 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2000 201 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.00 2001 202 Comoros 1.00 2000 203 Chad 1.00 2002 204 Central African Republic 1.00 2002 205 Cape Verde 1.00 2002 206 Cameroon 1.00 2002 207 Burundi 1.00 2000 208 Greenland 1.00 2000 209 Gabon 1.00 2001 210 Ethiopia 1.00 2002 211 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2002 212 American Samoa 1.00 2000 213 Bahrain 1.00 2000 214 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2000 215 Burma 1.00 2000 216 Burkina Faso 1.00 2002 217 Andorra 1.00 2000 218 Angola 1.00 2000

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Rank code: 2153

Country Comparison :: Internet users

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

Rank country Internet users Date of Information

1 China 389,000,000 2009 2 United States 245,000,000 2009 3 Japan 99,182,000 2009 4 Brazil 75,982,000 2009 5 Germany 65,125,000 2009 6 India 61,338,000 2009 7 United Kingdom 51,444,000 2009 8 France 45,262,000 2009 9 Nigeria 43,989,000 2009 10 Russia 40,853,000 2009 11 Korea, South 39,400,000 2009 12 Mexico 31,020,000 2009 13 Italy 29,235,000 2009 14 Spain 28,119,000 2009 15 Turkey 27,233,000 2009 16 Canada 26,960,000 2009 17 Vietnam 23,382,000 2009 18 Colombia 22,538,000 2009 19 Poland 22,452,000 2009 20 Pakistan 20,431,000 2009 21 Egypt 20,136,000 2009 22 Indonesia 20,000,000 2009 23 Thailand 17,483,000 2009 24 Taiwan 16,147,000 2009 25 Australia 15,810,000 2009 26 Malaysia 15,355,000 2009 27 Netherlands 14,872,000 2009 28 Argentina 13,694,000 2009 29 Morocco 13,213,000 2009 30 Saudi Arabia 9,774,000 2009 31 Peru 9,158,000 2009 32 Venezuela 8,918,000 2009 33 Sweden 8,398,000 2009 34 Philippines 8,278,000 2009 35 Iran 8,214,000 2009 36 Belgium 8,113,000 2009 37 Romania 7,787,000 2009 38 Ukraine 7,770,000 2009 39 Chile 7,009,000 2009 40 Czech Republic 6,681,000 2009 41 Hungary 6,176,000 2009 42 Switzerland 6,152,000 2009 43 Austria 6,143,000 2009 44 Kazakhstan 5,299,000 2009 45 Portugal 5,168,000 2009 46 Greece 4,971,000 2009 47 Hong Kong 4,873,000 2009 48 Denmark 4,750,000 2009 49 Algeria 4,700,000 2009 50 Uzbekistan 4,689,000 2009 51 Israel 4,525,000 2009 52 Syria 4,469,000 2009 53 Norway 4,431,000 2009 54 South Africa 4,420,000 2009 55 Finland 4,393,000 2009 56 Sudan 4,200,000 2008 57 Serbia 4,107,000 2009 58 Slovakia 4,063,000 2009 59 Kenya 3,996,000 2009 60 Tunisia 3,500,000 2009 61 United Arab Emirates 3,449,000 2009 62 New Zealand 3,400,000 2009 63 Bulgaria 3,395,000 2009 64 Ecuador 3,352,000 2009 65 Singapore 3,235,000 2009 66 Uganda 3,200,000 2009 67 Ireland 3,042,000 2009 68 Dominican Republic 2,701,000 2009 69 Belarus 2,643,000 2009 70 Azerbaijan 2,420,000 2009 71 Yemen 2,349,000 2009 72 Guatemala 2,279,000 2009 73 Croatia 2,234,000 2009 74 Kyrgyzstan 2,195,000 2009 75 Lithuania 1,964,000 2009 76 Senegal 1,818,000 2009 77 Sri Lanka 1,777,000 2009 78 Jordan 1,642,000 2009 79 Cuba 1,606,000 2009 80 Jamaica 1,581,000 2009 81 Latvia 1,504,000 2009 82 Costa Rica 1,485,000 2009 83 Oman 1,465,000 2009 84 Zimbabwe 1,423,000 2009 85 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,422,000 2009 86 Uruguay 1,405,000 2009 87 Gaza Strip 1,379,000 2009 88 West Bank 1,379,000 2009 89 Moldova 1,333,000 2009 90 Albania 1,300,000 2009 91 Georgia 1,300,000 2009 92 Slovenia 1,298,000 2009 93 Ghana 1,297,000 2009 94 Paraguay 1,105,000 2009 95 Bolivia 1,103,000 2009 96 Kuwait 1,100,000 2009 97 Macedonia 1,057,000 2009 98 Afghanistan 1,000,000 2009 99 Haiti 1,000,000 2009 100 Puerto Rico 1,000,000 2009 101 Lebanon 1,000,000 2009 102 Estonia 971,700 2009 103 Cote d'Ivoire 967,300 2009 104 Panama 959,800 2009 105 Zambia 816,200 2009 106 Cameroon 749,600 2009 107 El Salvador 746,000 2009 108 Honduras 731,700 2009 109 Malawi 716,400 2009 110 Tajikistan 700,000 2009 111 Tanzania 678,000 2009 112 Bangladesh 617,300 2009 113 Mozambique 613,600 2009 114 Angola 606,700 2009 115 Trinidad and Tobago 593,000 2009 116 Nepal 577,800 2009 117 Qatar 563,800 2009 118 Rwanda 450,000 2009 119 Ethiopia 447,300 2009 120 Cyprus 433,900 2009 121 Luxembourg 424,500 2009 122 Bahrain 419,500 2009 123 Togo 356,300 2009 124 Libya 353,900 2009 125 Mongolia 330,000 2008 126 Iraq 325,900 2009 127 Madagascar 319,900 2009 128 Brunei 314,900 2009 129 Iceland 301,600 2009 130 Laos 300,000 2009 131 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 290,000 2008 132 Mauritius 290,000 2009 133 Montenegro 280,000 2009 134 Macau 270,200 2009 135 Mali 249,800 2009 136 Congo, Republic of the 245,200 2009 137 Malta 240,600 2009 138 Armenia 208,200 2009 139 Benin 200,100 2009 140 Eritrea 200,000 2008 141 Nicaragua 199,800 2009 142 Guyana 189,600 2009 143 Barbados 188,000 2008 144 Burkina Faso 178,100 2009 145 Chad 168,100 2009 146 Suriname 163,000 2009 147 Burundi 157,800 2009 148 Cape Verde 150,000 2009 149 Saint Lucia 142,900 2009 150 Gambia, The 130,100 2009 151 Namibia 127,500 2009 152 Papua New Guinea 125,000 2009 153 Botswana 120,000 2009 154 French Polynesia 120,000 2009 155 Niger 115,900 2009 156 Bahamas, The 115,800 2009 157 Fiji 114,200 2009 158 Burma 110,000 2009 159 Somalia 106,000 2009 160 Gabon 98,800 2009 161 Guinea 95,000 2009 162 Swaziland 90,100 2009 163 Maldives 86,400 2009 164 New Caledonia 85,000 2009 165 Turkmenistan 80,400 2009 166 Cambodia 78,500 2009 167 Lesotho 76,800 2009 168 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 76,000 2009 169 Mauritania 75,000 2009 170 Andorra 67,100 2009 171 Antigua and Barbuda 65,000 2009 172 Bermuda 54,000 2009 173 Bhutan 50,000 2009 174 Guernsey 48,300 2009 175 Faroe Islands 37,500 2009 176 Guinea-Bissau 37,100 2009 177 Belize 36,000 2009 178 Greenland 36,000 2009 179 Seychelles 32,000 2008 180 Virgin Islands 30,000 2009 181 Jersey 29,500 2009 182 Dominica 28,000 2009 183 Sao Tome and Principe 26,700 2009 184 Djibouti 25,900 2009 185 Grenada 25,000 2009 186 Comoros 24,300 2009 187 Aruba 24,000 2009 188 Cayman Islands 23,000 2008 189 Monaco 23,000 2009 190 Liechtenstein 23,000 2009 191 Central African Republic 22,600 2009 192 Gibraltar 20,200 2009 193 Liberia 20,000 2009 194 Micronesia, Federated States of 17,000 2009 195 San Marino 17,000 2009 196 Vanuatu 17,000 2009 197 Saint Kitts and Nevis 17,000 2009 198 Sierra Leone 14,900 2009 199 Equatorial Guinea 14,400 2009 200 Solomon Islands 10,000 2009 201 Samoa 9,000 2009 202 Tonga 8,400 2009 203 Kiribati 7,800 2009 204 Cook Islands 6,000 2009 205 Tuvalu 4,200 2008 206 British Virgin Islands 4,000 2002 207 Anguilla 3,700 2009 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2,900 2009 209 Marshall Islands 2,200 2009 210 Timor-Leste 2,100 2009 211 Wallis and Futuna 1,300 2009 212 Montserrat 1,200 2009 213 Niue 1,100 2009 214 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha900 2009 215 Tokelau 800 2008 216 Christmas Island 464 2001

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Rank code: 2154

Country Comparison :: Internet country code

This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166
Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
(IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Rank country Internet country code Date of Information

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Rank code: 2155

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

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

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Swaziland 26.10 2007 est. 2 Botswana 23.90 2007 est. 3 Lesotho 23.20 2007 est. 4 South Africa 18.10 2007 est. 5 Namibia 15.30 2007 est. 6 Zimbabwe 15.30 2007 est. 7 Zambia 15.20 2007 est. 8 Mozambique 12.50 2007 est. 9 Malawi 11.90 2007 est. 10 Kenya 6.70 2003 est. 11 Central African Republic 6.30 2007 est. 12 Tanzania 6.20 2007 est. 13 Gabon 5.90 2007 est. 14 Uganda 5.40 2007 est. 15 Cameroon 5.10 2007 est. 16 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.20 2003 est. 17 Cote d'Ivoire 3.90 2007 est. 18 Chad 3.50 2007 est. 19 Congo, Republic of the 3.50 2007 est. 20 Equatorial Guinea 3.40 2007 est. 21 Togo 3.30 2007 est. 22 Djibouti 3.10 2007 est. 23 Nigeria 3.10 2007 est. 24 Bahamas, The 3.00 2007 est. 25 Rwanda 2.80 2007 est. 26 Guyana 2.50 2007 est. 27 Suriname 2.40 2007 est. 28 Haiti 2.20 2007 est. 29 Angola 2.10 2007 est. 30 Belize 2.10 2007 est. 31 Ethiopia 2.10 2007 est. 32 Burundi 2.00 2007 est. 33 Ghana 1.90 2007 est. 34 Guinea-Bissau 1.80 2007 est. 35 Liberia 1.70 2007 est. 36 Mauritius 1.70 2007 est. 37 Sierra Leone 1.70 2007 est. 38 Burkina Faso 1.60 2007 est. 39 Ukraine 1.60 2007 est. 40 Jamaica 1.60 2007 est. 41 Guinea 1.60 2007 est. 42 Mali 1.50 2007 est. 43 Papua New Guinea 1.50 2007 est. 44 Trinidad and Tobago 1.50 2007 est. 45 Sudan 1.40 2007 est. 46 Thailand 1.40 2007 est. 47 Eritrea 1.30 2007 est. 48 Estonia 1.30 2007 est. 49 Barbados 1.20 2007 est. 50 Benin 1.20 2007 est. 51 Dominican Republic 1.10 2007 est. 52 Russia 1.10 2007 est. 53 Panama 1.00 2007 est. 54 Senegal 1.00 2007 est. 55 Gambia, The 0.90 2007 est. 56 World 0.80 2007 est. 57 Niger 0.80 2007 est. 58 Mauritania 0.80 2007 est. 59 Latvia 0.80 2007 est. 60 Guatemala 0.80 2007 est. 61 El Salvador 0.80 2007 est. 62 Cambodia 0.80 2007 est. 63 Venezuela 0.70 2001 est. 64 Burma 0.70 2007 est. 65 Honduras 0.70 2007 est. 66 Brazil 0.60 2007 est. 67 Paraguay 0.60 2007 est. 68 Switzerland 0.60 2007 est. 69 Uruguay 0.60 2007 est. 70 United States 0.60 2007 est. 71 Colombia 0.60 2007 est. 72 Argentina 0.50 2007 est. 73 Vietnam 0.50 2007 est. 74 Somalia 0.50 2007 est. 75 Spain 0.50 2007 est. 76 Portugal 0.50 2007 est. 77 Malaysia 0.50 2007 est. 78 Peru 0.50 2007 est. 79 Nepal 0.50 2007 est. 80 Canada 0.40 2007 est. 81 Moldova 0.40 2007 est. 82 Italy 0.40 2007 est. 83 France 0.40 2007 est. 84 Costa Rica 0.40 2007 est. 85 Chile 0.30 2007 est. 86 Ecuador 0.30 2007 est. 87 Tajikistan 0.30 2007 est. 88 Mexico 0.30 2007 est. 89 India 0.30 2007 est. 90 Bermuda 0.30 2005 91 Libya 0.30 2001 est. 92 Australia 0.20 2007 est. 93 Austria 0.20 2007 est. 94 Belarus 0.20 2007 est. 95 United Kingdom 0.20 2007 est. 96 Singapore 0.20 2007 est. 97 Nicaragua 0.20 2007 est. 98 Netherlands 0.20 2007 est. 99 Luxembourg 0.20 2007 est. 100 Laos 0.20 2007 est. 101 Ireland 0.20 2007 est. 102 Iran 0.20 2007 est. 103 Indonesia 0.20 2007 est. 104 Iceland 0.20 2007 est. 105 Greece 0.20 2007 est. 106 Denmark 0.20 2007 est. 107 Bolivia 0.20 2007 est. 108 Belgium 0.20 2007 est. 109 Azerbaijan 0.20 2007 est. 110 Bahrain 0.20 2001 est. 111 United Arab Emirates 0.20 2001 est. 112 Algeria 0.10 2007 est. 113 Bhutan 0.10 2007 est. 114 Armenia 0.10 2007 est. 115 China 0.10 2007 est. 116 Malta 0.10 2007 est. 117 Madagascar 0.10 2007 est. 118 Lithuania 0.10 2007 est. 119 Lebanon 0.10 2007 est. 120 Kyrgyzstan 0.10 2007 est. 121 Kazakhstan 0.10 2007 est. 122 Israel 0.10 2007 est. 123 Hungary 0.10 2007 est. 124 Germany 0.10 2007 est. 125 Tunisia 0.10 2007 est. 126 Sweden 0.10 2007 est. 127 Romania 0.10 2007 est. 128 Poland 0.10 2007 est. 129 Pakistan 0.10 2007 est. 130 Norway 0.10 2007 est. 131 New Zealand 0.10 2007 est. 132 Morocco 0.10 2007 est. 133 Mongolia 0.10 2007 est. 134 Uzbekistan 0.10 2007 est. 135 Georgia 0.10 2007 est. 136 Finland 0.10 2007 est. 137 Fiji 0.10 2007 est. 138 Cuba 0.10 2007 est. 139 Bangladesh 0.10 2001 est. 140 Brunei 0.10 2003 est. 141 Bulgaria 0.10 2001 est. 142 Comoros 0.10 2007 est. 143 Philippines 0.10 2003 est. 144 Oman 0.10 2001 est. 145 Maldives 0.10 2001 est. 146 Macedonia 0.10 2007 est. 147 Kuwait 0.10 2001 est. 148 Korea, South 0.10 2007 est. 149 Jordan 0.10 2001 est. 150 Japan 0.10 2003 est. 151 Iraq 0.10 2001 est. 152 Hong Kong 0.10 2003 est. 153 Yemen 0.10 2001 est. 154 Turkmenistan 0.10 2007 est. 155 Turkey 0.10 2001 est. 156 Syria 0.10 2001 est. 157 Sri Lanka 0.10 2001 est. 158 Slovenia 0.10 2007 est. 159 Slovakia 0.10 2007 est. 160 Serbia 0.10 2009 est. 161 Qatar 0.10 2001 est. 162 Czech Republic 0.10 2001 est. 163 Egypt 0.10 2001 est. 164 Cyprus 0.10 2003 est. 165 Croatia 0.10 2007 est. 166 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.10 2007 est. 167 Cape Verde 0.04 NA 168 Afghanistan 0.01 2001 est. 169 Saudi Arabia 0.01 2001 est. 170 Svalbard 0.00 2001

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Rank code: 2156

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

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

Rank country HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDSDate of Information

1 World 33,000,000 2007 est. 2 South Africa 5,700,000 2007 est. 3 Nigeria 2,600,000 2007 est. 4 India 2,400,000 2007 est. 5 Mozambique 1,500,000 2007 est. 6 Tanzania 1,400,000 2007 est. 7 Zimbabwe 1,300,000 2007 est. 8 Kenya 1,200,000 2003 est. 9 United States 1,200,000 2007 est. 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,100,000 2003 est. 11 Zambia 1,100,000 2007 est. 12 Ethiopia 980,000 2007 est. 13 Russia 940,000 2007 est. 14 Uganda 940,000 2007 est. 15 Malawi 930,000 2007 est. 16 Brazil 730,000 2007 est. 17 China 700,000 2007 est. 18 Thailand 610,000 2007 est. 19 Cameroon 540,000 2007 est. 20 Cote d'Ivoire 480,000 2007 est. 21 Ukraine 440,000 2007 est. 22 Sudan 320,000 2007 est. 23 Botswana 300,000 2007 est. 24 Vietnam 290,000 2007 est. 25 Indonesia 270,000 2007 est. 26 Lesotho 270,000 2007 est. 27 Ghana 260,000 2007 est. 28 Burma 240,000 2007 est. 29 Chad 200,000 2007 est. 30 Mexico 200,000 2007 est. 31 Namibia 200,000 2007 est. 32 Angola 190,000 2007 est. 33 Swaziland 190,000 2007 est. 34 Colombia 170,000 2007 est. 35 Central African Republic 160,000 2007 est. 36 Italy 150,000 2007 est. 37 Rwanda 150,000 2007 est. 38 France 140,000 2007 est. 39 Spain 140,000 2007 est. 40 Burkina Faso 130,000 2007 est. 41 Togo 130,000 2007 est. 42 Argentina 120,000 2007 est. 43 Haiti 120,000 2007 est. 44 Burundi 110,000 2007 est. 45 Venezuela 110,000 1999 est. 46 Mali 100,000 2007 est. 47 Pakistan 96,000 2007 est. 48 Guinea 87,000 2007 est. 49 Iran 86,000 2007 est. 50 Malaysia 80,000 2007 est. 51 Congo, Republic of the 79,000 2007 est. 52 United Kingdom 77,000 2007 est. 53 Peru 76,000 2007 est. 54 Cambodia 75,000 2007 est. 55 Canada 73,000 2007 est. 56 Nepal 70,000 2007 est. 57 Senegal 67,000 2007 est. 58 Benin 64,000 2007 est. 59 Dominican Republic 62,000 2007 est. 60 Niger 60,000 2007 est. 61 Guatemala 59,000 2007 est. 62 Sierra Leone 55,000 2007 est. 63 Papua New Guinea 54,000 2007 est. 64 Germany 53,000 2007 est. 65 Gabon 49,000 2007 est. 66 Eritrea 38,000 2007 est. 67 El Salvador 35,000 2007 est. 68 Liberia 35,000 2007 est. 69 Portugal 34,000 2007 est. 70 Chile 31,000 2007 est. 71 Honduras 28,000 2007 est. 72 Jamaica 27,000 2007 est. 73 Ecuador 26,000 2007 est. 74 Switzerland 25,000 2007 est. 75 Somalia 24,000 2007 est. 76 Algeria 21,000 2007 est. 77 Morocco 21,000 2007 est. 78 Paraguay 21,000 2007 est. 79 Panama 20,000 2007 est. 80 Poland 20,000 2007 est. 81 Australia 18,000 2007 est. 82 Netherlands 18,000 2007 est. 83 Djibouti 16,000 2007 est. 84 Uzbekistan 16,000 2007 est. 85 Guinea-Bissau 16,000 2007 est. 86 Belgium 15,000 2007 est. 87 Romania 15,000 2007 est. 88 Madagascar 14,000 2007 est. 89 Mauritania 14,000 2007 est. 90 Trinidad and Tobago 14,000 2007 est. 91 Belarus 13,000 2007 est. 92 Guyana 13,000 2007 est. 93 Mauritius 13,000 2007 est. 94 Korea, South 13,000 2007 est. 95 Bangladesh 12,000 2007 est. 96 Yemen 12,000 2001 est. 97 Kazakhstan 12,000 2007 est. 98 Equatorial Guinea 11,000 2007 est. 99 Greece 11,000 2007 est. 100 Latvia 10,000 2007 est. 101 Libya 10,000 2001 est. 102 Uruguay 10,000 2007 est. 103 Tajikistan 10,000 2007 est. 104 Estonia 9,900 2007 est. 105 Austria 9,800 2007 est. 106 Costa Rica 9,700 2007 est. 107 Japan 9,600 2007 est. 108 Egypt 9,200 2007 est. 109 Moldova 8,900 2007 est. 110 Philippines 8,300 2007 est. 111 Gambia, The 8,200 2007 est. 112 Bolivia 8,100 2007 est. 113 Azerbaijan 7,800 2007 est. 114 Nicaragua 7,700 2007 est. 115 Puerto Rico 7,397 NA 116 Suriname 6,800 2007 est. 117 Serbia 6,400 2009 est. 118 Bahamas, The 6,200 2007 est. 119 Cuba 6,200 2007 est. 120 Sweden 6,200 2007 est. 121 Ireland 5,500 2007 est. 122 Laos 5,500 2007 est. 123 Israel 5,100 2007 est. 124 Denmark 4,800 2007 est. 125 Kyrgyzstan 4,200 2007 est. 126 Singapore 4,200 2007 est. 127 Sri Lanka 3,800 2007 est. 128 Tunisia 3,700 2007 est. 129 Belize 3,600 2007 est. 130 Hungary 3,300 2007 est. 131 Lebanon 3,000 2007 est. 132 Norway 3,000 2007 est. 133 Georgia 2,700 2007 est. 134 Hong Kong 2,600 2003 est. 135 Armenia 2,400 2007 est. 136 Finland 2,400 2007 est. 137 Barbados 2,200 2007 est. 138 Lithuania 2,200 2007 est. 139 Czech Republic 1,500 2007 est. 140 New Zealand 1,400 2007 est. 141 Oman 1,300 2001 est. 142 Cyprus 1,000 2007 est. 143 Bosnia and Herzegovina 900 2007 est. 144 Cape Verde 775 NA 145 Bahrain 600 2007 est. 146 Jordan 600 2007 est. 147 Fiji 600 2003 est. 148 Iraq 500 2003 est. 149 Syria 500 2003 est. 150 Luxembourg 500 2003 est. 151 Malta 500 2007 est. 152 Mongolia 500 2007 est. 153 Bulgaria 346 2001 est. 154 Slovenia 280 2007 est. 155 Iceland 220 2007 est. 156 Brunei 200 2003 est. 157 Turkmenistan 200 2007 est. 158 Slovakia 200 2007 est. 159 Macedonia 200 2007 est. 160 Croatia 200 2007 est. 161 Bermuda 163 2005 162 Bhutan 100 2007 est. 163 Maldives 100 2001 est. 164 Greenland 100 NA 165 Svalbard 0 2001

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Rank code: 2157

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - deaths

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

Rank country HIV/AIDS - deaths Date of Information

1 South Africa 350,000 2007 est. 2 India 310,000 2001 est. 3 Nigeria 170,000 2007 est. 4 Kenya 150,000 2003 est. 5 Zimbabwe 140,000 2007 est. 6 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 100,000 2003 est. 7 Tanzania 96,000 2007 est. 8 Mozambique 81,000 2007 est. 9 Uganda 77,000 2007 est. 10 Malawi 68,000 2007 est. 11 Ethiopia 67,000 2007 est. 12 Zambia 56,000 2007 est. 13 Russia 40,000 2007 est. 14 Cameroon 39,000 2007 est. 15 China 39,000 2007 est. 16 Cote d'Ivoire 38,000 2007 est. 17 Thailand 30,000 2007 est. 18 Burma 25,000 2007 est. 19 Sudan 25,000 2007 est. 20 Vietnam 24,000 2007 est. 21 United States 22,000 2007 est. 22 Ghana 21,000 2007 est. 23 Ukraine 19,000 2007 est. 24 Lesotho 18,000 2007 est. 25 Brazil 15,000 2007 est. 26 Chad 14,000 2007 est. 27 Angola 11,000 2007 est. 28 Botswana 11,000 2007 est. 29 Mexico 11,000 2007 est. 30 Central African Republic 11,000 2007 est. 31 Burundi 11,000 2007 est. 32 Swaziland 10,000 2007 est. 33 Colombia 9,800 2007 est. 34 Burkina Faso 9,200 2007 est. 35 Togo 9,100 2007 est. 36 Indonesia 8,700 2007 est. 37 Rwanda 7,800 2007 est. 38 Haiti 7,200 2007 est. 39 Argentina 7,000 2007 est. 40 Cambodia 6,900 2007 est. 41 Congo, Republic of the 6,400 2007 est. 42 Mali 5,800 2007 est. 43 Namibia 5,100 2007 est. 44 Pakistan 5,100 2007 est. 45 Nepal 5,000 2007 est. 46 Guinea 4,500 2007 est. 47 Iran 4,300 2007 est. 48 Dominican Republic 4,100 2007 est. 49 Venezuela 4,100 2003 est. 50 Niger 4,000 2007 est. 51 Guatemala 3,900 2007 est. 52 Malaysia 3,900 2007 est. 53 Benin 3,300 2007 est. 54 Sierra Leone 3,300 2007 est. 55 Peru 3,300 2007 est. 56 Eritrea 2,600 2007 est. 57 Gabon 2,300 2007 est. 58 Spain 2,300 2007 est. 59 Liberia 2,300 2007 est. 60 Honduras 1,900 2007 est. 61 Trinidad and Tobago 1,900 2003 est. 62 Italy 1,900 2007 est. 63 Senegal 1,800 2007 est. 64 El Salvador 1,700 2007 est. 65 France 1,600 2007 est. 66 Somalia 1,600 2007 est. 67 Jamaica 1,500 2007 est. 68 Ecuador 1,400 2007 est. 69 Belarus 1,100 2007 est. 70 Guinea-Bissau 1,100 2007 est. 71 Djibouti 1,100 2007 est. 72 Chile 1,100 2007 est. 73 Algeria 1,000 2007 est. 74 Paraguay 1,000 2007 est. 75 Papua New Guinea 1,000 2007 est. 76 Panama 1,000 2007 est. 77 Morocco 1,000 2007 est. 78 Mauritania 1,000 2007 est. 79 Madagascar 1,000 2007 est. 80 Guyana 1,000 2007 est. 81 Gambia, The 600 2003 est. 82 Bangladesh 500 2007 est. 83 Canada 500 2007 est. 84 Bolivia 500 2007 est. 85 Egypt 500 2007 est. 86 Jordan 500 2003 est. 87 Korea, South 500 2007 est. 88 Uzbekistan 500 2007 est. 89 Uruguay 500 2007 est. 90 United Kingdom 500 2007 est. 91 Tajikistan 500 2007 est. 92 Switzerland 500 2007 est. 93 Suriname 500 2003 est. 94 Portugal 500 2007 est. 95 Nicaragua 500 2007 est. 96 Latvia 500 2007 est. 97 Kazakhstan 500 2007 est. 98 Germany 500 2007 est. 99 Estonia 500 2007 est. 100 Bermuda 392 2005 101 Equatorial Guinea 370 2001 est. 102 Romania 350 2001 est. 103 Cape Verde 225 NA 104 Armenia 200 2007 est. 105 Bahamas, The 200 2007 est. 106 Netherlands 200 2007 est. 107 Mongolia 200 2003 est. 108 Lithuania 200 2007 est. 109 Lebanon 200 2007 est. 110 Kyrgyzstan 200 2007 est. 111 Israel 200 2007 est. 112 Hong Kong 200 2003 est. 113 Georgia 200 2003 est. 114 Fiji 200 2003 est. 115 Tunisia 200 2007 est. 116 Syria 200 2003 est. 117 Sri Lanka 200 2003 est. 118 Singapore 200 2007 est. 119 Poland 200 2007 est. 120 Philippines 200 2007 est. 121 Oman 200 2003 est. 122 New Zealand 200 2003 est. 123 Costa Rica 200 2007 est. 124 Brunei 200 2003 est. 125 Belize 200 2007 est. 126 Bahrain 200 2003 est. 127 Australia 100 2007 est. 128 Austria 100 2003 est. 129 Cuba 100 2007 est. 130 Denmark 100 2003 est. 131 Slovenia 100 2007 est. 132 Slovakia 100 2001 est. 133 Serbia 100 2009 est. 134 Norway 100 2003 est. 135 Moldova 100 2007 est. 136 Mauritius 100 2001 est. 137 Malta 100 2003 est. 138 Macedonia 100 2003 est. 139 Luxembourg 100 2003 est. 140 Laos 100 2007 est. 141 Japan 100 2007 est. 142 Ireland 100 2007 est. 143 Iceland 100 2003 est. 144 Hungary 100 2001 est. 145 Greece 100 2007 est. 146 Finland 100 2003 est. 147 Turkmenistan 100 2004 est. 148 Sweden 100 2007 est. 149 Bulgaria 100 2001 est. 150 Bosnia and Herzegovina 100 2001 est. 151 Belgium 100 2007 est. 152 Barbados 100 2007 est. 153 Azerbaijan 100 2007 est. 154 Croatia 10 2001 est. 155 Czech Republic 10 2001 est. 156 Svalbard 0 2001

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Rank code: 2158

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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

Rank code: 2172

Country Comparison :: Distribution of family income - Gini index

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

Rank country Distribution of family income - Gini indexDate of

Information 1 Namibia 70.7 2003 2 South Africa 65.0 2005 3 Lesotho 63.2 1995 4 Botswana 63.0 1993 5 Sierra Leone 62.9 1989 6 Central African Republic 61.3 1993 7 Haiti 59.2 2001 8 Colombia 58.5 2009 9 Bolivia 58.2 2009 10 Brazil 56.7 2005 11 Bosnia and Herzegovina 56.2 2007 12 Panama 56.1 2003 13 Guatemala 55.1 2007 14 Chile 54.9 2003 15 Honduras 53.8 2003 16 Hong Kong 53.3 2007 17 Paraguay 53.2 2009 18 El Salvador 52.4 2002 19 Papua New Guinea 50.9 1996 20 Zambia 50.8 2004 21 Niger 50.5 1995 22 Swaziland 50.4 2001 23 Gambia, The 50.2 1998 24 Zimbabwe 50.1 2006 25 Dominican Republic 49.9 2005 26 Peru 49.6 2009 27 Sri Lanka 49.0 2007 28 Mexico 48.2 2008 29 Singapore 48.1 2008 30 Costa Rica 48.0 2008 31 Ecuador 47.9 2009 32 Madagascar 47.5 2001 33 Mozambique 47.3 2002 34 Nepal 47.2 2008 35 Rwanda 46.8 2000 36 Malaysia 46.1 2002 37 Philippines 45.8 2006 38 Argentina 45.7 2009 39 Uganda 45.7 2002 40 Jamaica 45.5 2004 41 Uruguay 45.2 2006 42 United States 45.0 2007 43 Cameroon 44.6 2001 44 Cote d'Ivoire 44.6 2002 45 Iran 44.5 2006 46 Nigeria 43.7 2003 47 Guyana 43.2 1999 48 Nicaragua 43.1 2001 49 Cambodia 43.0 2007 est. 50 Thailand 43.0 2006 51 Kenya 42.5 2008 est. 52 Burundi 42.4 1998 53 Russia 42.2 2009 54 China 41.5 2007 55 Senegal 41.3 2001 56 Turkey 41.0 2007 57 Venezuela 41.0 2009 58 Morocco 40.9 2005 est. 59 Georgia 40.8 2009 60 Turkmenistan 40.8 1998 61 Mali 40.1 2001 62 Tunisia 40.0 2005 est. 63 Jordan 39.7 2007 64 Burkina Faso 39.5 2007 65 Ghana 39.4 2005-06 66 Indonesia 39.4 2005 67 Israel 39.2 2008 68 Macedonia 39.0 2003 69 Malawi 39.0 2004 70 Mauritius 39.0 2006 est. 71 Mauritania 39.0 2000 72 Portugal 38.5 2007 73 Guinea 38.1 2006 74 Japan 38.1 2002 75 Timor-Leste 38.0 2002 est. 76 Yemen 37.7 2005 77 Armenia 37.0 2006 78 Vietnam 37.0 2004 79 India 36.8 2004 80 Uzbekistan 36.8 2003 81 Azerbaijan 36.5 2001 82 Benin 36.5 2003 83 New Zealand 36.2 1997 84 Latvia 36.0 2005 85 Lithuania 36.0 2005 86 Algeria 35.3 1995 87 Poland 34.9 2005 88 Laos 34.6 2002 89 Tanzania 34.6 2000 90 Egypt 34.4 2001 91 Estonia 34.0 2008 92 United Kingdom 34.0 2005 93 Switzerland 33.7 2008 94 Bangladesh 33.2 2005 95 Moldova 33.2 2003 96 Greece 33.0 2005 97 Mongolia 32.8 2002 98 France 32.7 2008 99 Tajikistan 32.6 2006 100 Canada 32.1 2005 101 Italy 32.0 2006 102 Spain 32.0 2005 103 Romania 32.0 2008 104 Korea, South 31.4 2009 105 Ukraine 31.0 2006 106 European Union 31.0 2005 est. 107 Netherlands 30.9 2007 108 Ireland 30.7 2008 109 Pakistan 30.6 FY07/08 110 Australia 30.5 2006 111 Kyrgyzstan 30.3 2003 112 Ethiopia 30.0 2000 113 Montenegro 30.0 2003 114 Bulgaria 29.8 2008 115 Finland 29.5 2007 116 Croatia 29.0 2008 117 Cyprus 29.0 2005 118 Denmark 29.0 2007 119 Kazakhstan 28.8 2008 120 Slovenia 28.4 2008 121 Belgium 28.0 2005 122 Hungary 28.0 2005 123 Iceland 28.0 2006 124 Belarus 27.9 2005 125 Germany 27.0 2006 126 Albania 26.7 2005 127 Austria 26.0 2007 128 Malta 26.0 2007 129 Serbia 26.0 2008 130 Slovakia 26.0 2005 131 Czech Republic 26.0 2005 132 Luxembourg 26.0 2005 133 Norway 25.0 2008 134 Sweden 23.0 2005

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Rank code: 2173

Country Comparison :: Oil - production

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

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Russia 10,120,000 2010 est. 2 Saudi Arabia 9,764,000 2009 est. 3 United States 9,056,000 2009 est. 4 Iran 4,172,000 2009 est. 5 China 3,991,000 2009 est. 6 Canada 3,289,000 2009 est. 7 Mexico 3,001,000 2009 est. 8 United Arab Emirates 2,798,000 2009 est. 9 Brazil 2,572,000 2009 est. 10 Kuwait 2,494,000 2009 est. 11 Venezuela 2,472,000 2009 est. 12 Iraq 2,399,000 2009 est. 13 European Union 2,383,000 2009 est. 14 Norway 2,350,000 2009 est. 15 Nigeria 2,211,000 2009 est. 16 Algeria 2,125,000 2009 est. 17 Angola 1,948,000 2009 est. 18 Libya 1,790,000 2009 est. 19 Kazakhstan 1,540,000 2009 est. 20 United Kingdom 1,502,000 2009 est. 21 Qatar 1,213,000 2009 est. 22 Indonesia 1,023,000 2009 est. 23 Azerbaijan 1,011,000 2009 est. 24 India 878,700 2009 est. 25 Oman 816,000 2009 est. 26 Argentina 796,300 2009 est. 27 Malaysia 693,700 2009 est. 28 Colombia 686,600 2009 est. 29 Egypt 680,500 2009 est. 30 Australia 589,200 2009 est. 31 Sudan 486,700 2009 est. 32 Ecuador 485,700 2009 est. 33 Syria 400,400 2009 est. 34 Thailand 380,000 2010 est. 35 Equatorial Guinea 346,000 2009 est. 36 Vietnam 338,400 2009 est. 37 Yemen 288,400 2009 est. 38 Taiwan 276,800 2009 est. 39 Congo, Republic of the 274,400 2009 est. 40 Denmark 262,100 2009 est. 41 Gabon 241,700 2009 est. 42 Turkmenistan 197,700 2009 est. 43 South Africa 191,000 2009 est. 44 Germany 156,800 2009 est. 45 Trinidad and Tobago 151,600 2009 est. 46 Peru 148,000 2009 est. 47 Italy 146,500 2009 est. 48 Brunei 146,000 2009 est. 49 Japan 132,700 2009 est. 50 Romania 117,000 2009 est. 51 Chad 115,000 2009 est. 52 Ukraine 99,930 2009 est. 53 Timor-Leste 96,270 2009 est. 54 Tunisia 91,380 2009 est. 55 Cameroon 77,310 2009 est. 56 Uzbekistan 70,910 2009 est. 57 France 70,820 2009 est. 58 New Zealand 61,150 2009 est. 59 Pakistan 59,140 2009 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 58,950 2009 est. 61 Netherlands 57,190 2009 est. 62 Turkey 52,980 2009 est. 63 Bahrain 48,560 2009 est. 64 Cuba 48,340 2009 est. 65 Korea, South 48,180 2010 est. 66 Bolivia 47,050 2009 est. 67 Hungary 35,580 2009 est. 68 Papua New Guinea 35,090 2009 est. 69 Poland 34,140 2009 est. 70 Belarus 31,400 2009 est. 71 Spain 27,230 2009 est. 72 Austria 25,410 2009 est. 73 Philippines 25,290 2009 est. 74 Croatia 23,960 2009 est. 75 Burma 18,880 2009 est. 76 Virgin Islands 16,870 2009 est. 77 Mauritania 16,510 2009 est. 78 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 16,360 2009 est. 79 Suriname 15,190 2009 est. 80 Guatemala 13,530 2009 est. 81 Serbia 12,170 2009 est. 82 Belgium 11,220 2009 est. 83 Czech Republic 10,970 2009 est. 84 Chile 10,850 2009 est. 85 Singapore 9,667 2009 est. 86 Finland 8,718 2009 est. 87 Estonia 7,600 2009 est. 88 Ghana 7,081 2009 est. 89 Greece 6,779 2009 est. 90 Lithuania 6,333 2009 est. 91 Bangladesh 5,733 2009 est. 92 Albania 5,400 2009 est. 93 Mongolia 5,100 2009 94 Sweden 4,833 2009 est. 95 Portugal 4,721 2009 est. 96 Slovakia 4,114 2009 est. 97 Morocco 4,053 2009 est. 98 Belize 3,990 2009 est. 99 Israel 3,806 2009 est. 100 Switzerland 3,488 2009 est. 101 Bulgaria 3,227 2009 est. 102 Aruba 2,235 2009 est. 103 Puerto Rico 1,783 2009 est. 104 Uruguay 997 2009 est. 105 Georgia 995 2009 est. 106 Kyrgyzstan 979 2009 est. 107 Barbados 765 2009 est. 108 Tajikistan 221 2009 est. 109 Zambia 160 2009 est. 110 Korea, North 118 2009 est. 111 Somalia 108 2009 est. 112 Paraguay 31 2009 est. 113 Sierra Leone 29 2009 est. 114 Slovenia 5 2009 est. 115 Panama 2 2009 est. 116 Afghanistan 0 2009 est. 117 Benin 0 2009 est. 118 Bhutan 0 2009 est. 119 Botswana 0 2009 est. 120 Zimbabwe 0 2009 est. 121 Western Sahara 0 2009 est. 122 West Bank 0 2009 est. 123 Vanuatu 0 2009 est. 124 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2009 est. 125 Tonga 0 2009 est. 126 Togo 0 2009 est. 127 Tanzania 0 2009 est. 128 Swaziland 0 2009 est. 129 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 130 Solomon Islands 0 2009 est. 131 Seychelles 0 2009 est. 132 Senegal 0 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2009 est. 134 Samoa 0 2009 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2009 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2009 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0 2009 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2009 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2009 est. 140 Rwanda 0 2009 est. 141 New Caledonia 0 2009 est. 142 Nepal 0 2009 est. 143 Nauru 0 2009 est. 144 Namibia 0 2009 est. 145 Mozambique 0 2009 est. 146 Montserrat 0 2009 est. 147 Montenegro 0 2009 est. 148 Moldova 0 2009 est. 149 Luxembourg 0 2009 est. 150 Niue 0 2009 est. 151 Niger 0 2009 est. 152 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 153 Liberia 0 2009 est. 154 Lesotho 0 2009 est. 155 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 156 Latvia 0 2009 est. 157 Laos 0 2009 est. 158 Kosovo 0 2007 159 Kiribati 0 2009 est. 160 Kenya 0 2008 est. 161 Mauritius 0 2009 est. 162 Malta 0 2009 est. 163 Mali 0 2009 est. 164 Maldives 0 2009 est. 165 Malawi 0 2009 est. 166 Madagascar 0 2009 est. 167 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 168 Macau 0 2009 est. 169 Jordan 0 2008 est. 170 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 171 Ireland 0 2008 est. 172 Iceland 0 2009 est. 173 French Polynesia 0 2009 est. 174 Fiji 0 2009 est. 175 Faroe Islands 0 2009 est. 176 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2009 est. 177 Ethiopia 0 2009 est. 178 Eritrea 0 2009 est. 179 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 180 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 181 Dominica 0 2009 est. 182 Djibouti 0 2009 est. 183 Cyprus 0 2009 est. 184 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 185 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 186 Honduras 0 2009 est. 187 Haiti 0 2009 est. 188 Guyana 0 2009 est. 189 Guinea-Bissau 0 2009 est. 190 Guinea 0 2009 est. 191 Grenada 0 2009 est. 192 Gibraltar 0 2009 est. 193 Gambia, The 0 2009 est. 194 Cook Islands 0 2009 est. 195 Comoros 0 2009 est. 196 Central African Republic 0 2009 est. 197 Cayman Islands 0 2009 est. 198 Cape Verde 0 2009 est. 199 Cambodia 0 2009 est. 200 Burundi 0 2009 est. 201 Burkina Faso 0 2009 est. 202 British Virgin Islands 0 2009 est. 203 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 204 Bermuda 0 2009 est. 205 American Samoa 0 2009 est. 206 Bahamas, The 0 2009 est. 207 Armenia 0 2009 est. 208 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2174

Country Comparison :: Oil - consumption

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

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 United States 18,690,000 2009 est. 2 European Union 13,680,000 2009 est. 3 China 8,200,000 2009 est. 4 Japan 4,363,000 2009 est. 5 India 2,980,000 2009 est. 6 Russia 2,740,000 2010 est. 7 Brazil 2,460,000 2009 est. 8 Germany 2,437,000 2009 est. 9 Saudi Arabia 2,430,000 2009 est. 10 Korea, South 2,185,000 2010 est. 11 Canada 2,151,000 2009 est. 12 Mexico 2,078,000 2009 est. 13 France 1,875,000 2009 est. 14 Iran 1,700,000 2009 est. 15 United Kingdom 1,669,000 2009 est. 16 Italy 1,537,000 2009 est. 17 Spain 1,482,000 2009 est. 18 Indonesia 1,115,000 2009 est. 19 Australia 946,300 2009 est. 20 Netherlands 922,800 2009 est. 21 Taiwan 910,000 2009 est. 22 Singapore 878,000 2009 est. 23 Venezuela 740,000 2009 est. 24 Iraq 687,000 2009 est. 25 Egypt 683,000 2009 est. 26 Argentina 622,000 2009 est. 27 Belgium 608,200 2009 est. 28 Turkey 579,500 2009 est. 29 South Africa 579,000 2009 est. 30 Poland 545,400 2009 est. 31 Malaysia 536,000 2009 est. 32 United Arab Emirates 435,000 2009 est. 33 Greece 414,400 2009 est. 34 Pakistan 373,000 2009 est. 35 Hong Kong 359,000 2009 est. 36 Thailand 356,000 2009 est. 37 Ukraine 348,000 2009 est. 38 Sweden 328,100 2009 est. 39 Algeria 325,000 2009 est. 40 Kuwait 320,000 2009 est. 41 Philippines 313,000 2009 est. 42 Vietnam 302,000 2009 est. 43 Colombia 288,000 2009 est. 44 Libya 280,000 2009 est. 45 Nigeria 280,000 2009 est. 46 Switzerland 280,000 2009 est. 47 Chile 277,000 2009 est. 48 Austria 273,700 2009 est. 49 Portugal 272,200 2009 est. 50 Syria 252,000 2009 est. 51 Kazakhstan 241,000 2009 est. 52 Israel 231,000 2009 est. 53 Romania 214,000 2009 est. 54 Czech Republic 207,600 2009 est. 55 Finland 206,200 2009 est. 56 Norway 204,100 2009 est. 57 Morocco 187,000 2009 est. 58 Ecuador 181,000 2009 est. 59 Belarus 173,000 2009 est. 60 Cuba 169,000 2009 est. 61 Denmark 166,500 2009 est. 62 Ireland 164,600 2009 est. 63 Puerto Rico 164,100 2009 est. 64 Hungary 158,200 2009 est. 65 Peru 157,000 2009 est. 66 Yemen 155,000 2009 est. 67 New Zealand 154,100 2009 est. 68 Uzbekistan 145,000 2009 est. 69 Qatar 142,000 2009 est. 70 Azerbaijan 136,000 2009 est. 71 Bulgaria 125,000 2009 est. 72 Turkmenistan 120,000 2009 est. 73 Dominican Republic 118,000 2009 est. 74 Jordan 108,000 2009 est. 75 Croatia 106,000 2009 est. 76 Bangladesh 96,000 2009 est. 77 Panama 93,000 2009 est. 78 Lebanon 90,000 2009 est. 79 Serbia 90,000 2009 est. 80 Sri Lanka 90,000 2009 est. 81 Tunisia 89,000 2009 est. 82 Virgin Islands 88,820 2009 est. 83 Oman 84,000 2009 est. 84 Sudan 84,000 2009 est. 85 Slovakia 79,930 2009 est. 86 Guatemala 79,000 2009 est. 87 Jamaica 77,000 2009 est. 88 Kenya 76,000 2009 est. 89 Lithuania 74,000 2009 est. 90 Angola 70,000 2009 est. 91 Slovenia 60,000 2009 est. 92 Bolivia 59,000 2009 est. 93 Cyprus 59,000 2009 est. 94 Ghana 57,000 2009 est. 95 Honduras 56,000 2009 est. 96 Luxembourg 50,720 2009 est. 97 Armenia 49,000 2009 est. 98 El Salvador 46,000 2009 est. 99 Costa Rica 44,000 2009 est. 100 Trinidad and Tobago 43,000 2009 est. 101 Burma 42,000 2009 est. 102 Latvia 40,000 2009 est. 103 Uruguay 40,000 2009 est. 104 Bahrain 39,000 2009 est. 105 Senegal 39,000 2009 est. 106 Ethiopia 38,000 2009 est. 107 Tajikistan 38,000 2009 est. 108 Albania 36,000 2009 est. 109 Papua New Guinea 36,000 2009 est. 110 Bahamas, The 36,000 2009 est. 111 Tanzania 34,000 2009 est. 112 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30,000 2009 est. 113 Estonia 30,000 2009 est. 114 Nicaragua 29,000 2009 est. 115 Paraguay 27,000 2009 est. 116 Cameroon 26,000 2009 est. 117 Cote d'Ivoire 24,000 2009 est. 118 West Bank 24,000 2009 est. 119 Benin 23,000 2009 est. 120 Mauritius 23,000 2009 est. 121 Namibia 22,000 2009 est. 122 Gibraltar 21,000 2009 est. 123 Togo 21,000 2009 est. 124 Madagascar 21,000 2009 est. 125 Macedonia 20,000 2009 est. 126 Mauritania 20,000 2009 est. 127 Malta 19,000 2009 est. 128 Moldova 19,000 2009 est. 129 Iceland 18,900 2009 est. 130 Mozambique 18,000 2009 est. 131 Nepal 18,000 2009 est. 132 Brunei 16,000 2009 est. 133 Zambia 16,000 2009 est. 134 Mongolia 16,000 2009 est. 135 Korea, North 16,000 2009 est. 136 Macau 16,000 2009 est. 137 Botswana 15,000 2009 est. 138 Kyrgyzstan 15,000 2009 est. 139 Gabon 14,000 2009 est. 140 Suriname 14,000 2009 est. 141 Georgia 13,000 2009 est. 142 Uganda 13,000 2009 est. 143 New Caledonia 13,000 2009 est. 144 Djibouti 12,000 2009 est. 145 Haiti 12,000 2009 est. 146 Fiji 11,000 2009 est. 147 Zimbabwe 11,000 2009 est. 148 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,000 2009 est. 149 Guyana 10,000 2009 est. 150 Congo, Republic of the 10,000 2009 est. 151 Barbados 9,000 2009 est. 152 Burkina Faso 9,000 2009 est. 153 Sierra Leone 9,000 2009 est. 154 Guinea 9,000 2009 est. 155 Aruba 8,000 2009 est. 156 Malawi 8,000 2009 est. 157 Belize 7,000 2009 est. 158 Seychelles 7,000 2009 est. 159 French Polynesia 7,000 2009 est. 160 Maldives 6,000 2009 est. 161 Rwanda 6,000 2009 est. 162 Niger 6,000 2009 est. 163 Mali 6,000 2009 est. 164 Afghanistan 5,000 2009 est. 165 Antigua and Barbuda 5,000 2009 est. 166 Bermuda 5,000 2009 est. 167 Somalia 5,000 2009 est. 168 Montenegro 5,000 2009 est. 169 Faroe Islands 5,000 2009 est. 170 Eritrea 5,000 2009 est. 171 American Samoa 4,000 2009 est. 172 Swaziland 4,000 2009 est. 173 Greenland 4,000 2009 est. 174 Liberia 4,000 2009 est. 175 Cambodia 4,000 2009 est. 176 Burundi 3,000 2009 est. 177 Cayman Islands 3,000 2009 est. 178 Saint Lucia 3,000 2009 est. 179 Laos 3,000 2009 est. 180 Guinea-Bissau 3,000 2009 est. 181 Grenada 3,000 2009 est. 182 Timor-Leste 2,500 2009 est. 183 Cape Verde 2,000 2009 est. 184 Western Sahara 2,000 2009 est. 185 Solomon Islands 2,000 2009 est. 186 Central African Republic 2,000 2009 est. 187 Lesotho 2,000 2009 est. 188 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2,000 2009 est. 189 Gambia, The 2,000 2009 est. 190 Bhutan 1,000 2009 est. 191 Vanuatu 1,000 2009 est. 192 Tonga 1,000 2009 est. 193 Sao Tome and Principe 1,000 2009 est. 194 Samoa 1,000 2009 est. 195 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,000 2009 est. 196 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,000 2009 est. 197 Nauru 1,000 2009 est. 198 Montserrat 1,000 2009 est. 199 Cook Islands 1,000 2009 est. 200 Equatorial Guinea 1,000 2009 est. 201 Dominica 1,000 2009 est. 202 Comoros 1,000 2009 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 1,000 2009 est. 204 Chad 1,000 2009 est. 205 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2009 est. 206 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2009 est. 207 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2175

Country Comparison :: Oil - imports

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

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 United States 11,310,000 2008 est. 2 European Union 8,613,000 2008 est. 3 Japan 5,033,000 2008 est. 4 China 4,393,000 2008 5 Korea, South 3,074,000 2009 6 India 2,900,000 2007 est. 7 Germany 2,862,000 2008 est. 8 Netherlands 2,426,000 2008 est. 9 France 2,386,000 2008 est. 10 Singapore 2,109,000 2007 est. 11 Italy 1,911,000 2008 est. 12 Spain 1,716,000 2008 est. 13 Thailand 1,695,000 2009 est. 14 United Kingdom 1,491,000 2008 est. 15 Canada 1,192,000 2008 est. 16 Belgium 1,120,000 2008 est. 17 Taiwan 931,300 2009 est. 18 Turkey 734,600 2008 est. 19 Australia 716,700 2008 est. 20 Indonesia 671,000 2007 est. 21 Brazil 632,900 2007 est. 22 Sweden 589,900 2008 est. 23 Poland 553,900 2008 est. 24 Mexico 521,100 2008 est. 25 Greece 520,900 2008 est. 26 South Africa 490,500 2007 est. 27 Virgin Islands 480,600 2007 est. 28 Belarus 444,800 2007 est. 29 Hong Kong 440,000 2009 30 Philippines 342,200 2007 est. 31 Finland 337,900 2009 est. 32 Portugal 323,000 2008 est. 33 Pakistan 319,500 2007 est. 34 Israel 318,900 2007 est. 35 Malaysia 314,600 2007 est. 36 Chile 311,200 2007 est. 37 Austria 298,400 2008 est. 38 Switzerland 269,400 2008 est. 39 Aruba 236,400 2007 est. 40 Bahrain 228,400 2007 est. 41 Puerto Rico 225,000 2007 est. 42 Czech Republic 219,900 2008 est. 43 Romania 217,000 2007 est. 44 Lithuania 204,000 2007 est. 45 Morocco 195,800 2007 est. 46 Ireland 192,900 2008 est. 47 United Arab Emirates 192,900 2007 est. 48 Bulgaria 189,000 2007 est. 49 Hungary 181,800 2008 est. 50 Denmark 173,100 2008 est. 51 Nigeria 170,000 2007 est. 52 Kazakhstan 164,000 2007 est. 53 Iran 162,500 2009 est. 54 Ukraine 147,600 2009 est. 55 Slovakia 144,000 2008 est. 56 New Zealand 143,900 2008 est. 57 Vietnam 134,200 2009 est. 58 Peru 133,100 2007 est. 59 Croatia 122,100 2007 est. 60 Iraq 116,900 2009 est. 61 Dominican Republic 116,200 2007 est. 62 Jordan 108,200 2007 est. 63 Norway 107,500 2008 est. 64 Cuba 104,800 2007 est. 65 Trinidad and Tobago 92,480 2007 est. 66 Sri Lanka 90,000 2007 est. 67 Bangladesh 87,660 2007 est. 68 Tunisia 87,300 2007 est. 69 Panama 87,100 2007 est. 70 Lebanon 86,750 2007 est. 71 Cote d'Ivoire 80,960 2007 est. 72 Kenya 80,530 2007 est. 73 Saudi Arabia 79,250 2007 est. 74 Jamaica 77,720 2007 est. 75 Serbia 72,570 2008 est. 76 Guatemala 72,440 2007 est. 77 Yemen 65,860 2007 est. 78 Luxembourg 59,210 2008 est. 79 Cyprus 58,930 2007 est. 80 Syria 58,710 2007 est. 81 Slovenia 57,000 2009 est. 82 Ecuador 54,190 2007 est. 83 Uruguay 52,730 2007 est. 84 Argentina 52,290 2007 est. 85 Egypt 48,450 2009 est. 86 Costa Rica 47,860 2007 est. 87 El Salvador 46,310 2007 est. 88 Honduras 46,130 2007 est. 89 Cameroon 45,520 2007 est. 90 Ghana 45,380 2007 est. 91 Armenia 45,200 2007 est. 92 Latvia 43,400 2007 est. 93 Senegal 42,850 2007 est. 94 Russia 42,000 2009 est. 95 Uzbekistan 35,810 2007 est. 96 Ethiopia 33,590 2007 est. 97 Cambodia 30,970 2007 est. 98 Estonia 30,590 2007 est. 99 Nicaragua 29,570 2007 est. 100 Benin 28,900 2007 est. 101 Angola 28,090 2007 est. 102 Tanzania 28,070 2007 est. 103 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25,990 2007 est. 104 Gibraltar 25,610 2007 est. 105 Paraguay 25,100 2009 est. 106 Albania 24,080 2007 est. 107 Mauritius 22,200 2007 est. 108 West Bank 22,150 2007 est. 109 Mauritania 20,610 2007 est. 110 Bahamas, The 20,560 2009 est. 111 Fiji 20,340 2007 est. 112 Macedonia 20,000 2009 est. 113 Namibia 19,120 2007 est. 114 Burma 18,250 2007 est. 115 Malta 17,910 2007 est. 116 Oman 17,290 2007 est. 117 Madagascar 16,940 2007 est. 118 Nepal 16,920 2007 est. 119 Georgia 16,590 2008 est. 120 Colombia 16,540 2007 est. 121 Iceland 16,390 2008 est. 122 Togo 15,270 2007 est. 123 Botswana 15,180 2007 est. 124 Zambia 14,730 2007 est. 125 New Caledonia 14,430 2007 est. 126 Papua New Guinea 14,380 2007 est. 127 Algeria 14,320 2007 est. 128 Moldova 14,230 2007 est. 129 Korea, North 13,890 2007 est. 130 Zimbabwe 13,830 2007 est. 131 Mozambique 13,760 2007 est. 132 Uganda 13,090 2007 est. 133 Kyrgyzstan 12,850 2007 est. 134 Haiti 12,280 2007 est. 135 Sudan 11,400 2007 est. 136 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11,350 2007 est. 137 Guyana 10,550 2007 est. 138 Barbados 10,390 2007 est. 139 Tajikistan 10,100 2008 140 Macau 9,294 2009 est. 141 Guinea 8,674 2007 est. 142 Djibouti 8,476 2007 est. 143 Sierra Leone 8,316 2007 est. 144 Burkina Faso 8,283 2007 est. 145 Seychelles 7,653 2007 est. 146 Belize 7,204 2007 est. 147 Malawi 6,960 2007 est. 148 French Polynesia 6,701 2007 est. 149 Somalia 6,387 2007 est. 150 Suriname 6,296 2007 est. 151 Bolivia 6,172 2007 est. 152 Montenegro 6,093 2005 153 Rwanda 5,623 2007 est. 154 Maldives 5,490 2008 est. 155 Niger 5,367 2007 est. 156 Greenland 5,172 2008 est. 157 Faroe Islands 4,922 2008 158 Eritrea 4,790 2007 est. 159 Antigua and Barbuda 4,690 2007 est. 160 Bermuda 4,500 2007 est. 161 Afghanistan 4,404 2007 est. 162 Mali 4,402 2007 est. 163 Liberia 4,263 2007 est. 164 Gabon 4,185 2007 est. 165 American Samoa 4,140 2007 est. 166 Swaziland 4,100 2007 est. 167 Cayman Islands 3,294 2007 est. 168 Laos 3,080 2007 est. 169 Azerbaijan 2,848 2007 est. 170 Saint Lucia 2,747 2007 est. 171 Guinea-Bissau 2,545 2007 est. 172 Burundi 2,495 2007 est. 173 Gambia, The 2,266 2007 est. 174 Central African Republic 2,203 2007 est. 175 Congo, Republic of the 2,136 2007 est. 176 Grenada 1,923 2007 est. 177 Western Sahara 1,702 2007 est. 178 Cape Verde 1,619 2007 est. 179 Chad 1,571 2007 est. 180 Lesotho 1,553 2007 est. 181 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,451 2007 est. 182 Solomon Islands 1,323 2007 est. 183 Bhutan 1,250 2008 est. 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,225 2007 est. 185 Tonga 1,173 2007 est. 186 Equatorial Guinea 1,114 2007 est. 187 Samoa 1,105 2007 est. 188 Nauru 1,026 2007 est. 189 Dominica 838 2007 est. 190 Comoros 766 2007 est. 191 Sao Tome and Principe 726 2007 est. 192 British Virgin Islands 691 2007 est. 193 Vanuatu 654 2007 est. 194 Libya 575 2007 est. 195 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 564 2007 est. 196 Montserrat 521 2007 est. 197 Cook Islands 495 2007 est. 198 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 271 2007 est. 199 Kiribati 261 2007 est. 200 Brunei 238 2007 est. 201 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha80 2007 est. 202 Turks and Caicos Islands 80 2007 est. 203 Niue 31 2007 est. 204 Kuwait 0 2007 est. 205 Mongolia 0 2009 206 Venezuela 0 2007 est. 207 Turkmenistan 0 2009 est. 208 Qatar 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2176

Country Comparison :: Oil - exports

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

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Saudi Arabia 8,728,000 2007 est. 2 Russia 5,430,000 2009 3 United Arab Emirates 2,700,000 2007 est. 4 Kuwait 2,349,000 2007 est. 5 Nigeria 2,327,000 2007 est. 6 Iran 2,210,000 2009 est. 7 European Union 2,196,000 2008 est. 8 Venezuela 2,182,000 2007 est. 9 Norway 2,061,000 2008 est. 10 Canada 2,001,000 2008 est. 11 Iraq 1,910,000 2009 est. 12 Algeria 1,891,000 2007 est. 13 United States 1,704,000 2008 est. 14 Netherlands 1,660,000 2008 est. 15 Libya 1,542,000 2007 est. 16 Angola 1,407,000 2007 est. 17 United Kingdom 1,393,000 2008 est. 18 Kazakhstan 1,345,000 2009 est. 19 Singapore 1,289,000 2007 est. 20 Mexico 1,225,000 2009 est. 21 Korea, South 907,100 2009 22 Qatar 753,000 2008 est. 23 India 738,600 2007 est. 24 France 597,800 2008 est. 25 Oman 593,700 2008 est. 26 Italy 586,900 2008 est. 27 Brazil 570,100 2007 est. 28 Germany 536,600 2008 est. 29 Azerbaijan 528,900 2007 est. 30 Malaysia 511,900 2007 est. 31 Belgium 433,700 2008 est. 32 China 388,000 2008 est. 33 Virgin Islands 388,000 2007 est. 34 Japan 380,900 2008 est. 35 Equatorial Guinea 362,900 2007 est. 36 Taiwan 359,800 2009 est. 37 Ecuador 327,600 2009 est. 38 Argentina 314,400 2007 est. 39 Australia 311,900 2008 est. 40 Belarus 303,900 2007 est. 41 Sudan 303,800 2007 est. 42 Colombia 294,000 2008 est. 43 Yemen 274,400 2007 est. 44 Thailand 269,100 2009 est. 45 Denmark 268,500 2008 est. 46 Sweden 248,500 2008 est. 47 Trinidad and Tobago 248,300 2007 est. 48 Congo, Republic of the 241,100 2007 est. 49 Bahrain 238,300 2007 est. 50 Aruba 231,100 2007 est. 51 Gabon 227,300 2007 est. 52 Spain 218,600 2008 est. 53 Hong Kong 160,000 2009 54 Chad 157,900 2007 est. 55 Syria 155,000 2008 est. 56 Ukraine 154,400 2009 est. 57 Greece 153,000 2008 est. 58 Brunei 152,900 2007 59 Lithuania 137,200 2007 est. 60 Turkey 133,100 2008 est. 61 Finland 130,500 2009 est. 62 South Africa 128,500 2007 est. 63 Cote d'Ivoire 115,700 2007 est. 64 Romania 115,600 2007 est. 65 Cameroon 107,100 2007 est. 66 Timor-Leste 100,900 2007 est. 67 Egypt 89,300 2009 est. 68 Indonesia 85,000 2008 est. 69 Tunisia 77,130 2007 est. 70 Bulgaria 76,570 2007 est. 71 Slovakia 75,110 2008 est. 72 Hungary 69,650 2008 est. 73 Israel 69,580 2007 est. 74 Peru 68,640 2007 est. 75 Poland 65,280 2008 est. 76 New Zealand 54,560 2008 est. 77 Portugal 53,660 2008 est. 78 Austria 52,970 2008 est. 79 Chile 49,250 2007 est. 80 Croatia 43,750 2007 est. 81 Bahamas, The 41,570 2007 est. 82 Turkmenistan 38,360 2009 est. 83 Philippines 36,720 2007 est. 84 Papua New Guinea 32,490 2007 est. 85 Mauritania 30,620 2007 est. 86 Pakistan 30,090 2007 est. 87 Czech Republic 29,670 2008 est. 88 Vietnam 29,400 2009 est. 89 Ireland 22,410 2008 est. 90 Guatemala 21,850 2007 est. 91 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20,090 2007 est. 92 Morocco 17,420 2007 est. 93 Puerto Rico 16,520 2007 est. 94 Switzerland 12,230 2008 est. 95 Bolivia 10,950 2007 est. 96 Benin 8,770 2007 est. 97 Estonia 7,280 2007 est. 98 Kenya 7,270 2007 est. 99 Uruguay 7,100 2007 est. 100 Uzbekistan 6,104 2007 est. 101 Latvia 5,873 2007 est. 102 Senegal 5,653 2007 est. 103 Mongolia 5,300 2009 est. 104 Serbia 5,045 2008 105 Ghana 4,843 2007 est. 106 Panama 4,803 2007 est. 107 Macedonia 4,672 2009 est. 108 Suriname 4,308 2007 est. 109 Bangladesh 2,612 2007 est. 110 Fiji 2,455 2007 est. 111 Belize 2,260 2007 est. 112 Burma 2,200 2007 est. 113 Costa Rica 2,117 2007 est. 114 El Salvador 1,927 2007 est. 115 Iceland 1,915 2008 est. 116 Kyrgyzstan 1,890 2007 est. 117 Barbados 1,750 2007 est. 118 Togo 1,547 2005 119 Georgia 1,486 2008 est. 120 Somalia 1,475 2007 est. 121 Greenland 1,183 2008 122 Albania 749 2005 est. 123 New Caledonia 645 2007 est. 124 West Bank 511 2007 est. 125 Sierra Leone 502 2007 est. 126 Madagascar 365 2007 est. 127 Tajikistan 349 2007 est. 128 Montenegro 314 2005 129 Zambia 275 2007 est. 130 Antigua and Barbuda 219 2007 est. 131 Nicaragua 213 2007 est. 132 Bosnia and Herzegovina 192 2007 est. 133 Luxembourg 63 2008 est. 134 Gambia, The 42 2007 est. 135 Moldova 36 2007 est. 136 Liberia 23 2007 est. 137 Djibouti 19 2007 est. 138 Afghanistan 0 2007 est. 139 Armenia 0 2007 est. 140 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 141 British Virgin Islands 0 2007 est. 142 Burundi 0 2007 est. 143 Cape Verde 0 2007 est. 144 Central African Republic 0 2007 est. 145 Cook Islands 0 2007 est. 146 Jamaica 0 2007 est. 147 Honduras 0 2007 est. 148 Haiti 0 2007 est. 149 Guyana 0 2007 est. 150 Guinea-Bissau 0 2007 est. 151 Guinea 0 2007 est. 152 Grenada 0 2007 est. 153 Gibraltar 0 2007 est. 154 French Polynesia 0 2007 est. 155 Rwanda 0 2007 est. 156 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 157 Niue 0 2007 est. 158 Niger 0 2007 est. 159 Nepal 0 2007 est. 160 Nauru 0 2007 est. 161 Namibia 0 2007 est. 162 Mozambique 0 2007 est. 163 Maldives 0 2009 est. 164 Zimbabwe 0 2007 est. 165 Western Sahara 0 2007 est. 166 Vanuatu 0 2007 est. 167 Uganda 0 2007 est. 168 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2007 est. 169 Tonga 0 2007 est. 170 Tanzania 0 2007 est. 171 Swaziland 0 2007 est. 172 Sri Lanka 0 2007 est. 173 Solomon Islands 0 2007 est. 174 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 175 Seychelles 0 2007 est. 176 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2007 est. 177 Samoa 0 2007 est. 178 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2007 est. 179 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2007 est. 180 Saint Lucia 0 2007 est. 181 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2007 est. 182 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2007 est. 183 Malawi 0 2007 est. 184 Macau 0 2009 est. 185 Lesotho 0 2007 est. 186 Lebanon 0 2009 187 Laos 0 2007 est. 188 Korea, North 0 2007 est. 189 Kiribati 0 2007 est. 190 Jordan 0 2007 est. 191 Montserrat 0 2007 est. 192 Mauritius 0 2007 est. 193 Malta 0 2009 est. 194 Mali 0 2007 est. 195 Faroe Islands 0 2008 196 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2007 est. 197 Ethiopia 0 2007 est. 198 Eritrea 0 2007 est. 199 Dominican Republic 0 2007 est. 200 Dominica 0 2007 est. 201 Cyprus 0 2007 est. 202 Cuba 0 2007 est. 203 Comoros 0 2007 est. 204 Cayman Islands 0 2007 est. 205 Cambodia 0 2007 est. 206 Burkina Faso 0 2007 est. 207 Botswana 0 2007 est. 208 Bermuda 0 2007 est. 209 American Samoa 0 2007 est.

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Rank code: 2177

Country Comparison :: Median age

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

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Monaco 48.90 2010 est. 2 Japan 44.60 2010 est. 3 Germany 44.30 2010 est. 4 Italy 43.70 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong 42.80 2010 est. 6 Austria 42.60 2010 est. 7 Finland 42.30 2010 est. 8 Isle of Man 42.30 2010 est. 9 Greece 42.20 2010 est. 10 San Marino 42.10 2010 est. 11 Slovenia 42.10 2010 est. 12 Belgium 42.00 2010 est. 13 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 42.00 2010 est. 14 Guernsey 41.90 2010 est. 15 Sweden 41.70 2010 est. 16 Bermuda 41.60 2010 est. 17 Bulgaria 41.60 2010 est. 18 Liechtenstein 41.40 2010 est. 19 Switzerland 41.30 2010 est. 20 Croatia 41.20 2010 est. 21 Serbia 41.10 2010 est. 22 Netherlands 40.80 2010 est. 23 Canada 40.70 2010 est. 24 Denmark 40.70 2010 est. 25 Czech Republic 40.40 2010 est. 26 Latvia 40.40 2010 est. 27 Bosnia and Herzegovina 40.30 2010 est. 28 Estonia 40.20 2010 est. 29 Jersey 40.10 2010 est. 30 Spain 40.10 2010 est. 31 Hungary 40.00 2010 est. 32 Andorra 39.90 2010 est. 33 Saint Barthelemy 39.80 2010 est. 34 Virgin Islands 39.80 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom 39.80 2010 est. 36 France 39.70 2010 est. 37 Norway 39.70 2010 est. 38 Ukraine 39.70 2010 est. 39 Portugal 39.70 2010 est. 40 Lithuania 39.70 2010 est. 41 Malta 39.70 2010 est. 42 Singapore 39.60 2010 est. 43 Luxembourg 39.30 2010 est. 44 Belarus 38.80 2010 est. 45 Georgia 38.80 2010 est. 46 Russia 38.50 2010 est. 47 Cayman Islands 38.40 2010 est. 48 Romania 38.40 2010 est. 49 Poland 38.20 2010 est. 50 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha38.20 2010 est. 51 Aruba 38.00 2010 est. 52 Korea, South 37.90 2010 est. 53 Cuba 37.80 2010 est. 54 Australia 37.50 2010 est. 55 Slovakia 37.30 2010 est. 56 Montenegro 37.20 2010 est. 57 Faroe Islands 37.10 2010 est. 58 Taiwan 37.00 2010 est. 59 New Zealand 36.80 2010 est. 60 Puerto Rico 36.80 2010 est. 61 United States 36.80 2010 est. 62 Barbados 36.20 2010 est. 63 Macau 35.60 2010 est. 64 Iceland 35.40 2010 est. 65 Macedonia 35.40 2010 est. 66 China 35.20 2010 est. 67 Moldova 35.00 2010 est. 68 Cyprus 34.50 2010 est. 69 Ireland 34.50 2010 est. 70 Thailand 34.00 2010 est. 71 Korea, North 33.90 2010 est. 72 Uruguay 33.70 2010 est. 73 Greenland 33.50 2010 est. 74 Gibraltar 33.10 2010 est. 75 Anguilla 33.00 2010 est. 76 British Virgin Islands 32.60 2010 est. 77 Trinidad and Tobago 32.60 2010 est. 78 Palau 32.40 2010 est. 79 Mauritius 32.30 2010 est. 80 Seychelles 32.00 2010 est. 81 Armenia 31.90 2010 est. 82 Chile 31.70 2010 est. 83 Saint Kitts and Nevis 31.50 2010 est. 84 Sri Lanka 31.30 2010 est. 85 Cook Islands 31.20 2010 est. 86 Qatar 30.80 2010 est. 87 Saint Martin 30.80 2010 est. 88 Bahrain 30.40 2010 est. 89 Argentina 30.30 2010 est. 90 Dominica 30.30 2010 est. 91 Saint Lucia 30.30 2010 est. 92 United Arab Emirates 30.20 2010 est. 93 Albania 30.00 2010 est. 94 Antigua and Barbuda 30.00 2010 est. 95 Bahamas, The 29.90 2010 est. 96 Kazakhstan 29.90 2010 est. 97 New Caledonia 29.80 2010 est. 98 Tunisia 29.70 2010 est. 99 French Polynesia 29.50 2010 est. 100 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 29.50 2010 est. 101 Lebanon 29.40 2010 est. 102 Israel 29.30 2010 est. 103 Northern Mariana Islands 29.30 2010 est. 104 Montserrat 29.10 2010 est. 105 Brazil 28.90 2010 est. 106 Azerbaijan 28.50 2010 est. 107 Costa Rica 28.40 2010 est. 108 Suriname 28.30 2010 est. 109 Grenada 28.20 2010 est. 110 Brunei 28.10 2010 est. 111 Turkey 28.10 2010 est. 112 Turks and Caicos Islands 28.00 2010 est. 113 Indonesia 27.90 2010 est. 114 Wallis and Futuna 27.90 2010 est. 115 Colombia 27.60 2010 est. 116 Vietnam 27.40 2010 est. 117 Panama 27.20 2010 est. 118 Algeria 27.10 2010 est. 119 Mexico 26.70 2010 est. 120 Fiji 26.60 2010 est. 121 Burma 26.50 2010 est. 122 Morocco 26.50 2010 est. 123 Malaysia 26.50 2010 est. 124 Kuwait 26.40 2010 est. 125 Peru 26.40 2010 est. 126 Iran 26.30 2010 est. 127 Kosovo 26.30 2010 est. 128 India 25.90 2010 est. 129 Maldives 25.90 2010 est. 130 Dominican Republic 25.80 2010 est. 131 Mongolia 25.80 2010 est. 132 Venezuela 25.80 2010 est. 133 Ecuador 25.30 2010 est. 134 Uzbekistan 25.20 2010 est. 135 Paraguay 24.90 2010 est. 136 Saudi Arabia 24.90 2010 est. 137 Turkmenistan 24.80 2010 est. 138 Kyrgyzstan 24.70 2010 est. 139 South Africa 24.70 2010 est. 140 Vanuatu 24.60 2010 est. 141 Bhutan 24.30 2010 est. 142 Libya 24.20 2010 est. 143 Egypt 24.00 2010 est. 144 El Salvador 23.90 2010 est. 145 Jamaica 23.90 2010 est. 146 Oman 23.90 2010 est. 147 Tuvalu 23.90 2010 est. 148 Nauru 23.80 2010 est. 149 Guyana 23.60 2010 est. 150 American Samoa 23.40 2010 est. 151 Bangladesh 22.90 2010 est. 152 Philippines 22.70 2010 est. 153 Tonga 22.70 2010 est. 154 Cambodia 22.60 2010 est. 155 Lesotho 22.60 2010 est. 156 Nicaragua 22.50 2010 est. 157 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.40 2010 est. 158 Cape Verde 22.30 2010 est. 159 Bolivia 22.20 2010 est. 160 Timor-Leste 22.20 2010 est. 161 Tajikistan 22.20 2010 est. 162 Kiribati 22.20 2010 est. 163 Botswana 22.00 2010 est. 164 Jordan 21.80 2010 est. 165 Samoa 21.80 2010 est. 166 Papua New Guinea 21.60 2010 est. 167 Marshall Islands 21.50 2010 est. 168 Syria 21.50 2010 est. 169 Djibouti 21.40 2010 est. 170 Namibia 21.40 2010 est. 171 Nepal 21.20 2010 est. 172 Pakistan 21.20 2010 est. 173 Ghana 21.10 2010 est. 174 Haiti 21.10 2010 est. 175 West Bank 20.90 2010 est. 176 Belize 20.70 2010 est. 177 Laos 20.70 2010 est. 178 Honduras 20.70 2010 est. 179 Iraq 20.60 2010 est. 180 Solomon Islands 20.60 2010 est. 181 Swaziland 20.10 2010 est. 182 Western Sahara 20.10 2010 est. 183 Guatemala 19.70 2010 est. 184 Cote d'Ivoire 19.40 2010 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau 19.40 2010 est. 186 Cameroon 19.30 2010 est. 187 Mauritania 19.30 2010 est. 188 Togo 19.20 2010 est. 189 Central African Republic 19.10 2010 est. 190 Nigeria 19.10 2010 est. 191 Equatorial Guinea 19.00 2010 est. 192 Sierra Leone 19.00 2010 est. 193 Comoros 18.90 2010 est. 194 Kenya 18.80 2010 est. 195 Gabon 18.60 2010 est. 196 Rwanda 18.60 2010 est. 197 Eritrea 18.50 2010 est. 198 Guinea 18.50 2010 est. 199 Liberia 18.40 2010 est. 200 Sudan 18.40 2010 est. 201 Tanzania 18.30 2010 est. 202 Madagascar 18.10 2010 est. 203 Afghanistan 18.00 2010 est. 204 Angola 18.00 2010 est. 205 Gambia, The 18.00 2010 est. 206 Senegal 17.90 2010 est. 207 Yemen 17.90 2010 est. 208 Zimbabwe 17.80 2010 est. 209 Somalia 17.60 2010 est. 210 Gaza Strip 17.50 2010 est. 211 Mozambique 17.50 2010 est. 212 Sao Tome and Principe 17.50 2010 est. 213 Benin 17.30 2010 est. 214 Mayotte 17.30 2010 est. 215 Malawi 17.10 2010 est. 216 Congo, Republic of the 16.90 2010 est. 217 Burkina Faso 16.80 2010 est. 218 Ethiopia 16.80 2010 est. 219 Burundi 16.80 2010 est. 220 Chad 16.60 2010 est. 221 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 16.50 2010 est. 222 Zambia 16.50 2010 est. 223 Mali 16.20 2010 est. 224 Niger 15.20 2010 est. 225 Uganda 15.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2178

Country Comparison :: Oil - proved reserves

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

Rank country (bbl) Date of Information

1 Saudi Arabia 264,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 2 Canada 175,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 3 Iran 137,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 4 Iraq 115,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 5 Kuwait 104,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 6 United Arab Emirates 97,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 7 Venezuela 97,770,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 8 Russia 74,200,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 9 Libya 47,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 10 Nigeria 37,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 11 Kazakhstan 30,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 12 Qatar 25,410,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 13 China 20,350,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 14 United States 19,120,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 15 Angola 13,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 16 Algeria 13,420,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 17 Brazil 13,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 18 Mexico 12,420,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 19 Azerbaijan 7,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 20 Sudan 6,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 21 Norway 6,680,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 22 Ecuador 6,542,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 23 India 5,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 24 Oman 5,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 25 European Union 5,414,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 26 Vietnam 4,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 27 Egypt 4,300,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 28 Indonesia 4,050,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 29 Australia 3,318,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 30 Yemen 3,160,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 31 United Kingdom 3,084,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 32 Malaysia 2,900,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 33 Syria 2,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 34 Argentina 2,386,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 35 Colombia 2,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 36 Gabon 2,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 37 Congo, Republic of the 1,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 38 Chad 1,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 39 Brunei 1,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 40 Equatorial Guinea 1,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 41 Denmark 1,060,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 42 Trinidad and Tobago 728,300,000 1 January 2010 est. 43 Romania 600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 44 Turkmenistan 600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 45 Uzbekistan 594,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 46 Timor-Leste 553,800,000 1 January 2008 47 Peru 470,800,000 1 January 2010 est. 48 Bolivia 465,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 49 Pakistan 436,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 50 Thailand 430,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 51 Tunisia 425,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 52 Italy 423,700,000 1 January 2010 est. 53 Ukraine 395,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 54 Germany 276,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 55 Turkey 262,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 56 Cote d'Ivoire 250,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 57 Cameroon 200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 58 Albania 199,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 59 Belarus 198,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 60 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 180,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 61 Cuba 178,900,000 1 January 2010 est. 62 Papua New Guinea 170,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 63 Chile 150,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 64 Spain 150,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 65 Philippines 138,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 66 Bahrain 124,600,000 1 January 2010 est. 67 France 101,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 68 Mauritania 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 69 Netherlands 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 70 Morocco 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 71 Poland 96,380,000 1 January 2010 est. 72 Guatemala 83,070,000 1 January 2010 est. 73 Suriname 79,600,000 1 January 2010 est. 74 Serbia 77,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 75 Croatia 73,350,000 1 January 2010 est. 76 New Zealand 60,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 77 Austria 50,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 78 Burma 50,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 79 Japan 44,120,000 1 January 2010 est. 80 Kyrgyzstan 40,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 81 Georgia 35,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 82 Bangladesh 28,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 83 Hungary 26,570,000 1 January 2010 est. 84 Bulgaria 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 85 South Africa 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 86 Czech Republic 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 87 Ghana 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 88 Lithuania 12,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 89 Tajikistan 12,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 90 Greece 10,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 91 Slovakia 9,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 92 Benin 8,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 93 Belize 6,700,000 1 January 2010 est. 94 Taiwan 2,800,000 1 January 2010 est. 95 Israel 1,940,000 1 January 2010 est. 96 Barbados 1,790,000 1 January 2010 est. 97 Jordan 1,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 98 Ethiopia 430,000 1 January 2010 est. 99 Afghanistan 0 1 January 2010 est. 100 Aruba 0 1 January 2010 est. 101 Bermuda 0 1 January 2010 est. 102 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 January 2010 est. 103 British Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 104 Zimbabwe 0 1 January 2010 est. 105 Zambia 0 1 January 2010 est. 106 Western Sahara 0 1 January 2010 est. 107 Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 108 Vanuatu 0 1 January 2010 est. 109 Uruguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 110 Uganda 0 1 January 2010 est. 111 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 112 Tonga 0 1 January 2010 est. 113 Togo 0 1 January 2010 est. 114 Tanzania 0 1 January 2010 est. 115 Switzerland 0 1 January 2010 est. 116 Sweden 0 1 January 2010 est. 117 Swaziland 0 1 January 2010 est. 118 Sri Lanka 0 1 January 2010 est. 119 Somalia 0 1 January 2010 est. 120 Solomon Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 121 Slovenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 122 Singapore 0 1 January 2010 est. 123 Sierra Leone 0 1 January 2010 est. 124 Seychelles 0 1 January 2010 est. 125 Senegal 0 1 January 2010 est. 126 Sao Tome and Principe 0 1 January 2010 est. 127 Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 128 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 1 January 2010 est. 129 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 1 January 2010 est. 130 Saint Lucia 0 1 January 2010 est. 131 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 1 January 2010 est. 132 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 1 January 2010 est. 133 Rwanda 0 1 January 2010 est. 134 Puerto Rico 0 1 January 2010 est. 135 Portugal 0 1 January 2010 est. 136 Paraguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 137 Mauritius 0 1 January 2010 est. 138 Malta 0 1 January 2010 est. 139 Mali 0 1 January 2010 est. 140 Maldives 0 1 January 2010 est. 141 Malawi 0 1 January 2010 est. 142 Madagascar 0 1 January 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 144 Macau 0 1 January 2010 est. 145 Luxembourg 0 1 January 2010 est. 146 Panama 0 1 January 2010 est. 147 Niue 0 1 January 2010 est. 148 Niger 0 1 January 2010 est. 149 Nicaragua 0 1 January 2010 est. 150 New Caledonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 151 Nepal 0 1 January 2010 est. 152 Nauru 0 1 January 2010 est. 153 Namibia 0 1 January 2010 est. 154 Mozambique 0 1 January 2010 est. 155 Montserrat 0 1 January 2010 est. 156 Montenegro 0 1 January 2010 est. 157 Moldova 0 1 January 2010 est. 158 Liberia 0 1 January 2010 est. 159 Lesotho 0 1 January 2010 est. 160 Lebanon 0 1 January 2010 est. 161 Latvia 0 1 January 2010 est. 162 Korea, South 0 1 January 2010 est. 163 Korea, North 0 1 January 2010 est. 164 Kiribati 0 1 January 2010 est. 165 Kenya 0 1 January 2010 est. 166 Jamaica 0 1 January 2010 est. 167 Ireland 0 1 January 2010 est. 168 Iceland 0 1 January 2010 est. 169 Hong Kong 0 1 January 2010 est. 170 Honduras 0 1 January 2010 est. 171 Haiti 0 1 January 2010 est. 172 Guyana 0 1 January 2010 est. 173 Guinea-Bissau 0 1 January 2010 est. 174 Guinea 0 1 January 2010 est. 175 Grenada 0 1 January 2010 est. 176 Gibraltar 0 1 January 2010 est. 177 Gambia, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 178 French Polynesia 0 1 January 2010 est. 179 Fiji 0 1 January 2010 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 1 January 2010 est. 182 Estonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 183 Eritrea 0 1 January 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 0 1 January 2010 est. 185 Dominican Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 186 Dominica 0 1 January 2010 est. 187 Djibouti 0 1 January 2010 est. 188 Cyprus 0 1 January 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica 0 1 January 2010 est. 190 Cook Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 191 Comoros 0 1 January 2010 est. 192 Central African Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 193 Cayman Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 194 Cape Verde 0 1 January 2010 est. 195 Cambodia 0 1 January 2010 est. 196 Burundi 0 1 January 2010 est. 197 Burkina Faso 0 1 January 2010 est. 198 Botswana 0 1 January 2010 est. 199 Bhutan 0 1 January 2010 est. 200 American Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 201 Belgium 0 1 January 2010 est. 202 Bahamas, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 203 Armenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 204 Antigua and Barbuda 0 1 January 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2179

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - proved reserves

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

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 Russia 47,570,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 2 Iran 29,610,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 3 Qatar 25,470,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 4 Turkmenistan 7,504,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 5 Saudi Arabia 7,461,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 6 United States 6,928,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 7 United Arab Emirates 6,071,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 8 Nigeria 5,246,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 9 Venezuela 4,983,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 10 Algeria 4,502,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 11 Iraq 3,170,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 12 Australia 3,115,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 13 China 3,030,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 14 Indonesia 3,001,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 15 Kazakhstan 2,407,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 16 Malaysia 2,350,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 17 Norway 2,313,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 18 European Union 2,242,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 19 Uzbekistan 1,841,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 20 Kuwait 1,798,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 21 Canada 1,754,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 22 Egypt 1,656,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 23 Libya 1,539,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 24 Netherlands 1,416,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 25 Ukraine 1,104,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 26 India 1,075,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 27 Azerbaijan 849,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 28 Oman 849,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 29 Pakistan 840,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 30 Bolivia 750,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 31 Vietnam 610,000,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 32 Yemen 478,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 33 Trinidad and Tobago 436,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 34 Argentina 398,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 35 Brunei 390,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 36 Brazil 364,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 37 Mexico 359,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 38 Thailand 342,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 39 Peru 334,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 40 United Kingdom 292,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 41 Burma 283,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 42 Angola 271,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 43 Syria 240,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 44 Papua New Guinea 226,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 45 Timor-Leste 200,000,000,000 1 January 2006 est. 46 Bangladesh 195,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 47 Germany 175,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 48 Poland 164,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 49 Cameroon 135,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 50 Mozambique 127,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 51 Colombia 112,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 52 Philippines 98,540,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 53 Chile 97,970,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 54 Bahrain 92,030,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 55 Congo, Republic of the 90,610,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 56 Sudan 84,950,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 57 Cuba 70,790,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 58 Italy 69,830,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 59 Tunisia 65,130,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 60 Romania 63,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 61 Namibia 62,290,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 62 Denmark 61,300,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 63 Rwanda 56,630,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 64 Korea, South 50,000,000,000 1 January 2008 est. 65 Afghanistan 49,550,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 66 Serbia 48,140,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 67 Equatorial Guinea 36,810,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 68 New Zealand 33,980,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 69 Croatia 30,580,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 70 Israel 30,440,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 71 Cote d'Ivoire 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 72 Mauritania 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 73 Gabon 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 74 Ethiopia 24,920,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 75 Ghana 22,650,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 76 Japan 20,900,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 77 Austria 16,140,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 78 Slovakia 14,160,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 79 Ireland 9,911,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 80 Georgia 8,495,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 81 Hungary 8,098,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 82 Ecuador 7,985,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 83 France 7,079,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 84 Tanzania 6,513,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 85 Taiwan 6,229,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 86 Turkey 6,088,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 87 Jordan 6,031,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 88 Bulgaria 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 89 Tajikistan 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 90 Kyrgyzstan 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 91 Somalia 5,663,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 92 Czech Republic 3,964,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 93 Guatemala 2,960,000,000 1 January 2006 est. 94 Belarus 2,832,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 95 Spain 2,548,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 96 Morocco 1,501,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 97 Benin 1,133,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 98 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 991,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 99 Greece 991,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 100 Albania 849,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 101 Barbados 113,300,000 1 January 2010 est. 102 South Africa 27,160,000 1 January 2006 est. 103 Macau 300,000 1 January 2008 est. 104 American Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 105 Bermuda 0 1 January 2010 est. 106 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 January 2010 est. 107 British Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 108 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 1 January 2010 est. 109 Puerto Rico 0 1 January 2010 est. 110 Portugal 0 1 January 2010 est. 111 Paraguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 112 Panama 0 1 January 2010 est. 113 Niue 0 1 January 2010 est. 114 Niger 0 1 January 2010 est. 115 Nicaragua 0 1 January 2010 est. 116 Montserrat 0 1 January 2010 est. 117 Zimbabwe 0 1 January 2010 est. 118 Zambia 0 1 January 2010 est. 119 Western Sahara 0 1 January 2010 est. 120 West Bank 0 1 January 2009 est. 121 Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 122 Vanuatu 0 1 January 2010 est. 123 Uruguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 124 Uganda 0 1 January 2010 est. 125 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 126 Tonga 0 1 January 2010 est. 127 Togo 0 1 January 2010 est. 128 Sweden 0 1 January 2010 est. 129 Swaziland 0 1 January 2010 est. 130 Suriname 0 1 January 2010 est. 131 Sri Lanka 0 1 January 2010 est. 132 Solomon Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 133 Slovenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 134 Singapore 0 1 January 2010 est. 135 Sierra Leone 0 1 January 2010 est. 136 Seychelles 0 1 January 2010 est. 137 Sao Tome and Principe 0 1 January 2010 est. 138 Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 139 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 1 January 2010 est. 140 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 1 January 2010 est. 141 Saint Lucia 0 1 January 2010 est. 142 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 1 January 2010 est. 143 Montenegro 0 1 January 2010 est. 144 Mongolia 0 1 January 2010 est. 145 Moldova 0 1 January 2010 est. 146 Mauritius 0 1 January 2010 est. 147 Malta 0 1 January 2010 est. 148 Mali 0 1 January 2010 est. 149 Maldives 0 1 January 2010 est. 150 Liberia 0 1 January 2010 est. 151 New Caledonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 152 Nepal 0 1 January 2010 est. 153 Nauru 0 1 January 2010 est. 154 Lesotho 0 1 January 2010 est. 155 Lebanon 0 1 January 2010 est. 156 Laos 0 1 January 2010 est. 157 Korea, North 0 1 January 2010 est. 158 Kiribati 0 1 January 2010 est. 159 Kenya 0 1 January 2010 est. 160 Jamaica 0 1 January 2010 est. 161 Iceland 0 1 January 2010 est. 162 Malawi 0 1 January 2010 est. 163 Madagascar 0 1 January 2006 est. 164 Macedonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 165 Luxembourg 0 1 January 2010 est. 166 Lithuania 0 1 January 2010 est. 167 Hong Kong 0 1 January 2010 est. 168 Honduras 0 1 January 2010 est. 169 Haiti 0 1 January 2010 est. 170 Guyana 0 1 January 2010 est. 171 Guinea-Bissau 0 1 January 2010 est. 172 Guinea 0 1 January 2010 est. 173 Grenada 0 1 January 2010 est. 174 Greenland 0 1 January 2010 est. 175 Gibraltar 0 1 January 2010 est. 176 Gambia, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 177 French Polynesia 0 1 January 2010 est. 178 Finland 0 1 January 2010 est. 179 Fiji 0 1 January 2010 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 1 January 2010 est. 182 Estonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 183 Eritrea 0 1 January 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 0 1 January 2010 est. 185 Dominican Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 186 Dominica 0 1 January 2010 est. 187 Djibouti 0 1 January 2010 est. 188 Cyprus 0 1 January 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica 0 1 January 2010 est. 190 Cook Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 191 Comoros 0 1 January 2010 est. 192 Chad 0 1 January 2010 est. 193 Central African Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 194 Cayman Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 195 Cape Verde 0 1 January 2010 est. 196 Cambodia 0 1 January 2010 est. 197 Burundi 0 1 January 2010 est. 198 Burkina Faso 0 1 January 2010 est. 199 Botswana 0 1 January 2010 est. 200 Bhutan 0 1 January 2010 est. 201 Belize 0 1 January 2010 est. 202 Belgium 0 1 January 2010 est. 203 Armenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 204 Aruba 0 1 January 2010 est. 205 Antigua and Barbuda 0 1 January 2010 est.

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

Rank code: 2180

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - production

This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 593,400,000,000 2009 est. 2 Russia 583,600,000,000 2009 3 Iran 200,000,000,000 2008 est. 4 European Union 181,600,000,000 2009 est. 5 Canada 161,300,000,000 2009 est. 6 Norway 103,500,000,000 2009 est. 7 Algeria 86,500,000,000 2008 est. 8 China 82,940,000,000 2009 9 Netherlands 79,580,000,000 2009 est. 10 Saudi Arabia 77,100,000,000 2009 est. 11 Qatar 76,980,000,000 2008 est. 12 Indonesia 70,000,000,000 2008 est. 13 Uzbekistan 67,600,000,000 2008 est. 14 Egypt 62,700,000,000 2009 est. 15 Mexico 60,350,000,000 2009 est. 16 United Kingdom 58,560,000,000 2009 est. 17 Malaysia 57,300,000,000 2008 est. 18 United Arab Emirates 50,240,000,000 2008 est. 19 Australia 42,330,000,000 2009 est. 20 Argentina 41,360,000,000 2009 est. 21 Trinidad and Tobago 39,300,000,000 2008 est. 22 India 38,650,000,000 2009 est. 23 Pakistan 37,500,000,000 2008 est. 24 Kazakhstan 35,610,000,000 2009 est. 25 Turkmenistan 34,000,000,000 2009 est. 26 Nigeria 32,820,000,000 2008 est. 27 Thailand 28,760,000,000 2008 est. 28 Oman 24,000,000,000 2008 est. 29 Venezuela 23,060,000,000 2009 est. 30 Azerbaijan 23,000,000,000 2009 est. 31 Ukraine 21,200,000,000 2009 est. 32 Bangladesh 19,700,000,000 2008 est. 33 Libya 15,900,000,000 2008 est. 34 Germany 15,290,000,000 2009 est. 35 Bolivia 14,200,000,000 2008 est. 36 Brunei 13,400,000,000 2008 est. 37 Kuwait 12,700,000,000 2008 est. 38 Bahrain 12,640,000,000 2008 est. 39 Burma 12,400,000,000 2008 est. 40 Romania 11,420,000,000 2008 est. 41 Brazil 10,280,000,000 2009 est. 42 Colombia 9,000,000,000 2008 est. 43 Denmark 8,398,000,000 2009 44 Italy 8,119,000,000 2009 est. 45 Vietnam 7,900,000,000 2008 est. 46 Equatorial Guinea 6,670,000,000 2008 est. 47 Syria 6,040,000,000 2008 est. 48 Poland 5,842,000,000 2009 est. 49 New Zealand 4,305,000,000 2009 est. 50 Japan 3,539,000,000 2009 est. 51 Peru 3,390,000,000 2008 est. 52 Mozambique 3,300,000,000 2008 est. 53 South Africa 3,250,000,000 2008 est. 54 Tunisia 2,970,000,000 2008 est. 55 Philippines 2,940,000,000 2008 est. 56 Croatia 2,847,000,000 2009 est. 57 Hungary 2,603,000,000 2009 est. 58 Iraq 1,880,000,000 2008 est. 59 Austria 1,668,000,000 2009 60 Chile 1,650,000,000 2008 est. 61 Cote d'Ivoire 1,300,000,000 2008 est. 62 Israel 1,190,000,000 2008 est. 63 Turkey 1,014,000,000 2009 est. 64 France 877,000,000 2009 est. 65 Angola 680,000,000 2008 est. 66 Korea, South 651,000,000 2009 est. 67 Tanzania 560,700,000 2008 est. 68 Cuba 400,000,000 2008 est. 69 Ireland 392,000,000 2009 est. 70 Taiwan 360,000,000 2008 est. 71 Ecuador 260,000,000 2008 est. 72 Jordan 250,000,000 2008 est. 73 Serbia 230,000,000 2008 est. 74 Bulgaria 218,000,000 2008 75 Congo, Republic of the 180,000,000 2008 est. 76 Czech Republic 176,000,000 2009 est. 77 Belarus 152,000,000 2008 est. 78 Slovakia 103,000,000 2009 est. 79 Papua New Guinea 100,000,000 2008 est. 80 Gabon 90,000,000 2008 est. 81 Morocco 60,000,000 2008 est. 82 Moldova 50,000,000 2007 est. 83 Senegal 50,000,000 2008 est. 84 Afghanistan 30,000,000 2008 est. 85 Kyrgyzstan 30,000,000 2008 est. 86 Albania 30,000,000 2008 est. 87 Barbados 29,170,000 2008 est. 88 Cameroon 20,000,000 2008 est. 89 Tajikistan 16,100,000 2009 est. 90 Spain 13,000,000 2009 est. 91 Greece 9,000,000 2009 est. 92 Georgia 8,000,000 2008 est. 93 Yemen 454,700 2009 est. 94 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 95 Armenia 0 2008 est. 96 Belize 0 2008 est. 97 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 98 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 99 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 100 Honduras 0 2008 est. 101 Haiti 0 2008 est. 102 Guyana 0 2008 est. 103 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 104 Guinea 0 2008 est. 105 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 106 Grenada 0 2008 est. 107 Greenland 0 2008 108 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 109 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 110 Zambia 0 2008 est. 111 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 112 West Bank 0 2008 est. 113 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 114 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 115 Uruguay 0 2008 est. 116 Uganda 0 2008 est. 117 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 118 Tonga 0 2008 est. 119 Togo 0 2008 est. 120 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 121 Switzerland 0 2008 est. 122 Sweden 0 2008 est. 123 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 124 Suriname 0 2008 est. 125 Sudan 0 2008 est. 126 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 127 Somalia 0 2008 est. 128 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 129 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 130 Singapore 0 2008 est. 131 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 132 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 134 Samoa 0 2008 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 140 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 141 Puerto Rico 0 2008 est. 142 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 143 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 144 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 145 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 146 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 147 Malta 0 2009 est. 148 Mali 0 2008 est. 149 Maldives 0 2009 est. 150 Malawi 0 2008 est. 151 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 152 Panama 0 2008 est. 153 Niue 0 2008 est. 154 Niger 0 2008 est. 155 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 156 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 157 Nepal 0 2009 est. 158 Nauru 0 2008 est. 159 Namibia 0 2008 est. 160 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 161 Macau 0 2009 est. 162 Luxembourg 0 2008 est. 163 Lithuania 0 2008 est. 164 Liberia 0 2008 est. 165 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 166 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 167 Latvia 0 2008 est. 168 Laos 0 2008 est. 169 Kosovo 0 2007 170 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 171 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 172 Kenya 0 2008 est. 173 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 174 Iceland 0 2008 est. 175 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 176 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 177 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 178 Dominica 0 2008 est. 179 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 180 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 181 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 182 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 183 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 184 Comoros 0 2008 est. 185 Chad 0 2008 est. 186 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 187 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 188 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 189 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 190 Burundi 0 2008 est. 191 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 192 Ghana 0 2008 est. 193 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 194 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 195 Fiji 0 2008 est. 196 Faroe Islands 0 2008 197 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 198 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 199 Estonia 0 2008 est. 200 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 201 Botswana 0 2008 est. 202 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 203 Benin 0 2008 est. 204 Belgium 0 2008 est. 205 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 206 Aruba 0 2008 est. 207 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2181

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - consumption

This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 646,600,000,000 2009 est. 2 European Union 489,400,000,000 2009 est. 3 Russia 439,600,000,000 2009 4 Iran 140,000,000,000 2008 est. 5 Germany 96,260,000,000 2009 est. 6 Japan 94,670,000,000 2009 est. 7 Canada 94,620,000,000 2009 est. 8 United Kingdom 87,450,000,000 2009 est. 9 China 87,080,000,000 2009 10 Italy 78,120,000,000 2009 est. 11 Saudi Arabia 77,100,000,000 2009 est. 12 Mexico 59,800,000,000 2009 est. 13 United Arab Emirates 59,420,000,000 2008 est. 14 Uzbekistan 52,600,000,000 2008 est. 15 Ukraine 52,000,000,000 2009 est. 16 India 51,270,000,000 2009 est. 17 Netherlands 48,600,000,000 2009 est. 18 France 44,840,000,000 2009 est. 19 Argentina 43,140,000,000 2009 est. 20 Egypt 42,500,000,000 2009 est. 21 Pakistan 37,500,000,000 2008 est. 22 Thailand 37,310,000,000 2008 est. 23 Indonesia 36,500,000,000 2008 est. 24 Turkey 35,070,000,000 2009 est. 25 Korea, South 34,090,000,000 2009 est. 26 Spain 33,880,000,000 2009 est. 27 Kazakhstan 33,680,000,000 2008 est. 28 Algeria 26,830,000,000 2008 est. 29 Australia 26,590,000,000 2009 est. 30 Malaysia 26,270,000,000 2008 est. 31 Venezuela 24,860,000,000 2009 est. 32 Trinidad and Tobago 21,940,000,000 2008 est. 33 Qatar 20,200,000,000 2008 est. 34 Turkmenistan 20,000,000,000 2009 est. 35 Bangladesh 19,700,000,000 2008 est. 36 Brazil 18,720,000,000 2009 est. 37 Belarus 17,000,000,000 2009 est. 38 Romania 16,920,000,000 2008 est. 39 Belgium 16,870,000,000 2009 est. 40 Poland 16,330,000,000 2009 est. 41 Oman 13,460,000,000 2008 est. 42 Kuwait 12,700,000,000 2008 est. 43 Bahrain 12,640,000,000 2008 est. 44 Taiwan 12,440,000,000 2008 est. 45 Nigeria 12,280,000,000 2008 est. 46 Hungary 11,320,000,000 2009 est. 47 Azerbaijan 10,120,000,000 2008 48 Iraq 9,454,000,000 2008 est. 49 Singapore 8,270,000,000 2008 est. 50 Austria 8,232,000,000 2009 51 Czech Republic 8,182,000,000 2009 est. 52 Colombia 8,100,000,000 2008 est. 53 Vietnam 8,100,000,000 2008 est. 54 Slovakia 6,493,000,000 2009 est. 55 South Africa 6,450,000,000 2008 est. 56 Syria 6,180,000,000 2008 est. 57 Libya 5,500,000,000 2008 est. 58 Ireland 5,112,000,000 2009 est. 59 Portugal 4,846,000,000 2009 est. 60 Norway 4,620,000,000 2009 est. 61 Denmark 4,410,000,000 2009 62 New Zealand 4,320,000,000 2009 est. 63 Finland 4,289,000,000 2009 64 Tunisia 4,220,000,000 2008 est. 65 Brunei 4,200,000,000 2008 est. 66 Burma 3,850,000,000 2008 est. 67 Lithuania 3,530,000,000 2008 est. 68 Greece 3,528,000,000 2009 est. 69 Peru 3,390,000,000 2008 est. 70 Bulgaria 3,350,000,000 2008 71 Switzerland 3,282,000,000 2009 est. 72 Croatia 3,205,000,000 2009 est. 73 Jordan 2,970,000,000 2008 est. 74 Philippines 2,940,000,000 2008 est. 75 Hong Kong 2,830,000,000 2009 est. 76 Serbia 2,610,000,000 2008 est. 77 Moldova 2,520,000,000 2008 est. 78 Bolivia 2,410,000,000 2008 est. 79 Chile 2,340,000,000 2008 est. 80 Latvia 2,050,000,000 2008 est. 81 Armenia 1,930,000,000 2008 est. 82 Georgia 1,730,000,000 2008 est. 83 Estonia 1,510,000,000 2008 est. 84 Equatorial Guinea 1,500,000,000 2008 est. 85 Cote d'Ivoire 1,300,000,000 2008 est. 86 Luxembourg 1,268,000,000 2009 est. 87 Sweden 1,229,000,000 2009 est. 88 Israel 1,190,000,000 2008 est. 89 Slovenia 1,050,000,000 2009 est. 90 Puerto Rico 806,600,000 2008 est. 91 Kyrgyzstan 750,000,000 2008 est. 92 Angola 680,000,000 2008 est. 93 Tanzania 560,700,000 2008 est. 94 Morocco 560,000,000 2008 est. 95 Dominican Republic 470,000,000 2008 est. 96 Cuba 400,000,000 2008 est. 97 Bosnia and Herzegovina 310,000,000 2008 est. 98 Tajikistan 266,100,000 2009 est. 99 Ecuador 260,000,000 2008 est. 100 Congo, Republic of the 180,000,000 2008 est. 101 Mozambique 100,000,000 2008 est. 102 Papua New Guinea 100,000,000 2008 est. 103 Macau 91,300,000 2009 104 Gabon 90,000,000 2008 est. 105 Macedonia 80,000,000 2009 est. 106 Uruguay 70,000,000 2008 est. 107 Senegal 50,000,000 2008 est. 108 Afghanistan 30,000,000 2008 est. 109 Albania 30,000,000 2008 est. 110 Barbados 29,170,000 2008 est. 111 Cameroon 20,000,000 2008 est. 112 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 113 Benin 0 2008 est. 114 Botswana 0 2008 est. 115 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 116 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 117 Panama 0 2008 est. 118 Niue 0 2008 est. 119 Liberia 0 2008 est. 120 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 121 Lebanon 0 2008 est. 122 Laos 0 2008 est. 123 Kosovo 0 2007 124 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 125 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 126 Kenya 0 2008 est. 127 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 128 Niger 0 2008 est. 129 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 130 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 131 Nepal 0 2009 est. 132 Nauru 0 2008 est. 133 Namibia 0 2008 est. 134 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 135 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 136 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 137 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 138 Malta 0 2009 est. 139 Mali 0 2008 est. 140 Maldives 0 2009 est. 141 Malawi 0 2008 est. 142 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 143 Iceland 0 2008 est. 144 Honduras 0 2008 est. 145 Haiti 0 2008 est. 146 Guyana 0 2008 est. 147 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 148 Guinea 0 2008 est. 149 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 150 Grenada 0 2008 est. 151 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 152 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 153 Samoa 0 2008 est. 154 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 155 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 156 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 157 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 158 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 159 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 160 Yemen 0 2008 est. 161 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 162 West Bank 0 2008 est. 163 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 164 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 165 Uganda 0 2008 est. 166 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 167 Tonga 0 2008 est. 168 Togo 0 2008 est. 169 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 170 Zambia 0 2008 est. 171 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 172 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 173 Suriname 0 2008 est. 174 Sudan 0 2008 est. 175 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 176 Somalia 0 2008 est. 177 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 178 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 179 Greenland 0 2008 180 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 181 Ghana 0 2008 est. 182 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 183 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 184 Fiji 0 2008 est. 185 Faroe Islands 0 2008 186 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 187 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 188 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 189 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 190 Dominica 0 2008 est. 191 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 192 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 193 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 194 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 195 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 196 Comoros 0 2008 est. 197 Chad 0 2008 est. 198 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 199 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 200 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 201 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 202 Burundi 0 2008 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 204 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 205 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 206 Belize 0 2008 est. 207 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 208 Aruba 0 2008 est. 209 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2182

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - imports

This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m).

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 106,100,000,000 2009 est. 2 Germany 94,570,000,000 2009 est. 3 Japan 90,290,000,000 2009 est. 4 Italy 69,240,000,000 2009 est. 5 France 45,850,000,000 2009 est. 6 United Kingdom 41,060,000,000 2009 est. 7 Turkey 35,770,000,000 2009 est. 8 Russia 35,100,000,000 2009 9 Spain 34,670,000,000 2009 est. 10 Korea, South 32,690,000,000 2009 est. 11 Ukraine 26,830,000,000 2009 est. 12 Netherlands 24,600,000,000 2009 est. 13 Belarus 17,600,000,000 2009 est. 14 Belgium 16,780,000,000 2009 est. 15 United Arab Emirates 16,750,000,000 2008 est. 16 Canada 16,590,000,000 2009 est. 17 India 12,620,000,000 2009 est. 18 Taiwan 12,080,000,000 2008 est. 19 Mexico 11,840,000,000 2009 est. 20 Austria 10,960,000,000 2009 21 Poland 9,954,000,000 2009 est. 22 Hungary 9,708,000,000 2009 est. 23 Czech Republic 9,683,000,000 2009 est. 24 Thailand 8,550,000,000 2008 est. 25 Brazil 8,440,000,000 2009 est. 26 Singapore 8,270,000,000 2008 est. 27 China 7,462,000,000 2009 28 Slovakia 6,974,000,000 2009 est. 29 Australia 6,560,000,000 2009 est. 30 Romania 5,500,000,000 2008 est. 31 Iran 5,200,000,000 2008 est. 32 Portugal 4,895,000,000 2009 est. 33 Ireland 4,723,000,000 2009 est. 34 Finland 4,289,000,000 2009 35 Kazakhstan 3,720,000,000 2009 est. 36 Greece 3,556,000,000 2009 est. 37 Lithuania 3,530,000,000 2008 est. 38 Bulgaria 3,480,000,000 2008 39 Switzerland 3,282,000,000 2009 est. 40 South Africa 3,200,000,000 2008 est. 41 Hong Kong 2,830,000,000 2009 est. 42 Jordan 2,720,000,000 2008 est. 43 Argentina 2,660,000,000 2009 est. 44 Moldova 2,520,000,000 2008 est. 45 Serbia 2,400,000,000 2008 est. 46 Latvia 2,050,000,000 2008 est. 47 Armenia 1,930,000,000 2008 est. 48 Venezuela 1,800,000,000 2009 est. 49 Georgia 1,720,000,000 2008 est. 50 Estonia 1,510,000,000 2008 est. 51 Luxembourg 1,263,000,000 2009 est. 52 Tunisia 1,250,000,000 2008 est. 53 Sweden 1,229,000,000 2009 est. 54 Croatia 1,220,000,000 2009 est. 55 Slovenia 1,050,000,000 2009 est. 56 Puerto Rico 806,600,000 2008 est. 57 Kyrgyzstan 720,000,000 2008 est. 58 Chile 690,000,000 2008 est. 59 Morocco 500,000,000 2008 est. 60 Dominican Republic 470,000,000 2008 est. 61 Oman 350,000,000 2008 est. 62 Bosnia and Herzegovina 310,000,000 2008 est. 63 Kuwait 300,000,000 2009 est. 64 Tajikistan 250,000,000 2009 est. 65 Syria 140,000,000 2008 est. 66 Macau 97,800,000 2009 est. 67 Macedonia 82,000,000 2009 est. 68 Uruguay 70,000,000 2008 est. 69 Vietnam 380,000 2009 est. 70 Afghanistan 0 2008 est. 71 Albania 0 2008 est. 72 Azerbaijan 0 2008 est. 73 Bahrain 0 2008 est. 74 Barbados 0 2008 est. 75 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 76 Brunei 0 2008 est. 77 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 78 Botswana 0 2008 est. 79 Bolivia 0 2008 est. 80 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 81 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 82 Benin 0 2008 est. 83 Belize 0 2008 est. 84 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 85 Equatorial Guinea 0 2008 est. 86 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 87 Egypt 0 2009 est. 88 Ecuador 0 2008 est. 89 Dominica 0 2008 est. 90 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 91 Denmark 0 2008 92 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 93 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 94 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 95 Malta 0 2009 est. 96 Mali 0 2008 est. 97 Maldives 0 2009 est. 98 Malaysia 0 2008 est. 99 Malawi 0 2008 est. 100 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 101 Lebanon 0 2008 est. 102 Peru 0 2008 est. 103 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 104 Papua New Guinea 0 2008 est. 105 Panama 0 2008 est. 106 Pakistan 0 2008 est. 107 Norway 0 2008 est. 108 Niue 0 2008 est. 109 Nigeria 0 2008 est. 110 Niger 0 2008 est. 111 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 112 Zambia 0 2008 est. 113 Yemen 0 2008 est. 114 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 115 West Bank 0 2008 est. 116 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 117 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 118 Uzbekistan 0 2008 est. 119 Uganda 0 2008 est. 120 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 121 Turkmenistan 0 2008 est. 122 Trinidad and Tobago 0 2008 est. 123 Tonga 0 2008 est. 124 Togo 0 2008 est. 125 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 126 Tanzania 0 2008 est. 127 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 128 Suriname 0 2008 est. 129 Sudan 0 2008 est. 130 Somalia 0 2008 est. 131 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 132 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 133 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 134 Senegal 0 2008 est. 135 Saudi Arabia 0 2008 est. 136 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 137 Samoa 0 2008 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 139 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 140 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 141 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 143 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 144 Qatar 0 2008 est. 145 Philippines 0 2008 est. 146 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 147 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 148 Nepal 0 2009 est. 149 Nauru 0 2008 est. 150 Namibia 0 2008 est. 151 Mozambique 0 2008 est. 152 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 153 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 154 Laos 0 2008 est. 155 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 156 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 157 Kenya 0 2008 est. 158 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 159 Israel 0 2008 est. 160 Iraq 0 2008 est. 161 Honduras 0 2008 est. 162 Libya 0 2008 est. 163 Liberia 0 2008 est. 164 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 165 Haiti 0 2008 est. 166 Guyana 0 2008 est. 167 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 168 Guinea 0 2008 est. 169 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 170 Grenada 0 2008 est. 171 Greenland 0 2008 172 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 173 Indonesia 0 2008 est. 174 Iceland 0 2008 est. 175 Ghana 0 2008 est. 176 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 177 Gabon 0 2008 est. 178 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 182 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 183 Cuba 0 2008 est. 184 Cote d'Ivoire 0 2008 est. 185 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 186 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 187 Congo, Republic of the 0 2008 est. 188 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 189 Comoros 0 2008 est. 190 Colombia 0 2008 est. 191 Chad 0 2008 est. 192 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 193 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 194 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 195 Cameroon 0 2008 est. 196 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 197 Burundi 0 2008 est. 198 Burma 0 2008 est. 199 Bangladesh 0 2008 est. 200 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 201 Algeria 0 2008 est. 202 Aruba 0 2008 est. 203 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 204 Angola 0 2008 est. 205 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2183

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - exports

This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m).

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 Russia 179,100,000,000 2009 2 Norway 98,850,000,000 2009 est. 3 Canada 94,670,000,000 2009 est. 4 Algeria 59,670,000,000 2008 est. 5 Qatar 56,780,000,000 2008 est. 6 Netherlands 55,590,000,000 2009 est. 7 Indonesia 33,500,000,000 2008 est. 8 Malaysia 31,030,000,000 2008 est. 9 United States 30,350,000,000 2009 est. 10 Australia 22,300,000,000 2009 est. 11 Nigeria 20,550,000,000 2008 est. 12 Kazakhstan 17,660,000,000 2008 est. 13 Trinidad and Tobago 17,360,000,000 2008 est. 14 Uzbekistan 15,000,000,000 2008 est. 15 Turkmenistan 14,000,000,000 2009 est. 16 Germany 12,640,000,000 2009 est. 17 United Kingdom 12,170,000,000 2009 est. 18 Bolivia 11,790,000,000 2008 est. 19 Oman 10,890,000,000 2008 est. 20 Libya 10,400,000,000 2008 est. 21 Brunei 9,200,000,000 2008 est. 22 Burma 8,550,000,000 2008 est. 23 Egypt 8,550,000,000 2009 est. 24 United Arab Emirates 7,567,000,000 2008 est. 25 Azerbaijan 5,564,000,000 2008 est. 26 Equatorial Guinea 5,170,000,000 2008 est. 27 Ukraine 5,000,000,000 2009 est. 28 Iran 4,246,000,000 2008 est. 29 Denmark 3,980,000,000 2009 30 Austria 3,961,000,000 2009 est. 31 China 3,320,000,000 2009 32 Mozambique 3,200,000,000 2008 est. 33 France 1,931,000,000 2009 est. 34 Czech Republic 1,111,000,000 2009 est. 35 Spain 975,000,000 2009 est. 36 Colombia 900,000,000 2008 est. 37 Argentina 890,000,000 2008 est. 38 Turkey 708,000,000 2009 est. 39 Croatia 695,500,000 2009 est. 40 Mexico 688,000,000 2009 est. 41 Italy 124,000,000 2009 est. 42 Hungary 85,000,000 2009 est. 43 Poland 40,000,000 2009 est. 44 Slovakia 15,000,000 2009 est. 45 Yemen 454,700 2009 est. 46 Afghanistan 0 2008 est. 47 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 48 Bahrain 0 2008 est. 49 Barbados 0 2008 est. 50 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 51 Botswana 0 2008 est. 52 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 53 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 54 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 55 Benin 0 2008 est. 56 Belize 0 2008 est. 57 Belgium 0 2008 est. 58 Belarus 0 2009 59 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 60 Estonia 0 2008 est. 61 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 62 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 63 Ecuador 0 2008 est. 64 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 65 Dominica 0 2008 est. 66 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 67 Cuba 0 2008 est. 68 Guyana 0 2008 est. 69 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 70 Guinea 0 2008 est. 71 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 72 Grenada 0 2008 est. 73 Greenland 0 2008 74 Greece 0 2008 est. 75 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 76 Ghana 0 2008 est. 77 Kyrgyzstan 0 2008 est. 78 Kuwait 0 2008 est. 79 Korea, South 0 2009 est. 80 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 81 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 82 Kenya 0 2008 est. 83 Jordan 0 2008 est. 84 Japan 0 2008 est. 85 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 86 New Zealand 0 2008 est. 87 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 88 Nepal 0 2009 est. 89 Nauru 0 2008 est. 90 Namibia 0 2008 est. 91 Morocco 0 2008 est. 92 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 93 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 94 Moldova 0 2008 est. 95 Taiwan 0 2008 est. 96 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 97 Zambia 0 2008 est. 98 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 99 West Bank 0 2008 est. 100 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 101 Vietnam 0 2009 est. 102 Venezuela 0 2008 est. 103 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 104 Uruguay 0 2008 est. 105 Uganda 0 2008 est. 106 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 107 Tunisia 0 2008 est. 108 Tonga 0 2008 est. 109 Togo 0 2008 est. 110 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 111 Thailand 0 2008 est. 112 Tanzania 0 2008 est. 113 Tajikistan 0 2009 est. 114 Syria 0 2008 est. 115 Switzerland 0 2008 est. 116 Sweden 0 2008 est. 117 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 118 Suriname 0 2008 est. 119 Sudan 0 2008 est. 120 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 121 South Africa 0 2008 est. 122 Somalia 0 2008 est. 123 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 124 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 125 Singapore 0 2008 est. 126 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 127 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 128 Serbia 0 2008 est. 129 Senegal 0 2008 est. 130 Saudi Arabia 0 2008 est. 131 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 132 Samoa 0 2008 est. 133 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 134 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 135 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 136 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 137 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 138 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 139 Romania 0 2008 est. 140 Puerto Rico 0 2008 est. 141 Portugal 0 2008 est. 142 Philippines 0 2008 est. 143 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 144 Papua New Guinea 0 2008 est. 145 Panama 0 2008 est. 146 Pakistan 0 2008 est. 147 Niue 0 2008 est. 148 Niger 0 2008 est. 149 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 150 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 151 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 152 Malta 0 2009 est. 153 Mali 0 2008 est. 154 Maldives 0 2009 est. 155 Malawi 0 2008 est. 156 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 157 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 158 Macau 0 2009 est. 159 Luxembourg 0 2008 est. 160 Lithuania 0 2008 est. 161 Liberia 0 2008 est. 162 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 163 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 164 Latvia 0 2008 est. 165 Laos 0 2008 est. 166 Israel 0 2008 est. 167 Ireland 0 2008 est. 168 Iraq 0 2008 est. 169 India 0 2008 est. 170 Iceland 0 2008 est. 171 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 172 Honduras 0 2008 est. 173 Haiti 0 2008 est. 174 Georgia 0 2008 est. 175 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 176 Gabon 0 2008 est. 177 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 178 Finland 0 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 182 Cote d'Ivoire 0 2008 est. 183 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 184 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 185 Congo, Republic of the 0 2008 est. 186 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 187 Comoros 0 2008 est. 188 Chile 0 2008 est. 189 Chad 0 2008 est. 190 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 191 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 192 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 193 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 194 Cameroon 0 2008 est. 195 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 196 Burundi 0 2008 est. 197 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 198 Bulgaria 0 2008 199 Bangladesh 0 2008 est. 200 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 201 Armenia 0 2008 est. 202 Aruba 0 2008 est. 203 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est. 204 Angola 0 2008 est. 205 Albania 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2184

Country Comparison :: Internet hosts

This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of Internet connectivity.

Rank country Internet hosts Date of Information

1 United States 439,000,000 NA 2 Japan 54,846,000 2010 3 Italy 23,160,000 2010 4 Germany 21,729,000 2010 5 Brazil 19,316,000 2010 6 China 15,251,000 2010 7 France 15,182,000 2010 8 Australia 13,361,000 2010 9 Mexico 12,854,000 2010 10 Netherlands 12,607,000 2010 11 Poland 10,510,000 2010 12 Russia 10,382,000 2010 13 Canada 7,770,000 2010 14 United Kingdom 7,030,000 2010 15 Taiwan 6,336,000 2010 16 Argentina 6,025,000 2010 17 Switzerland 4,816,000 2010 18 India 4,536,000 2010 19 Belgium 4,465,000 2010 20 Sweden 4,396,000 2010 21 Finland 4,394,000 2010 22 Denmark 4,145,000 2010 23 Spain 3,822,000 2010 24 South Africa 3,751,000 2010 25 Czech Republic 3,494,000 2010 26 Turkey 3,433,000 2010 27 Norway 3,352,000 2010 28 Portugal 3,267,000 2010 29 Austria 3,266,000 2010 30 Hungary 2,655,000 2010 31 Greece 2,574,000 2010 32 Colombia 2,527,000 2010 33 New Zealand 2,470,000 2010 34 Romania 2,464,000 2010 35 Israel 1,689,000 2010 36 Ireland 1,339,000 2010 37 Thailand 1,335,000 2010 38 Croatia 1,287,000 2010 39 Indonesia 1,269,000 2010 40 Lithuania 1,170,000 2010 41 Slovakia 1,133,000 2010 42 Ukraine 1,098,000 2010 43 Chile 1,056,000 2010 44 Singapore 992,786 2010 45 Hong Kong 817,701 2010 46 Bulgaria 785,546 2010 47 Uruguay 765,525 2010 48 Estonia 729,534 2010 49 Serbia 528,253 2010 50 Moldova 492,181 2010 51 Saudi Arabia 488,598 2010 52 Niue 397,270 2010 53 Philippines 394,990 2010 54 United Arab Emirates 379,309 2010 55 Iceland 344,748 2010 56 Malaysia 344,452 2010 57 Pakistan 330,466 2010 58 Korea, South 291,329 2010 59 Latvia 289,478 2010 60 Dominican Republic 283,298 2010 61 Morocco 277,793 2010 62 Peru 268,225 2010 63 Luxembourg 244,225 2010 64 Venezuela 238,665 2010 65 Guatemala 196,870 2010 66 Cyprus 187,881 2010 67 Egypt 187,197 2010 68 Trinidad and Tobago 168,876 2010 69 Paraguay 167,281 2010 70 Nicaragua 157,162 2010 71 Belarus 147,311 2010 72 Slovenia 137,494 2010 73 Vietnam 129,318 2010 74 Bolivia 125,462 2010 75 Iran 119,947 2010 76 Georgia 110,680 2010 77 Tuvalu 109,478 2010 78 Kyrgyzstan 97,976 2010 79 Bosnia and Herzegovina 95,234 2010 80 Namibia 76,020 2010 81 Bangladesh 68,224 2010 82 Ecuador 67,975 2010 83 Armenia 65,279 2010 84 Macedonia 60,533 2010 85 Kazakhstan 53,984 2010 86 Bahrain 53,944 2010 87 Lebanon 51,451 2010 88 Brunei 50,997 2010 89 Uzbekistan 47,718 2010 90 Kenya 47,676 2010 91 Nepal 43,928 2010 92 Jordan 42,412 2010 93 Ghana 41,082 2010 94 Mauritius 36,653 2010 95 French Polynesia 36,056 2010 96 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 35,312 2010 97 Costa Rica 34,024 2010 98 Zimbabwe 29,866 2010 99 Madagascar 27,606 2010 100 Andorra 26,773 2010 101 Aruba 25,080 2010 102 Malta 24,941 2010 103 Tanzania 24,182 2010 104 Monaco 23,621 2010 105 Azerbaijan 22,737 2010 106 New Caledonia 22,456 2010 107 Bahamas, The 21,939 2010 108 Cayman Islands 21,910 2010 109 Mozambique 21,172 2010 110 Tonga 20,847 2010 111 Uganda 19,927 2010 112 Bermuda 19,855 2010 113 Fiji 17,088 2010 114 Samoa 17,044 2010 115 Honduras 16,075 2010 116 Greenland 15,668 2010 117 Albania 15,098 2010 118 Zambia 14,771 2010 119 El Salvador 13,849 2010 120 Libya 12,432 2010 121 Cote d'Ivoire 9,865 2010 122 Antigua and Barbuda 9,795 2010 123 Panama 9,585 2010 124 Liechtenstein 9,418 2010 125 Bhutan 9,147 2010 126 Oman 9,114 2010 127 Turks and Caicos Islands 8,969 2010 128 Faroe Islands 8,936 2010 129 Virgin Islands 8,933 2010 130 San Marino 8,895 2010 131 Sri Lanka 8,865 2010 132 Guyana 8,840 2010 133 Syria 8,114 2010 134 Mongolia 7,942 2010 135 Antarctica 7,765 2010 136 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6,873 2010 137 Montenegro 6,247 2010 138 Cambodia 5,452 2010 139 Papua New Guinea 4,285 2010 140 Nauru 4,158 2010 141 Solomon Islands 4,065 2010 142 Angola 3,717 2010 143 Jamaica 3,099 2010 144 Micronesia, Federated States of 3,097 2010 145 Cuba 3,025 2010 146 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3,006 2010 147 Belize 2,880 2010 148 Botswana 2,739 2010 149 Christmas Island 2,542 2010 150 Cook Islands 2,521 2010 151 Kuwait 2,485 2010 152 Swaziland 2,335 2010 153 Maldives 2,164 2010 154 Gibraltar 2,053 2010 155 Burkina Faso 1,877 2010 156 Wallis and Futuna 1,734 2010 157 American Samoa 1,676 2010 158 Sao Tome and Principe 1,514 2010 159 Barbados 1,508 2010 160 Tajikistan 1,504 2010 161 Laos 1,468 2010 162 Gambia, The 1,453 2010 163 Nigeria 1,378 2010 164 Vanuatu 1,347 2010 165 Benin 1,286 2010 166 Eritrea 1,241 2010 167 Malawi 870 2010 168 Togo 860 2010 169 British Indian Ocean Territory 827 2010 170 Qatar 822 2010 171 Rwanda 815 2010 172 Turkmenistan 794 2010 173 Isle of Man 765 2010 174 Dominica 718 2010 175 Lesotho 632 2010 176 Algeria 572 2010 177 Montserrat 552 2010 178 Tokelau 526 2010 179 Mali 524 2010 180 British Virgin Islands 497 2010 181 Tunisia 490 2010 182 Puerto Rico 482 2010 183 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands320 2010 184 Sierra Leone 281 2010 185 Haiti 273 2010 186 Anguilla 271 2010 187 Seychelles 256 2010 188 Yemen 255 2010 189 Macau 252 2010 190 Senegal 241 2010 191 Jersey 237 2010 192 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 211 2010 193 Timor-Leste 206 2010 194 Burundi 201 2010 195 Guernsey 197 2010 196 Djibouti 195 2010 197 Burma 172 2010 198 Niger 172 2010 199 Suriname 171 2010 200 Ethiopia 151 2010 201 Saint Lucia 106 2010 202 Norfolk Island 93 2010 203 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 91 2010 204 Cameroon 90 2010 205 Gabon 90 2010 206 Guinea-Bissau 82 2010 207 Sudan 70 2010 208 Holy See (Vatican City) 68 2010 209 Grenada 52 2010 210 Saint Kitts and Nevis 51 2010 211 Afghanistan 46 2010 212 French Southern and Antarctic Lands44 2010 213 Congo, Republic of the 42 2010 214 Kiribati 31 2010 215 Cape Verde 26 2010 216 Mauritania 23 2010 217 Central African Republic 20 2010 218 Pitcairn Islands 20 2010 219 Comoros 14 2010 220 Guinea 14 2010 221 Equatorial Guinea 9 2010 222 Iraq 9 2010 223 Northern Mariana Islands 9 2010 224 Liberia 8 2010 225 Bouvet Island 6 2010 226 Chad 5 2010 227 Korea, North 3 2010 228 Somalia 3 2010 229 Palau 3 2010 230 Marshall Islands 3 2010 231 Mayotte 1 2010 232 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2010

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Rank code: 2185

Country Comparison :: Investment (gross fixed)

This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 China 47.80 2010 est. 2 Congo, Republic of the 41.50 2010 est. 3 Sao Tome and Principe 41.00 2010 est. 4 Ghana 39.80 2010 est. 5 Cape Verde 36.90 2010 est. 6 Seychelles 36.20 2010 est. 7 Belarus 36.00 2010 est. 8 Vietnam 35.10 2010 est. 9 Madagascar 34.60 2010 est. 10 Guyana 34.10 2010 est. 11 Armenia 33.30 2010 est. 12 Qatar 33.00 2010 est. 13 India 32.00 2010 est. 14 Indonesia 30.80 2010 est. 15 Lebanon 30.80 2010 est. 16 Montenegro 30.50 2006 est. 17 Morocco 30.20 2010 est. 18 Jordan 30.10 2010 est. 19 Albania 29.80 2010 est. 20 Equatorial Guinea 29.10 2010 est. 21 Haiti 28.90 2008 est. 22 Gabon 28.80 2010 est. 23 Korea, South 28.70 2010 est. 24 Botswana 28.20 2010 est. 25 Gambia, The 28.00 2010 est. 26 Kazakhstan 27.90 2010 est. 27 Malawi 27.70 2010 est. 28 Iran 27.60 2010 est. 29 Algeria 27.50 2010 est. 30 Australia 27.40 2010 est. 31 Singapore 27.20 2010 est. 32 Panama 26.80 2010 est. 33 United Arab Emirates 26.80 2010 est. 34 Bahrain 26.60 2010 est. 35 Kyrgyzstan 26.40 2010 est. 36 Oman 26.30 2010 est. 37 Belize 26.20 2010 est. 38 Tunisia 26.10 2010 est. 39 Senegal 25.90 2010 est. 40 Serbia 25.90 2010 est. 41 Ethiopia 25.20 2010 est. 42 Burundi 25.10 2010 est. 43 Jamaica 25.10 2010 est. 44 Peru 25.10 2010 est. 45 Thailand 24.90 2010 est. 46 Saudi Arabia 24.50 2010 est. 47 Namibia 24.00 2010 est. 48 Bangladesh 23.80 2010 est. 49 Mauritius 23.80 2010 est. 50 Ecuador 23.70 2010 est. 51 Sri Lanka 23.60 2010 est. 52 Chile 23.50 2010 est. 53 World 23.40 2010 est. 54 Honduras 23.30 2010 est. 55 World 23.10 2010 est. 56 Spain 22.90 2010 est. 57 Bulgaria 22.80 2010 est. 58 Colombia 22.80 2010 est. 59 Nicaragua 22.80 2010 est. 60 Czech Republic 22.50 2010 est. 61 Estonia 22.50 2010 est. 62 Croatia 22.40 2010 est. 63 Macedonia 22.30 2010 est. 64 Hong Kong 22.20 2010 est. 65 Slovakia 22.20 2010 est. 66 Canada 22.10 2010 est. 67 Argentina 22.00 2010 est. 68 Lesotho 21.90 2010 est. 69 Moldova 21.70 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 21.50 2010 est. 71 Kenya 21.30 2010 est. 72 Cameroon 21.10 2010 est. 73 Mexico 21.10 2010 est. 74 Romania 21.10 2010 est. 75 Austria 21.00 2010 est. 76 Zimbabwe 21.00 2010 est. 77 Cambodia 20.90 2010 est. 78 Tajikistan 20.90 2010 est. 79 Uganda 20.90 2010 est. 80 Belgium 20.80 2010 est. 81 Costa Rica 20.80 2010 est. 82 Zambia 20.50 2010 est. 83 Japan 20.30 2010 est. 84 Sudan 20.20 2010 est. 85 Malaysia 20.10 2010 est. 86 Rwanda 20.00 2010 est. 87 France 19.90 2010 est. 88 South Africa 19.90 2010 est. 89 Switzerland 19.90 2010 est. 90 Burkina Faso 19.70 2010 est. 91 Cyprus 19.70 2010 est. 92 New Zealand 19.60 2010 est. 93 Poland 19.50 2010 est. 94 Hungary 19.40 2010 est. 95 Uruguay 19.40 2010 est. 96 Yemen 19.40 2010 est. 97 Italy 19.10 2010 est. 98 Portugal 19.00 2010 est. 99 Russia 18.90 2010 est. 100 Finland 18.70 2010 est. 101 Slovenia 18.70 2010 est. 102 Norway 18.60 2010 est. 103 European Union 18.60 2010 est. 104 Benin 18.50 2010 est. 105 Brazil 18.50 2010 est. 106 Egypt 18.40 2010 est. 107 Togo 18.20 2010 est. 108 Sweden 18.10 2010 est. 109 Germany 18.00 2010 est. 110 Turkey 18.00 2010 est. 111 Netherlands 18.00 2010 est. 112 Paraguay 17.80 2010 est. 113 Bolivia 17.50 2010 est. 114 Denmark 17.50 2010 est. 115 Tanzania 17.40 2010 est. 116 Azerbaijan 17.30 2010 est. 117 Papua New Guinea 17.30 2010 est. 118 Mozambique 17.20 2010 est. 119 Luxembourg 16.80 2010 est. 120 Israel 16.70 2010 est. 121 Syria 16.60 2010 est. 122 Venezuela 16.40 2010 est. 123 Ukraine 16.10 2010 est. 124 Angola 15.90 2010 est. 125 Latvia 15.70 2010 est. 126 Dominican Republic 15.40 2010 est. 127 Kosovo 15.20 2010 est. 128 Lithuania 15.20 2010 est. 129 Burma 15.10 2010 est. 130 Pakistan 15.00 2010 est. 131 Chad 14.80 2010 est. 132 Greece 14.80 2010 est. 133 Philippines 14.70 2010 est. 134 Guinea 14.60 2010 est. 135 Georgia 14.50 2010 est. 136 United Kingdom 14.40 2010 est. 137 Malta 14.10 2010 est. 138 Guatemala 13.90 2010 est. 139 Kuwait 13.80 2010 est. 140 El Salvador 13.70 2010 est. 141 Libya 13.20 2010 est. 142 United States 12.80 2010 est. 143 Ireland 12.60 2010 est. 144 Swaziland 12.60 2010 est. 145 Iceland 12.40 2010 est. 146 Turkmenistan 12.40 2010 est. 147 Nigeria 11.60 2010 est. 148 Trinidad and Tobago 11.60 2010 est. 149 Cuba 10.50 2010 est. 150 Eritrea 10.30 2010 est. 151 Cote d'Ivoire 9.70 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2186

Country Comparison :: Public debt

This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 241.60 2010 est. 2 Japan 196.40 2010 est. 3 Saint Kitts and Nevis 185.00 2009 est. 4 Lebanon 150.70 2010 est. 5 Greece 144.00 2010 est. 6 Iceland 123.80 2010 est. 7 Jamaica 123.20 2010 est. 8 Italy 118.10 2010 est. 9 Belgium 102.50 2010 est. 10 Singapore 102.40 2010 est. 11 Ireland 98.50 2010 est. 12 Sudan 94.20 2010 est. 13 Sri Lanka 86.70 2010 est. 14 France 83.50 2010 est. 15 Portugal 83.20 2010 est. 16 Canada 82.90 2010 est. 17 Egypt 80.50 2010 est. 18 Dominica 78.00 2009 est. 19 Nicaragua 78.00 2010 est. 20 Israel 77.30 2010 est. 21 United Kingdom 76.50 2010 est. 22 Germany 74.80 2010 est. 23 Malta 72.60 2010 est. 24 Hungary 72.10 2010 est. 25 Austria 68.60 2010 est. 26 Netherlands 64.60 2010 est. 27 Spain 63.40 2010 est. 28 Cote d'Ivoire 63.30 2010 est. 29 Jordan 61.40 2010 est. 30 Cyprus 61.10 2010 est. 31 Brazil 60.80 2010 est. 32 Mauritius 60.50 2010 est. 33 Ghana 59.90 2010 est. 34 Albania 59.30 2010 est. 35 Bahrain 59.20 2010 est. 36 United States 58.90 2010 est. 37 Seychelles 58.80 2010 est. 38 World 58.30 2010 est. 39 Morocco 58.20 2010 est. 40 Bhutan 57.80 2009 41 Guyana 57.00 2010 est. 42 India 55.90 2010 est. 43 Philippines 55.20 2010 est. 44 Croatia 55.00 2010 est. 45 El Salvador 55.00 2010 est. 46 Vietnam 53.50 2010 est. 47 Uruguay 52.70 2010 est. 48 Malaysia 52.60 2010 est. 49 Kenya 50.90 2010 est. 50 Poland 50.50 2010 est. 51 Argentina 50.30 2010 est. 52 Pakistan 49.90 2010 est. 53 Tunisia 49.50 2010 est. 54 Turkey 48.10 2010 est. 55 Norway 47.70 2010 est. 56 Denmark 46.60 2010 est. 57 Aruba 46.30 2005 58 Latvia 46.20 2010 est. 59 Finland 45.40 2010 est. 60 Colombia 44.80 2010 est. 61 United Arab Emirates 44.60 2010 est. 62 Costa Rica 44.10 2010 est. 63 Thailand 42.30 2010 est. 64 Dominican Republic 41.70 2010 est. 65 Mexico 41.50 2010 est. 66 Slovakia 41.00 2010 est. 67 Mozambique 40.80 2010 est. 68 Sweden 40.80 2010 est. 69 Panama 40.80 2010 est. 70 Malawi 40.40 2010 est. 71 Bolivia 40.30 2010 est. 72 Czech Republic 40.00 2010 est. 73 Switzerland 39.60 2010 est. 74 Bangladesh 39.30 2010 est. 75 Ethiopia 39.30 2010 est. 76 Yemen 39.10 2010 est. 77 Bosnia and Herzegovina 39.00 2010 est. 78 Ukraine 38.40 2010 est. 79 Montenegro 38.00 2006 80 Serbia 37.80 2010 est. 81 Lithuania 36.70 2010 est. 82 Slovenia 35.50 2010 est. 83 Romania 34.80 2010 est. 84 Cuba 34.40 2010 est. 85 South Africa 33.20 2010 est. 86 Senegal 32.10 2010 est. 87 Taiwan 31.40 2010 est. 88 Syria 29.80 2010 est. 89 Guatemala 29.60 2010 est. 90 Papua New Guinea 27.80 2010 est. 91 Indonesia 26.40 2010 est. 92 Trinidad and Tobago 26.40 2010 est. 93 Honduras 26.10 2010 est. 94 Gabon 25.80 2010 est. 95 Algeria 25.70 2010 est. 96 Macedonia 25.70 2010 est. 97 New Zealand 25.50 2010 est. 98 Venezuela 25.50 2010 est. 99 Moldova 25.00 2010 est. 100 Zambia 24.10 2010 est. 101 Korea, South 23.70 2010 est. 102 Peru 23.60 2010 est. 103 Tanzania 23.30 2010 est. 104 Ecuador 23.10 2010 est. 105 Paraguay 22.80 2010 est. 106 Botswana 22.60 2010 est. 107 Australia 22.40 2010 est. 108 Uganda 20.40 2010 est. 109 Angola 20.30 2010 est. 110 Namibia 20.00 2010 est. 111 Hong Kong 18.20 2010 est. 112 China 17.50 2010 est. 113 Cameroon 16.80 2010 est. 114 Saudi Arabia 16.70 2010 est. 115 Bulgaria 16.20 2010 est. 116 Luxembourg 16.20 2010 est. 117 Iran 16.20 2010 est. 118 Kazakhstan 15.90 2010 est. 119 Gibraltar 15.50 2006 120 Nigeria 13.40 2010 est. 121 Kuwait 12.60 2010 est. 122 Qatar 10.30 2010 est. 123 Russia 9.50 2010 est. 124 Uzbekistan 9.00 2010 est. 125 Estonia 7.70 2010 est. 126 Chile 6.20 2010 est. 127 Wallis and Futuna 5.60 2004 est. 128 Azerbaijan 4.60 2010 est. 129 Oman 4.40 2010 est. 130 Equatorial Guinea 4.10 2010 est. 131 Libya 3.30 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2187

Country Comparison :: Current account balance

This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Current account balance Date of Information

1 China $ 272,500,000,000 2010 est. 2 Japan $ 182,300,000,000 2010 est. 3 Germany $ 162,300,000,000 2010 est. 4 Russia $ 68,850,000,000 2010 est. 5 Norway $ 60,230,000,000 2010 est. 6 Saudi Arabia $ 52,030,000,000 2010 est. 7 Switzerland $ 49,350,000,000 2010 est. 8 Netherlands $ 46,690,000,000 2010 est. 9 Singapore $ 40,440,000,000 2010 est. 10 Taiwan $ 39,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Kuwait $ 38,200,000,000 2010 est. 12 Korea, South $ 36,350,000,000 2010 est. 13 Malaysia $ 34,830,000,000 2010 est. 14 Nigeria $ 27,770,000,000 2010 est. 15 Venezuela $ 22,070,000,000 2010 est. 16 Sweden $ 21,680,000,000 2010 est. 17 Qatar $ 20,110,000,000 2010 est. 18 Hong Kong $ 18,070,000,000 2010 est. 19 Azerbaijan $ 15,960,000,000 2010 est. 20 Libya $ 15,530,000,000 2010 est. 21 Denmark $ 14,350,000,000 2010 est. 22 Thailand $ 12,290,000,000 2010 est. 23 Iran $ 9,760,000,000 2010 est. 24 Philippines $ 8,575,000,000 2010 est. 25 Indonesia $ 8,532,000,000 2010 est. 26 Austria $ 8,012,000,000 2010 est. 27 Brunei $ 7,024,000,000 2008 est. 28 Kazakhstan $ 6,993,000,000 2010 est. 29 Argentina $ 6,976,000,000 2010 est. 30 Israel $ 6,269,000,000 2010 est. 31 Uzbekistan $ 5,588,000,000 2010 est. 32 Finland $ 4,696,000,000 2010 est. 33 Algeria $ 3,959,000,000 2010 est. 34 Bangladesh $ 3,734,000,000 2010 35 United Arab Emirates $ 3,409,000,000 2010 est. 36 Luxembourg $ 3,396,000,000 2010 est. 37 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,363,000,000 2010 est. 38 Turkmenistan $ 3,081,000,000 2010 est. 39 Oman $ 2,724,000,000 2010 est. 40 Iraq $ 2,715,000,000 2010 est. 41 Angola $ 2,089,000,000 2010 est. 42 Latvia $ 1,620,000,000 2010 est. 43 Lithuania $ 1,231,000,000 2010 est. 44 Timor-Leste $ 1,161,000,000 2007 est. 45 Chile $ 1,033,000,000 2010 est. 46 Bolivia $ 878,000,000 2010 est. 47 Burma $ 652,000,000 2010 est. 48 Syria $ 649,000,000 2010 est. 49 Ukraine $ 603,000,000 2010 est. 50 Gabon $ 591,000,000 2010 est. 51 Bahrain $ 589,000,000 2010 est. 52 Cote d'Ivoire $ 534,000,000 2010 est. 53 Egypt $ 270,000,000 2010 est. 54 Estonia $ 265,000,000 2010 est. 55 Bhutan $ 164,000,000 2008 est. 56 British Virgin Islands $ 134,300,000 1999 57 Cook Islands $ 26,670,000 2005 58 Suriname $ 24,000,000 2007 est. 59 Palau $ 15,090,000 FY03/04 60 Comoros $ 8,000,000 2007 est. 61 Guinea-Bissau $ -6,000,000 2007 est. 62 Tuvalu $ -11,680,000 2003 63 Kiribati $ -21,000,000 2007 est. 64 Laos $ -23,000,000 2010 est. 65 Tonga $ -23,000,000 2007 est. 66 Samoa $ -24,000,000 2007 est. 67 Micronesia, Federated States of $ -34,300,000 FY05 est. 68 Iceland $ -42,000,000 2010 est. 69 Anguilla $ -42,870,000 2003 est. 70 Vanuatu $ -60,000,000 2007 est. 71 Sierra Leone $ -63,000,000 2007 est. 72 Dominica $ -72,000,000 2007 est. 73 Sao Tome and Principe $ -73,000,000 2010 est. 74 Central African Republic $ -77,000,000 2007 est. 75 Cuba $ -87,000,000 2010 est. 76 Gambia, The $ -90,000,000 2010 est. 77 Papua New Guinea $ -99,000,000 2010 est. 78 Zambia $ -99,000,000 2010 est. 79 Lesotho $ -125,000,000 2010 est. 80 Burundi $ -136,000,000 2010 est. 81 Grenada $ -138,000,000 2007 est. 82 Solomon Islands $ -143,000,000 2007 est. 83 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ -149,000,000 2007 est. 84 Belize $ -151,000,000 2010 est. 85 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ -163,000,000 2007 est. 86 Mauritania $ -184,000,000 2007 est. 87 Namibia $ -187,000,000 2010 est. 88 Saint Lucia $ -199,000,000 2007 est. 89 Kyrgyzstan $ -210,000,000 2010 est. 90 Antigua and Barbuda $ -211,000,000 2007 est. 91 Eritrea $ -212,000,000 2010 est. 92 Liberia $ -224,000,000 2007 93 Mongolia $ -228,700,000 2009 est. 94 Barbados $ -254,000,000 2007 est. 95 Bahamas, The $ -283,200,000 2009 est. 96 Cape Verde $ -286,000,000 2010 est. 97 Guyana $ -311,000,000 2010 est. 98 Malawi $ -315,000,000 2010 est. 99 Niger $ -321,000,000 2007 est. 100 Macedonia $ -328,000,000 2010 est. 101 Tajikistan $ -330,000,000 2010 est. 102 Peru $ -333,000,000 2010 est. 103 Togo $ -339,000,000 2010 est. 104 Seychelles $ -351,000,000 2010 est. 105 Djibouti $ -352,000,000 2009 est. 106 Maldives $ -370,000,000 2009 est. 107 Swaziland $ -374,000,000 2010 est. 108 Uruguay $ -377,000,000 2010 est. 109 Paraguay $ -391,000,000 2010 est. 110 Malta $ -403,000,000 2010 est. 111 Zimbabwe $ -414,200,000 2010 est. 112 Guinea $ -434,000,000 2010 est. 113 Mali $ -446,000,000 2007 est. 114 Nepal $ -449,000,000 2010 115 Burkina Faso $ -486,000,000 2010 est. 116 Rwanda $ -489,000,000 2010 est. 117 Fiji $ -507,000,000 2007 est. 118 Botswana $ -552,000,000 2010 est. 119 Moldova $ -565,000,000 2010 est. 120 Congo, Republic of the $ -569,000,000 2010 est. 121 Benin $ -582,000,000 2010 est. 122 Slovenia $ -598,000,000 2010 est. 123 Madagascar $ -600,000,000 2010 est. 124 Hungary $ -631,000,000 2010 est. 125 Ecuador $ -692,000,000 2010 est. 126 Haiti $ -781,000,000 2010 est. 127 Uganda $ -784,000,000 2010 est. 128 Panama $ -813,000,000 2010 est. 129 Nicaragua $ -819,000,000 2010 est. 130 Cameroon $ -826,000,000 2010 est. 131 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ -887,000,000 2010 est. 132 El Salvador $ -907,000,000 2010 est. 133 Cambodia $ -918,000,000 2010 est. 134 Mauritius $ -949,000,000 2010 est. 135 Jordan $ -975,000,000 2010 est. 136 Mozambique $ -1,028,000,000 2010 est. 137 Senegal $ -1,046,000,000 2010 est. 138 Serbia $ -1,046,000,000 2010 est. 139 Honduras $ -1,048,000,000 2010 est. 140 Montenegro $ -1,102,000,000 2007 est. 141 Belgium $ -1,129,000,000 2010 est. 142 Armenia $ -1,138,000,000 2010 est. 143 Albania $ -1,245,000,000 2010 est. 144 Guatemala $ -1,345,000,000 2010 est. 145 Jamaica $ -1,382,000,000 2010 est. 146 Tunisia $ -1,389,000,000 2010 est. 147 Georgia $ -1,404,000,000 2010 est. 148 Kenya $ -1,414,000,000 2010 est. 149 Costa Rica $ -1,469,000,000 2010 est. 150 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ -1,470,000,000 2007 est. 151 Equatorial Guinea $ -1,477,000,000 2010 est. 152 Tanzania $ -1,523,000,000 2010 est. 153 Bulgaria $ -1,528,000,000 2010 est. 154 Sri Lanka $ -1,784,000,000 2010 est. 155 Ghana $ -1,871,000,000 2010 est. 156 Slovakia $ -1,930,000,000 2010 est. 157 Yemen $ -2,181,000,000 2010 est. 158 Ethiopia $ -2,232,000,000 2010 est. 159 Croatia $ -2,312,000,000 2010 est. 160 Afghanistan $ -2,475,000,000 2009 est. 161 Cyprus $ -2,500,000,000 2010 est. 162 Sudan $ -2,595,000,000 2010 est. 163 Chad $ -2,600,000,000 2010 est. 164 Pakistan $ -2,641,000,000 2010 est. 165 Kosovo $ -2,716,000,000 2010 est. 166 Ireland $ -3,191,000,000 2010 est. 167 Dominican Republic $ -3,862,000,000 2010 est. 168 New Zealand $ -4,504,000,000 2010 est. 169 Belarus $ -5,062,000,000 2010 est. 170 Colombia $ -5,946,000,000 2010 est. 171 Czech Republic $ -5,956,000,000 2010 est. 172 Lebanon $ -6,972,000,000 2010 est. 173 Mexico $ -7,000,000,000 2010 est. 174 Morocco $ -7,922,000,000 2010 est. 175 Romania $ -7,934,000,000 2010 est. 176 Vietnam $ -9,622,000,000 2010 est. 177 Poland $ -12,330,000,000 2010 est. 178 South Africa $ -16,510,000,000 2010 est. 179 Greece $ -17,100,000,000 2010 est. 180 Portugal $ -19,030,000,000 2010 est. 181 India $ -26,910,000,000 2010 est. 182 Australia $ -35,230,000,000 2010 est. 183 Turkey $ -38,820,000,000 2010 est. 184 Canada $ -40,210,000,000 2010 est. 185 United Kingdom $ -40,340,000,000 2010 est. 186 Brazil $ -52,730,000,000 2010 est. 187 France $ -53,290,000,000 2010 est. 188 Italy $ -61,980,000,000 2010 est. 189 Spain $ -66,740,000,000 2010 est. 190 United States $ -561,000,000,000 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2188

Country Comparison :: Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position in the Fund.

Rank country Reserves of foreign exchange and goldDate of Information

1 China $ 2,622,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 Russia $ 483,100,000,000 30 November 2010 3 Saudi Arabia $ 456,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Taiwan $ 382,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Brazil $ 290,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 India $ 284,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Korea, South $ 274,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong $ 262,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 Singapore $ 212,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Thailand $ 176,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Algeria $ 150,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Mexico $ 116,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Libya $ 107,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Malaysia $ 104,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Poland $ 99,760,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Indonesia $ 83,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Turkey $ 78,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Iran $ 75,060,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Israel $ 66,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Argentina $ 53,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Romania $ 50,510,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Philippines $ 49,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Hungary $ 45,730,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Iraq $ 45,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 South Africa $ 45,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Nigeria $ 43,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Lebanon $ 41,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 United Arab Emirates $ 39,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Czech Republic $ 38,670,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Australia $ 38,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Peru $ 37,270,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Egypt $ 35,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Ukraine $ 32,910,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Kazakhstan $ 32,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Venezuela $ 29,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Colombia $ 26,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Chile $ 26,080,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Morocco $ 24,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Kuwait $ 22,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Qatar $ 22,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Syria $ 17,960,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 New Zealand $ 17,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Angola $ 16,890,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Serbia $ 16,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Vietnam $ 16,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Pakistan $ 16,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Bulgaria $ 15,070,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Oman $ 14,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Croatia $ 13,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Jordan $ 12,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Tunisia $ 11,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Turkmenistan $ 10,810,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Bangladesh $ 10,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Uzbekistan $ 10,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Trinidad and Tobago $ 9,659,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Finland $ 9,128,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Bolivia $ 8,739,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Botswana $ 7,834,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Uruguay $ 7,407,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Latvia $ 7,170,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Lithuania $ 6,418,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Azerbaijan $ 6,330,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Belarus $ 5,755,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Yemen $ 5,744,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Guatemala $ 5,709,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Sri Lanka $ 5,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Cuba $ 4,847,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Kenya $ 4,585,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Costa Rica $ 4,584,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Iceland $ 4,206,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Congo, Republic of the $ 4,123,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Equatorial Guinea $ 4,086,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Paraguay $ 4,082,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Cameroon $ 4,023,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Cote d'Ivoire $ 3,985,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Cambodia $ 3,840,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Ghana $ 3,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Bahrain $ 3,766,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Burma $ 3,762,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Uganda $ 3,743,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Tanzania $ 3,687,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Estonia $ 3,641,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Ecuador $ 3,590,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Panama $ 3,525,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Papua New Guinea $ 3,017,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 El Salvador $ 2,819,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 2,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Dominican Republic $ 2,705,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Gabon $ 2,602,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 90 Mauritius $ 2,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Georgia $ 2,350,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Honduras $ 2,302,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Zambia $ 2,287,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Armenia $ 2,247,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 Senegal $ 2,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Macedonia $ 2,127,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 97 Sudan $ 2,063,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Albania $ 1,992,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Mozambique $ 1,982,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 100 Namibia $ 1,961,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 101 Ethiopia $ 1,880,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 102 Jamaica $ 1,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,615,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 104 Moldova $ 1,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Burkina Faso $ 1,588,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 106 Nicaragua $ 1,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 107 Benin $ 1,254,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Madagascar $ 1,038,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 109 Haiti $ 1,021,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 1,010,000,000 March 2010 est. 111 Lesotho $ 893,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 112 Chad $ 868,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 113 Rwanda $ 816,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Laos $ 756,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Swaziland $ 708,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Togo $ 686,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 117 Barbados $ 620,000,000 2007 118 Malta $ 522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Guyana $ 506,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 120 Zimbabwe $ 376,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Burundi $ 320,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Tajikistan $ 303,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 123 Malawi $ 301,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Cape Verde $ 296,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Suriname $ 263,300,000 2006 126 Belize $ 219,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 127 Gambia, The $ 203,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 128 Seychelles $ 193,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 129 Eritrea $ 104,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 130 Samoa $ 70,150,000 FY03/04 131 Sao Tome and Principe $ 46,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 132 Tonga $ 40,830,000 FY04/05 133 Vanuatu $ 40,540,000 2003

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Rank code: 2189

Country Comparison :: Union name

Rank country Union name Date of Information

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Rank code: 2190

Country Comparison :: Political structure

Rank country Political structure Date of Information

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Rank code: 2191

Country Comparison :: Member states

Rank country Member states Date of Information

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Rank code: 2192

Country Comparison :: Preliminary statement

Rank country Preliminary statement Date of Information

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Rank code: 2193

Country Comparison :: Major infectious diseases

This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. The diseases listed do not necessarily represent the total disease burden experienced by the local population. The risk to an individual traveler varies considerably by the specific location, visit duration, type of activities, type of accommodations, time of year, and other factors. Consultation with a travel medicine physician is needed to evaluate individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures such as vaccines. Diseases are organized into the following six exposure categories shown in italics and listed in typical descending order of risk. Note: The sequence of exposure categories listed in individual country entries may vary according to local conditions. food or waterborne diseases acquired through eating or drinking on the local economy: Hepatitis A - viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, principally in areas of poor sanitation; victims exhibit fever, jaundice, and diarrhea; 15% of victims will experience prolonged symptoms over 6-9 months; vaccine available. Hepatitis E - water-borne viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; most commonly spread through fecal contamination of drinking water; victims exhibit jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark colored urine. Typhoid fever - bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage; victims exhibit sustained high fevers; left untreated, mortality rates can reach 20%. vectorborne diseases acquired through the bite of an infected arthropod: Malaria - caused by single-cell parasitic protozoa Plasmodium; transmitted to humans via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito; parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia; death due to damage to vital organs and interruption of blood supply to the brain; endemic in 100, mostly tropical, countries with 90% of cases and the majority of 1.5-2.5 million estimated annual deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments; manifests as sudden onset of fever and severe headache; occasionally produces shock and hemorrhage leading to death in 5% of cases. Yellow fever - mosquito-borne viral disease; severity ranges from influenza-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever; occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases are reported; fatality rate is less than 20%. Japanese Encephalitis - mosquito-borne (Culex tritaeniorhynchus) viral disease associated with rural areas in Asia; acute encephalitis can progress to paralysis, coma, and death; fatality rates 30%. African Trypanosomiasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma; transmitted to humans via the bite of bloodsucking Tsetse flies; infection leads to malaise and irregular fevers and, in advanced cases when the parasites invade the central nervous system, coma and death; endemic in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa; cattle and wild animals act as reservoir hosts for the parasites. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa leishmania; transmitted to humans via the bite of sandflies; results in skin lesions that may become chronic; endemic in 88 countries; 90% of cases occur in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru; wild and domesticated animals as well as humans can act as reservoirs of infection. Plague - bacterial disease transmitted by fleas normally associated with rats; person-to-person airborne transmission also possible; recent plague epidemics occurred in areas of Asia, Africa, and South America associated with rural areas or small towns and villages; manifests as fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes; disease progresses rapidly and without antibiotic treatment leads to pneumonic form with a death rate in excess of 50%. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - tick-borne viral disease; infection may also result from exposure to infected animal blood or tissue; geographic distribution includes Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe; sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches followed by hemorrhaging in the bowels, urine, nose, and gums; mortality rate is approximately 30%. Rift Valley fever - viral disease affecting domesticated animals and humans; transmission is by mosquito and other biting insects; infection may also occur through handling of infected meat or contact with blood; geographic distribution includes eastern and southern Africa where cattle and sheep are raised; symptoms are generally mild with fever and some liver abnormalities, but the disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease; fatality rates are low at about 1% of cases. Chikungunya - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments, similar to Dengue Fever; characterized by sudden onset of fever, rash, and severe joint pain usually lasting 3-7 days, some cases result in persistent arthritis. water contact diseases acquired through swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers: Leptospirosis - bacterial disease that affects animals and humans; infection occurs through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by animal urine; symptoms include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea; untreated, the disease can result in kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or respiratory distress; fatality rates are low but left untreated recovery can take months. Schistosomiasis - caused by parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma; fresh water snails act as intermediate host and release larval form of parasite that penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water; worms mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines releasing eggs, which become trapped in tissues triggering an immune response; may manifest as either urinary or intestinal disease resulting in decreased work or learning capacity; mortality, while generally low, may occur in advanced cases usually due to bladder cancer; endemic in 74 developing countries with 80% of infected people living in sub-Saharan Africa; humans act as the reservoir for this parasite. aerosolized dust or soil contact disease acquired through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine: Lassa fever - viral disease carried by rats of the genus Mastomys; endemic in portions of West Africa; infection occurs through direct contact with or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or fecal matter containing virus particles; fatality rate can reach 50% in epidemic outbreaks. respiratory disease acquired through close contact with an infectious person: Meningococcal meningitis - bacterial disease causing an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; one of the most important bacterial pathogens is Neisseria meningitidis because of its potential to cause epidemics; symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, and vomiting; bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and facilitated by close and prolonged contact resulting from crowded living conditions, often with a seasonal distribution; death occurs in 5-15% of cases, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms; highest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in the hyperendemic region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "Meningitis Belt" which stretches from Senegal east to Ethiopia. animal contact disease acquired through direct contact with local animals: Rabies - viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs; virus affects the central nervous system causing brain alteration and death; symptoms initially are non-specific fever and headache progressing to neurological symptoms; death occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Rank country Major infectious diseases Date of Information

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Rank code: 2194

Country Comparison :: Refugees and internally displaced persons

This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state.

Rank country Refugees and internally displaced personsDate of

Information 1 Iraq 2,400,000.00 2007 2 Jordan 1,835,704.00 2007 3 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,400,000.00 2007 4 Uganda 1,270,000.00 2007 5 Somalia 1,100,000.00 2007 6 Pakistan 1,043,984.00 2007 7 Gaza Strip 1,017,000.00 2007 8 Iran 914,268.00 2007 9 West Bank 722,000.00 2007 10 Cote d'Ivoire 709,000.00 2007 11 Zimbabwe 569,685.00 2007 12 Syria 522,100.00 2007 13 Burma 503,000.00 2007 14 Jordan 500,000.00 2007 15 Sri Lanka 460,000.00 2007 16 Lebanon 405,425.00 2007 17 Tanzania 352,640.00 2007 18 Syria 305,000.00 2007 19 China 300,897.00 2007 20 Philippines 300,000.00 2007 21 Saudi Arabia 240,015.00 2007 22 Chad 234,000.00 2007 23 Uganda 215,700.00 2007 24 Cyprus 210,000.00 2007 25 Serbia 206,000.00 2007 26 Ethiopia 200,000.00 2007 27 Lebanon 200,000.00 2007 28 Central African Republic 197,000.00 2007 29 Chad 178,918.00 2007 30 Kenya 173,702.00 2007 31 Jordan 160,000.00 2007 32 Sudan 157,220.00 2007 33 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 132,295.00 2007 34 Thailand 132,241.00 2007 35 Bosnia and Herzegovina 131,600.00 2007 36 Tanzania 127,973.00 2007 37 Armenia 113,295.00 2007 38 Nepal 107,803.00 2007 39 Burundi 100,000.00 2007 40 Timor-Leste 100,000.00 2007 41 Yemen 91,587.00 2007 42 Algeria 90,000.00 2007 43 China 90,000.00 2007 44 India 77,200.00 2007 45 Kenya 73,004.00 2007 46 Serbia 71,111.00 2007 47 Egypt 70,198.00 2007 48 India 69,609.00 2007 49 Ethiopia 66,980.00 2007 50 Bangladesh 65,000.00 2007 51 Angola 61,700.00 2007 52 Zambia 60,874.00 2007 53 Chad 54,200.00 2007 54 Iran 54,024.00 2007 55 Congo, Republic of the 48,000.00 2007 56 Congo, Republic of the 46,341.00 2007 57 Rwanda 46,272.00 2007 58 Zambia 42,565.00 2007 59 Uzbekistan 39,202.00 2007 60 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37,313.00 2007 61 Ghana 35,653.00 2007 62 Pakistan 34,000.00 2007 63 Eritrea 32,000.00 2007 64 Uganda 28,880.00 2007 65 Serbia 27,414.00 2007 66 Sierra Leone 27,311.00 2007 67 Bangladesh 26,268.00 2007 68 Cote d'Ivoire 25,615.00 2007 69 Sudan 25,023.00 2007 70 Uganda 24,900.00 2007 71 Cameroon 24,000.00 2007 72 Senegal 22,400.00 2007 73 Guinea 21,856.00 2007 74 Malaysia 21,544.00 2007 75 Kosovo 21,000.00 2007 76 Nepal 20,153.00 2007 77 Senegal 19,630.00 2007 78 Guinea 19,000.00 2007 79 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 17,777.00 2007 80 Lebanon 17,000.00 2007 81 Iraq 16,832.00 2007 82 Ethiopia 16,576.00 2007 83 Kenya 16,428.00 2007 84 Montenegro 16,192.00 2007 85 Malaysia 15,174.00 2007 86 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 13,904.00 2007 87 Ethiopia 13,078.00 2007 88 Liberia 13,000.00 2007 89 Angola 12,615.00 2007 90 Liberia 12,600.00 2007 91 Egypt 12,157.00 2007 92 Iraq 11,773.00 2007 93 Ecuador 11,526.00 2007 94 Turkmenistan 11,173.00 2007 95 Sudan 11,009.00 2007 96 South Africa 10,772.00 2007 97 United States 10,586.00 2006 98 Papua New Guinea 10,177.00 2007 99 Burundi 9,849.00 2007 100 India 9,472.00 2007 101 Benin 9,444.00 2007 102 Djibouti 8,642.00 2007 103 United States 8,549.00 2006 104 Ghana 8,517.00 2007 105 Armenia 8,400.00 2007 106 Libya 8,000.00 2007 107 Central African Republic 7,900.00 2007 108 Sudan 7,895.00 2007 109 South Africa 7,818.00 2007 110 Guinea-Bissau 7,454.00 2007 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7,269.00 2007 112 Gabon 7,178.00 2007 113 Montenegro 7,000.00 2007 114 United States 6,666.00 2006 115 Congo, Republic of the 6,564.00 2007 116 United States 6,479.00 2006 117 Mali 6,300.00 2007 118 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,181.00 2007 119 Gambia, The 5,955.00 2007 120 Nigeria 5,778.00 2007 121 South Africa 5,759.00 2007 122 Solomon Islands 5,400.00 2007 123 Guinea 5,259.00 2007 124 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,243.00 2007 125 Sudan 5,023.00 2007 126 Togo 5,000.00 2007 127 Namibia 4,700.00 2007 128 Rwanda 4,400.00 2007 129 Zambia 4,100.00 2007 130 Guinea 3,900.00 2007 131 Central African Republic 3,700.00 2007 132 Kazakhstan 3,700.00 2007 133 Uzbekistan 3,400.00 2007 134 United States 3,100.00 2006 135 Cameroon 3,000.00 2007 136 Zimbabwe 2,500.00 2007 137 Azerbaijan 2,400.00 2007 138 United States 2,136.00 2006 139 Togo 1,500.00 2007 140 Georgia 1,100.00 2007 141 Uzbekistan 1,060.00 2007 142 Kazakhstan 508.00 2007

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Rank code: 2195

Country Comparison :: GDP (official exchange rate)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at official exchange rates (OER) is the home-currency-denominated annual GDP figure divided by the bilateral average US exchange rate with that country in that year. The measure is simple to compute and gives a precise measure of the value of output. Many economists prefer this measure when gauging the economic power an economy maintains vis-a-vis its neighbors, judging that an exchange rate captures the purchasing power a nation enjoys in the international marketplace. Official exchange rates, however, can be artificially fixed and/or subject to manipulation - resulting in claims of the country having an under- or over-valued currency - and are not necessarily the equivalent of a market-determined exchange rate. Moreover, even if the official exchange rate is market-determined, market exchange rates are frequently established by a relatively small set of goods and services (the ones the country trades) and may not capture the value of the larger set of goods the country produces. Furthermore, OER-converted GDP is not well suited to comparing domestic GDP over time, since appreciation/depreciation from one year to the next will make the OER GDP value rise/fall regardless of whether home-currency-denominated GDP changed.

Rank country GDP (official exchange rate) Date of Information

1 European Union $ 15,900,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 United States $ 14,620,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 China $ 5,745,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 5,391,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 3,306,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 2,555,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 United Kingdom $ 2,259,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 2,037,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 Brazil $ 2,024,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 1,564,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Russia $ 1,477,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 India $ 1,430,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Spain $ 1,375,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Australia $ 1,220,000,000,000 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 1,004,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Korea, South $ 986,300,000,000 2010 est. 17 Netherlands $ 770,300,000,000 2010 est. 18 Turkey $ 729,100,000,000 2010 est. 19 Indonesia $ 695,100,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 522,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Belgium $ 461,300,000,000 2010 est. 22 Sweden $ 444,600,000,000 2010 est. 23 Poland $ 438,900,000,000 2010 est. 24 Saudi Arabia $ 434,400,000,000 2010 est. 25 Taiwan $ 427,000,000,000 2010 est. 26 Norway $ 413,500,000,000 2010 est. 27 Austria $ 366,300,000,000 2010 est. 28 South Africa $ 354,400,000,000 2010 est. 29 Argentina $ 351,000,000,000 2010 est. 30 Iran $ 337,900,000,000 2010 est. 31 Thailand $ 312,600,000,000 2010 est. 32 Denmark $ 304,600,000,000 2010 est. 33 Greece $ 302,000,000,000 2010 est. 34 Venezuela $ 285,200,000,000 2010 est. 35 Colombia $ 283,100,000,000 2010 est. 36 United Arab Emirates $ 239,700,000,000 2010 est. 37 Finland $ 232,000,000,000 2010 est. 38 Hong Kong $ 226,500,000,000 2010 est. 39 Portugal $ 223,700,000,000 2010 est. 40 Malaysia $ 219,000,000,000 2010 est. 41 Singapore $ 217,400,000,000 2010 est. 42 Egypt $ 216,800,000,000 2010 est. 43 Nigeria $ 206,700,000,000 2010 est. 44 Ireland $ 204,100,000,000 2010 est. 45 Israel $ 201,300,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 199,200,000,000 2010 est. 47 Czech Republic $ 195,200,000,000 2010 est. 48 Philippines $ 189,100,000,000 2010 est. 49 Pakistan $ 174,800,000,000 2010 est. 50 Algeria $ 159,000,000,000 2010 est. 51 Romania $ 158,400,000,000 2010 est. 52 Peru $ 153,500,000,000 2010 est. 53 New Zealand $ 138,000,000,000 2010 est. 54 Ukraine $ 136,600,000,000 2010 est. 55 Hungary $ 132,300,000,000 2010 est. 56 Kazakhstan $ 129,800,000,000 2010 est. 57 Qatar $ 126,500,000,000 2010 est. 58 Kuwait $ 117,300,000,000 2010 est. 59 Bangladesh $ 105,400,000,000 2010 est. 60 Vietnam $ 102,000,000,000 2010 est. 61 Puerto Rico $ 93,520,000,000 2010 est. 62 Morocco $ 91,700,000,000 2010 est. 63 Slovakia $ 86,260,000,000 2010 est. 64 Angola $ 85,810,000,000 2010 est. 65 Iraq $ 84,140,000,000 2010 est. 66 Libya $ 77,910,000,000 2010 est. 67 Sudan $ 65,930,000,000 2010 est. 68 Ecuador $ 61,490,000,000 2010 est. 69 Croatia $ 59,920,000,000 2010 est. 70 Syria $ 59,630,000,000 2010 est. 71 Cuba $ 57,490,000,000 2010 est. 72 Oman $ 53,780,000,000 2010 est. 73 Belarus $ 52,890,000,000 2010 est. 74 Luxembourg $ 52,430,000,000 2010 est. 75 Azerbaijan $ 52,170,000,000 2010 est. 76 Dominican Republic $ 50,870,000,000 2010 est. 77 Sri Lanka $ 48,240,000,000 2010 est. 78 Slovenia $ 46,440,000,000 2010 est. 79 Bulgaria $ 44,840,000,000 2010 est. 80 Tunisia $ 43,860,000,000 2010 est. 81 Guatemala $ 40,770,000,000 2010 est. 82 Uruguay $ 40,710,000,000 2010 est. 83 Lebanon $ 39,150,000,000 2010 est. 84 Serbia $ 38,920,000,000 2010 est. 85 Uzbekistan $ 37,720,000,000 2010 est. 86 Lithuania $ 35,730,000,000 2010 est. 87 Burma $ 35,650,000,000 2010 est. 88 Costa Rica $ 35,020,000,000 2010 est. 89 Kenya $ 32,420,000,000 2010 est. 90 Ethiopia $ 30,940,000,000 2010 est. 91 Yemen $ 30,020,000,000 2010 est. 92 Korea, North $ 28,000,000,000 2009 est. 93 Turkmenistan $ 27,960,000,000 2010 est. 94 Panama $ 27,200,000,000 2010 est. 95 Jordan $ 27,130,000,000 2010 est. 96 Latvia $ 23,390,000,000 2010 est. 97 Cyprus $ 22,750,000,000 2010 est. 98 Tanzania $ 22,430,000,000 2010 est. 99 Cote d'Ivoire $ 22,380,000,000 2010 est. 100 Macau $ 22,100,000,000 2009 est. 101 Cameroon $ 21,880,000,000 2010 est. 102 El Salvador $ 21,800,000,000 2010 est. 103 Bahrain $ 21,730,000,000 2010 est. 104 Trinidad and Tobago $ 21,200,000,000 2010 est. 105 Estonia $ 19,220,000,000 2010 est. 106 Bolivia $ 19,180,000,000 2010 est. 107 Ghana $ 18,060,000,000 2010 est. 108 Paraguay $ 17,170,000,000 2010 est. 109 Uganda $ 17,120,000,000 2010 est. 110 Afghanistan $ 16,630,000,000 2010 est. 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 16,200,000,000 2010 est. 112 Zambia $ 15,690,000,000 2010 est. 113 Honduras $ 15,340,000,000 2010 est. 114 Nepal $ 15,110,000,000 2010 est. 115 Equatorial Guinea $ 14,550,000,000 2010 est. 116 Jamaica $ 13,740,000,000 2010 est. 117 Iceland $ 12,770,000,000 2010 est. 118 Senegal $ 12,660,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 12,600,000,000 2010 est. 120 Gabon $ 12,560,000,000 2010 est. 121 Botswana $ 12,500,000,000 2010 est. 122 Brunei $ 11,960,000,000 2010 est. 123 Congo, Republic of the $ 11,880,000,000 2010 est. 124 Albania $ 11,580,000,000 2010 est. 125 Namibia $ 11,450,000,000 2010 est. 126 Cambodia $ 11,360,000,000 2010 est. 127 Georgia $ 11,230,000,000 2010 est. 128 Mozambique $ 10,210,000,000 2010 est. 129 Macedonia $ 9,580,000,000 2010 est. 130 Mauritius $ 9,427,000,000 2010 est. 131 Mali $ 9,077,000,000 2010 est. 132 Armenia $ 8,830,000,000 2010 est. 133 Papua New Guinea $ 8,809,000,000 2010 est. 134 Burkina Faso $ 8,672,000,000 2010 est. 135 Madagascar $ 8,330,000,000 2010 est. 136 Malta $ 7,801,000,000 2010 est. 137 Chad $ 7,592,000,000 2010 est. 138 Bahamas, The $ 7,538,000,000 2010 est. 139 West Bank $ 6,641,000,000 2008 est. 140 Haiti $ 6,495,000,000 2010 est. 141 Benin $ 6,494,000,000 2010 est. 142 Nicaragua $ 6,375,000,000 2010 est. 143 Laos $ 6,341,000,000 2010 est. 144 French Polynesia $ 6,100,000,000 2004 145 Mongolia $ 5,807,000,000 2010 est. 146 Rwanda $ 5,693,000,000 2010 est. 147 Niger $ 5,603,000,000 2010 est. 148 Tajikistan $ 5,578,000,000 2010 est. 149 Zimbabwe $ 5,574,000,000 2010 est. 150 Moldova $ 5,357,000,000 2010 est. 151 Jersey $ 5,100,000,000 2005 est. 152 Curacao $ 5,080,000,000 2008 est. 153 Malawi $ 5,035,000,000 2010 est. 154 Liechtenstein $ 4,603,000,000 2007 155 Kyrgyzstan $ 4,444,000,000 2010 est. 156 Guinea $ 4,344,000,000 2010 est. 157 Barbados $ 3,963,000,000 2010 est. 158 Montenegro $ 3,884,000,000 2010 est. 159 Mauritania $ 3,486,000,000 2010 est. 160 New Caledonia $ 3,300,000,000 2003 est. 161 Suriname $ 3,297,000,000 2010 est. 162 Kosovo $ 3,237,000,000 2007 est. 163 Swaziland $ 3,165,000,000 2010 est. 164 Fiji $ 3,154,000,000 2010 est. 165 Togo $ 3,074,000,000 2010 est. 166 Guernsey $ 2,742,000,000 2005 167 Isle of Man $ 2,719,000,000 2005 est. 168 Faroe Islands $ 2,450,000,000 2008 est. 169 Somalia $ 2,372,000,000 2010 est. 170 Aruba $ 2,258,000,000 2005 est. 171 Eritrea $ 2,254,000,000 2010 est. 172 Cayman Islands $ 2,250,000,000 2008 est. 173 Guyana $ 2,197,000,000 2010 est. 174 Central African Republic $ 2,113,000,000 2010 est. 175 Greenland $ 2,030,000,000 2008 176 Sierra Leone $ 1,901,000,000 2010 est. 177 Lesotho $ 1,799,000,000 2010 est. 178 Cape Verde $ 1,573,000,000 2010 est. 179 Burundi $ 1,469,000,000 2010 est. 180 Maldives $ 1,433,000,000 2010 est. 181 Belize $ 1,431,000,000 2010 est. 182 Bhutan $ 1,397,000,000 2010 est. 183 Djibouti $ 1,139,000,000 2010 est. 184 Gibraltar $ 1,106,000,000 2006 est. 185 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,099,000,000 2010 est. 186 British Virgin Islands $ 1,095,000,000 2008 187 San Marino $ 1,048,000,000 2004 188 Gambia, The $ 1,040,000,000 2010 est. 189 Saint Lucia $ 1,000,000,000 2010 est. 190 Liberia $ 977,000,000 2010 est. 191 Seychelles $ 919,000,000 2010 est. 192 Guinea-Bissau $ 825,000,000 2010 est. 193 Sint Maarten $ 794,700,000 2008 194 Vanuatu $ 721,000,000 2010 est. 195 Solomon Islands $ 674,000,000 2010 est. 196 Grenada $ 645,000,000 2010 est. 197 Northern Mariana Islands $ 633,400,000 2000 198 Timor-Leste $ 616,000,000 2010 est. 199 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 583,000,000 2010 est. 200 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 562,000,000 2010 est. 201 Comoros $ 557,000,000 2010 est. 202 Samoa $ 550,000,000 2010 est. 203 American Samoa $ 462,200,000 2005 204 Dominica $ 375,000,000 2010 est. 205 Tonga $ 301,000,000 2010 est. 206 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 238,100,000 2008 207 Sao Tome and Principe $ 187,000,000 2010 est. 208 Cook Islands $ 183,200,000 2005 est. 209 Anguilla $ 175,400,000 2009 est. 210 Palau $ 164,000,000 2008 211 Marshall Islands $ 161,700,000 2008 est. 212 Kiribati $ 152,000,000 2010 est. 213 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 105,100,000 2002 est. 214 Tuvalu $ 14,940,000 2002 215 Niue $ 10,010,000 2003

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Rank code: 2196

Country Comparison :: Trafficking in persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide are enslaved in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized in 2003 and 2005, which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report as Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions.

Rank country Trafficking in persons Date of Information

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Rank code: 2198

Country Comparison :: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in the home country made directly by residents - primarily companies - of other countries as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Rank country Stock of direct foreign investment - at homeDate of

Information 1 United States $ 2,581,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 France $ 1,207,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 3 United Kingdom $ 1,169,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,057,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong $ 962,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 Belgium $ 741,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Netherlands $ 687,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Spain $ 668,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 China $ 574,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 528,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Switzerland $ 514,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 405,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Brazil $ 349,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Australia $ 329,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 328,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Sweden $ 321,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Russia $ 306,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Austria $ 290,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Singapore $ 274,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Ireland $ 221,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Saudi Arabia $ 204,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Poland $ 198,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 India $ 191,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Japan $ 161,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Denmark $ 149,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Chile $ 136,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Norway $ 132,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Czech Republic $ 126,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Thailand $ 117,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Korea, South $ 112,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Portugal $ 105,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Trinidad and Tobago $ 102,000,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 33 Tajikistan $ 100,300,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 34 Angola $ 91,550,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Finland $ 87,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Argentina $ 86,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Colombia $ 84,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Turkey $ 84,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Kazakhstan $ 83,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 South Africa $ 83,080,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Indonesia $ 81,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Romania $ 80,160,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Malaysia $ 77,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 United Arab Emirates $ 76,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Hungary $ 72,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Egypt $ 72,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Nigeria $ 67,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 New Zealand $ 67,180,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Taiwan $ 65,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Israel $ 64,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Vietnam $ 59,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Ukraine $ 52,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Slovakia $ 52,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Bulgaria $ 51,280,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Greece $ 48,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Peru $ 43,470,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Morocco $ 42,190,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Venezuela $ 37,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Croatia $ 34,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Tunisia $ 33,560,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Pakistan $ 30,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Cyprus $ 29,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Qatar $ 26,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Philippines $ 24,940,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Serbia $ 23,520,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 66 Jordan $ 22,190,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Kosovo $ 21,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Dominican Republic $ 19,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Algeria $ 19,340,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Libya $ 18,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Estonia $ 17,530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Iran $ 16,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Bahrain $ 15,770,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Slovenia $ 15,730,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Lithuania $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Costa Rica $ 13,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Macau $ 13,600,000,000 2008 est. 78 Ecuador $ 12,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Latvia $ 11,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Azerbaijan $ 8,918,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Malta $ 8,240,000,000 31 December 2009 82 El Salvador $ 7,522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Bangladesh $ 6,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Macedonia $ 3,528,000,000 31 October 2009 est. 85 Kenya $ 2,337,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 Kuwait $ 1,281,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Paraguay $ 2,153,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2199

Country Comparison :: Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in foreign countries made directly by residents - primarily companies - of the home country, as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Rank country Stock of direct foreign investment - abroadDate of

Information 1 United States $ 3,597,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 France $ 1,837,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 3 United Kingdom $ 1,705,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,484,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Netherlands $ 950,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 Hong Kong $ 873,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Japan $ 831,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Switzerland $ 814,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 Spain $ 641,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Belgium $ 632,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Canada $ 602,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 601,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Sweden $ 383,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Austria $ 297,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 China $ 278,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Russia $ 260,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Australia $ 245,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Norway $ 226,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Denmark $ 199,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Ireland $ 192,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Singapore $ 172,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Brazil $ 131,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Taiwan $ 122,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Finland $ 122,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Korea, South $ 115,600,000,000 31 December 2009 26 India $ 89,040,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Malaysia $ 82,650,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Portugal $ 63,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Mexico $ 62,930,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Israel $ 58,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 United Arab Emirates $ 54,910,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 South Africa $ 53,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Chile $ 51,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Kuwait $ 44,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Greece $ 38,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Indonesia $ 33,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Poland $ 30,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Argentina $ 30,160,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Venezuela $ 20,970,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Hungary $ 20,480,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Thailand $ 20,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Qatar $ 19,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Colombia $ 19,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Tajikistan $ 18,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Saudi Arabia $ 18,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Cyprus $ 16,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Turkey $ 16,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Czech Republic $ 15,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Libya $ 15,320,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Slovenia $ 9,001,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Bahrain $ 8,399,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Vietnam $ 7,700,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 53 Kazakhstan $ 7,208,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Estonia $ 7,134,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Philippines $ 6,591,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Croatia $ 6,334,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Nigeria $ 6,071,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Azerbaijan $ 6,058,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Egypt $ 4,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Angola $ 4,883,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Cuba $ 4,138,000,000 2006 est. 62 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,829,000,000 2007 63 Slovakia $ 2,643,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Lithuania $ 2,507,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Ukraine $ 2,327,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Peru $ 2,120,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Iran $ 2,075,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Algeria $ 1,844,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Romania $ 1,831,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Bulgaria $ 1,372,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Latvia $ 1,097,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Morocco $ 1,047,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Pakistan $ 1,047,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Macau $ 980,000,000 2009 est. 75 Costa Rica $ 547,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Kenya $ 338,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 El Salvador $ 273,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Tunisia $ 251,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Uruguay $ 156,000,000 2007 est. 80 Bangladesh $ 82,000,000 31 December 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2200

Country Comparison :: Market value of publicly traded shares

This entry gives the value of shares issued by publicly traded companies at a price determined in the national stock markets on the final day of the period indicated. It is simply the latest price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares, cumulated over all companies listed on the particular exchange.

Rank country Market value of publicly traded sharesDate of Information

1 United States $ 11,740,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 European Union $ 7,564,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 Japan $ 3,220,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 China $ 2,794,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 United Kingdom $ 1,852,000,000,000 31 December 2008 6 France $ 1,492,000,000,000 31 December 2008 7 Russia $ 1,322,000,000,000 31 December 2008 8 Hong Kong $ 1,320,000,000,000 31 December 2008 9 Germany $ 1,108,000,000,000 31 December 2008 10 Canada $ 1,002,000,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Spain $ 946,100,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Switzerland $ 862,700,000,000 31 December 2008 13 Australia $ 675,600,000,000 31 December 2008 14 India $ 645,500,000,000 31 December 2008 15 Brazil $ 589,400,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Italy $ 520,900,000,000 31 December 2008 17 Korea, South $ 494,600,000,000 31 December 2008 18 South Africa $ 491,300,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Netherlands $ 387,900,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Taiwan $ 354,700,000,000 31 December 2008 21 Singapore $ 268,600,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Sweden $ 252,500,000,000 31 December 2008 23 Saudi Arabia $ 246,300,000,000 31 December 2008 24 Mexico $ 232,600,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Malaysia $ 187,100,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Belgium $ 167,400,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Finland $ 154,400,000,000 31 December 2008 28 Israel $ 134,500,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Chile $ 132,400,000,000 31 December 2008 30 Denmark $ 131,500,000,000 31 December 2008 31 Norway $ 125,900,000,000 31 December 2008 32 Turkey $ 117,900,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Kuwait $ 107,200,000,000 31 December 2008 34 Thailand $ 102,600,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Indonesia $ 98,760,000,000 31 December 2008 36 United Arab Emirates $ 97,850,000,000 31 December 2008 37 Greece $ 90,400,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Poland $ 90,230,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Colombia $ 87,030,000,000 31 December 2008 40 Egypt $ 85,890,000,000 31 December 2008 41 Philippines $ 85,630,000,000 31 December 2008 42 Qatar $ 76,310,000,000 31 December 2008 43 Austria $ 72,300,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Portugal $ 68,710,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Luxembourg $ 66,460,000,000 31 December 2008 46 Morocco $ 65,750,000,000 31 December 2008 47 Peru $ 55,630,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Argentina $ 52,310,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Nigeria $ 49,800,000,000 31 December 2008 50 Ireland $ 49,400,000,000 31 December 2008 51 Iran $ 49,040,000,000 31 December 2008 52 Czech Republic $ 48,850,000,000 31 December 2008 53 Jordan $ 35,850,000,000 31 December 2008 54 Kazakhstan $ 31,080,000,000 31 December 2008 55 Croatia $ 26,790,000,000 31 December 2008 56 Ukraine $ 24,360,000,000 31 December 2008 57 New Zealand $ 24,170,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Pakistan $ 23,490,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Slovenia $ 22,100,000,000 31 December 2008 60 Bahrain $ 21,180,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Romania $ 19,920,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Hungary $ 18,580,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Oman $ 14,910,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Serbia $ 12,170,000,000 31 December 2008 65 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,160,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Kenya $ 10,920,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Lebanon $ 9,641,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Vietnam $ 9,589,000,000 31 December 2008 69 Bulgaria $ 8,858,000,000 31 December 2008 70 Sri Lanka $ 8,133,000,000 31 December 2009 71 Cyprus $ 7,955,000,000 31 December 2008 72 Jamaica $ 7,513,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,071,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Bangladesh $ 6,671,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Panama $ 6,568,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Tunisia $ 6,374,000,000 31 December 2008 77 Iceland $ 5,557,000,000 31 December 2008 78 Nepal $ 5,485,000,000 31 December 2009 79 Zimbabwe $ 5,333,000,000 31 December 2007 80 Slovakia $ 5,079,000,000 31 December 2008 81 Barbados $ 4,964,000,000 31 December 2008 82 El Salvador $ 4,656,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Ecuador $ 4,562,000,000 31 December 2008 84 Lithuania $ 3,625,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Malta $ 3,572,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Botswana $ 3,556,000,000 31 December 2008 87 Mauritius $ 3,443,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Ghana $ 3,394,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Montenegro $ 2,863,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Bolivia $ 2,672,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Zambia $ 2,346,000,000 31 December 2007 92 West Bank $ 2,123,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Iraq $ 2,000,000,000 31 July 2009 94 Estonia $ 1,950,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Bermuda $ 1,912,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Costa Rica $ 1,887,000,000 31 December 2008 97 Malawi $ 1,771,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Latvia $ 1,609,000,000 31 December 2008 99 Tanzania $ 1,293,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Macedonia $ 823,500,000 31 December 2008 101 Namibia $ 618,700,000 31 December 2008 102 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 595,200,000 31 December 2008 103 Moldova $ 573,900,000 2004 104 Fiji $ 568,200,000 31 December 2008 105 Mongolia $ 407,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Georgia $ 327,300,000 31 December 2008 107 Guyana $ 289,900,000 31 December 2008 108 Swaziland $ 203,100,000 31 December 2007 109 Cayman Islands $ 183,500,000 31 December 2007 110 Armenia $ 176,000,000 31 December 2008 111 Uruguay $ 159,000,000 31 December 2007 112 Kyrgyzstan $ 93,790,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2201

Country Comparison :: Total renewable water resources

This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a country in cubic kilometers of precipitation, recharged ground water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries. The values have been adjusted to account for overlap resulting from surface flow recharge of groundwater sources. Total renewable water resources provides the water total available to a country but does not include water resource totals that have been reserved for upstream or downstream countries through international agreements. Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect the total available in any given year. Annual available resources can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and weather variations.

Rank country (cu km) Date of Information

1 Brazil 8,233.00 2000 2 Russia 4,498.00 1997 3 Canada 3,300.00 1985 4 United States 3,069.00 1985 5 Indonesia 2,838.00 1999 6 China 2,829.60 1999 7 Colombia 2,132.00 2000 8 Peru 1,913.00 2000 9 India 1,907.80 1999 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,283.00 2001 11 Venezuela 1,233.20 2000 12 Bangladesh 1,210.60 1999 13 Burma 1,045.60 1999 14 Chile 922.00 2000 15 Vietnam 891.20 1999 16 Congo, Republic of the 832.00 1987 17 Argentina 814.00 2000 18 Papua New Guinea 801.00 1987 19 Bolivia 622.50 2000 20 Malaysia 580.00 1999 21 Philippines 479.00 1999 22 Cambodia 476.10 1999 23 Mexico 457.20 2000 24 Ecuador 432.00 2000 25 Japan 430.00 1999 26 Thailand 409.90 1999 27 Australia 398.00 1995 28 New Zealand 397.00 1995 29 Norway 381.40 2005 30 Madagascar 337.00 1984 31 Paraguay 336.00 2000 32 Laos 333.60 2003 33 Nigeria 286.20 2003 34 Cameroon 285.50 2003 35 Guyana 241.00 2000 36 Turkey 234.00 2003 37 Pakistan 233.80 2003 38 Liberia 232.00 1987 39 Guinea 226.00 1987 40 Mozambique 216.00 1992 41 Nepal 210.20 1999 42 Serbia 208.50 2003 43 Nicaragua 196.70 2000 44 France 189.00 2005 45 Germany 188.00 2005 46 Angola 184.00 1987 47 Sweden 179.00 2005 48 Italy 175.00 2005 49 Iceland 170.00 2005 50 Gabon 164.00 1987 51 United Kingdom 160.60 2005 52 Sierra Leone 160.00 1987 53 Sudan 154.00 1997 54 Panama 148.00 2000 55 Central African Republic 144.40 2003 56 Ukraine 139.50 1997 57 Uruguay 139.00 2000 58 Iran 137.50 1997 59 Suriname 122.00 2003 60 Hungary 120.00 2005 61 Costa Rica 112.40 2000 62 Guatemala 111.30 2000 63 Spain 111.10 2005 64 Ethiopia 110.00 1987 65 Finland 110.00 2005 66 Kazakhstan 109.60 1997 67 Croatia 105.50 1998 68 Zambia 105.20 2001 69 Mali 100.00 2001 70 Tajikistan 99.70 1997 71 Iraq 96.40 1997 72 Honduras 95.90 2000 73 Bhutan 95.00 1987 74 Tanzania 91.00 2001 75 Netherlands 89.70 2005 76 Egypt 86.80 1997 77 Austria 84.00 2005 78 Cote d'Ivoire 81.00 2001 79 Korea, North 77.10 1999 80 Portugal 73.60 2005 81 Uzbekistan 72.20 2003 82 Greece 72.00 2005 83 Korea, South 69.70 1999 84 Taiwan 67.00 2000 85 Uganda 66.00 1970 86 Afghanistan 65.00 1997 87 Georgia 63.30 1997 88 Poland 63.10 2005 89 Turkmenistan 60.90 1997 90 Belarus 58.00 1997 91 Switzerland 53.30 2005 92 Ghana 53.20 2001 93 Slovakia 50.10 2003 94 South Africa 50.00 1990 95 Sri Lanka 50.00 1999 96 Latvia 49.90 2005 97 Ireland 46.80 2003 98 Kyrgyzstan 46.50 1997 99 Syria 46.10 1997 100 Namibia 45.50 1991 101 Solomon Islands 44.70 1987 102 Chad 43.00 1987 103 Romania 42.30 2003 104 Albania 41.70 2001 105 Senegal 39.40 1987 106 Cuba 38.10 2000 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina 37.50 2003 108 Mongolia 34.80 1999 109 Niger 33.70 2003 110 Slovenia 32.10 2005 111 Guinea-Bissau 31.00 2003 112 Azerbaijan 30.30 1997 113 Kenya 30.20 1990 114 Morocco 29.00 2003 115 Fiji 28.60 1987 116 Equatorial Guinea 26.00 2001 117 Benin 25.80 2001 118 El Salvador 25.20 2001 119 Lithuania 24.50 2005 120 Estonia 21.10 2005 121 Dominican Republic 21.00 2000 122 Belgium 20.80 2005 123 Zimbabwe 20.00 1987 124 Bulgaria 19.40 2005 125 Belize 18.60 2000 126 Burkina Faso 17.50 2001 127 Malawi 17.30 2001 128 Czech Republic 16.00 2005 129 Somalia 15.70 1997 130 Botswana 14.70 2001 131 Togo 14.70 2001 132 Algeria 14.30 1997 133 Haiti 14.00 2000 134 Moldova 11.70 1997 135 Mauritania 11.40 1997 136 Armenia 10.50 1997 137 Jamaica 9.40 2000 138 Brunei 8.50 1999 139 Gambia, The 8.00 1982 140 Macedonia 6.40 2001 141 Eritrea 6.30 2001 142 Denmark 6.10 2003 143 Lesotho 5.20 1987 144 Rwanda 5.20 2003 145 Lebanon 4.80 1997 146 Tunisia 4.60 2003 147 Swaziland 4.50 1987 148 Yemen 4.10 1997 149 Trinidad and Tobago 3.80 2000 150 Burundi 3.60 1987 151 Saudi Arabia 2.40 1997 152 Mauritius 2.20 2001 153 Israel 1.70 2001 154 Luxembourg 1.60 2005 155 Comoros 1.20 2003 156 Oman 1.00 1997 157 Jordan 0.90 1997 158 Libya 0.60 1997 159 Singapore 0.60 1975 160 Cyprus 0.40 2005 161 Cape Verde 0.30 1990 162 Djibouti 0.30 1997 163 United Arab Emirates 0.20 1997 164 Antigua and Barbuda 0.10 2000 165 Bahrain 0.10 1997 166 Barbados 0.10 2003 167 Qatar 0.10 1997 168 Malta 0.07 2005 169 Maldives 0.03 1999 170 Kuwait 0.02 1997 171 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.02 2000

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Rank code: 2202

Country Comparison :: Freshwater withdrawal

(domestic/industrial/agricultural) This entry provides the annual quantity of water in cubic kilometers removed from available sources for use in any purpose. Water drawn-off is not necessarily entirely consumed and some portion may be returned for further use downstream. Domestic sector use refers to water supplied by public distribution systems. Note that some of this total may be used for small industrial and/or limited agricultural purposes. Industrial sector use is the quantity of water used by self-supplied industries not connected to a public distribution system. Agricultural sector use includes water used for irrigation and livestock watering, and does not account for agriculture directly dependent on rainfall. Included are figures for total annual water withdrawal and per capita water withdrawal.

Rank country () Date of Information

1 Turkmenistan 5,104.00 2000 2 Kazakhstan 2,360.00 2000 3 Uzbekistan 2,194.00 2000 4 Guyana 2,187.00 2000 5 Hungary 2,082.00 2001 6 Azerbaijan 2,051.00 2000 7 Kyrgyzstan 1,916.00 2000 8 Tajikistan 1,837.00 2000 9 United States 1,600.00 2000 10 Suriname 1,489.00 2000 11 Iraq 1,482.00 2000 12 Canada 1,386.00 1996 13 Thailand 1,288.00 2000 14 Ecuador 1,283.00 2000 15 Australia 1,193.00 2000 16 Macedonia 1,118.00 2000 17 Pakistan 1,072.00 2000 18 Estonia 1,060.00 2002 19 Portugal 1,056.00 1998 20 Iran 1,048.00 2000 21 Syria 1,048.00 2000 22 Sudan 1,030.00 2000 23 Swaziland 1,010.00 2000 24 Armenia 977.00 2000 25 Lithuania 971.00 2003 26 Egypt 923.00 2000 27 Uruguay 910.00 2000 28 Bulgaria 895.00 2003 29 Spain 864.00 2002 30 Vietnam 847.00 2000 31 Georgia 808.00 2000 32 Ukraine 807.00 2000 33 Madagascar 804.00 2000 34 Greece 782.00 1997 35 Afghanistan 779.00 2000 36 Chile 770.00 2000 37 Argentina 753.00 2000 38 Mexico 731.00 2000 39 Libya 730.00 2000 40 Cuba 728.00 2000 41 Italy 723.00 1998 42 Peru 720.00 2000 43 Belgium 714.00 1998 44 Saudi Arabia 705.00 2000 45 Japan 690.00 2000 46 Burma 658.00 2000 47 India 645.84 2000 48 Costa Rica 619.00 2000 49 Sri Lanka 608.00 2000 50 India 585.00 2000 51 Iceland 567.00 2003 52 Bangladesh 560.00 2000 53 Belize 556.00 2000 54 Mauritania 554.00 2000 55 China 549.76 2000 56 Moldova 549.00 2000 57 France 548.00 2000 58 Albania 546.00 2000 59 Netherlands 544.00 2001 60 Turkey 544.00 2001 61 Russia 535.00 2000 62 Oman 529.00 2000 63 New Zealand 524.00 2000 64 Norway 519.00 1996 65 United Arab Emirates 511.00 2000 66 Laos 507.00 2000 67 Mauritius 488.00 2000 68 Mali 484.00 2000 69 United States 477.00 2000 70 Germany 460.00 2001 71 Slovenia 457.00 2002 72 Austria 448.00 1999 73 Finland 444.00 1999 74 China 415.00 2000 75 Bahrain 411.00 2000 76 Korea, North 401.00 2000 77 Morocco 400.00 2000 78 Somalia 400.00 2000 79 Korea, South 389.00 2000 80 Lebanon 385.00 2000 81 Dominican Republic 381.00 2000 82 Nepal 375.00 2000 83 Indonesia 372.00 2000 84 Qatar 358.00 2000 85 Malaysia 356.00 2000 86 Switzerland 348.00 2002 87 Philippines 343.00 2000 88 Barbados 333.00 2000 89 Zimbabwe 324.00 2002 90 Brazil 318.00 2000 91 Yemen 316.00 2000 92 Venezuela 313.00 2000 93 Israel 305.00 2000 94 Poland 304.00 2002 95 Romania 299.00 2003 96 Sweden 296.00 2002 97 Cambodia 290.00 2000 98 Belarus 286.00 2000 99 Ireland 284.00 1994 100 South Africa 264.00 2000 101 Tunisia 261.00 2000 102 Panama 254.00 2000 103 Cyprus 250.00 2000 104 Brunei 243.00 1994 105 Nicaragua 237.00 2000 106 Trinidad and Tobago 237.00 2000 107 Colombia 235.00 2000 108 Equatorial Guinea 220.00 2000 109 Dominica 213.00 1996 110 Bhutan 199.00 2000 111 United Kingdom 197.00 1994 112 Slovakia 193.00 2003 113 Senegal 190.00 2002 114 Czech Republic 187.00 2002 115 El Salvador 186.00 2000 116 Algeria 185.00 2000 117 Jordan 177.00 2000 118 Pakistan 169.39 2000 119 Mongolia 166.00 2000 120 Kuwait 164.00 2000 121 Guinea 161.00 2000 122 Guatemala 160.00 2000 123 Bolivia 157.00 2000 124 Niger 156.00 2000 125 Jamaica 155.00 2000 126 Zambia 149.00 2000 127 Namibia 148.00 2000 128 Tanzania 135.00 2000 129 Denmark 123.00 2002 130 Luxembourg 121.00 1999 131 Honduras 119.00 2000 132 Haiti 116.00 2000 133 Guinea-Bissau 113.00 2000 134 Latvia 108.00 2003 135 Botswana 107.00 2000 136 Japan 88.43 2000 137 Gabon 87.00 2000 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 83.00 1995 139 Indonesia 82.78 2000 140 Thailand 82.75 2000 141 Fiji 82.00 2000 142 Saint Lucia 81.00 1997 143 Paraguay 80.00 2000 144 Bangladesh 79.40 2000 145 Mexico 78.22 2000 146 Malawi 78.00 2000 147 Russia 76.68 2000 148 Iran 72.88 2000 149 Ethiopia 72.00 2002 150 Vietnam 71.39 2000 151 Sierra Leone 69.00 2000 152 Egypt 68.30 2000 153 Eritrea 68.00 2000 154 Antigua and Barbuda 63.00 1990 155 Cameroon 61.00 2000 156 Nigeria 61.00 2000 157 Burkina Faso 60.00 2000 158 Brazil 59.30 2000 159 Uzbekistan 58.34 2000 160 Cote d'Ivoire 51.00 2000 161 Malta 50.00 2000 162 Kenya 46.00 2000 163 Canada 44.72 1996 164 Ghana 44.00 2000 165 Singapore 44.00 1975 166 Iraq 42.70 2000 167 Italy 41.98 1998 168 Turkey 39.78 2001 169 Cape Verde 39.00 2000 170 Germany 38.01 2001 171 Burundi 38.00 2000 172 Ukraine 37.53 2000 173 Sudan 37.32 2000 174 Spain 37.22 2002 175 Kazakhstan 35.00 2000 176 Liberia 34.00 2000 177 Burma 33.23 2000 178 France 33.16 2000 179 Mozambique 32.00 2000 180 Argentina 29.19 2000 181 Philippines 28.52 2000 182 Lesotho 28.00 2000 183 Togo 28.00 2000 184 Djibouti 25.00 2000 185 Turkmenistan 24.65 2000 186 Australia 24.06 2000 187 Chad 24.00 2000 188 Afghanistan 23.26 2000 189 Angola 22.00 2000 190 Hungary 21.03 2001 191 Peru 20.13 2000 192 Gambia, The 20.00 2000 193 Syria 19.95 2000 194 Korea, South 18.59 2000 195 Saudi Arabia 17.32 2000 196 Azerbaijan 17.25 2000 197 Papua New Guinea 17.00 1987 198 Rwanda 17.00 2000 199 Ecuador 16.98 2000 200 Benin 15.00 2001 201 Madagascar 14.96 2000 202 Comoros 13.00 1999 203 Sri Lanka 12.61 2000 204 Morocco 12.60 2000 205 Chile 12.55 2000 206 South Africa 12.50 2000 207 Tajikistan 11.96 2000 208 United Kingdom 11.75 1994 209 Poland 11.73 2002 210 Portugal 11.09 1998 211 Colombia 10.71 2000 212 Nepal 10.18 2000 213 Kyrgyzstan 10.08 2000 214 Uganda 10.00 2002 215 Korea, North 9.02 2000 216 Malaysia 9.02 2000 217 Maldives 9.00 1987 218 Netherlands 8.86 2001 219 Greece 8.70 1997 220 Venezuela 8.37 2000 221 Cuba 8.20 2000 222 Nigeria 8.01 2000 223 Congo, Republic of the 8.00 2000 224 Belgium 7.44 1998 225 Central African Republic 7.00 2000 226 Bulgaria 6.92 2003 227 Yemen 6.63 2000 228 Mali 6.55 2000 229 Romania 6.50 2003 230 Algeria 6.07 2000 231 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.00 2000 232 Ethiopia 5.56 2002 233 Tanzania 5.18 2000 234 Libya 4.27 2000 235 Zimbabwe 4.21 2002 236 Cambodia 4.08 2000 237 Austria 3.67 1999 238 Georgia 3.61 2000 239 Dominican Republic 3.39 2000 240 Lithuania 3.33 2003 241 Somalia 3.29 2000 242 Uruguay 3.15 2000 243 Laos 3.00 2000 244 Armenia 2.95 2000 245 Belarus 2.79 2000 246 Costa Rica 2.68 2000 247 Sweden 2.68 2002 248 Tunisia 2.64 2000 249 Switzerland 2.52 2002 250 Norway 2.40 1996 251 Finland 2.33 1999 252 Moldova 2.31 2000 253 United Arab Emirates 2.30 2000 254 Macedonia 2.27 2000 255 Senegal 2.22 2002 256 Niger 2.18 2000 257 New Zealand 2.11 2000 258 Israel 2.05 2000 259 Guatemala 2.01 2000 260 Czech Republic 1.91 2002 261 Zambia 1.74 2000 262 Albania 1.71 2000 263 Mauritania 1.70 2000 264 Guyana 1.64 2000 265 Kenya 1.58 2000 266 Guinea 1.51 2000 267 Bolivia 1.44 2000 268 Estonia 1.41 2002 269 Lebanon 1.38 2000 270 Oman 1.36 2000 271 Nicaragua 1.30 2000 272 El Salvador 1.28 2000 273 Ireland 1.18 1994 274 Slovakia 1.04 2003 275 Swaziland 1.04 2000 276 Jordan 1.01 2000 277 Malawi 1.01 2000 278 Cameroon 0.99 2000 279 Haiti 0.99 2000 280 Ghana 0.98 2000 281 Cote d'Ivoire 0.93 2000 282 Slovenia 0.90 2002 283 Honduras 0.86 2000 284 Panama 0.82 2000 285 Burkina Faso 0.80 2000 286 Denmark 0.67 2002 287 Suriname 0.67 2000 288 Mozambique 0.63 2000 289 Mauritius 0.61 2000 290 Paraguay 0.49 2000 291 Kuwait 0.44 2000 292 Mongolia 0.44 2000 293 Bhutan 0.43 2000 294 Jamaica 0.41 2000 295 Sierra Leone 0.38 2000 296 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.36 2000 297 Angola 0.35 2000 298 Trinidad and Tobago 0.31 2000 299 Bahrain 0.30 2000 300 Eritrea 0.30 2000 301 Uganda 0.30 2002 302 Namibia 0.30 2000 303 Burundi 0.29 2000 304 Qatar 0.29 2000 305 Latvia 0.25 2003 306 Chad 0.23 2000 307 Cyprus 0.21 2000 308 Botswana 0.19 2000 309 Singapore 0.19 1975 310 Guinea-Bissau 0.18 2000 311 Iceland 0.17 2003 312 Togo 0.17 2000 313 Belize 0.15 2000 314 Rwanda 0.15 2000 315 Benin 0.13 2001 316 Gabon 0.12 2000 317 Equatorial Guinea 0.11 2000 318 Liberia 0.11 2000 319 Papua New Guinea 0.10 1987 320 Barbados 0.09 2000 321 Brunei 0.09 1994 322 Fiji 0.07 2000 323 Luxembourg 0.06 1999 324 Lesotho 0.05 2000 325 Central African Republic 0.03 2000 326 Gambia, The 0.03 2000 327 Congo, Republic of the 0.03 2000 328 Cape Verde 0.02 2000 329 Djibouti 0.02 2000 330 Malta 0.02 2000 331 Dominica 0.02 1996 332 Comoros 0.01 1999 333 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.01 1995 334 Saint Lucia 0.01 1997 335 Antigua and Barbuda 0.01 1990 336 Maldives 0.00 1987

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Rank code: 2203

Country Comparison :: Geographic overview

Rank country Geographic overview Date of Information

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Rank code: 2204

Country Comparison :: Economy of the area administered by Turkish

Cypriots

Rank country Economy of the area administered by Turkish CypriotsDate
of Information 1 Cyprus 1.50 NA 2 Cyprus 1.43 NA 3 Cyprus 1.43 NA 4 Cyprus 1.34 NA 5 Cyprus 1.32 NA

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Rank code: 2205

Country Comparison :: School life expectancy (primary to tertiary
education) School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive, assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of educational content or quality as a year or grade completed in another country. SLE represents the expected number of years of schooling that will be completed, including years spent repeating one or more grades.

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Australia 21.00 2008 2 Australia 21.00 2008 3 Australia 20.00 2008 4 New Zealand 20.00 2008 5 Iceland 20.00 2008 6 British Virgin Islands 19.00 2005 7 New Zealand 19.00 2008 8 Cuba 19.00 2009 9 New Zealand 19.00 2008 10 Cuba 18.00 2009 11 Ireland 18.00 2008 12 Slovenia 18.00 2008 13 Norway 18.00 2008 14 Korea, South 18.00 2008 15 Ireland 18.00 2008 16 Denmark 18.00 2007 17 Finland 18.00 2008 18 Ireland 18.00 2008 19 Iceland 18.00 2008 20 Argentina 17.00 2007 21 Finland 17.00 2008 22 Libya 17.00 2003 23 Libya 17.00 2003 24 Latvia 17.00 2008 25 Korea, South 17.00 2008 26 Italy 17.00 2007 27 Iceland 17.00 2008 28 Greece 17.00 2007 29 Greece 17.00 2007 30 France 17.00 2008 31 United Kingdom 17.00 2008 32 Spain 17.00 2008 33 Slovenia 17.00 2008 34 Norway 17.00 2008 35 Norway 17.00 2008 36 Netherlands 17.00 2008 37 Netherlands 17.00 2008 38 Netherlands 17.00 2008 39 Montserrat 17.00 2007 40 Lithuania 17.00 2008 41 Uruguay 17.00 2007 42 United States 17.00 2008 43 Finland 17.00 2008 44 Canada 17.00 2004 45 British Virgin Islands 17.00 2005 46 Denmark 17.00 2007 47 Estonia 17.00 2008 48 Canada 17.00 2004 49 Canada 17.00 2004 50 Argentina 16.00 2007 51 Libya 16.00 2003 52 Germany 16.00 2006 53 Germany 16.00 2006 54 Germany 16.00 2006 55 France 16.00 2008 56 France 16.00 2008 57 Estonia 16.00 2008 58 Denmark 16.00 2007 59 Czech Republic 16.00 2008 60 Cuba 16.00 2009 61 United States 16.00 2008 62 United Kingdom 16.00 2008 63 United Kingdom 16.00 2008 64 Switzerland 16.00 2008 65 Switzerland 16.00 2008 66 Sweden 16.00 2008 67 Sweden 16.00 2008 68 Portugal 16.00 2007 69 Poland 16.00 2007 70 Uruguay 16.00 2007 71 Lithuania 16.00 2008 72 Liechtenstein 16.00 2008 73 Korea, South 16.00 2008 74 Italy 16.00 2007 75 Italy 16.00 2007 76 Israel 16.00 2008 77 Hungary 16.00 2008 78 Greece 16.00 2007 79 Spain 16.00 2008 80 Spain 16.00 2008 81 Slovenia 16.00 2008 82 Slovakia 16.00 2008 83 Seychelles 16.00 2008 84 Portugal 16.00 2007 85 Belgium 16.00 2008 86 British Virgin Islands 16.00 2005 87 Belgium 16.00 2008 88 Belgium 16.00 2008 89 Argentina 15.00 2007 90 Austria 15.00 2008 91 Austria 15.00 2008 92 Bahrain 15.00 2006 93 Latvia 15.00 2008 94 Israel 15.00 2008 95 Iran 15.00 2008 96 Hungary 15.00 2008 97 Hungary 15.00 2008 98 Estonia 15.00 2008 99 Czech Republic 15.00 2008 100 Czech Republic 15.00 2008 101 Chile 15.00 2007 102 Chile 15.00 2007 103 Uruguay 15.00 2007 104 United States 15.00 2008 105 Ukraine 15.00 2008 106 Ukraine 15.00 2008 107 Tunisia 15.00 2008 108 Tunisia 15.00 2008 109 Switzerland 15.00 2008 110 Sweden 15.00 2008 111 Portugal 15.00 2007 112 Venezuela 15.00 2008 113 Poland 15.00 2007 114 Poland 15.00 2007 115 Palau 15.00 2001 116 Palau 15.00 2001 117 Montserrat 15.00 2007 118 Malta 15.00 2007 119 Macau 15.00 2008 120 Lithuania 15.00 2008 121 Slovakia 15.00 2008 122 Seychelles 15.00 2008 123 Russia 15.00 2008 124 Romania 15.00 2008 125 Romania 15.00 2008 126 Qatar 15.00 2008 127 Liechtenstein 15.00 2008 128 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 129 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 130 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 131 Japan 15.00 2008 132 Japan 15.00 2008 133 Japan 15.00 2008 134 Israel 15.00 2008 135 Belarus 15.00 2007 136 Belarus 15.00 2007 137 Austria 15.00 2008 138 Aruba 14.00 2008 139 Bahrain 14.00 2006 140 Bahrain 14.00 2006 141 Bolivia 14.00 2007 142 Bolivia 14.00 2007 143 West Bank 14.00 2006 144 West Bank 14.00 2006 145 Venezuela 14.00 2008 146 Ukraine 14.00 2008 147 Tunisia 14.00 2008 148 Tonga 14.00 2004 149 Tonga 14.00 2004 150 Tonga 14.00 2004 151 Slovakia 14.00 2008 152 Seychelles 14.00 2008 153 Serbia 14.00 2008 154 Serbia 14.00 2008 155 Saudi Arabia 14.00 2008 156 Saudi Arabia 14.00 2008 157 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.00 2005 158 Saint Lucia 14.00 2008 159 Russia 14.00 2008 160 Russia 14.00 2008 161 Romania 14.00 2008 162 Peru 14.00 2006 163 Peru 14.00 2006 164 Panama 14.00 2007 165 Panama 14.00 2007 166 Palau 14.00 2001 167 Montserrat 14.00 2007 168 Mongolia 14.00 2008 169 Mongolia 14.00 2008 170 Mexico 14.00 2008 171 Mexico 14.00 2008 172 Mexico 14.00 2008 173 Mauritius 14.00 2008 174 Mauritius 14.00 2008 175 Malta 14.00 2007 176 Malta 14.00 2007 177 Macau 14.00 2008 178 Macau 14.00 2008 179 Jamaica 14.00 2008 180 Jamaica 14.00 2008 181 Colombia 14.00 2008 182 Chile 14.00 2007 183 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 184 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 185 Brunei 14.00 2008 186 Brunei 14.00 2008 187 Brunei 14.00 2008 188 Brazil 14.00 2008 189 Brazil 14.00 2008 190 Brazil 14.00 2008 191 Liechtenstein 14.00 2008 192 Lebanon 14.00 2009 193 Lebanon 14.00 2009 194 Latvia 14.00 2008 195 Iran 14.00 2008 196 Hong Kong 14.00 2006 197 Hong Kong 14.00 2006 198 Grenada 14.00 2005 199 Gaza Strip 14.00 2006 200 Gaza Strip 14.00 2006 201 Ecuador 14.00 2008 202 Ecuador 14.00 2008 203 Ecuador 14.00 2008 204 Cyprus 14.00 2008 205 Cyprus 14.00 2008 206 Cyprus 14.00 2008 207 Croatia 14.00 2007 208 Croatia 14.00 2007 209 Croatia 14.00 2007 210 Bolivia 14.00 2007 211 Bermuda 14.00 2005 212 Belarus 14.00 2007 213 Barbados 14.00 2001 214 Algeria 13.00 2005 215 Aruba 13.00 2008 216 Algeria 13.00 2005 217 Algeria 13.00 2005 218 West Bank 13.00 2006 219 Venezuela 13.00 2008 220 Thailand 13.00 2009 221 Suriname 13.00 2002 222 South Africa 13.00 2004 223 South Africa 13.00 2004 224 South Africa 13.00 2004 225 Serbia 13.00 2008 226 Saudi Arabia 13.00 2008 227 Samoa 13.00 2001 228 Saint Lucia 13.00 2008 229 Saint Lucia 13.00 2008 230 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13.00 2005 231 Qatar 13.00 2008 232 Peru 13.00 2006 233 Panama 13.00 2007 234 Mongolia 13.00 2008 235 Moldova 13.00 2008 236 Mauritius 13.00 2008 237 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 238 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 239 Maldives 13.00 2006 240 Malaysia 13.00 2007 241 Malaysia 13.00 2007 242 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 243 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 244 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 245 Kyrgyzstan 13.00 2008 246 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 247 Kyrgyzstan 13.00 2008 248 Kuwait 13.00 2006 249 Kiribati 13.00 2005 250 Jordan 13.00 2008 251 Jordan 13.00 2008 252 Jordan 13.00 2008 253 Jamaica 13.00 2008 254 Georgia 13.00 2008 255 Liberia 13.00 2000 256 Lebanon 13.00 2009 257 Georgia 13.00 2008 258 Gaza Strip 13.00 2006 259 Gabon 13.00 1999 260 Gabon 13.00 1999 261 Fiji 13.00 2005 262 Fiji 13.00 2005 263 Fiji 13.00 2005 264 Colombia 13.00 2008 265 Iran 13.00 2008 266 Indonesia 13.00 2008 267 Indonesia 13.00 2008 268 Indonesia 13.00 2008 269 Hong Kong 13.00 2006 270 Grenada 13.00 2005 271 Grenada 13.00 2005 272 Georgia 13.00 2008 273 Colombia 13.00 2008 274 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 275 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 276 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 277 Bulgaria 13.00 2008 278 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.00 2007 279 Bermuda 13.00 2005 280 Bermuda 13.00 2005 281 Dominican Republic 13.00 2004 282 Dominica 13.00 2008 283 Dominica 13.00 2008 284 Belize 13.00 2004 285 Barbados 13.00 2001 286 Barbados 13.00 2001 287 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 288 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 289 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 290 Aruba 13.00 2008 291 Andorra 12.00 2008 292 Uzbekistan 12.00 2008 293 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2003 294 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2003 295 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 2005 296 Turkey 12.00 2008 297 Turkey 12.00 2008 298 Trinidad and Tobago 12.00 2005 299 Thailand 12.00 2009 300 Thailand 12.00 2009 301 Tajikistan 12.00 2008 302 Suriname 12.00 2002 303 Samoa 12.00 2001 304 Samoa 12.00 2001 305 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 2005 306 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 2005 307 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 2005 308 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 2005 309 Qatar 12.00 2008 310 Philippines 12.00 2008 311 Philippines 12.00 2008 312 Philippines 12.00 2008 313 Paraguay 12.00 2007 314 Paraguay 12.00 2007 315 Paraguay 12.00 2007 316 Niue 12.00 2005 317 Niue 12.00 2005 318 Niue 12.00 2005 319 Namibia 12.00 2008 320 Namibia 12.00 2008 321 Namibia 12.00 2008 322 Moldova 12.00 2008 323 Moldova 12.00 2008 324 Maldives 12.00 2006 325 Maldives 12.00 2006 326 Malaysia 12.00 2007 327 Macedonia 12.00 2007 328 Macedonia 12.00 2007 329 Macedonia 12.00 2007 330 Kyrgyzstan 12.00 2008 331 Kuwait 12.00 2006 332 Kuwait 12.00 2006 333 Kiribati 12.00 2005 334 Kiribati 12.00 2005 335 Honduras 12.00 2008 336 Guyana 12.00 2008 337 Guyana 12.00 2008 338 Guyana 12.00 2008 339 Gabon 12.00 1999 340 El Salvador 12.00 2008 341 El Salvador 12.00 2008 342 El Salvador 12.00 2008 343 Dominican Republic 12.00 2004 344 Dominica 12.00 2008 345 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 346 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 347 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 348 Comoros 12.00 2004 349 China 12.00 2008 350 Cape Verde 12.00 2006 351 Cape Verde 12.00 2006 352 Botswana 12.00 2006 353 Botswana 12.00 2006 354 Botswana 12.00 2006 355 Bhutan 12.00 2008 356 Andorra 12.00 2008 357 Armenia 12.00 2007 358 Armenia 12.00 2007 359 Belize 12.00 2004 360 Belize 12.00 2004 361 Afghanistan 11.00 2004 362 Albania 11.00 2004 363 Anguilla 11.00 2008 364 Liberia 11.00 2000 365 Iraq 11.00 2005 366 India 11.00 2007 367 Honduras 11.00 2008 368 Honduras 11.00 2008 369 Guatemala 11.00 2007 370 Guatemala 11.00 2007 371 Egypt 11.00 2004 372 Dominican Republic 11.00 2004 373 Comoros 11.00 2004 374 China 11.00 2008 375 China 11.00 2008 376 Cape Verde 11.00 2006 377 Cameroon 11.00 2008 378 Bhutan 11.00 2008 379 Turks and Caicos Islands 11.00 2005 380 Turkey 11.00 2008 381 Trinidad and Tobago 11.00 2005 382 Trinidad and Tobago 11.00 2005 383 Tokelau 11.00 2004 384 Tokelau 11.00 2004 385 Togo 11.00 2007 386 Timor-Leste 11.00 2002 387 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 388 Vanuatu 11.00 2004 389 Uzbekistan 11.00 2008 390 Uzbekistan 11.00 2008 391 United Arab Emirates 11.00 2003 392 Uganda 11.00 2008 393 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 394 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 395 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 396 Turks and Caicos Islands 11.00 2005 397 Yemen 11.00 2005 398 Vietnam 11.00 2001 399 Rwanda 11.00 2008 400 Oman 11.00 2008 401 Oman 11.00 2008 402 Oman 11.00 2008 403 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 404 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 405 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 406 Morocco 11.00 2006 407 Tajikistan 11.00 2008 408 Swaziland 11.00 2006 409 Suriname 11.00 2002 410 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 411 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 412 Bhutan 11.00 2008 413 Armenia 11.00 2007 414 Anguilla 11.00 2008 415 Anguilla 11.00 2008 416 Andorra 11.00 2008 417 Albania 11.00 2004 418 Albania 11.00 2004 419 Benin 10.00 2005 420 Guinea 10.00 2008 421 Guatemala 10.00 2007 422 Ghana 10.00 2007 423 Ghana 10.00 2007 424 Cote d'Ivoire 10.00 2000 425 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 426 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 427 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 428 Congo, Republic of the 10.00 2003 429 Zimbabwe 10.00 2003 430 Vietnam 10.00 2001 431 Vietnam 10.00 2001 432 Vanuatu 10.00 2004 433 Vanuatu 10.00 2004 434 Uganda 10.00 2008 435 Uganda 10.00 2008 436 Tokelau 10.00 2004 437 Togo 10.00 2007 438 Tajikistan 10.00 2008 439 Swaziland 10.00 2006 440 Swaziland 10.00 2006 441 Nigeria 10.00 2005 442 Nepal 10.00 2003 443 Morocco 10.00 2006 444 Madagascar 10.00 2008 445 Madagascar 10.00 2008 446 Madagascar 10.00 2008 447 Lesotho 10.00 2006 448 Lesotho 10.00 2006 449 Lesotho 10.00 2006 450 Laos 10.00 2008 451 Kenya 10.00 2005 452 Kenya 10.00 2005 453 Iraq 10.00 2005 454 India 10.00 2007 455 India 10.00 2007 456 Comoros 10.00 2004 457 Cameroon 10.00 2008 458 Cambodia 10.00 2007 459 Cambodia 10.00 2007 460 Burundi 10.00 2008 461 Benin 9.00 2005 462 Burma 9.00 2007 463 Congo, Republic of the 9.00 2003 464 Nauru 9.00 2006 465 Mozambique 9.00 2005 466 Morocco 9.00 2006 467 Mali 9.00 2009 468 Malawi 9.00 2007 469 Malawi 9.00 2007 470 Malawi 9.00 2007 471 Liberia 9.00 2000 472 Laos 9.00 2008 473 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 474 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 475 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 476 Sierra Leone 9.00 2001 477 Rwanda 9.00 2008 478 Rwanda 9.00 2008 479 Nigeria 9.00 2005 480 Nepal 9.00 2003 481 Nauru 9.00 2006 482 Kenya 9.00 2005 483 Guinea-Bissau 9.00 2006 484 Guinea 9.00 2008 485 Ghana 9.00 2007 486 Gambia, The 9.00 2004 487 Ethiopia 9.00 2008 488 Equatorial Guinea 9.00 2000 489 Congo, Republic of the 9.00 2003 490 Zimbabwe 9.00 2003 491 Zimbabwe 9.00 2003 492 Yemen 9.00 2005 493 Laos 9.00 2008 494 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9.00 2008 495 Cameroon 9.00 2008 496 Cambodia 9.00 2007 497 Burundi 9.00 2008 498 Afghanistan 8.00 2004 499 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 500 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 501 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 502 Senegal 8.00 2008 503 Senegal 8.00 2008 504 Pakistan 8.00 2008 505 Nigeria 8.00 2005 506 Nepal 8.00 2003 507 Nauru 8.00 2006 508 Mozambique 8.00 2005 509 Mauritania 8.00 2007 510 Mauritania 8.00 2007 511 Mauritania 8.00 2007 512 Mali 8.00 2009 513 Iraq 8.00 2005 514 Guinea-Bissau 8.00 2006 515 Ethiopia 8.00 2008 516 Ethiopia 8.00 2008 517 Equatorial Guinea 8.00 2000 518 Zambia 8.00 2000 519 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8.00 2008 520 Chad 8.00 2005 521 Central African Republic 8.00 2009 522 Burma 8.00 2007 523 Burma 8.00 2007 524 Burkina Faso 7.00 2009 525 Burundi 7.00 2008 526 Central African Republic 7.00 2009 527 Sierra Leone 7.00 2001 528 Senegal 7.00 2008 529 Pakistan 7.00 2008 530 Mozambique 7.00 2005 531 Mali 7.00 2009 532 Guinea 7.00 2008 533 Gambia, The 7.00 2004 534 Gambia, The 7.00 2004 535 Eritrea 7.00 2004 536 Zambia 7.00 2000 537 Zambia 7.00 2000 538 Yemen 7.00 2005 539 Togo 7.00 2007 540 Equatorial Guinea 7.00 2000 541 Benin 6.00 2005 542 Burkina Faso 6.00 2009 543 Burkina Faso 6.00 2009 544 Chad 6.00 2005 545 Cote d'Ivoire 6.00 2000 546 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.00 2008 547 Eritrea 6.00 2004 548 Sierra Leone 6.00 2001 549 Pakistan 6.00 2008 550 Afghanistan 5.00 2004 551 Central African Republic 5.00 2009 552 Djibouti 5.00 2007 553 Djibouti 5.00 2007 554 Guinea-Bissau 5.00 2006 555 Niger 5.00 2009 556 Tanzania 5.00 1999 557 Tanzania 5.00 1999 558 Tanzania 5.00 1999 559 Niger 5.00 2009 560 Eritrea 5.00 2004 561 Cote d'Ivoire 5.00 2000 562 Chad 4.00 2005 563 Djibouti 4.00 2007 564 Sudan 4.00 2000 565 Niger 4.00 2009

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Rank code: 2206

Country Comparison :: Education expenditures

This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent of GDP.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Kiribati 17.80 2002 2 Cuba 13.60 2008 3 Lesotho 12.40 2008 4 Marshall Islands 12.30 2004 5 Palau 10.30 2002 6 Saint Kitts and Nevis 9.90 2005 7 Uzbekistan 9.40 1991 8 Djibouti 8.70 2007 9 Moldova 8.20 2008 10 Botswana 8.10 2007 11 Maldives 8.10 2008 12 Denmark 7.90 2006 13 Swaziland 7.90 2008 14 Comoros 7.60 2008 15 Iceland 7.50 2007 16 Micronesia, Federated States of 7.30 2000 17 Burundi 7.20 2008 18 Tunisia 7.20 2007 19 Cyprus 7.10 2007 20 Timor-Leste 7.10 2008 21 Kenya 7.00 2006 22 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7.00 2007 23 Namibia 6.90 2008 24 Vanuatu 6.90 2008 25 Tanzania 6.80 2008 26 Barbados 6.70 2008 27 Norway 6.70 2007 28 Sweden 6.70 2007 29 Kyrgyzstan 6.60 2007 30 Israel 6.40 2007 31 Bolivia 6.30 2006 32 Saint Lucia 6.30 2008 33 Fiji 6.20 2004 34 Jamaica 6.20 2008 35 New Zealand 6.20 2007 36 Belgium 6.10 2007 37 Guyana 6.10 2007 38 Sudan 6.00 1991 39 Cape Verde 5.70 2008 40 Morocco 5.70 2008 41 Saudi Arabia 5.70 2008 42 France 5.60 2006 43 United Kingdom 5.60 2007 44 Ethiopia 5.50 2007 45 Netherlands 5.50 2006 46 United States 5.50 2007 47 Austria 5.40 2007 48 Hungary 5.40 2006 49 South Africa 5.40 2009 50 Samoa 5.40 2008 51 Finland 5.40 2007 52 Ghana 5.40 2005 53 Switzerland 5.30 2007 54 Ukraine 5.30 2007 55 Vietnam 5.30 2008 56 Belarus 5.20 2007 57 Slovenia 5.20 2007 58 Grenada 5.20 2003 59 Guinea-Bissau 5.20 1999 60 Yemen 5.20 2008 61 Brazil 5.20 2007 62 Belize 5.10 2007 63 Bhutan 5.10 2008 64 Senegal 5.10 2008 65 Mongolia 5.10 2007 66 Costa Rica 5.00 2008 67 Latvia 5.00 2007 68 Estonia 5.00 2007 69 Seychelles 5.00 2006 70 Mozambique 5.00 2006 71 Argentina 4.90 2007 72 Jordan 4.90 1999 73 Ireland 4.90 2007 74 Aruba 4.90 2007 75 Canada 4.90 2007 76 Thailand 4.90 2008 77 Syria 4.90 2007 78 Poland 4.90 2007 79 Dominica 4.80 2008 80 Iran 4.80 2008 81 Malta 4.80 2004 82 Mexico 4.80 2007 83 Australia 4.70 2007 84 Tonga 4.70 2004 85 Lithuania 4.70 2007 86 Burkina Faso 4.60 2007 87 Zimbabwe 4.60 2000 88 Czech Republic 4.60 2006 89 Cote d'Ivoire 4.60 2008 90 Malaysia 4.50 2007 91 Serbia 4.50 2007 92 Germany 4.40 2006 93 Spain 4.40 2007 94 Romania 4.40 2007 95 Mauritania 4.40 2008 96 Portugal 4.40 2008 97 Monaco 4.40 2004 98 Algeria 4.30 2008 99 Italy 4.30 2007 100 Korea, South 4.20 2007 101 Malawi 4.20 2003 102 Trinidad and Tobago 4.20 2002 103 Bulgaria 4.10 2007 104 Rwanda 4.10 2008 105 Greece 4.00 2005 106 Paraguay 4.00 2008 107 Oman 4.00 2006 108 Antigua and Barbuda 3.90 2002 109 Russia 3.90 2006 110 Turkmenistan 3.90 1991 111 Colombia 3.90 2008 112 Croatia 3.90 2004 113 Egypt 3.80 2008 114 Sierra Leone 3.80 2005 115 Panama 3.80 2008 116 Nepal 3.80 2008 117 Mali 3.80 2008 118 Kuwait 3.80 2006 119 Honduras 3.80 1991 120 Gabon 3.80 2000 121 Brunei 3.70 2000 122 Venezuela 3.70 2007 123 Togo 3.70 2007 124 Niger 3.70 2008 125 Luxembourg 3.70 2001 126 Japan 3.70 2007 127 Bahamas, The 3.60 2000 128 El Salvador 3.60 2008 129 Slovakia 3.60 2007 130 Benin 3.60 2007 131 Anguilla 3.50 2008 132 Tajikistan 3.50 2008 133 Macedonia 3.50 2002 134 Indonesia 3.50 2007 135 Chile 3.40 2007 136 Mauritius 3.40 2009 137 Hong Kong 3.30 2008 138 Montserrat 3.30 2004 139 Uganda 3.30 2009 140 Qatar 3.30 2005 141 Andorra 3.20 2008 142 India 3.20 2006 143 Guatemala 3.20 2008 144 Singapore 3.20 2009 145 British Virgin Islands 3.20 2007 146 Nicaragua 3.10 2003 147 Armenia 3.00 2007 148 Albania 2.90 2002 149 Bahrain 2.90 2008 150 Cameroon 2.90 2008 151 Georgia 2.90 2008 152 Madagascar 2.90 2008 153 Pakistan 2.90 2008 154 Uruguay 2.90 2006 155 Turkey 2.90 2006 156 Kazakhstan 2.80 2007 157 Liberia 2.70 2008 158 Peru 2.70 2008 159 Libya 2.70 1999 160 Angola 2.60 2006 161 Cayman Islands 2.60 2006 162 Philippines 2.60 2007 163 Bangladesh 2.40 2008 164 Laos 2.30 2008 165 Dominican Republic 2.20 2007 166 Macau 2.20 2008 167 Solomon Islands 2.20 1999 168 Eritrea 2.00 2006 169 Lebanon 2.00 2008 170 Gambia, The 2.00 2004 171 Azerbaijan 1.90 2008 172 China 1.90 1999 173 Chad 1.90 2005 174 Congo, Republic of the 1.90 2005 175 Guinea 1.70 2008 176 Cambodia 1.60 2007 177 Haiti 1.40 1991 178 Zambia 1.40 2008 179 Central African Republic 1.30 2007 180 Bermuda 1.20 2006 181 Burma 1.20 2001 182 Ecuador 1.00 2001 183 Nigeria 0.90 1991 184 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2008 185 Equatorial Guinea 0.60 2003 186 Cook Islands 0.20 2001

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Rank code: 2207

Country Comparison :: Central bank discount rate

This entry provides the annualized interest rate a country's central bank charges commercial, depository banks for loans to meet temporary shortages of funds.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 975.00 31 December 2007 2 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 40.00 31 December 2008 3 Venezuela 33.50 31 December 2008 4 Sao Tome and Principe 28.00 31 December 2008 5 Costa Rica 25.00 31 December 2008 6 Turkey 25.00 31 December 2008 7 Guinea 22.25 31 December 2005 8 Iceland 22.00 31 December 2008 9 Brazil 20.48 31 December 2008 10 Paraguay 20.00 31 December 2007 11 Uruguay 20.00 31 December 2008 12 Angola 19.57 31 December 2008 13 Uganda 19.42 31 December 2008 14 Serbia 17.75 31 December 2008 15 Ghana 17.00 31 December 2008 16 Iraq 16.75 31 December 2008 17 Tanzania 15.99 31 December 2008 18 Kyrgyzstan 15.11 31 December 2008 19 Botswana 15.00 31 December 2008 20 Pakistan 15.00 31 December 2008 21 Malawi 15.00 31 December 2008 22 Mongolia 14.78 31 December 2008 23 Zambia 14.49 31 December 2008 24 Lesotho 14.05 31 December 2008 25 Tajikistan 13.50 31 December 2008 26 Bolivia 13.00 31 December 2008 27 Maldives 13.00 31 December 2008 28 Russia 13.00 31 December 2008 29 Rwanda 12.50 31 December 2007 30 Belarus 12.00 31 December 2008 31 Belize 12.00 31 December 2008 32 Ukraine 12.00 31 December 2008 33 Mauritania 12.00 31 December 2007 34 Burma 12.00 31 December 2008 35 Lebanon 12.00 31 December 2008 36 Egypt 11.50 31 December 2008 37 South Africa 11.50 31 December 2008 38 Gambia, The 11.00 31 December 2008 39 Swaziland 11.00 31 December 2008 40 Indonesia 10.83 31 December 2008 41 Trinidad and Tobago 10.75 31 December 2008 42 Kazakhstan 10.50 31 December 2008 43 Vietnam 10.25 31 December 2008 44 Burundi 10.08 31 December 2008 45 Barbados 10.00 31 December 2008 46 Hungary 10.00 31 December 2008 47 Namibia 10.00 31 December 2008 48 Mozambique 9.95 31 December 2008 49 Nigeria 9.75 31 December 2008 50 Ecuador 9.14 31 December 2008 51 Croatia 9.00 31 December 2008 52 Chile 8.25 31 December 2008 53 Azerbaijan 8.00 31 December 2008 54 Cape Verde 7.50 31 December 2008 55 Sri Lanka 7.50 31 December 2009 56 Armenia 7.25 2 December 2008 57 Peru 7.25 31 December 2008 58 Papua New Guinea 7.00 31 December 2008 59 Guyana 6.75 31 December 2008 60 Anguilla 6.50 31 December 2008 61 Dominica 6.50 31 December 2008 62 Macedonia 6.50 31 December 2008 63 Saint Lucia 6.50 31 December 2008 64 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.50 31 December 2008 65 Saint Kitts and Nevis 6.50 31 December 2008 66 Nepal 6.50 31 December 2009 67 Montserrat 6.50 31 December 2008 68 Grenada 6.50 31 December 2008 69 Antigua and Barbuda 6.50 31 December 2008 70 Fiji 6.32 31 December 2008 71 Albania 6.25 31 December 2008 72 Norway 6.25 31 December 2007 73 Jordan 6.25 31 December 2008 74 India 6.00 31 December 2008 75 Latvia 6.00 31 December 2008 76 Philippines 6.00 31 December 2008 77 Vanuatu 6.00 31 December 2008 78 Bulgaria 5.77 31 December 2008 79 Colombia 5.50 31 December 2009 80 Qatar 5.50 31 December 2008 81 Comoros 5.36 31 December 2008 82 Bahamas, The 5.25 31 December 2008 83 Cambodia 5.25 31 December 2007 84 Seychelles 5.13 31 December 2007 85 Aruba 5.00 31 December 2008 86 Bangladesh 5.00 31 December 2008 87 Libya 5.00 31 December 2008 88 Syria 5.00 31 December 2008 89 Poland 5.00 31 December 2008 90 New Zealand 5.00 31 December 2008 91 Benin 4.75 31 December 2008 92 Central African Republic 4.75 31 December 2008 93 Chad 4.75 31 December 2008 94 Togo 4.75 31 December 2008 95 Senegal 4.75 31 December 2008 96 Niger 4.75 31 December 2008 97 Mali 4.75 31 December 2008 98 Guinea-Bissau 4.75 31 December 2008 99 Gabon 4.75 31 December 2008 100 Equatorial Guinea 4.75 31 December 2008 101 Cote d'Ivoire 4.75 31 December 2008 102 Congo, Republic of the 4.75 31 December 2008 103 Burkina Faso 4.75 31 December 2008 104 Cameroon 4.75 31 December 2008 105 Lithuania 4.73 31 December 2008 106 Australia 4.25 3 December 2008 107 Algeria 4.00 31 December 2008 108 Laos 4.00 31 December 2009 109 Kuwait 3.75 31 December 2008 110 Denmark 3.50 31 December 2008 111 Sweden 3.50 31 December 2007 112 Morocco 3.32 31 December 2008 113 Belgium 3.00 31 December 2008 114 Finland 3.00 31 December 2008 115 Cyprus 3.00 31 December 2008 116 France 3.00 31 December 2008 117 Greece 3.00 31 December 2008 118 Ireland 3.00 31 December 2008 119 Italy 3.00 31 December 2008 120 Germany 3.00 31 December 2008 121 European Union 3.00 31 December 2008 122 Spain 3.00 31 December 2008 123 Slovenia 3.00 31 December 2008 124 Slovakia 3.00 31 December 2008 125 Portugal 3.00 31 December 2008 126 Netherlands 3.00 31 December 2008 127 Malta 3.00 31 December 2008 128 Luxembourg 3.00 31 December 2008 129 China 2.79 31 December 2008 130 Israel 2.50 31 December 2008 131 Czech Republic 2.25 31 December 2008 132 Canada 1.75 31 December 2008 133 Korea, South 1.75 31 December 2008 134 Thailand 1.25 31 December 2009 135 Oman 0.91 31 December 2008 136 United Kingdom 0.86 31 December 2008 137 United States 0.86 31 December 2008 138 Hong Kong 0.50 31 December 2008 139 Japan 0.30 31 December 2008 140 Switzerland 0.05 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2208

Country Comparison :: Commercial bank prime lending rate

This entry provides a simple average of annualized interest rates commercial banks charge on new loans, denominated in the national currency, to their most credit-worthy customers.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 578.96 31 December 2007 2 Brazil 47.25 31 December 2008 est. 3 Madagascar 45.00 31 December 2008 est. 4 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 43.15 31 December 2008 est. 5 Sao Tome and Principe 32.40 31 December 2008 est. 6 Gambia, The 27.92 31 December 2007 7 Paraguay 25.81 31 December 2008 est. 8 Malawi 25.28 31 December 2008 est. 9 Sierra Leone 24.50 31 December 2008 est. 10 Tajikistan 23.70 31 December 2008 est. 11 Peru 23.67 31 December 2008 est. 12 Venezuela 22.37 31 December 2008 est. 13 Mauritius 21.54 31 December 2008 est. 14 Georgia 21.24 31 December 2008 est. 15 Moldova 21.06 31 December 2008 est. 16 Mongolia 20.58 31 December 2008 est. 17 Uganda 20.45 31 December 2008 est. 18 Dominican Republic 19.95 31 December 2008 est. 19 Kyrgyzstan 19.86 31 December 2008 est. 20 Azerbaijan 19.76 31 December 2008 est. 21 Iraq 19.50 31 December 2008 est. 22 Argentina 19.47 31 December 2008 est. 23 Iceland 19.29 31 December 2007 24 Zambia 19.06 31 December 2008 est. 25 Mozambique 18.31 31 December 2008 est. 26 Serbia 18.11 31 December 2008 est. 27 Yemen 18.00 31 December 2008 est. 28 Honduras 17.94 31 December 2008 est. 29 Haiti 17.81 31 December 2008 est. 30 Ukraine 17.49 31 December 2008 est. 31 Colombia 17.18 31 December 2008 est. 32 Armenia 17.05 31 December 2008 est. 33 Burma 17.00 31 December 2008 est. 34 Jamaica 16.83 31 December 2008 est. 35 Botswana 16.54 31 December 2008 est. 36 Burundi 16.52 31 December 2008 est. 37 Rwanda 16.51 31 December 2008 est. 38 Bangladesh 16.38 31 December 2008 est. 39 Lesotho 16.19 31 December 2008 est. 40 Cambodia 16.01 31 December 2008 41 Sri Lanka 15.89 31 December 2008 42 Costa Rica 15.83 31 December 2008 est. 43 Nigeria 15.48 31 December 2008 est. 44 South Africa 15.13 31 December 2008 est. 45 Liberia 15.05 31 December 2007 46 Romania 14.99 31 December 2008 est. 47 Tanzania 14.98 31 December 2008 est. 48 Afghanistan 14.92 31 December 2008 est. 49 Swaziland 14.83 31 December 2008 est. 50 Guyana 14.58 31 December 2008 est. 51 Solomon Islands 14.44 31 December 2008 est. 52 Micronesia, Federated States of 14.38 31 December 2008 est. 53 Belize 14.14 31 December 2008 est. 54 Kenya 14.02 31 December 2008 est. 55 Kosovo 13.79 31 December 2008 est. 56 Namibia 13.74 31 December 2008 est. 57 Indonesia 13.60 31 December 2008 est. 58 Guatemala 13.39 31 December 2008 est. 59 India 13.31 31 December 2008 est. 60 Chile 13.26 31 December 2008 est. 61 Nicaragua 13.17 31 December 2008 est. 62 Timor-Leste 13.11 31 December 2008 est. 63 Albania 13.02 31 December 2008 est. 64 Maldives 13.00 31 December 2008 est. 65 Samoa 12.66 31 December 2008 est. 66 Angola 12.53 31 December 2008 est. 67 Tonga 12.46 31 December 2008 est. 68 Uruguay 12.45 31 December 2008 est. 69 Trinidad and Tobago 12.44 31 December 2008 est. 70 Bolivia 12.36 31 December 2009 est. 71 Egypt 12.33 31 December 2008 est. 72 Russia 12.23 31 December 2008 est. 73 New Zealand 12.21 31 December 2008 est. 74 Suriname 12.20 31 December 2008 est. 75 Iran 12.00 31 December 2008 est. 76 Latvia 11.85 31 December 2008 est. 77 Seychelles 11.81 31 December 2008 est. 78 Djibouti 11.56 31 December 2008 est. 79 Italy 11.31 31 December 2008 est. 80 Aruba 11.23 31 December 2008 est. 81 Vietnam 11.18 31 December 2007 82 Spain 11.02 31 December 2008 est. 83 Laos 11.00 30 November 2009 84 Bulgaria 10.86 31 December 2008 est. 85 Comoros 10.50 31 December 2008 est. 86 Antigua and Barbuda 10.43 31 December 2008 est. 87 Syria 10.19 31 December 2008 est. 88 Hungary 10.18 31 December 2008 est. 89 Saint Lucia 10.08 31 December 2008 est. 90 Croatia 10.07 31 December 2008 est. 91 Barbados 10.03 31 December 2008 est. 92 Cape Verde 9.99 31 December 2008 est. 93 Lebanon 9.96 31 December 2008 est. 94 Montserrat 9.89 31 December 2008 est. 95 Macedonia 9.68 31 December 2008 est. 96 Netherlands 9.66 31 December 2008 est. 97 Grenada 9.53 31 December 2008 est. 98 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9.52 31 December 2008 est. 99 Anguilla 9.51 31 December 2008 est. 100 Montenegro 9.24 31 December 2008 est. 101 Papua New Guinea 9.20 31 December 2008 est. 102 Ecuador 9.14 31 December 2008 103 Dominica 9.06 31 December 2008 est. 104 Jordan 9.03 31 December 2008 est. 105 Australia 8.91 31 December 2008 est. 106 Philippines 8.75 31 December 2008 est. 107 Saint Kitts and Nevis 8.75 31 December 2008 est. 108 Mexico 8.71 31 December 2008 est. 109 Greece 8.65 31 December 2008 est. 110 European Union 8.58 31 December 2008 est. 111 Belarus 8.55 31 December 2008 est. 112 Estonia 8.55 31 December 2008 est. 113 Lithuania 8.41 31 December 2008 est. 114 Portugal 8.35 31 December 2008 est. 115 Panama 8.16 31 December 2008 est. 116 France 8.13 31 December 2008 est. 117 Algeria 8.00 31 December 2008 est. 118 Nepal 8.00 31 December 2008 est. 119 Fiji 7.97 31 December 2008 est. 120 El Salvador 7.81 31 December 2007 121 Kuwait 7.61 31 December 2008 est. 122 Slovenia 7.41 31 December 2008 est. 123 Norway 7.28 31 December 2008 est. 124 Cyprus 7.19 31 December 2008 est. 125 West Bank 7.19 31 December 2008 est. 126 Korea, South 7.17 31 December 2008 est. 127 Oman 7.10 31 December 2008 est. 128 Belgium 7.03 31 December 2008 est. 129 Ethiopia 7.00 31 December 2006 130 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.98 31 December 2008 est. 131 Qatar 6.84 31 December 2008 est. 132 Austria 6.82 31 December 2008 est. 133 Ireland 6.76 31 December 2008 est. 134 Czech Republic 6.25 31 December 2008 est. 135 Malaysia 6.08 31 December 2008 est. 136 Israel 6.06 31 December 2008 est. 137 Libya 6.00 31 December 2007 138 Germany 5.97 31 December 2008 est. 139 Thailand 5.96 31 December 2009 140 Malta 5.89 31 December 2008 est. 141 Finland 5.79 31 December 2008 est. 142 Poland 5.72 31 December 2007 est. 143 Bahamas, The 5.50 31 December 2008 est. 144 Brunei 5.50 31 December 2008 est. 145 Macau 5.43 31 December 2008 est. 146 Singapore 5.38 31 December 2008 est. 147 China 5.31 31 December 2009 est. 148 Vanuatu 5.29 31 December 2008 est. 149 United States 5.09 31 December 2008 est. 150 Hong Kong 5.00 31 December 2008 est. 151 Canada 4.73 31 December 2008 est. 152 United Kingdom 4.63 31 December 2008 est. 153 Taiwan 4.06 31 December 2008 est. 154 Switzerland 3.34 31 December 2008 est. 155 Japan 1.91 31 December 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2209

Country Comparison :: Stock of money

Rank country Stock of money Date of Information

1 European Union $ 5,542,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 Japan $ 5,417,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 China $ 2,434,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 United States $ 1,436,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 Burma $ 622,600,000,000 31 December 2008 6 Canada $ 356,200,000,000 31 December 2008 7 India $ 278,800,000,000 31 December 2009 8 Switzerland $ 275,500,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 9 Russia $ 252,500,000,000 31 December 2008 10 Australia $ 248,500,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Sweden $ 185,400,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Denmark $ 155,600,000,000 31 December 2009 13 Hong Kong $ 127,300,000,000 31 December 2009 14 Brazil $ 125,000,000,000 30 November 2009 15 Poland $ 118,200,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Mexico $ 115,900,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 17 Saudi Arabia $ 113,600,000,000 31 December 2008 18 Czech Republic $ 86,560,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Venezuela $ 78,090,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Syria $ 73,540,000,000 31 December 2008 21 Korea, South $ 73,160,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Morocco $ 69,250,000,000 31 December 2008 23 Algeria $ 60,910,000,000 31 December 2008 24 United Arab Emirates $ 56,710,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Singapore $ 52,570,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Malaysia $ 51,510,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Iran $ 44,790,000,000 31 December 2008 28 South Africa $ 44,660,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Indonesia $ 41,710,000,000 31 December 2008 30 Turkey $ 37,100,000,000 31 December 2009 31 Thailand $ 35,350,000,000 31 December 2009 32 Nigeria $ 35,290,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Argentina $ 32,570,000,000 31 December 2008 34 Egypt $ 31,720,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Hungary $ 30,270,000,000 31 December 2009 36 Libya $ 26,660,000,000 31 December 2008 37 Iraq $ 26,100,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Vietnam $ 25,520,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Romania $ 25,300,000,000 31 December 2008 40 Colombia $ 25,010,000,000 31 December 2009 41 Ukraine $ 24,700,000,000 31 December 2009 42 Philippines $ 24,320,000,000 30 November 2009 43 New Zealand $ 20,170,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Israel $ 18,900,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Kazakhstan $ 16,120,000,000 31 December 2008 46 Kuwait $ 16,050,000,000 31 December 2009 47 Peru $ 15,480,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Chile $ 14,720,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Qatar $ 14,590,000,000 31 December 2009 50 Bulgaria $ 12,630,000,000 31 December 2009 51 Slovenia $ 10,500,000,000 30 September 2009 52 Bangladesh $ 10,350,000,000 30 September 2009 53 Tunisia $ 10,070,000,000 31 December 2009 54 Croatia $ 9,270,000,000 31 December 2009 55 Ecuador $ 9,215,000,000 31 December 2009 56 Lithuania $ 8,550,000,000 January 2010 57 Angola $ 8,446,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Jordan $ 7,781,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Latvia $ 6,688,000,000 31 December 2008 60 Azerbaijan $ 6,381,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Sudan $ 6,256,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Estonia $ 6,106,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Guatemala $ 6,106,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Kenya $ 6,068,000,000 31 December 2008 65 Oman $ 5,250,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Bahrain $ 4,997,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Ethiopia $ 4,930,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Belarus $ 4,872,000,000 31 December 2008 69 Iceland $ 4,830,000,000 30 September 2009 70 Malta $ 4,639,000,000 31 January 2008 71 Macau $ 4,550,000,000 31 December 2009 72 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,490,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Cote d'Ivoire $ 4,242,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Costa Rica $ 4,209,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Bolivia $ 3,998,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Panama $ 3,764,000,000 31 December 2008 77 Serbia $ 3,690,000,000 31 December 2009 78 Dominican Republic $ 3,619,000,000 31 December 2008 79 Yemen $ 3,489,000,000 31 October 2009 80 Brunei $ 3,374,000,000 30 March 2009 81 Lebanon $ 3,212,000,000 30 November 2009 82 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,047,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Albania $ 3,028,000,000 31 December 2008 84 Cameroon $ 2,881,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Senegal $ 2,658,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Nepal $ 2,530,000,000 31 July 2009 87 Tanzania $ 2,464,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Sri Lanka $ 2,462,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Uruguay $ 2,247,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Paraguay $ 2,062,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Papua New Guinea $ 2,005,000,000 31 December 2008 92 Namibia $ 1,983,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Congo, Republic of the $ 1,811,000,000 31 December 2008 94 Afghanistan $ 1,688,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Mauritius $ 1,680,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Gabon $ 1,643,000,000 31 December 2008 97 Barbados $ 1,637,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Honduras $ 1,633,000,000 31 December 2008 99 Benin $ 1,592,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Mali $ 1,559,000,000 31 December 2008 101 Uganda $ 1,483,000,000 31 December 2008 102 Mozambique $ 1,406,000,000 31 December 2008 103 Armenia $ 1,359,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Bahamas, The $ 1,255,000,000 31 December 2008 105 Jamaica $ 1,253,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Macedonia $ 1,224,000,000 31 December 2009 107 Madagascar $ 1,216,000,000 31 December 2008 108 Moldova $ 1,116,000,000 31 December 2008 109 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,110,000,000 31 December 2008 110 Georgia $ 1,077,000,000 31 December 2009 111 Burkina Faso $ 1,068,000,000 31 December 2008 112 Zambia $ 1,034,000,000 31 December 2008 113 Botswana $ 1,008,000,000 31 December 2008 114 Chad $ 934,900,000 31 December 2008 115 Eritrea $ 896,200,000 31 December 2008 116 Slovakia $ 847,300,000 31 December 2008 117 Montenegro $ 816,800,000 31 December 2008 118 Aruba $ 781,000,000 31 December 2008 119 Fiji $ 738,600,000 31 December 2008 120 Togo $ 712,600,000 31 December 2008 121 Laos $ 691,100,000 31 December 2009 122 Tajikistan $ 656,100,000 31 December 2008 123 Niger $ 617,900,000 31 December 2008 124 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 613,900,000 31 December 2008 125 Cambodia $ 591,700,000 31 December 2008 126 Cape Verde $ 563,400,000 31 December 2008 127 Nicaragua $ 507,500,000 31 December 2008 128 Malawi $ 502,100,000 31 December 2008 129 Suriname $ 484,700,000 31 December 2008 130 Djibouti $ 462,700,000 31 December 2008 131 Maldives $ 460,000,000 31 October 2009 132 Mongolia $ 451,400,000 31 December 2009 133 Lesotho $ 416,500,000 31 December 2008 134 Belize $ 345,700,000 31 December 2008 135 Guyana $ 344,200,000 31 December 2008 136 Cayman Islands $ 334,300,000 31 December 2008 137 Antigua and Barbuda $ 296,400,000 31 December 2008 138 Burundi $ 261,600,000 31 December 2008 139 Saint Lucia $ 261,300,000 31 December 2008 140 Central African Republic $ 241,300,000 31 December 2008 141 Rwanda $ 233,600,000 31 December 2005 142 Sierra Leone $ 219,100,000 31 December 2008 143 El Salvador $ 213,700,000 31 December 2008 144 Swaziland $ 211,800,000 31 December 2008 145 Liberia $ 206,900,000 31 December 2008 146 Gambia, The $ 192,900,000 31 December 2008 147 Seychelles $ 173,100,000 31 December 2008 148 Guinea-Bissau $ 171,200,000 31 December 2008 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 150,800,000 31 December 2008 150 Grenada $ 141,400,000 31 December 2008 151 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 107,200,000 31 December 2008 152 Timor-Leste $ 102,800,000 31 December 2008 153 Vanuatu $ 101,600,000 31 December 2008 154 Comoros $ 100,600,000 31 December 2008 155 Solomon Islands $ 86,960,000 31 December 2008 156 Dominica $ 72,100,000 31 December 2008 157 Samoa $ 60,130,000 31 December 2008 158 Tonga $ 36,160,000 31 December 2008 159 Sao Tome and Principe $ 27,840,000 31 December 2008 160 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 21,210,000 31 December 2008 161 Anguilla $ 21,120,000 31 December 2008 162 Montserrat $ 16,710,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2210

Country Comparison :: Stock of quasi money

Rank country Stock of quasi money Date of Information

1 United States $ 10,990,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 Japan $ 6,160,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 European Union $ 5,631,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 China $ 4,523,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 Canada $ 1,299,000,000,000 31 December 2008 6 India $ 853,400,000,000 31 December 2009 7 Hong Kong $ 757,600,000,000 31 December 2009 8 Brazil $ 645,000,000,000 30 November 2009 9 Taiwan $ 618,000,000,000 November 2008 10 Australia $ 617,000,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Korea, South $ 473,400,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Switzerland $ 454,200,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 13 Russia $ 318,400,000,000 31 December 2008 14 Turkey $ 313,500,000,000 31 December 2009 15 Burma $ 289,300,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Thailand $ 283,600,000,000 31 December 2009 17 Malaysia $ 200,900,000,000 31 December 2008 18 Singapore $ 179,000,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Israel $ 170,600,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Mexico $ 146,800,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 21 Saudi Arabia $ 136,400,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Indonesia $ 131,100,000,000 31 December 2008 23 United Arab Emirates $ 127,000,000,000 31 December 2008 24 South Africa $ 124,100,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Egypt $ 112,200,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Poland $ 109,000,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Denmark $ 95,820,000,000 31 December 2008 28 New Zealand $ 81,010,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Lebanon $ 77,800,000,000 30 November 2009 30 Syria $ 73,930,000,000 31 December 2008 31 Chile $ 73,660,000,000 31 December 2008 32 Iran $ 72,330,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Kuwait $ 71,790,000,000 31 December 2009 34 Vietnam $ 63,630,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Czech Republic $ 58,690,000,000 31 December 2008 36 Philippines $ 55,710,000,000 30 November 2009 37 Sweden $ 54,550,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Argentina $ 46,180,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Bangladesh $ 45,230,000,000 30 September 2009 40 Qatar $ 44,500,000,000 31 December 2009 41 Ukraine $ 41,500,000,000 31 December 2009 42 Hungary $ 40,700,000,000 31 December 2009 43 Romania $ 36,090,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Kazakhstan $ 35,760,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Croatia $ 34,570,000,000 31 December 2009 46 Nigeria $ 32,040,000,000 31 December 2008 47 Algeria $ 30,360,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Colombia $ 26,570,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Peru $ 25,270,000,000 31 December 2008 50 Slovakia $ 23,150,000,000 31 December 2008 51 Macau $ 22,680,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 52 Bulgaria $ 20,610,000,000 31 December 2009 53 Jordan $ 19,040,000,000 31 December 2008 54 Morocco $ 18,980,000,000 31 December 2008 55 Tunisia $ 16,550,000,000 31 December 2009 56 Slovenia $ 15,900,000,000 30 September 2009 57 Panama $ 15,840,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Oman $ 14,570,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Serbia $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2009 60 Bahrain $ 12,710,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Sri Lanka $ 11,010,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Venezuela $ 10,690,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Angola $ 10,410,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Ecuador $ 9,790,000,000 31 December 2009 65 Guatemala $ 9,700,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Uruguay $ 9,409,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Belarus $ 8,784,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Malta $ 8,771,000,000 31 January 2008 est. 69 Lithuania $ 8,731,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 70 Brunei $ 8,151,000,000 30 March 2009 71 Nepal $ 7,490,000,000 1 April 2009 72 Mauritius $ 6,914,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Trinidad and Tobago $ 6,795,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Bolivia $ 6,339,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Albania $ 6,251,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Yemen $ 6,077,000,000 31 October 2009 77 Dominican Republic $ 5,902,000,000 31 December 2008 78 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 5,614,000,000 31 December 2008 79 Honduras $ 5,574,000,000 31 December 2008 80 Latvia $ 5,572,000,000 31 December 2008 81 Estonia $ 5,478,000,000 31 December 2008 82 Kenya $ 5,468,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Iraq $ 5,415,000,000 31 December 2008 84 West Bank $ 5,251,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Cayman Islands $ 5,230,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Bahamas, The $ 4,637,000,000 31 December 2008 87 Libya $ 4,264,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Sudan $ 4,264,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Jamaica $ 4,244,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Botswana $ 4,183,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Azerbaijan $ 4,125,000,000 31 December 2008 92 Barbados $ 3,701,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Ethiopia $ 3,603,000,000 31 December 2008 94 Iceland $ 3,440,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Tanzania $ 3,362,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Cambodia $ 3,197,000,000 31 December 2009 97 Costa Rica $ 3,143,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Macedonia $ 3,132,000,000 31 December 2009 99 Cote d'Ivoire $ 2,117,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Moldova $ 1,928,000,000 31 December 2008 101 Nicaragua $ 1,810,000,000 31 December 2008 102 Cameroon $ 1,756,000,000 31 December 2008 103 Mozambique $ 1,752,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Papua New Guinea $ 1,726,000,000 31 December 2008 105 Zambia $ 1,618,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Georgia $ 1,606,000,000 31 December 2008 107 Paraguay $ 1,599,000,000 31 December 2008 108 Senegal $ 1,599,000,000 31 December 2008 109 Mongolia $ 1,545,000,000 31 December 2009 110 Uganda $ 1,485,000,000 31 December 2008 111 Montenegro $ 1,406,000,000 31 December 2008 112 Afghanistan $ 1,219,000,000 31 December 2008 113 Namibia $ 1,158,000,000 31 December 2008 114 Laos $ 1,080,000,000 31 December 2009 115 Eritrea $ 1,053,000,000 31 December 2008 116 Suriname $ 1,018,000,000 31 December 2008 117 Fiji $ 1,012,000,000 31 December 2008 118 Armenia $ 950,100,000 31 December 2008 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 947,800,000 31 December 2008 120 Antigua and Barbuda $ 939,900,000 31 December 2008 121 Aruba $ 890,300,000 31 December 2008 122 Guyana $ 817,600,000 31 December 2008 123 Saint Lucia $ 800,100,000 31 December 2008 124 El Salvador $ 788,700,000 31 December 2008 125 Gabon $ 777,800,000 31 December 2008 126 Burkina Faso $ 751,300,000 31 December 2008 127 Benin $ 742,800,000 31 December 2008 128 Cape Verde $ 721,300,000 31 December 2008 129 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 680,600,000 31 December 2008 130 Madagascar $ 667,200,000 31 December 2008 131 Belize $ 653,800,000 31 December 2008 132 Grenada $ 578,100,000 31 December 2008 133 Mali $ 561,000,000 31 December 2008 134 Malawi $ 491,100,000 31 December 2008 135 Maldives $ 488,000,000 31 October 2009 136 Anguilla $ 449,500,000 31 December 2008 137 Swaziland $ 441,500,000 31 December 2008 138 Vanuatu $ 430,000,000 31 December 2008 139 Togo $ 414,900,000 31 December 2008 140 Djibouti $ 338,000,000 31 December 2008 141 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 302,700,000 31 December 2008 142 Dominica $ 289,900,000 31 December 2008 143 Congo, Republic of the $ 268,400,000 31 December 2008 144 Tajikistan $ 235,300,000 31 December 2008 145 Rwanda $ 227,400,000 31 December 2005 146 Niger $ 226,800,000 31 December 2008 147 Sierra Leone $ 215,200,000 31 December 2008 148 Burundi $ 189,900,000 31 December 2008 149 Seychelles $ 185,200,000 31 December 2008 150 Gambia, The $ 176,200,000 31 December 2008 151 Samoa $ 162,800,000 31 December 2008 152 Equatorial Guinea $ 132,100,000 31 December 2008 153 Lesotho $ 108,100,000 31 December 2008 154 Tonga $ 100,700,000 31 December 2008 155 Solomon Islands $ 96,790,000 31 December 2008 156 Timor-Leste $ 89,880,000 31 December 2008 157 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 76,800,000 31 December 2008 158 Liberia $ 65,360,000 31 December 2008 159 Chad $ 63,420,000 31 December 2008 160 Central African Republic $ 51,650,000 31 December 2008 161 Montserrat $ 45,420,000 31 December 2008 162 Comoros $ 41,740,000 31 December 2008 163 Sao Tome and Principe $ 36,950,000 31 December 2008 164 Guinea-Bissau $ 17,990,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2211

Country Comparison :: Stock of domestic credit

This entry is the total quantity of credit, denominated in the domestic currency, provided by financial institutions to the central bank, state and local governments, public non-financial corporations, and the private sector. The national currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate on the date of the information.

Rank country Stock of domestic credit Date of Information

1 United States $ 32,610,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 2 European Union $ 22,650,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 3 Japan $ 16,390,000,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 4 China $ 8,156,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 5,200,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 6 United Kingdom $ 5,151,000,000,000 31 December 2009 7 France $ 4,319,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 8 Spain $ 3,683,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 9 Italy $ 3,274,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 10 Canada $ 2,963,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Brazil $ 2,104,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Netherlands $ 2,083,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 13 Australia $ 1,731,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 India $ 1,164,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Korea, South $ 1,057,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Switzerland $ 992,600,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 17 Belgium $ 801,100,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 18 Ireland $ 745,700,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 19 Taiwan $ 661,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Austria $ 659,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 21 Sweden $ 640,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Denmark $ 636,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Portugal $ 556,300,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 24 Russia $ 549,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Greece $ 419,900,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 26 Norway $ 414,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Turkey $ 401,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Luxembourg $ 395,100,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 29 Hong Kong $ 374,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Mexico $ 342,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Thailand $ 336,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 South Africa $ 328,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Malaysia $ 314,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 United Arab Emirates $ 290,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Poland $ 288,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Finland $ 259,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 37 Indonesia $ 253,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 New Zealand $ 206,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Singapore $ 199,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Israel $ 169,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Chile $ 153,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Egypt $ 145,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Iran $ 132,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Vietnam $ 132,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Colombia $ 123,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Czech Republic $ 119,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Argentina $ 113,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Ukraine $ 110,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Cyprus $ 101,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 50 Hungary $ 99,060,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Kuwait $ 96,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Philippines $ 95,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Morocco $ 93,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Romania $ 77,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Nigeria $ 77,430,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Pakistan $ 71,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Qatar $ 70,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Slovakia $ 65,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Lebanon $ 62,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Bangladesh $ 62,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Libya $ 55,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Venezuela $ 54,220,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Slovenia $ 52,670,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 64 Croatia $ 48,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Iceland $ 46,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Kazakhstan $ 44,530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Bulgaria $ 34,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Tunisia $ 31,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Peru $ 28,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Latvia $ 27,590,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Syria $ 27,140,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Jordan $ 26,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Lithuania $ 25,350,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Panama $ 23,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Oman $ 22,050,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Iraq $ 21,940,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 77 Dominican Republic $ 21,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Belarus $ 19,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Estonia $ 18,940,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Serbia $ 18,880,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Bahrain $ 18,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Sri Lanka $ 18,340,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Angola $ 17,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Costa Rica $ 15,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Guatemala $ 15,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 Ecuador $ 14,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Kenya $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Malta $ 13,690,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Algeria $ 12,290,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 90 Saudi Arabia $ 11,240,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Uruguay $ 10,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Mauritius $ 10,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Sudan $ 10,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 10,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 El Salvador $ 10,010,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Nepal $ 9,000,000,000 July 2010 97 Ethiopia $ 8,661,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Burma $ 8,552,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Bolivia $ 8,314,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 100 Azerbaijan $ 8,135,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 101 Bahamas, The $ 7,993,000,000 31 December 2009 102 Jamaica $ 7,922,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 San Marino $ 7,875,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Albania $ 7,701,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Honduras $ 7,581,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 106 Ghana $ 7,155,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 107 Uzbekistan $ 6,482,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,448,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 109 Yemen $ 5,297,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Namibia $ 5,122,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 111 Barbados $ 4,554,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 112 Paraguay $ 4,395,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 113 Nicaragua $ 4,083,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Macedonia $ 4,001,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Senegal $ 3,516,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Montenegro $ 3,290,000,000 31 December 2009 117 Georgia $ 3,243,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 118 Zambia $ 2,992,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Trinidad and Tobago $ 2,924,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 120 Eritrea $ 2,919,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Papua New Guinea $ 2,796,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Mozambique $ 2,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 123 Cambodia $ 2,195,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Moldova $ 2,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Turkmenistan $ 2,089,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 126 Uganda $ 1,882,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 127 Armenia $ 1,821,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 128 West Bank $ 1,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 129 Malawi $ 1,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 130 Macau $ 1,717,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 131 Mongolia $ 1,664,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 132 Haiti $ 1,632,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 133 Congo, Republic of the $ 1,580,000,000 31 December 2009 134 Laos $ 1,562,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 135 Maldives $ 1,548,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 136 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,534,000,000 31 December 2009 137 Saint Lucia $ 1,378,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 138 Burkina Faso $ 1,373,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 139 Botswana $ 1,361,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 140 Aruba $ 1,333,000,000 31 December 2009 141 Belize $ 1,291,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 142 Brunei $ 1,274,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 143 Benin $ 1,222,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 144 Tajikistan $ 1,209,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 145 Liberia $ 1,202,000,000 31 December 2008 146 Cape Verde $ 1,179,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 147 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,130,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 148 Gabon $ 1,074,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 149 Madagascar $ 1,020,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 150 Mali $ 994,900,000 31 December 2009 151 Chad $ 943,800,000 31 December 2010 est. 152 Cameroon $ 848,800,000 31 December 2010 est. 153 Togo $ 817,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 154 Suriname $ 793,100,000 31 December 2008 est. 155 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 790,800,000 31 December 2008 est. 156 Guyana $ 754,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 157 Guinea $ 734,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 158 Niger $ 683,600,000 31 December 2009 159 Seychelles $ 678,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 160 Grenada $ 658,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 161 Rwanda $ 600,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 162 Anguilla $ 529,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 163 Kyrgyzstan $ 505,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 164 Burundi $ 465,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 165 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 417,400,000 31 December 2008 est. 166 Afghanistan $ 363,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 167 Central African Republic $ 357,600,000 31 December 2009 168 Djibouti $ 339,000,000 31 December 2009 169 Gambia, The $ 293,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 170 Vanuatu $ 274,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 171 Swaziland $ 258,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 172 Samoa $ 243,000,000 31 December 2009 173 Solomon Islands $ 221,900,000 31 December 2008 est. 174 Dominica $ 213,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 175 Sierra Leone $ 178,400,000 31 December 2009 176 Lesotho $ 177,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 177 Tonga $ 149,200,000 31 December 2008 est. 178 Timor-Leste $ 127,100,000 31 December 2008 est. 179 Comoros $ 79,750,000 31 December 2008 est. 180 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 65,680,000 31 December 2009 181 Guinea-Bissau $ 42,560,000 31 December 2009 182 Sao Tome and Principe $ 17,140,000 31 December 2010 est. 183 Montserrat $ 9,930,000 31 December 2008 est. 184 Tanzania $ 4,163,000 31 December 2010 est. 185 Zimbabwe $ 1,186,000 31 December 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2212

Country Comparison :: Urbanization

This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Anguilla 100.00 NA 2 Bermuda 100.00 NA 3 Gibraltar 100.00 NA 4 Cayman Islands 100.00 NA 5 Hong Kong 100.00 NA 6 Macau 100.00 NA 7 Monaco 100.00 NA 8 Nauru 100.00 NA 9 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 NA 10 Singapore 100.00 NA 11 Kuwait 98.00 NA 12 Puerto Rico 98.00 NA 13 Belgium 97.00 NA 14 Qatar 96.00 NA 15 Virgin Islands 95.00 NA 16 Malta 94.00 NA 17 San Marino 94.00 NA 18 Venezuela 93.00 NA 19 American Samoa 92.00 NA 20 Argentina 92.00 NA 21 Uruguay 92.00 NA 22 Turks and Caicos Islands 92.00 NA 23 Israel 92.00 NA 24 Iceland 92.00 NA 25 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 92.00 NA 26 Northern Mariana Islands 91.00 NA 27 United Kingdom 90.00 NA 28 Andorra 89.00 NA 29 Bahrain 89.00 NA 30 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 89.00 NA 31 Australia 89.00 NA 32 Chile 88.00 NA 33 Denmark 87.00 NA 34 New Zealand 87.00 NA 35 Lebanon 87.00 NA 36 Djibouti 87.00 NA 37 Brazil 86.00 NA 38 Gabon 85.00 NA 39 Sweden 85.00 NA 40 Bahamas, The 84.00 NA 41 Greenland 84.00 NA 42 Luxembourg 82.00 NA 43 Netherlands 82.00 NA 44 United States 82.00 NA 45 Saudi Arabia 82.00 NA 46 Korea, South 81.00 NA 47 Palau 81.00 NA 48 Western Sahara 81.00 NA 49 Canada 80.00 NA 50 Jordan 78.00 NA 51 Libya 78.00 NA 52 United Arab Emirates 78.00 NA 53 France 77.00 NA 54 Mexico 77.00 NA 55 Spain 77.00 NA 56 Norway 77.00 NA 57 Cuba 76.00 NA 58 Brunei 75.00 NA 59 Suriname 75.00 NA 60 Colombia 74.00 NA 61 Cook Islands 74.00 NA 62 Germany 74.00 NA 63 Dominica 74.00 NA 64 Belarus 73.00 NA 65 Switzerland 73.00 NA 66 Russia 73.00 NA 67 Panama 73.00 NA 68 Czech Republic 73.00 NA 69 Gaza Strip 72.00 NA 70 Oman 72.00 NA 71 West Bank 72.00 NA 72 Bulgaria 71.00 NA 73 Marshall Islands 71.00 NA 74 Peru 71.00 NA 75 Cyprus 70.00 NA 76 Malaysia 70.00 NA 77 Dominican Republic 69.00 NA 78 Estonia 69.00 NA 79 Turkey 69.00 NA 80 Hungary 68.00 NA 81 Latvia 68.00 NA 82 Ukraine 68.00 NA 83 Iran 68.00 NA 84 Italy 68.00 NA 85 Austria 67.00 NA 86 Iraq 67.00 NA 87 Macedonia 67.00 NA 88 Tunisia 67.00 NA 89 Lithuania 67.00 NA 90 Bolivia 66.00 NA 91 Ecuador 66.00 NA 92 Japan 66.00 NA 93 Algeria 65.00 NA 94 Philippines 65.00 NA 95 New Caledonia 65.00 NA 96 Armenia 64.00 NA 97 Costa Rica 63.00 NA 98 Finland 63.00 NA 99 Korea, North 63.00 NA 100 Congo, Republic of the 61.00 NA 101 Greece 61.00 NA 102 Ireland 61.00 NA 103 South Africa 61.00 NA 104 Sao Tome and Principe 61.00 NA 105 Poland 61.00 NA 106 El Salvador 61.00 NA 107 Botswana 60.00 NA 108 Cape Verde 60.00 NA 109 Liberia 60.00 NA 110 Paraguay 60.00 NA 111 Montenegro 60.00 NA 112 Portugal 59.00 NA 113 Kazakhstan 58.00 NA 114 Angola 57.00 NA 115 Croatia 57.00 NA 116 Nicaragua 57.00 NA 117 Mongolia 57.00 NA 118 Gambia, The 57.00 NA 119 Cameroon 57.00 NA 120 Morocco 56.00 NA 121 Slovakia 56.00 NA 122 Romania 54.00 NA 123 Syria 54.00 NA 124 Seychelles 54.00 NA 125 Georgia 53.00 NA 126 Jamaica 53.00 NA 127 Azerbaijan 52.00 NA 128 Belize 52.00 NA 129 Fiji 52.00 NA 130 French Polynesia 52.00 NA 131 Indonesia 52.00 NA 132 Serbia 52.00 NA 133 Isle of Man 51.00 NA 134 Ghana 50.00 NA 135 Cote d'Ivoire 49.00 NA 136 Guatemala 49.00 NA 137 Turkmenistan 49.00 NA 138 Tuvalu 49.00 NA 139 Honduras 48.00 NA 140 Nigeria 48.00 NA 141 Slovenia 48.00 NA 142 Albania 47.00 NA 143 Aruba 47.00 NA 144 Bosnia and Herzegovina 47.00 NA 145 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 47.00 NA 146 Haiti 47.00 NA 147 Kiribati 44.00 NA 148 China 43.00 NA 149 Egypt 43.00 NA 150 Sudan 43.00 NA 151 Mauritius 42.00 NA 152 Togo 42.00 NA 153 Senegal 42.00 NA 154 Moldova 42.00 NA 155 Benin 41.00 NA 156 Faroe Islands 41.00 NA 157 Mauritania 41.00 NA 158 Barbados 40.00 NA 159 British Virgin Islands 40.00 NA 160 Central African Republic 39.00 NA 161 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha39.00 NA 162 Niue 39.00 NA 163 Equatorial Guinea 39.00 NA 164 Maldives 38.00 NA 165 Sierra Leone 38.00 NA 166 Mozambique 37.00 NA 167 Uzbekistan 37.00 NA 168 Zimbabwe 37.00 NA 169 Namibia 37.00 NA 170 Somalia 37.00 NA 171 Kyrgyzstan 36.00 NA 172 Pakistan 36.00 NA 173 Bhutan 35.00 NA 174 Zambia 35.00 NA 175 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 34.00 NA 176 Guinea 34.00 NA 177 Burma 33.00 NA 178 Thailand 33.00 NA 179 Mali 32.00 NA 180 Saint Kitts and Nevis 32.00 NA 181 Grenada 31.00 NA 182 Jersey 31.00 NA 183 Laos 31.00 NA 184 Yemen 31.00 NA 185 Guernsey 31.00 NA 186 Antigua and Barbuda 30.00 NA 187 Guinea-Bissau 30.00 NA 188 India 29.00 NA 189 Madagascar 29.00 NA 190 Comoros 28.00 NA 191 Vietnam 28.00 NA 192 Guyana 28.00 NA 193 Saint Lucia 28.00 NA 194 Bangladesh 27.00 NA 195 Timor-Leste 27.00 NA 196 Chad 27.00 NA 197 Tajikistan 26.00 NA 198 Lesotho 25.00 NA 199 Swaziland 25.00 NA 200 Vanuatu 25.00 NA 201 Tonga 25.00 NA 202 Tanzania 25.00 NA 203 Afghanistan 24.00 NA 204 Samoa 23.00 NA 205 Cambodia 22.00 NA 206 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.00 NA 207 Kenya 22.00 NA 208 Eritrea 21.00 NA 209 Burkina Faso 20.00 NA 210 Malawi 19.00 NA 211 Rwanda 18.00 NA 212 Solomon Islands 18.00 NA 213 Ethiopia 17.00 NA 214 Nepal 17.00 NA 215 Niger 16.00 NA 216 Sri Lanka 15.00 NA 217 Liechtenstein 14.00 NA 218 Montserrat 14.00 NA 219 Trinidad and Tobago 13.00 NA 220 Uganda 13.00 NA 221 Papua New Guinea 12.00 NA 222 Burundi 10.00 NA 223 Burundi 6.80 NA 224 Laos 5.60 NA 225 Liberia 5.60 NA 226 Afghanistan 5.40 NA 227 Eritrea 5.40 NA 228 Maldives 5.30 NA 229 Malawi 5.20 NA 230 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.10 NA 231 Burkina Faso 5.00 NA 232 Timor-Leste 5.00 NA 233 Bhutan 4.90 NA 234 Nepal 4.90 NA 235 Yemen 4.90 NA 236 Mali 4.80 NA 237 Chad 4.70 NA 238 Cambodia 4.60 NA 239 Haiti 4.50 NA 240 Angola 4.40 NA 241 Uganda 4.40 NA 242 Ethiopia 4.30 NA 243 Togo 4.30 NA 244 Sudan 4.30 NA 245 Gambia, The 4.20 NA 246 Somalia 4.20 NA 247 Tanzania 4.20 NA 248 Rwanda 4.20 NA 249 Mozambique 4.10 NA 250 Vanuatu 4.10 NA 251 Solomon Islands 4.10 NA 252 Benin 4.00 NA 253 Kenya 4.00 NA 254 Western Sahara 4.00 NA 255 Niger 4.00 NA 256 Madagascar 3.80 NA 257 Nigeria 3.80 NA 258 Bangladesh 3.50 NA 259 Cape Verde 3.50 NA 260 Lesotho 3.50 NA 261 Guinea 3.50 NA 262 Ghana 3.50 NA 263 Cameroon 3.50 NA 264 Guatemala 3.40 NA 265 Gaza Strip 3.30 NA 266 West Bank 3.30 NA 267 Indonesia 3.30 NA 268 Cote d'Ivoire 3.20 NA 269 Guinea-Bissau 3.20 NA 270 Belize 3.10 NA 271 Jordan 3.10 NA 272 Syria 3.10 NA 273 Vietnam 3.10 NA 274 Senegal 3.10 NA 275 Malaysia 3.00 NA 276 Pakistan 3.00 NA 277 Sao Tome and Principe 3.00 NA 278 Philippines 3.00 NA 279 Mauritania 3.00 NA 280 Burma 2.90 NA 281 Trinidad and Tobago 2.90 NA 282 United Arab Emirates 2.90 NA 283 Sierra Leone 2.90 NA 284 Namibia 2.90 NA 285 Honduras 2.90 NA 286 Equatorial Guinea 2.80 NA 287 Paraguay 2.80 NA 288 China 2.70 NA 289 Congo, Republic of the 2.70 NA 290 Marshall Islands 2.70 NA 291 Comoros 2.70 NA 292 Panama 2.70 NA 293 Brunei 2.60 NA 294 Dominican Republic 2.60 NA 295 Algeria 2.50 NA 296 Bolivia 2.50 NA 297 Botswana 2.50 NA 298 Saudi Arabia 2.50 NA 299 Kuwait 2.50 NA 300 American Samoa 2.40 NA 301 India 2.40 NA 302 Central African Republic 2.30 NA 303 Costa Rica 2.30 NA 304 Zambia 2.30 NA 305 Djibouti 2.20 NA 306 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.20 NA 307 Zimbabwe 2.20 NA 308 Turkmenistan 2.20 NA 309 Qatar 2.20 NA 310 Ireland 2.20 NA 311 Libya 2.20 NA 312 Montserrat 2.20 NA 313 Ecuador 2.10 NA 314 Gabon 2.10 NA 315 Iran 2.10 NA 316 Northern Mariana Islands 2.10 NA 317 New Caledonia 2.10 NA 318 Faroe Islands 2.00 NA 319 Oman 2.00 NA 320 Venezuela 2.00 NA 321 Albania 1.90 NA 322 Papua New Guinea 1.90 NA 323 Turkey 1.90 NA 324 El Salvador 1.90 NA 325 Bahrain 1.80 NA 326 Palau 1.80 NA 327 Nicaragua 1.80 NA 328 Morocco 1.80 NA 329 Kiribati 1.80 NA 330 Brazil 1.80 NA 331 Egypt 1.80 NA 332 British Virgin Islands 1.70 NA 333 Colombia 1.70 NA 334 Tunisia 1.70 NA 335 Thailand 1.70 NA 336 Swaziland 1.70 NA 337 Samoa 1.70 NA 338 Israel 1.70 NA 339 Iraq 1.70 NA 340 Fiji 1.60 NA 341 Uzbekistan 1.60 NA 342 Tonga 1.60 NA 343 Tajikistan 1.60 NA 344 Kyrgyzstan 1.60 NA 345 Barbados 1.50 NA 346 Cayman Islands 1.50 NA 347 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.50 NA 348 Mexico 1.50 NA 349 Anguilla 1.40 NA 350 South Africa 1.40 NA 351 Seychelles 1.40 NA 352 Saint Lucia 1.40 NA 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.40 NA 354 Bahamas, The 1.40 NA 355 Portugal 1.40 NA 356 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.40 NA 357 Chile 1.30 NA 358 Peru 1.30 NA 359 French Polynesia 1.30 NA 360 Tuvalu 1.30 NA 361 United States 1.30 NA 362 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.30 NA 363 Cyprus 1.30 NA 364 Argentina 1.20 NA 365 Singapore 1.20 NA 366 Mongolia 1.20 NA 367 Lebanon 1.20 NA 368 Kazakhstan 1.20 NA 369 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.20 NA 370 Australia 1.20 NA 371 Azerbaijan 1.00 NA 372 Hong Kong 1.00 NA 373 Luxembourg 1.00 NA 374 Suriname 1.00 NA 375 New Zealand 1.00 NA 376 Canada 1.00 NA 377 Antigua and Barbuda 0.90 NA 378 Jamaica 0.90 NA 379 San Marino 0.90 NA 380 Spain 0.90 NA 381 Netherlands 0.90 NA 382 Mauritius 0.90 NA 383 Korea, North 0.90 NA 384 Greenland 0.90 NA 385 Finland 0.80 NA 386 Puerto Rico 0.80 NA 387 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.80 NA 388 Macedonia 0.80 NA 389 Iceland 0.80 NA 390 France 0.80 NA 391 Austria 0.70 NA 392 Macau 0.70 NA 393 Norway 0.70 NA 394 Greece 0.60 NA 395 Guernsey 0.60 NA 396 Malta 0.60 NA 397 Korea, South 0.60 NA 398 Jersey 0.60 NA 399 Denmark 0.50 NA 400 Liechtenstein 0.50 NA 401 Sri Lanka 0.50 NA 402 Switzerland 0.50 NA 403 United Kingdom 0.50 NA 404 Sweden 0.50 NA 405 Serbia 0.50 NA 406 Croatia 0.40 NA 407 Uruguay 0.40 NA 408 Italy 0.40 NA 409 Belgium 0.30 NA 410 Bermuda 0.30 NA 411 Nauru 0.30 NA 412 Monaco 0.30 NA 413 Hungary 0.30 NA 414 Grenada 0.30 NA 415 Dominica 0.20 NA 416 Slovakia 0.20 NA 417 Japan 0.20 NA 418 Virgin Islands 0.20 NA 419 Aruba 0.10 NA 420 Germany 0.10 NA 421 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.10 NA 422 Gibraltar 0.10 NA 423 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.10 NA 424 Belarus 0.00 NA 425 Czech Republic 0.00 NA 426 Guyana 0.00 NA 427 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 428 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 429 Tokelau 0.00 NA 430 Tokelau 0.00 NA 431 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 432 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 433 Cuba 0.00 NA 434 Romania -0.10 NA 435 Andorra -0.20 NA 436 Isle of Man -0.20 NA 437 Niue -0.20 NA 438 Armenia -0.30 NA 439 Bulgaria -0.30 NA 440 Poland -0.30 NA 441 Estonia -0.30 NA 442 Lithuania -0.40 NA 443 Latvia -0.50 NA 444 Russia -0.50 NA 445 Georgia -0.60 NA 446 Slovenia -0.60 NA 447 Cook Islands -0.70 NA 448 Ukraine -0.70 NA 449 Montenegro -0.80 NA 450 Moldova -1.50 NA

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

Rank code: 2213

Country Comparison :: Broadcast media

This entry provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services.

Rank country Broadcast media Date of Information

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

Rank code: 2214

Country Comparison :: Stock of narrow money

This entry, also know as "M1," comprises the total quantity of currency in circulation (notes and coins) plus demand deposits denominated in the national currency held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy, measured at a specific point in time. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. Narrow money consists of more liquid assets than broad money and the assets generally function as a "medium of exchange" for an economy.

Rank country Stock of narrow money Date of Information

1 World $ 22,400,000,000,000 NA 2 European Union $ 5,542,000,000,000 NA 3 Japan $ 5,541,000,000,000 NA 4 China $ 3,838,000,000,000 NA 5 United States $ 1,740,000,000,000 NA 6 Germany $ 1,627,000,000,000 NA 7 Italy $ 1,234,000,000,000 NA 8 France $ 858,600,000,000 NA 9 Spain $ 849,200,000,000 NA 10 Canada $ 560,800,000,000 NA 11 Switzerland $ 384,200,000,000 NA 12 Netherlands $ 368,100,000,000 NA 13 Australia $ 347,100,000,000 NA 14 Taiwan $ 331,700,000,000 NA 15 India $ 328,400,000,000 NA 16 Russia $ 269,100,000,000 NA 17 Sweden $ 225,000,000,000 NA 18 Austria $ 173,400,000,000 NA 19 Belgium $ 172,900,000,000 NA 20 Saudi Arabia $ 166,900,000,000 NA 21 Brazil $ 165,800,000,000 NA 22 Greece $ 152,800,000,000 NA 23 Denmark $ 148,100,000,000 NA 24 Poland $ 138,700,000,000 NA 25 Mexico $ 135,700,000,000 NA 26 Ireland $ 127,700,000,000 NA 27 Norway $ 122,200,000,000 NA 28 Luxembourg $ 120,800,000,000 NA 29 Finland $ 108,000,000,000 NA 30 Korea, South $ 101,900,000,000 NA 31 Portugal $ 98,230,000,000 NA 32 Czech Republic $ 96,820,000,000 NA 33 United Kingdom $ 88,620,000,000 NA 34 Hong Kong $ 84,880,000,000 NA 35 Singapore $ 80,500,000,000 NA 36 Algeria $ 79,070,000,000 NA 37 Venezuela $ 69,360,000,000 NA 38 Malaysia $ 69,030,000,000 NA 39 United Arab Emirates $ 68,760,000,000 NA 40 Morocco $ 67,330,000,000 NA 41 South Africa $ 65,870,000,000 NA 42 Indonesia $ 65,470,000,000 NA 43 Pakistan $ 59,750,000,000 NA 44 Turkey $ 57,020,000,000 NA 45 Iran $ 50,370,000,000 NA 46 Argentina $ 41,660,000,000 NA 47 Nigeria $ 40,410,000,000 NA 48 Thailand $ 38,000,000,000 NA 49 Egypt $ 37,800,000,000 NA 50 Iraq $ 35,690,000,000 NA 51 Ukraine $ 34,970,000,000 NA 52 Slovakia $ 34,370,000,000 NA 53 Vietnam $ 33,760,000,000 NA 54 Colombia $ 31,830,000,000 NA 55 Philippines $ 30,090,000,000 NA 56 Libya $ 29,850,000,000 NA 57 Chile $ 29,810,000,000 NA 58 Hungary $ 28,670,000,000 NA 59 Israel $ 27,580,000,000 NA 60 Romania $ 24,390,000,000 NA 61 New Zealand $ 24,150,000,000 NA 62 Syria $ 21,600,000,000 NA 63 Kazakhstan $ 20,910,000,000 NA 64 Peru $ 20,530,000,000 NA 65 Kuwait $ 18,120,000,000 NA 66 Qatar $ 15,980,000,000 NA 67 Bangladesh $ 13,980,000,000 NA 68 Bulgaria $ 12,700,000,000 NA 69 Cuba $ 11,570,000,000 NA 70 Tunisia $ 11,490,000,000 NA 71 Slovenia $ 10,470,000,000 NA 72 Jordan $ 9,386,000,000 NA 73 Lithuania $ 8,917,000,000 NA 74 Angola $ 8,740,000,000 NA 75 Croatia $ 8,720,000,000 NA 76 Sudan $ 7,713,000,000 NA 77 Azerbaijan $ 7,340,000,000 NA 78 Oman $ 7,257,000,000 NA 79 Guatemala $ 6,600,000,000 NA 80 Bahrain $ 6,372,000,000 NA 81 Kenya $ 6,333,000,000 NA 82 Ghana $ 6,260,000,000 NA 83 Ecuador $ 6,198,000,000 NA 84 Latvia $ 5,769,000,000 NA 85 Estonia $ 5,345,000,000 NA 86 Malta $ 5,195,000,000 NA 87 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,094,000,000 NA 88 Panama $ 5,040,000,000 NA 89 Burma $ 4,907,000,000 NA 90 Uzbekistan $ 4,895,000,000 NA 91 Ethiopia $ 4,764,000,000 NA 92 Belarus $ 4,747,000,000 NA 93 Dominican Republic $ 4,734,000,000 NA 94 Costa Rica $ 4,504,000,000 NA 95 Iceland $ 4,413,000,000 NA 96 Sri Lanka $ 4,400,000,000 NA 97 Bolivia $ 4,374,000,000 NA 98 Cyprus $ 4,341,000,000 NA 99 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,098,000,000 NA 100 Afghanistan $ 3,943,000,000 NA 101 Macau $ 3,831,000,000 NA 102 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,734,000,000 NA 103 Uruguay $ 3,706,000,000 NA 104 Lebanon $ 3,692,000,000 NA 105 Serbia $ 3,554,000,000 NA 106 Yemen $ 3,551,000,000 NA 107 Tanzania $ 3,394,000,000 NA 108 Brunei $ 3,374,000,000 NA 109 Namibia $ 3,049,000,000 NA 110 Nepal $ 3,030,000,000 NA 111 Cameroon $ 2,888,000,000 NA 112 Senegal $ 2,800,000,000 NA 113 Albania $ 2,708,000,000 NA 114 Mozambique $ 2,657,000,000 NA 115 Paraguay $ 2,600,000,000 NA 116 Papua New Guinea $ 2,551,000,000 NA 117 El Salvador $ 2,534,000,000 NA 118 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,403,000,000 NA 119 Uganda $ 1,997,000,000 NA 120 Mauritius $ 1,889,000,000 NA 121 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,860,000,000 NA 122 Gabon $ 1,835,000,000 NA 123 Barbados $ 1,793,000,000 NA 124 Mali $ 1,758,000,000 NA 125 Benin $ 1,551,000,000 NA 126 Jamaica $ 1,432,000,000 NA 127 Burkina Faso $ 1,416,000,000 NA 128 Eritrea $ 1,382,000,000 NA 129 Honduras $ 1,296,000,000 NA 130 Bahamas, The $ 1,284,000,000 NA 131 Nicaragua $ 1,273,000,000 NA 132 Zambia $ 1,234,000,000 NA 133 Madagascar $ 1,233,000,000 NA 134 Moldova $ 1,221,000,000 NA 135 Georgia $ 1,175,000,000 NA 136 Botswana $ 1,146,000,000 NA 137 Macedonia $ 1,146,000,000 NA 138 Armenia $ 1,131,000,000 NA 139 Chad $ 920,900,000 NA 140 Aruba $ 865,000,000 NA 141 Tajikistan $ 863,000,000 NA 142 Cambodia $ 850,700,000 NA 143 Montenegro $ 816,800,000 NA 144 Haiti $ 787,200,000 NA 145 Niger $ 782,600,000 NA 146 Togo $ 754,500,000 NA 147 Fiji $ 748,000,000 NA 148 Kyrgyzstan $ 714,900,000 NA 149 Lesotho $ 653,300,000 NA 150 Laos $ 630,000,000 NA 151 Malawi $ 626,500,000 NA 152 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 613,900,000 NA 153 Suriname $ 608,000,000 NA 154 Rwanda $ 602,300,000 NA 155 Cape Verde $ 585,000,000 NA 156 Djibouti $ 577,800,000 NA 157 Turkmenistan $ 573,000,000 NA 158 Guinea $ 496,200,000 NA 159 Maldives $ 460,000,000 NA 160 Mongolia $ 451,400,000 NA 161 Belize $ 389,500,000 NA 162 Guyana $ 386,900,000 NA 163 Swaziland $ 335,700,000 NA 164 Bhutan $ 335,000,000 NA 165 Cayman Islands $ 334,300,000 NA 166 Burundi $ 329,300,000 NA 167 Central African Republic $ 288,800,000 NA 168 Seychelles $ 274,200,000 NA 169 Saint Lucia $ 244,300,000 NA 170 Antigua and Barbuda $ 233,500,000 NA 171 Vanuatu $ 229,200,000 NA 172 Gambia, The $ 222,900,000 NA 173 Sierra Leone $ 209,400,000 NA 174 Liberia $ 206,900,000 NA 175 Guinea-Bissau $ 192,100,000 NA 176 Solomon Islands $ 139,900,000 NA 177 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 133,000,000 NA 178 Grenada $ 123,100,000 NA 179 Comoros $ 104,700,000 NA 180 Timor-Leste $ 102,800,000 NA 181 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 94,450,000 NA 182 Samoa $ 80,560,000 NA 183 Dominica $ 74,840,000 NA 184 Tonga $ 44,640,000 NA 185 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 29,020,000 NA 186 Anguilla $ 19,030,000 NA 187 Sao Tome and Principe $ 17,180,000 NA 188 Montserrat $ 14,130,000 NA

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Rank code: 2215

Country Comparison :: Stock of broad money

This entry covers all of "Narrow money," plus the total quantity of time and savings deposits, credit union deposits, institutional money market funds, short-term repurchase agreements between the central bank and commercial deposit banks, and other large liquid assets held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. In addition to serving as a medium of exchange, broad money includes assets that are slightly less liquid than narrow money and the assets tend to function as a "store of value" - a means of holding wealth.

Rank country Stock of broad money Date of Information

1 World $ 75,860,000,000,000 NA 2 Japan $ 18,300,000,000,000 NA 3 United States $ 12,390,000,000,000 NA 4 European Union $ 11,170,000,000,000 NA 5 China $ 10,080,000,000,000 NA 6 Germany $ 4,288,000,000,000 NA 7 United Kingdom $ 3,344,000,000,000 NA 8 France $ 2,292,000,000,000 NA 9 Spain $ 2,264,000,000,000 NA 10 Italy $ 1,884,000,000,000 NA 11 Brazil $ 1,522,000,000,000 NA 12 Canada $ 1,469,000,000,000 NA 13 Korea, South $ 1,346,000,000,000 NA 14 India $ 1,290,000,000,000 NA 15 Australia $ 1,134,000,000,000 NA 16 Netherlands $ 1,124,000,000,000 NA 17 Taiwan $ 952,200,000,000 NA 18 Hong Kong $ 850,800,000,000 NA 19 Switzerland $ 834,600,000,000 NA 20 Russia $ 650,700,000,000 NA 21 Mexico $ 583,800,000,000 NA 22 Belgium $ 539,400,000,000 NA 23 Austria $ 402,800,000,000 NA 24 Thailand $ 354,500,000,000 NA 25 Malaysia $ 337,600,000,000 NA 26 Greece $ 335,900,000,000 NA 27 Singapore $ 295,800,000,000 NA 28 Sweden $ 293,200,000,000 NA 29 Saudi Arabia $ 286,900,000,000 NA 30 Portugal $ 282,000,000,000 NA 31 Indonesia $ 276,800,000,000 NA 32 Ireland $ 257,100,000,000 NA 33 Norway $ 256,300,000,000 NA 34 South Africa $ 256,200,000,000 NA 35 Luxembourg $ 255,500,000,000 NA 36 Turkey $ 255,500,000,000 NA 37 Poland $ 251,900,000,000 NA 38 United Arab Emirates $ 228,500,000,000 NA 39 Denmark $ 209,000,000,000 NA 40 Israel $ 208,800,000,000 NA 41 Iran $ 167,400,000,000 NA 42 Egypt $ 166,200,000,000 NA 43 Syria $ 161,000,000,000 NA 44 Finland $ 160,400,000,000 NA 45 Chile $ 160,300,000,000 NA 46 Czech Republic $ 138,600,000,000 NA 47 Vietnam $ 118,800,000,000 NA 48 New Zealand $ 118,100,000,000 NA 49 Argentina $ 112,900,000,000 NA 50 Algeria $ 109,700,000,000 NA 51 Morocco $ 108,700,000,000 NA 52 Colombia $ 104,900,000,000 NA 53 Lebanon $ 92,010,000,000 NA 54 Nigeria $ 91,970,000,000 NA 55 Philippines $ 91,500,000,000 NA 56 Kuwait $ 88,710,000,000 NA 57 Pakistan $ 85,220,000,000 NA 58 Venezuela $ 78,110,000,000 NA 59 Ukraine $ 73,910,000,000 NA 60 Hungary $ 67,940,000,000 NA 61 Qatar $ 65,950,000,000 NA 62 Kazakhstan $ 65,550,000,000 NA 63 Romania $ 63,670,000,000 NA 64 Bangladesh $ 57,210,000,000 NA 65 Peru $ 55,200,000,000 NA 66 Slovakia $ 52,630,000,000 NA 67 Cyprus $ 50,500,000,000 NA 68 Iraq $ 46,010,000,000 NA 69 Croatia $ 40,800,000,000 NA 70 Libya $ 35,980,000,000 NA 71 Cuba $ 35,920,000,000 NA 72 Jordan $ 35,530,000,000 NA 73 Bulgaria $ 35,370,000,000 NA 74 Tunisia $ 29,390,000,000 NA 75 Macau $ 26,560,000,000 NA 76 Guatemala $ 25,400,000,000 NA 77 Angola $ 24,920,000,000 NA 78 Panama $ 24,170,000,000 NA 79 Slovenia $ 24,030,000,000 NA 80 Oman $ 22,350,000,000 NA 81 Bahrain $ 21,020,000,000 NA 82 Iceland $ 19,970,000,000 NA 83 Sri Lanka $ 19,720,000,000 NA 84 Serbia $ 18,690,000,000 NA 85 Ecuador $ 18,620,000,000 NA 86 Lithuania $ 17,260,000,000 NA 87 Costa Rica $ 16,810,000,000 NA 88 Dominican Republic $ 15,710,000,000 NA 89 Kenya $ 15,380,000,000 NA 90 Malta $ 14,300,000,000 NA 91 Uruguay $ 14,220,000,000 NA 92 Belarus $ 13,620,000,000 NA 93 Sudan $ 13,500,000,000 NA 94 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,470,000,000 NA 95 Bolivia $ 12,160,000,000 NA 96 Azerbaijan $ 11,640,000,000 NA 97 Latvia $ 11,170,000,000 NA 98 Estonia $ 10,700,000,000 NA 99 Nepal $ 10,010,000,000 NA 100 Yemen $ 9,739,000,000 NA 101 El Salvador $ 9,666,000,000 NA 102 Mauritius $ 9,605,000,000 NA 103 Ghana $ 9,583,000,000 NA 104 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 9,307,000,000 NA 105 Albania $ 9,096,000,000 NA 106 Brunei $ 8,569,000,000 NA 107 Ethiopia $ 8,248,000,000 NA 108 Burma $ 7,800,000,000 NA 109 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,653,000,000 NA 110 Honduras $ 7,618,000,000 NA 111 Tanzania $ 7,440,000,000 NA 112 Uzbekistan $ 7,197,000,000 NA 113 Botswana $ 6,679,000,000 NA 114 Bahamas, The $ 5,991,000,000 NA 115 Jamaica $ 5,782,000,000 NA 116 West Bank $ 5,567,000,000 NA 117 Cayman Islands $ 5,564,000,000 NA 118 Paraguay $ 5,030,000,000 NA 119 Cambodia $ 4,982,000,000 NA 120 Cameroon $ 4,831,000,000 NA 121 Namibia $ 4,756,000,000 NA 122 Papua New Guinea $ 4,726,000,000 NA 123 Senegal $ 4,603,000,000 NA 124 Barbados $ 4,563,000,000 NA 125 Afghanistan $ 4,149,000,000 NA 126 Macedonia $ 4,134,000,000 NA 127 Uganda $ 3,905,000,000 NA 128 Mozambique $ 3,803,000,000 NA 129 Zambia $ 3,573,000,000 NA 130 Armenia $ 3,507,000,000 NA 131 Haiti $ 3,137,000,000 NA 132 Nicaragua $ 2,900,000,000 NA 133 Moldova $ 2,889,000,000 NA 134 Eritrea $ 2,872,000,000 NA 135 Gabon $ 2,764,000,000 NA 136 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,746,000,000 NA 137 Mali $ 2,514,000,000 NA 138 Benin $ 2,424,000,000 NA 139 Burkina Faso $ 2,406,000,000 NA 140 Equatorial Guinea $ 2,207,000,000 NA 141 Georgia $ 2,146,000,000 NA 142 Madagascar $ 2,012,000,000 NA 143 Mongolia $ 1,996,000,000 NA 144 Laos $ 1,818,000,000 NA 145 Suriname $ 1,809,000,000 NA 146 Aruba $ 1,771,000,000 NA 147 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 1,562,000,000 NA 148 Malawi $ 1,434,000,000 NA 149 Montenegro $ 1,406,000,000 NA 150 Belize $ 1,351,000,000 NA 151 Cape Verde $ 1,314,000,000 NA 152 Guyana $ 1,303,000,000 NA 153 Swaziland $ 1,266,000,000 NA 154 Chad $ 1,257,000,000 NA 155 Rwanda $ 1,243,000,000 NA 156 Togo $ 1,238,000,000 NA 157 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,186,000,000 NA 158 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,100,000,000 NA 159 Tajikistan $ 1,095,000,000 NA 160 Saint Lucia $ 1,094,000,000 NA 161 Maldives $ 1,065,000,000 NA 162 Lesotho $ 1,057,000,000 NA 163 Turkmenistan $ 1,053,000,000 NA 164 Niger $ 1,038,000,000 NA 165 Djibouti $ 940,800,000 NA 166 Guinea $ 830,000,000 NA 167 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 823,800,000 NA 168 Grenada $ 743,500,000 NA 169 Vanuatu $ 614,200,000 NA 170 Burundi $ 568,300,000 NA 171 Anguilla $ 458,900,000 NA 172 Gambia, The $ 453,900,000 NA 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 444,400,000 NA 174 Sierra Leone $ 437,000,000 NA 175 Seychelles $ 415,000,000 NA 176 Dominica $ 398,500,000 NA 177 Central African Republic $ 343,400,000 NA 178 Samoa $ 283,200,000 NA 179 Timor-Leste $ 268,400,000 NA 180 Solomon Islands $ 227,100,000 NA 181 Guinea-Bissau $ 209,300,000 NA 182 Comoros $ 168,600,000 NA 183 Tonga $ 153,800,000 NA 184 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 114,000,000 NA 185 Sao Tome and Principe $ 82,200,000 NA 186 Montserrat $ 69,630,000 NA 187 Zimbabwe $ 3,057,000 NA

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Appendix A :: Abbreviations

A

ABEDA
Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

ACP Group
African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States

ADB
Asian Development Bank

AfDB
African Development Bank

AFESD
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

AG
Australia Group

Air Pollution
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or
Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary
Fluxes by at Least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic
Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

AMF
Arab Monetary Fund

AMU
Arab Maghreb Union

Antarctic Marine Living Resources
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Antarctic Seals
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

ANZUS
Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty

AOSIS
Alliance of Small Island States

APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Arabsat
Arab Satellite Communications Organization

ARF
ASEAN Regional Forum

ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

AU
African Union

Autodin
Automatic Digital Network

B

BA
Baltic Assembly

bbl/day barrels per day

BCIE
Central American Bank for Economic Integration

BDEAC
Central African States Development Bank

Benelux
Benelux Union

BGN
United States Board on Geographic Names

BIMSTEC
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation

Biodiversity
Convention on Biological Diversity

BIS
Bank for International Settlements

BSEC
Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone

C

C
Commonwealth

c.i.f. cost, insurance, and freight

CACM
Central American Common Market

CAEU
Council of Arab Economic Unity

CAN
Andean Community of Nations

Caricom
Caribbean Community and Common Market

CB citizen's band mobile radio communications

CBSS
Council of the Baltic Sea States

CCC
Customs Cooperation Council

CD
Community of Democracies

CDB
Caribbean Development Bank

CE
Council of Europe

CEI
Central European Initiative

CEMA
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance

CEMAC
Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa

CEPGL
Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries

CEPT
Conference Europeanne des Poste et Telecommunications

CERN
European Organization for Nuclear Research

CIA
Central Intelligence Agency

CICA
Conference of Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia

CIS
Commonwealth of Independent States

CITES see Endangered Species

Climate Change
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change

COCOM
Coordinating Committee on Export Controls

COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

Comsat
Communications Satellite Corporation

CP
Colombo Plan

CPLP
Comunidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa

CSN
South American Community of Nations became UNASUL - Union of South
American Nations

CSN
Union of South American Nations

CSTO
Collective Security Treaty Organization

CTBTO
Preparation commission for the Nuclear-Ban-Treaty Operation

CY calendar year

D

D-8
Developing Eight

DC developed country

DDT dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane

Desertification
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa

DIA
United States Defense Intelligence Agency

DSN
Defense Switched Network

DST daylight savings time

DWT deadweight ton

E

EAC
East African Community

EADB
East African Development Bank

EAEC
Eurasian Economic Community

EAPC
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council

EAS
East Asia Summit

EBRD
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EC
European Community or European Commission

ECA
Economic Commission for Africa

ECE
Economic Commission for Europe

ECLAC
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

ECO
Economic Cooperation Organization

ECOSOC
Economic and Social Council

ECOWAS
Economic Community of West African States

ECSC
European Coal and Steel Community

EE
Eastern Europe

EEC
European Economic Community

EEZ exclusive economic zone

EFTA
European Free Trade Association

EIB
European Investment Bank

EMU
European Monetary Union

Endangered Species
Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Entente
Council of the Entente

Environmental Modification
Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of
Environmental Modification Techniques

ESA
European Space Agency

ESCAP
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCWA
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

est. estimate

EU
European Union

Euratom
European Atomic Energy Community

Eutelsat
European Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Ex-Im
Export-Import Bank of the United States

F
f.o.b. free on board

FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization

FATF
Financial Action Task Force

FAX facsimile

FLS
Front Line States

FOC flags of convenience

FSU former Soviet Union

FY fiscal year

FZ
Franc Zone

G

G-2
Group of 2

G-3
Group of 3

G-5
Group of 5

G-6
Group of 6

G-7
Group of 7

G-8
Group of 8

G-9
Group of 9

G-10
Group of 10

G-15
Group of 15

G-11
Group of 11

G-24
Group of 24

G-77
Group of 77

GATT
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; now WTO

GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council

GCTU
General Confederation of Trade Unions

GDP gross domestic product

GMT
Greenwich Mean Time

GNP gross national product

GRT gross register ton

GSM global system for mobile cellular communications

GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development; acronym for member states - Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova

GWP gross world product

H

Hazardous Wastes
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal

HF high-frequency

HIV/AIDS human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

I

IADB
Inter-American Development Bank

IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency

IANA
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

IBRD
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank)

ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization

ICC
International Chamber of Commerce

ICCt
International Criminal Court

ICJ
International Court of Justice (World Court)

ICRC
International Committee of the Red Cross

ICRM
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

ICSID
International Center for Secretariat of Investment Disputes

ICTR
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

ICTY
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

IDA
International Development Association

IDB
Islamic Development Bank

IDP
Internally Displaced Person

IEA
International Energy Agency

IFAD
International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC
International Finance Corporation

IFRCS
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

IGAD
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development

IHO
International Hydrographic Organization

ILO
International Labor Organization

IMF
International Monetary Fund

IMO
International Maritime Organization

IMSO
International Mobile Satellite Organization

Inmarsat
International Maritime Satellite Organization

InOC
Indian Ocean Commission

INSTRAW
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women

Intelsat
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Interpol
International Criminal Police Organization

Intersputnik
International Organization of Space Communications

IOC
International Olympic Committee

IOM
International Organization for Migration

IPU
Inter-parliamentary Union

ISO
International Organization for Standardization

ISP
Internet Service Provider

ITSO
International Telecommunications Satellites Organization

ITU
International Telecommunication Union

ITUC
International Trade Union Confederation, the successor to ICFTU
(International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) and the WCL (World
Confederation of Labor)

K
kHz kilohertz
km kilometer
kW kilowatt
kWh kilowatt-hour

L

LAES
Latin American Economic System

LAIA
Latin American Integration Association

LAS
League of Arab States

Law of the Sea
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

LDC less developed country

LLDC least developed country

London Convention see Marine Dumping

LOS see Law of the Sea

M
m meter

Marecs
Maritime European Communications Satellite

Marine Dumping
Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and
Other Matter

Marine Life Conservation
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High
Seas

MARPOL see Ship Pollution

Medarabtel
Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International
Telecommunications Union

Mercosur
Southern Cone Common Market

MHz megahertz

MICAH
International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti

MIGA
Multilateral Investment Geographic Agency

MINURSO
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

MINUSTAH
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti

MONUSCO
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo

N

NA not available

NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement

NAM
Nonaligned Movement

NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NC
Nordic Council

NEA
Nuclear Energy Agency

NEGL negligible

NGA
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

NGO nongovernmental organization

NIB
Nordic Investment Bank

NIC newly industrializing country

NIE newly industrializing economy

NIS new independent states
nm nautical mile

NMT
Nordic Mobile Telephone

NSG
Nuclear Suppliers Group

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

NZ
New Zealand

O

OAPEC
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries

OAS
Organization of American States

OAU
Organization of African Unity; see African Union

ODA official development assistance

OECD
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECS
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

OHCHR
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

OIC
Organization of the Islamic Conference

OIF
International Organization of the French-speaking World

OOF other official flows

OPANAL
Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the
Caribbean

OPCW
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

OPEC
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OSCE
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Ozone Layer Protection
Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

P

PCA
Permanent Court of Arbitration

PFP
Partnership for Peace

PIF
Pacific Islands Forum

PPP purchasing power parity

R

Ramsar see Wetlands

RG
Rio Group

S

SAARC
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SACEP
South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme

SACU
Southern African Customs Union

SADC
Southern African Development Community

SAFE
South African Far East Cable

SCO
Shanghai Cooperation Organization

SECI
Southeast European Cooperative Initiative

SHF super-high-frequency

Ship Pollution
Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

SICA
Central American Integration System

Sparteca
South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

SPC
Secretariat of the Pacific Communities

SPF
South Pacific Forum

sq km square kilometer
sq mi square mile

T

TAT
Trans-Atlantic Telephone

TEU Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit, a unit of measure for containerized cargo capacity

Tropical Timber 83
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

U

UAE
United Arab Emirates

UDEAC
Central African Customs and Economic Union

UHF ultra-high-frequency

UK
United Kingdom

UN
United Nations

UN-AIDS
Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS

UNAMID
African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur

UNASUR
Union of South American Nations

UNCLOS
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, also know as LOS

UNCTAD
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDCP
United Nations Drug Control Program

UNDEF
United Nations Democracy Fund

UNDOF
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNDP
United Nations Development Program

UNEP
United Nations Environment Program

UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

UNFICYP
United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus

UNFIP
United Nations Fund for International Partnerships

UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund

UN-Habitat
United Nations Center for Human Settlements

UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF
United Nations Children's Fund

UNICRI
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

UNIDIR
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UN-INSTRAW
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women

UNITAR
United Nations Institute for Training and Research

UNMIK
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

UNMIL
United Nations Mission in Liberia

UNMIS
United Nations Mission in the Sudan

UNMIS

UNMIT
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

UNMOGIP
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

UNOCI
United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire

UNOPS
United Nations Office of Project Services

UNRISD
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

UNRWA
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East

UNSC
United Nations Security Council

UNSSC
Untied Nations System Staff College

UNTSO
United Nations Truce Supervision Organization

UNU
United Nations University

UNWTO
World Tourism Organization

UPU
Universal Postal Union

US
United States

USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union); used for information dated before 25 December 1991

UTC
Coordinated Universal Time

UV ultra violet

V

VHF very-high-frequency

VSAT very small aperture terminal

W

WADB
West African Development Bank

WAEMU
West African Economic and Monetary Union

WCL
World Confederation of Labor

WCO
World Customs Organization

Wetlands
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As
Waterfowl Habitat

WEU
Western European Union

WFP
World Food Program

WFTU
World Federation of Trade Unions

Whaling
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

WHO
World Health Organization

WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organization

WMO
World Meteorological Organization

WP
Warsaw Pact

WTO
World Trade Organization

Z

ZC
Zangger Committee

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

Appendix B :: International Organizations and Groups

A
advanced developing countries
another term for those less developed countries (LDCs) with particularly rapid industrial development; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

advanced economies
a term used by the International Monetary FUND (IMF) for the top group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition, and developing countries; it includes the following 33 advanced economies: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, US; note - this group would presumably also cover the following nine smaller countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Faroe Islands, Guernsey, Holy See, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino that are included in the more comprehensive group of "developed countries"

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

note - regional multilateral development finance institution
temporarily located in Tunis, Tunisia; the Bank Group consists of the
African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the
Nigerian Trust Fund established - 10 September 1964 aim - to promote
economic development and social progress regional members - (53)
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger,
Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo,
Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe nonregional members - (24)
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

African Union (AU)

note - replaces Organization of African Unity (OAU) established - 8 July 2001 aim - to achieve greater unity among African States; to defend states' integrity and independence; to accelerate political, social, and economic integration; to encourage international cooperation; to promote democratic principles and institutions members - (53) Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (suspended), Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara), Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)

established - 31 July 2007 aim - to contribute to the restoration of security conditions which will allow safe humanitarian assistance throughout Darfur, to contribute to the protection of civilian populations under imminent threat of physical attack, to monitor, observe compliance with, and verify the implementation of various ceasefire agreements members - (35) Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group)

established - 6 June 1975 aim - to manage their preferential economic
and aid relationship with the EU members - (79) Angola, Antigua and
Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands,
Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati,
Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu,
Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the
Caribbean (OPANAL)

note - acronym from Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la America Latina y el Caribe (OPANAL) established - 14 February 1967 under the Treaty of Tlatelolco; effective - 25 April 1969 on the 11th ratification aim - to encourage the peaceful uses of atomic energy and prohibit nuclear weapons members - (33) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

established - November 1990 aim - to call attention to threats of sea- level rise and coral bleaching to small islands and lowlying coastal developing states from global warming; to emphasize the importance of information and information technology in the process of achieving sustainable development members - (39) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu observers - (3) American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands

Andean Community of Nations (CAN)

note - formerly known as the Andean Group (AG) and the Andean Common Market (Ancom) established - 26 May 1969; present name established 1 October 1992; effective - 16 October 1969 aim - to promote harmonious development through economic integration members - (4) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru associate members - (5) Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay observers - (2) Mexico, Panama

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA)

note - also known as Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique (BADEA) established - 18 February 1974; effective - 16 September 1974 aim - to promote economic development members - (17 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Palestine Liberation Organization; note - these are all the members of the Arab League excluding Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen

Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD)

established - 16 May 1968 aim - to promote economic and social development members - (20 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (suspended 1993), Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)

established - 17 February 1989 aim - to promote cooperation and integration among the Arab states of northern Africa members - (5) Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Arab Monetary Fund (AMF)

established - 27 April 1976; effective - 2 February 1977 aim - to promote Arab cooperation, development, and integration in monetary and economic affairs members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arctic Council
established - 18 September 1996 aim - to address the common concerns and challenges faced by Arctic governments and the people of the Arctic; to protect the Arctic environment members - (8) Canada, Denmark (Greenland, Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, US permanent participants - (6) Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich'in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Russian Association of Indigenous People of the North, Saami Council observers - (6) France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

established - 25 July 1994 aim - to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern members - (27) Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, China, EU, India, Indonesia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, US, Vietnam

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

established - 7 November 1989 aim - to promote trade and investment in the Pacific basin members - (21) Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, US, Vietnam observers - (3) Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

established - 19 December 1966 aim - to promote regional economic
cooperation members - (48) Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia,
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Cook
Islands, Fiji, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan,
Kiribati, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, NZ,
Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore,
Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste,
Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam nonregional
members - (19) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

established - 8 August 1967 aim - to encourage regional economic, social, and cultural cooperation among the non-Communist countries of Southeast Asia members - (10) Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam dialogue partners - (11) Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, South Korea, NZ, Pakistan, Russia, US observers - (1) Papua New Guinea

Australia Group (AG)

established - June 1985 aim - to consult on and coordinate export
controls related to chemical and biological weapons members - (41)
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Commission, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South
Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US

Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty (ANZUS)

established - 1 September 1951; effective - 29 April 1952 aim - to implement a trilateral mutual security agreement, although the US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986; Australia and the US continue to hold annual meetings members - (3) Australia, NZ, US

B

Baltic Assembly (BA)

established - 12 May 1990 aim - to thoroughly discuss various cooperation issues between Baltic states members - (3) Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

established - 20 January 1930; effective - 17 March 1930 aim - to promote cooperation among central banks in international financial settlements members - (56) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Central Bank, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UK, US; note - Montenegro has a separate central bank; its links with BIS are currently under review

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

established - June 1997 aim - to foster socio-economic cooperation among members members - (7) Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Benelux Union (Benelux)

note - acronym from Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg; was formerly known as Benelux Economic Union established - 3 February 1958; effective - 1 November 1960; changed names 17 June 2008 aim - to develop closer economic and legal cooperation and integration members - (3) Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Big Seven
note - membership is the same as the Group of 7 established - 1975 aim - to discuss and coordinate major economic policies members - (7) Big Six (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK) plus the US

Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone (BSEC)

established - 25 June 1992 aim - to enhance regional stability through economic cooperation members - (12) Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine; note - Macedonia is in the process of joining observers - (17) Austria, Belarus, Black Sea Commission, Commission of the EC, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Energy Charter Secretariat, France, Germany, International Black Sea Club, Israel, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Tunisia, US; note - Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia have applied for observer status

C

Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom)

established - 4 July 1973; effective - 1 August 1973 aim - to promote economic integration and development, especially among the less developed countries members - (15) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago associate members - (5) Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands observers - (8) Aruba, Colombia, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, Venezuela

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

established - 18 October 1969; effective - 26 January 1970 aim - to
promote economic development and cooperation regional members - (21)
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana,
Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
Islands, Venezuela nonregional members - (5) Canada, China, Germany,
Italy, UK

Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

see Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC)

Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC)

note - acronym from Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale established - 3 December 1975 aim - to provide loans for economic development members - (10) African Development Bank (AfDB), Cameroon, Central African States Bank (BEAC), Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Kuwait

Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE)

note - acronym from Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico established - 13 December 1960 signature of Articles of Agreement; 31 May 1961 began operations aim - to promote economic integration and development members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua nonregional members - (7) Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Taiwan

Central American Common Market (CACM)

established - 13 December 1960, collapsed in 1969, reinstated in 1991 aim - to promote establishment of a Central American Common Market members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

Central American Integration System (SICA)

established - 13 December 1991; operational 1 February 1993 aim - to strengthen democracy; to set up a new model of regional security; to promote freedom; to achieve a regional system of welfare and economic and social justice; to attain economic unity and strengthen the area as an economic bloc; to act as a bloc in international matters members - (7) Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama associated member - (1) Dominican Republic observers - (8) Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain

Central European Initiative (CEI)

note - evolved from the Quadrilateral Initiative and the Hexagonal Initiative established - 11 November 1989 as the Quadrilateral Initiative, 27 July 1991 became the Hexagonal Initiative, July 1992 its present name was adopted aim - to form an economic and political cooperation group for the region between the Adriatic and the Baltic Seas members - (18) Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine
centrally planned economies
a term applied mainly to the traditionally Communist states that looked to the former USSR for leadership; most are now evolving toward more democratic and market-oriented systems; also known formerly as the Second World or as the Communist countries; through the 1980s, this group included Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, but now is limited to Cuba and North Korea, and less so to China

Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)

established - 7 October 2002 aim - to coordinate military and political cooperation, to develop multilateral structures and mechanisms of cooperation for ensuring national security of the member states members - (6) Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan

Colombo Plan (CP)

established - May 1950 proposal was adopted; 1 July 1951 commenced full operations aim - to promote economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific members - (26) Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, US, Vietnam

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

note - formerly known as Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern Africa (PTA) established - treaty signed 5 November 1993; treaty ratified 8 December 1994 aim - recognizing, promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, commitment to the principles of liberty and rule of law, maintaining peace and stability through the promotion and strengthening of good neighborliness, commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes among member states members - (19) Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Commonwealth (C)

note - also known as Commonwealth of Nations established - 31 December 1931 aim - to foster multinational cooperation and assistance, as a voluntary association that evolved from the British Empire members - (54) Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji (suspended), The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, NZ, Nigeria, Pakistan (reinstated 2004), Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, UK, Vanuatu, Zambia; note - on 7 December 2003 Zimbabwe withdrew its membership from the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

established - 8 December 1991; effective - 21 December 1991 aim - to coordinate intercommonwealth relations and to provide a mechanism for the orderly dissolution of the USSR members - (9) Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan; note - neither Ukraine as a participating member nor Turkmenistan as an associate member have signed the 1993 CIS charter, although both participate in meetings; Georgia left the organization in August 2009

Communist countries
traditionally the Marxist-Leninist states with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; most of the original and the successor states are no longer Communist; see centrally planned economies

Community of Democracies (CD)

established - 27 June 2000 aim - "to respect and uphold core democratic principals and practices" including free and fair elections, freedom of speech and expression, equal access to education, rule of law, and freedom of peaceful assembly members - (17) Cape Verde, Chile, Czech Republic, El Salvador, India, Italy, South Korea, Lithuania, Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, US

Comuinidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa (CPLP)

established - 1996 aim - to establish a forum for friendship among Portuguese-speaking nations where Portuguese is an official language members - (8) Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste associate observers - (3) Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Senegal

Conference of Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia
(CICA)

established - proposed 5 October 1992; established 14 September 1999 aim - promoting a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia members - (22 and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, South Korea, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and the Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (12) Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, League of Arab States, Malaysia, OSCE, Philippines, Qatar, Ukraine, UN, US

Coordinating Committee on Export Controls (COCOM)

established in 1949 to control the export of strategic products and technical data from member countries to proscribed destinations; members were: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US; abolished 31 March 1994; COCOM members established a new organization, the Wassenaar Arrangement, with expanded membership on 12 July 1996 that focuses on nonproliferation export controls as opposed to East-West control of advanced technology

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA)

note - also known as CMEA or Comecon established 25 January 1949 to promote the development of socialist economies and abolished 1 January 1991; members included Afghanistan (observer), Albania (had not participated since 1961 break with USSR), Angola (observer), Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia (observer), GDR, Hungary, Laos (observer), Mongolia, Mozambique (observer), Nicaragua (observer), Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yemen (observer), Yugoslavia (associate)

Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU)

established - 3 June 1957; effective - 30 May 1964 aim - to promote economic integration among Arab nations members - (11 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Council of Europe (CE)

established - 5 May 1949; effective - 3 August 1949 aim - to promote
increased unity and quality of life in Europe members - (47) Albania,
Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta,
Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK

Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)

established - 6 March 1992 aim - to promote cooperation among the Baltic Sea states in the areas of aid to new democratic institutions, economic development, humanitarian aid, energy and the environment, cultural programs and education, and transportation and communication members - (12) Denmark, Estonia, EC, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden observers - (10) Belarus, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Ukraine, UK, US

Council of the Entente (Entente)

established - 29 May 1959 aim - to promote economic, social, and political coordination members - (5) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Togo
countries in transition
a term used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the middle group in its hierarchy of formerly centrally planned economies; IMF statistics include the following 28 countries in transition: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; note - this group is identical to the group traditionally referred to as the "former USSR/Eastern Europe" except for the addition of Mongolia

Customs Cooperation Council (CCC)

note - see World Customs Organization (WCO)

D
developed countries (DCs)

the top group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); includes the market-oriented economies of the mainly democratic nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Bermuda, Israel, South Africa, and the European ministates; also known as the First World, high-income countries, the North, industrial countries; generally have a per capita GDP in excess of $15,000 although four OECD countries and South Africa have figures well under $15,000 and eight of the excluded OPEC countries have figures of more than $20,000; the DCs include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "advanced economies" that adds Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan but drops Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey
developing countries
a term used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the bottom
group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition,
and developing countries; IMF statistics include the following 126
developing countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and
Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic,
Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus,
Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,
Federated States of Micronesia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela,
Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - this category would presumably
also cover the following 46 other countries that are traditionally
included in the more comprehensive group of "less developed countries":
American Samoa, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman
Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea,
Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gaza Strip,
Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Isle of Man,
Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New
Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau,
Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Helena, Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks and
Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank,
Western Sahara

Developing Eight (D-8)

established - 15 June 1997 aim - to improve developing countries' positions in the world economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, provide better standards of living member - (8) Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey

E

East African Community (EAC)

note - originally established in 1967, it was disbanded in 1977 established - January 2001 aim - to establish a political and economic union among the countries members - (5) Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda

East African Development Bank (EADB)

established - 6 June 1967; effective - 1 December 1967 aim - to promote economic development members - (4) Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda

East Asia Summit (EAS)

established - 14 December 2005 aim - to promote cooperation in political and security issues; to promote development, financial stability, energy security, economic integration and growth; to eradicate poverty and narrow the development gap in East Asia, and to promote deeper cultural understanding members - (16) Australia, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, NZ, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC)

note - was formerly the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC) established - 8 December 1964; effective - 1 January 1966 aim - to promote the establishment of a Central African Common Market members - (6) Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

note - an integral part of the European Union; also known as the European Economic and Monetary Union established - 1-2 December 1969 (proposed at summit conference of heads of government; 7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed) aim - to promote a single market by creating a single currency, the euro; timetable - 2 May 1998: European exchange rates fixed for 1 January 1999; 1 January 1999: all banks and stock exchanges begin using euros; 1 January 2002: the euro goes into circulation; 1 July 2002 local currencies no longer accepted members - (17) Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to coordinate the economic and social work of the UN; includes five regional commissions (Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Europe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) and nine functional commissions (Commission for Social Development, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Population and Development, Statistical Commission, Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable Development, and Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice) members - (54) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL)

note - acronym from Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs established - 20 September 1976 aim - to promote regional economic cooperation and integration members - (3) Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda; note - organization collapsed because of fighting in 1998; reactivated in 2006

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

established - 28 May 1975 aim - to promote regional economic cooperation members - (15) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire (suspended), The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (suspended), Guinea- Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger (suspended), Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

established - 27-29 January 1985 aim - to promote regional cooperation in trade, transportation, communications, tourism, cultural affairs, and economic development members - (10) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC or EurasEC)

note - merged with Central Asian Cooperation Organization (CACO) in 2005 established - May 2001 aim - to create a common economic and energy policy members - (5) Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan observers - (3) Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine

Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)

note - began as the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC); an extension of NATO established - 8 November 1991; effective - 20 December 1991 aim - to discuss cooperation on mutual political and security issues members - (50) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

established - 8-9 January 1990 (proposals made); 15 April 1991 (bank inaugurated) aim - to facilitate the transition of seven centrally planned economies in Europe (Bulgaria, former Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, former USSR, and former Yugoslavia) to market economies by committing 60% of its loans to privatization members - (63) Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, EC, European Investment Bank (EIB), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

European Community (or European Communities, EC)

established 8 April 1965 to integrate the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Economic Community (EEC or Common Market), and to establish a completely integrated common market and an eventual federation of Europe; merged into the European Union (EU) on 7 February 1992; member states at the time of merger were Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

established - 4 January 1960; effective - 3 May 1960 aim - to promote expansion of free trade members - (4) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

European Investment Bank (EIB)

established - 25 March 1957; effective - 1 January 1958 aim - to promote economic development of the EU and its predecessors, the EEC and the EC members - (27) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization Conseil Europeenne pour la Recherche Nucleaire established - 1 July 1953; effective - 29 September 1954 aim - to foster nuclear research for peaceful purposes only members - (20) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK observers - (8) EC, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Turkey, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), US

European Space Agency (ESA)

established - 31 May 1975 aim - to promote peaceful cooperation in space research and technology members - (18) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK cooperating states - (5) Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia

European Union (EU)

note - see European Union entry at the end of the "country" listings

F

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

established - by G-7 Summit in Paris in 1989 aim - to develop and promote policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing members - (36) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, EC, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Gulf Cooperation Council, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands (Netherland Antilles and Aruba), NZ, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

First World
another term for countries with advanced, industrialized economies; this term is fading from use; see developed countries (DCs)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

established - 16 October 1945 aim - to raise living standards and increase availability of agricultural products; a UN specialized agency members - (192) includes all UN member countries except Brunei, Liechtenstein, and Singapore (189 total); plus Cook Islands, EU, and Niue
former Soviet Union (FSU)

former term often used to identify as a group the successor nations to the Soviet Union or USSR; this group of 15 countries consists of: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE)

the middle group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); these countries are in political and economic transition and may well be grouped differently in the near future; this group of 27 countries consists of: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia; this group is identical to the IMF group "countries in transition" except for the IMF's inclusion of Mongolia

Four Dragons
the four small Asian less developed countries (LDCs) that have experienced unusually rapid economic growth; also known as the Four Tigers; this group consists of Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan; these countries are included in the IMF's "advanced economies" group

Franc Zone (FZ)

note - also known as Conference des Ministres des Finances des Pays de la Zone Franc established - 1964 aim - to form a monetary union among countries whose currencies were linked to the French franc members - (16) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Front Line States (FLS)

established to achieve black majority rule in South Africa; has since gone out of existence; members included Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

G

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

see the World Trade Organization (WTO)

General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU)

established - 16 April 1992 aim - to consolidate trade union actions to protect citizens' social and labor rights and interests, to help secure trade unions' rights and guarantees, and to strengthen international trade union solidarity members - (11) Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Group of 10 (G-10)

note - also known as the Paris Club; includes the wealthiest members of the IMF who provide most of the money to be loaned and act as the informal steering committee; name persists despite increased membership established - October 1962 aim - to coordinate credit policy members - (11) Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US observers - (4) BIS, EC, IMF, OECD

Group of 11 (G-11)

established - 2006 aim - to narrow the income gap with the world's richest nations members - (12) Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Tunisia

Group of 15 (G-15)

note - byproduct of the Nonaligned Movement; name persists despite increased membership established - September 1989 aim - to promote economic cooperation among developing nations; to act as the main political organ for the Nonaligned Movement members - (18) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Group of 20 (G-20)

established - created 1999; inaugurated 15-16 December 1999 aim - to promote open and constructive discussion between industrial and emerging-market countries on any issues related to global economic stability; helps to support growth and development across the globe members - (20) Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, US

Group of 24 (G-24)

established - 1 August 1989 aim - to promote the interests of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America within the IMF members - (24) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela observers - (1) China

Group of 3 (G-3)

established - September 1990 aim - mechanism for policy coordination members - (2) Colombia, Mexico; note - Panama shows interest in joining

Group of 5 (G-5)

established - 22 September 1985 aim - to coordinate the economic policies of five major noncommunist economic powers members - (5) France, Germany, Japan, UK, US

Group of 6 (G-6)

also known as Groupe des Six Sur le Desarmement (not to be confused with the Big Six) was established in 22 May 1984 with the aim of achieving nuclear disarmament; its members were Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden, Tanzania

Group of 7 (G-7)

note - membership is the same as the Big Seven established - 22 September 1985 aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the seven major noncommunist economic powers members - (7) Group of 5 (France, Germany, Japan, UK, US) plus Canada and Italy

Group of 77 (G-77)

established - 15 June1964; October 1967 first ministerial meeting aim
- to promote economic cooperation among developing countries; name
persists in spite of increased membership members - (129 plus the
Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola,
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,
Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall
Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

Group of 8 (G-8)

established - October 1975 aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the developed countries (DCs) that participated in the Conference on International Economic Cooperation (CIEC), held in several sessions between December 1975 and 3 June 1977 members - (9) Canada, EC, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, US

Group of 9 (G-9)

established - NA aim - to discuss matters of mutual interest on an informal basis members - (9) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Sweden

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

note - also known as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf established - 25 May 1981 aim - to promote regional cooperation in economic, social, political, and military affairs members - (6) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

H
high income countries
another term for the industrialized countries with high per capita GDPs; see developed countries (DCs)

I

Indian Ocean Commission (InOC)

established - 21 December 1982 aim - to organize and promote regional cooperation in all sectors, especially economic members - (5) Comoros, France (for Reunion and Mayotte), Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles
industrial countries
another term for the developed countries; see developed countries (DCs)

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

note - also known as Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) established - 8 April 1959; effective - 30 December 1959 aim - to promote economic and social development in Latin America members - (48) Argentina, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

note - formerly known as Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) established - 15-16 January 1986 as the Inter- Governmental Authority on Drought and Development; revitalized - 21 March 1996 as the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development aim - to promote a social, economic, and scientific community among its members members - (6) Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda; note - Eritrea declared its suspension in 2007

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

established - 1889 aim - fosters contacts among parliamentarians,
considers and expresses views of international interest and concern
with the purpose of bringing about action by parliaments and
parliamentarians, contributes to the defense and promotion of human
rights, contributes to better knowledge of representative institutions
members - (154 and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,
Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands,
NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua
New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,
Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe,
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation
Organization associate members - (9) Andean Parliament, Central
American Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly, European
Parliament, Inter-Parliamentary Committee of the West African Economic
and Monetary Union, Latin American Parliament, Parliament of the
Economic Community of West African States, Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe, Transitional Arab Parliament

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

established - 26 October 1956; effective - 29 July 1957 aim - to
promote peaceful uses of atomic energy members - (150) Afghanistan,
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland,
Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - membership pending for Cambodia, Cape Verde,
Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, and Togo until the necessary legal
instruments are deposited with the IAEA

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

note - also known as the World Bank established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945 aim - to provide economic development loans; a UN specialized agency members - (187) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru; plus Kosovo

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

established - 1919 aim - to promote free trade and private enterprise
and to represent business interests at national and international
levels members - (89 national committees) Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Caribbean, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia,
Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico,
Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan,
Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo,
Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay; note - Peru is
restructuring

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

established - 7 December 1944; effective - 4 April 1947 aim - to promote international cooperation in civil aviation; a UN specialized agency members - (190) includes all UN member countries except Dominica, Liechtenstein, and Tuvalu (189 total); plus Cook Islands

International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti (MICAH)

established 17 December 1999 to promote respect for human rights; members included Argentina, Benin, Canada, France, India, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, US; closed 2001

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

established - 17 February 1863 aim - to provide humanitarian aid in wartime members - (15-25 individuals) all Swiss nationals

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

note - also known as the World Court; primary judicial organ of the UN established - 3 February 1946; superseded Permanent Court of International Justice (the international court attached to the League of Nations) aim - to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies members - (15 judges) elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council to represent all principal legal systems adherents (with reservations) - (55) Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, The Gambia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, India, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom adherents (without reservations) - (11) Austria, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Uruguay

International Criminal Court (ICCt)

established - 11 April 2002 aim - to hold all individuals and
countries accountable to international laws of conduct; to specify
international standards of conduct; to provide an important mechanism
for implementing these standards; to ensure that perpetrators are
brought to justice members (countries that have ratified the treaty) -
(114) Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia,
Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,
Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia,
South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Zambia

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)

established - September 1923 set up as the International Criminal
Police Commission; 13 June 1956 constitution modified and present name
adopted aim - to promote international cooperation among police
authorities in fighting crime members - (188) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia,
Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central
African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,
Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe subbureaus - (11) American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Macau,
Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands

International Development Association (IDA)

established - 26 January 1960; effective - 24 September 1960 aim - to
provide economic loans for low-income countries; UN specialized agency
and IBRD affiliate members - (171) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria,
Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia,
Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia,
Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Kiribati, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,
Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Energy Agency (IEA)

established - 15 November 1974 aim - to promote cooperation on energy matters, especially emergency oil sharing and relations between oil consumers and oil producers; established by the OECD members - (29) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EC, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS)

note - formerly known as League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(LORCS) established - 5 May 1919 aim - to organize, coordinate, and
direct international relief actions; to promote humanitarian
activities; to represent and encourage the development of National
Societies; to bring help to victims of armed conflicts, refugees, and
displaced people; to reduce the vulnerability of people through
development programs members - (185 plus the Palestine Liberation
Organization) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua
and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,
Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,
Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,
Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook
Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States
of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint
Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine
Liberation Organization observers - (3) Eritrea, Maldives, and Tuvalu

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

established - 25 May 1955; effective - 24 July 1956 aim - to support private enterprise in international economic development; a UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate members - (182) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Brunei, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Suriname, Tuvalu; plus Kosovo

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

established - November 1974 aim - to promote agricultural development;
a UN specialized agency members - (165) List A - (23 industrialized
aid contributors) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US
List B - (12 petroleum-exporting aid contributors) Algeria, Gabon,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
UAE, Venezuela List C - (130 aid recipients) Afghanistan, Albania,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba,
Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia,
Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, India, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue,
Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,
Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

note - name changed from International Hydrographic Bureau on 22 September 1970 established - June 1919; effective - June 1921 aim - to train hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers to achieve standardization in nautical charts and electronic chart displays; to provide advice on nautical cartography and hydrography; to develop the sciences in the field of hydrography and techniques used for descriptive oceanography members - (80) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

International Labor Organization (ILO)

established - 28 June 1919 set up as part of Treaty of Versailles; 11 April 1919 became operative; 14 December 1946 affiliated with the UN aim - to deal with world labor issues; a UN specialized agency members - (183) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Bhutan, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Palau, Tonga; note - includes the following dependencies: Netherlands (Aruba)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

note - name changed from Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) on 22 May 1982 established - 6 March 1948 set up as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization; effective - 17 March 1958 aim - to deal with international maritime affairs; a UN specialized agency members - (168) includes all UN member countries except Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Mali, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Zambia; and Cook Islands associate members - (3) Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Macau

International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)

established - 15 April 1999 aim - acts as watchdog over Inmarsat (International Maritime Satellite Organization), a private company, to make sure it follows ICAO standards and recommended practices; plays an active role in the development of international telecommunications policies members - (94) Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945 aim - to promote world monetary stability and economic development; a UN specialized agency members - (187) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru; plus Kosovo; note - includes the following dependencies or areas of special interest: China (Hong Kong and Macau), Netherlands (Aruba)

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

established - 23 June 1894 aim - to promote the Olympic ideals and
administer the Olympic games: 2012 Summer Olympics in London, UK; 2014
Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia National Olympic Committees - (204
and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,
Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,
British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,
Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

note - established as Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the
Movement of Migrants from Europe; renamed Intergovernmental Committee
for European Migration (ICEM) on 15 November 1952; renamed
Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in November 1980;
current name adopted 14 November 1989 established - 5 December 1951
aim - to facilitate orderly international emigration and immigration
members - (132) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh,
Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon,
The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan,
Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo,
Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe observers - (17) Bahrain,
Bhutan, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Guyana, Holy See, Indonesia, Macedonia,
Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Sao Tome and
Principe, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

established - February 1947 aim - to promote the development of
international standards with a view to facilitating international
exchange of goods and services and to developing cooperation in the
sphere of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity
members - (109 national standards organizations) Algeria, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,
France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,
Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico,
Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,
Russia, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden,
Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen
correspondent members - (43 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan,
Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania,
Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,
Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan,
Togo, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation
Organization subscriber members - (10) Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi,
Cambodia, Central African Republic, Dominica, Eritrea, Guyana,
Honduras, Laos, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

International Organization of the French-speaking World (OIF)

note - name changed from Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in 1997; also known as Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie established - 20 March 1970 aim - founded around a common language to promote and spread the cultures of its members and to reinforce cultural and technical cooperation between them members - (53) Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canada - New Brunswick, Canada - Quebec, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, France, French Community of Belgium, Gabon, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Niger, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Vietnam associates - (3) Armenia, Cyprus, Ghana observers - (14) Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Mozambique, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Ukraine

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM)

established - 1928 aim - to promote worldwide humanitarian aid through
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in wartime, and
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS; formerly League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or
LORCS) in peacetime National Societies - (185 countries and the
Palestine Liberation Organization); note - same as membership for
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

established - 17 May 1865 set up as the International Telegraph Union; 9 December 1932 adopted present name; effective - 1 January 1934; affiliated with the UN - 15 November 1947 aim - to deal with world telecommunications issues; a UN specialized agency members - (192) includes all UN member countries except Palau (191 total); plus Holy See

International Telecommunications Satellites Organization (ITSO)

established - August 1964 aim - to act as a watchdog over Intelsat,
Ltd., a private company, to make sure it provides on a global and non-
discriminatory basis public telecommunication services members - (150)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin,
Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,
Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia,
Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,
Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, the
Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

note - its predecessors were the International Confederation of Free
Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labor (WCL)
established - 3 November 2006 aim - to promote the trade union
movement members - (312 affiliated organizations in the following 156
countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization as of December
2007) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada,
Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Chad, Chile, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands,
Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong,
Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New
Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania,
Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Palestine
Liberation Organization

Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

established - 15 December 1973 by declaration of intent; effective - 12
August 1974 aim - to promote Islamic economic aid and social
development members - (56 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros,
Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,
Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco,
Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan,
Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE, Uzbekistan, Yemen,
Palestine Liberation Organization

L

Latin American Economic System (LAES)

note - also known as Sistema Economico Latinoamericana (SELA) established - 17 October 1975 aim - to promote economic and social development through regional cooperation members - (28) Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Secretaria General Iberoamericana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)

note - also known as Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion (ALADI)
established - 12 August 1980; effective - 18 March 1981 aim - to
promote freer regional trade members - (12) Argentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru,
Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (30) China, Corporacion Andina de
Fomento, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, EC, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, Inter-American Development Bank, Inter-American Institute for
Cooperation on Agriculture, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latin America
Economic System, Nicaragua, Organizacion Panamericana de la Salud,
Organizacion Mundial de la Salud, Organization of American States,
Panama, Pan-American Health Organization, Portugal, Romania, Russia,
San Marino, Secretaria General Iberoamericana, Spain, Switzerland,
Ukraine, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

League of Arab States (LAS)

note - also known as Arab League (AL) established - 22 March 1945 aim - aim - to promote economic, social, political, and military cooperation members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (4) Brazil, Eritrea, India, Venezuela
least developed countries (LLDCs)

that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) initially identified by the UN General Assembly in 1971 as having no significant economic growth, per capita GDPs normally less than $1,000, and low literacy rates; also known as the undeveloped countries; the 44 LLDCs are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia
less developed countries (LDCs)

the bottom group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); mainly countries and dependent areas with low levels of output, living standards, and technology; per capita GDPs are generally below $5,000 and often less than $1,500; however, the group also includes a number of countries with high per capita incomes, areas of advanced technology, and rapid rates of growth; includes the advanced developing countries, developing countries, Four Dragons (Four Tigers), least developed countries (LLDCs), low-income countries, middle-income countries, newly industrializing economies (NIEs), the South, Third World, underdeveloped countries, undeveloped countries; the 172 LDCs are: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia, Gaza Strip, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Palau, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "developing countries" which adds Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey but omits in its recently published statistics American Samoa, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gaza Strip, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara
low-income countries
another term for those less developed countries with below-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

M
middle-income countries
another term for those less developed countries with above-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

established - 12 April 1988 aim - encourages flow of foreign direct investment among member countries by offering investment insurance, consultation, and negotiation on conditions for foreign investment and technical assistance; a UN specialized agency members - (175) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Comoros, Cuba, Kiribati, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, Niger, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, Tonga, Tuvalu; plus Kosovo

N

Near Abroad

Russian term for the 14 non-Russian successor states of the USSR, in which 25 million ethnic Russians live and in which Moscow has expressed a strong national security interest; the 14 countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
new independent states (NIS)

a term referring to all the countries of the FSU except the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

newly industrializing countries (NICs)

former term for the newly industrializing economies; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) that has experienced particularly rapid industrialization of their economies; formerly known as the newly industrializing countries (NICs); also known as advanced developing countries; usually includes the Four Dragons (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan), and Brazil

Nonaligned Movement (NAM)

established - 1-6 September 1961 aim - to establish political and
military cooperation apart from the traditional East or West blocs
members - (117 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei,
Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central
African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,
Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa,
Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
UAE, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (18) Argentina, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Croatia,
El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Montenegro, Paraguay,
Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uruguay

Nordic Council (NC)

established - 16 March 1952; effective - 12 February 1953 aim - to promote regional economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation members - (5) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Norway, Sweden observers - (3) the Sami (Lapp) local parliaments of Finland, Norway, and Sweden

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)

established - 4 December 1975; effective - 1 June 1976 aim - to promote economic cooperation and development members - (8) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden

North
a popular term for the rich industrialized countries generally located in the northern portion of the Northern Hemisphere; the counterpart of the South; see developed countries (DCs)

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

established - 17 December 1992 aim - to eliminate trade barriers, promote fair competition, increase investment opportunities, provide protection of intellectual property rights, and create procedures to settle disputes members - (3) Canada, Mexico, US

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

established - 4 April 1949 aim - to promote mutual defense and cooperation members - (28) Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

note - also known as OECD Nuclear Energy Agency established - 1 February 1958 aim - to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; associated with OECD members - (29) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

note - also known as the London Suppliers Group or the London Group established - 1974; effective - 1975 aim - to establish guidelines for exports of nuclear materials, processing equipment for uranium enrichment, and technical information to countries of proliferation concern and regions of conflict and instability members - (46) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US observer - (1) European Commission (a policy-planning body for the EU)

O

Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM)

note-acronym standing for the member countries, Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova; formerly known as GUUAM before Uzbekistan withdrew in 5 May 2005 established - 7 June 2001 aim - commits the countries to cooperation and assistance in social and economic development, the strengthening and broadening of trade and economic relations, and the development and effective use of transport and communications, highways, and related infrastructure crossing the boundaries of the member states members - (4) Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

established - 14 December 1960; effective - 30 September 1961 aim - to promote economic cooperation and development members - (34) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US special member - (1) EC accession states - (1) Russia

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

note - formerly the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) established 3 July 1975 established - 1 January 1995 aim - to foster the implementation of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law; to act as an instrument of early warning, conflict prevention, and crisis management; and to serve as a framework for conventional arms control and confidence building measures members - (56) Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan partners for cooperation - (12) Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Thailand, Tunisia

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

established - 29 April 1997 aim - to enforce the Convention on the
Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of
Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction; to provide a forum for
consultation and cooperation among the signatories of the Convention
members (countries that have ratified the Convention) - (188)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated
States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,
Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,
Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
signatory states (countries that have signed, but not ratified, the
Convention) - (2) Burma, Israel

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

see African Union

Organization of American States (OAS)

established - 14 April 1890 as the International Union of American
Republics; 30 April 1948 adopted present charter; effective - 13
December 1951 aim - to promote regional peace and security as well as
economic and social development members - (35) Antigua and Barbuda,
Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba (excluded from formal participation
since 1962), Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, US,
Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (65) Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,
Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holy
See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Vanuatu, Yemen

Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

established - 9 January 1968 aim - to promote cooperation in the petroleum industry members - (11) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia (suspended), UAE

Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

established - 18 June 1981; effective - 4 July 1981 aim - to promote political, economic, and defense cooperation members - (9) Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

established - 14 September 1960 aim - to coordinate petroleum policies members - (12) Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela; note - Indonesia left OPEC in 2008

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)

established - 22-25 September 1969 aim - to promote Islamic solidarity
in economic, social, cultural, and political affairs members - (56
plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso,
Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The
Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives,
Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname,
Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE,
Uzbekistan, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (12)
AU, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, ECO, LAS, Moro
National Liberation Front, NAM, Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member
States, Russia, Thailand, Turkish Muslim Community of Kibris, UN

P

Pacific Community (SPC)

local name of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

note - formerly known as South Pacific Forum (SPF) established - 5 August 1971 aim - to promote regional cooperation in political matters members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu associate members - (2) French Polynesia, New Caledonia partners - (14) Canada, China, EU, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, UK, US observers - (6) Asia Development Bank, The Commonwealth, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, the World Bank

Paris Club
established - 1956 aim - to provide a forum for debtor countries to negotiate rescheduling of debt service payments or loans extended by governments or official agencies of participating countries; to help restore normal trade and project finance to debtor countries members - (19) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US associate members - (13) Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, NZ, Portugal, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey

Partnership for Peace (PFP)

established - 10-11 January 1994 aim - to expand and intensify political and military cooperation throughout Europe, increase stability, diminish threats to peace, and build relationships by promoting the spirit of practical cooperation and commitment to democratic principles that underpin NATO; program under the auspices of NATO members - (22) Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; note - a nation that becomes a member of NATO is no longer a member of PFP

Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

established - 29 July 1899 aim - to facilitate the settlement of
international disputes members - (111) Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta,
Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,
Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

PetroCaribe
established - 29 June 2005 aim - to eliminate existing social inequities, to foster high standards of living, to promote effective people's participation in shaping their own destiny members - (18) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Venezuela

R

Rio Group (RG)

note - formerly known as Grupo de los Ocho, established NA December 1986; composed of the Contadora Group and the Lima Group established - 1988 aim - to consult on regional Latin American issues members - (24) Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica (representing CARICOM), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

S

Schengen Convention
established - signed June 1990; effective March 1995 aim - to allow free movement within an area without internal border controls members - (25) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland; note - UK and Ireland have not joined; Liechtenstein and Cyprus will probably join in the near future; Bulgaria and Romania are still not fully implemented De Facto members - (3) Holy See, Monaco, San Marino

Second World
another term for the traditionally Marxist-Leninist states of the USSR and Eastern Europe, with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; the term is fading from use; see centrally planned economies

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

established - 6 February 1947; effective 29 July 1948 aim - to serve island development in 22 Pacific countries; to develop technical assistance and professional, scientific, and research support; to build planning and management capability members - (26) America Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, NZ, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, US, Wallis and Futuna

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

established - 15 June 2001 aim - to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism; to safeguard regional security through mutual trust, disarmament, and cooperative security; and to increase cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific and technological, cultural, and educational fields members - (6) China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan dialogue members - (2) Belarus, Sri Lanka observers - (4) India, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan
socialist countries
in general, countries in which the government owns and plans the use of the major factors of production; note - the term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for Communist countries

South
a popular term for the poorer, less industrialized countries generally located south of the developed countries; the counterpart of the North; see less developed countries (LDCs)

South American Community of Nations (CSN)

established on 9 December 2004; its aim was to coordinate common policies regarding multilateral organizations, to integrate physical infrastructure, and to consolidate the merger of CAN and Mercosur; the members were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela; in 2008 it became Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)

South Asia Co-operative Environment Program (SACEP)

established - January 1983 aim - to promote regional cooperation in South Asia in the field of environment, both natural and human, and on issues of economic and social development; to support conservation and management of natural resources of the region members - (8) Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

established - 8 December 1985 aim - to promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation members - (8) Afghanistan. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka observers - (9) Australia, Burma, China, EU, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, US

South Pacific Forum (SPF)

note - see Pacific Island Forum

South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement
(Sparteca)

established - 1981 aim - to redress unequal trade relationships of Australia and New Zealand with small island economies in the Pacific region members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI)

established - 6 December 1996 aim - to encourage cooperation among participating states and to facilitate their integration into European structures members - (13) Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey observers - (18) Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, UK, US

Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

established - 11 December 1969 aim - to promote free trade and cooperation in customs matters members - (5) Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

note - evolved from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) established - 17 August 1992 aim - to promote regional economic development and integration members - (14) Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) or Southern Common Market
note - also known as Mercado Comun del Cono Sur (Mercosur) established - 26 March 1991 aim - to increase regional economic cooperation members - (4) Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay associate members - (5) Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

T

Third World
another term for the less developed countries; the term is obsolescent; see less developed countries (LDCs)

U
underdeveloped countries
refers to those less developed countries with the potential for above- average economic growth; see less developed countries (LDCs)

undeveloped countries
refers to those extremely poor less developed countries (LDCs) with little prospect for economic growth; see least developed countries (LLDCs)

Union Latina
established - 15 May 1954; became functional 1983 aim - to project, protect, and promote the common heritage and unifying identities of the Latin, and Latin-influenced, world members - (36) Andorra, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Moldova, Monaco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Spain, Timor- Leste, Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (3) Argentina, Holy See, Order of Malta

Union of South American Nations (UNASUR - Spanish; UNASUL - Portuguese)

formerly South American Community of Nations (CSN) which terminated on 16 April 2007 established - 23 May 2008 aim - to model a community after the European Union which will include a common currency, parliament, passport, and defense policy members - (12) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (2) Mexico, Panama

United Nations (UN)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to
maintain international peace and security and to promote cooperation
involving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems
constituent organizations - the UN is composed of six principal organs
and numerous subordinate agencies and bodies as follows: 1)
Secretariat 2) General Assembly: Joint United Nations Program on
HIV/AIDS (UN-AIDS), International Research and Training Institute for
the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW), Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Organization for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Preparation Committee for the
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), United Nations Center for
Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),
United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), United Nations Development
Program (UNDP), United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP), United
Nations Environment Program (UNEP),United Nations Fund for
International Partnerships (UNFIP), United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
(UNIDIR), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR),
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
(UNICRI), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Office
of Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), United Nations Research
Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), United Nations System Staff
College (UNSSC), United Nations University (UNU), World Food Program
(WFP) 3) Security Council: International Criminal Tribunal for the
Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
(ICTR), United Nations Compensation Commission, United Nations
Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), African Union/United Nations
Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), United Nations Assistance Mission
in Afghanistan (UNAMA), United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi
(BINUB), United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT),
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), United
Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United Nations Mission in
Liberia (UNMIL), United Nations Military Observer Group in India and
Pakistan (UNMOGIP), United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI),
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO),
United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), United Nations
Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (MONUSCO), United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP), United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH),
and United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) 4) Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC): Commission for Social Development,
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Commission on
Narcotics Drugs, Commission on Population and Development, Commission
on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable
Development, Commission on the Status of Women, Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Economic and Social
Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD), International Center for Secretariat of Investment Disputes
(ICSID), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
International Development Association (IDA), International Finance
Corporation (IFC), International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD), International Labor Organization (ILO), International Maritime
Organization (IMO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), Multilateral Investment Geographic
Agency (MIGA), Statistical Commission, United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Forum on
Forests, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
Universal Postal Union (UPU), World Health Organization (WHO), World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological
Organization (WMO), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and World Trade
Organization (WTO) 5) Trusteeship Council (inactive; no trusteeships at
this time) 6) International Court of Justice (ICJ)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization, UN International Children's Emergency Fund established - 11 December 1946 aim - to help establish child health and welfare services executive board members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

established - 30 December 1964 aim - to promote international trade members - (193) all UN members plus Holy See

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

established - 22 November 1965 aim - to provide technical assistance to stimulate economic and social development members (executive board) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

established - 31 May 1974 aim - to observe the 1973 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council members - (6) Austria, Canada, Croatia, India, Japan, Philippines

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)

established - 16 November 1945; effective - 4 November 1946 aim - to promote cooperation in education, science, and culture members - (193) includes all UN member countries except Liechtenstein (191 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue associate members - (7) Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Faroe Islands, Macau, Tokelau

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)

established - 15 December 1972 aim - to promote international cooperation on all environmental matters members - (58) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations General Assembly
established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to function as the primary deliberative organ of the UN members - (192) all UN members are represented in the General Assembly

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

established - 3 December 1949; effective - 1 January 1951 aim - to
ensure the humanitarian treatment of refugees and find permanent
solutions to refugee problems members (executive committee) - (79)
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin,
Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador,
Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Guinea, Holy See, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Lebanon, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia,
Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

established - 17 November 1966; effective - 1 January 1967 aim - UN specialized agency that promotes industrial development especially among the members members - (173) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Estonia, Iceland, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, US

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

established - 11 December 1963 adoption of the resolution establishing the Institute; effective - 24 March 1965 aim - to help the UN become more effective through training and research members (Board of Trustees) - (16) Algeria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Republic of the Congo, France, Guatemala, India, Iran, Jamaica, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, US; note - the UN Secretary General can appoint up to 30 members

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)

established - 25 August 2006 aim - to support the Government, to support the electoral process, to ensure the restoration and maintenance of public security members - (14) Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Singapore

United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

established - 10 June 1999 aim - to promote the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo; to perform basic civilian administrative functions; to support the reconstruction of key infrastructure and humanitarian and disaster relief note - gives civilian support only; works closely with NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR)

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

established - 19 March 1978 aim - to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli
forces, and assist in reestablishing Lebanese authority in southern
Lebanon; established by the UN Security Council members - (31)
Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark,
El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Macedonia, Malaysia, Nepal,
Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Tanzania,
Turkey

United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)

established - 24 January 1949 aim - to observe the 1949 India-Pakistan cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council members - (8) Chile, Croatia, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Philippines, Sweden, Uruguay

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

established - 29 April 1991 aim - to supervise the cease-fire and conduct a referendum in Western Sahara; established by the UN Security Council members - (30) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Croatia, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Russia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Yemen

United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)

established - 19 September 2003 aim - to support the cease-fire agreement and peace process, protect UN facilities and people, support humanitarian activities, and assist in national security reform members - (44) Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Ukraine, US, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad
(MINURCAT)

established on 25 September 2007; to create the security and conditions which will to contribute to the protection of refugees, displaced persons, and citizens in danger, to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance in eastern Chad and the northeastern Central African Republic, to create favorable conditions for the reconstruction and economic and social development of these areas; members were Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Mali, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tunisia, US; MINURCAT was dissolved in December 2010

United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS)

established - March 2005 aim - to support implementation of the comprehensive Peace Agreement by Monitoring and verifying the implementation of the Cease Fire Agreement, by observing and monitoring movements of armed groups, and by helping disarm, demobilizing and reintegrating armed bands members - (60) Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, China, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherland, NZ, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI)

established - 27 February 2004 aim - to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003 members - (42) Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, China, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Ireland, Jordan, South Korea, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)

established - 28 May 2010 aim - to protect the civilians; to assist the government in the areas of stabilization and peace consolidation members - (52) Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovine, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia

United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

established - 4 March 1964 aim - to serve as a peacekeeping force between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus; established by the UN Security Council members - (11) Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hungary, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, Slovakia, UK

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

note - acronym retained from predecessor organization UN Fund for Population Activities established - July 1967 aim - to assist both developed and developing countries to deal with their population problems members (executive board ) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA)

established - 8 December 1949 aim - to provide assistance to
Palestinian refugees members (advisory commission) - (23) Australia,
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, UK, US observers - (3) EC,
LAS, Palestine Liberation Organization

United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)

established - 1963 aim - to conduct research into the problems of economic development during different phases of economic growth members - no country members, but a Board of Directors consisting of a chairman appointed by the UN secretary general and 12 individual members

United Nations Secretariat
established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to serve as the primary administrative organ of the UN; a Secretary General is appointed for a five-year term by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council members - the UN Secretary General and staff

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to maintain international peace and security permanent members - (5) China, France, Russia, UK, US nonpermanent members - (10) elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly; Bosnia and Herzegovina (2010-11), Brazil (2010-11), Colombia (2011-12), Gabon (2010-11), Germany (2011-12), India (2011-12), Lebanon (2010-11), Nigeria (2010- 11), Portugal (2011-12), South Africa (2011-12)

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

established - June 1948 aim - to supervise the 1948 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; currently supports timely deployment of reinforcements to other peacekeeping operations in the region as needed; initially established by the UN Security Council members - (23) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, US

United Nations Trusteeship Council
established on 26 June 1945, effective on 24 October 1945, to supervise the administration of the 11 UN trust territories; members were China, France, Russia, UK, US; it formally suspended operations 1 November 1995 after the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau) became the Republic of Palau, a constitutional government in free association with the US; the Trusteeship Council was not dissolved

United Nations University (UNU)

established - 3 December 1973 aim - to conduct research in development, welfare, and human survival and to train scholars members - (24 members of UNU Council and the Rector are appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Director General of UNESCO)

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

established - 9 October 1874, affiliated with the UN 15 November 1947; effective - 1 July 1948 aim - to promote international postal cooperation; a UN specialized agency members - (191) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau (189 total); plus Holy See and Overseas Territories of the UK; note - includes the following dependencies or areas of special interest: Australia (Norfolk Island), China (Hong Kong, Macau), Denmark (Faroe Islands, Greenland), France (French Polynesia including Clipperton Island, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Scattered Islands [Bassas da India, Europe, Juan de Nova, Glorioso Islands, Tromelin], Wallis and Futuna), Netherlands (Aruba), NZ (Cook Island, Niue, Tokelau), UK (Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey; Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos), US (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

W

Warsaw Pact (WP)

established 14 May 1955 to promote mutual defense; members met 1 July 1991 to dissolve the alliance; member states at the time of dissolution were: Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the USSR; earlier members included German Democratic Republic (GDR) and Albania

West African Development Bank (WADB)

note - also known as Banque Ouest-Africaine de Developpement (BOAD); is a financial institution of WAEMU established - 14 November 1973 aim - to promote regional economic development and integration regional members - (8) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)

note - also known as Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) established - 1 August 1994 aim - to increase competitiveness of members' economic markets; to create a common market members - (8) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Western European Union (WEU)

established 23 October 1954; effective - 6 May 1955; aim to provide mutual defense and to move toward political unification; 10 members: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK; 6 associate members: Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Turkey; 7 associate partners: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia; 5 observers: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden; note - to cease existence completely by June 2011

World Bank Group
includes International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

World Confederation of Labor (WCL)

established 19 June 1920 as the International Federation of Christian
Trade Unions (IFCTU), renamed 4 October 1968; aim was to promote the
trade union movement; on 31 October 2006 it merged with the
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) to form the
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); members were (105
national organizations) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Austria,
Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo,
Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, French
Guiana, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta,
Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Rwanda, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe,
Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo,
Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

World Customs Organization (WCO)

note - began as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) established - 15
December 1950 aim - to promote international cooperation in customs
matters members - (178) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana,
Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, EC, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint
Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)

established - 3 October 1945 aim - to promote the trade union movement
members - (in 2010 there were 109 participating nations and the
Palestine Liberation Organization; the nations were not listed); (in
2009 there were 125 nations and the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia,
Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, The Gambia,
Ghana, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,
Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, New Caledonia, NZ,
Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Romania, Russia,
Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Food Program (WFP)

established - 24 November 1961 aim - to provide food aid in support of economic development or disaster relief; an ECOSOC organization members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

World Health Organization (WHO)

established - 22 July 1946; effective - 7 April 1948 aim - to deal with health matters worldwide; a UN specialized agency members - (193) includes all UN member countries except Liechtenstein (191 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

established - 14 July 1967; effective - 26 April 1970 aim - to furnish protection for literary, artistic, and scientific works; a UN specialized agency members - (184) includes all UN member countries except Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu (183 total); plus Holy See

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

established - 11 October 1947; effective - 4 April 1951 aim - to sponsor meteorological cooperation; a UN specialized agency members - (183) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Tuvalu (181 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

established - 2 January 1975 aim - to promote tourism as a means of
contributing to economic development, international understanding, and
peace members - (154) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola,
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy,
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,
Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe associate members - (6) Aruba, Flanders, Hong Kong,
Macau, Madeira Islands, Puerto Rico observers - (1 plus Palestine
Liberation Organization) Holy See, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Trade Organization (WTO)

note - succeeded General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT)
established - 15 April 1994; effective - 1 January 1995 aim - to
provide a forum to resolve trade conflicts between members and to carry
on negotiations with the goal of further lowering and/or eliminating
tariffs and other trade barriers members - (153) Albania, Angola,
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana,
Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,
Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK,
US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe observers - (31)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Belarus,
Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
Holy See, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya,
Montenegro, Russia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles,
Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen; note - with the
exception of the Holy See, an observer must start accession
negotiations within five years of becoming observers

Z

Zangger Committee (ZC)

established - early 1970s aim - to establish guidelines for the export
control provisions of the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty
(NPT) members - (37) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South
Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US observers - (1) European Commission

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

Appendix C :: Selected International Environmental Agreements

A

Air Pollution
see Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides
see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85
see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary Fluxes by at least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94
see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Antarctic - Environmental Protocol
see Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctic Treaty
opened for signature - 1 December 1959 entered into force - 23 June 1961 objective - to ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes only (such as international cooperation in scientific research); to defer the question of territorial claims asserted by some nations and not recognized by others; to provide an international forum for management of the region; applies to land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees south latitude parties - (46) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

B

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal

note - abbreviated as Hazardous Wastes opened for signature - 22 March 1989 entered into force - 5 May 1992 objective - to reduce transboundary movements of wastes subject to the Convention to a minimum consistent with the environmentally sound and efficient management of such wastes; to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated and ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation; and to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate parties - (172) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Afghanistan, Haiti, US

Biodiversity
see Convention on Biological Diversity

C

Climate Change
see United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
see Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals
note - abbreviated as Antarctic Seals opened for signature - 1 June 1972 entered into force - 11 March 1978 objective - to promote and achieve the protection, scientific study, and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system of Antarctica parties - (16) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) NZ

Convention on Biological Diversity
note - abbreviated as Biodiversity opened for signature - 5 June 1992
entered into force - 29 December 1993 objective - to develop national
strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity parties - (191) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe countries that have
signed, but not yet ratified - (1) US

Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High
Seas

note - abbreviated as Marine Life Conservation opened for signature - 29 April 1958 entered into force - 20 March 1966 objective - to solve through international cooperation the problems involved in the conservation of living resources of the high seas, considering that because of the development of modern technology some of these resources are in danger of being overexploited parties - (38) Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Finland, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (21) Afghanistan, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ghana, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Panama, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution
note - abbreviated as Air Pollution opened for signature - 13 November 1979 entered into force - 16 March 1983 objective - to protect the human environment against air pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-range transboundary air pollution parties - (51) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Holy See, San Marino

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as
Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

note - abbreviated as Wetlands opened for signature - 2 February 1971
entered into force - 21 December 1975 objective - to stem the
progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future,
recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their
economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value parties - (154)
Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,
Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea,
Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,
Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania,
Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam,
Zambia

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Marine Living Resources opened for signature - 5 May 1980 entered into force - 7 April 1982 objective - to safeguard the environment and protect the integrity of the ecosystem of the seas surrounding Antarctica, and to conserve Antarctic marine living resources parties - (31) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES)

note - abbreviated as Endangered Species opened for signature - 3
March 1973 entered into force - 1 July 1975 objective - to protect
certain endangered species from overexploitation by means of a system
of import/export permits parties - (170) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium,
Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,
Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,
Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia,
Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Pakistan,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome
and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania,
Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine,
UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and
Other Matter (London Convention)

note - abbreviated as Marine Dumping opened for signature - 29 December 1972 entered into force - 30 August 1975 objective - to control pollution of the sea by dumping and to encourage regional agreements supplementary to the Convention; the London Convention came into force in 1996 parties - (88) Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (associate member), Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Libya, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Vanuatu associate members to the London Convention - (2) Faroe Islands, Macau
countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Chad, Kuwait, Uruguay

Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of
Environmental Modification Techniques

note - abbreviated as Environmental Modification opened for signature - 10 December 1976 entered into force - 5 October 1978 objective - to prohibit the military or other hostile use of environmental modification techniques in order to further world peace and trust among nations parties - (73) Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lithuania, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (16) Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Holy See, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Morocco, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Turkey, Uganda

D

Desertification
see United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

E

Endangered Species
see Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Environmental Modification
see Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

H

Hazardous Wastes
see Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

I

International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling
note - abbreviated as Whaling opened for signature - 2 December 1946 entered into force - 10 November 1948 objective - to protect all species of whales from overhunting; to establish a system of international regulation for the whale fisheries to ensure proper conservation and development of whale stocks; and to safeguard for future generations the great natural resources represented by whale stocks parties - (84) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Laos, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, UK, US, Uruguay

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983
note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 83 opened for signature - 18 November 1983 entered into force - 1 April 1985; this agreement expired when the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994, went into force objective - to provide an effective framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers and to encourage the development of national policies aimed at sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources parties - (59) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994
note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 94 opened for signature - 26 January 1994 entered into force - 1 January 1997 objective - to ensure that by the year 2000 exports of tropical timber originate from sustainably managed sources; to establish a fund to assist tropical timber producers in obtaining the resources necessary to reach this objective parties - (61) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela

K

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change

note - abbreviated as Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol opened for signature - 16 March 1998 entered into force - 23 February 2005 objective - to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the national programs of developed countries aimed at this goal and by establishing percentage reduction targets for the developed countries parties - (184) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Island, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Kazakhstan, US

L

Law of the Sea
see United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

M

Marine Dumping
see Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention)

Marine Life Conservation
see Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas

Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
note - abbreviated as Ozone Layer Protection opened for signature - 16
September 1987 entered into force - 1 January 1989 objective - to
protect the ozone layer by controlling emissions of substances that
deplete it parties - (194) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome
and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,
Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE,
UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe

N

Nuclear Test Ban
see Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

O

Ozone Layer Protection
see Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

P

Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

note - abbreviated as Ship Pollution opened for signature - 17
February 1978 entered into force - 2 October 1983 objective - to
preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of
pollution by oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of
accidental discharge of such substances parties - (139) Algeria,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan,
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Faroe
Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon,
Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius,
Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama,
Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar Romania,
Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,
Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, UK, US,
Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty
note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Environmental Protocol opened for signature - 4 October 1991 entered into force - 14 January 1998 objective - to provide for comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems; applies to the area covered by the Antarctic Treaty consultative parties - (31) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay non consultative parties - (12) Austria, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or
Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides opened for signature - 31 October 1988 entered into force - 14 February 1991 objective - to provide for the control or reduction of nitrogen oxides and their transboundary fluxes parties - (32) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) Poland

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic
Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds opened for signature - 18 November 1991 entered into force - 29 September 1997 objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects parties - (23) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (6) Canada, EU, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 94 opened for signature - 14 June 1994 entered into force - 5 August 1998 objective - to provide for a further reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes parties - (28) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Poland, Russia, Ukraine

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants opened for signature - 24 June 1998 entered into force - 23 October 2003 objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of persistent organic pollutants in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects parties - (29) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (8) Armenia, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary
Fluxes by at Least 30%

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 85 opened for signature - 8 July 1985 entered into force - 2 September 1987 objective - to provide for a 30% reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes by 1993 parties - (23) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

S

Ship Pollution
see Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

T

Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water
note - abbreviated as Nuclear Test Ban opened for signature - 5 August 1963 entered into force - 10 October 1963 objective - to obtain an agreement on general and complete disarmament under strict international control in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations; to put an end to the armaments race and eliminate incentives for the production and testing of all kinds of weapons, including nuclear weapons parties - (113) Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (17) Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chile, Ethiopia, Haiti, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Paraguay, Portugal, Somalia, Tanzania, Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen

Tropical Timber 83
see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94
see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

U

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

note - abbreviated as Law of the Sea opened for signature - 10
December 1982 entered into force - 16 November 1994 objective - to
set up a comprehensive new legal regime for the sea and oceans; to
include rules concerning environmental standards as well as enforcement
provisions dealing with pollution of the marine environment parties -
(157) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Comoros, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, EU, Fiji,
Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,
Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe,
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, Vanuatu,
Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe countries that have signed, but not
yet ratified - (21) Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Central
African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Ethiopia, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Niger,
Rwanda, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa

note - abbreviated as Desertification opened for signature - 14
October 1994 entered into force - 26 December 1996 objective - to
combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through
national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies
supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements
parties - (193) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua
and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,
Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, EU,
Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,
Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel,
Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North
Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
note - abbreviated as Climate Change opened for signature - 9 May 1992
entered into force - 21 March 1994 objective - to achieve
stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with
the climate system parties - (192) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

W

Wetlands
see Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

Whaling
see International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

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

Appendix D :: Cross-reference List of Country Data Codes

FIPS 10: Countries, Dependencies, Areas of Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions (FIPS 10) is maintained by the Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues, National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency, and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Department of Commerce). FIPS 10 codes are intended for general use throughout the US Government, especially in activities associated with the mission of the Department of State and national defense programs.

ISO 3166: Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (ISO 3166) is prepared by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 3166 includes two- and three-character alphabetic codes and three-digit numeric codes that may be needed for activities involving exchange of data with international organizations that have adopted that standard. Except for the numeric codes, ISO 3166 codes have been adopted in the US as FIPS 104-1: American National Standard Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries, Dependencies, and Areas of Special Sovereignty for Information Interchange.

STANAG 1059: Letter Codes for Geographical Entities (8th edition, 2004) is a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) established and maintained by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO/OTAN) for the purpose of providing a common set of geo-spatial identifiers for countries, territories, and possessions. The 8th edition established trigraph codes for each country based upon the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 character sets. These codes are used throughout NATO. Internet: The Internet country code is the two-letter digraph maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the

ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

A

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Afghanistan AF AF AFG 004 AFG .af
Albania AL AL ALB 008 ALB .al
Algeria AG DZ DZA 012 DZA .dz
American Samoa AQ AS ASM 016 ASM .as
Andorra AN AD AND 020 AND .ad
Angola AO AO AGO 024 AGO .ao
Anguilla AV AI AIA 660 AIA .ai
Antarctica AY AQ ATA 010 ATA .aq
ISO defines as the territory south of 60 degrees south latitude

Antigua and Barbuda AC AG ATG 028 ATG .ag
Argentina AR AR ARG 032 ARG .ar
Armenia AM AM ARM 051 ARM .am
Aruba AA AW ABW 533 ABW .aw
Ashmore and Cartier Islands AT - - - AUS -
ISO includes with Australia

Australia AS AU AUS 036 AUS .au
ISO includes Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands

Austria AU AT AUT 040 AUT .at
Azerbaijan AJ AZ AZE 031 AZE .az

B

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Bahamas, The BF BS BHS 044 BHS .bs
Bahrain BA BH BHR 048 BHR .bh
Baker Island FQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Bangladesh BG BD BGD 050 BGD .bd
Barbados BB BB BRB 052 BRB .bb
Bassas da India BS - - - - -
administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
ISO codes assigned

Belarus BO BY BLR 112 BLR .by
Belgium BE BE BEL 056 BEL .be
Belize BH BZ BLZ 084 BLZ .bz
Benin BN BJ BEN 204 BEN .bj
Bermuda BD BM BMU 060 BMU .bm
Bhutan BT BT BTN 064 BTN .bt
Bolivia BL BO BOL 068 BOL .bo
Bosnia and Herzegovina BK BA BIH 070 BIH .ba
Botswana BC BW BWA 072 BWA .bw
Bouvet Island BV BV BVT 074 BVT .bv
Brazil BR BR BRA 076 BRA .br
British Indian Ocean Territory IO IO IOT 086 IOT .io
British Virgin Islands VI VG VGB 092 VGB .vg
Brunei BX BN BRN 096 BRN .bn
Bulgaria BU BG BGR 100 BGR .bg
Burkina Faso UV BF BFA 854 BFA .bf
Burma BM MM MMR 104 MMR .mm
ISO uses the name Myanmar

Burundi BY BI BDI 108 BDI .bi

C

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Cambodia CB KH KHM 116 KHM .kh
Cameroon CM CM CMR 120 CMR .cm
Canada CA CA CAN 124 CAN .ca
Cape Verde CV CV CPV 132 CPV .cv
Cayman Islands CJ KY CYM 136 CYM .ky
Central African Republic CT CF CAF 140 CAF .cf
Chad CD TD TCD 148 TCD .td
Chile CI CL CHL 152 CHL .cl
China CH CN CHN 156 CHN .cn
see also Taiwan

Christmas Island KT CX CXR 162 CXR .cx
Clipperton Island IP - - - FYP -
ISO includes with France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands CK CC CCK 166 AUS .cc
Colombia CO CO COL 170 COL .co
Comoros CN KM COM 174 COM .km
Congo, Democratic Republic of the CG CD COD 180 COD .cd
formerly Zaire

Congo, Republic of the CF CG COG 178 COG .cg
Cook Islands CW CK COK 184 COK .ck
Coral Sea Islands CR - - - AUS -
ISO includes with Australia

Costa Rica CS CR CRI 188 CRI .cr
Cote d'Ivoire IV CI CIV 384 CIV .ci
Croatia HR HR HRV 191 HRV .hr
Cuba CU CU CUB 192 CUB .cu
Curacao UC CW CUW 531 - .cw
Cyprus CY CY CYP 196 CYP .cy
Czech Republic EZ CZ CZE 203 CZE .cz

D

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Denmark DA DK DNK 208 DNK .dk
Djibouti DJ DJ DJI 262 DJI .dj
Dominica DO DM DMA 212 DMA .dm
Dominican Republic DR DO DOM 214 DOM .do

E

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Ecuador EC EC ECU 218 ECU .ec
Egypt EG EG EGY 818 EGY .eg
El Salvador ES SV SLV 222 SLV .sv
Equatorial Guinea EK GQ GNQ 226 GNQ .gq
Eritrea ER ER ERI 232 ERI .er
Estonia EN EE EST 233 EST .ee
Ethiopia ET ET ETH 231 ETH .et
Europa Island EU - - - - -
administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
ISO codes assigned

F

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) FK FK FLK 238 FLK .fk
Faroe Islands FO FO FRO 234 FRO .fo
Fiji FJ FJ FJI 242 FJI .fj
Finland FI FI FIN 246 FIN .fi
France FR FR FRA 250 FRA .fr
ISO includes metropolitan France along with the
dependencies of Clipperton Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia,
French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Guadeloupe, Martinique,
Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis
and Futuna

France, Metropolitan - FX FXX 249 - .fx
ISO limits to the European part of France

French Guiana FG GF GUF 254 GUF .gf
French Polynesia FP PF PYF 258 PYF .pf
French Southern and Antarctic Lands FS TF ATF 260 ATF .tf
FIPS 10-4 does not include the French-claimed portion of
Antarctica (Terre Adelie)

G

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Gabon GB GA GAB 266 GAB .ga
Gambia, The GA GM GMB 270 GMB .gm
Gaza Strip GZ PS PSE 275 PSE .ps
ISO identifies as Occupied Palestinian Territory

Georgia GG GE GEO 268 GEO .ge
Germany GM DE DEU 276 DEU .de
Ghana GH GH GHA 288 GHA .gh
Gibraltar GI GI GIB 292 GIB .gi
Glorioso Islands GO - - - - -
administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
ISO codes assigned

Greece GR GR GRC 300 GRC .gr
For its internal communications, the European Union
recommends the use of the code EL in lieu of the ISO 3166-2 code of
GR

Greenland GL GL GRL 304 GRL .gl
Grenada GJ GD GRD 308 GRD .gd
Guadeloupe GP GP GLP 312 GLP .gp
Guam GQ GU GUM 316 GUM .gu
Guatemala GT GT GTM 320 GTM .gt
Guernsey GK GG GGY 831 UK .gg
Guinea GV GN GIN 324 GIN .gn
Guinea-Bissau PU GW GNB 624 GNB .gw
Guyana GY GY GUY 328 GUY .gy

H

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Haiti HA HT HTI 332 HTI .ht
Heard Island and McDonald Islands HM HM HMD 334 HMD .hm
Holy See (Vatican City) VT VA VAT 336 VAT .va
Honduras HO HN HND 340 HND .hn
Hong Kong HK HK HKG 344 HKG .hk
Howland Island HQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Hungary HU HU HUN 348 HUN .hu

I

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Iceland IC IS ISL 352 ISL .is
India IN IN IND 356 IND .in
Indonesia ID ID IDN 360 IDN .id
Iran IR IR IRN 364 IRN .ir
Iraq IZ IQ IRQ 368 IRQ .iq
Ireland EI IE IRL 372 IRL .ie
Isle of Man IM IM IMN 833 UK .im
Israel IS IL ISR 376 ISR .il
Italy IT IT ITA 380 ITA .it

J

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Jamaica JM JM JAM 388 JAM .jm
Jan Mayen JN - - - SJM -
ISO includes with Svalbard

Japan JA JP JPN 392 JPN .jp
Jarvis Island DQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jersey JE JE JEY 832 UK .je
Johnston Atoll JQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jordan JO JO JOR 400 JOR .jo
Juan de Nova Island JU - - - - -
administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
ISO codes assigned

K

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Kazakhstan KZ KZ KAZ 398 KAZ .kz
Kenya KE KE KEN 404 KEN .ke
Kingman Reef KQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Kiribati KR KI KIR 296 KIR .ki
Korea, North KN KP PRK 408 PRK .kp
Korea, South KS KR KOR 410 KOR .kr
Kosovo KV - - - - -
ISO codes have not been designated

Kuwait KU KW KWT 414 KWT .kw
Kyrgyzstan KG KG KGZ 417 KGZ .kg

L

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Laos LA LA LAO 418 LAO .la
Latvia LG LV LVA 428 LVA .lv
Lebanon LE LB LBN 422 LBN .lb
Lesotho LT LS LSO 426 LSO .ls
Liberia LI LR LBR 430 LBR .lr
Libya LY LY LBY 434 LBY .ly
Liechtenstein LS LI LIE 438 LIE .li
Lithuania LH LT LTU 440 LTU .lt
Luxembourg LU LU LUX 442 LUX .lu

M

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Macau MC MO MAC 446 MAC .mo
Macedonia MK MK MKD 807 FYR .mk
Madagascar MA MG MDG 450 MDG .mg
Malawi MI MW MWI 454 MWI .mw
Malaysia MY MY MYS 458 MYS .my
Maldives MV MV MDV 462 MDV .mv
Mali ML ML MLI 466 MLI .ml
Malta MT MT MLT 470 MLT .mt
Marshall Islands RM MH MHL 584 MHL .mh
Martinique MB MQ MTQ 474 MTQ .mq
Mauritania MR MR MRT 478 MRT .mr
Mauritius MP MU MUS 480 MUS .mu
Mayotte MF YT MYT 175 FRA .yt
Mexico MX MX MEX 484 MEX .mx
Micronesia, Federated States of FM FM FSM 583 FSM .fm
Midway Islands MQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Moldova MD MD MDA 498 MDA .md
Monaco MN MC MCO 492 MCO .mc
Mongolia MG MN MNG 496 MNG .mn
Montenegro MJ ME MNE 499 MNE .me
Montserrat MH MS MSR 500 MSR .ms
Morocco MO MA MAR 504 MAR .ma
Mozambique MZ MZ MOZ 508 MOZ .mz
Myanmar - - - - - -
see Burma

N

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Namibia WA NA NAM 516 NAM .na
Nauru NR NR NRU 520 NRU .nr
Navassa Island BQ - - - US -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Nepal NP NP NPL 524 NPL .np
Netherlands NL NL NLD 528 NLD .nl
Netherlands Antilles NT AN ANT 530 ANT .an
New Caledonia NC NC NCL 540 NCL .nc
New Zealand NZ NZ NZL 554 NZL .nz
Nicaragua NU NI NIC 558 NIC .ni
Niger NG NE NER 562 NER .ne
Nigeria NI NG NGA 566 NGA .ng
Niue NE NU NIU 570 NIU .nu
Norfolk Island NF NF NFK 574 NFK .nf
Northern Mariana Islands CQ MP MNP 580 MNP .mp
Norway NO NO NOR 578 NOR .no

O

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Oman MU OM OMN 512 OMN .om

P

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Pakistan PK PK PAK 586 PAK .pk
Palau PS PW PLW 585 PLW .pw
Palmyra Atoll LQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Panama PM PA PAN 591 PAN .pa
Papua New Guinea PP PG PNG 598 PNG .pg
Paracel Islands PF - - - - -
Paraguay PA PY PRY 600 PRY .py
Peru PE PE PER 604 PER .pe
Philippines RP PH PHL 608 PHL .ph
Pitcairn Islands PC PN PCN 612 PCN .pn
Poland PL PL POL 616 POL .pl
Portugal PO PT PRT 620 PRT .pt
Puerto Rico RQ PR PRI 630 PRI .pr

Q

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Qatar QA QA QAT 634 QAT .qa

R

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Reunion RE RE REU 638 REU .re
Romania RO RO ROU 642 ROU .ro
Russia RS RU RUS 643 RUS .ru
Rwanda RW RW RWA 646 RWA .rw

S

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Saint Barthelemy TB BL BLM 652 - .bl
ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used

Saint Helena SH SH SHN 654 SHN .sh
Saint Kitts and Nevis SC KN KNA 659 KNA .kn
Saint Lucia ST LC LCA 662 LCA .lc
Saint Martin RN MF MAF 663 - .mf
ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used

Saint Pierre and MiquelonSB PM SPM 666 SPM .pm
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines VC VC VCT 670 VCT .vc
Samoa WS WS WSM 882 WSM .ws
San Marino SM SM SMR 674 SMR .sm
Sao Tome and Principe TP ST STP 678 STP .st
Saudi Arabia SA SA SAU 682 SAU .sa
Senegal SG SN SEN 686 SEN .sn
Serbia RI RS SRB 688 - .rs
Seychelles SE SC SYC 690 SYC .sc
Sierra Leone SL SL SLE 694 SLE .sl
Singapore SN SG SGP 702 SGP .sg
Sint Maarten NN SX SXM 534 - .sx
Slovakia LO SK SVK 703 SVK .sk
Slovenia SI SI SVN 705 SVN .si
Solomon Islands BP SB SLB 090 SLB .sb
Somalia SO SO SOM 706 SOM .so
South Africa SF ZA ZAF 710 ZAF .za
South Georgia and the Islands SX GS SGS 239 SGS .gs
Spain SP ES ESP 724 ESP .es
Spratly Islands PG - - - - -
Sri Lanka CE LK LKA 144 LKA .lk
Sudan SU SD SDN 736 SDN .sd
Suriname NS SR SUR 740 SUR .sr
Svalbard SV SJ SJM 744 SJM .sj
ISO includes Jan Mayen

Swaziland WZ SZ SWZ 748 SWZ .sz
Sweden SW SE SWE 752 SWE .se
Switzerland SZ CH CHE 756 CHE .ch
Syria SY SY SYR 760 SYR .sy

T

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Taiwan TW TW TWN 158 TWN .tw
Tajikistan TI TJ TJK 762 TJK .tj
Tanzania TZ TZ TZA 834 TZA .tz
Thailand TH TH THA 764 THA .th
Timor-Leste TT TL TLS 626 TLS .tl
Togo TO TG TGO 768 TGO .tg
Tokelau TL TK TKL 772 TKL .tk
Tonga TN TO TON 776 TON .to
Trinidad and Tobago TD TT TTO 780 TTO .tt
Tromelin Island TE - - - - -
administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
ISO codes assigned

Tunisia TS TN TUN 788 TUN .tn
Turkey TU TR TUR 792 TUR .tr
Turkmenistan TX TM TKM 795 TKM .tm
Turks and Caicos Islands TK TC TCA 796 TCA .tc
Tuvalu TV TV TUV 798 TUV .tv

U

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Uganda UG UG UGA 800 UGA .ug
Ukraine UP UA UKR 804 UKR .ua
United Arab Emirates AE AE ARE 784 ARE .ae
United Kingdom UK GB GBR 826 GBR .uk
For its internal communications, the European Union
recommends the use of the code UK in lieu of the ISO 3166-2 code of
GB

United States US US USA 840 USA .us
United States Minor Outlying Islands-UMUMI581 - .um
ISO includes Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,
Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island,
Palmyra Atoll, Wake Island

Uruguay UY UY URY 858 URY .uy
Uzbekistan UZ UZ UZB 860 UZB .uz

V

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Vanuatu NH VU VUT 548 VUT .vu
Venezuela VE VE VEN 862 VEN .ve
Vietnam VM VN VNM 704 VNM .vn
Virgin Islands VQ VI VIR 850 VIR .vi
Virgin Islands (UK) - - - - - .vg
see British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands (US) - - - - - .vi
see Virgin Islands

W

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Wake Island WQ - - - UMI -
ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Wallis and Futuna WF WF WLF 876 WLF .wf
West Bank WE PS PSE 275 PSE .ps
ISO identifies as Occupied Palestinian Territory

Western Sahara WI EH ESH 732 ESH .eh Western Samoa - - - - - .ws see Samoa

World - - - - - - the Factbook uses the W data code from DIAM 65-18 Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 3, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency

Y

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Yemen YM YE YEM 887 YEM .ye

Z

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Zaire - - - - - -
see Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zambia ZA ZM ZMB 894 ZMB .zm
Zimbabwe ZI ZW ZWE 716 ZWE .zw

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

Appendix E :: Cross-reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

IHO 23-4th: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, Draft 4th Edition 1986, published by the International Hydrographic Bureau of the International Hydrographic Organization.

IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd
Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization.

ACIC M 49-1: Chart of Limits of Seas and Oceans, revised January 1958, published by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), United States Air Force.

DIAM 65-18: Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 4, Defense Intelligence Agency Manual 65-18, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The US Government has not yet adopted a standard for hydrographic codes similar to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 10-4 country codes. The names and limits of the following oceans and seas are not always directly comparable because of differences in the customers, needs, and requirements of the individual organizations. Even the number of principal water bodies varies from organization to organization. Factbook users, for example, find the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean entries useful, but none of the following standards include those oceans in their entirety. Nor is there any provision for combining codes or overcodes to aggregate water bodies. The recently delimited Southern Ocean is not included.

Principal Oceans and Seas of the World With Hydrographic Codes by Institution

IHO 23-4th IHO 23-3rd* ACIC M 49-1 DIAM 65-18

Arctic Ocean 9 17 A 5A
Atlantic Ocean - - - -
Baltic Sea 2 1 B26 7B
Eastern Mediterranean 3.1.2 28 B - 8E
Indian Ocean 5 45 F 6A
Mediterranean Sea 3.1 28 B11 -
North Atlantic Ocean 1 23 B 1A
North Pacific Ocean 7 57 D 3A
Pacific Ocean - - - -
South Atlantic Ocean 4 32 C 2A
South China and Eastern
Archipelagic Seas 6 49, 48 D18 plus 3U plus
others others
South Pacific Ocean 8 61 E 4A
Western Mediterranean 3.1.1 28 A - 8W

*The letters after the numbers are subdivisions, not footnotes.

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

APPENDIX F :: CROSS-REFERENCE LIST OF GEOGRAPHIC NAMES

This appendix cross-references a wide variety of geographic names to the appropriate Factbook "country" entry. Additional information is included in parentheses.

A

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)

Abidjan (capital) Cote d'Ivoire 5 19 N 4 02 W
Abkhazia (region) Georgia 43 00 N 41 00 E
Abu Dhabi (capital) United Arab 24 28 N 54 22 E
Emirates
Abu Musa (island) Iran 25 52 N 55 03 E
Abuja (capital) Nigeria 9 12 N 7 11 E
Abyssinia (former name Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
for Ethiopia)
Acapulco (city) Mexico 16 51 N 99 55 W
Accra (capital) Ghana 5 33 N 0 13 W
Adamstown (capital) Pitcairn Islands 25 04 S 130 05 W
Addis Ababa (capital) Ethiopia 9 02 N 38 42 E
Adelie Land (claimed by Antarctica 66 30 S 139 00 E
France; also Terre
Adelie)
Aden (city) Yemen 12 46 N 45 01 E
Aden, Gulf of Indian Ocean 12 30 N 48 00 E
Admiralty Island United States 57 44 N 134 20 W
(Alaska)
Admiralty Islands Papua New Guinea 2 10 S 147 00 E
Adriatic Sea Atlantic Ocean 42 30 N 16 00 E
Adygey (region) Russia 44 30 N 40 10 E
Aegean Islands Greece 38 00 N 25 00 E
Aegean Sea Atlantic Ocean 38 30 N 25 00 E
Afars and Issas, French Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
Territory of the (or
FTAI; former name for
Djibouti)
Afghanestan (local name Afghanistan 33 00 N 65 00 E
for Afghanistan)
Agalega Islands Mauritius 10 25 S 56 40 E
Agana (city; former name Guam 13 28 N 144 45 E
for Hagatna)
Ajaccio (city) France (Corsica) 41 55 N 8 44 E
Ajaria (region) Georgia 41 45 N 42 10 E
Akmola (city; former name Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E
for Astana)
Aksai Chin (region) China (de facto), 35 00 N 79 00 E
India (claimed)
Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Saudi Arabia 25 00 N 45 00 E
(local name for Saudi
Arabia)
Al Bahrayn (local name Bahrain 26 00 N 50 33 E
for Bahrain)
Al Imarat al Arabiyah al United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
Muttahidah (local name Emirates
for the United Arab
Emirates)
Al Iraq (local name for Iraq 33 00 N 44 00 E
Iraq)
Al Jaza'ir (local name Algeria 28 00 N 3 00 E
for Algeria)
Al Kuwayt (local name for Kuwait 29 30 N 45 45 E
Kuwait)
Al Maghrib (local name Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
for Morocco)
Al Urdun (local name for Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
Jordan)
Al Yaman (local name for Yemen 15 00 N 48 00 E
Yemen)
Aland Islands Finland 60 15 N 20 00 E
Alaska (state) United States 65 00 N 153 00 W
Alaska, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 58 00 N 145 00 W
Alboran Sea Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 2 30 W
Aldabra Islands (Groupe Seychelles 9 25 S 46 22 E
d'Aldabra)
Alderney (island) Guernsey 49 43 N 2 12 W
Aleutian Islands United States 52 00 N 176 00 W
(Alaska)
Alexander Archipelago United States 57 00 N 134 00 W
(island group) (Alaska)
Alexander Island Antarctica 71 00 S 70 00 W
Alexandretta (region; Turkey 36 34 N 36 08 E
former name for
Iskenderun)
Alexandria (city) Egypt 31 12 N 29 54 E
Algiers (capital) Algeria 36 47 N 2 03 E
Alhucemas, Penon de Spain 35 13 N 3 53 W
(island group)
Alma-Ata (city; former Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E
name for Almaty)
Almaty (former capital) Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E
Alofi (capital) Niue 19 01 S 169 55 W
Alphonse Island Seychelles 7 01 S 52 45 E
Alsace (region) France 48 30 N 7 20 E
Amami Strait Pacific Ocean 28 40 N 129 30 E
Amindivi Islands (former India 11 30 N 72 30 E
name for Laccadive
Islands)
Amirante Isles (island Seychelles 6 00 S 53 10 E
group; also Les
Amirantes)
Amman (capital) Jordan 31 57 N 35 56 E
Amsterdam (capital) Netherlands 52 23 N 4 54 E
Amsterdam Island (Ile French Southern and 37 52 S 77 32 E
Amsterdam) Antarctic Lands
Amundsen Sea Southern Ocean 72 30 S 112 00 W
Amur River China, Russia 52 56 N 141 10 E
Amurskiy Liman (strait) Pacific Ocean 53 00 N 141 30 E
Anadyrskiy Zaliv (gulf) Pacific Ocean 64 00 N 177 00 E
Anatolia (region) Turkey 39 00 N 35 00 E
Andaman Islands India 12 00 N 92 45 E
Andaman Sea Indian Ocean 10 00 N 95 00 E
Andorra la Vella Andorra 42 30 N 1 30 E
(capital)
Andros (island) Greece 37 45 N 24 42 E
Andros Island The Bahamas 24 26 N 77 57 W
Anegada Passage Atlantic Ocean 18 30 N 63 40 W
Angkor Wat (ruins) Cambodia 13 26 N 103 50 E
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E
(former name for Sudan)
Anjouan (island) Comoros 12 15 S 44 25 E
Ankara (capital) Turkey 39 56 N 32 52 E
Annobon (island) Equatorial Guinea 1 25 S 5 36 E
Antananarivo (capital) Madagascar 18 52 S 47 30 E
Antigua (island) Antigua and Barbuda 14 34 N 90 44 W
Antipodes Islands New Zealand 49 41 S 178 43 E
Antwerp (city) Belgium 51 13 N 4 25 E
Aomen (local Chinese Macau 22 10 N 113 33 E
short-form name for
Macau)
Aozou Strip (region) Chad 22 00 N 18 00 E
Apia (capital) Samoa 13 50 S 171 44 W
Aqaba, Gulf of Indian Ocean 29 00 N 34 30 E
Arab, Shatt al (river) Iran, Iraq 29 57 N 48 34 E
Arabian Sea Indian Ocean 15 00 N 65 00 E
Arafura Sea Pacific Ocean 9 00 S 133 00 E
Aral Sea Kazakhstan, 45 00 N 60 00 E
Uzbekistan
Argun River China, Russia 53 20 N 121 28 E
Aru Sea Pacific Ocean 6 15 S 135 00 E
As-Sudan (local name for Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E
Sudan)
Ascension Island Saint Helena, 7 57 S 14 22 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Ashgabat, Ashkhabad Turkmenistan 37 57 N 58 23 E
(capital)
Asmara, Asmera (capital) Eritrea 15 20 N 38 53 E
Assumption Island Seychelles 9 46 S 46 34 E
Astana (capital; formerly Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E
Akmola)
Asuncion (capital) Paraguay 25 16 S 57 40 W
Asuncion Island Northern Mariana 19 40 N 145 24 E
Islands
Atacama (desert) Chile 23 00 S 70 10 W
Atacama (region) Chile 24 30 S 69 15 W
Athens (capital) Greece 37 59 N 23 44 E
Attu Island United States 52 55 N 172 57 E
Auckland (city) New Zealand 36 52 S 174 46 E
Auckland Islands New Zealand 51 00 S 166 30 E
Australes, Iles (island French Polynesia 23 20 S 151 00 W
group; also Iles Tubuai)
Avarua (capital) Cook Islands 21 12 S 159 46 W
Axel Heiberg Island Canada 79 30 N 90 00 W
Azad Kashmir (region) Pakistan 34 30 N 74 00 E
Azarbaycan, Azerbaidzhan Azerbaijan 40 30 N 47 30 E
(local name for
Azerbaijan)
Azores (islands) Portugal 38 30 N 28 00 W
Azov, Sea of Atlantic Ocean 49 00 N 36 00 E

B

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Bab el Mandeb (strait) Indian Ocean 12 40 N 43 20 E
Babuyan Channel Pacific Ocean 18 44 N 121 40 E
Babuyan Islands Philippines 19 10 N 121 40 E
Baffin Bay Arctic Ocean 73 00 N 66 00 W
Baffin Island Canada 68 00 N 70 00 W
Baghdad (capital) Iraq 33 21 N 44 25 E
Baku (capital; also Baki, Azerbaijan 40 23 N 49 51 E
Baky)
Balabac Strait Pacific Ocean 7 35 N 117 00 E
Balearic Islands Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
Balearic Sea (Iberian Atlantic Ocean 40 30 N 2 00 E
Sea) (Mediterranean Sea)
Bali (island) Indonesia 8 20 S 115 00 E
Bali Sea Indian Ocean 7 45 S 115 30 E
Balintang Channel Pacific Ocean 19 49 N 121 40 E
Balintang Islands Philippines 19 55 N 122 10 E
Balkan Peninsula Albania, Bosnia and 42 00 N 23 00 E
Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia,
Greece, Kosovo,
Macedonia,
Montenegro,
Romania, Serbia,
Slovenia, Turkey
(European part)
Balleny Islands Antarctica 67 00 S 163 00 E
Balochistan (region) Pakistan 28 00 N 63 00 E
Baltic Sea Atlantic Ocean 57 00 N 19 00 E
Bamako (capital) Mali 12 39 N 8 00 W
Banaba (Ocean Island) Kiribati 0 52 S 169 35 E
Banat (region) Hungary, Romania, 45 30 N 21 00 E
Serbia
Banda Sea Pacific Ocean 5 00 S 128 00 E
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei 4 53 N 114 56 E
(capital)
Bangka (island) Indonesia 2 30 S 106 00 E
Bangkok (capital) Thailand 13 45 N 100 31 E
Bangui (capital) Central African 4 22 N 18 35 E
Republic
Banjul (capital) The Gambia 13 28 N 16 39 W
Banks Island Australia 10 12 S 142 16 E
Banks Island Canada 75 15 N 121 30 W
Banks Islands (Iles Vanuatu 14 00 S 167 30 E
Banks)
Barbuda (island) Antigua and Barbuda 17 38 N 61 48 W
Barcelona (city) Spain 41 25 N 2 13 E
Barents Sea Arctic Ocean 74 00 N 36 00 E
Barranquilla (city) Colombia 10 59 N 74 48 W
Bashi Channel Pacific Ocean 22 00 N 121 00 E
Basilan Strait Pacific Ocean 6 49 N 122 05 E
Basque Provinces Spain 43 00 N 2 30 W
Bass Strait Pacific Ocean 39 20 S 145 30 E
Basse-Terre (capital) France (Guadeloupe) 16 00 N 61 44 W
Basseterre (capital) Saint Kitts and 17 18 N 62 43 W
Nevis
Bastia (city) France (Corsica) 42 42 N 9 27 E
Basutoland (former name Lesotho 29 30 S 28 30 E
for Lesotho)
Batan Islands Philippines 20 30 N 121 50 E
Bavaria (region; also Germany 48 30 N 11 30 E
Bayern)
Beagle Channel Atlantic Ocean 54 53 S 68 10 W
Bear Island (see Svalbard 74 26 N 19 05 E
Bjornoya)
Beaufort Sea Arctic Ocean 73 00 N 140 00 W
Bechuanaland (former name Botswana 22 00 S 24 00 E
for Botswana)
Beijing (capital) China 39 56 N 116 24 E
Beirut (capital) Lebanon 33 53 N 35 30 E
Bekaa Valley Lebanon 34 00 N 36 05 E
Belau (Palau Islands) Palau 7 30 N 134 30 E
Belep Islands (Iles New Caledonia 19 45 S 163 40 E
Belep)
Belfast (city) United Kingdom 54 36 N 5 55 W
Belgian Congo (former Democratic Republic 0 00 N 25 00 E
name for Democratic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo)
Belgie, Belgique (local Belgium 50 50 N 4 00 E
name for Belgium)
Belgrade (capital) Serbia 44 50 N 20 30 E
Belize City Belize 17 30 N 88 12 W
Belle Isle, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 51 35 N 56 30 W
Bellingshausen Sea Southern Ocean 71 00 S 85 00 W
Belmopan (capital) Belize 17 15 N 88 46 W
Belorussia (former name Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
for Belarus)
Benadir (region; former Somalia 4 00 N 46 00 E
name of Italian
Somaliland)
Bengal, Bay of Indian Ocean 15 00 N 90 00 E
Berau, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 2 30 S 132 30 E
Bering Island Russia 55 00 N 166 30 E
Bering Sea Pacific Ocean 60 00 N 175 00 W
Bering Strait Pacific Ocean 65 30 N 169 00 W
Berkner Island Antarctica 79 30 S 49 30 W
Berlin (capital) Germany 52 31 N 13 24 E
Berlin, East (former name Germany 52 30 N 13 33 E
for eastern sector of
Berlin)
Berlin, West (former name Germany 52 30 N 13 20 E
for western sector of
Berlin)
Bern (capital) Switzerland 46 57 N 7 26 E
Bessarabia (region) Moldova, Romania, 47 00 N 28 30 E
Ukraine
Bharat (local name for India 20 00 N 77 00 E
India)
Bhopal (city) India 23 16 N 77 24 E
Biafra (region) Nigeria 5 30 N 7 30 E
Big Diomede Island Russia 65 46 N 169 06 W
Bijagos, Arquipelago dos Guinea-Bissau 11 25 N 16 20 W
(island group)
Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands 11 35 N 165 23 E
Bilbao (city) Spain 43 15 N 2 58 W
Bioko (island) Equatorial Guinea 3 30 N 8 42 E
Biscay, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 44 00 N 4 00 W
Bishkek (capital) Kyrgyzstan 42 54 N 74 36 E
Bishop Rock United Kingdom 49 52 N 6 27 W
Bismarck Archipelago Papua New Guinea 5 00 S 150 00 E
(island group)
Bismarck Sea Pacific Ocean 4 00 S 148 00 E
Bissau (capital) Guinea-Bissau 11 51 N 15 35 W
Bjornoya (Bear Island) Svalbard 74 26 N 19 05 E
Black Forest (region) Germany 48 00 N 8 15 E
Black Rock (island) South Georgia and 53 39 S 41 48 W
the South Sandwich
Islands
Black Sea Atlantic Ocean 43 00 N 35 00 E
Bloemfontein (judicial South Africa 29 12 S 26 07 E
capital)
Bo Hai (gulf) Pacific Ocean 38 00 N 120 00 E
Boa Vista (island) Cape Verde 16 05 N 22 50 W
Bogota (capital) Colombia 4 36 N 74 05 W
Bohemia (region) Czech Republic 50 00 N 14 30 E
Bombay (city; see Mumbai) India 18 58 N 72 50 E
Bonaire (island) Netherlands 12 10 N 68 15 W
Bonifacio, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 41 01 N 14 00 E
(Mediterranean Sea)
Bonin Islands Japan 27 00 N 142 10 E
Bonn (former capital) Germany 50 44 N 7 05 E
Bophuthatswana (region; South Africa 26 30 S 25 30 E
enclave)
Bora-Bora (island) French Polynesia 16 30 S 151 45 W
Bordeaux (city) France 44 50 N 0 34 W
Borneo (island) Brunei, Indonesia, 0 30 N 114 00 E
Malaysia
Bornholm (island) Denmark 55 10 N 15 00 E
Bosna i Hercegovina Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
(local name for Bosnia Herzegovina
and Herzegovina)
Bosnia (political region) Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
Herzegovina
Bosporus (strait) Atlantic Ocean 41 00 N 29 00 E
Bothnia, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 63 00 N 20 00 E
Bougainville (island) Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 155 00 E
Bougainville Strait Pacific Ocean 6 40 S 156 10 E
Bounty Islands New Zealand 47 43 S 174 00 E
Bourbon Island (former Reunion 21 06 S 55 36 E
name of Reunion)
Brasilia (capital) Brazil 15 47 S 47 55 W
Bratislava (capital) Slovakia 48 09 N 17 07 E
Brazzaville (capital) Republic of the 4 16 S 15 17 E
Congo
Bridgetown (capital) Barbados 13 06 N 59 37 W
Brisbane (city) Australia 27 28 S 153 02 E
Bristol Bay Pacific Ocean 57 00 N 160 00 W
Bristol Channel Atlantic Ocean 51 18 N 3 30 W
Britain (see Great United Kingdom 54 00 N 2 00 W
Britain)
British Bechuanaland South Africa 27 30 S 23 30 E
(region; former name for
northwest South Africa)
British Central African Malawi 13 30 S 34 00 E
Protectorate (former name
of Nyasaland)
British East Africa Kenya, Tanzania, 1 00 N 38 00 E
(former name for British Uganda
possessions in eastern
Africa)
British Guiana (former Guyana 5 00 N 59 00 W
name for Guyana)
British Honduras (former Belize 17 15 N 88 45 W
name for Belize)
British Solomon Islands Solomon Islands 8 00 S 159 00 E
(former name for Solomon
Islands)
British Somaliland Somalia 10 00 N 49 00 E
(former name for northern
Somalia)
Brussels (capital) Belgium 50 50 N 4 20 E
Bubiyan (island) Kuwait 29 47 N 48 10 E
Bucharest (capital) Romania 44 26 N 26 06 E
Budapest (capital) Hungary 47 30 N 19 05 E
Buenos Aires (capital) Argentina 34 36 S 58 27 W
Bujumbura (capital) Burundi 3 23 S 29 22 E
Bukovina (region) Romania, Ukraine 48 00 N 26 00 E
Byelarus (local name for Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
Belarus)
Byelorussia (former name Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
for Belarus)

C

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Cabinda (province) Angola 5 33 S 12 12 E
Cabo Verde (local name Cape Verde 16 00 N 24 00 W
for Cape Verde)
Cabot Strait Atlantic Ocean 47 20 N 59 30 W
Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos 21 56 N 71 58 W
Islands
Cairo (capital) Egypt 30 03 N 31 15 E
Calcutta (city) India 22 32 N 88 21 E
Calgary (city) Canada 51 02 N 114 04 W
California, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 28 00 N 112 00 W
Cameroun (local name for Cameroon 6 00 N 12 00 E
Cameroon)
Campbell Island New Zealand 52 33 S 169 09 E
Campeche, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 20 00 N 94 00 W
(Gulf of Mexico)
Canal Zone (former name Panama 9 00 N 79 45 W
for US possessions in
Panama)
Canarias Sea Atlantic Ocean 28 00 N 16 00 W
Canary Islands Spain 28 00 N 15 30 W
Canberra (capital) Australia 35 17 S 149 08 E
Cancun (city) Mexico 21 10 N 86 50 W
Canton (city; now China 23 06 N 113 16 E
Guangzhou)
Canton Island (Kanton Kiribati 2 49 S 171 40 W
Island)
Cape Juby (region; former Morocco 27 53 N 12 58 W
name for Southern
Morocco)
Cape Province (region; South Africa 31 30 S 22 30 E
former name for Northern,
Western, and Eastern Cape
Provinces of South
Africa)
Cape Town (legislative South Africa 33 57 S 18 25 E
capital)
Cape of Good Hope (cape; South Africa 34 15 S 18 20 E
also alternate name for
Cape Province of South
Africa)
Caracas (capital) Venezuela 10 30 N 66 56 W
Cargados Carajos Shoals Mauritius 16 25 S 59 38 E
Caribbean Sea Atlantic Ocean 15 00 N 73 00 W
Caroline Islands Federated States of 7 30 N 148 00 E
Micronesia, Palau
Carpatho-Ukraine (region; Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
former name for
Zakarpats'ka oblast')
Carpentaria, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 14 00 S 139 00 E
Casablanca (city) Morocco 33 35 N 7 34 W
Castries (capital) Saint Lucia 14 01 N 61 00 W
Catalonia (region) Spain 42 00 N 2 00 E
Cato Island Australia 23 15 S 155 32 E
Caucasus (region) Russia 42 00 N 45 00 E
Cayenne (capital) French Guiana 4 56 N 52 20 W
Celebes (island) Indonesia 2 00 S 121 00 E
Celebes Sea Pacific Ocean 3 00 N 122 00 E
Celtic Sea Atlantic Ocean 51 00 N 6 30 W
Central African Empire Central African 7 00 N 21 00 E
(former name for Central Republic
African Republic)
Ceram (Seram) Sea Pacific Ocean 2 30 S 129 30 E
Ceska Republika (local Czech Republic 49 45 N 15 30 E
name for Czech Republic)
Ceskoslovensko (former Czech Republic, 49 00 N 17 30 E
local name for Slovakia
Czechoslovakia)
Cetinje (capital city) Montenegro 42 24 N 18 55 E
Ceuta (city) Spain 35 53 N 5 19 W
Ceylon (former name for Sri Lanka 7 00 N 81 00 E
Sri Lanka)
Chafarinas, Islas Spain 35 12 N 2 26 W
(island)
Chagos Archipelago (Oil British Indian 6 00 S 71 30 E
Islands) Ocean Territory
Challenger Deep (Mariana Pacific Ocean 11 22 N 142 36 E
Trench)
Channel Islands Guernsey, Jersey 49 20 N 2 20 W
Charlotte Amalie Virgin Islands 18 21 N 64 56 W
(capital)
Chatham Islands New Zealand 44 00 S 176 30 W
Chechnya (region; also Russia 43 15 N 45 40 E
Chechnia)
Cheju Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 126 30 E
Cheju-do (island) Korea, South 33 20 N 126 30 E
Chengdu (city) China 30 43 N 104 04 E
Chennai (city; also India 13 04 N 80 16 E
Madras)
Chesterfield Islands New Caledonia 19 52 S 158 15 E
(Iles Chesterfield)
Chihli, Gulf of (see Bo Pacific Ocean 38 30 N 120 00 E
Hai)
Chiloe (island) Chile 42 50 S 74 00 W
China, People's Republic China 35 00 N 105 00 E
of
China, Republic of Taiwan 23 30 N 121 00 E
Chisinau (capital; also Moldova 47 00 N 28 50 E
Kishinev)
Choiseul (island) Solomon Islands 7 05 S 121 00 E
Choson (local name for North Korea 40 00 N 127 00 E
North Korea)
Christmas Island (Indian Australia 10 25 S 105 39 E
Ocean)
Christmas Island (Pacific Kiribati 1 52 N 157 20 W
Ocean; also Kiritimati)
Chukchi Sea Arctic Ocean 69 00 N 171 00 W
Chuuk Islands (Truk Federated States of 7 25 N 151 47 W
Islands) Micronesia
Cilicia (region) Turkey 36 50 N 34 30 E
Ciskei (enclave) South Africa 33 00 S 27 00 E
Citta del Vaticano (local Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
name for Vatican City)
Cochin China (region) Vietnam 11 00 N 107 00 E
Coco, Isla del (island) Costa Rica 5 32 N 87 04 W
Cocos Islands Cocos (Keeling) 12 30 S 96 50 E
Islands
Colombo (capital) Sri Lanka 6 56 N 79 51 E
Colon, Archipielago de Ecuador 0 00 N 90 30 W
(Galapagos Islands)
Commander Islands Russia 55 00 N 167 00 E
(Komandorskiye Ostrova)
Comores (local name for Comoros 12 10 S 44 15 E
Comoros)
Con Son (islands) Vietnam 8 43 N 106 36 E
Conakry (capital) Guinea 9 31 N 13 43 W
Confederatio Helvetica Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
(local name for
Switzerland)
Congo (Brazzaville) Republic of the 1 00 S 15 00 E
(former name for Republic Congo
of the Congo)
Congo (Leopoldville) Democratic Republic 0 00 N 25 00 E
(former name for the of the Congo
Democratic Republic of
the Congo)
Constantinople (city; Turkey 41 01 N 28 58 E
former name for Istanbul)
Cook Strait Pacific Ocean 41 15 S 174 30 E
Copenhagen (capital) Denmark 55 40 N 12 35 E
Coral Sea Pacific Ocean 15 00 S 150 00 E
Corfu (island) Greece 39 40 N 19 45 E
Corinth (region) Greece 37 56 N 22 56 E
Corisco (island) Equatorial Guinea 0 55 N 9 19 E
Corn Islands (Islas del Nicaragua 12 15 N 83 00 W
Maiz)
Corocoro Island Guyana, Venezuela 3 38 N 66 50 W
Corsica (island; also France 42 00 N 9 00 E
Corse)
Cosmoledo Group (island Seychelles 9 43 S 47 35 E
group; also Atoll de
Cosmoledo)
Cotonou (former capital) Benin 6 21 N 2 26 E
Cotopaxi (volcano) Ecuador 0 39 S 78 26 W
Courantyne River Guyana, Suriname 5 57 N 57 06 W
Cozumel (island) Mexico 20 30 N 86 55 W
Crete (island) Greece 35 15 N 24 45 E
Crimea (region) Ukraine 45 00 N 34 00 E
Crimean Peninsula Ukraine 45 00 N 34 00 E
Crooked Island Passage Atlantic Ocean 22 55 N 74 35 W
Crozet Islands (Iles French Southern and 46 30 S 51 00 E
Crozet) Antarctic Lands
Cyclades (island group) Greece 37 00 N 25 10 E
Cyrenaica (region) Libya 31 00 N 22 00 E
Czechoslovakia (former Czech Republic, 49 00 N 18 00 E
name for the entity that Slovakia
subsequently split into
the Czech Republic and
Slovakia)

D

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
D'Entrecasteaux Islands Papua New Guinea 9 30 S 150 40 E
Dagestan (region) Russia 43 00 N 47 00 E
Dahomey (former name for Benin 9 30 N 2 15 E
Benin)
Daito Islands Japan 43 00 N 17 00 E
Dakar (capital) Senegal 14 40 N 17 26 W
Dalmatia (region) Croatia 43 00 N 17 00 E
Daman (city; also Damao) India 20 10 N 73 00 E
Damascus (capital) Syria 33 30 N 36 18 E
Danger Islands (see Cook Islands 10 53 S 165 49 W
Pukapuka Atoll)
Danish Straits Atlantic Ocean 58 00 N 11 00 E
Danish West Indies Virgin Islands 18 20 N 64 50 W
(former name for the
Virgin Islands)
Danmark (local name) Denmark 56 00 N 10 00 E
Danzig (city; former name Poland 54 23 N 18 40 E
for Gdansk)
Dao Bach Long Vi (island) Vietnam 20 08 N 107 44 E
Dar es Salaam (capital) Tanzania 6 48 S 39 17 E
Dardanelles (strait) Atlantic Ocean 40 15 N 26 25 E
Davis Strait Atlantic Ocean 67 00 N 57 00 W
Dead Sea Israel, Jordan, 32 30 N 35 30 E
West Bank
Deception Island Antarctica 62 56 S 60 34 W
Denmark Strait Atlantic Ocean 67 00 N 24 00 W
Desolation Islands (Isles French Southern and 49 30 S 69 30 E
Kerguelen) Antarctic Lands
Deutschland (local name Germany 51 00 N 9 00 E
for Germany)
Devils Island (Ile du French Guiana 5 17 N 52 35 W
Diable)
Devon Island Canada 76 00 N 87 00 W
Dhaka (capital) Bangladesh 23 43 N 90 25 E
Dhivehi Raajje (local Maldives 3 15 N 73 00 E
name for Maldives)
Dhofar (region) Oman 17 00 N 54 10 E
Diego Garcia (island) British Indian 7 20 S 72 25 E
Ocean Territory
Diego Ramirez (islands) Chile 56 30 S 68 43 W
Dili (capital) Timor-Leste 8 35 S 125 36 E
Dilmun (former name for Bahrain 7 00 N 81 00 E
Bahrain)
Diomede Islands Russia (Big 65 47 N 169 00 W
Diomede), United
States (Little
Diomede)
Diu (region) India 20 42 N 70 59 E
Djibouti (capital) Djibouti 11 30 N 43 15 E
Dnieper (river) Belarus, Russia, 46 30 N 32 18 E
Ukraine (Dnyapro,
Dnepr, Dnipro)
Dniester (river) Moldova, Ukraine 46 18 N 30 17 E
(Nistru, Dnister)
Dobruja (region) Bulgaria, Romania 43 30 N 28 00 E
Dodecanese (island group) Greece 36 00 N 27 05 E
Dodoma (city) Tanzania 6 11 S 35 45 E
Doha (capital) Qatar 25 17 N 51 32 E
Donets Basin Russia, Ukraine 48 15 N 38 30 E
Douala (city) Cameroon 4 03 N 9 42 E
Douglas (capital) Man, Isle of 54 09 N 4 28 W
Dover, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 51 00 N 1 30 E
Drake Passage Atlantic Ocean, 60 00 S 60 00 W
Southern Ocean
Druk Yul (local name for Bhutan 27 30 N 90 30 E
Bhutan)
Dubai, Dubayy (city) United Arab 25 18 N 55 18 E
Emirates
Dublin (capital) Ireland 53 20 N 6 15 W
Duesseldorf (city) Germany 51 13 N 6 47 E
Durban (city) South Africa 29 51 S 31 02 E
Dushanbe (capital) Tajikistan 38 35 N 68 48 E
Dutch Antilles (former Aruba, Curacao, 12 10 N 68 30 W
name for the Netherlands Sint Maarten
Antilles)
Dutch East Indies (former Indonesia 5 00 S 120 00 E
name for Indonesia)
Dutch Guiana (former name Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
for Suriname)
Dutch West Indies (former Aruba, Curacao, 12 10 N 68 30 W
name for the Netherlands Sint Maarten
Antilles)
Dzungarian Gate (valley) China, Kazakhstan 45 25 N 82 25 E

E

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
East China Sea Pacific Ocean 30 00 N 126 00 E
East Frisian Islands Germany 53 44 N 7 25 E
East Germany (German Germany 52 00 N 13 00 E
Democratic Republic;
former name for eastern
portion of Germany)
East Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
(Eastern Channel or
Tsushima Strait)
East Pakistan (former Bangladesh 24 00 N 90 00 E
name for Bangladesh)
East Siberian Sea Arctic Ocean 74 00 N 166 00 E
Easter Island (Isla de Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Pascua)
Eastern Channel (East Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
Korea Strait or Tsushima
Strait)
Eastern Samoa (former American Samoa 14 20 S 170 00 W
name for American Samoa)
Edinburgh (city) United Kingdom 55 57 N 3 11 W
Eesti (local name for Estonia 59 00 N 26 00 E
Estonia)
Eire (local name for Ireland 53 00 N 8 00 W
Ireland)
Elba (island) Italy 42 46 N 10 17 E
Elemi Triangle (region) Ethiopia (claimed), 5 00 N 35 30 E
Kenya (de facto),
Sudan (claimed)
Ellada, Ellas (local name Greece 39 00 N 22 00 E
for Greece)
Ellef Ringnes Island Canada 78 00 N 103 00 W
Ellesmere Island Canada 81 00 N 80 00 W
Ellice Islands Tuvalu 8 00 S 178 00 E
Ellsworth Land (region) Antarctica 75 00 S 92 00 W
Elobey, Islas de (island Equatorial Guinea 0 59 N 9 33 E
group)
Enderbury Island Kiribati 3 08 S 171 05 W
Enewetak Atoll (Eniwetok Marshall Islands 11 30 N 162 15 E
Atoll)
England (region) United Kingdom 52 30 N 1 30 W
English Channel Atlantic Ocean 50 20 N 1 00 W
Eniwetok Atoll (see Marshall Islands 11 30 N 162 15 E
Enewetak Atoll)
Eolie, Isole (island Italy 38 30 N 15 00 E
group)
Epirus, Northern (region) Albania, Greece 40 00 N 20 30 E
Episkopi Cantonment Akrotiri, Dhekelia 34 40 N 32 51 E
(capital)
Ertra (local name for Eritrea 15 00 N 39 00 E
Eritrea)
Espana Spain 40 00 N 4 00 W
Essequibo (region; Guyana 6 59 N 58 23 W
claimed by Venezuela)
Etorofu (island; also Russia (de facto) 44 55 N 147 40 E
Iturup)

F

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Farquhar Group (island Seychelles 10 10 S 51 10 E
group; also Atoll de
Farquhar)
Fergana Valley Kyrgyzstan, 41 00 N 72 00 E
Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan
Fernando Po (island; see Equatorial Guinea 3 30 N 8 42 E
Bioko)
Fernando de Noronha Brazil 3 51 S 32 25 W
(island group)
Filipinas (local name for Philippines 13 00 N 122 00 E
the Philippines; also
Pilipinas)
Finland, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 60 00 N 27 00 E
(Baltic Sea)
Fiume (city; former name Croatia 45 19 N 14 25 E
for Rijeka)
Florence (city) Italy 43 46 N 11 16 E
Flores (island) Indonesia 8 45 S 121 00 E
Flores Sea Pacific Ocean 7 40 S 119 45 E
Florida, Straits of Atlantic Ocean 25 00 N 79 45 W
Fongafale (largest island Tuvalu 8 30 S 179 12 E
of Funafuti)
Former Soviet Union (FSU) Armenia,
Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Estonia,
Georgia,
Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
Lithuania, Moldova,
Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Formosa (island) Taiwan 23 30 N 121 00 E
Formosa Strait (see Pacific Ocean 24 00 N 119 00 E
Taiwan Strait)
Foroyar (local name for Faroe Islands 62 00 N 7 00 W
Faroe Islands)
Fort-de-France (capital) Martinique 14 36 N 61 05 W
Frankfurt am Main (city) Germany 50 07 N 8 41 E
Franz Josef Land (island Russia 81 00 N 55 00 E
group)
Freetown (capital) Sierra Leone 8 30 N 13 15 W
French Cameroon (former Cameroon 6 00 N 12 00 E
name for Cameroon)
French Guinea (former Guinea 11 00 N 10 00 W
name for Guinea)
French Indochina (former Cambodia, Laos, 15 00 N 107 00 E
name for French Vietnam
possessions in southeast
Asia)
French Morocco (former Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
name for Morocco)
French Somaliland (former Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
name for Djibouti)
French Sudan (former name Mali 17 00 N 4 00 W
for Mali)
French Territory of the Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
Afars and Issas (or FTAI;
former name for Djibouti)
French Togoland (former Togo 8 00 N 1 10 E
name for Togo)
French West Indies Guadeloupe, 16 30 N 62 00 W
(former name for French Martinique
possessions in the West
Indies)
Friendly Islands Tonga 20 00 S 175 00 W
Frisian Islands Denmark, Germany, 53 35 N 6 40 E
Netherlands
Frunze (city; former name Kyrgyzstan 42 54 N 74 36 E
for Bishkek)
Funafuti (capital, atoll) Tuvalu 8 30 S 179 12 E
Fundy, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 45 00 N 66 00 W
Futuna Islands (Hoorn Wallis and Futuna 14 19 S 178 05 W
Islands/Iles de Horne)
Fyn (island) Denmark 55 20 N 10 25 E

G

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Gaborone (capital) Botswana 24 45 S 25 55 E
Galapagos Islands Ecuador 0 00 N 90 30 W
(Archipielago de Colon)
Galicia (region) Poland, Ukraine 49 30 N 23 00 E
Galicia (region) Spain 42 45 N 8 10 E
Galilee (region) Israel 32 54 N 35 20 E
Galleons Passage Atlantic Ocean 11 00 N 60 55 W
Gambier Islands (Iles French Polynesia 23 09 S 134 58 W
Gambier)
Gaspar Strait Pacific Ocean 3 00 S 107 00 E
Gdansk (city; formerly Poland 54 23 N 18 40 E
Danzig)
Geneva (city) Switzerland 46 12 N 6 10 E
Genoa (city) Italy 44 25 N 8 57 E
George Town (capital) Cayman Islands 19 20 N 81 23 W
George Town (city) Malaysia 5 26 N 100 16 E
George Town (city) The Bahamas 23 30 N 75 46 W
Georgetown (capital) Guyana 6 48 N 58 10 W
Georgetown (city) The Gambia 13 30 N 14 47 W
German Democratic Germany 52 00 N 13 00 E
Republic (East Germany;
former name for eastern
portion of Germany)
German Southwest Africa Namibia 22 00 S 17 00 E
(former name for Namibia)
Germany, Federal Republic Germany 51 00 N 9 00 E
of
Gibraltar (city, Gibraltar 36 11 N 5 22 W
peninsula)
Gibraltar, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 35 57 N 5 36 W
Gidi Pass Egypt 30 13 N 33 09 E
Gilbert Islands Kiribati 1 25 N 173 00 E
Goa (state) India 15 20 N 74 00 E
Gobi (desert) China, Mongolia 42 30 N 107 00 E
Godthab (capital; also Greenland 64 11 N 51 44 W
Nuuk)
Golan Heights (region) Syria 33 00 N 35 45 E
Gold Coast (former name Ghana 8 00 N 2 00 W
for Ghana)
Golfo San Jorge (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 46 00 S 66 00 W
Golfo San Matias (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 41 30 S 64 00 W
Good Hope, Cape of South Africa 34 24 S 18 30 E
Goteborg (city) Sweden 57 43 N 11 58 E
Gotland (island) Sweden 57 30 N 18 33 E
Gough Island Saint Helena, 40 20 S 9 55 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Graham Land (region) Antarctica 65 00 S 64 00 W
Gran Chaco (region) Argentina, Paraguay 24 00 S 60 00 W
Grand Bahama (island) The Bahamas 26 40 N 78 35 W
Grand Banks (fishing Atlantic Ocean 47 06 N 55 48 W
ground)
Grand Cayman (island) Cayman Islands 19 20 N 81 20 W
Grand Turk (capital; also Turks and Caicos 21 28 N 71 08 W
Cockburn Town) Islands
Great Australian Bight Indian Ocean 35 00 S 130 00 E
Great Belt (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 30 N 11 00 E
Store Baelt)
Great Bitter Lake Egypt 30 20 N 32 23 E
Great Britain (island) United Kingdom 54 00 N 2 00 W
Great Channel Indian Ocean 6 25 N 94 20 E
Great Inagua (island) The Bahamas 21 00 N 73 20 W
Great Rift Valley Ethiopia, Kenya 0 30 N 36 00 E
Greater Sunda Islands Brunei, Indonesia, 2 00 S 110 00 E
Malaysia
Green Islands Papua New Guinea 4 30 S 154 10 E
Greenland Sea Arctic Ocean 79 00 N 5 00 W
Grenadines, Northern Saint Vincent and 13 15 N 61 12 W
(island group) the Grenadines
Grenadines, Southern Grenada 12 07 N 61 40 W
(island group)
Grytviken (town; on South South Georgia and 54 15 S 36 45 W
Georgia) the South Sandwich
Islands
Guadalahara (city) Mexico 20 40 N 103 24 W
Guadalcanal (island) Solomon Islands 9 32 S 160 12 E
Guadalupe, Isla de Mexico 29 11 N 118 17 W
(island)
Guangzhou (city; also China 23 09 N 113 21 E
Canton)
Guantanamo Bay (US Naval Cuba 20 00 N 75 08 W
Base)
Guatemala (capital) Guatemala 14 38 N 90 31 W
Guine-Bissau (local name Guinea-Bissau 12 00 N 15 00 W
for Guinea-Bissau)
Guinea Ecuatorial (local Equatorial Guinea 2 00 N 10 00 E
name for Equatorial
Guinea)
Guinea, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 3 00 N 2 30 E
Guinee (local name for Guinea 11 00 N 10 00 W
Guinea)
Gustavia (capital) Saint Barthelemy 17 53 N 62 51 W
Guyane Francaise (local French Guiana 4 00 N 53 00 W
name for French Guiana)

H

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Ha'apai Group (island Tonga 19 42 S 174 29 W
group)
Habomai Islands Russia (de facto) 43 30 N 146 10 E
Hadhramaut (region) Yemen 15 00 N 50 00 E
Hagatna (capital; Guam 13 28 N 144 45 E
formerly Agana)
Hague, The (seat of Netherlands 52 05 N 4 18 E
government)
Haifa (city) Israel 32 50 N 35 00 E
Hainan Dao (island) China 19 00 N 109 30 E
Haiphong (city) Vietnam 20 52 N 106 41 E
Hala'ib Triangle (region) Egypt (claimed), 22 30 N 35 00 E
Sudan (de facto)
Halifax (city) Canada 44 39 N 63 36 W
Halmahera (island) Indonesia 1 00 N 128 00 E
Halmahera Sea Pacific Ocean 0 30 S 129 00 E
Hamburg (city) Germany 53 34 N 9 59 E
Hamilton (capital) Bermuda 32 17 N 64 46 W
Han-guk (local name for South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
South Korea
Hanoi (capital) Vietnam 21 02 N 105 51 E
Harare (capital) Zimbabwe 17 50 S 31 03 E
Harvey Islands (former Cook Islands 21 14 S 159 46 W
name for Cook Islands)
Hatay (province) Turkey 36 30 N 36 15 E
Havana (capital) Cuba 23 08 N 82 22 W
Hawaii (island) United States 19 45 N 155 45 W
Hawaiian Islands United States 21 00 N 157 45 W
Hawar (island) Bahrain 25 40 N 50 47 E
Hayastan (local name for Armenia 40 00 N 45 00 E
Armenia)
Heard Island Heard Island and 53 06 S 73 30 E
McDonald Islands
Hejaz (region) Saudi Arabia 24 30 N 38 30 E
Helsinki (capital) Finland 60 10 N 24 58 E
Herzegovina (political Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
region) Herzegovina
Hiiumaa (island) Estonia 58 50 N 22 30 E
Hispaniola (island) Dominican Republic, 18 45 N 71 00 W
Haiti
Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 10 45 N 106 40 E
(formerly Saigon)
Hokkaido (island) Japan 44 00 N 143 00 E
Holland (region) Netherlands 52 30 N 5 45 E
Hong Kong (special Hong Kong 22 15 N 114 10 E
administrative region)
Honiara (capital) Solomon Islands 9 26 S 159 57 E
Honshu (island) Japan 36 00 N 138 00 E
Hormuz, Strait of Indian Ocean 26 34 N 56 15 E
Horn of Africa (region) Djibouti, Eritrea, 8 00 N 48 00 E
Ethiopia, Somalia
Horn, Cape (Cabo de Chile 55 59 S 67 16 W
Hornos)
Horne, Iles de (island Wallis and Futuna 14 19 S 178 05 W
group)
Hrvatska (local name for Croatia 45 10 N 15 30 E
Croatia)
Hudson Bay Arctic Ocean 60 00 N 86 00 W
Hudson Strait Arctic Ocean 62 00 N 71 00 W
Hunter Island New Caledonia, 22 24 S 172 06 E
Vanuatu

I

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Iberian Peninsula Portugal, Spain 40 00 N 5 00 W
Iceland Sea Arctic Ocean 68 00 N 20 00 W
Ifni (region; former name Morocco 29 22 N 10 09 W
of part of Spanish West
Africa)
Inaccessible Island Saint Helena, 37 17 S 12 40 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Indochina (region) Cambodia, Laos, 15 00 N 107 00 E
Vietnam
Ingushetia (region) Russia 43 15 N 45 00 E
Inhambane (region) Mozambique 22 30 S 34 30 E
Inini (former name for French Guiana 4 00 N 53 00 W
French Guiana)
Inland Sea Japan 34 20 N 133 30 E
Inner Hebrides (islands) United Kingdom 56 30 N 6 20 W
Inner Mongolia (region; China 42 00 N 113 00 E
also Nei Mongol)
Ionian Islands Greece 38 30 N 20 30 E
Ionian Sea Atlantic Ocean 38 30 N 18 00 E
Irian Jaya (province) Indonesia 5 00 S 138 00 E
Irish Sea Atlantic Ocean 53 30 N 5 20 W
Iron Gate (river gorge) Romania, Serbia 44 41 N 22 31 E
Iskenderun (region; Turkey 36 34 N 36 08 E
formerly Alexandretta)
Islamabad (capital) Pakistan 33 42 N 73 10 E
Island (local name for Iceland 65 00 N 18 00 W
Iceland)
Islas Malvinas (island Falkland Islands 51 45 S 59 00 W
group) (Islas Malvinas)
Istanbul (city) Turkey 41 01 N 28 58 E
Istrian Peninsula Croatia, Slovenia 45 00 N 14 00 E
Italia (local name for Italy 42 50 N 12 50 E
Italy)
Italian East Africa Eritrea, Ethiopia, 8 00 N 38 00 E
(former name for Italian Somalia
possessions in eastern
Africa)
Italian Somaliland Somalia 10 00 N 49 00 E
(former name for southern
Somalia)
Ittihad al-Imarat al- United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
Arabiyah (local name for Emirates
the United Arab Emirates)
Iturup (island; see Russia (de facto) 44 55 N 147 40 E
Etorofu)
Ityop'iya (local name for Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
Ethiopia)
Ivory Coast (former name Cote d'Ivoire 8 00 N 5 00 W
for Cote d'Ivoire)
Iwo Jima (island) Japan 24 47 N 141 20 E
Izmir (region) Turkey 38 25 N 27 10 E

J

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Jakarta (capital) Indonesia 6 10 S 106 48 E
James Bay Arctic Ocean 54 00 N 80 00 W
Jamestown (capital) Saint Helena, 15 56 S 5 44 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Jammu (city) India 32 42 N 74 52 E
Jammu and Kashmir India, Pakistan 34 00 N 76 00 E
(region)
Japan, Sea of Pacific Ocean 40 00 N 135 00 E
Jars, Plain of Laos 19 27 N 103 10 E
Java (island) Indonesia 7 30 S 110 00 E
Java Sea Pacific Ocean 5 00 S 110 00 E
Jerusalem (capital, Israel, West Bank 31 47 N 35 14 E
proclaimed)
Jiddah, Jeddah (city) Saudi Arabia 21 30 N 39 12 E
Johannesburg (city) South Africa 26 15 S 28 00 E
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Pacific Ocean 14 00 S 128 45 E
Juan Fernandez, Islas de Chile 33 00 S 80 00 W
(island group)
Juan de Fuca, Strait of Pacific Ocean 48 18 N 124 00 W
Jubal, Strait of Indian Ocean 27 40 N 33 55 E
Judaea (region) Israel, West Bank 31 35 N 35 00 E
Jugoslavia, Jugoslavija Bosnia and 43 00 N 21 00 E
(local names for Herzegovina,
Yugoslavia, a former Croatia, Macedonia,
Balkan federation) Montenegro, Serbia,
Slovenia
Jutland (region) Denmark 56 00 N 9 15 E
Juventud, Isla de la Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
(Isle of Youth)

K

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Kabardino-Balkaria Russia 43 30 N 43 30 E
(region)
Kabul (capital) Afghanistan 34 31 N 69 12 E
Kaduna (city) Nigeria 10 33 N 7 27 E
Kailas Range China, India 30 00 N 82 00 E
Kalaallit Nunaat (local Greenland 72 00 N 40 00 W
name for Greenland)
Kalahari (desert) Botswana, Namibia 24 30 S 21 00 E
Kalimantan (region) Indonesia 0 00 N 115 00 E
Kaliningrad (region; Russia 54 30 N 21 00 E
formerly part of East
Prussia)
Kamaran (island) Yemen 15 21 N 42 34 E
Kamchatka Peninsula Russia 56 00 N 160 00 E
(Poluostrov Kamchatka)
Kampala (capital) Uganda 0 19 N 32 25 E
Kampuchea (former name Cambodia 13 00 N 105 00 E
for Cambodia)
Kane Basin (portion of Arctic Ocean 79 30 N 68 00 W
channel)
Kanton Island Kiribati 2 49 S 171 40 W
Kara Sea Arctic Ocean 76 00 N 80 00 E
Karachevo-Cherkessia Russia 43 40 N 41 50 E
(region)
Karachi (city) Pakistan 24 51 N 67 03 E
Karafuto (island; former Russia 50 00 N 143 00 E
name for southern
Sakhalin Island)
Karakoram Pass China, India 35 30 N 77 50 E
Karelia, Kareliya Finland, Russia 63 15 N 30 48 E
(region)
Karelian Isthmus Russia 60 25 N 30 00 E
Karimata Strait Pacific Ocean 2 05 S 108 40 E
Kashmir (region) India, Pakistan 34 00 N 76 00 E
Katanga (region) Democratic Republic 10 00 S 26 00 E
of the Congo
Kathmandu (capital) Nepal 27 43 N 85 19 E
Kattegat (strait) Atlantic Ocean 57 00 N 11 00 E
Kauai Channel Pacific Ocean 21 45 N 158 50 W
Kazakstan (former name Kazakhstan 48 00 N 68 00 E
for Kazakhstan)
Keeling Islands Cocos (Keeling) 12 30 S 96 50 E
Islands
Kerguelen, Iles (island French Southern and 49 30 S 69 30 E
group) Antarctic Lands
Kermadec Islands New Zealand 29 50 S 178 15 W
Kerulen River China, Mongolia 48 48 N 117 00 E
Khabarovsk (city) Russia 48 27 N 135 06 E
Khanka, Lake China, Russia 45 00 N 132 24 E
Khartoum (capital) Sudan 15 36 N 32 32 E
Khios (island) Greece 38 22 N 26 04 E
Khmer Republic (former Cambodia 13 00 N 105 00 E
name for Cambodia)
Khuriya Muriya Islands Oman 17 30 N 56 00 E
(Kuria Muria Islands)
Khyber Pass Afghanistan, 34 05 N 71 10 E
Pakistan
Kibris (Turkish local Cyprus 35 00 N 33 00 E
name for Cyprus)
Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Atlantic Ocean 53 53 N 9 08 E
Kanal)
Kiev (city; former name Ukraine 50 26 N 30 31 E
for Kyiv)
Kigali (capital) Rwanda 1 57 S 30 04 E
Kingston (capital) Jamaica 18 00 N 76 48 W
Kingston (capital) Norfolk Island 29 03 S 167 58 E
Kingstown (capital) Saint Vincent and 13 09 N 61 14 W
the Grenadines
Kinshasa (capital) Democratic Republic 4 18 S 15 18 E
of the Congo
Kipros (Greek local name Cyprus 35 00 N 33 00 E
for Cyprus)
Kirghiziya, Kirgizia Kyrgyzstan 41 00 N 75 00 E
(former name for
Kyrgyzstan)
Kirguizstan (local name Kyrgyzstan 41 00 N 75 00 E
for Kyrgyzstan)
Kiritimati (Christmas Kiribati 1 52 N 157 20 W
Island)
Kishinev (see Chisinau) Moldova 47 00 N 28 50 E
Kithira Strait Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 23 00 E
Kobe (city) Japan 34 41 N 135 10 E
Kodiak Island United States 57 49 N 152 23 W
Kola Peninsula (Kol'skiy Russia 67 20 N 37 00 E
Poluostrov)
Kolonia (town; former Federated States of 6 58 N 158 13 E
capital; changed to Micronesia
Palikir)
Korea Bay Pacific Ocean 39 00 N 124 00 E
Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
Korea, Democratic North Korea 40 00 N 127 00 E
People's Republic of
Korea, Republic of South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
Koror (capital) Palau 7 20 N 134 29 E
Kosovo (region) Kosovo 42 30 N 21 00 E
Kosrae (island) Federated States of 5 20 N 163 00 E
Micronesia
Kowloon (city) Hong Kong 22 18 N 114 10 E
Kra, Isthmus of Burma, Thailand 10 20 N 99 00 E
Krakatoa (volcano) Indonesia 6 07 S 105 24 E
Krakow (city) Poland 50 03 N 19 56 E
Kuala Lumpur (capital) Malaysia 3 10 N 101 42 E
Kunashiri (island; also Russia (de facto) 44 20 N 146 00 E
Kunashir)
Kunlun Mountains China 36 00 N 84 00 E
Kuril Islands Russia (de facto) 46 10 N 152 00 E
Kuwait (capital) Kuwait 29 20 N 47 59 E
Kuznetsk Basin Russia 54 00 N 86 00 E
Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands 9 05 N 167 20 E
Kyiv (capital) Ukraine 50 26 N 30 31 E
Kyushu (island) Japan 33 00 N 131 00 E

L

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
La Paz (administrative Bolivia 16 30 S 68 09 W
capital)
La Perouse Strait Pacific Ocean 45 45 N 142 00 E
Labrador (peninsula, Canada 54 00 N 62 00 W
region)
Labrador Sea Atlantic Ocean 60 00 N 55 00 W
Laccadive Islands India 10 00 N 73 00 E
Laccadive Sea Indian Ocean 7 00 N 76 00 E
Lagos (former capital) Nigeria 6 27 N 3 24 E
Lahore (city) Pakistan 31 33 N 74 23 E
Lake Erie Atlantic Ocean 42 30 N 81 00 W
Lake Huron Atlantic Ocean 45 00 N 83 00 W
Lake Michigan Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 87 30 W
Lake Ontario Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 78 00 W
Lake Superior Atlantic Ocean 48 00 N 88 00 W
Lakshadweep (Laccadive India 10 00 N 73 00 E
Islands)
Lantau Island Hong Kong 22 15 N 113 55 E
Lao (local name for Laos) Laos 18 00 N 105 00 E
Laptev Sea Arctic Ocean 76 00 N 126 00 E
Las Palmas (city) Spain (Canary 28 06 N 15 24 W
Islands)
Latakia (region) Syria 36 00 N 35 50 E
Latvija (local name for Latvia 57 00 N 25 00 E
Latvia)
Lau Group (island group) Fiji 18 20 S 178 30 E
Lefkosa (see Nicosia) Cyprus 35 10 N 33 22 E
Leipzig (city) Germany 51 21 N 12 23 E
Lemnos (island) Greece 39 54 N 25 21 E
Leningrad (city; former Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
name for Saint
Petersburg)
Lesser Sunda Islands Indonesia 9 00 S 120 00 E
Lesvos (island) Greece 39 15 N 26 15 E
Leyte (island) Philippines 10 50 N 124 50 E
Liancourt Rocks (claimed South Korea 37 15 N 131 50 E
by Japan)
Liaodong Wan (gulf) Pacific Ocean 40 30 N 121 20 E
Liban (local name for Lebanon 33 50 N 36 50 E
Lebanon)
Libreville (capital) Gabon 0 23 N 9 27 E
Lietuva (local name for Lithuania 56 00 N 24 00 E
Lithuania)
Ligurian Sea Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 9 00 E
Lilongwe (capital) Malawi 13 59 S 33 44 E
Lima (capital) Peru 12 03 S 77 03 W
Lincoln Sea Arctic Ocean 83 00 N 56 00 W
Line Islands Jarvis Island, 0 05 N 157 00 W
Kingman Reef,
Kiribati, Palmyra
Atoll
Lion, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 43 20 N 4 00 E
Lisbon (capital) Portugal 38 43 N 9 08 W
Little Belt (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 05 N 9 55 E
Lille Baelt)
Ljubljana (capital) Slovenia 46 03 N 14 31 E
Llanos (region) Venezuela 8 00 N 68 00 W
Lobamba (city) Swaziland 26 27 S 31 12 E
Lombok (island) Indonesia 8 28 S 116 40 E
Lombok Strait Indian Ocean 8 30 S 115 50 E
Lome (capital) Togo 6 08 N 1 13 E
London (capital) United Kingdom 51 30 N 0 10 W
Longyearbyen (capital) Svalbard 78 13 N 15 33 E
Lord Howe Island Australia 31 30 S 159 00 E
Lorraine (region) France 48 42 N 6 11 E
Louisiade Archipelago Papua New Guinea 11 00 S 153 00 E
Lourenco Marques (city; Mozambique 25 56 S 32 34 E
former name for Maputo)
Loyalty Islands (Iles New Caledonia 21 00 S 167 00 E
Loyaute)
Luanda (capital) Angola 8 48 S 13 14 E
Lubnan (local name for Lebanon 33 50 N 36 50 E
Lebanon)
Lubumbashi (city) Democratic Republic 11 40 S 27 28 E
of the Congo
Lusaka (capital) Zambia 15 25 S 28 17 E
Luxembourg (capital) Luxembourg 49 45 N 6 10 E
Luzon (island) Philippines 16 00 N 121 00 E
Luzon Strait Pacific Ocean 20 30 N 121 00 E
Lyakhov Islands Russia 73 45 N 138 00 E

M

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Macao Macau 22 10 N 113 33 E
Macau (special China 22 10 N 113 33 E
administrative region)
Macquarie Island Australia 54 36 S 158 54 E
Madagasikara (local name Madagascar 20 00 S 47 00 E
for Madagascar)
Maddalena, Isola Italy 41 13 N 09 24 E
Madeira Islands Portugal 32 40 N 16 45 W
Madras (city; see India 13 04 N 80 16 E
Chennai)
Madrid (capital) Spain 40 24 N 3 41 W
Magellan, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 54 00 S 71 00 W
Maghreb (region) Algeria, Libya, 34 00 N 3 00 E
Mauritania,
Morocco, Tunisia
Magreb (local name for Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
Morocco)
Magyarorszag (local name Hungary 47 00 N 20 00 E
for Hungary)
Mahe Island Seychelles 4 41 S 55 30 E
Maiz, Islas del (Corn Nicaragua 12 15 N 83 00 W
Islands)
Majorca Island (Isla de Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
Mallorca)
Majuro (capital) Marshall Islands 7 05 N 171 08 E
Makassar Strait Pacific Ocean 2 00 S 117 30 E
Makedonija (local name Macedonia 41 50 N 22 00 E
for Macedonia)
Malabo (capital) Equatorial Guinea 3 45 N 8 47 E
Malacca, Strait of Indian Ocean 2 30 N 101 20 E
Malagasy Republic Madagascar 20 00 S 47 00 E
Malay Archipelago Brunei, Indonesia, 2 30 N 120 00 E
Malaysia, Papua New
Guinea, Philippines
Malay Peninsula Malaysia, Thailand 7 10 N 100 35 E
Male (capital) Maldives 4 10 N 73 31 E
Mallorca, Isla de Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
(island; also Majorca)
Malmady (region) Belgium 50 26 N 6 02 E
Malpelo, Isla de (island) Colombia 4 00 N 90 30 W
Malta Channel Atlantic Ocean 56 44 N 26 53 E
Malvinas, Islas (island Falkland Islands 51 45 S 59 00 W
group) (Islas Malvinas)
Mamoutzou (capital) Mayotte 12 47 S 45 14 E
Managua (capital) Nicaragua 12 09 N 86 17 W
Manama (capital) Bahrain 26 13 N 50 35 E
Manchukuo (former state) China 44 00 N 124 00 E
Manchuria (region) China 44 00 N 124 00 E
Manila (capital) Philippines 14 35 N 121 00 E
Manipa Strait Pacific Ocean 3 20 S 127 23 E
Mannar, Gulf of Indian Ocean 8 30 N 79 00 E
Manua Islands American Samoa 14 13 S 169 35 W
Maputo (capital) Mozambique 25 58 S 32 35 E
Marcus Island (Minami- Japan 24 16 N 154 00 E
tori-shima)
Margarita, Isla (island) Venezuela 10 00 N 64 00 W
Mariana Islands Guam, Northern 16 00 N 145 30 E
Mariana Islands
Marie Byrd Land (region) Antarctica 77 00 S 130 00 W
Marigot (capital) Saint Martin 18 04 N 63 05 W
Marion Island South Africa 46 51 S 37 52 E
Marmara, Sea of Atlantic Ocean 40 40 N 28 15 E
Marquesas Islands (Iles French Polynesia 9 00 S 139 30 W
Marquises)
Marseille (city) France 43 18 N 5 23 E
Martin Vaz, Ilhas (island Brazil 20 30 S 28 51 W
group)
Mas a Tierra (Robinson Chile 33 38 S 78 52 W
Crusoe Island)
Mascarene Islands Mauritius, Reunion 21 00 S 57 00 E
Maseru (capital) Lesotho 29 28 S 27 30 E
Mata-Utu (capital) Wallis and Futuna 13 57 S 171 56 W
Matsu (island) Taiwan 26 13 N 119 56 E
Matthew Island New Caledonia, 22 20 S 171 20 E
Vanuatu
Mauritanie (local name Mauritania 20 00 N 12 00 W
for Mauritania)
Mazatlan (city) Mexico 23 13 N 106 25 W
Mbabane (capital) Swaziland 26 18 S 31 06 E
McDonald Islands Heard Island and 53 06 S 73 30 E
McDonald Islands
Mecca (city) Saudi Arabia 21 27 N 39 49 E
Mediterranean Sea Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 15 00 E
Melbourne (city) Australia 37 49 S 144 58 E
Melilla (exclave) Spain 35 19 N 2 58 W
Memel (region) Lithuania 55 43 N 21 30 E
Mesopotamia (region) Iraq 33 00 N 44 00 E
Messina, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 38 15 N 15 35 E
Mexico City (capital) Mexico 19 24 N 99 09 W
Mexico, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 25 00 N 90 00 W
Middle Congo (former name Republic of the 1 00 S 15 00 E
for Republic of the Congo
Congo)
Milan (city) Italy 45 28 N 9 11 E
Milwaukee Deep (Puerto Atlantic Ocean 19 55 N 65 27 W
Rico Trench)
Minami-tori-shima (Marcus Japan 24 16 N 154 00 E
Island)
Mindanao (island) Philippines 8 00 N 125 00 E
Mindanao Sea Pacific Ocean 9 15 N 124 30 E
Mindoro (island) Philippines 12 50 N 121 05 E
Mindoro Strait Pacific Ocean 12 20 N 120 40 E
Mingrelia (region) Georgia 42 30 N 41 52 E
Minicoy Island India 8 17 N 73 02 E
Minorca Island (Isla de Spain 40 00 N 4 00 E
Menorca)
Minsk (capital) Belarus 53 54 N 27 34 E
Misr (local name for Egypt 27 00 N 30 00 E
Egypt)
Mitla Pass Egypt 30 02 N 32 54 E
Mocambique (local name Mozambique 18 15 S 35 00 E
for Mozambique)
Mogadishu (capital) Somalia 2 04 N 45 22 E
Moldavia (region) Moldova, Romania 47 00 N 29 00 E
Molucca Sea Pacific Ocean 2 00 N 127 00 E
Moluccas (Spice Islands) Indonesia 2 00 S 128 00 E
Mombasa (city) Kenya 4 03 S 39 40 E
Mona Passage Atlantic Ocean 18 30 N 67 45 W
Monaco (capital) Monaco 43 44 N 7 25 E
Mongol Uls (local name Mongolia 46 00 N 105 00 E
for Mongolia)
Monrovia (capital) Liberia 6 18 N 10 47 W
Monterrey (city) Mexico 25 40 N 100 19 W
Montevideo (capital) Uruguay 34 53 S 56 11 W
Montreal (city) Canada 45 31 N 73 34 W
Moravia (region) Czech Republic 49 30 N 17 00 E
Moravian Gate (pass) Czech Republic 49 35 N 17 50 E
Moroni (capital) Comoros 11 41 S 43 16 E
Mortlock Islands (Nomoi Federated States of 5 30 N 153 40 E
Islands) Micronesia
Moscow (capital) Russia 55 45 N 37 35 E
Mount Pinatubo (volcano) Philippines 15 08 N 120 21 E
Mozambique Channel Indian Ocean 19 00 S 41 00 E
Mumbai (city; also India 18 58 N 72 50 E
Bombay)
Munich, Muenchen (city) Germany 48 08 N 11 35 E
Muritaniyah (local name Mauritania 20 00 N 12 00 W
for Mauritania)
Musandam Peninsula Oman, United Arab 26 18 N 56 24 E
Emirates
Muscat (capital) Oman 23 37 N 58 35 E
Muscat and Oman (former Oman 21 00 N 57 00 E
name for Oman)
Myanma, Myanmar Burma 22 00 N 98 00 E

N

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
N'Djamena (capital) Chad 12 07 N 15 03 E
Nagorno-Karabakh (region) Azerbaijan 40 00 N 46 40 E
Nairobi (capital) Kenya 1 17 S 36 49 E
Namib (desert) Namibia 24 00 S 15 00 E
Nampo-shoto (island Japan 30 00 N 140 00 E
group)
Nan Madol (ruins) Federated States of 6 85 N 158 35 E
Micronesia
Naples (city) Italy 40 51 N 14 15 E
Nassau (capital) The Bahamas 25 05 N 77 21 W
Natal (region) South Africa 29 00 S 30 25 E
Natuna Besar Islands Indonesia 3 30 N 102 30 E
Natuna Sea Pacific Ocean 3 30 N 108 00 E
Naxcivan (region) Azerbaijan 39 20 N 45 20 E
Naxos (island) Greece 37 05 N 25 30 E
Nederland (local name for Netherlands 52 30 N 5 45 E
the Netherlands)
Nederlandse Antillen Curacao, Sint 12 15 N 68 45 W
(local name for the Maarten
former Netherlands
Antilles)
Negev (region) Israel 30 30 N 34 55 E
Negros (island) Philippines 10 00 N 123 00 E
Nejd (region) Saudi Arabia 24 05 N 45 15 E
Netherlands Antilles Curacao, Sint 12 15 N 68 45 W
(former name of Dutch Maarten
Caribbean dependencies)
Netherlands East Indies Indonesia 5 00 S 120 00 E
(former name for
Indonesia)
Netherlands Guiana Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
(former name for
Suriname)
Nevis (island) Saint Kitts and 17 09 N 62 35 W
Nevis
New Britain (island) Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 150 00 E
New Delhi (capital) India 28 36 N 77 12 E
New Guinea (island) Indonesia, Papua 5 00 S 140 00 E
New Guinea
New Hebrides (island Vanuatu 16 00 S 167 00 E
group)
New Ireland (island) Papua New Guinea 3 20 N 152 00 E
New Siberian Islands Russia 75 00 N 142 00 E
New Territories (mainland Hong Kong 22 24 N 114 10 E
region)
Newfoundland (island, Canada 52 00 N 56 00 W
with mainland area, and a
province)
Niamey (capital) Niger 13 31 N 2 07 E
Nicobar Islands India 8 00 N 93 30 E
Nicosia (capital; also Cyprus 35 10 N 33 22 E
Lefkosia)
Nightingale Island Saint Helena, 37 25 S 12 30 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Nihon, Nippon (local name Japan 36 00 N 138 00 E
for Japan)
Nomoi Islands (Mortlock Federated States of 5 30 N 153 40 E
Islands) Micronesia
Norge (local name for Norway 62 00 N 10 00 E
Norway)
Norman Isles (Channel Guernsey, Jersey 49 20 N 2 20 W
Islands)
North Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean 30 00 N 45 00 W
North Channel Atlantic Ocean 55 10 N 5 40 W
North Frisian Islands Denmark, Germany 54 50 N 8 12 E
North Greenland Sea Arctic Ocean 78 00 N 5 00 W
North Island New Zealand 39 00 S 176 00 E
North Ossetia (region) Russia 43 00 N 44 10 E
North Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean 30 00 N 165 00 W
North Sea Atlantic Ocean 56 00 N 4 00 E
North Vietnam (former Vietnam 23 00 N 106 00 E
name for northern portion
of Vietnam)
North Yemen (Yemen Arab Yemen 15 00 N 44 00 E
Republic; now part of
Yemen)
Northeast Providence Atlantic Ocean 25 40 N 77 09 W
Channel
Northern Areas Pakistan 36 0 N 75 0 E
Northern Cyprus (region) Cyprus 35 15 N 33 44 E
Northern Epirus (region) Albania, Greece 40 00 N 20 30 E
Northern Grenadines Saint Vincent and 12 45 N 61 15 W
(political region) the Grenadines
Northern Ireland United Kingdom 54 40 N 6 45 W
Northern Rhodesia (former Zambia 15 00 S 30 00 E
name for Zambia)
Northwest Passages Arctic Ocean 74 40 N 100 00 W
Norwegian Sea Atlantic Ocean 66 00 N 6 00 E
Nouakchott (capital) Mauritania 18 06 N 15 57 W
Noumea (capital) New Caledonia 22 16 S 166 27 E
Nouvelle-Caledonie (local New Caledonia 21 30 S 165 30 E
name for New Caledonia)
Nouvelles Hebrides Vanuatu 16 00 S 167 00 E
(former name for Vanuatu)
Novaya Zemlya (islands) Russia 74 00 N 57 00 E
Nubia (region) Egypt, Sudan 20 30 N 33 00 E
Nuku'alofa (capital) Tonga 21 08 S 175 12 W
Nunavut (region) Canada 72 00 N 90 00 W
Nuuk (capital; also Greenland 64 11 N 51 44 W
Godthab)
Nyasaland (former name Malawi 13 30 S 34 00 E
for Malawi)
Nyassa (region) Mozambique 13 30 S 37 00 E

O

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Oahu (island) United States 21 30 N 158 00 W
(Hawaii)
Ocean Island (Banaba) Kiribati 0 52 S 169 35 E
Ocean Island (Kure United States 28 25 N 178 20 W
Island)
Oesterreich (local name Austria 47 20 N 13 20 E
for Austria)
Ogaden (region) Ethiopia, Somalia 7 00 N 46 00 E
Oil Islands (Chagos British Indian 6 00 S 71 30 E
Archipelago) Ocean Territory
Okhotsk, Sea of Pacific Ocean 53 00 N 150 00 E
Okinawa (island group) Japan 26 30 N 128 00 E
Oland (island) Sweden 56 45 N 16 40 E
Oman, Gulf of Indian Ocean 24 30 N 58 30 E
Ombai Strait Pacific Ocean 8 30 S 125 00 E
Oran (city) Algeria 35 43 N 0 43 W
Orange River Colony South Africa 28 20 S 26 40 E
(region; former name of
Free State Province of
South Africa)
Oranjestad (capital) Aruba 12 33 N 70 06 W
Oresund (The Sound) Atlantic Ocean 55 50 N 12 40 E
(strait)
Orkney Islands United Kingdom 59 00 N 3 00 W
Osaka (city) Japan 34 42 N 135 30 E
Oslo (capital) Norway 59 55 N 10 45 E
Osumi Strait (Van Diemen Pacific Ocean 31 00 N 131 00 E
Strait)
Otranto, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 40 00 N 19 00 E
Ottawa (capital) Canada 45 25 N 75 40 W
Ouagadougou (capital) Burkina Faso 12 22 N 1 31 W
Outer Hebrides (islands) United Kingdom 57 45 N 7 00 W
Outer Mongolia (region) Mongolia 46 00 N 105 00 E

P

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
P'yongyang (capital) North Korea 39 01 N 125 45 E
Pacific Islands, Trust Marshall Islands, 10 00 N 155 00 E
Territory of the (former Federated States of
name of a large area of Micronesia,
the western North Pacific Northern Mariana
Ocean) Islands, Palau
Pagan (island) Northern Mariana 18 08 N 145 47 E
Islands
Pago Pago (capital) American Samoa 14 16 S 170 42 W
Palawan (island) Philippines 9 30 N 118 30 E
Palermo (city) Italy 38 07 N 13 21 E
Palestine (region) Israel, West Bank 32 00 N 35 15 E
Palikir (capital) Federated States of 6 55 N 158 08 E
Micronesia
Palk Strait Indian Ocean 10 00 N 79 45 E
Pamirs (mountains) China, Tajikistan 38 00 N 73 00 E
Pampas (region) Argentina 35 00 S 63 00 W
Panama (capital) Panama 8 58 N 79 32 W
Panama Canal Panama 9 00 N 79 45 W
Panama, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 8 00 N 79 30 W
Panay (island) Philippines 11 15 N 122 30 E
Pantelleria, Isola di Italy 36 47 N 12 00 E
(island)
Papeete (capital) French Polynesia 17 32 S 149 34 W
Paramaribo (capital) Suriname 5 50 N 55 10 W
Parece Vela (island) Japan 20 20 N 136 00 E
Paris (capital) France 48 52 N 2 20 E
Pascua, Isla de (Easter Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Island)
Pashtunistan (region) Afghanistan, 32 00 N 69 00 E
Pakistan
Passion, Ile de la Clipperton Island 10 17 N 109 13 W
(island)
Patagonia (region) Argentina 48 00 S 61 00 W
Peking (see Beijing) China 39 56 N 116 24 E
Pelagian Islands (Isole Italy 35 40 N 12 40 E
Pelagie)
Peleliu (Beliliou) Palau 7 01 N 134 15 E
(island)
Peloponnese (peninsula) Greece 37 30 N 22 25 E
Pemba Island Tanzania 5 20 S 39 45 E
Penang Island Malaysia 5 23 N 100 15 E
Pentland Firth (channel) Atlantic Ocean 58 44 N 3 13 W
Perim (island) Yemen 12 39 N 43 25 E
Perouse Strait, La Pacific Ocean 44 45 N 142 00 E
Persia (former name for Iran 32 00 N 53 00 E
Iran)
Persian Gulf Indian Ocean 27 00 N 51 00 E
Perth (city) Australia 31 56 S 115 50 E
Pescadores (islands) Taiwan 23 30 N 119 30 E
Peshawar (city) Pakistan 34 01 N 71 40 E
Peter I Island Antarctica 68 48 S 90 35 W
Petrograd (city; former Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
name for Saint
Petersburg)
Philip Island Norfolk Island 29 08 S 167 57 E
Philippine Sea Pacific Ocean 20 00 N 134 00 E
Philipsburg (capital) Sint Maarten 18 1 N 63 2 W
Phnom Penh (capital) Cambodia 11 33 N 104 55 E
Phoenix Islands Kiribati 3 30 S 172 00 W
Pinatubo, Mount (volcano) Philippines 15 08 N 120 21 E
Pines, Isle of (island; Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
former name for Isla de
la Juventud)
Pleasant Island Nauru 0 32 S 166 55 E
Plymouth (capital) Montserrat 16 44 N 62 14 W
Podgorica (administrative Montenegro 42 26 N 19 16 E
capital)
Polska (local name) Poland 52 00 N 20 00 E
Polynesie Francaise French Polynesia 15 00 S 140 00 W
(local name for French
Polynesia)
Pomerania (region) Germany, Poland 53 40 N 15 35 E
Ponape (Pohnpei) (island) Federated States of 6 55 N 158 15 E
Micronesia
Port Louis (capital) Mauritius 20 10 S 57 30 E
Port Moresby (capital) Papua New Guinea 9 30 S 147 10 E
Port-Vila (capital) Vanuatu 17 44 S 168 19 E
Port-au-Prince (capital) Haiti 18 32 N 72 20 W
Port-of-Spain (capital) Trinidad and Tobago 10 39 N 61 31 W
Porto-Novo (capital) Benin 6 29 N 2 37 E
Portuguese East Africa Mozambique 18 15 S 35 00 E
(former name for
Mozambique)
Portuguese Guinea (former Guinea-Bissau 12 00 N 15 00 W
name for Guinea-Bissau)
Portuguese Timor (former Timor-Leste 9 00 S 126 00 E
name for Timor-Leste)
Poznan (city) Poland 52 25 N 16 55 E
Prague (capital) Czech Republic 50 05 N 14 28 E
Praia (capital) Cape Verde 14 55 N 23 31 W
Prathet Thai (local name Thailand 15 00 N 100 00 E
for Thailand)
Pretoria (administrative South Africa 25 42 S 28 13 E
capital)
Prevlaka peninsula Croatia 42 24 N 18 31 E
Pribilof Islands United States 57 00 N 170 00 W
Prince Edward Island Canada 46 20 N 63 20 W
Prince Edward Islands South Africa 46 35 S 38 00 E
Prince Patrick Island Canada 76 30 N 119 00 W
Principe (island) Sao Tome and 1 38 N 7 25 E
Principe
Pristina, Prishtina, Kosovo 42 40 N 21 10 E
Prishtine (capital)
Prussia (region) Germany, Poland, 53 00 N 14 00 E
Russia
Pukapuka Atoll Cook Islands 10 53 S 165 49 W
Punjab (region) India, Pakistan 30 50 N 73 30 E
Puntland (region) Somalia 8 21 N 49 08 E

Q

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Qazaqstan (local name for Kazakhstan 48 00 N 68 00 E
Kazakhstan)
Qita Ghazzah (local name Gaza Strip 31 25 N 34 20 E
Gaza Strip)
Quebec (city) Canada 46 48 N 71 15 W
Queen Charlotte Islands Canada 53 00 N 132 00 W
Queen Elizabeth Islands Canada 78 00 N 95 00 W
Queen Maud Land (claimed Antarctica 73 30 S 12 00 E
by Norway)
Quemoy (island) Taiwan 24 27 N 118 23 E
Quito (capital) Ecuador 0 13 S 78 30 W

R

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Rabat (capital) Morocco 34 02 N 6 51 W
Ralik Chain (island Marshall Islands 8 00 N 167 00 E
group)
Rangoon (capital; also Burma 16 47 N 96 10 E
Yangon)
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Ratak Chain (island Marshall Islands 9 00 N 171 00 E
group)
Red Sea Indian Ocean 20 00 N 38 00 E
Redonda (island) Antigua and Barbuda 16 55 N 62 19 W
Republica Dominicana Dominican Republic 19 00 N 70 40 W
(local name for Dominican
Republic)
Republique Centrafricain Central African 7 00 N 21 00 E
(local name for Central Republic
African Republic)
Republique Francaise France 46 00 N 2 00 E
(local name for France)
Republique Gabonaise Gabon 1 00 S 11 45 E
(local name for Gabon)
Republique Rwandaise Rwanda 2 00 S 30 00 E
(local name for Rwanda)
Republique Togolaise Togo 8 00 N 1 10 E
(local name for Togo)
Revillagigedo Island United States 55 35 N 131 06 W
(Alaska)
Revillagigedo Islands Mexico 19 00 N 112 45 W
Reykjavik (capital) Iceland 64 09 N 21 57 W
Rhodes (island) Greece 36 10 N 28 00 E
Rhodesia, Northern Zambia 15 00 S 30 00 E
(former name for Zambia)
Rhodesia, Southern Zimbabwe 20 00 S 30 00 E
(former name for
Zimbabwe)
Riga (capital) Latvia 56 57 N 24 06 E
Riga, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 57 30 N 23 30 E
Rio Muni (mainland Equatorial Guinea 1 30 N 10 00 E
region)
Rio de Janiero (city) Brazil 22 55 S 43 17 W
Rio de Oro (region) Western Sahara 23 45 N 15 45 W
Rio de la Plata (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 35 00 S 59 00 W
Riyadh (capital) Saudi Arabia 24 38 N 46 43 E
Road Town (capital) British Virgin 18 27 N 64 37 W
Islands
Robinson Crusoe Island Chile 33 38 S 78 52 W
(Mas a Tierra)
Rocas, Atol das (island) Brazil 3 51 S 33 49 W
Rockall (island) United Kingdom 57 35 N 13 48 W
Rodrigues (island) Mauritius 19 42 S 63 25 E
Rome (capital) Italy 41 54 N 12 29 E
Roncador Cay (island) Colombia 13 32 N 80 03 W
Roosevelt Island Antarctica 79 30 S 162 00 W
Roseau (capital) Dominica 15 18 N 61 24 W
Ross Dependency (claimed Antarctica 80 00 S 180 00 E
by New Zealand)
Ross Island Antarctica 81 30 S 175 00 W
Ross Sea Antarctica, 76 00 S 175 00 W
Southern Ocean
Rossiya (local name for Russia 60 00 N 100 00 E
Russia)
Rota (island) Northern Mariana 14 10 N 145 12 E
Islands
Rotuma (island) Fiji 12 30 S 177 05 E
Ruanda (former name for Rwanda 2 00 S 30 00 E
Rwanda)
Rub al Khali (desert) Saudi Arabia 19 30 N 49 00 E
Rumelia (region) Albania, Bulgaria, 42 00 N 22 30 E
Macedonia
Ruthenia (region; former Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
name for Carpatho-
Ukraine)
Ryukyu Islands Japan 26 30 N 128 00 E

S

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Saar (region) Germany 49 25 N 7 00 E
Saaremaa (island) Estonia 58 25 N 22 30 E
Saba (island) Netherlands 17 38 N 63 10 W
Sabah (state) Malaysia 5 20 N 117 10 E
Sable Island Canada 43 55 N 59 50 W
Safety Islands (Iles du French Guiana 5 20 N 52 37 W
Salut)
Sahara Occidental (former Western Sahara 24 30 N 13 00 W
name for Western Sahara)
Sahel (region) Burkina Faso, Chad, 15 00 N 8 00 W
The Gambia, Guinea-
Bissau, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger,
Senegal
Saigon (city; former name Vietnam 10 45 N 106 40 E
for Ho Chi Minh City)
Saint Brandon (Cargados Mauritius 16 25 S 59 38 E
Carajos Shoals)
Saint Christopher Saint Kitts and 17 20 N 62 45 W
(island) Nevis
Saint Christopher and Saint Kitts and 17 20 N 62 45 W
Nevis Nevis
Saint Eustatius (island) Netherlands 17 30 N 63 00 W
Saint George's (capital) Grenada 12 03 N 61 45 W
Saint George's Channel Atlantic Ocean 52 00 N 6 00 W
Saint Helena Island Saint Helena, 15 57 S 5 42 W
Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helens, Mount United States 46 15 N 122 12 W
(volcano)
Saint Helier (capital) Jersey 49 12 N 2 07 W
Saint John (city) Canada (New 45 16 N 66 04 W
Brunswick)
Saint John's (capital) Antigua and Barbuda 17 06 N 61 51 W
Saint Lawrence Island United States 49 30 N 67 00 W
Saint Lawrence Seaway Atlantic Ocean 49 15 N 67 00 W
Saint Lawrence, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 48 00 N 62 00 W
Saint Paul Island Canada 47 12 N 60 09 W
Saint Paul Island United States 57 11 N 170 16 W
Saint Paul Island (Ile French Southern and 38 43 S 77 29 E
Saint-Paul) Antarctic Lands
Saint Peter Port Guernsey 49 27 N 2 32 W
(capital)
Saint Peter and Saint Brazil 0 23 N 29 23 W
Paul Rocks (Penedos de
Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo)
Saint Petersburg (city; Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
former capital)
Saint Thomas (island) Virgin Islands 18 21 N 64 55 W
Saint Vincent Passage Atlantic Ocean 13 30 N 61 00 W
Saint-Denis (capital) Reunion 20 52 S 55 28 E
Saint-Pierre (capital) Saint Pierre and 46 46 N 56 11 W
Miquelon
Saipan (island) Northern Mariana 15 12 N 145 45 E
Islands
Sak'art'velo (local name Georgia 42 00 N 43 30 E
for Georgia)
Sakhalin Island (Ostrov Russia 51 00 N 143 00 E
Sakhalin)
Sakishima Islands Japan 24 30 N 124 00 E
Sala y Gomez, Isla Chile 26 28 S 105 00 W
(island)
Salisbury (city; former Zimbabwe 17 50 S 105 00 W
name for Harare)
Salzburg (city) Austria 47 48 N 13 02 E
Samar (island) Philippines 12 00 N 125 00 E
Samaria (region) West Bank 32 15 N 35 10 E
Samoa Islands American Samoa, 14 00 S 171 00 W
Samoa
Samos (island) Greece 37 48 N 26 44 E
San Ambrosio, Isla Chile 26 21 S 79 52 W
(island)
San Andres y Providencia, Colombia 13 00 N 81 30 W
Archipielago (island
group)
San Bernardino Strait Pacific Ocean 12 32 N 124 10 E
San Felix, Isla (island) Chile 26 17 S 80 05 W
San Jose (capital) Costa Rica 9 56 N 84 05 W
San Juan (capital) Puerto Rico 18 28 N 66 07 W
San Marino (capital) San Marino 43 56 N 12 25 E
San Salvador (capital) El Salvador 13 42 N 89 12 W
Sanaa (capital) Yemen 15 21 N 44 12 E
Sandzak (region) Montenegro, Serbia 43 05 N 19 45 E
Santa Cruz (city) Bolivia 17 48 S 63 10 W
Santa Cruz Islands Solomon Islands 11 00 S 166 15 E
Santa Sede (local name Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
for the Holy See)
Santiago (capital) Chile 33 27 S 70 40 W
Santo Antao (island) Cape Verde 17 05 N 25 10 W
Santo Domingo (capital) Dominican Republic 18 28 N 69 54 W
Sao Paulo (city) Brazil 23 35 S 46 43 W
Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo, Brazil 0 23 N 29 23 W
Penedos de (rocks)
Sao Tiago (island) Cape Verde 15 05 N 23 40 W
Sao Tome (island) Sao Tome and 0 12 N 6 39 E
Principe
Sapporo (city) Japan 43 04 N 141 20 E
Sapudi Strait Pacific Ocean 7 05 S 114 10 E
Sarajevo (capital) Bosnia and 43 52 N 18 25 E
Herzegovina
Sarawak (state) Malaysia 2 30 N 113 30 E
Sardinia (island) Italy 40 00 N 9 00 E
Sargasso Sea (region) Atlantic Ocean 30 00 N 55 00 W
Sark (island) Guernsey 49 26 N 2 21 W
Savage Island (former Niue 19 02 S 169 52 W
name for Niue)
Savu Sea Pacific Ocean 9 30 S 122 00 E
Saxony (region) Germany 51 00 N 13 00 E
Schleswig-Holstein Germany 54 31 N 9 33 E
(region)
Schweiz (local German Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
name for Switzerland)
Scopus, Mount Israel, West Bank 31 48 N 35 14 E
Scotia Sea Atlantic Ocean, 56 00 S 40 00 W
Southern Ocean
Scotland (region) United Kingdom 57 00 N 4 00 W
Scott Island Antarctica 67 24 S 179 55 W
Senegambia (region; The Gambia, Senegal 13 50 N 15 25 W
former name of
confederation of Senegal
and The Gambia)
Senyavin Islands Federated States of 6 55 N 158 00 E
Micronesia
Seoul (capital) South Korea 37 34 N 127 00 E
Serendib (former name for Sri Lanka 7 00 N 81 00 E
Sri Lanka)
Serrana Bank (shoal) Colombia 14 25 N 80 16 W
Serranilla Bank (shoal) Colombia 15 51 N 79 46 W
Settlement, The (capital) Christmas Island 10 25 S 105 43 E
Severnaya Zemlya (island Russia 79 30 N 98 00 E
group; also Northland)
Shaba (region) Democratic Republic 8 00 S 27 00 E
of the Congo
Shag Island Heard Island and 53 00 S 72 30 E
McDonald Islands
Shag Rocks South Georgia and 53 33 S 42 02 W
the South Sandwich
Islands
Shanghai (city) China 31 14 N 121 30 E
Shenyang (city; also China 41 46 N 123 24 E
Mukden)
Shetland Islands United Kingdom 60 30 N 1 30 W
Shikoku (island) Japan 33 45 N 133 30 E
Shikotan (island) Russia (de facto) 43 47 N 146 45 E
Shqiperia (local name for Albania 41 00 N 20 00 E
Albania)
Siam (former name for Thailand 15 00 N 100 00 E
Thailand)
Siberia (region) Russia 60 00 N 100 00 E
Sibutu Passage Pacific Ocean 4 50 N 119 35 E
Sicily (island) Italy 37 30 N 14 00 E
Sicily, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 37 20 N 11 20 E
Sidra, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 31 30 N 18 00 E
Sikkim (state) India 27 50 N 88 30 E
Silesia (region) Czech Republic, 51 00 N 17 00 E
Germany, Poland
Sinai Peninsula Egypt 29 30 N 34 00 E
Singapore (capital) Singapore 1 17 N 103 51 E
Singapore Strait Pacific Ocean 1 15 N 104 00 E
Sinkiang (autonomous China 42 00 N 86 00 E
region; also Xinjiang)
Sint Eustatius (island) Netherlands 17 29 N 62 58 W
Sint Maarten (island; Sint Maarten, Saint 18 04 N 63 04 W
also Saint-Martin) Martin
Sjaelland (island) Denmark 55 30 N 12 00 E
Skagerrak (strait) Atlantic Ocean 57 45 N 9 00 E
Skopje (capital) Macedonia 41 59 N 21 26 E
Slavonia (region) Croatia 45 27 N 18 00 E
Slovenija (local name for Slovenia 46 00 N 15 00 E
Slovenia)
Slovensko (local name for Slovakia 48 40 N 19 30 E
Slovakia)
Smyrna (region; former Turkey 38 25 N 27 10 E
name for Izmir)
Society Islands (Iles de French Polynesia 17 00 S 150 00 W
la Societe)
Socotra (island) Yemen 12 30 N 54 00 E
Sofia (capital) Bulgaria 42 41 N 23 19 E
Solomon Islands, northern Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 155 00 E
Solomon Islands, southern Solomon Islands 8 00 S 159 00 E
Solomon Sea Pacific Ocean 8 00 S 153 00 E
Somaliland (region) Somalia 9 30 N 46 00 E
Somers Islands (former Bermuda 32 20 N 64 45 W
name for Bermuda)
Songkhla (city) Thailand 7 12 N 100 36 E
Sound, The (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 50 N 12 40 E
Oresund)
South Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean 30 00 S 15 00 W
South China Sea Pacific Ocean 10 00 N 113 00 E
South Georgia (island) South Georgia and 54 15 S 36 45 W
the South Sandwich
Islands
South Island New Zealand 43 00 S 171 00 E
South Korea South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
South Orkney Islands Antarctica 61 00 S 45 00 W
South Ossetia (region) Georgia 42 20 N 44 00 E
South Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean 30 00 S 130 00 W
South Sandwich Islands South Georgia and 57 45 S 26 30 W
the South Sandwich
Islands
South Shetland Islands Antarctica 62 00 S 59 00 W
South Tyrol (region) Italy 46 30 N 10 30 E
South Vietnam (former Vietnam 12 00 N 108 00 E
name for the southern
portion of Vietnam)
South Yemen (People's Yemen 14 00 N 48 00 E
Democratic Republic of
Yemen; now part of Yemen)
South-West Africa (former Namibia 22 00 S 17 00 E
name for Namibia)
Southern Grenadines Grenada 12 20 N 61 30 W
(island group)
Southern Rhodesia (former Zimbabwe 20 00 S 30 00 E
name for Zimbabwe)
Soviet Union (former name Armenia,
of a large Eurasian Azerbaijan,
empire, roughly coequal Belarus, Estonia,
with the former Russian Georgia,
Empire) Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
Lithuania, Moldova,
Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Spanish Guinea (former Equatorial Guinea 2 00 N 10 00 E
name for Equatorial
Guinea)
Spanish Morocco (former Morocco 32 00 N 7 00 W
name for northern
Morocco)
Spanish North Africa Spain (Ceuta, Islas 35 15 N 4 00 W
(exclaves) Chafarinas,
Melilla, Penon de
Alhucemas, Penon de
Velez de la Gomera)
Spanish Sahara (former Western Sahara 24 30 N 13 00 W
name)
Spanish West Africa Morocco, Western 25 00 N 13 00 W
(former name for Ifni and Sahara
Spanish Sahara)
Spice Islands (Moluccas) Indonesia 2 00 S 28 00 E
Spitsbergen (island) Svalbard 78 00 N 20 00 E
Srbija (local name for Serbia 44 00 N 21 00 E
Serbia)
St. John's (city) Canada 47 34 N 52 43 W
(Newfoundland)
Stanley (capital) Falkland Islands 51 42 S 57 41 W
(Islas Malvinas)
Stockholm (capital) Sweden 59 20 N 18 03 E
Strasbourg (city) France 48 35 N 7 44 E
Stuttgart (city) Germany 48 46 N 9 11 E
Sucre (constitutional Bolivia 19 02 S 65 17 W
capital)
Suez Canal Egypt 29 55 N 32 33 E
Suez, Gulf of Indian Ocean 28 10 N 33 27 E
Suisse (local French name Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
for Switzerland)
Sulawesi (island; Indonesia 2 00 S 121 00 E
Celebes)
Sulawesi Sea Pacific Ocean 3 00 N 122 00 E
Sulu Archipelago (island Philippines 6 00 N 121 00 E
group)
Sulu Sea Pacific Ocean 8 00 N 120 00 E
Sumatra (island) Indonesia 0 00 N 102 00 E
Sumba (island) Indonesia 10 00 S 120 00 E
Sumba Strait Pacific Ocean 9 10 S 120 00 E
Sumbawa (island) Indonesia 8 30 S 118 00 E
Sunda Islands (Soenda Indonesia, Malaysia 2 00 S 110 00 E
Isles)
Sunda Strait Indian Ocean 6 00 S 105 45 E
Suomi (local name for Finland 64 00 N 26 00 E
Finland)
Surabaya (city) Indonesia 7 13 S 112 45 E
Surigao Strait Pacific Ocean 10 15 N 125 23 E
Surinam (former name for Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
Suriname)
Suriyah (local name for Syria 35 00 N 38 00 E
Syria)
Surtsey (volcanic island) Iceland 63 17 N 20 40 W
Suva (capital) Fiji 18 08 S 178 25 E
Sverdlovsk (city; also Russia 56 50 N 60 39 E
Yekaterinburg)
Sverige (local name for Sweden 62 00 N 15 00 E
Sweden)
Svizzera (local Italian Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
name for Switzerland)
Swains Island American Samoa 11 03 S 171 15 W
Swan Islands Honduras 17 25 S 83 56 W
Sydney (city) Australia 33 53 S 151 13 E

T

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
T'bilisi (capital) Georgia 41 43 N 44 49 E
Tadzhikistan (former name Tajikistan 39 00 N 71 00 E
for Tajikistan)
Tahiti (island) French Polynesia 17 37 S 149 27 W
Taipei (capital) Taiwan 25 03 N 121 30 E
Taiwan Strait Pacific Ocean 24 00 N 119 00 E
Tallinn (capital) Estonia 59 25 N 24 45 E
Tanganyika (former name Tanzania 6 00 S 35 00 E
for the mainland portion
of Tanzania)
Tangier (city) Morocco 35 48 N 5 45 W
Tannu-Tuva (region) Russia 51 25 N 94 45 E
Tarawa (island) Kiribati 1 25 N 173 00 E
Tartary, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 50 00 N 141 00 E
Tashkent (capital) Uzbekistan 41 20 N 69 18 E
Tasman Sea Pacific Ocean 4 30 S 168 00 E
Tasmania (island) Australia 43 00 S 147 00 E
Tatar Strait Pacific Ocean 50 00 N 141 00 E
Taymyr Peninsula Russia 76 00 N 104 00 E
(Poluostrov Taymyr)
Tchad (local name for Chad 15 00 N 19 00 E
Chad)
Tegucigalpa (capital) Honduras 14 06 N 87 13 W
Tehran (capital) Iran 35 40 N 51 26 E
Tel Aviv (capital, de Israel 32 05 N 34 48 E
facto)
Teluk Bone (gulf) Pacific Ocean 4 00 S 120 45 E
Teluk Tomini (gulf) Pacific Ocean 0 30 S 121 00 E
Terre Adelie (claimed by Antarctica 66 30 S 139 00 E
France; also Adelie Land)
Terres Australes et French Southern and 43 00 S 67 00 E
Antarctiques Francaises Antarctic Lands
(local name for the
French Southern and
Antarctic Lands)
Thailand, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 10 00 N 101 00 E
The Former Yugoslav Macedonia 41 50 N 22 00 E
Republic of Macedonia
Thessaloniki (city; also Greece 40 38 N 22 57 E
Salonika)
Thimphu (capital) Bhutan 27 28 N 89 39 E
Thuringia (region) Germany 51 00 N 11 00 E
Thurston Island Antarctica 72 20 S 99 00 W
Tiberias, Lake Israel 32 48 N 35 35 E
Tibet (autonomous region; China 32 00 N 90 00 E
also Xizang)
Tibilisi (see T'bilisi) Georgia 41 43 N 44 49 E
Tien Shan (mountains) China, Kyrgyzstan 42 00 N 80 00 E
Tierra del Fuego (island, Argentina, Chile 54 00 S 69 00 W
island group)
Timor (island) Timor-Leste, 9 00 S 125 00 E
Indonesia
Timor Lorosa'e (local Timor-Leste 9 00 N 126 00 E
name for Timor-Leste)
Timor Sea Pacific Ocean 11 00 S 128 00 E
Tinian (island) Northern Mariana 15 00 N 145 38 E
Islands
Tiran, Strait of Indian Ocean 28 00 N 34 27 E
Tirana, Tirane (capital) Albania 41 20 N 19 50 E
Tirol, Tyrol (region) Austria, Italy 47 00 N 11 00 E
Tobago (island) Trinidad and Tobago 11 15 N 60 40 W
Tokyo (capital) Japan 35 42 N 139 46 E
Tonkin, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 20 00 N 108 00 E
Toronto (city) Canada 43 40 N 79 23 W
Torres Strait Pacific Ocean 10 25 S 142 10 E
Torshavn (capital) Faroe Islands 62 01 N 6 46 W
Toshkent (see Tashkent) Uzbekistan 41 20 N 69 18 E
Transcarpathia (region; Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
alternate name for
Carpatho-Ukraine)
Transjordan (former name Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
for Jordan)
Transkei (enclave) South Africa 32 15 S 28 15 E
Transvaal (region; former South Africa 25 10 S 29 25 E
name for northeastern
South Africa)
Transylvania (region) Romania 46 30 N 24 00 E
Trindade, Ilha de Brazil 20 31 S 29 20 W
(island)
Trinidad (island) Trinidad and Tobago 10 22 N 61 15 W
Tripoli (capital) Libya 32 54 N 13 11 E
Tripoli (city) Lebanon 34 26 N 35 51 E
Tripolitania (region) Libya 31 00 N 14 00 E
Tristan da Cunha Group Saint Helena, 37 15 S 12 30 W
(island group) Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha
Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea 8 38 S 151 04 E
Trucial Coast (former United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
name for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Trucial Oman (former name United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Trucial States (former United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
name for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Truk Islands (former name Federated States of 7 25 N 151 47 E
for the Chuuk Islands) Micronesia
Tsugaru Strait Pacific Ocean 41 35 N 141 00 E
Tuamotu Islands (Iles French Polynesia 19 00 S 142 00 W
Tuamotu)
Tubuai Islands (Iles French Polynesia 23 00 S 150 00 W
Tubuai)
Tunb al Kubra (island) Iran 26 14 N 55 19 E
Tunb as Sughra (island) Iran 26 14 N 55 09 E
Tunis (capital) Tunisia 36 48 N 10 11 E
Turin (city) Italy 45 04 N 7 40 E
Turkish Straits (see Atlantic Ocean 40 40 N 28 00 E
Bosporus and Dardenelles)
Turkiye (local name for Turkey 39 00 N 35 00 E
Turkey)
Turkmenia, Turkmeniya Turkmenistan 40 00 N 60 00 E
(former name for
Turkmenistan)
Turks Island Passage Atlantic Ocean 21 40 N 71 00 W
Tuscany (region) Italy 43 25 N 11 00 E
Tutuila (island) American Samoa 14 18 S 170 42 W
Tyrrhenian Sea Atlantic Ocean 40 00 N 12 00 E

U

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Ubangi-Shari (former name Central African 6 38 N 20 33 E
for the Central African Republic
Republic
Ukrayina (local name for Ukraine 49 00 N 32 00 E
Ukraine)
Ulaanbaatar (capital) Mongolia 47 55 N 106 53 E
Ullung-do (island) South Korea 37 29 N 130 52 E
Ulster (region) Ireland, United 54 35 N 7 00 W
Kingdom
Uman (local name for Oman 21 00 N 57 00 E
Oman)
Unimak Pass (strait) Pacific Ocean 54 20 N 164 50 W
Union of Soviet Socialist Armenia,
Republics or USSR (former Azerbaijan,
name of a large Eurasian Belarus, Estonia,
empire, roughly coequal Georgia,
with the former Russian Kazakhstan,
Empire) Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
Lithuania, Moldova,
Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan
United Arab Republic or Egypt, Syria
UAR (former name for a
federation between Egypt
and Syria)
Upper Volta (former name Burkina Faso 13 00 N 2 00 W
for Burkina Faso)
Ural Mountains Kazakhstan, Russia 60 00 N 60 00 E
Urdunn (local name for Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
Jordan)
Urundi (former name for Burundi 3 30 S 30 00 E
Burundi)
Ussuri River China, Russia 48 28 N 135 02 E

V

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Vaduz (capital) Liechtenstein 47 09 N 9 31 E
Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor) Afghanistan 37 00 N 73 00 E
Valletta (capital) Malta 35 54 N 14 31 E
Valley, The (capital) Anguilla 18 13 N 63 04 W
Van Diemen Strait (Osumi Pacific Ocean 31 00 N 131 00 E
Strait)
Vancouver (city) Canada 49 16 N 123 08 W
Vancouver Island Canada 49 45 N 126 00 W
Vatican City (capital) Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
Velez de la Gomera, Penon Spain 35 11 N 4 18 W
de (island)
Venda (enclave) South Africa 23 00 S 31 00 E
Verde Island Passage Pacific Ocean 13 34 N 120 51 E
Victoria (capital) Seychelles 4 38 S 55 27 E
Victoria (island) Canada 71 00 N 110 00 W
Victoria Land (region) Antarctica 72 00 S 155 00 E
Vienna (capital) Austria 48 12 N 16 22 E
Vientiane (capital) Laos 17 58 N 102 36 E
Vilnius (capital) Lithuania 54 41 N 25 19 E
Viti Levu (island) Fiji 18 00 S 178 00 E
Vladivostok (city) Russia 43 10 N 131 56 E
Vojvodina (region) Serbia 45 35 N 20 00 E
Volcano Islands Japan 25 00 N 141 00 E
Vostok Island Kiribati 10 06 S 152 23 W

W

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Wake Atoll Wake Island 19 17 N 166 39 E
Wakhan Corridor (see Afghanistan 37 00 N 73 00 E
Vakhan)
Walachia (region) Romania 44 45 N 26 05 E
Wales (region) United Kingdom 52 30 N 3 30 W
Wallis Islands Wallis and Futuna 13 17 S 176 10 W
Walvis Bay (city; former Namibia 22 59 S 14 31 E
exclave)
Warsaw (capital) Poland 52 15 N 21 00 E
Washington, DC (capital) United States 38 53 N 77 02 W
Weddell Sea Southern Ocean 72 00 S 45 00 W
Wellington (capital) New Zealand 41 28 S 174 51 E
West Frisian Islands Netherlands 53 26 N 5 30 E
West Germany (Federal Germany 53 22 N 5 20 E
Republic of Germany;
former name for western
portion of Germany)
West Island (capital) Cocos (Keeling) 12 10 S 96 55 E
Islands
West Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 40 N 129 00 E
(Western Channel)
West Pakistan (former Pakistan 30 00 N 70 00 E
name for present-day
Pakistan)
West Siberian Plain Russia 60 00 N 75 00 E
Western Channel (West Pacific Ocean 34 40 N 129 00 E
Korea Strait)
Western Samoa (former Samoa 13 35 S 172 20 W
name for Samoa)
Wetar Strait Pacific Ocean 8 20 S 126 30 E
White Sea Arctic Ocean 65 30 N 38 00 E
Wilkes Land (region) Antarctica 71 00 S 120 00 E
Willemstad (capital) Curacao 12 06 N 68 56 W
Windhoek (capital) Namibia 22 34 S 17 06 E
Windward Passage Atlantic Ocean 20 00 N 73 50 W
Winnipeg (city) Canada 49 53 N 97 10 W
Wrangel Island (Ostrov Russia 71 14 N 179 36 W
Vrangelya)

X

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Xianggang (local name for Hong Kong 22 15 N 114 10 E
Hong Kong)

Y

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Y'israel (local name for Israel 31 30 N 34 45 E
Israel)
Yaitopya (local name for Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
Ethiopia)
Yalu River China, North Korea 39 55 N 124 20 E
Yamoussoukro (capital) Cote d'Ivoire 6 49 N 5 17 W
Yangon (see Rangoon) Burma 16 47 N 96 10 E
Yaounde (capital) Cameroon 3 52 N 11 31 E
Yap Islands Federated States of 9 30 N 138 00 E
Micronesia
Yaren (governmental Nauru 0 32 S 166 55 E
center)
Yekaterinburg (city; Russia 56 50 N 60 39 E
formerly Sverdlovsk)
Yellow Sea Pacific Ocean 36 00 N 123 00 E
Yemen Arab Republic (also Yemen 15 00 N 44 00 E
Yemen (Sanaa); former
name for northern portion
of Yemen)
Yemen, People's Yemen 14 00 N 46 00 E
Democratic Republic of
(also Yemen (Aden);
former name for southern
portion of Yemen)
Yerevan (capital) Armenia 40 11 N 44 30 E
Yokohama (city) Japan 35 26 N 139 37 E
Youth, Isle of (Isla de Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
la Juventud)
Yucatan Channel Atlantic Ocean 21 45 N 85 45 W
Yucatan Peninsula Mexico 19 30 N 89 00 W
Yugoslavia (former name Montenegro, Serbia 43 00 N 21 00 E
for a federation of
Serbia and Montenegro)
Yugoslavia, Kingdom of Bosnia and 43 00 N 19 00 E
(former name for a Balkan Herzegovina,
federation) Croatia, Macedonia,
Montenegro, Serbia,
Slovenia
Yugoslavia, Socialist Bosnia and 43 00 N 19 00 E
Federal Republic of Herzegovina,
(former name for a Balkan Croatia, Macedonia,
federation) Montenegro, Serbia,
Slovenia

Z

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Zagreb (capital) Croatia 45 48 N 15 58 E
Zaire (former name for Democratic Republic 15 00 S 30 00 E
the Democratic Republic of the Congo
of the Congo)
Zakhalinskiy Zaliv (bay) Pacific Ocean 54 00 N 142 00 E
Zaliv Shelikhova (bay) Pacific Ocean 60 00 N 157 30 E
Zambezia (region) Mozambique 16 00 S 37 00 E
Zanzibar (island) Tanzania 6 10 S 39 11 E
Zhong Guo, Zhonghua China 35 00 N 105 00 E
(local name for China)
Zion, Mount (locale in Israel, West Bank 31 46 N 35 14 E
Jerusalem)
Zurich (city) Switzerland 47 23 N 8 32 E

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

APPENDIX G :: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Note: At this time, only three countries - Burma, Liberia, and the US - have not adopted the International System of Units (SI, or metric system) as their official system of weights and measures. Although use of the metric system has been sanctioned by law in the US since 1866, it has been slow in displacing the American adaptation of the British Imperial System known as the US Customary System. The US is the only industrialized nation that does not mainly use the metric system in its commercial and standards activities, but there is increasing acceptance in science, medicine, government, and many sectors of industry.

MATHEMATICAL NOTATION

MATHEMATICAL POWER NAME

10^18 or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 one quintillion 10^15 or 1,000,000,000,000,000 one quadrillion 10^12 or 1,000,000,000,000 one trillion 10^9 or 1,000,000,000 one billion 10^6 or 1,000,000 one million 10^3 or 1,000 one thousand 10^2 or 100 one hundred 10^1 or 10 ten 100 or 1 one 10^-1 or 0.1 one-tenth 10^-2 or 0.01 one-hundredth 10^-3 or 0.001 one-thousandth 10^-6 or 0.000 001 one-millionth 10^-9 or 0.000 000 001 one-billionth 10^-12 or 0.000 000 000 001 one-trillionth 10^-15 or 0.000 000 000 000 001 one-quadrillionth 10^-18 or 0.000 000 000 000 000 001 one-quintillionth

Metric Interrelationships

PREFIX SYMBOL LENGTH, WEIGHT, OR CAPACITY yotta Y 1024 zetta Z 1021 exa E 1018 peta P 1015 tera T 1012 giga G 109 mega M 106 kilo k 103 hecto h 102 deka da 101 basic unit - 1 meter, 1 gram, 1 liter deci d 10-1 centi c 10-2 milli m 10 -3 micro u 10-6 nano n 10-9 pico p 10-12 femto f 10-15 atto a 10-18 zepto z 10-21 yocto y 10-24

CONVERSION FACTORS

TO CONVERT FROM TO MULTIPLY BY
acres ares 40.468 564 224 acres hectares 0.404 685 642 24 acres square feet 43,560 acres square kilometers 0.004 046 856 422 4 acres square meters 4,046.856 422 4 acres square miles 0.001 562 50 (statute) acres square yards 4,840 ares square meters 100 ares square yards 119.599 barrels, US beer gallons 31 barrels, US beer liters 117.347 77 barrels, US petroleum gallons (British) 34.97 barrels, US petroleum gallons (US) 42 barrels, US petroleum liters 158.987 29 barrels, US proof gallons 40 spirits barrels, US proof liters 151.416 47 spirits bushels (US) bushels (British) 0.968 9 bushels (US) cubic feet 1.244 456 bushels (US) cubic inches 2,150.42 bushels (US) cubic meters 0.035 239 07 bushels (US) cubic yards 0.046 090 96 bushels (US) dekaliters 3.523 907 bushels (US) dry pints 64 bushels (US) dry quarts 32 bushels (US) liters 35.239 070 17 bushels (US) pecks 4 cables fathoms 120 cables meters 219.456 cables yards 240 carat milligrams 200 centimeters feet 0.032 808 40 centimeters inches 0.393 700 8 centimeters meters 0.01 centimeters yards 0.010 936 13 centimeters, cubic cubic inches 0.061 023 744 centimeters, square square feet 0.001 076 39 centimeters, square square inches 0.155 000 31 centimeters, square square meters 0.000 1 centimeters, square square yards 0.000 119 599 chains, square ares 4.046 86 surveyor's chains, square square feet 4,356 surveyor's chains, surveyor's feet 66 chains, surveyor's meters 20.116 8 chains, surveyor's rods 4 cords of wood cubic feet 128 cords of wood cubic meters 3.624 556 cords of wood cubic yards 4.740 7 cups liquid ounces (US) 8 cups liters 0.236 588 2 degrees Celsius degrees Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 and add 32 degrees Fahrenheit degrees Celsius subtract 32 and divide by 1.8 dekaliters bushels 0.283 775 9 dekaliters cubic feet 0.353 146 7 dekaliters cubic inches 610.237 4 dekaliters dry pints 18.161 66 dekaliters dry quarts 9.080 829 8 dekaliters liters 10 dekaliters pecks 1.135 104 drams, avoirdupois avoirdupois ounces 0.062 55 drams, avoirdupois grains 27.344 drams, avoirdupois grams 1.771 845 2 drams, troy grains 60 drams, troy grams 3.887 934 6 drams, troy scruples 3 drams, troy troy ounces 0.125 drams, liquid (US) cubic inches 0.226 drams, liquid (US) liquid drams 1.041 (British) drams, liquid (US) liquid ounces 0.125 drams, liquid (US) milliliters 3.696 69 drams, liquid (US) minims 60 fathoms feet 6 fathoms meters 1.828 8 feet centimeters 30.48 feet inches 12 feet kilometers 0.000 304 8 feet meters 0.304 8 feet statute miles 0.000 189 39 feet yards 0.333 333 3 feet, cubic bushels 0.803 563 95 feet, cubic cubic decimeters 28.316 847 feet, cubic cubic inches 1,728 feet, cubic cubic meters 0.028 316 846 592 feet, cubic cubic yards 0.037 037 04 feet, cubic dry pints 51.428 09 feet, cubic dry quarts 25.714 05 feet, cubic gallons 7.480 519 feet, cubic gills 239.376 6 feet, cubic liquid ounces 957.506 5 feet, cubic liquid pints 59.844 16 feet, cubic liquid quarts 29.922 08 feet, cubic liters 28.316 846 592 feet, cubic pecks 3.214 256 feet, square acres 0.000 022 956 8 feet, square square centimeters 929.030 4 feet, square square decimeters 9.290 304 feet, square square inches 144 feet, square square meters 0.092 903 04 feet, square square yards 0.111 111 1 furlongs feet 660 furlongs inches 7,920 furlongs meters 201.168 furlongs statute miles 0.125 furlongs yards 220 gallons, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.133 680 6 gallons, liquid (US) cubic inches 231 gallons, liquid (US) cubic meters 0.003 785 411 784 gallons, liquid (US) cubic yards 0.004 951 13 gallons, liquid (US) gills (US) 32 gallons, liquid (US) liquid gallons 0.832 67 (British) gallons, liquid (US) liquid ounces 128 gallons, liquid (US) liquid pints 8 gallons, liquid (US) liquid quarts 4 gallons, liquid (US) liters 3.785 411 784 gallons, liquid (US) milliliters 3,785.411 784 gallons, liquid (US) minims 61,440 gills (US) centiliters 11.829 4 gills (US) cubic feet 0.004 177 517 gills (US) cubic inches 7.218 75 gills (US) gallons 0.031 25 gills (US) gills (British) 0.832 67 gills (US) liquid ounces 4 gills (US) liquid pints 0.25 gills (US) liquid quarts 0.125 gills (US) liters 0.118 294 118 25 gills (US) milliliters 118.294 118 25 gills (US) minims 1,920 grains avoirdupois drams 0.036 571 43 grains avoirdupois ounces 0.002 285 71 grains avoirdupois pounds 0.000 142 86 grains grams 0.064 798 91 grains kilograms 0.000 064 798 91 grains milligrams 64.798 910 grains pennyweights 0.042 grains scruples 0.05 grains troy drams 0.016 6 grains troy ounces 0.002 083 33 grains troy pounds 0.000 173 61 grams avoirdupois drams 0.564 383 39 grams avoirdupois ounces 0.035 273 961 grams avoirdupois pounds 0.002 204 622 6 grams grains 15.432 361 grams kilograms 0.001 grams milligrams 1,000 grams troy ounces 0.032 150 746 6 grams troy pounds 0.002 679 23 hands (height of centimeters 10.16 horse) hands (height of inches 4 horse) hectares acres 2.471 053 8 hectares square feet 107,639.1 hectares square kilometers 0.01 hectares square meters 10,000 hectares square miles 0.003 861 02 hectares square yards 11,959.90 hundredweights, long avoirdupois pounds 112 hundredweights, long kilograms 50.802 345 hundredweights, long long tons 0.05 hundredweights, long metric tons 0.050 802 345 hundredweights, long short tons 0.056 hundredweights, short avoirdupois pounds 100 hundredweights, short kilograms 45.359 237 hundredweights, short long tons 0.044 642 86 hundredweights, short metric tons 0.045 359 237 hundredweights, short short tons 0.05 inches centimeters 2.54 inches feet 0.083 333 33 inches meters 0.025 4 inches millimeters 25.4 inches yards 0.027 777 78 inches, cubic bushels 0.000 465 025 inches, cubic cubic centimeters 16.387 064 inches, cubic cubic feet 0.000 578 703 7 inches, cubic cubic meters 0.000 016 387 064 inches, cubic cubic yards 0.000 021 433 47 inches, cubic dry pints 0.029 761 6 inches, cubic dry quarts 0.014 880 8 inches, cubic gallons 0.004 329 0 inches, cubic gills 0.138 528 1 inches, cubic liquid ounces 0.554 112 6 inches, cubic liquid pints 0.034 632 03 inches, cubic liquid quarts 0.017 316 02 inches, cubic liters 0.016 387 064 inches, cubic milliliters 16.387 064 inches, cubic minims (US) 265.974 0 inches, cubic pecks 0.001 860 10 inches, square square centimeters 6.451 600 inches, square square feet 0.006 944 44 inches, square square meters 0.000 645 16 inches, square square yards 0.000 771 605 kilograms avoirdupois drams 564.383 4 kilograms avoirdupois ounces 35.273 962 kilograms avoirdupois pounds 2.204 622 622 kilograms grains 15,432.36 kilograms grams 1,000 kilograms long tons 0.000 984 2 kilograms metric tons 0.001 kilograms short hundredweights 0.022 046 23 kilograms short tons 0.001 102 31 kilograms troy ounces 32.150 75 kilograms troy pounds 2.679 229 kilometers meters 1,000 kilometers statute miles 0.621 371 192 kilometers, square acres 247.105 38 kilometers, square hectares 100 kilometers, square square meters 1,000,000 kilometers, square statute miles 0.386 102 16 knots (nautical kilometers/hour 1.852 mi/hr) knots (nautical statute miles/hour 1.151 mi/hr) leagues, nautical kilometers 5.556 leagues, nautical nautical miles 3 leagues, statute kilometers 4.828 032 leagues, statute statute miles 3 links, square square centimeters 404.686 surveyor's links, square square inches 62.726 4 surveyor's links, surveyor's centimeters 20.116 8 links, surveyor's chains 0.01 links, surveyor's inches 7.92 liters bushels 0.028 377 59 liters cubic feet 0.035 314 67 liters cubic inches 61.023 74 liters cubic meters 0.001 liters cubic yards 0.001 307 95 liters dekaliters 0.1 liters dry pints 1.816 166 liters dry quarts 0.908 082 98 liters gallons 0.264 172 052 liters gills (US) 8.453 506 liters liquid ounces 33.814 02 liters liquid pints 2.113 376 liters liquid quarts 1.056 688 2 liters milliliters 1,000 liters pecks 0.113 510 4 meters centimeters 100 meters feet 3.280 839 895 meters inches 39.370 079 meters kilometers 0.001 meters millimeters 1,000 meters statute miles 0.000 621 371 meters yards 1.093 613 298 meters, cubic bushels 28.377 59 meters, cubic cubic feet 35.314 666 7 meters, cubic cubic inches 61,023.744 meters, cubic cubic yards 1.307 950 619 meters, cubic gallons 264.172 05 meters, cubic liters 1,000 meters, cubic pecks 113.510 4 meters, square acres 0.000 247 105 38 meters, square hectares 0.000 1 meters, square square centimeters 10,000 meters, square square feet 10.763 910 4 meters, square square inches 1,550.003 1 meters, square square yards 1.195 990 046 microns meters 0.000 001 microns inches 0.000 039 4 mils inches 0.001 mils millimeters 0.025 4 miles, nautical kilometers 1.852 0 miles, nautical statute miles 1.150 779 4 miles, statute centimeters 160,934.4 miles, statute feet 5,280 miles, statute furlongs 8 miles, statute inches 63,360 miles, statute kilometers 1.609 344 miles, statute meters 1,609.344 miles, statute rods 320 miles, statute yards 1,760 miles, square square kilometers 3.429 904 nautical miles, square square statute miles 1.325 nautical miles, square statute acres 640 miles, square statute hectares 258.998 811 033 6 miles, square statute sections 1 miles, square statute square kilometers 2.589 988 110 336 miles, square statute square nautical miles 0.755 miles miles, square statute square rods 102,400 milligrams grains 0.015 432 358 35 milliliters cubic inches 0.061 023 744 milliliters gallons 0.000 264 17 milliliters gills (US) 0.008 453 5 milliliters liquid ounces 0.033 814 02 milliliters liquid pints 0.002 113 4 milliliters liquid quarts 0.001 056 7 milliliters liters 0.001 milliliters minims 16.230 73 millimeters inches 0.039 370 078 7 minims (US) cubic inches 0.003 759 77 minims (US) gills (US) 0.000 520 83 minims (US) liquid ounces 0.002 083 33 minims (US) milliliters 0.061 611 52 minims (US) minims (British) 1.041 ounces, avoirdupois avoirdupois drams 16 ounces, avoirdupois avoirdupois pounds 0.062 5 ounces, avoirdupois grains 437.5 ounces, avoirdupois grams 28.349 523 125 ounces, avoirdupois kilograms 0.028 349 523 125 ounces, avoirdupois troy ounces 0.911 458 3 ounces, avoirdupois troy pounds 0.075 954 86 ounces, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.001 044 38 ounces, liquid (US) centiliters 2.957 35 ounces, liquid (US) cubic inches 1.804 687 5 ounces, liquid (US) gallons 0.007 812 5 ounces, liquid (US) gills (US) 0.25 ounces, liquid (US) liquid drams 8 ounces, liquid (US) liquid ounces 1.041 (British) ounces, liquid (US) liquid pints 0.062 5 ounces, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.031 25 ounces, liquid (US) liters 0.029 573 53 ounces, liquid (US) milliliters 29.573 529 6 ounces, liquid (US) minims 480 ounces, troy avoirdupois drams 17.554 29 ounces, troy avoirdupois ounces 1.097 143 ounces, troy avoirdupois pounds 0.068 571 43 ounces, troy grains 480 ounces, troy grams 31.103 476 8 ounces, troy pennyweights 20 ounces, troy troy drams 8 ounces, troy troy pounds 0.083 333 3 paces (US) centimeters 76.2 paces (US) inches 30 pecks (US) bushels 0.25 pecks (US) cubic feet 0.311 114 pecks (US) cubic inches 537.605 pecks (US) cubic meters 0.008 809 77 pecks (US) cubic yards 0.011 522 74 pecks (US) dekaliters 0.880 976 75 pecks (US) dry pints 16 pecks (US) dry quarts 8 pecks (US) liters 8.809 767 5 pecks (US) pecks (British) 0.968 9 pennyweights grains 24 pennyweights grams 1.555 173 84 pennyweights troy ounces 0.05 pints, dry (US) bushels 0.015 625 pints, dry (US) cubic feet 0.019 444 63 pints, dry (US) cubic inches 33.600 312 5 pints, dry (US) dekaliters 0.055 061 05 pints, dry (US) dry pints (British) 0.968 9 pints, dry (US) dry quarts 0.5 pints, dry (US) liters 0.550 610 47 pints, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.016 710 07 pints, liquid (US) cubic inches 28.875 pints, liquid (US) deciliters 4.731 76 pints, liquid (US) gallons 0.125 pints, liquid (US) gills (US) 4 pints, liquid (US) liquid ounces 16 pints, liquid (US) liquid pints 0.832 67 (British) pints, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.5 pints, liquid (US) liters 0.473 176 473 pints, liquid (US) milliliters 473.176 473 pints, liquid (US) minims 7,680 points inches 0.013 837 (typographical) points millimeters 0.351 459 8 (typographical) pounds, avoirdupois avoirdupois drams 256 pounds, avoirdupois avoirdupois ounces 16 pounds, avoirdupois grains 7,000 pounds, avoirdupois grams 453.592 37 pounds, avoirdupois kilograms 0.453 592 37 pounds, avoirdupois long tons 0.000 446 428 6 pounds, avoirdupois metric tons 0.000 453 592 37 pounds, avoirdupois quintals 0.004 535 92 pounds, avoirdupois short tons 0.000 5 pounds, avoirdupois troy ounces 14.583 33 pounds, avoirdupois troy pounds 1.215 278 pounds, troy avoirdupois drams 210.651 4 pounds, troy avoirdupois ounces 13.165 71 pounds, troy avoirdupois pounds 0.822 857 1 pounds, troy grains 5,760 pounds, troy grams 373.241 721 6 pounds, troy kilograms 0.373 241 721 6 pounds, troy pennyweights 240 pounds, troy troy ounces 12 quarts, dry (US) bushels 0.031 25 quarts, dry (US) cubic feet 0.038 889 25 quarts, dry (US) cubic inches 67.200 625 quarts, dry (US) dekaliters 0.110 122 1 quarts, dry (US) dry pints 2 quarts, dry (US) dry quarts (British) 0.968 9 quarts, dry (US) liters 1.101 221 quarts, dry (US) pecks 0.125 quarts, dry (US) pints, dry (US) 2 quarts, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.033 420 14 quarts, liquid (US) cubic inches 57.75 quarts, liquid (US) deciliters 9.463 53 quarts, liquid (US) gallons 0.25 quarts, liquid (US) gills (US) 8 quarts, liquid (US) liquid ounces 32 quarts, liquid (US) liquid pints (US) 2 quarts, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.832 67 (British) quarts, liquid (US) liters 0.946 352 946 quarts, liquid (US) milliliters 946.352 946 quarts, liquid (US) minims 15,360 quintals avoirdupois pounds 220.462 26 quintals kilograms 100 quintals metric tons 0.1 rods feet 16.5 rods meters 5.029 2 rods yards 5.5 rods, square acres 0.006 25 rods, square square meters 25.292 85 rods, square square yards 30.25 scruples grains 20 scruples grams 1.295 978 2 scruples troy drams 0.333 sections (US) square kilometers 2.589 988 1 sections (US) square statute miles 1 spans centimeters 22.86 spans inches 9 steres cubic meters 1 steres cubic yards 1.307 95 tablespoons milliliters 14.786 76 tablespoons teaspoons 3 teaspoons milliliters 4.928 922 teaspoons tablespoons 0.333 333 ton-miles, long metric ton-kilometers 1.635 169 ton-miles, short metric ton-kilometers 1.459 972 tons, gross register cubic feet of 100 permanently enclosed space
tons, gross register cubic meters of 2.831 684 7 permanently enclosed space
tons, long avoirdupois ounces 35,840 (deadweight) tons, long avoirdupois pounds 2,240 (deadweight) tons, long kilograms 1,016.046 909 8 (deadweight) tons, long long hundredweights 20 (deadweight) tons, long metric tons 1.016 046 908 8 (deadweight) tons, long short hundredweights 22.4 (deadweight) tons, long short tons 1.12 (deadweight) tons, metric avoirdupois pounds 2,204.623 tons, metric kilograms 1,000 tons, metric long hundredweights 19.684 130 3 tons, metric long tons 0.984 206 5 tons, metric quintals 10 tons, metric short hundredweights 22.046 23 tons, metric short tons 1.102 311 3 tons, metric troy ounces 32,150.75 tons, net register cubic feet of 100 permanently enclosed space for cargo and passengers
tons, net register cubic meters of 2.831 684 7 permanently enclosed space for cargo and passengers
tons, shipping cubic feet of 42
permanently enclosed
cargo space

tons, shipping cubic meters of 1.189 307 574
permanently enclosed
cargo space

tons, short avoirdupois pounds 2,000 tons, short kilograms 907.184 74 tons, short long hundredweights 17.857 14 tons, short long tons 0.892 857 1 tons, short metric tons 0.907 184 74 tons, short short hundredweights 20 townships (US) sections 36 townships (US) square kilometers 93.239 572 townships (US) square statute miles 36 miles, square statute acres 640 miles, square statute hectares 258.998 811 033 6 miles, square statute square feet 27,878,400 miles, square statute square meters 2,589,988.110 336 miles, square statute square yards 3,097,600 yards centimeters 91.44 yards feet 3 yards inches 36 yards meters 0.914 4 yards miles 0.000 568 18 yards, cubic bushels 21.696 227 yards, cubic cubic feet 27 yards, cubic cubic inches 46,656 yards, cubic cubic meters 0.764 554 857 984 yards, cubic gallons 201.974 0 yards, cubic liters 764.554 857 984 yards, cubic pecks 86.784 91 yards, square acres 0.000 206 611 6 yards, square hectares 0.000 083 612 736 yards, square square centimeters 8,361.273 6 yards, square square feet 9 yards, square square inches 1,296 yards, square square meters 0.836 127 36 yards, square square miles 0.000 000 322 830 6

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Table of Contents

THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2010

CONTENTS

THE WORLD FACTBOOK :: WHAT'S NEW

- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- Y
- Z
- T
- E

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
W

Y

33 00 N, 65 00 E
NA
NA
NA
36% (FY08/09)
$NA
NA%
34 37 N, 32 58 E
41 00 N, 20 00 E
NA
NA
NA
$NA
28 00 N, 3 00 E
$NA
14 20 S, 170 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
42 30 N, 1 30 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
$NA
12 30 S, 18 30 E
NA
18 15 N, 63 10 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
90 00 S, 0 00 E
17 03 N, 61 48 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
90 00 N, 0 00 E
34 00 S, 64 00 W
NA%
40 00 N, 45 00 E
12 30 N, 69 58 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
12 14 S, 123 05 E
0 00 N, 25 00 W
27 00 S, 133 00 E
NA%
47 20 N, 13 20 E
40 30 N, 47 30 E
$NA
24 15 N, 76 00 W
NA
$NA
NA%
26 00 N, 50 33 E
NA%
24 00 N, 90 00 E
13 10 N, 59 32 W
NA%
NA (2009)
53 00 N, 28 00 E
NA
$NA
50 50 N, 4 00 E
17 15 N, 88 45 W
$NA
9 30 N, 2 15 E
NA%
$NA
32 20 N, 64 45 W
NA
$NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
27 30 N, 90 30 E
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
17 00 S, 65 00 W
44 00 N, 18 00 E
NA
$NA
22 00 S, 24 00 E
54 26 S, 3 24 E
NA
NA
10 00 S, 55 00 W
NA
NA
NA
18 30 N, 64 30 W
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
4 30 N, 114 40 E
NA
NA%
$NA
43 00 N, 25 00 E
13 00 N, 2 00 W
$NA
22 00 N, 98 00 E
$NA
3 30 S, 30 00 E
NA%
$NA
13 00 N, 105 00 E
$NA
6 00 N, 12 00 E
$NA
60 00 N, 95 00 W
16 00 N, 24 00 W
19 30 N, 80 30 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
$NA
7 00 N, 21 00 E
NA%
$NA
15 00 N, 19 00 E
$NA
$NA
30 00 S, 71 00 W
35 00 N, 105 00 E
10 30 S, 105 40 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
NA
$NA
$NA
NA
10 17 N, 109 13 W
NA
NA
12 30 S, 96 50 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
$NA
$NA
4 00 N, 72 00 W
12 10 S, 44 15 E
NEGL
NA
NA
NA%
0 00 N, 25 00 E
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
1 00 S, 15 00 E
NA%
NA%
$NA
21 14 S, 159 46 W
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
18 00 S, 152 00 E
NA
NEGL
10 00 N, 84 00 W
8 00 N, 5 00 W
NA
$NA
$NA
45 10 N, 15 30 E
21 30 N, 80 00 W
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
12 10 N, 69 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
35 00 N, 33 00 E
NA
NA%
49 45 N, 15 30 E
NA%
56 00 N, 10 00 E
34 59 N, 33 45 E
11 30 N, 43 00 E
15 25 N, 61 20 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA
19 00 N, 70 40 W
$NA
2 00 S, 77 30 W
27 00 N, 30 00 E
13 50 N, 88 55 W
2 00 N, 10 00 E
NA
NA%
15 00 N, 39 00 E
NA%
NA%
59 00 N, 26 00 E
8 00 N, 38 00 E
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
NA
$NA (2009)
$NA
$NA
51 45 S, 59 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
62 00 N, 7 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

NA
NA%
NA
18 00 S, 175 00 E
25.5% (FY90/91)
NA%
$NA
$NA
64 00 N, 26 00 E
NA
NA%
15 00 S, 140 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
$NA
UPU
1 00 S, 11 45 E
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
13 28 N, 16 34 W
NA%
NA%
$NA
31 25 N, 34 20 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
42 00 N, 43 30 E
51 00 N, 9 00 E
8 00 N, 2 00 W
$NA
$NA
36 08 N, 5 21 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
39 00 N, 22 00 E
72 00 N, 40 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979

NA%
12 07 N, 61 40 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
13 28 N, 144 47 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
IOC, SPC, UPU
NA%
NA%
$NA
15 30 N, 90 15 W
$NA
49 28 N, 2 35 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU
NA%
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
11 00 N, 10 00 W
$NA
12 00 N, 15 00 W
NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
5 00 N, 59 00 W
NA%
19 00 N, 72 25 W
$NA
53 06 S, 72 31 E
NA
41 54 N, 12 27 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
NA%
15 00 N, 86 30 W
$NA
22 15 N, 114 10 E
NA%
NA
47 00 N, 20 00 E
65 00 N, 18 00 W
NA
NA%
$NA
20 00 N, 77 00 E
20 00 S, 80 00 E
5 00 S, 120 00 E
32 00 N, 53 00 E
33 00 N, 44 00 E
NA
NA
53 00 N, 8 00 W
NA
NA

Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

54 15 N, 4 30 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
$NA
31 30 N, 34 45 E
42 50 N, 12 50 E
NA%
18 15 N, 77 30 W
71 00 N, 8 00 W
NA
36 00 N, 138 00 E
NA%
49 15 N, 2 10 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
31 00 N, 36 00 E
$NA
48 00 N, 68 00 E
1 00 N, 38 00 E
NA%
1 25 N, 173 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
NA
40 00 N, 127 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA

ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA
37 00 N, 127 30 E
42 35 N, 21 00 E
IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC, MIGA
30 (FY05/06)
$NA
$NA
29 30 N, 45 45 E
NA
NA%
41 00 N, 75 00 E
NA
$NA
18 00 N, 105 00 E
NA
57 00 N, 25 00 E
NA
NA%
33 50 N, 35 50 E
NA%
$NA
$NA
29 30 S, 28 30 E
6 30 N, 9 30 W
$NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
25 00 N, 17 00 E
NA
NA
$NA
47 16 N, 9 32 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
56 00 N, 24 00 E
NA
49 45 N, 6 10 E
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
22 10 N, 113 33 E
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
$NA
41 50 N, 22 00 E
$NA
20 00 S, 47 00 E
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
13 30 S, 34 00 E
NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
2 30 N, 112 30 E
3 15 N, 73 00 E
NA
NA
$NA
17 00 N, 4 00 W
$NA
NA%
35 50 N, 14 35 E
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
9 00 N, 168 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA
20 00 N, 12 00 W
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
20 17 S, 57 33 E
$NA
$NA
12 50 S, 45 10 E
NEGL
NA
NA
part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA%
$NA
23 00 N, 102 00 W
NA%
6 55 N, 158 15 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%

Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of parliamentary votes required to elect a president. Moldova's four opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European Integration (AEI), which acted as Moldova's governing coalition until parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and a new governing coalition could be formed. Moldova experienced significant political uncertainty in 2009 and 2010, holding three general elections (in April 2009, July 2009, and November 2010) and four presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a president.

47 00 N, 29 00 E
NA
$NA
43 44 N, 7 24 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
46 00 N, 105 00 E
$NA
$NA
42 30 N, 19 18 E
NA
NA
$NA
16 45 N, 62 12 W
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
NA%
NA%
32 00 N, 5 00 W
18 15 S, 35 00 E
$NA
22 00 S, 17 00 E
$NA
$NA
0 32 S, 166 55 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA
18 25 N, 75 02 W
NA
28 00 N, 84 00 E
$NA
$NA
52 30 N, 5 45 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
$NA
21 30 S, 165 30 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
41 00 S, 174 00 E

ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]; Green Party [Russel NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]; Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita SHARPLES]; New Zealand National Party [John KEY]; New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party [Phil GOFF]; Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON]; United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]

NA%
13 00 N, 85 00 W
$NA
16 00 N, 8 00 E
NA%
$NA
10 00 N, 8 00 E
19 02 S, 169 52 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
29 02 S, 167 57 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU
$NA
NA
$NA
15 12 N, 145 45 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
SPC, UPU
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
62 00 N, 10 00 E
NA%
21 00 N, 57 00 E
NA%
$NA
$NA
0 00 N, 160 00 W
30 00 N, 70 00 E
NA%
7 30 N, 134 30 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA% (2009)
NA%
$NA
NA%
NA
9 00 N, 80 00 W
$NA
$NA
6 00 S, 147 00 E
NA
NA
$NA
$NA
16 30 N, 112 00 E
NA
NA
NA
23 00 S, 58 00 W
$NA
10 00 S, 76 00 W
NA
13 00 N, 122 00 E
25 04 S, 130 06 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
SPC, UPU
$NA
$NA
$NA
52 00 N, 20 00 E
39 30 N, 8 00 W
18 15 N, 66 30 W
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
NA%
$NA
25 30 N, 51 15 E
NA
NA
NA%
46 00 N, 25 00 E
NA%
60 00 N, 100 00 E
2 00 S, 30 00 E
NA%
$NA
$NA
17 90 N, 62 85 W
UPU
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
17 20 N, 62 45 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA
13 53 N, 60 58 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA
18 05 N, 63 57 W
NA
UPU
46 50 N, 56 20 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
UPU, WFTU
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
13 15 N, 61 12 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA
13 35 S, 172 20 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
43 46 N, 12 25 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
NA
1 00 N, 7 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
25 00 N, 45 00 E
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
14 00 N, 14 00 W
NA%
$NA
44 00 N, 21 00 E
NA
$NA
4 35 S, 55 40 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
8 30 N, 11 30 W
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA%
1 22 N, 103 48 E
NA
NA
NA%
18 4 N, 63 4 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
48 40 N, 19 30 E
NA
46 07 N, 14 49 E
8 00 S, 159 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
10 00 N, 49 00 E
NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
29 00 S, 24 00 E
54 30 S, 37 00 W
NA
NA
40 00 N, 4 00 W
8 38 N, 111 55 E
NA
NA
NA
7 00 N, 81 00 E
NA
$NA
$NA
15 00 N, 30 00 E
$NA
4 00 N, 56 00 W
NA
NA
$NA
78 00 N, 20 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
$NA
NA
26 30 S, 31 30 E
$NA
$NA
62 00 N, 15 00 E
NA%
47 00 N, 8 00 E
NA
35 00 N, 38 00 E
$NA
23 30 N, 121 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WTO
39 00 N, 71 00 E
$NA
6 00 S, 35 00 E
NA%
$NA
$NA
15 00 N, 100 00 E
8 50 S, 125 55 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA
NA
8 00 N, 1 10 E
NA
NA%
$NA
9 00 S, 172 00 W
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
20 00 S, 175 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
24% (FY03/04)
$NA
11 00 N, 61 00 W
34 00 N, 9 00 E
NA
NA%
39 00 N, 35 00 E
NA
NA%
40 00 N, 60 00 E
NA
$NA
21 45 N, 71 35 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
$NA
8 00 S, 178 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
NA
1 00 N, 32 00 E
NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
49 00 N, 32 00 E
NA
24 00 N, 54 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA%
54 00 N, 2 00 W
38 00 N, 97 00 W
33 00 S, 56 00 W
41 00 N, 64 00 E
NA
$NA
$NA
16 00 S, 167 00 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA%
$NA
NA
8 00 N, 66 00 W
16 10 N, 107 50 E
18 20 N, 64 50 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
IOC, UPU, WFTU
$NA
NA%
$NA
19 17 N, 166 39 E
NA
13 18 S, 176 12 W
NEGL
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA
32 00 N, 35 15 E
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA% (2005)
NA
24 30 N, 13 00 W
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
AU, WFTU
$NA
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
NA%
$NA
$NA
$NA
15 00 N, 48 00 E
NA
NA%
$NA
$NA
15 00 S, 30 00 E
NA
$NA
$NA
20 00 S, 30 00 E
$NA
$NA
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Z
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
W
Z
A
B
C
D
E
H
I
K
L
M
N
O
P
S
T
U
W

A

- F
- G
- K
- N
- W
- Y

APPENDIX F :: CROSS-REFERENCE LIST OF GEOGRAPHIC NAMES

- A NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)

APPENDIX G :: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
MATHEMATICAL NOTATION
CONVERSION FACTORS
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE